bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Preterm Delivery Indicated in Fetuses with Gastroschisis and Antenatally Detected Bowel Dilation?
Authors: Wilson Megan S. , Carroll Mary A. , Braun Stephane A. , Walsh William F. , Pietsch John B. , Bennett Kelly A.
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Due to the controversy surrounding diagnostic ultrasound evaluations and elective preterm delivery of fetuses with gastroschisis, we sought to calculate the predictive value of bowel dilation in fetuses with gastroschisis and evaluate the effect of preterm delivery on neonatal outcomes. Materials and Methods: Ultrasounds and medical records of 103 mother-infant pairs with fetal gastroschisis were reviewed. Eighty-nine pairs met the criteria. Intestinal complications, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, and number of abdominal surgeries were documented. Results: Forty-eight fetuses (54%) had bowel dilation and 41 (46%) did not. The positive predictive value of bowel dilation for complicated gastroschisis was 21%. There were 50 (56%) preterm and 39 (44%) term deliveries. The mean birth weight was 2,114 g (SD = 507) and 2,659 g (SD = 687), p = 0.001. For infants delivered preterm, the mean number of postnatal abdominal surgeries was 2.1 (SD = 1.1) as compared to 1.3 (SD = 0.5) surgical procedures for those infants delivered at term gestation. This was not statistically significant. With respect to hospital stay for each group, the mean length of neonatal intensive care unit admission was 48 days (SD = 33) in the preterm group and 35 days (SD = 50) in the term group, which was not statistically significant. Discussion: Ultrasound-detected bowel dilation was not predictive of important intestinal complications. Our data did not substantiate any benefit for elective preterm delivery of neonates with gastroschisis.
Dermatoscopy as an Adjunctive Diagnostic Tool in Aquagenic Syringeal Acrokeratoderma
Authors: Sezer Engin , Erkek Emel , Duman Deniz , Şahin Sedef , Çetin Emel
Published: July 2012

Aquagenic syringeal acrokeratoderma (ASA) is a rare skin disorder of the palms and/or soles, characterized by whitish papules with occasional pruritus or pain sensation. Herein we report a 27-year-old man with a diagnosis of ASA based on clinical and histopathological features, and describe the dermatoscopic features consistent with threefold enlarged sweat duct pores compared with a normal-looking palmar skin area. As far as we are aware, dermatoscopic features of ASA have not been reported so far.
Most Important Articles on Cardiovascular Disease Among Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Authors: Mody Purav , Gupta Aakriti , Bikdeli Behnood , Lampropulos Julianna F. , Dharmarajan Kumar
Published: July 2012

The following are highlights from the new series,
Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes Topic Review
. This series will summarize the most important manuscripts, as selected by the Editor, that have published in the
Circulation
portfolio. The objective of this new series is to provide our readership with a timely, comprehensive selection of important papers that are relevant to the quality and outcomes, and general cardiology audience. The studies included in this article represent the most significant research in the area of cardiovascular disease among racial and ethnic minorities.
Mitochondrial ROMK Channel Is a Molecular Component of MitoK
ATP
Authors: Foster D. Brian , Ho Alice S. , Rucker Jasma , Garlid Anders O. , Chen Ling , Sidor Agnieszka , Garlid Keith D. , O'Rourke Brian
Published: July 2012

Rationale:

Activation of the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mitoK
ATP
) has been implicated in the mechanism of cardiac ischemic preconditioning, yet its molecular composition is unknown.

Objective:

To use an unbiased proteomic analysis of the mitochondrial inner membrane to identify the mitochondrial K
+
channel underlying mitoK
ATP
.

Methods and Results:

Mass spectrometric analysis was used to identify KCNJ1(ROMK) in purified bovine heart mitochondrial inner membrane and ROMK mRNA was confirmed to be present in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes and adult hearts. ROMK2, a short form of the channel, is shown to contain an N-terminal mitochondrial targeting signal, and a full-length epitope-tagged ROMK2 colocalizes with mitochondrial ATP synthase β. The high-affinity ROMK toxin, tertiapin Q, inhibits mitoK
ATP
activity in isolated mitochondria and in digitonin-permeabilized cells. Moreover, short hairpin RNA—mediated knockdown of ROMK inhibits the ATP-sensitive, diazoxide-activated component of mitochondrial thallium uptake. Finally, the heart-derived cell line, H9C2, is protected from cell death stimuli by stable ROMK2 overexpression, whereas knockdown of the native ROMK exacerbates cell death.

Conclusions:

The findings support ROMK as the pore-forming subunit of the cytoprotective mitoK
ATP
channel.
Chronic Valproate Treatment Enhances Postischemic Angiogenesis and Promotes Functional Recovery in a Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Zhifei , Tsai Li-Kai , Munasinghe Jeeva , Leng Yan , Fessler Emily Bame , Chibane Fairouz , Leeds Peter , Chuang De-Maw
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—

Enhanced angiogenesis facilitates neurovascular remodeling processes and promotes brain functional recovery after stroke. Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated that valproate (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, protects against experimental brain ischemia. The present study investigated whether VPA could enhance angiogenesis and promote long-term functional recovery after ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Male rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion for 60 minutes followed by reperfusion for up to 14 days. Assessed parameters were: locomotor function through the Rotarod test; infarct volume through T2-weighted MRI; microvessel density through immunohistochemistry; relative cerebral blood flow through perfusion-weighted imaging; protein levels of proangiogenic factors through Western blotting; and matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 activities through gelatin zymography.

