bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroacupuncture at Jing-jiaji points for neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis: a study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Sun Zhong-ren , Yue Jin-huan , Zhang Qin-hong
Published: October 2013

Background

Neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis (CS) has become one of the most common health problems around the world. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been employed to relieve CS neck pain, but there is limited clinical evidence for its effectiveness.

Methods/Design

This study consists of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two parallel arms: an acupuncture group and an EA group. Both groups will receive acupuncture at Jing-jiaji points for 30 minutes each time, for five sessions per week for a total of 20 sessions during this four-week period. In addition, the EA group will be connected with EA apparatus. The following outcome measurements will be used in examination of subjects: the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ), McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) scale. All these outcomes will be examined at the start of the study, at the end of the second week, at four weeks after randomization, and one and three months after treatment cessation respectively.

Discussion

This study aims to assess the efficacy of EA, compared with acupuncture intervention at Jing-jiaji points for the CS neck pain.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trials Register:ChiCTR-TRC-13003422.
Efficient edit distance with duplications and contractions
Authors: Pinhas Tamar , Zakov Shay , Tsur Dekel , Ziv-Ukelson Michal
Published: October 2013

We propose three algorithms for string edit distance with duplications and contractions. These include an efficient general algorithm and two improvements which apply under certain constraints on the cost function. The new algorithms solve a more general problem variant and obtain better time complexities with respect to previous algorithms. Our general algorithm is based on min-plus multiplication of square matrices and has time and space complexities of O (|Σ|MP (n)) and O (|Σ|n
2), respectively, where |Σ| is the alphabet size, n is the length of the strings, and MP (n) is the time bound for the computation of min-plus matrix multiplication of two n × n matrices (currently,

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due to an algorithm by Chan).

For integer cost functions, the running time is further improved to

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n

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. In addition, this variant of the algorithm is online, in the sense that the input strings may be given letter by letter, and its time complexity bounds the processing time of the first n given letters. This acceleration is based on our efficient matrix-vector min-plus multiplication algorithm, intended for matrices and vectors for which differences between adjacent entries are from a finite integer interval D. Choosing a constant

1

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n

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λ
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1

, the algorithm preprocesses an n × n matrix in

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time and

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space. Then, it may multiply the matrix with any given n-length vector in

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time. Under some discreteness assumptions, this matrix-vector min-plus multiplication algorithm applies to several problems from the domains of context-free grammar parsing and RNA folding and, in particular, implies the asymptotically fastest

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time algorithm for single-strand RNA folding with discrete cost functions.

Finally, assuming a different constraint on the cost function, we present another version of the algorithm that exploits the run-length encoding of the strings and runs in

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time and

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space, where

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is the length of the run-length encoding of the strings.
LC/UV determination of cefradine, cefuroxime, and cefotaxime in dairy milk, human serum and wastewater samples
Authors: Qureshi Tahira , Memon Najma , Memon Saima Q , Abro Kamran , Shah Syed Waliullah
Published: October 2013

Cephalosporins type antibiotics are widely used to treat infectious diseases. Their determination is not only important in blood/serum of patients under treatment but also in diverse matrices like wastewaters, milk etc. as contaminant. Keeping in view the need, a new high performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of three cephalosporins (cefradine, cefuroxime and cefotaxime) has been developed. Separation was performed on an ODS column with binary solvent elution of aqueous formic acid (0.05%) and methanol in the ratio of 45: 55 (v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL min-1 and UV detection at 260 nm. Under optimised conditions, all three cephalosporins were baseline separated within 5 min. Linear responses for cefradine 5–20 μg mL-1, cefuroxime 0.5-15 μg mL-1 and cefotaxime 1.0-20 μg mL-1 were established. LOD of 0.05-0.25 μg mL-1 after preconcentration was achieved. The method was applied to serum samples of patients under treatment with these antibiotics and to screen the selected cephalosporins from hospital wastewater and milk samples. Moreover, method was applied to study stability of aqueous solutions and acid/base induced degradation of all three drugs.
Randomized controlled trials in pediatric critical care: a scoping review
Authors: Duffett Mark , Choong Karen , Hartling Lisa , Menon Kusum , Thabane Lehana , Cook Deborah J
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is required to guide treatment of critically ill children, but the number of RCTs available is limited and the publications are often difficult to find. The objectives of this review were to systematically identify RCTs in pediatric critical care and describe their methods and reporting.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS and CENTRAL (from inception to April 16, 2013) and reference lists of included RCTs and relevant systematic reviews. We included published RCTs administering any intervention to children in a pediatric ICU. We excluded trials conducted in neonatal ICUs, those enrolling exclusively preterm infants, and individual patient crossover trials. Pairs of reviewers independently screened studies for eligibility, assessed risk of bias, and abstracted data. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus.

Results

We included 248 RCTs: 45 (18%) were multicentered and 14 (6%) were multinational. Trials most frequently enrolled both medical and surgical patients (43%) but postoperative cardiac surgery was the single largest population studied (19%). The most frequently evaluated types of intervention were medications (63%), devices (11%) and nutrition (8%). Laboratory or physiological measurements were the most frequent type of primary outcomes (18%). Half of these trials (50%) reported blinding. Of the 107 (43%) trials that reported an a priori sample size, 34 (32%) were stopped early. The median number of children randomized per trial was 49 and ranged from 6 to 4,947. The frequency of RCT publications increased at a mean rate of 0.7 RCTs per year (P<0.001) from 1 to 20 trials per year.

