bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of the Computer-Administered Animated Activity Questionnaire to Measure Physical Functioning of Patients With Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Terwee Caroline B. , Coopmans Charlotte , Peter Wilfred F. , Roorda Leo D. , Poolman Rudolf W. , Scholtes Vanessa A.B. , Harlaar Jaap , de Vet Henrica C.W.
Published: September 2013

Background

Physical functioning of patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis is measured by self-report questionnaires and performance-based tests. However, performance-based tests often are not feasible.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a computer-administered questionnaire (ie, the Animated Activity Questionnaire [AAQ]) to measure physical functioning in patients with hip or knee OA. By showing animations of activities, the influence of the patient's own reference frame is minimized. The AAQ measures the same aspects of physical functioning as performance-based tests do.

Design

This was a development and preliminary validation (cross-sectional) study.

Methods

A pilot version of the AAQ was developed using motion capture to analyze the movement of a person performing 7 daily activities. Different animations of the same activity were made with 2 to 5 levels of difficulty. For each activity, participants were asked to choose one animation that best corresponds to their own way of performing the activity. A preliminary validation study was performed to compare the AAQ with validated self-report questionnaires (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and questionnaires on walking, stair climbing, and rising and sitting down) and performance-based tests (walking, Timed “Up & Go” Test, Timed Stair Test) in 33 patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis.

Results

As expected, the AAQ showed a correlation above .70 (.79, 95% confidence interval=.61–.89) with the total score of the performance-based tests. On the subscore level, the results were partly as expected. Fifty-eight percent of the participants preferred the AAQ over self-report questionnaires and performance-based tests.

Limitations

The findings need to be replicated in larger samples of patients because the sample size of the study was rather small.

Conclusion

The AAQ might be a good alternative for measuring physical functioning of patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis. The AAQ can easily be adapted for use in other patient populations. However, further development and validation are needed.
Adherence to Accelerometry Measurement of Community Ambulation Poststroke
Authors: Barak Sharon , Wu Samuel S. , Dai Yunfeng , Duncan Pamela W. , Behrman Andrea L.
Published: September 2013

Background

The step activity monitor (SAM) quantifies steps taken in the home and community by patient populations. Although the SAM has been used to study individuals after stroke, adherence to the use of SAMs has not been addressed. Participants' adherence to wearing the monitor is critical for obtaining accurate assessments.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of and predictors for inferred adherence to the use of the SAM after stroke.

Design

A cross-sectional design was used.

Methods

Community-dwelling individuals (n=408) 2 months after stroke with moderate-to-severe gait impairment (gait speed of ≤0.8 m/s) were studied. Step activity was assessed for 2 days with the SAM. Inferred adherence was established in 3 periods: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm, 12:01 pm to 6:00 pm, and 6:01 pm to 12:00 am. Adherence was defined as activity recorded in all 3 periods. The percentage of participant adherence for the first day, second day, both days, and either day was calculated. Demographic and clinical characteristics of adherers and nonadherers were compared. Independent adherence predictors were identified by means of stepwise logistic regression.

Results

Inferred adherence rates for the first day, second day, both days, and either day were 68%, 61%, 53%, and 76%, respectively. Upper and lower extremity impairment, balance control, and endurance were significantly different between adherers and nonadherers. On the other hand, older age, greater balance self-efficacy, and better walking endurance were significant predictors of adherence.

Limitations

Participants were individuals with subacute stroke. Therefore, the findings of this study may not be generalized to individuals during the acute and chronic phases of stroke recovery.

Conclusions

Strategies to improve adherence are needed when collecting data for more than 1 day and in samples with younger individuals and those with low levels of balance self-efficacy and walking endurance.
Physical Therapist–Delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: A Qualitative Study of Physical Therapists' Perceptions and Experiences
Authors: Nielsen Mandy , Keefe Francis J. , Bennell Kim , Jull Gwendolen A.
Published: September 2013

Background

The importance of the biopsychosocial model in assessment and management of chronic musculoskeletal conditions is recognized. Physical therapists have been encouraged to develop psychologically informed practice. Little is known about the process of physical therapists' learning and delivering of psychological interventions within the practice context.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate physical therapists' experiences and perspectives of a cognitive-behavioral–informed training and intervention process as part of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving adults with painful knee osteoarthritis.

Design

A qualitative design was used. Participants were physical therapists trained to deliver pain coping skills training (PCST).

Methods

Eight physical therapists trained to deliver PCST were interviewed by telephone at 4 time points during the 12-month RCT period. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim into computer-readable files, and analyzed using Framework Analysis.