Results—

Postischemic VPA treatment robustly improved the Rotarod performance of middle cerebral artery occlusion rats on Days 7 and 14 after ischemia and significantly reduced brain infarction on Day 14. Concurrently, VPA markedly enhanced microvessel density, facilitated endothelial cell proliferation, and increased relative cerebral blood flow in the ipsilateral cortex. The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and its downstream proangiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-2/9, were upregulated after middle cerebral artery occlusion and significantly potentiated by VPA in the ipsilateral cortex. Acetylation of histone-H3 and H4 was robustly increased by chronic VPA treatment. The beneficial effects of VPA on Rotarod performance and microvessel density were abolished by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α inhibition.

Conclusions—

Chronic VPA treatment enhances angiogenesis and promotes functional recovery after brain ischemia. These effects may involve histone deacetylase inhibition and upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and its downstream proangiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-2/9.
Primary Stroke Centers Should Be Located Using Maximal Coverage Models for Optimal Access
Authors: Leira Enrique C. , Fairchild Geoffrey , Segre Alberto M. , Rushton Gerard , Froehler Michael T. , Polgreen Philip M.
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—

The current self-initiated approach by which hospitals acquire Primary Stroke Center (PSC) certification provides insufficient coverage for large areas of the United States. An alternative, directed, algorithmic approach to determine near optimal locations of PSCs would be justified if it significantly improves coverage.

Methods—

Using geographic location–allocation modeling techniques, we developed a universal web-based calculator for selecting near optimal PSC locations designed to maximize the population coverage in any state. We analyzed the current PSC network population coverage in Iowa and compared it with the coverage that would exist if a maximal coverage model had instead been used to place those centers. We then estimated the expected gains in population coverage if additional PSCs follow the current self-initiated model and compared it against the more efficient coverage expected by use of a maximal coverage model to select additional locations.

Results—

The existing 12 self-initiated PSCs in Iowa cover 37% of the population, assuming a time–distance radius of 30 minutes. The current population coverage would have been 47.5% if those 12 PSCs had been located using a maximal coverage model. With the current self-initiated approach, 54 additional PSCs on average will be needed to improve coverage to 75% of the population. Conversely, only 31 additional PSCs would be needed to achieve the same degree of population coverage if a maximal coverage model is used.

Conclusion—

Given the substantial gain in population access to adequate acute stroke care, it appears justified to direct the location of additional PSCs or recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator-capable hospitals through a maximal coverage model algorithmic approach.
Clinical Experience With Three-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate to Reverse Warfarin Anticoagulation in Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Switzer Jeffrey A. , Rocker Jody , Mohorn Phillip , Waller Jennifer L. , Hughes Douglas , Bruno Askiel , Nichols Fenwick T. , Hess David C. , Natarajan Kavita , Fagan Susan C.
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—

The effectiveness of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) products available in the United States that contain low levels of factor VII (3-factor PCC) has not been tested. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with 3-factor PCC (Profilnine) in the setting of warfarin-associated intracranial hemorrhage (wICH).

Methods—

In November 2007, we implemented a protocol for reversal of anticoagulation in wICH using Profilnine. Additional treatment with fresh-frozen plasma was at the discretion of the treating physician. Medical records of all patients receiving PCC for wICH between November 1, 2007, and December 7, 2011 were reviewed. Correction of the international normalized rate (INR) was defined as an INR <1.4.

Results—

Seventy wICH patients were treated with Profilnine, including 46 (66%) with intraparenchymal hemorrhage, 22 (31%) with subdural hemorrhage, and 2 (3%) with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Mean INR was reduced from 3.36 to 1.96, and in 44 (62.9%) patients the INR corrected to <1.4. Baseline INR ≥3.0 decreased the likelihood of INR correction. Concomitant administration of fresh-frozen plasma (mean, 2.6 U) did not increase the likelihood of INR correction. Seven (10%) patients had serious adverse events during their hospital course, including 2 sudden deaths from suspected pulmonary embolism.

