bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training phoneme blending skills in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Burgoyne Kelly , Duff Fiona , Snowling Maggie , Buckley Sue , Hulme Charles
Published: May 2013

This article reports the evaluation of a 6-week programme of teaching designed to support the development of phoneme blending skills in children with Down syndrome (DS). Teaching assistants (TAs) were trained to deliver the intervention to individual children in daily 10 –15-minute sessions, within a broader context of reading and language instruction. Ten children with Down syndrome (aged 6 years 11 months to 10 years 6 months) took part in the study; assessments of reading and phonological skills were completed at baseline, after an 8-week control period, and after 6-weeks of intervention. Children made significantly greater gains in phoneme blending skills and single word reading during the intervention period than in the control period. Thus, children with Down syndrome can make gains in blending skills, which may generalize to wider literacy skills, following targeted training over relatively short periods.
Fears in Czech Adolescents
Authors: Michalčáková Radka , Lacinová Lenka , Kyjonková Hana , Bouša Ondřej , Jelínek Martin
Published: May 2013

The present study investigates developmental patterns of fear in adolescence. It is based on longitudinal data collected as a part of the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ELSPAC) project. A total of 186 Czech adolescents (43% girls) were assessed repeatedly at the age of 11, 13, and 15 years. The free-response method was used to examine individual-specific fears. Fear occurrence, content, and intensity changes in 19 general fear categories in the age groups studied were investigated. The findings reveal that the most common fears of 11- and 13-year-old adolescents were related to school. However, at the age of 15, the most common fear category was the fear of losing someone, or the fear of something happening to somebody. Furthermore, we found that developmental trajectories of fear categories are characterized by a transition from the specific and concrete fears of childhood to the more general and abstract fears of adolescents.
Measuring Functional Recovery in Older Patients Discharged From Intensive Care Units
Authors: Balas Michele C. , Bonasera Stephen J. , Cohen Marlene Z. , Hertzog Melody , Sisson Joseph H. , Potter Jane F. , Fitch Abby , Burke William J.
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine if older patients discharged from intensive care units (ICU) would be willing to use mobile phone and sensor technology (aka “mobile monitoring”) to measure their functional recovery in the posthospitalization period. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 22 older ICU patients and/or their surrogates 24 to 48 hr prior to hospital discharge. While 11 respondents reported they would agree to participate in a future study involving mobile monitoring, an equal number reported they would not participate. Numerous contextual factors were found to affect older adults’ willingness to participate including the belief the research would ultimately benefit themselves or other older adults, concerns about loss of privacy, perception that the research is feasible and valuable, and lack of skills using the technology. Future studies using the mobile monitoring technique with older survivors of a serious illness will require substantial recruitment and educational efforts.
Use of Dietary Therapy for Status Epilepticus
Authors: Kossoff Eric H. , Nabbout Rima
Published: May 2013

One of the newest and yet fastest growing indications for dietary therapy is the emergency treatment of refractory status epilepticus. Ten retrospective publications since 2008 have reported benefits in 32 children and adults, of whom 25 (78%) became seizure-free. Most of the patients who responded did so within 7 to 10 days of the initiation of nasogastrically administered ketogenic formulas. Encephalitis and febrile-illness related epilepsy syndrome causing status epilepticus highly refractory to antiepileptic drugs may be particularly amenable to dietary treatment. Prospective, multicenter studies are under way to help clarify who best will respond, how quickly, and the optimal diet duration after success.
Development of nanofibrous cellulose acetate/gelatin skin substitutes for variety wound treatment applications
Authors: Vatankhah Elham , Prabhakaran Molamma P , Jin Guorui , Mobarakeh Laleh Ghasemi , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: May 2013

The major component of fibrous extracellular matrix of dermis is composed of a complex combination of proteins and polysaccharides. Electrospun cellulose acetate/gelatin might be an effective simulator of the structure and composition of native skin and during this study, we electrospun cellulose acetate/gelatin membranes in various compositions and their performance as a scaffold for either skin tissue engineering or as a wound dressing was evaluated. Skin treatment products, whether tissue-engineered scaffolds or wound dressings, should be sufficiently hydrophilic to allow for gas and fluid exchange and absorb excess exudates while controlling the fluid loss. However, a wound dressing should be easily removable without causing tissue damage and a tissue-engineered scaffold should be able to adhere to the wound, and support cell proliferation during skin regeneration. We showed that these distinct adherency features are feasible just by changing the composition of cellulose acetate and gelatin in composite cellulose acetate/gelatin scaffolds. High proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts on electrospun cellulose acetate/gelatin 25:75 confirmed the capability of cellulose acetate/gelatin 25:75 nanofibers as a tissue-engineered scaffold, while the electrospun cellulose acetate/gelatin 75:25 can be a potential low-adherent wound dressing.
An assessment of thrust vector concepts for twin-engine airplane
Authors: Vinayagam AK , Sinha Nandan K
Published: May 2013