Conclusions

This scoping review identified the available RCTs in pediatric critical care and made them accessible to clinicians and researchers (http://epicc.mcmaster.ca). Most focused on medications and intermediate or surrogate outcomes, were single-centered and were conducted in North America and Western Europe. The results of this review underscore the need for trials with rigorous methodology, appropriate outcome measures, and improved quality of reporting to ensure that high quality evidence exists to support clinical decision-making in this vulnerable population.
Outcome and quality of life in patients with postoperative delirium during an ICU stay following major surgery
Authors: Abelha Fernando J , Luís Clara , Veiga Dalila , Parente Daniela , Fernandes Vera , Santos Patrícia , Botelho Miguela , Santos Alice , Santos Cristina
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Delirium is an acute disturbance of consciousness and cognition that has been shown to be associated with poor outcomes, including increased mortality. We aimed to evaluate outcome after postoperative delirium in a cohort of surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted over a 10-month period in a SICU. Postoperative delirium was diagnosed in accordance with the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC). The primary outcome was mortality at 6-month follow-up. Hospital mortality and becoming dependent were considered as secondary outcomes, on the basis of the evaluation of the patient’s ability to undertake both personal and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) before surgery and 6 months after discharge from the SICU. For each dichotomous outcome - hospital mortality, mortality at 6-month follow-up, and becoming dependent - a separate multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, which included delirium as an independent variable. Another outcome analyzed was changes in health-related quality of life, as determined using short-form 36 (SF-36), which was administered before and 6 months after discharge from the SICU. Additionally, for each SF-36 domain, a separate multiple linear regression model was used for each SF-36 domain, with changes in the SF-36 domain as a dependent variable and delirium as an independent variable.

Results

Of 775 SICU-admitted adults, 562 were enrolled in the study, of which 89 (16%) experienced postoperative delirium. Delirium was an independent risk factor for mortality at the 6-month follow-up (OR = 2.562, P <0.001) and also for hospital mortality (OR = 2.673, P <0.001). Delirium was also an independent risk factor for becoming dependent for personal ADL (P-ADL) after SICU discharge (OR = 2.188, P <0.046). Moreover, patients who experienced postoperative delirium showed a greater decline in SF-36 domains after discharge, particularly in physical function, vitality, and social function, as compared to patients without postoperative delirium.

Conclusions

Postoperative delirium was an independent risk factor for 6-month follow-up mortality, hospital mortality, and becoming independent in P-ADL after SICU discharge. It was also significantly associated with a worsening in the quality of life after surgery.
Aberrant epidermal differentiation and disrupted ΔNp63/Notch regulatory axis in Ets1 transgenic mice
Authors: Chin Shu Shien , Romano Rose-Anne , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Sinha Satrajit , Garrett-Sinha Lee Ann
Published: October 2013

The transcription factor Ets1 is expressed at low levels in epidermal keratinocytes under physiological conditions, but is over-expressed in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We previously showed that over-expression of Ets1 in differentiated keratinocytes of the skin leads to significant pro-tumorigenic alterations. Here, we further extend these studies by testing the effects of over-expressing Ets1 in the proliferative basal keratinocytes of the skin, which includes the putative epidermal stem cells. We show that induction of the Ets1 transgene in the basal layer of skin during embryogenesis results in epidermal hyperplasia and impaired differentiation accompanied by attenuated expression of spinous and granular layer markers. A similar hyper-proliferative skin phenotype was observed when the transgene was induced in the basal layer of the skin of adult mice leading to hair loss and open sores. The Ets1-mediated phenotype is accompanied by a variety of changes in gene expression including alterations in Notch signaling, a crucial mediator of normal skin differentiation. Finally, we show that Ets1 disrupts Notch signaling in part via its ability to upregulate ΔNp63, an established transcriptional repressor of several of the Notch receptors. Given the established tumor suppressive role for Notch signaling in skin tumorigenesis, the demonstrated ability of Ets1 to interfere with this signaling pathway may be important in mediating its pro-tumorigenic activities.
Incentive-Compatible Matching Mechanisms: Consistency with Various Stability Notions
Authors: Yenmez M. Bumin
Published: October 2013

I study the consistency of incentive compatibility with several stability notions for a one-to-one matching market with transfers. Ex post stability, studied in the matching literature, is too strong to be satisfied together with incentive compatibility. Therefore, I introduce weaker stability notions: ex ante stability and interim stability. Although ex ante stability is consistent with incentive compatibility when agents are ex ante identical or when the market is balanced, interim stability can only be satisfied when there is one agent on the short side of the market, as in auctions. Which stability is appropriate depends on when agents can block. (JEL C78, D44, D83)
Equilibrium Bids in Sponsored Search Auctions: Theory and Evidence
Authors: Börgers Tilman , Cox Ingemar , Pesendorfer Martin , Petricek Vaclav
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a game theoretic analysis of the generalized second-price auction that the company Overture operated in 2004 to sell sponsored search listings on search engines. We construct a model that embodies few prior assumptions about parameters, and we present results that indicate that this model has under quite general assumptions a multiplicity of Nash equilibria. We then analyze bid data assuming that advertisers choose Nash equilibrium bids. We offer preliminary conclusions about advertisers' true willingness to bid for sponsored search listings. We find that advertisers' true willingness to bid is multi-dimensional and decreasing in listing position. (JEL D44, L86, M31, M37)
Bargaining with Deadlines and Private Information
Authors: Fuchs William , Skrzypacz Andrzej
Published: October 2013