Conclusions—

Reversal of coagulopathy in wICH with Profilnine was incomplete and associated with serious adverse events. In the absence of available 4-factor PCC, options for urgent reversal of anticoagulation in wICH remain limited.
Time to Change What to Sow: Risk Preferences and Technology Adoption Decisions of Cotton Farmers in China
Authors: Liu Elaine M.
Published: July 2012

This paper examines the role of individual risk attitudes in the decision to adopt a new form of agricultural biotechnology in China. I conducted a survey and a field experiment to elicit the risk preferences of Chinese farmers, who faced the decision of whether to adopt genetically modified Bt cotton a decade ago. In my analysis, I expand the measurement of risk preferences beyond expected utility theory to incorporate prospect theory. I find that farmers who are more risk averse or more loss averse adopt Bt cotton later. Farmers who overweight small probabilities adopt Bt cotton earlier.
Probabilistic Wind Vector Forecasting Using Ensembles and Bayesian Model Averaging
Authors: McLean Sloughter J. , Gneiting Tilmann , Raftery Adrian E.
Published: July 2012

Probabilistic forecasts of wind vectors are becoming critical as interest grows in wind as a clean and renewable source of energy, in addition to a wide range of other uses, from aviation to recreational boating. Unlike other common forecasting problems, which deal with univariate quantities, statistical approaches to wind vector forecasting must be based on bivariate distributions. The prevailing paradigm in weather forecasting is to issue deterministic forecasts based on numerical weather prediction models. Uncertainty can then be assessed through ensemble forecasts, where multiple estimates of the current state of the atmosphere are used to generate a collection of deterministic predictions. Ensemble forecasts are often uncalibrated, however, and Bayesian model averaging (BMA) is a statistical way of postprocessing these forecast ensembles to create calibrated predictive probability density functions (PDFs). It represents the predictive PDF as a weighted average of PDFs centered on the individual bias-corrected forecasts, where the weights reflect the forecasts’ relative contributions to predictive skill over a training period. In this paper the authors extend the BMA methodology to use bivariate distributions, enabling them to provide probabilistic forecasts of wind vectors. The BMA method is applied to 48-h-ahead forecasts of wind vectors over the North American Pacific Northwest in 2003 using the University of Washington mesoscale ensemble and is shown to provide better-calibrated probabilistic forecasts than the raw ensemble, which are also sharper than probabilistic forecasts derived from climatology.
An analysis of supervision skills in youth probation
Authors: Trotter Chris , Evans Phillipa
Published: July 2012

This article examines the content of supervision sessions between probation officers and their clients and the extent to which supervisors make use of effective practice skills. It summarises the literature which suggests that when probation officers use particular skills, those under their supervision are likely to have lower recidivism rates than the clients of probation officers who do not use these skills. It discusses the few studies which have directly considered the extent to which probation officers make use of effective practice skills. It then outlines a research project which involved personal observation of 119 interviews between youth probation officers and their clients in Juvenile Justice in NSW with a view to identifying the content of interviews and the extent to which probation officers used effective practice skills. The findings suggest that probation officers are strong on relationship and pro-social modelling skills but make less use of role clarification, problem solving and cognitive behavioural skills. The implications of this are discussed.
Provocation in New South Wales: The need for abolition
Authors: Fitz-Gibbon Kate
Published: July 2012

Over the past two decades significant debate has emerged surrounding the operation of the partial defence of provocation. Such debates have led to its abolition in several Australian and international jurisdictions where Government and Law Commission bodies have argued that provocation has operated in a gender biased way that is no longer reflective of community values and expectations of justice. In contrast to the Australian states of Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia, who have transferred consideration of provocation to sentencing, New South Wales (NSW) has retained provocation as a partial defence to murder. Drawing upon in-depth interviews conducted with legal stakeholders and an analysis of recent case law, this article considers whether the operation of provocation in NSW is still in the best interests of justice, and, specifically, whether in practice it privileges one gender above the other. This research concludes that the continued operation of provocation in NSW raises key issues surrounding the legitimisation of male violence against women, the denial and minimisation of the harm caused by lethal domestic violence, and the continued inability of the law to appropriately respond to women who kill in the context of prolonged family violence.
A Monte Carlo Comparison Study of the Power of the Analysis of Covariance, Simple Difference, and Residual Change Scores in Testing Two-Wave Data
Authors: Kisbu-Sakarya Yasemin , MacKinnon David P. , Aiken Leona S.
Published: July 2012

This study compares the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), difference score, and residual change score methods in testing the group effect for pretest–posttest data in terms of statistical power and Type I error rates using a Monte Carlo simulation. Previous research has mathematically shown the effect of stability of individual scores from pretest to posttest, reliability, and nonrandomization (i.e., pretest imbalance) on the performance of the ANCOVA, difference score, and residual change score methods. However, related power issues have not been adequately addressed. The authors examined the impact of stability of measurement over time, reliability of covariate and criterion, nonrandomization, sample size, and treatment effect size on statistical power of the three methods. Across conditions, ANCOVA and residual change score methods had similar power rates. When reliability was less than perfect, ANCOVA had more power than the difference score method when there was an increase from pretest to posttest and a positive baseline imbalance (i.e., treatment group had higher pretest scores than the control group), or when there was a decrease from pretest to posttest and a negative baseline imbalance, and vice versa. In case of perfect reliability, the statistical power of ANCOVA did not differ from the difference score method. For the difference score method, when reliability was low, there was no effect of stability on power, whereas when reliability was high or perfect, power increased as stability increased for medium and large effect sizes. Difference scores may be preferred over ANCOVA under certain circumstances.
Perceptions of the Built Environment and Associations With Walking Among Retirement Village Residents
Authors: Nathan Andrea , Wood Lisa , Giles-Corti Billie
Published: July 2012