Thrust vector nozzles are finding place on modern fighter airplanes because of the benefits they provide and also due to diminishing weight penalty of such nozzles. They offer additional benefits in the case of a twin-engine airplane. Different vectoring configurations such as multi-axis vectoring, single-axis pitch vectoring and single-axis vectoring with canted nozzles have been studied with respect to twin-engine airplane configuration. Modeling and integration of thrust vector nozzles with rigid airplane six-degrees-of-freedom equations of motion have been carried out in this article. Using the integrated model, a comparative study is carried out to summarize the capabilities and limitations of various nozzle configurations with respect to performance of an airplane in velocity vector roll and in Herbst maneuvers. The airplane model used in this work is the F-18/HARV and all simulation results have been produced using a nonlinear dynamic inversion controller developed in Matlab/Simulink environment. Results show that a multi-axis thrust vectoring provides additional benefits as compared to single-axis vectoring with canted nozzles in high angle of attack velocity vector roll and in Herbst maneuvers. The single-axis pitch only vectoring has roll control power and lacks in yaw control power, to execute the velocity vector roll maneuver.
Flight control system design for hypersonic reentry vehicle based on LFT–LPV method
Authors: Cai Gaohua , Song Jianmei , Chen Xianxiang
Published: May 2013

An angle-of-attack tracking control system is designed for the hypersonic reentry vehicle, whose aerodynamic parameters vary dramatically during reentry phase. The linear parameter-varying (LPV) theory based on linear fractional transformation (LFT) model (named as LPV–LFT method) is applied to design the controller for hypersonic reentry vehicle. Longitudinal moment trim of the hypersonic reentry vehicle is made along the desired flight trajectory, and a damping feedback loop is firstly designed to improve the system’s damping and static stability. Then, the linear dynamics model with damping feedback loop is established in LFT structure and treated as the controlled plant, and a parameter-varying reference model is utilized to guarantee the transient performance. The effectiveness of the proposed angle-of-attack tracking control system is validated through the frequency domain analysis and step response simulations. Finally, the actual angle-of-attack command tracking simulations using the nonlinear time-varying mathematical dynamics model are carried out to verify the accuracy and robustness of the hypersonic reentry vehicle control system.
Evaluation of a pro-active strategy for managing tuberculosis–HIV co-infection in a UK tertiary care setting
Authors: Wake R M , Poulikakos P , Groth J , Harrison T S , Macallan D C
Published: May 2013

Summary

Management of tuberculosis (TB)-HIV co-infection is complicated by interactions between the diseases and their therapies. We developed and evaluated a strategy to (i) treat co-infected patients in a single co-infection clinic, (ii) maximize use of first-line drugs, (iii) delay antiretroviral therapy (ART) until two months post-TB treatment except in severe immunosuppression, (iv) commence efavirenz at 600 mg daily with therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and (v) target treatment completion. We conducted a prospective cohort review over 5.5 years in a UK tertiary referral center where 56 HIV-positive patients treated for TB were followed-up for a median 30 months. Main outcome measures were treatment completion, adverse events, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, immunological and virological parameters, and TDM for efavirenz. Treatment completion rates were 88% (49/56); four patients were lost to local follow-up and three (5.4%) died during treatment; no deaths were TB-related. Adverse events were common (55%), but caused no treatment interruptions. Standard doses (600 mg daily) of efavirenz with rifampicin achieved or exceeded therapeutic levels in 25/28 (89%). This study supports combined management for TB–HIV co-infected patients. Delaying ART to two months post-TB treatment did not seem to result in poor clinical outcomes in this well-resourced context. Although efavirenz 600 mg daily usually achieved satisfactory levels, TDM is recommended.
France, 2005: A postcolonial turning point
Authors: Bancel Nicolas
Published: May 2013

During the early years of the twenty-first century, anxiety pertaining to the status of French national identity and grandeur reached a highpoint. Interestingly enough, this anxiety expressed itself through a focus on colonial and postcolonial history and numerous initiatives were undertaken aimed at rehabilitating French colonialism, especially in an attempt to appeal to repatriated communities from French Algeria. Arguably, the most notable revisionist measure came in the form of the ‘Loi n° 2005-158 du 23 février 2005’, which proposed including lessons in school textbooks that would highlight the positive role of French colonisation, as well as developing several museum and monument-based projects aimed at valorising the French colonial project. Diametrically opposed initiatives coincided with these, and several new racial advocacy organisations (such as the Conseil Représentatif des Associations Noires and the Indigènes de la République) were established. These organisations denounced the injustices generated by discrimination, argued that these originated in the history of slavery and of colonisation, and demanded a critical reading of colonial history and greater acceptance in French society. These diametrically opposed positions thus represent distinctive assessments of postcolonial French society and, rather than producing new openings for multiculturalism, have translated instead into even greater political and social polarisation. However, both positions reflect acute social and political dissatisfaction and a common desire to achieve recognition for historical sufferings. These transformations continue to influence the French political landscape and underscore the urgency of finding solutions to these problems that in turn will allow for peaceful coexistence.
The outskirts of politics: The struggles of the descendants of postcolonial immigration in France
Authors: Boubeker Ahmed
Published: May 2013