We study dynamic bargaining with private information and a deadline. As commitment power disappears, there is a clear “deadline effect.” That is, trade takes place smoothly before the deadline and with an atom right at the deadline. Prices, timing of trade, and the deadline effect respond to the consequences of not reaching an agreement. Bleaker disagreement options lead to more trade and proportionally more of the agreements taking place on the verge of the deadline. Time to deadline can affect the overall efficiency of the equilibrium nonmonotonically. For intermediate deadlines, efficiency is improved if agents face bleaker prospects after deadline. (JEL C78, D82)
On the presence of the Mediterranean endemic Microdeutopus sporadhi Myers, 1969 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Aoridae) in the Gulf of Naples (Italy) with a review on its distribution and ecology
Authors: SCIPIONE M. B.
Published: October 2013

The species Microdeutopus sporadhi (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Aoridae), endemic of the Mediterranean Sea, was described by Myers in 1969 on material collected from the Aegean Sea in a sheltered environment with high sedimentation rates. A check on the distribution and ecology of M. sporadhi showed that: — although not mentioned in the checklist of amphipods of the Italian seas, it was already found in the central Tyrrhenian Sea in 1983-84 and in the northern Adriatic Sea in 2002-03; — it was rarely found in the Mediterranean Sea, one of the most studied basins as concerns amphipod fauna; but notwithstanding the few records available, the wide ecological spectrum of this species was pointed out. The present study, conducted off the Island of Ischia (Gulf of Naples, Italy), showed the presence of rich and well established populations through time, but only in a peculiar substratum (artificial collectors) and environment (low pH values). The species seems to be able to withstand harsh environmental conditions and probably to conceal itself through a cryptic behaviour, escaping traditional sampling methods. The role of rare or hidden species in bio-assessment should be re-evaluated.
Verkföll og verkfallstíðni á íslenskum vinnumarkaði 1976-2004
Authors: Aðalsteinsson Gylfi Dalmann
Published: October 2013

Einn helgasti réttur launþega er verkfallsrétturinn. Í 14. gr. laga um stéttarfélög og vinnudeildur, nr. 80/1938, er launþegum veitt heimild fyrir verkfallsrétti og atvinnurekendum fyrir verkbönnum í þeim tilgangi að vinna að framgangi krafna sinna í vinnudeilum og til varnar rétti sínum. Verkföll eru eitt helsta tæki launþega til að ná fram kröfum sínum gagnvart viðsemjendum sínum. Hér á landi var þessi réttur launþega á almennum vinnumarkaði lögfestur með lögum um stéttarfélög og vinnudeilur, vinnulöggjöfinni, árið 1938. Opinberir starfsmenn öðluðust hins vegar ekki verkfallsrétt með lögum fyrr en 1976. Eitt meginmarkmið vinnulöggjafarinnar er að tryggja að sem minnst tjón hljótist af vinnudeilum fyrir atvinnulíf og þjóðarbú. Þrátt fyrir göfugt markmið hafa verkföll á Íslandi verið tíð síðustu áratugi og því hefur stundum verið haldið fram að Íslendingar eigi heimsmet í verkföllum. Í greininni er gerð grein fyrir verkföllum á íslenskum vinnumarkaði á árunum 1976-2004. Reynt er að varpa ljósi á þætti sem skýrt geta háa verkfallstíðni hér á landi með því að skoða hvernig verkfallskenningar sem settar hafa verið fram af vinnumarkaðsfræðingum eiga við íslenskan vinnumarkað. Sérstaklega verður gaumur gefinn að verkföllum á opinberum vinnumarkaði og reynt að varpa ljósi á hvers vegna verkföll opinberra starfsmanna eru svo tíð sem raun ber vitni. Þá verður leitað skýringa á því hvers vegna verkföllum á almennum vinnumarkaði hefur fækkað stórlega síðustu 15 ár en verkföll meðal opinberra starfsmanna orðið mun tíðari.
Fjölmennustu flokkar heims. Meðlimaskipulag íslenskra stjórnmálaflokka
Authors: Kristinsson Gunnar Helgi
Published: October 2013

Ísland hefur þá sérstöðu meðal lýðræðisþjóða að mun hærra hlutfall kjósenda er skráð í stjórnmálaflokka en þekkist annars staðar. Þetta vekur spurningar um eðli og hlutverk flokksaðildar og kallar á skýringar á sérstöðu Íslands. Auk þess hefur meðlimum stjórnmálaflokkanna fjölgað hér á landi, þvert á reynsluna í öðrum löndum. Víða um heim veldur fækkun meðlima í stjórnmálaflokkunum áhyggjum, en spyrja má hvort mikill fjöldi meðlima í þeim íslensku sé heilbrigðismerki á íslenska flokkakerfinu. Í þessari grein er leitast við að kortleggja og skýra meðlimaþróun íslensku stjórnmálaflokkanna með hliðsjón af kenningum um skipulag stjórnmálaflokka. Forsenda mikils meðlimafjölda er að aðild að flokkunum er í raun frígæði á Íslandi en þróun prófkjaranna hefur átt meginþátt í því að gera þá möguleika til fjölgunar meðlima sem frígæðin skapa að veruleika.
A Global Civilian Power? The Future Role of the European Union in International Politics
Authors: Brljavac Bedrudin , Conrad Maximilian
Published: October 2013