Results

Thematic categories identified were: training, experience delivering PCST, impact on general clinical practice, and perspectives on PCST and physical therapist practice. Physical therapists reported positive experiences with PCST and program delivery. They thought that their participation in the RCT had enhanced their general practice. Although some components of the PCST program were familiar, the therapists found delivering the program was quite different from regular practice. Physical therapists believed the PCST program, a 3- to 4-day workshop followed by formal mentoring and performance feedback from a psychologist for 3 to 6 months and during the RCT, was critical to their ability to effectively deliver the PCST intervention. They identified a number of challenges in delivering PCST in their normal practice.

Conclusion

Physical therapists can be trained to confidently deliver a PCST program. The physical therapists in this study believed that training enhanced their clinical practice. Comprehensive training and mentoring by psychologists was crucial to ensure treatment fidelity.
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors in People With Stroke Living in the Community: A Systematic Review
Authors: English Coralie , Manns Patricia J. , Tucak Claire , Bernhardt Julie
Published: September 2013

Background

Regular physical activity is vital for cardiovascular health. Time spent in sedentary behaviors (eg, sitting, lying down) also is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The pattern in which sedentary time is accumulated is important—with prolonged periods of sitting time being particularly deleterious. People with stroke are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, including recurrent stroke.

Purpose

This systematic review aimed to update current knowledge of physical activity and sedentary behaviors among people with stroke living in the community. A secondary aim was to investigate factors associated with physical activity levels.

Data Sources

The data sources used were MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Allied and Complimentary Medicine Database (AMED), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library.

Study Selection

Studies involving people with stroke living in the community and utilizing objective measures of physical activity or sedentary behaviors were included.

Data Extraction

Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by a second person.

Data Synthesis

Twenty-six studies, involving 983 participants, were included. The most common measure of activity was steps per day (22 studies), which was consistently reported as less than half of age-matched normative values. Only 4 studies reported on sedentary time specifically. No studies described the pattern by which sedentary behaviors were accumulated across the day. Walking ability, balance, and degree of physical fitness were positively associated with higher levels of physical activity.

Limitations

This review included only studies of people living in the community after stroke who were able to walk, and the majority of included participants were aged between 65 and 75 years of age.

Conclusions

Little is known about the time people with stroke spend being sedentary each day or the pattern in which sedentary time is accumulated. Studies using objective, reliable, and valid measures of sedentary time are needed to further investigate the effects of sedentary time on the health of people with stroke.
Democratising Nepal’s Forest Sector Policy Process: The Role of Resistance by Community Federation
Authors: Sunam Ramesh , Paudel Govinda
Published: September 2013

This paper argues that Nepal's existing forest policy process is characterised by nondeliberative and techno-bureaucratic processes despite apparent recognition of the democratic approaches. Analysing two of the government’s recent policy decisions that are related to community forestry and protected areas, we emphasise the complementary role of public contestation, critical research and the media in promoting deliberative policy processes. Taking reference to deliberative governance perspective, we analyse how multiple factors shape the level of resistance and deliberation around forest policy processes. The key factors that influence deliberation include the institutional history of key actors, the nature, number and interest of actors associated with the process, and the media coverage of a policy issue. Allianceled resistance, policy research and the media mobilisation have been emphasised here to contest inappropriate policy decisions and promote deliberative policy making culture. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v10i1.8599 Journal of Forestry and Livelihood Vol.10(1) 2012 28-41
Discourse and Discursive Practices Over Timber in Nepal
Authors: Banjade Mani R
Published: September 2013

Forest sector of Nepal is far from harnessing its economic potential, but witnesses a continuation of deforestation and forest degradation. This is largely because of the limited policy focus on the management of the most important forest product – the timber. Taking timber at the central stage in the debate on forest management, this paper examines the existing stakeholder relations, policy deliberations, programs and everyday practices in Nepal. This paper draws on the country’s policy, legal and regulatory documents, policy deliberations on forest governance, media analysis and everyday practices of forest management. These policies and practices are analysed in relation to environmental discourse, social practices and hegemony in forest sector governance. This paper shows that, while timber occupies a central stage in the government’s decisions, in most of forest-related contestations, and in everyday management decisions, timber management has received only secondary importance in the national forest policy and discourses. The analysis shows that since forest policy discourses have departed from timber, local communities and the government have lost significant incomes from the forest. The marginalization of timber in the policy discourse also encouraged deforestation and forest degradation especially through illegal logging and forest encroachment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v10i1.8601   Journal of Forestry and Livelihood Vol.10(1) 2012 58-73
Is REDD+ Redefining Forest Governance in Nepal?
Authors: Khatri Dil B
Published: September 2013