From 1983 on, following the Marche pour l’égalité et contre le racisme, the question of racial advocacy in France occupied centre stage. A new generation of activists had entered the public sphere, for the most part the children of immigrants, and they drew attention to social exclusion and marginalisation. These changes occurred in a political climate that had witnessed not only the first post-war electoral victory for the Socialists but also significant inroads by the Front National. France now struggled to reconcile calls for a ‘droit à la différence’, egalitarian principles, and an inclusive multiculturalist society with increasingly vocal and powerful critics who saw in this discourse evidence of rising factionalist (communitarian) tendencies and threats to Republican ideals and values. These different perspectives served to mobilise an impressive array of often competing advocacy associations, organised according to gender, race, religion and so forth, while the foundations of a security-based discourse that has survived into twenty-first-century France were laid, built around a fear of Islam, lawless banlieues, and a misunderstanding of immigration history that continues to predispose individuals to xenophobia.
Marginalised, yet mobilised: The UGTSF, African immigration, and racial advocacy in postcolonial France
Authors: Glaes Gillian
Published: May 2013

The Union Générale des Travailleurs Sénégalais en France (UGTSF) and its leader, Sally N’Dongo, sought to raise awareness and provide assistance that would create greater understanding, decrease racism, and promote equality and opportunity in postcolonial France. The UGTSF’s rise to prominence signified the emergence of a postcolonial African trade union movement that provided advocacy and support. Through the UGTSF, African immigrants involved themselves in some of the most important debates of the era, while addressing critical issues such as racial discrimination and exclusion, the politics of social welfare for immigrant workers, and the challenges of integration.
The labyrinth to blackness: On naming and leadership in the black associative space in France
Authors: Gueye Abdoulaye
Published: May 2013

This article seeks to tease out the composite set of narratives and actions displayed in the frame of the organisational dynamic of the black population in France, with a special focus on the issue of blackness. The objective is to lay out a comprehensive theoretical framework capable of making sense of the competing and sometimes divergent discourses and actions within the black French associative space. Neither generation nor class nor education will be sufficient to explain this divergence. A structural approach-based framework seems the most adequate to do so as it replaces the creation of these divergences and dissonances in a relational perspective. The stories of these associations and their efforts help to frame the historical context of racial advocacy and the role of immigrant and French organisations in shaping the debate about integration, republicanism, identity and belonging in contemporary France.
Re/constructing the past: How young people remember the Uruguayan dictatorship
Authors: Achugar Mariana , Fernández Amparo , Morales Nicolás
Published: May 2013

Investigating how contested periods are remembered by younger generations allows us to better understand the contents that are passed on as well as the discursive processes through which intergenerational transmission occurs. This article explores the intersections of collective and personal memory. We investigate what Uruguayan teenagers know about the dictatorship (1973–1985) and what discourses come into play in shaping these views. The analysis of a group interview, part of an ethnographic project, identifies arguments, representations and evaluations of the period, while exploring intertextual links. The findings show that there are four main arguments used by the youth to explain the dictatorship: reaction to guerrillas, authoritarianism, regional ideological war, and intolerance. The social actors are evaluated in terms of social sanctions with negative evaluations of the guerrilla. Intertextual connections foreground the reception of hegemonic discourses that explain the period in terms of ‘two demons’. What youth know about the past is a situated and socially distributed web of meanings that help them make sense of the past and construct their socio-political identities.
Power and resistance: New methods for analysis across genres in critical discourse analysis
Authors: Lamb Eleanor C
Published: May 2013

In this article, I set out new methods of analysis in critical discourse analysis. I develop ways to examine multiple genres over time, based in the discourse-historical approach, and ways to analyse the representation of social actors, based in social actor analysis. These methods provide a detailed way of using critical discourse analysis diachronically for multiple texts, analysing the textual, intertextual and contextual. I argue that because there is not a binary relationship between power at an elite level and resistance at a grassroots level, power and resistance rather being present everywhere, critical discourse analysis can and should examine simultaneously multiple societal ‘levels’. My methods help show to what extent more marginal speakers can make themselves heard. I explain how these methods were usefully applied to a study of the role that immigrant organisations have played in discussions about immigration control in the UK since the 1960s.
Multimodal imaging in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with diffuse neuropsychiatric involvement
Authors: Zivadinov R , Shucard JL , Hussein S , Durfee J , Cox JL , Bergsland N , Dwyer MG , Benedict RHB , Ambrus J , Shucard DW
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The objective of this paper is to investigate conventional and nonconventional brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with diffuse neuropsychiatric involvement (dNPSLE) compared to healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