Questions about the future of the European Union as an international actor continue to puzzle students of international relations and particularly students of EU foreign policy. What kind of predictions can we make about the future role of the EU in international politics? While the question is often framed in terms of military versus normative and/or global civilian power Europe, there are indications that ambitions in both directions may very well coincide. However, despite the EU’s development towards deepened defense integration since the 1990s, such developments are by far outweighed by developments pointing in the direction of the EU consolidating its role as a global civilian power. In this article, we analyze the union’s civilian policies and contrast the findings of our analysis with developments in the field of Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Based on our analysis of EU enlargement policy, external aid, global environmental policy and the union’s commitment to multilateralism, our conclusion is that the EU’s international role in the next decades will continue to be best described in terms of a global civilian power.
Frá mjúkum yfir í harðar samdráttaraðgerðir á vinnumarkaði: Sveigjanleiki fyrirtækja og stofnana í kjölfar hruns
Authors: Einarsdóttir Arney , Ólafsdóttir Katrín , Arnarsdóttir Auður Arna
Published: October 2013

Fyrirtæki og stofnanir þurfa að laga sig að breyttum aðstæðum þegar þjóðarbúskapurinn verður fyrir skyndilegu áfalli eins og raunin varð á Íslandi haustið 2008. Margt bendir til þess að skipulagsheildir beiti gjarnan uppsögnum starfsmanna til þess að draga saman seglin við slíkar aðstæður. Á sveigjanlegum vinnumarkaði má þó gera ráð fyrir að fyrirtæki beiti einnig ýmsum öðrum samdráttaraðgerðum samtímis uppsögnum, s.s. launalækkunum, yfirvinnubanni og frystingu í ráðningum svo fátt eitt sé upptalið. Slíkum aðgerðum er þá beitt til að reyna að koma í veg fyrir uppsagnir og þar með dreifa með jafnari hætti afleiðingum samdráttar meðal starfsfólks og á vinnumarkaði. Í þessari grein er stillt upp hugmyndafræðilegum ramma þar sem ólíkar mannauðstengdar samdráttaraðgerðir eru skilgreindar og flokkaðar, frá mjúkum að gerðum yfir í harðar, í ljósi þess hve mikil áhrif má ætla að þær hafi á starfsfólk. Varpað er ljósi á það hvort fyrirtæki og stofnanir beittu sambærilegum eða ólíkum aðgerðum í kjölfar efnahagshrunsins haustið 2008 og út frá því dregnar ályktanir um sveigjanleika þeirra. Gagna var aflað meðal forsvarsmanna starfsmannamála í fyrirtækjum og stofnunum með yfir 70 starfsmenn og nær rannsóknin yfir tvö tímabil, átta mánuði og níu til tuttugu mánuði frá hruni. Niðurstöður gefa vísbendingu um skjót viðbrögð og töluverðan sveigjanleika hjá fyrirtækjum á almennum markaði og í opinberum stofnunum þótt viðbrögðin séu síðbúnari hjá opinberum stofnunum. Opinberar stofnanir nota mildari samdráttaraðgerðir en einkafyrirtækin á fyrstu átta mánuðunum eftir hrun en byrja að beita óhefðbundnari og harðari samdráttaraðgerðum í auknum mæli, og af krafti, er lengra líður frá hruni.
Barneignir erlendra kvenna á Íslandi: Skipulag þjónustu, menningarhæfni og þjónandi forysta
Authors: Jónsdóttir Birna Gerður , Gunnarsdóttir Sigrún , Ólafsdóttir Ólöf Ásta
Published: October 2013

Fjölgun erlendra kvenna hérlendis kallar á endurskoðun á skipulagi, stjórnun og samskiptum í barneignarþjónustu. Fáar rannsóknir eru til hér á landi um það hvernig heilbrigðiskerfið hlúir að útlendingum búsettum á Íslandi. Erlendar rannsóknir gefa til kynna að ekki sé tekið nægjanlegt tillit til menningarbundinna viðhorfa, t.a.m. í samræmi jafnræðisreglu stjórnsýslulaga. Tilgangur rannsóknarinnar var að kanna viðhorf, hefðir og væntingar erlendra kvenna til barneignarferlisins ásamt reynslu þeirra af barneignarferlinu og barneignarþjónustunni hér á landi. Markmiðið var að afla þekkingar sem gæti nýst við mótun menningarhæfrar barneignarþjónustu fyrir erlendar barnshafandi konur. Rannsóknin var eigindleg þar sem hugtakið menningarhæfni og hugmyndafræði þjónandi forystu voru lögð til grundvallar með viðtölum við sjö erlendar konur, fyrir og eftir fæðingu barna þeirra hér á landi. Niðurstöður rannsóknarinnar endurspeglast í þremur þemum sem snerta þarfir, væntingar og reynslu erlendra kvenna af barneignarþjónustu hér á landi: Skortur á félagslegum stuðningi; Viðmót starfsfólks; tjáskipti og traust; Fræðsla og árekstrar við kerfið. Þemun vísa til fjölbreyttra samskipta við umönnunaraðila og reynslu af þjónustunni. Almenn ánægja var með viðmót fagfólks en vísbendingar voru um að bæta megi fræðslu og upplýsingagjöf, túlkaþjónustu og stuðning. Samfelld ljósmæðraþjónusta og þjónandi forysta virðist henta vel og vera vænleg leið til að efla menningarhæfa barneignarþjónustu. Framtíðarverkefni innan barnseignarþjónustunnar eru samskipti sem efla heilsulæsi og sjálfstraust kvenna sem eru af erlendu bergi brotnar. Niðurstöður samræmast erlendum rannsóknum og eru mikilvægt framlag til þekkingarþróunar á þverfræðilegum grunni fyrir skipulag menningarhæfrar barneignarþjónustu sem nýtist heilbrigðis- og velferðarþjónustu.
Fátækt,fötlun og velferð
Authors: Rice James G. , Traustadóttir Rannveig
Published: October 2013