In this paper, I argue that the Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation and enhancing forest carbon stocks in developing countries (REDD)+ readiness process in Nepal has reconfigured forest governance in subtle ways and posed risks of its recentralization. Powerful actors, especially the government, consultants and donor entities, have influenced the REDD+ process and policy debates, and have jointly marginalized local communities and civil society organizations (CSOs). This paper reveals that Nepal’s REDD+ architecture is primarily shaped by imperatives and ambiguities in the international negotiations and funding mechanisms. Building on the theoretical frameworks of institutional interplay, cross-scale institutional linkages, and institutional design, this paper analyses how interplay and interactions of national institutions and stakeholders influence the REDD+ readiness process, its emerging institutional architecture, and decentralized forest governance. The analysis has been informed by evidence from the author's own research and engagement in REDD+ policy processes in Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v10i1.8602   Journal of Forestry and Livelihood Vol.10(1) 2012 74-87
Contested law: Slow Response to Demands for Reformulating Protected Area Legal Framework in Nepal
Authors: Paudel Naya S , Jana Sudeep , Rai Jailab K
Published: September 2013

The paper identifies and highlights gaps in protected area (PA) legal provisions in Nepal and makes a case for timely reformulation of legal framework to suit the new socioeconomic and political contexts. Laws concerning PAs are examined against the contexts of international agreements, conventions, and accepted standards as well as the local ground realities. The legal framework is critically analysed using seven analytical variables: the process of PA declaration, governance types, power sharing, management plan, tenure rights, benefit sharing, and compliance and law enforcement. Literature review, content analysis, interviews and participant observations were adopted in securing data. It is observed that the current legal framework either does not reflect the current contextual reality or stand only in paper or are not properly implemented as per the spirit of the law. It is argued that regulatory framework should reflect both the contemporary conservation discourses and should respond to the popular demands emerged in the post-conflict political context in Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v10i1.8603   Journal of Forestry and Livelihood Vol.10(1) 2012 88-100
Improving Forest Governance through Critical Action Research (CAR): Lessons from ForestAction Nepal’s Experience
Authors: Ojha Hemant R
Published: September 2013

The article makes the case that civil society activism should not be confined to pure advocacy of particular interests in a social segment; there is equally a role for critical action researchers to unravel a broad spectrum of exercise of power and to challenge the unquestioned acceptance of the order by the marginalized communities. The Critical Action Research (CAR) approach developed and used at ForestAction Nepal emphasizes empowering right holder citizens and their alliances through sharing knowledge that counters the dominant knowledge system, collating and communicating critical evidence for transforming policy dialogues, and learning from practice. The CAR attempts of ForestAction have generated valuable evidence of the prospects of civic organizations to act as producers of counter-knowledge rather than reproducers and disseminators of hegemonic knowledge systems that sustain exclusion, domination, and inequities. However, there are formidable challenges in trying to organize critical and engaged action research – from building up of a competent team to confronting institutional powers and raising funds to sustain the activity. It is clearly established that civil society actors have to think and act differently to understand what changes they want to bring about and how to do so. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v10i1.8604   Journal of Forestry and Livelihood Vol.10(1) 2012 101-125
Generating Income from Nepal’s Community Forestry: Does Timber Matter?
Authors: Pokharel Ridish K
Published: September 2013

This paper argues that timber is the most valuable product of community forests and forms the largest share of the income for community forest user groups (CFUGs). This paper assesses the sources of CFUGs’ income in general and income through timber sale, in particular. Drawing information from one hundred CFUGs in three mid-hill districts of Nepal, shows that the contribution from timber is significantly higher compared to other sources such as non- timber forest products, membership fee, penalty, and renting meeting hall. Moreover, the CFUGs with timber sale collect a lesser amount of membership fee, which is one of the major incentives for the members. The research findings emphasize the need to put timber in CFUGs’ key forest management priority.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v9i1.8588 Journal of Forestry and Livelihood Vol.9(1) 2010 16-20
Autonomy Necessary but not Sufficient: Comparative Study of CFM, Nepal and JFM, India
Authors: Chate Rucha , Ghate Suresh
Published: September 2013

‘Autonomy’ to local users is widely discussed and considered a necessary attribute to form and effectively function self-governing associations in common pool resources. Especially when the resource is local in scale, autonomy to local users can ensure good governance on the ground so locals are better equipped in developing effective institutions. This article compares varying degrees of autonomy to forest dwelling communities and its effect in decentralized forest management in two countries – Nepal and India. Comparison is made by using data collected from revisits of 6 IFRI sites from each country, after creating indices for functional autonomy, institutional functioning, forest quality, and forest dependence of the respective communities. The paper concludes that extending autonomy to communities is not enough; rather autonomy needs to be functional. Also, forming and putting institutions in place may not lead to improvement in forest quality and forest product availability. The newly created institutions need sufficient investment to make them robust, for which positive and proactive intervention by various agencies is essential. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v9i1.8592 Journal of Forestry and Livelihood Vol.9(1) 2010 33-44
Mapping Exurban Development: Can Road and Census Data Act as Surrogates?
Authors: Shrestha Namrata , Conway Tenley M.
Published: September 2013