Twenty-six (26) SLE patients with one or more diffuse NP syndromes related to the central nervous system (CNS) (dNPSLE) and 36 age- and sex-matched HCs were scanned on a 3T MRI using a multimodal imaging approach. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine MRI-specific measure differences between dNPSLE and HCs for lesion burden, tissue-specific atrophy, magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) outcomes.

Results

In univariate analyses, dNPSLE patients showed significantly increased T1 lesion number ( p = .001) and T1-lesion volume (LV, p = .008) compared to HCs. dNPSLE patients showed decreased whole brain volume ( p < .0001), gray matter volume ( p < .0001), cortical volume ( p < .0001) and increased lateral ventricle volume ( p = .004) compared to HCs. dNPSLE patients had increased axial diffusivity (AD) of NAWM ( p = .008) and NA brain tissue ( p = .017) compared to HCs. In the multivariate regression analysis, decreased cortical volume was associated with SLE ( R2 = 0.59, p < .0001).

Conclusions

This study shows that cortical and central atrophy are associated with SLE patients with diffuse CNS syndromes. Microscopic tissue injury in the NAWM on AD DTI measures in SLE patients indicates a predominant reduction of axonal density.
Inkcubeko Nendalo: A Bio-cultural Diversity Schools Education Project in South Africa and its Implications for Inclusive Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Sustainability
Authors: Cocks Michelle L. , Alexander Jamie , Dold Tony
Published: May 2013

South Africa is currently the world’s third most biodiverse country, with one of the highest concentrations of threatened biodiversity in the world. Emerging research reveals the increasing pressure on this biodiversity with many wild resources continuing to be utilised for livelihood purposes even within urban environments. The Rio conventions, particularly the CBD, call for an integrated approach to conservation that incorporates local environmental knowledge and practices. In a bid to market itself as globally competitive, South Africa’s Curriculum 2005 (C 2005) is primarily focused on Western-based scientific knowledge, which sidelines the contribution of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) and ignores the holistic nature of indigenous worldviews. The Inkcubeko Nendalo programme is designed to revitalise cultural identity, showing children the value of local indigenous knowledge and cultural environmental values. The programme is currently being implemented at seven schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The project’s contribution to local community environmental and heritage awareness, successes and challenges are discussed both at a local level and in response to the objectives signed in the Convention of Biodiversity (CBD) and sustainable development. The project offers solutions to not only effective local environmental education but also sustainable integrated community conservation practices, revealing that the maintenance of biodiversity and natural vegetation is as much in the interest of local communities’ well-being as it is of global conservation planners.
Tackling the Knowledge–Action Gap in Sustainable Consumption: Insights from a Participatory School Programme
Authors: Barth Matthias , Fischer Daniel , Michelsen Gerd , Nemnich Claudia , Rode Horst
Published: May 2013

In the international policy discourse on sustainable consumption and production, education is acknowledged to be a powerful tool in changing unsustainable patterns of consumption. Current educational policies and programmes have responded to the consumption challenge mainly by including and addressing consumption issues in formal tuition in different subjects. This article criticises such a perspective for neglecting informal and non-cognitive consumer learning processes that take place outside the classroom. As a more comprehensive approach to consumer learning in school settings, a whole-school approach is outlined. The article reports on some insights of an empirical study that examined the relevance of active participation in, and exposure to, activities promoting sustainable consumption at schools.
Education for Sustainable Development Research from the Researchers’ Point of View
Authors: Reunamo Jyrki , Pipere Anita
Published: May 2013

Research is not just a simple application of research methods. It is undertaken by human beings who hold personal views on the environment. The way in which the researcher sees environmental changes may have an impact on the research questions and the choice of research practices. The researcher may be a contributor to cultural development either through influential research results, powerful theories or models, or through the choices of research orientations or personal preferences. These contributions are especially important in the research for education for sustainable development (ESD), where it is hard to avoid a stance on environmental change. In this article, the researchers of ESD describe their preferences for research. The descriptions are evaluated in reference to four research orientations to get a full-bodied perspective on research preferences and practices. The article gives a glimpse of the researchers’ own ideas about their work and its relation to environmental change.
Recollected Parental Care and Fear of Intimacy in Emerging Adults
Authors: Phillips Tommy M. , Wilmoth Joe D. , Wall Sterling K. , Peterson Donna J. , Buckley Rhonda , Phillips Laura E.
Published: May 2013