Greinin fjallar um niðurstöður tveggja rannsókna þar sem rýnt var í hið flókna samspil fátæktar og fötlunar. Fátækt er brýnt samfélagsvandamál og alþjóðastofnanir hafa unnið fjölmargar rannsóknir um fátækt og mismunun í heiminum. Þó að fyrirliggjandi gögn sýni að fatlað fólk sé líklegra en ófatlað til að vera fátækt hafa fáar rannsóknir beinst að samspili fötlunar og fátæktar. Markmið rannsóknanna sem hér er greint frá var að afla þekkingar á félagslegum og fjárhagslegum aðstæðum fatlaðs fólks og öryrkja með áherslu á að öðlast skilning á daglegri reynslu og sjónarhorni fólksins sjálfs. Beitt var eigindlegum aðferðum, einstaklingsviðtölum og rýnihópaviðtölum. Þátttakendur voru alls um 80, fjölbreyttur hópur með tilliti til aldurs, skerðingar, fjölskylduaðstæðna, búsetu, menntunar og fleiri þátta. Niðurstöður sýna að þátttakendur bjuggu við þröngan kost, margir áttu erfitt með að uppfylla brýnustu þarfir sínar og fjölskyldunnar og börðust við að falla ekki í fátækt. Fólk sýndi mikla útsjónarsemi við að lifa af á örorkubótum. Þrátt fyrir það var erfitt eða ómögulegt fyrir flesta að leggja fyrir til að eiga varasjóð en það er lykilatriði til að takast á við óvænt áföll og útgjöld. Þegar í harðbakka sló leituðu þátttakendur aðstoðar í félagslegu tengslaneti sínu, oftast til fjölskyldu, og ljóst er að gagnkvæm stuðningstengsl gátu skipt miklu um afkomu fólks. Þær erfiðu fjárhagslegu og félagslegu aðstæður sem flestir bjuggu við sköpuðu álag, kvíða og streitu sem höfðu neikvæð áhrif á líðan og heilsufar. Mikilvægt er að aðgerðir stjórnvalda til að sporna við fátækt byggist á þekkingu á aðstæðum fólks og þeim flóknu ferlum sem eru að verki þar sem fátækt og fötlun mætast.
Tími til að tengja? Af stefnumótun í ferðaþjónustu á Íslandi
Authors: Jóhannesson Gunnar Þór
Published: October 2013

Ferðaþjónusta á Íslandi hefur vaxið mjög að umfangi síðustu þrjá áratugi og er nú svo komið að atvinnugreinin skaffar umtalsverðan hluta gjaldeyristekna þjóðarbúsins. Ferðaþjónustu hefur löngum verið lýst sem atvinnugrein með mikla framtíðarmöguleika og eftir bankahrunið 2008 hefur hún verið talin gegna mikilvægu hlutverki í endurreisn efnahagslífsins. Í þessari grein er fjallað um hvernig stjórnvöld hafa leitast við að móta stefnu í ferðaþjónustu. Megindráttum í sögu stefnumótunar í ferðaþjónustu er lýst og gripið sérstaklega niður í tvö tímabil sem varpa ljósi á tilurð hennar og mótun. Gerendanetskenningunni (Actor-network theory) er beitt til að draga fram margleitni og dýnamík í gerð stefnumótunar. Því er haldið fram að stefnumótun í ferðaþjónustu sé afurð flókinna tengsla og á tíðum óvæntra samtenginga og tilviljana auk þess að markast af meintu tengslaleysi stjórnvalda við atvinnugreinina. Í þeim tveim tilvikum sem lýst er leika þorskstofninn og gosaska stórt hlutverk fyrir mótun og tilurð stefnumótunar í ferðaþjónustu.
Estimating VAR-MGARCH models in multiple steps
Authors: Carnero M. Angeles , Eratalay M. Hakan
Published: October 2013

This paper analyzes the performance of multiple steps estimators of vector autoregressive multivariate conditional correlation GARCH models by means of Monte Carlo experiments. We show that if innovations are Gaussian, estimating the parameters in multiple steps is a reasonable alternative to the maximization of the full likelihood function. Our results also suggest that for the sample sizes usually encountered in financial econometrics, the differences between the volatility and correlation estimates obtained with the more efficient estimator and the multiple steps estimators are negligible. However, when innovations are distributed as a Student-t, using multiple steps estimators might not be a good idea.
Consent and Community Engagement in Diverse Research Contexts: Reviewing and Developing Research and Practice
Authors: Molyneux Sassy , Bull Susan
Published: October 2013