Housing options, such as retirement villages, that promote and encourage healthy behaviors are needed to accommodate the growing older adult population. To examine how environmental perceptions relate to walking, residents of retirement villages in Perth, Australia, were sampled, and associations between a wide range of village and neighborhood environmental attributes and walking leisurely, briskly, and for transport were examined. Perceived village features associated with walking included aesthetics (odds ratio [OR] = 1.72), personal safety (OR = 0.43), and services and facilities (OR = 0.80), whereas neighborhood attributes included fewer physical barriers (OR = 1.37) and proximate destinations (OR = 1.93). Findings suggest that locating retirement villages in neighborhoods with many local destinations may encourage more walking than providing many services and facilities within villages. Indeed, safe villages rich with amenities were shown to be related to less walking in residents. These findings have implications for the location, design, and layout of retirement villages.
Outcomes of discharged females versus those waiting for discharge from Vlore Psychiatric Hospital (Albania)
Authors: Carta Mauro Giovanni , Agaj Antonela , Harapej Eljesa , Lecca Maria Efisia , Xhelili Gentiana , Altoé Gianmarco , Mura Gioia , Moro Maria Francesca , Angermeyer Matthias C
Published: July 2012

Background:

This study examines the psychosocial outcomes of women discharged from the Vlore Psychiatric Hospital in Albania.

Methods:

The study was designed as a controlled, not randomized, follow-up study. It included 16 women diagnosed with psychosis who were discharged from a psychiatric hospital to live in group homes in the community. The control group included 20 women diagnosed with psychosis who lived at the psychiatric hospital while awaiting discharge. All subjects were assessed twice using the HoNOS-Rome tool, at the start of the study (T0) and 12 months later (T1).

Results:

Both groups showed an improvement in the HoNOS total score between T0 and T1 ( p < .001). This improvement was significantly larger in the Home group compared to the Hospital group ( p = .014). An item-level analysis indicated a significantly greater improvement in the Home group on items 11 (autonomy), 12 (work), 16 (family) and 18 (goals).

Conclusions:

Projects for social inclusion of people suffering from psychosis must design living spaces that offer viable alternatives to psychiatric hospitals. This study also documents the efforts in the Vlore region of Albania to follow European standards of mental health care.
Effect of CPP-ACP Paste on Dental Caries in Primary Teeth
Authors: Sitthisettapong T. , Phantumvanit P. , Huebner C. , DeRouen T.
Published: July 2012

This clinical trial tested the effect of daily application of 10% w/v calcium phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) paste for 1 yr when added to regular toothbrushing with fluoridated toothpaste to prevent dental caries in pre-school children. High-caries-risk children aged 2½ to 3½ yrs in a suburban area of central Thailand were assigned to receive either CPP-ACP (n = 150) or a placebo control (n = 146) in addition to fluoridated toothpaste. The International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) was recorded at baseline, 6 mos, and 1 yr. At 1 yr, a significant increase in mean numbers of enamel and dentin caries lesions, as well as dmfs, was found in both groups (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between groups on these 3 outcome measures (p = 0.23, 0.84, and 0.91, respectively). The odds of enamel caries lesion transitions to a state of regression or stability, compared with progression from baseline, was also not different between groups [OR = 1.00, 95% CI (0.86, 1.17)]. This trial found that daily application of 10% w/v CPP-ACP paste on school days for 1 yr, when added to regular toothbrushing with a fluoride toothpaste, had no significant added effect in preventing caries in the primary dentition of these pre-school children (ClinicalTrials.gov number CT01 604109).
Preparation and self-healing performance of epoxy composites with microcapsules and tungsten (VI) chloride catalyst
Authors: Haiyan Li , Rongguo Wang , Wenbo Liu
Published: July 2012

Self-healing materials are inspired by biological systems in which damage triggers an autonomic healing response. Epoxy resin-based self-healing system was demonstrated using tungsten (VI) chloride catalyst with a co-activator (phenylacetylene) that initiates ring-opening metathesis polymerization of dicyclopentadiene. The microcapsules with diameter of 200 ± 40 µm and average wall thickness of 5 µm were synthesized. Crack trigger process was analyzed by using finite element methods, the results indicated that the crack will be attracted toward the microcapsules when the wall thickness of microcapsules is in the range of 5–20 µm. The mechanism of tungsten (VI) chloride catalyze polymerization was studied. Environmental stability of tungsten (VI) chloride was investigated. Self-activated and self-healing samples were prepared and the healing efficiency was evaluated. It was found the concentration of catalyst have a significant impact on the virgin properties of the composites and the healing efficiency. The highest healing efficiency 64.9% was obtained with 15 wt% catalyst at self-activated samples. In the case of 10 wt% tungsten (VI) chloride and 10 wt% microcapsules, in situ self-healing sample yielded a healing efficiency of approximately 38.0%.
Effect of test parameters on flexural strength of circular fiber-reinforced polymer-confined concrete beams
Authors: Mohamed Hamdy M , Masmoudi Radhouane
Published: July 2012