Two samples of university students (combined N= 299; mean age = 24.97; 86% female) completed the care subscale of the parental bonding instrument and the Fear of Intimacy scale. Analyses indicated that recollected parental care and fear of intimacy were negatively correlated. Concurrently, it was found that (1) participants who reported having a warm, caring relationship with at least one parent were significantly less likely to suffer from a fear of intimacy and (2) participants who scored low on the measure of fear of intimacy were more likely to have mothers who exhibited high levels of warmth and care. Results supported the proposition that the nature of the parent–child relationship has long-reaching effects on how individuals approach romantic relationships.
Effects of Perinatal Testosterone on Infant Health, Mother–Infant Interactions, and Infant Development
Authors: Cho June , Holditch-Davis Diane
Published: May 2013

Objective:

Many researchers and health care providers have noticed male vulnerability in infant health, mother–infant interactions, and some infant cognitive development, especially among very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. However, factors beyond gender that could explain these observed differences have not been clear. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the subject and to introduce a conceptual framework relating these factors.

Discussion:

According to gender-difference theories, prenatal exposure to high levels of testosterone may influence infant health and mother–infant interactions by negatively affecting infant cognitive/motor/language development. We constructed a conceptual framework based on the associations among biological (perinatal testosterone), stress-related (perinatal and maternal cortisol), and developmental (infant cognitive/motor/language skills) factors. If research establishes these biological, environmental, and developmental associations in mother–VLBW preterm pairs, the results will highlight the importance of addressing gender differences in nursing research and encourage the development of nursing interventions designed to reduce stress among mothers of VLBW preterm infants, particularly male infants.

Conclusion:

From a psychobiosocial perspective, combining biophysiological factors such as perinatal testosterone and cortisol with socioenvironmental factors such as the quality of mother–infant interactions and infant temperament may provide a broader view of gender differences in infant health and development.
Critical theory and contemporary social movements
Authors: Masquelier Charles
Published: May 2013

The advent of an unregulated and financial form of capitalism, combined with a sharp rise in income inequalities and economic insecurity since the 1970s, appears to pose, at first glance, a significant challenge for the relevance of the works of first-generation critical theorists, which are often confined to an historically specific ‘artistic’ critique of the bureaucratic stage of capitalist development. Through an analysis of the various concerns and demands expressed by members of the alter-globalization and Occupy movements, the article nevertheless aims to demonstrate that first-generation critical theory can continue to play a significant role in conceptualizing contemporary forms of resistance by: (1) capturing the social malaise engendered by neoliberal capitalism; and (2) informing the practice of resistance in contemporary capitalist societies.
Marriage and transitions between types of serious offending for high-risk men and women
Authors: Mercer Natalie , Zoutewelle-Terovan Maria Vasilica , van der Geest Victor
Published: May 2013

This study examines the effect of marriage on the conditional probability of different types of serious offending (violent, property and drug offences) over the life course for a group of high-risk males and females. Using the Trend Vector Model, results suggest that over time, marriage is linked to decreases in the likelihood of property offending in males relative to violent and drug offending, and to increases in the likelihood of property offending in females relative to the likelihoods of violent and drug offending. These findings demonstrate that the relationship between marriage and offending not only is dynamic in nature but also differs between types of offences.
Prevalence of Andropausal Symptoms Among Kuwaiti Males
Authors: Maha Al-Sejari
Published: May 2013

Andropause is a syndrome that usually occurs during men’s midlife. It is associated with clinical short-term and long-term effects, as well as some physiological and psychological symptoms due to subnormal levels of testosterone serum. The objective of this study was to identify the factors that significantly contribute to the prevalence of symptoms that may be related to androgen deficiency. The study used a cross-sectional structured questionnaire and a sample of 214 Kuwaiti men aged 40 years and older. The questionnaire consisted of the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and the Androgen Deficiency of the Aging Male Scale of Andropausal Symptoms. The results of the study indicate that Kuwaiti men who were 40 to 49 years old reported fewer symptoms than did Kuwaiti men aged 50 years and older, including deterioration in their ability to play sports, easily falling asleep after dinner, anger, and hot flushes ( p < .05); and Kuwaiti men aged 50 years and older reported experiencing decrease in muscle strength, decrease in sport performance, sweating, loss of height, decreased libido, as well as falling asleep after dinner. For those aged 40 to 49 years, lower education levels, marital status, and employment status were significantly associated with the men’s symptoms ( p < .05). On the other hand, in the case of respondents aged 50 years and older, only education level was significantly associated with their symptoms ( p < .05). This is a preliminary study that reports the prevalence of aging male symptoms among Kuwaiti men. The findings will offer insight into the necessary health care provisions to educate, treat, and provide information related to andropause for the general public.
Binary decision diagram-based reliability evaluation of k-out-of-(n + k) warm standby systems subject to fault-level coverage
Authors: Zhai Qingqing , Peng Rui , Xing Liudong , Yang Jun
Published: May 2013