Consent and community engagement (CE) in health research are two aspects of a single concern—that research is carried out in a respectful manner where social value is maximized. There are important overlaps and interdependencies between consent and CE; for example, CE can provide insights into how best to tailor consent to context and can be an important component of consent processes. Engaging communities can also have intrinsic and instrumental value beyond consent; for example, as a means of showing respect and identifying appropriate ways of working respectfully. In this paper we critically examine how CE and consent processes are characterized, conducted, and evaluated in diverse health research contexts, and propose a preliminary research agenda to support future learning in these critical areas.
Extending the Olive Branch: Enhancing Communication and Trust Between Research Ethics Committees and Qualitative Researchers
Authors: McMurphy Suzanne , Lewis Jacqueline , Boulos Pierre
Published: October 2013

Using data from a study of qualitative researchers' experiences with ethics review and our own lens as both researchers and REB/IRB members, we explore the ethics review process and provide recommendations for improvements. Our findings suggest that the review process would benefit from a strengthened trust relationship between REB/IRBs and qualitative researchers that would require a commitment from both sides. Regarding REBs/IRBs, increased transparency of the review process, consistent application of federal guidelines, and a more collaborative review approach may improve the trust of qualitative researchers. Regarding researchers, approaching ethics review as a form of academic peer review, similar to other types of assessments of scholarly products such as grants and publications, may promote the integration of ethics review as an intrinsic part of the research process. Recognizing that responsibility for ethical research is a shared goal of both researchers and REB/IRBs, improved collaboration and constructive interaction can assist in understanding each other's perspective and work toward the development of mutual trust and respect.
Cushing's disease and hypertension: in vivo and in vitro study of the role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and effects of medical therapy
Authors: van der Pas R , van Esch J H M , de Bruin C , Danser A H J , Pereira A M , Zelissen P M , Netea-Maier R , Sprij-Mooij D M , van den Berg-Garrelds I M , van Schaik R H N , Lamberts S W J , van den Meiracker A H , Hofland L J , Feelders R A
Published: October 2013

Objective/methods

Cushing's disease (CD) is often accompanied by hypertension. CD can be treated surgically and, given the expression of somatostatin subtype 5 and dopamine 2 receptors by corticotroph pituitary adenomas, pharmacologically. Indeed, we recently observed that stepwise medical combination therapy with the somatostatin-analog pasireotide, the dopamine-agonist cabergoline, and ketoconazole (which directly suppresses steroidogenesis) biochemically controlled CD patients and lowered their blood pressure after 80 days. Glucocorticoids (GC) modulate the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) among others by increasing hepatic angiotensinogen expression and stimulating mineralocorticoid receptors (MR). This study therefore evaluated plasma RAAS components in CD patients before and after drug therapy. In addition, we studied whether cabergoline/pasireotide have direct relaxant effects in angiotensin II (Ang II)-constricted iliac arteries of spontaneously hypertensive rats, with and without concomitant GR/MR stimulation with dexamethasone or hydrocortisone.

Results

Baseline concentrations of angiotensinogen were elevated, while renin and aldosterone were low and suppressed, respectively, even in patients treated with RAAS-blockers. This pattern did not change after 80 days of treatment, despite blood pressure normalization, nor after 4 years of remission. In the presence of dexamethasone, pasireotide inhibited Ang II-mediated vasoconstriction.

Conclusions

The low plasma renin concentrations, even under RAAS blockade, in CD may be the consequence of increased GC-mediated MR stimulation and/or the elevated angiotensinogen levels in such patients. The lack of change in RAAS-parameters despite blood pressure and cortisol normalization suggests persisting consequences of long-term exposure to cortisol excess. Finally, pasireotide may have a direct vasodilating effect contributing to blood pressure lowering.
Fetal Growth and Childhood Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Bjørge Tone , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Grotmol Tom , Engeland Anders , Stephansson Olof , Gissler Mika , Tretli Steinar , Troisi Rebecca
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE:

The etiology of childhood cancers is largely unknown. Studies have suggested that birth characteristics may be associated with risk. Our goal was to evaluate the risk of childhood cancers in relation to fetal growth.

METHODS:

We conducted a case-control study nested within Nordic birth registries. The study included cancer cases diagnosed in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden among children born from 1967 to 2010 and up to 10 matched controls per case, totaling 17 698 cases and 172 422 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were derived from conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Risks of all childhood cancers increased with increasing birth weight (Ptrend ≤ .001). Risks of acute lymphoid leukemia and Wilms tumor were elevated when birth weight was >4000 g and of central nervous system tumors when birth weight was >4500 g. Newborns large for gestational age were at increased risk of Wilms tumor (OR: 2.1 [95% CI: 1.2–3.6]) and connective/soft tissue tumors (OR: 2.1 [95% CI: 1.1–4.4]). In contrast, the risk of acute myeloid leukemia was increased among children born small for gestational age (OR: 1.8 [95% CI: 1.1–3.1]). Children diagnosed with central nervous system tumors at <1 year of age had elevated risk with increasing head circumference (Ptrend < .001). Those with head circumference >39 cm had the highest risk (OR: 4.7 [95% CI: 2.5–8.7]).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this large, Nordic population-based study, increased risks for several childhood tumors were associated with measures of fetal growth, supporting the hypothesis that tumorigenesis manifesting in childhood is initiated in utero.
Hematoma volumes of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: the ellipse (ABC/2) method yielded volumes smaller than those measured using the planimetric method
Authors: Maeda Adriano Keijiro , Aguiar Luiz Roberto , Martins Carolina , Bichinho Gerson Linck , Gariba Munir Antonio
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE: To compare two different methods for measuring intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) volume: the ellipse volume (called ABC/2), and the software-aided planimetric. METHODS: Four observers evaluated 20 brain computed tomography (CT) scans with spontaneous ICH. Each professional measured the volume using the ABC/2 and the planimetric methods. The average volumes were obtained, and the intra- and inter-rater variability was determined. RESULTS: There is an absolute 2.24 cm3 average difference between both methodologies. Volumes yielded by the ABC/2 method were as much as 14.9% smaller than by the planimetric one. An intra-observer variability rate of 0.46% was found for the planimetric method and 0.18% for the ABC/2. The inter-observer rates were 1.69 and 1.11% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both methods are reproducible. The ABC/2 yielded hemorrhage volumes as much as 14.9% smaller than those measured using the planimetric methodology.
Invasive meningococcal disease
Authors: Strelow Vanessa L. , Vidal Jose E.
Published: October 2013