This paper presents experimental results of a study conducted to investigate the use of filament-wound fiber-reinforced polymer tubes as a stay-in-place structural formwork for concrete beams. The experimental study was carried out on a total of seven concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer tube beams of 213 mm diameter and 2000 mm long. Five concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer tube beams and two control specimens without tube were tested under four-point bending. One control specimen was reinforced with spiral steel while the other had no transverse reinforcement. The test parameters used in this investigation include the type of internal reinforcement (steel or glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars), the type of transverse reinforcement (spiral-steel or fiber-reinforced polymer tube), fiber-reinforced polymer tube thickness and the concrete compressive strength. The fiber orientations of the tubes were mainly in the hoop direction. The test result indicated that the two control specimens failed in shear; however, using glass fiber-reinforced polymer tubes instead of transverse spiral-steel changed the mode of failure of the five concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer tube beams to flexural failure. The experimental cracking moments of the steel and fiber-reinforced polymer-concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer tube beams were compared to theoretical predictions provided by North American codes, design guidelines and the available equations in the literature. The test results indicate that the fiber-reinforced polymer tube enhances the crack and ultimate moment capacities of the test specimens, whereas it provides a longitudinal reinforcement in the tension side. In addition, improvement to the crack moment equation is suggested to account for the effect of confinement.
Impact, thermal and mechanical properties of high density polyethylene/flax/SiO2 composites: Effect of flax reinforcing structures
Authors: Siengchin Suchart
Published: July 2012

Composites composed of high-density polyethylene, woven flax fiber textiles (flax weave style of 2 × 2 twill and 4 × 4 hopsack) and SiO2 were produced by hot press with nanospraying technique. The SiO2 slurries were sprayed on the woven flax fiber followed by drying. The related HDPE/woven flax fibers composites were prepared by hot press. The dispersion of SiO2 particles and flax in the composites was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The related high-density polyethylene based composites were subjected to instrumented falling weight impact test. The thermal resistance, stiffness and tensile strength properties of the composites were determined in thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic-mechanical thermal analysis and tensile tests, respectively. It was found that the impact energy and stiffness value of high-density polyethylene/flax composites was markedly higher than that of high-density polyethylene but reflect the effects of composite structures and flax content. Incorporation of SiO2 particles enhanced resistance to thermal degradation. It was established that the linear viscoelastic material principle are fairly applicable to convert from the modulus to the creep compliance results.
Slit Ventricle Syndrome
Authors: Agarwal Nitin , Vernier Eric , Ravenscroft Sheri , Schwartz Lauren , Oleske James , Ming Xue
Published: July 2012

Slit ventricle syndrome is a rare condition whereby brain compliance is reduced and can be associated with intermittent intracranial hypertension. A 19-year-old male with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for congenital hydrocephalus presented with a 1-day history of headache and drowsiness-symptoms from which he suffered in many recurrent episodes over the past 5 years. The improvement of headaches without surgical intervention led to the diagnosis of migraine. During this hospitalization, episodes of intermittent intracranial hypertension were documented along with the remission and relapse of the symptoms. While the patient’s intracranial pressure was within normal range in over 90% of his monitoring period, which postponed shunting, replacement of his ventriculoperitoneal shut eventually resolved his symptoms. Slit ventricle syndrome with reduced ventricular compliances should be considered in patients with clinical evidence of intermittent intracranial hypertension and small ventricular size. The authors advocate shunt replacement as an appropriate treatment for this condition.
Neurodevelopmental Abnormalities in Children With PHACE Syndrome
Authors: Tangtiphaiboontana Jennifer , Hess Christopher P. , Bayer Michelle , Drolet Beth A. , Nassif Lisa M. , Metry Denise W. , Barkovich A. James , Frieden Ilona J. , Fullerton Heather J.
Published: July 2012

Prior case reports have identified neurodevelopmental abnormalities in children with PHACE syndrome, a neurocutaneous disorder first characterized in 1996. In this multicenter, retrospective study of a previously identified cohort of 93 children diagnosed with PHACE syndrome from 1999 to 2010, 29 children had neurologic evaluations at ≥ 1 year of age (median age: 4 years, 2 months). In all, 44% had language delay, 36% gross motor delay, and 8% fine motor delay; 52% had an abnormal neurological exam, with speech abnormalities as the most common finding. Overall, 20 of 29 (69%) had neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Cerebral, but not posterior fossa, structural abnormalities were identified more often in children with abnormal versus normal neurodevelopmental outcomes (35% vs. 0%, P = .04). Neurodevelopmental abnormalities in young children with PHACE syndrome referred to neurologists include language and gross motor delay, while fine motor delay is less frequent. Prospective studies are needed to understand long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Acute Cerebellar Ataxia, Acute Cerebellitis, and Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome
Authors: Desai Jay , Mitchell Wendy G.
Published: July 2012