Warm standby sparing is a fault-tolerance technique that attempts to improve system reliability while compromising the system energy consumption and recovery time. However, when the imperfect fault coverage effect (an uncovered component fault can propagate and cause the whole system to fail) is considered, the reliability of a warm standby sparing can decrease with an increasing level of the redundancy. This article studies the reliability of a warm standby sparing subject to imperfect fault coverage, in particular, fault level coverage where the coverage probability of a component depends on the number of failed components in the system. The suggested approach is combinatorial and based on a generalized binary decision diagrams technique. The complexity for the binary decision diagram construction is analyzed, and several case studies are given to illustrate the application of the approach.
Safety and reliability analysis methods based on systemic-structural activity theory
Authors: Bedny Gregory Z , Harris Steven R
Published: May 2013

This article presents methods of safety and reliability analysis based on systemic-structural activity theory, an alternative psychological framework to cognitive psychology. Systemic-structural activity theory understands human activity during task performance as a structured system of mental and motor actions and operations in which cognition, behavior and motivation are integrated by self-regulation mechanisms toward achieving a conscious goal. Systemic-structural activity theory methods of algorithmic, time-structure and complexity analysis incorporating the use of the MTM-1 (method-time measurement system) system to describe motor actions are demonstrated and discussed using the example of a small-serial production operation. These methods, which generate detailed models of human activity during task performance, are particularly useful at the early stages of the design and development process.
Therapeutic advances in the management of Pompe disease and other metabolic myopathies
Authors: Angelini Corrado , Nascimbeni Anna Chiara , Semplicini Claudio
Published: May 2013

The world of metabolic myopathies has been dramatically modified by the advent of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), the first causative treatment for glycogenosis type II (GSDII) or Pompe disease, which has given new impetus to research into that disease and also other pathologies. This article reviews new advances in the treatment of GSDII, the consensus about ERT, and its limitations. In addition, the most recent knowledge regarding the pathophysiology, phenotype, and genotype of the disease is discussed. Pharmacological, immunotherapy, nutritional, and physical/rehabilitative treatments for late-onset Pompe disease and other metabolic myopathies are covered, including treatments for defects in glycogen metabolism, such as glycogenosis type V (McArdle disease), and glycogenosis type III (debrancher enzyme deficiency), and defects in lipid metabolism, such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency and electron transferring flavoprotein dehydrogenase deficiency, or riboflavin-responsive multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.
Fatal intra-abdominal hemorrhage as a result of avulsion of the gallbladder: A postmortem case report
Authors: Usui Akihito , Kawasumi Yusuke , Hosokai Yoshiyuki , Saito Haruo , Igari Yui , Funayama Masato
Published: May 2013

Gallbladder injuries are extremely rare in blunt trauma, with a reported incidence of <2%. We report an autopsy case of fatal hemorrhagic shock due to intra-abdominal bleeding resulting from complete avulsion of the gallbladder associated with liver cirrhosis. Multiplanar images derived from multislice computed tomography (MSCT) performed as part of pre-autopsy screening showed complete avulsion of the gallbladder without any other associated intra-abdominal injuries, facilitating forensic autopsy planning. In this report, we discuss the role of MSCT in cases of fatal intra-abdominal bleeding caused by avulsion of the gallbladder and discuss the mechanism of this injury.
Predictors of Running-Related Injuries Among 930 Novice Runners
Authors: Nielsen Rasmus Oestergaard , Buist Ida , Parner Erik Thorlund , Nohr Ellen Aagaard , Sørensen Henrik , Lind Martin , Rasmussen Sten
Published: May 2013

Background:

To identify persons at high risk of sustaining running-related injuries, an evidence-based understanding of the risk factors associated with injury is needed.

Purpose:

To identify demographic and behavioral risk factors associated with running-related injuries.

Study Design:

Observational prospective cohort study with a 1-year follow-up.

Methods:

Exposures including sex, age, body mass index (BMI), behavior (Type A Self-Rating Inventory [TASRI]), running experience, other sports activity, previous running-related injuries, and other injuries not related to running were assessed prior to or at baseline. The outcome of interest was a running-related injury, defined as any musculoskeletal complaint of the lower extremity or back caused by running that restricted the amount of running (volume, duration, pace, or frequency) for at least 1 week. All participants quantified their running volume by global positioning system (GPS) and used a neutral running shoe. Time to first injury for each exposure variable was analyzed using a generalized linear model, with cumulative kilometers of the training sessions as the time scale.