Exurban development, characterized by low-density residential development, is one of the leading anthropogenic causes of land transformation. A major obstacle to studying this phenomenon is a lack of spatially explicit data. In this article, two commonly employed indirect approaches that use readily available road and census data as surrogates of exurban development are examined for their ability to delineate exurban development across large spatial extents. The study area is the heterogeneous exurban region of Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada. Comparing correlations between road density–based maps, dasymetric dwelling-count maps, and the reference data at multiple scales produced mixed results. Of the two methods, road density generally performed better, except when the census units were of relatively small size. Overall, the results highlight the way in which heterogeneity within a large study area can greatly obscure surrogate relationships that may be evident at smaller spatial extents, where conditions are relatively more homogeneous, making the use of these indirect methods challenging for large spatial extents. In particular, the geographic and historic context of the study area significantly influences the effectiveness of these methods, which should therefore be used with caution in mapping exurban development.
Towards Qualitative Geovisual Analytics: A Case Study Involving Places, People, and Mediated Experience
Authors: Burns Ryan , Skupin André
Published: September 2013

This article seeks to address the gap between the quantitative, summative data that are typically engaged in geovisual analytics and the more personal, experiential ways of knowledge construction accentuated by qualitative GIS. By incorporating diverse forms of data within a high-dimensional conceptual framework, we set out a type of qualitative geovisual analytics. This approach is attentive to the epistemological limitations of singular data sources and highlights the multiple ways of exploring neighbourhoods. The article reports on a project that used an online survey, including collection of personal impressions of San Diego neighbourhoods based on street-level video. Three attribute spaces are conceptualized: survey respondents' characteristics, attributes of San Diego neighbourhoods, and characteristics of the words used to describe these neighbourhoods. The self-organizing map (SOM) technique was used to reduce the dimensionality of these attribute spaces for visual exploration. This approach makes several important contributions, including a demonstration of “scaling up” the work that has been done in qualitative GIS. It productively integrates experiential data with a geovisual analytics approach and reaffirms the multiple meanings of visualization.
Intracranial biomechanics following cortical contusion in live rats
Authors: Alfasi Abdulghader M. , Shulyakov Alexander V. , Del Bigio Marc R.
Published: September 2013

Object

The goal of this study was to examine the mechanical properties of living rat intracranial contents and corresponding brain structural alterations following parietal cerebral cortex contusion.

Methods

After being anesthetized, young adult rats were subjected to parietal craniotomy followed by cortical contusion using a calibrated weight-drop method. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to visualize the contusion. At the site of contusion, instrumented force-controlled indentation was performed 2 hours to 21 days later on the intact dural surface. The force-deformation (stress-strain) relationship was used to calculate elastic (indentation modulus) and strain changes over time, and constant hold or cyclic stress was used to evaluate viscoelastic deformation. These measurements were followed by histological studies.

Results

At contusion sites, the indentation modulus was significantly decreased at 1–3 days and tended to be above control values at 21 days. Multicycle indentation showed that the brain tended to accumulate more strain (an indicator of viscosity) by 1 day after the contusion. Imaging and histological studies showed local edema and hemorrhage at 6 hours to 3 days and accumulation of reactive astrocytes, which began at 3 days and was pronounced by 21 days.

Conclusions

The viscoelastic properties of living rat brain change following contusion. Initially, edema and tissue necrosis occur, and the brain becomes less elastic and less viscous. Later, along with undergoing reactive astroglial changes, the brain tends to become stiffer than normal. These quantitative data, which are related to the physical changes in the brain following trauma and which reflect subjective impressions upon palpation, will be useful for understanding emerging diagnostic tools such as magnetic resonance elastography.
Predicting inpatient complications from cerebral aneurysm clipping: the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2005–2009
Authors: Bekelis Kimon , Missios Symeon , MacKenzie Todd A. , Desai Atman , Fischer Adina , Labropoulos Nicos , Roberts David W.
Published: September 2013

Object

Precise delineation of individualized risks of morbidity and mortality is crucial in decision making in cerebrovascular neurosurgery. The authors attempted to create a predictive model of complications in patients undergoing cerebral aneurysm clipping (CAC).

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who had undergone CAC in the period from 2005 to 2009 and were registered in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. A model for outcome prediction based on preoperative individual patient characteristics was developed.

Results

Of the 7651 patients in the NIS who underwent CAC, 3682 (48.1%) had presented with unruptured aneurysms and 3969 (51.9%) with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The respective inpatient postoperative risks for death, unfavorable discharge, stroke, treated hydrocephalus, cardiac complications, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and acute renal failure were 0.7%, 15.3%, 5.3%, 1.5%, 1.3%, 0.6%, 2.0%, and 0.1% for those with unruptured aneurysms and 11.5%, 52.8%, 5.5%, 39.2%, 1.7%, 2.8%, 2.7%, and 0.8% for those with ruptured aneurysms. Multivariate analysis identified risk factors independently associated with the above outcomes. A validated model for outcome prediction based on individual patient characteristics was developed. The accuracy of the model was estimated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and it was found to have good discrimination.