Acute cerebellar ataxia and acute cerebellitis represent a process characterized by parainfectious, postinfectious, or postvaccination cerebellar inflammation. There is considerable overlap between these entities. The mildest cases of acute cerebellar ataxia represent a benign condition that is characterized by acute truncal and gait ataxia, variably with appendicular ataxia, nystagmus, dysarthria, and hypotonia. It occurs mostly in young children, presents abruptly, and recovers over weeks. Neuroimaging is normal. Severe cases of cerebellitis represent the other end of the spectrum, presenting with acute cerebellar signs often overshadowed by alteration of consciousness, focal neurological deficits, raised intracranial pressure, hydrocephalus, and even herniation. Neuroimaging is abnormal and the prognosis is less favorable than in acute cerebellar ataxia. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis may be confused with acute cerebellitis when the clinical findings are predominantly cerebellar, but lesions on neuroimaging are usually widespread. Paraneoplastic opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome is often initially misdiagnosed as acute cerebellar ataxia, but has very specific features, course, and etiopathogensis.
MCT8 Deficiency
Authors: Tonduti Davide , Vanderver Adeline , Berardinelli Angela , Schmidt Johanna L. , Collins Christin D. , Novara Francesca , Genni Antonia Di , Mita Alda , Triulzi Fabio , Brunstrom-Hernandez Janice E. , Zuffardi Orsetta , Balottin Umberto , Orcesi Simona
Published: July 2012

Monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) deficiency is an X-linked disorder resulting from an impairment of the transcellular transportation of thyroid hormones. Within the central nervous system thyroid hormone transport is normally mediated by MCT8. Patients are described as affected by a static or slowly progressive clinical picture which consists of variable degrees of mental retardation, hypotonia, spasticity, ataxia and involuntary movements, occasionally paroxysmal. The authors describe the clinical and neuroradiological picture of 3 males patients with marked delayed brain myelination and in which the clinical picture was dominated by early onset nonparoxismal extrapyramidal symptoms. In one subject a novel mutation is described.
Knowledge of Epilepsy and Preferred Sources of Information Among Elementary School Teachers
Authors: Mott Jared , Shellhaas Renée A. , Joshi Sucheta M.
Published: July 2012

We conducted an online survey of elementary school teachers in Washtenaw County, Michigan, regarding their confidence in their knowledge of epilepsy and their preferred media or sources of information about epilepsy. Eighty-three teachers (9.3%) responded. One quarter expressed a lack of confidence in their ability to teach students with epilepsy or to respond appropriately to a seizure. Teachers most frequently (68%) cited the Internet as their primary source of information about epilepsy, with the school nurse and parents/guardians also frequently mentioned (55% and 48%, respectively). In contrast, most respondents prefer that their information come from the school nurse (74%) or a physician (73%), while only 25% cited the Internet as a preferred source. Teachers most frequently indicated EpilepsyFoundation.org (70.5%) as a trusted source of information. Future collaborative education efforts between school nurses and physicians, especially through use of the Internet, could improve teachers’ knowledge of epilepsy.
Crouching target, hidden child
Authors: Rogers Stephen H. , Gunter Helen M.
Published: July 2012

Drawing on interviews with 33 young people between the ages of 14 to 17 attending three English schools we examine their experiences of a personalised education system. The policy climate in England has for some time been one of intense and persistent reforms. The Labour Party took office in 1997 and advanced ‘personalised learning’ as a central reforming concept that made use of individual targets, data and pupil voice in the learning process. We identify that while the opportunities for productive voices are evident, the young people’s experience of it is inconsistent. Notably, the use of targets and data has often made them invisible and mute, and this affects how they understand the purposes of schools and their place within a school. Outcome data are a necessary and proper concern of schools. However, we suggest that the conceptualisation of learning, and the relational processes involved, are being damaged through the interpretation of voice as a means of delivering instrumental data sets. We argue this point using a conceptualisation of social practice and ethics drawn from Alasdair MacIntyre.
Student participation in Brazil – The case of the ‘grêmio estudantil’
Authors: Carvalho Roussel De
Published: July 2012

Student participation in the education policy debate in Brazil has a long history, albeit focused mainly at the university level. In secondary schools (students aged 14−17) participation has been much more patchy and with variable results. The grêmio associations (similar to student councils in the UK) are the main pathway to student voice within schools and the main link to the principal. However, evidence of their efficacy in dealing with issues of democratic participation is very much dependent upon the efficiency of the dialogue between senior management team and the students themselves.
Collaborative Value Creation
Authors: Austin James E. , Seitanidi M. May
Published: July 2012