Results:

A total of 930 individuals were included in the study, of which 254 sustained a running-related injury during a total of 155.318 km of running. By calculating the cumulative injury risk differences (cIRDs) [95% confidence intervals] after 500 km of running, the TASRI Type B behavior (cIRD, 11.9% [−0.5%; 23.3%]; P = .04) was found to be a significant predictor of injury, while age between 45 and 65 years (cIRD, 14.7% [−2.1%; 31.5%]; P = .08) and previous injuries not related to running (cIRD, 11.1% [−0.2%; 22.4%]; P = .05) were considered clinically interesting, although not statistically significant. In addition, χ2 test results across 4 BMI groups also revealed a borderline significant relationship ( P = .06). No significant or clinically relevant relationships were found for sex ( P = .42), previous running-related injury ( P = .47), running experience ( P = .30), and other sports activities ( P = .30).

Conclusion:

The findings of the present study suggest BMI >30 kg/m2, age between 45 and 65 years, noncompetitive behavior, and previous injuries not related to running are associated with increased risk of injury among novice runners, while BMI <20 kg/m2 was protective. Still, the role of the risk factors in the causal mechanism leading to injury needs to be investigated.
Differences in Knee Kinematics Between Awake and Anesthetized Patients During the Lachman and Pivot-Shift Tests for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency
Authors: Matsushita Takehiko , Oka Shinya , Nagamune Kouki , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Nishizawa Yuichiro , Hoshino Yuichi , Kubo Seiji , Kurosaka Masahiro , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: May 2013

Background:

The Lachman and pivot-shift tests have been widely used for detecting anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. However, it still remains unclear whether these manual tests can be quantified accurately while patients are awake.

Purpose:

To assess the differences in knee kinematics of awake and anesthetized patients.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 50 patients with unilateral ACL rupture were examined. Anteroposterior tibial translation was assessed using a KT-1000 arthrometer at maximal manual power. Anterior tibial translations during the manual Lachman test and the acceleration of tibial posterior translation (APT) during the pivot-shift test were also measured using an electromagnetic measurement system (EMS). All 3 measurements were performed on the day previous to surgery while the patients were awake and on the operative day before the surgery while the patients were under general anesthesia.

Results:

The mean side-to-side difference in anteroposterior tibial translation was 5.6 ± 2.6 mm in the awake state and 5.9 ± 3.5 mm under anesthesia, indicating a nonsignificant difference. According to the EMS, the mean side-to-side difference in anteroposterior tibial translation during the Lachman test was 4.6 ± 3.6 mm in the awake state and 6.9 ± 4.3 mm under anesthesia, indicating a significant difference ( P < .01). The mean APT during the pivot-shift test was −0.8 ± 0.3 m/s2 in intact knees and −1.1 ± 0.4 m/s2 in ACL-deficient knees when the patients were awake and was −0.7 ± 0.2 m/s2 and −1.7 ± 1.0 m/s2, respectively, when the patients were under anesthesia. In ACL-deficient knees, the APT pivot-shift test result was significantly higher when the patients were under anesthesia than when they were awake ( P < .01).

Conclusion:

In ACL-deficient knees, the knee kinematics during the Lachman and pivot-shift tests is significantly affected by patient consciousness, and caution is needed in quantifying anterior knee laxity during these tests when the patients are awake.
Effect of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) core layer on the mechanical properties of three-layer poly(ethylene terephthalate) films
Authors: Margol Monika , Sikora Janusz W
Published: May 2013

We report a comparative analysis of three-layered poly(ethylene terephthalate) films. The first set of three-layered films was prepared entirely from virgin poly(ethylene terephthalate). The second set of films was prepared from a recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) core layer and virgin poly(ethylene terephthalate) skin layers. The resistance of the films to impact was tested using the free falling drop dart method. The selected strength properties of various thicknesses of these films were also tested. It was shown that the poly(ethylene terephthalate) film containing a layer of recycled polymer has properties similar to the film obtained from virgin polymer and can thus be successfully used in the manufacturing of packaging materials.
Influence of low-density polyethylene blown film thickness on the mechanical properties and fracture toughness
Authors: Rennert M , Nase M , Lach R , Reincke K , Arndt S , Androsch R , Grellmann W
Published: May 2013

Recent research has shown that the resistance against crack initiation and propagation of polyethylene blown films depends on density, chain branching and crystal orientation next to the processing parameters. To assess low-density polyethylene blown film fracture toughness with different thicknesses, the essential work of fracture method has been conducted in this study. The thickness of the investigated low-density polyethylene films was regulated by the draw down ratio, which causes low-density polyethylene crystal orientation with the chain axis parallel to the machine direction at higher draw down ratios, influencing mechanical parameters and the fracture toughness. The crystal orientation was measured by X-ray diffraction. Blown films with thicknesses equal to or greater than 200 µm exhibit no preferred orientation, which is consistent with various calculated mechanical and fracture mechanics parameters. Films of less than 200 µm thickness show preferred machine direction crystal orientation and a distinct thickness influence on mechanical and fracture mechanics parameters.
Foamy virus for efficient gene transfer in regeneration studies
Authors: Khattak Shahryar , Sandoval-Guzmán Tatiana , Stanke Nicole , Protze Stephanie , Tanaka Elly M , Lindemann Dirk
Published: May 2013

Background

Molecular studies of appendage regeneration have been hindered by the lack of a stable and efficient means of transferring exogenous genes. We therefore sought an efficient integrating virus system that could be used to study limb and tail regeneration in salamanders.