Conclusions

The featured model can provide individualized estimates of the risks of postoperative complications based on preoperative conditions and can potentially be used as an adjunct in decision making in cerebrovascular neurosurgery.
Neurosurgery in the Byzantine Empire: the contributions of Paul of Aegina (625–690 AD)
Authors: Missios Symeon , Bekelis Kimon , Roberts David W.
Published: September 2013

Paul of Aegina (625–690 AD) was born on the island of Aegina and was one of the most prominent physician-writers of the Byzantine Empire. His work Epitome of Medicine, comprised of 7 books, was a comprehensive compendium of the medical and surgical knowledge of his time and was subsequently translated into multiple languages. Paul of Aegina made valuable contributions to neurosurgical subjects and described procedures for the treatment of nerve injuries, hydrocephalus, and fractures of the skull and spine. His work combined the ancient knowledge of Hippocrates and Galen with contemporary medical observations and served as a bridge between Byzantine and Arabic medicine. He is considered to be one of the great ancient Greek medical writers and his work has influenced the subsequent evolution of Western European and Arab medicine. This paper provides an account of his contribution to the management of neurosurgical pathologies during the Byzantine era, as described in his medical compendium, Epitome of Medicine.
The incidence of complications in elective cranial neurosurgery associated with dural closure material
Authors: Walcott Brian P. , Neal Jonathan B. , Sheth Sameer A. , Kahle Kristopher T. , Eskandar Emad N. , Coumans Jean-Valery , Nahed Brian V.
Published: September 2013

Object

Dural closure with synthetic grafts has been suggested to contribute to the incidence of infection and CSF leak. The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of choice of dural closure material, as well as other factors, to the incidence of infection and CSF leak.

Methods

A retrospective, consecutive cohort study of adult patients undergoing elective craniotomy was established between April 2010 and March 2011 at a single center. Exclusion criteria consisted of trauma, bur hole placement alone, and temporary CSF fluid diversion.

Results

Three hundred ninety-nine patients were included (mean follow-up 396.6 days). Nonautologous (synthetic) dural substitute was more likely to be used (n = 106) in cases of reoperation (p = 0.001). Seventeen patients developed a surgical site infection and 12 patients developed a CSF leak. Multivariate logistic regression modeling identified estimated blood loss (OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.001–1.003; p < 0.001) and cigarette smoking (OR 2.198, 95% CI 1.109–4.238; p = 0.019) as significant predictors of infection. Synthetic dural graft was not a predictor of infection in multivariate analysis. Infratentorial surgery (OR 4.348, 95% CI 1.234–16.722; p = 0.024) and more than 8 days of postoperative corticosteroid treatment (OR 3.886, 95% CI 1.052–16.607; p = 0.048) were significant predictors for the development of CSF leak. Synthetic dural graft was associated with a lower likelihood of CSF leak (OR 0.072, 95% CI 0.003–0.552; p = 0.036).

Conclusions

The use of synthetic dural closure material is not associated with surgical site infection and is associated with a reduced incidence of CSF leak. Modifiable risk factors exist for craniotomy complications that warrant vigilance and further study.
Tolerance of early pallidal stimulation in pediatric generalized dystonia
Authors: Miyagi Yasushi , Koike Yu
Published: September 2013

The authors report on 2 cases of pediatric generalized dystonia with a DYT1 mutation; the patients, an 11-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy, underwent chronic, pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi). The dystonic postures in both cases showed dramatic improvements with pallidal DBS, but each patient's symptoms gradually recurred within a year, irrespective of exhaustive readjustments of the stimulation settings. After the recurrence of the dystonic symptoms, the DBS leads were replaced within the GPi in one patient (Case 1) and additional DBS leads were implanted into the bilateral subthalamic nuclei in the other patient (Case 2). Neither measure produced any further clinical benefit, and the patient in Case 2 died of status dystonicus 2 days after reoperation. These findings suggest that early pallidal DBS for pediatric dystonia is indeed effective, although there are some cases in which its therapeutic effect is lost. One possible reason may be the ability of the preadolescent brain to tolerate chronic electrical stimuli during the active maturation process.
Congenital giant plexiform neurofibroma with occipital calvarial dysplasia in association with meningoencephalocele in neurofibromatosis Type 1 and segmental neurofibromatosis
Authors: Dadlani Ravi , Sadanand Venkatraman , Ghosal Nandita , Hegde Alangar S.
Published: September 2013