This focused review of the nonprofitbusiness collaboration and related corporate social responsibility literature identifies problematic aspects of the treatment of value creation and, therefore, develops a conceptual and analytical framework to address them and the following research question: How can collaboration between nonprofits and businesses most effectively co-create significant economic, social, and environmental value for society, organizations, and individuals? The first two components of the Collaborative Value Creation framework are presented in this first of two articles The Value Creation Spectrum provides new reference terms for defining and analyzing value creation, and Collaboration Stages reveals how value creation varies across different types of collaborative relationships. The framework’s next two components, which are elaborated in the sequential article, are Partnering Processes, which reveals the value creation dynamics in the formation and implementation stages, and Collaboration Outcomes, which examines impact at the micro, meso, and macro levels.
Coming to Terms
Authors: Fusaroli Riccardo , Bahrami Bahador , Olsen Karsten , Roepstorff Andreas , Rees Geraint , Frith Chris , Tylén Kristian
Published: July 2012

Sharing a public language facilitates particularly efficient forms of joint perception and action by giving interlocutors refined tools for directing attention and aligning conceptual models and action. We hypothesized that interlocutors who flexibly align their linguistic practices and converge on a shared language will improve their cooperative performance on joint tasks. To test this prediction, we employed a novel experimental design, in which pairs of participants cooperated linguistically to solve a perceptual task. We found that dyad members generally showed a high propensity to adapt to each other’s linguistic practices. However, although general linguistic alignment did not have a positive effect on performance, the alignment of particular task-relevant vocabularies strongly correlated with collective performance. In other words, the more dyad members selectively aligned linguistic tools fit for the task, the better they performed. Our work thus uncovers the interplay between social dynamics and sensitivity to task affordances in successful cooperation.
No time on their hands: Children and the narrative architecture of school diaries
Authors: Symes Colin
Published: July 2012

Diaries are elements of a school’s documentary reality. They possess a complex ‘narrative architecture’ and serve multiple functions. In addition to playing an important role in inducting students into the adroit chronometry of contemporary work, the school diary is also a manual of self-government, given that much of it deals with goal setting, managing health and conflict resolution. On the grounds that it ameliorates communication between the school and parents, the diary, unlike its adult counterparts, is subject to regular inspection. As such, it is part of the machinery of surveillance and accountability that are features of neo-liberalist schooling.
Polychronicity in modern Madrid: An interview study
Authors: Adams Simon J. , Eerde Wendelien van
Published: July 2012

This research is the result of 30 interviews with middle-management and senior executives from several different organizations in Madrid. The focus was on different aspects of time use in a professional context: Monophasia or polyphasia, Time tangibility Attention to people.

The results indicate that the work style of modern executives in Madrid does not fall clearly into the category of a polychronic (P-time) culture ( Hall, 1959 , 1976 , 1981 & 1990 ) on all the three dimensions, if it ever did so. Spanish business culture in Madrid was found to be definitely polyphasic, more time tangible than was expected, and stressed the aspect of attention to people as a work style.
Cost-effectiveness of diagnostic strategies to identify Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis super-shedder cows in a large dairy herd using antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and bacterial culture
Authors: Aly Sharif S. , Anderson Randall J. , Whitlock Robert H. , Fyock Terry L. , McAdams Susan C. , Byrem Todd M. , Jiang Jiming , Adaska John M. , Gardner Ian A.
Published: July 2012

Diagnostic strategies to detect Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) super-shedder cows in dairy herds have been minimally studied. The objective of the current study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of strategies for identification of MAP super-shedders on a California dairy herd of 3,577 cows housed in free-stall pens. Eleven strategies that included serum or milk enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) or culture of environmental samples, pooled or individual cow fecal samples, or combinations thereof were compared. Nineteen super-shedders (0.5%) were identified by qPCR and confirmed by culture as cows shedding ≥10,000 colony forming units (CFU)/g feces (median of 30,000 CFU/g feces). A stratified random sample of the study herd based on qPCR results of fecal pools was the most sensitive (74%) strategy and had the highest cost ($5,398/super-shedder). The reference strategy with the lowest cost ($1,230/super-shedder) and sensitivity (47%) included qPCR testing of fecal samples from ELISA-positive lactating (milk) and nonlactating (serum) cows housed in pens with the highest MAP bioburden. The most cost-effective alternative to the reference was to perform qPCR testing of fecal samples from ELISA-positive cows (milk and serum for milking and dry cows, respectively) for a sensitivity of 68% and cost of $2,226/super-shedder. In conclusion, diagnostic strategies varied in their cost-effectiveness depending on the tests, specimen type, and labor costs. Initial qPCR testing of environmental samples from free-stall pens to target cows in pens with the highest MAP bioburden for further testing can improve the cost-effectiveness of strategies for super-shedder identification.
Application of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis and enzootic abortion of ewes
Authors: Gutierrez Jorge , O’Donovan James , Proctor Aisling , Brady Colm , Marques Patricia X. , Worrall Sheila , Nally Jarlath E. , McElroy Maire , Bassett Hugh , Fagan John , Maley Stephen , Buxton David , Sammin Donal , Markey Bryan K.
Published: July 2012