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a major public health and continues to cause substantial mortality and morbidity. Serotype C is the most frequent in Brazil. The clinical spectrum of IMD is broad (meningitis, meningococcemia or both) and the clinical evolution may be unpredictable. Main features associated with mortality are: age higher than 50 years old, seizures, shock, and meningococcemia without meningitis. Blood cultures should be obtained immediately. Lumbar puncture can be performed without previous computed tomography scan (CT) in most cases. Clinical features can be useful to predic patients where an abnormal CT scan is likely. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and Gram stain should always be required. Latex agglutination sensitivity is highly variable. Polymerase chain reaction is specially useful when other methods are negative or delayed. Usually ceftriaxone should not be delayed while awaiting CSF study or CT. Dexamethasone can be used in meningococcal meningitis. Early suspicion of IMD and antibiotic in primary care before hospitalization, rapid transportation to a hospital, and stabilization in an intensive-care unit has substantially reduced the case-fatality rate. Vaccines against serotypes A, C, W-135, and Y are available while vaccines against serotype B are expected.
Evolution of bacterial meningitis diagnosis in Sao Paulo State-Brazil and future challenges
Authors: Salgado Maristela Marques , Goncalves Maria Gisele , Fukasawa Lucila Okuyama , Higa Fabio Takenori , Paulino Juliana Thalita , Sacchi Claudio Tavares
Published: October 2013

Bacterial meningitis (BM) is a severe disease and still represents a serious public health problem with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The most common cases of BM around the world, mainly in Brazil, have been caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. Bacterial culture is the gold-standard technique for BM confirmation, but approximately 50% of suspected cases are not culture-confirmed, due to problems related to improper transportation and seeding or previous antibiotic treatment. Immunological methods present low sensitivity and have possibility of cross-reactions. Real time PCR (qPCR) is a molecular technique and has been successful used for BM diagnosis at Instituto Adolfo Lutz in São Paulo State, Brazil, since 2007. The incorporation of qPCR in the Public Health surveillance routine in our state resulted in diminishing 50% of undetermined BM cases. Our efforts are focused on qPCR implementation in the BM diagnostic routine throughout Brazil.
Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in the context of CNS demyelinating diseases
Authors: Matas Sandro Luiz de Andrade , Glehn Felipe von , Fernandes Gustavo Bruniera Peres , Soares Carlos Augusto Senne
Published: October 2013

The central nervous system demyelinating diseases are a group of disorders with different etiologies, characterized by inflammatory lesions that are associated with loss of myelin and eventually axonal damage. In this group the most studied ones are multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optic (NMO) and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). The cerebrospinal fluid is essential to differentiate between these different syndromes and to define multiple sclerosis, helping to assess the probability of Clinical Isolated Syndrome turn into multiple sclerosis.
As vivências: questões de tradução, sentidos e fontes epistemológicas no legado de Vigotski
Authors: Toassa Gisele , Souza Marilene Proença Rebello de
Published: October 2013

O objetivo deste artigo é abordar a questão das vivências na perspectiva de L.S. Vigotski, tratando de suas fontes epistemológicas, de suas raízes na língua russa e de seus sentidos específicos, priorizando "A Tragédia do Hamlet, Príncipe da Dinamarca" (1916) e os textos pedológicos dos anos 1930, com destaque para "A questão do meio na pedologia". Destacam-se as transformações das ideias do autor sobre vivências e sua contribuição metodológica à  análise da relação indivíduo-meio no desenvolvimento humano, articulada aos conceitos de consciência e sistema.
Relating a Reading Comprehension Test to the CEFR Levels: A Case of Standard Setting in Practice with Focus on Judges and Items
Authors: Figueras Neus , Kaftandjieva Felianka , Takala Sauli
Published: October 2013

Abstract:

The article addresses some problems and options in setting standards on language tests and examinations. More specifically, it reports on a set of three workshops conducted in the European context where standard setting in language education typically concerns linking tests and examinations to the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) published in 2001. The context of the workshops and the standard-setting procedures are described, and the results and their interpretations are discussed. The focus in the article is on judges (panels) and items, which are considered the most important determinants in valid standard setting (cut scores).
A Corpus-Based Assessment of French CEFR Lexical Content
Authors: Kusseling Françoise , Lonsdale Deryle
Published: October 2013

Abstract:

The French CEFR vocabulary profiles as presented in the Référentiels – while a valuable resource for a wide range of applications focused on lexical content – result from introspection, intuition-based judgements, and unquantifiable experience. The result is a specification of vocabulary that has been largely untested from a corpus-based, empirical perspective. In contrast, the English profiles were corpus-derived using current computational practices by English Profile, an ongoing project. In this article we summarize our evaluation of the French profiles by comparing their content with two sizable contemporary corpora and derived artifacts. We quantify the vocabulary overlap and uniqueness across all three of these resources. This leads us to make recommendations about possible ways of refining French CEFR vocabulary content by retaining, adding, and removing vocabulary items.
South Pole glacial climate reconstruction from multi-borehole laser particulate stratigraphy
Authors:   The IceCube Collaboration
Published: October 2013

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory and its prototype, AMANDA, were built in South Pole ice, using powerful hot-water drills to cleanly bore>100 holes to depths up to 2500 m. The construction of these particle physics detectors provided a unique opportunity to examine the deep ice sheet using a variety of novel techniques. We made high-resolution particulate profiles with a laser dust logger in eight of the boreholes during detector commissioning between 2004 and 2010. The South Pole laser logs are among the most clearly resolved measurements of Antarctic dust strata during the last glacial period and can be used to reconstruct paleoclimate records in exceptional detail. Here we use manual and algorithmic matching to synthesize our South Pole measurements with ice-core and logging data from Dome C, East Antarctica. We derive impurity concentration, precision chronology, annual-layer thickness, local spatial variability, and identify several widespread volcanic ash depositions useful for dating. We also examine the interval around ∼74 ka recently isolated with radiometric dating to bracket the Toba (Sumatra) supereruption.
How Technology in Care at Home Affects Patient Self-Care and Self-Management: A Scoping Review
Authors: Peeters José , Wiegers Therese , Friele Roland
Published: October 2013

The use of technology in care at home has potential benefits such as improved quality of care. This includes greater focus on the patients’ role in managing their health and increased patient involvement in the care process. The objective of this scoping review is to analyse the existing evidence for effects of technology in home-based care on patients’ self-care and self-management. Using suitable search terms we searched the databases of Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cinahl, Picarta and NIVEL dating from 2002 to 2012. Thirty-three studies (six review studies and twenty-seven individual studies) were selected. Effects were extracted from each study and were classified. In almost all the studies, the concepts self-care and self-management are not clearly defined or operationalized. Therefore, based on a meta-analysis, we made a new classification of outcome measures, with hierarchical levels: (1) competence (2) illness-management (3) independence (social participation, autonomy). In general, patient outcomes appear to be positive or promising, but most studies were pilot studies. We did not find strong evidence that technology in care at home has (a positive) effect on patient self-care and self-management according to the above classification. Future research is needed to clarify how technology can be used to maximize its benefits.
Extreme Heat and Health: Perspectives from Health Service Providers in Rural and Remote Communities in South Australia
Authors: Williams Susan , Bi Peng , Newbury Jonathan , Robinson Guy , Pisaniello Dino , Saniotis Arthur , Hansen Alana
Published: October 2013

Among the challenges for rural communities and health services in Australia, climate change and increasing extreme heat are emerging as additional stressors. Effective public health responses to extreme heat require an understanding of the impact on health and well-being, and the risk or protective factors within communities. This study draws on lived experiences to explore these issues in eleven rural and remote communities across South Australia, framing these within a socio-ecological model. Semi-structured interviews with health service providers (n = 13), and a thematic analysis of these data, has identified particular challenges for rural communities and their health services during extreme heat. The findings draw attention to the social impacts of extreme heat in rural communities, the protective factors (independence, social support, education, community safety), and challenges for adaptation (vulnerabilities, infrastructure, community demographics, housing and local industries). With temperatures increasing across South Australia, there is a need for local planning and low-cost strategies to address heat-exacerbating factors in rural communities, to minimise the impact of extreme heat in the future.
Anti HSV-1 Activity of Halistanol Sulfate and Halistanol Sulfate C Isolated from Brazilian Marine Sponge Petromica citrina (Demospongiae)
Authors: Da Rosa Guimarães Tatiana , Quiroz Carlos , Rigotto Caroline , De Oliveira Simone , De Almeida Maria , Bianco Éverson , Moritz Maria , Carraro João , Palermo Jorge , Cabrera Gabriela , Schenkel Eloir , Reginatto Flávio , Simões Cláudia
Published: October 2013

The n-butanol fraction (BF) obtained from the crude extract of the marine sponge Petromica citrina, the halistanol-enriched fraction (TSH fraction), and the isolated compounds halistanol sulfate (1) and halistanol sulfate C (2), were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on the replication of the Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1, KOS strain) by the viral plaque number reduction assay. The TSH fraction was the most effective against HSV-1 replication (SI = 15.33), whereas compounds 1 (SI = 2.46) and 2 (SI = 1.95) were less active. The most active fraction and these compounds were also assayed to determine the viral multiplication step(s) upon which they act as well as their potential synergistic effects. The anti-HSV-1 activity detected was mediated by the inhibition of virus attachment and by the penetration into Vero cells, the virucidal effect on virus particles, and by the impairment in levels of ICP27 and gD proteins of HSV-1. In summary, these results suggest that the anti-HSV-1 activity of TSH fraction detected is possibly related to the synergic effects of compounds 1 and 2.