Giant plexiform neurofibroma (GPNF) of the scalp is an extremely rare lesion reported in association with neurofibromatosis. Occipital location of GPNF is even more infrequent, especially in association with occipital dysplasia (OD). The authors report 2 pediatric cases of GPNF associated with OD. The first case had an associated meningoencephalocele, and the second had large vascular channels within the lesion and the dominant ipsilateral transverse sinus lying in the center of the calvarial defect. The authors present these 2 unusual cases with a review of literature and discuss the radiological findings, theories of etiopathogenesis of the OD, and management dilemmas.
Screw-related complications in the subaxial cervical spine with the use of lateral mass versus cervical pedicle screws
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroyuki , Passias Peter G. , Errico Thomas J.
Published: September 2013

Object

Lateral mass screws (LMS) have been used extensively with a low complication rate in the subaxial spine. Recently, cervical pedicle screws (CPS) have been introduced, and are thought to provide more optimal stabilization of the subaxial spine in certain circumstances. However, because of the concern for neurovascular injury, the routine use of CPS in this location remains controversial. Despite this controversy, however, there are no articles directly comparing screw-related complications of each procedure in the subaxial cervical spine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate screw-related complications of LMS and CPS in the subaxial cervical spine.

Methods

A PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Collaboration Library search was executed, using the key words “lateral mass screw” and “cervical pedicle screw.” Clinical studies evaluating surgical procedures of the subaxial cervical spine in which either LMS or CPS were used and complications were reported were included. Studies in which the number of patients who had subaxial cervical spine surgery and the number of screws placed from C-3 to C-7 could not be specified were excluded. Data on screw-related complications of each study were recorded and compared.

Results

Ten studies of LMS and 12 studies of CPS were included in the analysis. Vertebral artery injuries were slightly but statistically significantly higher with the use of CPS relative to LMS in the subaxial cervical spine. Although the use of LMS was associated with a higher rate of screw loosening, screw pullout, loss of reduction, pseudarthrosis, and revision surgery, this finding was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Based on the available literature, it appears that perioperative neurological and late biomechanical complication rates, including pseudarthrosis, are similarly low for both LMS and CPS techniques. In contrast, vertebral artery injuries, although statistically significantly more common when using CPS, are extremely rare with both techniques, which may justify their nonroutine use in select cases. Given the paucity of well-designed studies available, this recommendation may be a reflection of deficiencies in the available studies. Surgeons using either technique should have intimate knowledge of cervical anatomy and an adequate preoperative evaluation for each patient, with the final selection based on individual case requirements and anatomical limitations.
The Borderless Archipelago: Toward a Transnational History of Japanese Environmentalism
Authors: Avenell Simon
Published: September 2013

This article reconsiders the contemporary history of Japanese environmentalism through the lens of transnationalism. From as early as the antipollution struggles of the 1960s and 1970s, Japanese activists looked beyond the boundaries of their archipelago in search of allies and environmental knowledge. In the process they became involved in the nascent global environmental movement and helped support victims of industrial pollution and natural degradation in Asia, Europe and North America. Crossing borders empowered Japanese activists to challenge the developmentalist agenda of their country, to address the environmental impact of Japan's economic expansion into East Asia and to advocate a globalist agenda often at odds with the logic of the nation-state. Rather than a simple evolution in which global consciousness replaced commitment to the local and the regional, the article suggests an increased spatialisation of activists' environmental consciousness derived from mutual recognition within an ever-expanding web of transnationally networked movements. The article argues that our understanding of Japanese environmentalism is enriched by attention to the multifarious and multidirectional transnational flows of people and ideas over the past half century.
Distinct RNA profiles in subpopulations of extracellular vesicles: apoptotic bodies, microvesicles and exosomes
Authors: Crescitelli Rossella , Lässer Cecilia , Szabó Tamas G. , Kittel Agnes , Eldh Maria , Dianzani Irma , Buzás Edit I. , Lötvall Jan
Published: September 2013

Introduction

In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in the number of studies aiming to understand the biology of exosomes, as well as other extracellular vesicles. However, classification of membrane vesicles and the appropriate protocols for their isolation are still under intense discussion and investigation. When isolating vesicles, it is crucial to use systems that are able to separate them, to avoid cross‐contamination.

Method

EVs released from three different kinds of cell lines: HMC‐1, TF‐1 and BV‐2 were isolated using two centrifugation‐based protocols. In protocol 1, apoptotic bodies were collected at 2,000×g, followed by filtering the supernatant through 0.8 µm pores and pelleting of microvesicles at 12,200×g. In protocol 2, apoptotic bodies and microvesicles were collected together at 16,500×g, followed by filtering of the supernatant through 0.2 µm pores and pelleting of exosomes at 120,000×g. Extracellular vesicles were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry and the RNA profiles were investigated using a Bioanalyzer®.