Toxoplasma gondii and Chlamydophila abortus are the 2 most common infectious causes of ovine abortion worldwide. These obligate intracellular pathogens are associated with severe placentitis leading to abortion or stillbirth in pregnant ewes, and resulting in significant economic losses. The objectives of the current study were the development, validation, and application of a duplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay capable of quantifying the burden of infection by T. gondii and C. abortus in material submitted for diagnostic purposes. The validation was carried out using samples from ewes experimentally infected with these organisms. Based on the numbers of genome copies detected, an arbitrary cutoff level was established to correlate with significant pathological changes sufficient to give rise to abortion. When the PCR assay was applied to samples from 66 Irish farms with naturally occurring outbreaks of ovine abortion, toxoplasmosis and enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE) accounted for 14% and 20% of the farms, respectively, while on 6% of the farms, there was evidence of dual infection. When standard diagnostic techniques including histopathological examination, serological analysis, chlamydial antigen detection, and bacteriological culture, were used on samples from the same farms, toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in 17% of farms, and EAE in 12%; dual infection was diagnosed on 3% of the farms. In general, good agreement was found between the PCR and the standard methods. The duplex real-time PCR assay developed in this study has proved to be a very sensitive and rapid tool that might provide a valuable addition to the methods currently available for routine diagnosis of ovine abortions.
Presumptive pure erythroid leukemia in a dog
Authors: Mylonakis Mathios E. , Kritsepi-Konstantinou Maria , Vernau William , Valli Victor E. , Pardali Dimitra , Koutinas Alexander F.
Published: July 2012

A 6.5-year-old, intact male Cocker Spaniel dog was referred with a history of depression and anorexia of 1-week duration. Mucosal pallor was prominent on physical examination. Complete blood cell count revealed pancytopenia and occasional blast cells. Bone marrow aspirate cytology indicated that individual particles were composed of approximately 60% hematopoietic cells and a monomorphic population of blast cells with perfectly round nuclei, consistent paranuclear clearing, and deeply basophilic cytoplasm devoid of granules dominating the marrow fields. The granulocytic lineage was severely decreased with a granulocytic-to-erythroid ratio of 0.15 and a blast cell percentage of at least 70% of all nucleated cells; the myeloblasts and monoblasts composed <5% of nonerythroid cells. Bone marrow cytology slides were submitted for immunocytochemical immunophenotyping using antibodies to myeloperoxidase, cluster of differentiation (CD)3, CD79a, CD11b, CD45, and CD34. The neoplastic cells did not express any of the antigens assessed. The combination of light microscopic cytomorphology and the immunophenotype were strongly suggestive of pure erythroid leukemia.
Dynamic modelling and actuation of the adaptive torsion wing
Authors: Ajaj Rafic M , Friswell Michael I , Dettmer Wulf G , Allegri Giuliano , Isikveren Askin T
Published: July 2012

This article presents the dynamical modelling of a novel active aeroelastic structure. The adaptive torsion wing concept is a thin-wall, two-spar wingbox whose torsional stiffness can be adjusted by translating the spar webs in the chordwise direction inward and towards each other using internal actuators. The reduction in torsional stiffness allows external aerodynamic loads to induce twist on the structure and maintain its deformed shape. Here, the adaptive torsion wing system is considered as integrated within the wing of a representative unmanned aerial vehicle to replace conventional ailerons and provide roll control. The adaptive torsion wing is modelled as a two-dimensional equivalent aerofoil using bending and torsion shape functions to express the equations of motion in terms of the twist angle and plunge displacement at the wingtip. The full equations of motion for the adaptive torsion wing equivalent aerofoil were derived using Lagrangian mechanics. The aerodynamic lift and moment acting on the aerofoil were modelled using Theodorsen’s unsteady aerodynamic theory. A low-dimensional, state-space representation of an empirical Theodorsen’s transfer function was adopted to allow time-domain analyses. Four actuation strategies were investigated. Figures of merit, including plunge displacement, twist angle, actuation forces and actuation powers, were quantified and discussed for each of the scenarios. This study allows the conceptual design and sizing of the internal actuators that are required to drive the webs.
Thermoelectric energy harvester: Design considerations for a bearing node
Authors: Lubieniecki Michal , Uhl Tadeusz
Published: July 2012

This article presents fundamental design considerations of the thermoelectric harvester to be used in applications for machine condition monitoring or condition-based maintenance. The power to be harvested is the thermal power loss of the bearing. The aim of the harvester is to maintain the energy neutral operation. By the numerical analysis of the system equivalent model, the pulse width of the associated sensor active state is analyzed together with the power capacity of the harvester and its operation cycle length. The article contains an analysis of the influence of design parameters onto the system performance. The assumed design variables are thermal resistances of the heat sink, insulating partition, and the number of thermoelectric modules. The electrical circuitry is described by the energy buffer capacitance, sensor active state duration, and equivalent resistance of the adjoined circuitry during the passive and active states. The continuous and burst modes of operation are taken into consideration. The preliminary experimental proof of the concept is presented as well.