Results

We show that replication-deficient foamy virus (FV) vectors efficiently transduce cells in two different regeneration models in cell culture and in vivo. Injection of EGFP-expressing FV but not lentivirus vector particles into regenerating limbs and tail resulted in widespread expression that persisted throughout regeneration and reamputation pointing to the utility of FV for analyzing adult phenotypes in non-mammalian models. Furthermore, tissue specific transgene expression is achieved using FV vectors during limb regeneration.

Conclusions

FV vectors are efficient mean of transferring genes into axolotl limb/tail and infection persists throughout regeneration and reamputation. This is a nontoxic method of delivering genes into axolotls in vivo/ in vitro and can potentially be applied to other salamander species.
Bacillus subtilis genome vector-based complete manipulation and reconstruction of genomic DNA for mouse transgenesis
Authors: Iwata Tetsuo , Kaneko Shinya , Shiwa Yuh , Enomoto Takayuki , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Hirota Junji
Published: May 2013

Background

The Bacillus subtilis genome (BGM) vector is a novel cloning system for large DNA fragments, in which the entire 4.2 Mb genome of B. subtilis functions as a vector. The BGM vector system has several attractive properties, such as a large cloning capacity of over 3 Mb, stable propagation of cloned DNA and various modification strategies using RecA-mediated homologous recombination. However, genetic modifications using the BGM vector system have not been fully established, and this system has not been applied to transgenesis. In this study, we developed important additions to the genetic modification methods of the BGM vector system. To explore the potential of the BGM vector, we focused on the fish-like odorant receptor (class I OR) gene family, which consists of 158 genes and forms a single gene cluster. Although a cis-acting locus control region is expected to regulate transcription, this has not yet been determined experimentally.

Results

Using two contiguous bacterial artificial chromosome clones containing several class I OR genes, we constructed two transgenes in the BGM vector by inserting a reporter gene cassette into one class I OR gene. Because they were oriented in opposite directions, we performed an inversion modification to align their orientation and then fused them to enlarge the genomic structure. DNA sequencing revealed that no mutations occurred during gene manipulations with the BGM vector. We further demonstrated that the modified, reconstructed genomic DNA fragments could be used to generate transgenic mice. Transgenic mice carrying the enlarged transgene recapitulated the expression and axonal projection patterns of the target class I OR gene in the main olfactory system.

Conclusion

We offer a complete genetic modification method for the BGM vector system, including insertion, deletion, inversion and fusion, to engineer genomic DNA fragments without any trace of modifications. In addition, we demonstrate that this system can be used for mouse transgenesis. Thus, the BGM vector system can be an alternative platform for engineering large DNA fragments in addition to conventional systems such as bacterial and yeast artificial chromosomes. Using this system, we provide the first experimental evidence of a cis-acting element for a class I OR gene.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of corilagin in a rat model of acute cholestasis
Authors: Jin Feng , Cheng Du , Tao Jun-Yan , Zhang Shu-Ling , Pang Ran , Guo Yuan-Jin , Ye Pian , Dong Ji-Hua , Zhao Lei
Published: May 2013

Background

Nowadays, treatments for cholestasis remain largely nonspecific and often ineffective. Recent studies showed that inflammatory injuries and oxidative stress occur in the liver with cholestasis. In this study, we would use corilagin to treat the animal model of acute cholestasis in order to define the activity to interfere with inflammation-related and oxidative stress pathway in cholestatic pathogenesis.

Methods

Rats were administrated with alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate to establish model of cholestasis and divided into corilagin, ursodeoxycholic acid, dexamethasone, model and normal groups with treatment of related agent. At 24h, 48h and 72h time points after administration, living condition, serum markers of liver damage, pathological changes of hepatic tissue, nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) were examined and observed.

Results

Compared to model group, corilagin had remarkable effect on living condition, pathological manifestation of liver tissue, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, (P<0.01), but no effect on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). With corilagin intervention, levels of MPO, MDA and translocation of NF-κB were notably decreased, and levels of SOD and NO were markedly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

Conclusions

It is shown that corilagin is a potential component to relieve cholestasis through inflammation-related and oxidation-related pathway.