Results

RNA profiles showed that ribosomal RNA was primary detectable in apoptotic bodies and smaller RNAs without prominent ribosomal RNA peaks in exosomes. In contrast, microvesicles contained little or no RNA except for microvesicles collected from TF‐1 cell cultures. The different vesicle pellets showed highly different distribution of size, shape and electron density with typical apoptotic body, microvesicle and exosome characteristics when analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Flow cytometry revealed the presence of CD63 and CD81 in all vesicles investigated, as well as CD9 except in the TF‐1‐derived vesicles, as these cells do not express CD9.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that centrifugation‐based protocols are simple and fast systems to distinguish subpopulations of extracellular vesicles. Different vesicles show different RNA profiles and morphological characteristics, but they are indistinguishable using CD63‐coated beads for flow cytometry analysis.
Hashtags and retweets: using Twitter to aid Community, Communication and Casual (informal) learning
Authors: Reed Peter
Published: September 2013

Since the evolution of Web 2.0, or the Social Web, the way in which users interact with/on the Internet has seen a massive paradigm shift. Web 2.0 tools and technologies have completely changed the dynamics of the Internet, enabling users to create content; be it text, photographs or video; and furthermore share and collaborate across massive geographic boundaries. As part of this revolution, arguably the most significant tools have been those employing social media. This research project set out to investigate student’s attitudes, perceptions and activity toward the use of Twitter in supporting learning and teaching. In so doing, this paper touches on a number of current debates in higher education, such as the role (and perceived rise) of informal learning; and debates around Digital Natives/Immigrants vs. Digital Residents/Visitors. In presenting early research findings, the author considers the 3Cs of Twitter (T3c): Community, Communication and Casual (informal) learning. Data suggests that students cannot be classed as Digital Natives purely on age and suggests a rethinking of categorisations is necessary. Furthermore, the data suggests students are developing their own personal learning environments (PLEs) based on user choice. Those students who voluntarily engaged with Twitter during this study positively evaluated the tool for use within learning and teaching.Keywords: Twitter; communication; personal learning environments; Digital Natives/Immigrants; Digital Visitors/Residents(Published: 12 September 2013)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2013, 21: 19692 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21i0.19692
Building global learning communities
Authors: Cochrane Thomas , Buchem Ilona , Camacho Mar , Cronin Catherine , Gordon Averill , Keegan Helen
Published: September 2013

Within the background where education is increasingly driven by the economies of scale and research funding, we propose an alternative online open and connected framework (OOC) for building global learning communities using mobile social media. We critique a three year action research case study involving building collaborative global learning communities around a community of practice of learning researchers and practitioners. The results include the development of a framework for utilising mobile social media to support collaborative curriculum development across international boundaries. We conclude that this framework is potentially transferrable to a range of educational contexts where the focus is upon student-generated mobile social media projects.Keywords: community of practice; mlearning; global collaboration framework(Published: 6 September 2013)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2013, 21: 21955 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21i0.21955
Editorial
Authors: Hawkridge David , Verjans Steven , Wilson Gail
Published: September 2013

This special issue contains the six research papers presented at the Association for Learning Technology (ALT) conference, “Building new cultures of learning”, held at the University of Nottingham, England, 10–12 September 2013. This was the first time that the research papers accepted for the annual conference were to be published as a special issue. The editors decided to use a full journal review procedure and required a high standard.(Published: 6 September 2013)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2013, 21: 22564 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21i0.22564
Sur un emprunt d'Empédocle au Bouclier hésiodique....
Authors: Picot Jean-Claude
Published: September 2013

Empédocle appelle l'oreille « rameau de chair » (σάρκινος ὄζος au fr. 99 DK). L'expression est étrange. Cependant, dans plusieurs contextes épiques le mot ὄζος est associé à un son. Empédocle s'est vraisemblablement inspiré du remarquable travail d'allusion fait autour de la cigale et du rameau aux vers 393 et 394 du Bouclier hésiodique. L'Agrigentin a pu ainsi repérer un univers épique sonore constitué des « mots ailés », des cigales et d'un oiseau sonore embusqué, auxquels s'adjoint un parent étymologique de ὄζος : ἕζομαι. Le jeu poétique aurait ensuite conduit à associer « oreille » avec « rameau ». Le rameau de chair désigne le pavillon de l'oreille. C'est un lieu où se rassemblent les sons, ceux qui vont à l'oreille, comme les « mots ailés », mais aussi, sans doute en accord avec la théorie empédocléenne des semblables, ceux qui initialement proviennent de l'oreille. L'explication à la fois spécifique et poétique réduit l'importance de l'explication généralement avancée pour s'accommoder de l'étrangeté de ὄζος : Empédocle penserait le règne animal en parenté avec le règne végétal. La recherche faite sur ὄζος est poursuivie sur κλάδος (fr. 29, fr. 134). Là aussi, on reconnaît une richesse de l'expression, des résonances poétiques, un jeu de la métaphore. Le vocabulaire empédocléen établit un lien entre le monde des sens (tel que décrit par ὄζος et παλάμη) et l'utilisation de κλάδοι pour désigner les bras et sans doute les mains que le divin Sphairos ne peut pas avoir.
Periautologia. Problèmes et méthodes de l'éloge de soi-même dans la tradition éthique et rhétorique gréco-romaine
Authors: Pernot Laurent
Published: September 2013

L'éloge de soi-même est un sujet qui a préoccupé les moralistes et les rhéteurs de l'Antiquité. Le présent article dresse un panorama des textes anciens consacrés à ce problème, depuis la Grèce classique jusqu'à l'époque impériale. — Quoique courant, notamment chez les orateurs, l'éloge de soi-même était considéré comme critiquable du point de vue moral. Pour le rendre plus acceptable, la rhétorique antique a mis au point des procédés de couverture et de justification. Mais les procédés n'ont pas suffi. Plus profondément, certains auteurs ont essayé de légitimer l'éloge de soi-même au nom d'une fin morale supérieure. — Ces discussions ont des enjeux politiques et anthropologiques. Elles jettent un éclairage sur la conception de l'homme d'État et sur les limites de l'expression du moi.
Reproductive condition and ovarian atresia in the common kilka (Clupeonella cultriventris) from the Caspian Sea years after a dramatic outbreak of the comb jelly fish (Mnemiopsis leidyi)
Authors: Karimi Narjes , Bani Ali , Abdolmalaki Shahram
Published: September 2013

To assess the reproductive condition of the common kilka, Clupeonella cultriventris, the somatic condition and reproductive characteristics were studied by histological analysis. A total of 800 specimens from the Bandar Anzali coast on the Caspian Sea were sampled. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) for females and males attained maximum values in May in the first period of sampling and in March-April in the second period, suggesting temporal variations in spawning activity. The pattern of oocyte frequency distribution demonstrated that the common kilka is a batch spawner with group-synchronous oocyte development. The estimated relative batch fecundity was 6718 oocytes g–1. A low level of atresia (4.7%) during the spawning season showed that this species was in optimal somatic condition. This weakens the hypothesis that abundance of the ctenophore (Mnemiopsis leidyi) in the Caspian Sea, as a food rival for kilka, influences the body condition and subsequently the reproductive capability of this species.
Regional management of multi-species fisheries on the basis of shared stocks and property rights: a Mediterranean case
Authors: Mulazzani Luca , Malorgio Giulio
Published: September 2013

Fishery management is a complicated task that often results in overfishing, overcapacity, and low profits for the industry. The management of shared fish stocks is particularly problematic, especially if national authorities pursue different objectives. Multi-species fisheries add further complexity to the problem. It is no accident that management tools frequently used in Northern Europe, such as total allowable catches and individual quotas, are not applied in the Mediterranean Sea, where more target species are caught simultaneously. However, the European Commission intends to introduce a market-based driver for a strong, profitable fishing industry by phasing in transferable fishing concessions. This management approach is new for the Mediterranean, and it requires in-depth examination at institutional, legal, and economic levels. In this paper, after a review of the institutional setting, the economic perspective was analyzed by estimating the production function for the Italian small pelagic fishery in the Adriatic Sea. With the addition of Croatia to the European Union, the Adriatic Sea can become a Mediterranean communal exclusive fishing area. The results indicate that output measures such as total allowable catches and individual quotas should not cause serious discarding problems for this multi-species fishery.
Distribution patterns of Syllidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) from seagrass (Zostera marina and Z. noltei) meadows in the Ensenada de O Grove (Galicia, NW Spain)
Authors: Quintas Patricia , Moreira Juan , Troncoso Jesús S.
Published: September 2013

This paper describes the distribution and composition of the syllid fauna inhabiting seagrass meadows in the Ensenada de O Grove (NW Spain). Samples were collected on muddy sediments colonized by either Zostera marina L., Zostera noltei Hornemann or by a mixed meadow with both species. Syllids were dominant (13340 individuals; 37% of total polychaete abundance), including 22 species (12 genera). The mixed meadows housed the highest number of species and the Z. noltei meadow had practically no syllids. The dominant species were Exogone naidina, Parapionosyllis elegans, Parexogone hebes and Prosphaerosyllis campoyi ( > 80% of total abundance). Carnivores (mainly species of Parapionosyllis, Amblyosyllis, and Streptosyllis) were dominant, especially in muddy sand with either Z. marina or Z. noltei and sandy mud with a mixed meadow. The most important abiotic variables for explaining the composition and distribution of the syllid fauna were bottom water salinity, sorting coefficient and carbonate content. The highest number of species was recorded at sites with a high salinity and carbonate content and the lowest at sites with a high sorting coefficient.