bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy as Electrical Biopsy for Monitoring Radiation Sequelae of Intestine in Rats
Authors: Chao Pei-Ju , Huang Eng-Yen , Cheng Kuo-Sheng , Huang Yu-Jie
Published: September 2013

Electrical impedance is one of the most frequently used parameters for characterizing material properties. The resistive and capacitive characteristics of tissue may be revealed by electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as electrical biopsy. This technique could be used to monitor the sequelae after irradiation. In this study, rat intestinal tissues after irradiation were assessed by EIS system based on commercially available integrated circuits. The EIS results were fitted to a resistor-capacitor circuit model to determine the electrical properties of the tissue. The variations in the electrical characteristics of the tissue were compared to radiation injury score (RIS) by morphological and histological findings. The electrical properties, based on receiver operation curve (ROC) analysis, strongly reflected the histological changes with excellent diagnosis performance. The results of this study suggest that electrical biopsy reflects histological changes after irradiation. This approach may significantly augment the evaluation of tissue after irradiation. It could provide rapid results for decision making in monitoring radiation sequelae prospectively.
Paclitaxel–Hyaluronic NanoConjugates Prolong Overall Survival in a Preclinical Brain Metastases of Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Mittapalli Rajendar K. , Liu Xinli , Adkins Chris E. , Nounou Mohamed I. , Bohn Kaci A. , Terrell Tori B. , Qhattal Hussaini S. , Geldenhuys Werner J. , Palmieri Diane , Steeg Patricia S. , Smith Quentin R. , Lockman Paul R.
Published: September 2013

Brain (central nervous system; CNS) metastases pose a life-threatening problem for women with advanced metastatic breast cancer. It has recently been shown that the vasculature within preclinical brain metastasis model markedly restricts paclitaxel delivery in approximately 90% of CNS lesions. Therefore to improve efficacy, we have developed an ultra-small hyaluronic acid (HA) paclitaxel nanoconjugate (∼5 kDa) that can passively diffuse across the leaky blood–tumor barrier and then be taken up into cancer cells (MDA–MB–231Br) via CD44 receptor–mediated endocytocis. Using CD44 receptor–mediated endocytosis as an uptake mechanism, HA-paclitaxel was able to bypass p-glycoprotein–mediated efflux on the surface of the cancer cells. In vitro cytoxicity of the conjugate and free paclitaxel were similar in that they (i) both caused cell-cycle arrest in the G2–M phase, (ii) showed similar degrees of apoptosis induction (cleaved caspase), and (iii) had similar IC50 values when compared with paclitaxel in MTT assay. A preclinical model of brain metastases of breast cancer using intracardiac injections of Luc-2 transfected MDA–MB–231Br cells was used to evaluate in vivo efficacy of the nanoconjugate. The animals administered with HA–paclitaxel nanoconjugate had significantly longer overall survival compared with the control and the paclitaxel-treated group (P < 0.05). This study suggests that the small molecular weight HA–paclitaxel nanoconjugates can improve standard chemotherapeutic drug efficacy in a preclinical model of brain metastases of breast cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(11); 2389–99. ©2013 AACR.
Resting-State Networks in Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Rektorova Irena
Published: September 2013

While there is good evidence for altered resting-state networks, particularly the default mode network (DMN), in both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment preceding AD, there are rather conflicting data on changes in the DMN in Parkinson's disease (PD) and PD with cognitive impairment. This paper will focus on DMN study results, particularly in PD, as assessed by functional MRI.
Stimulation of Angiotensin Type 1A Receptors on Catecholaminergic Cells Contributes to Angiotensin-Dependent Hypertension
Authors: Jancovski Nikola , Bassi Jaspreet K. , Carter David A. , Choong Yan-Ting , Connelly Angela , Nguyen Thu-Phuc , Chen Daian , Lukoshkova Elena V. , Menuet Clement , Head Geoffrey A. , Allen Andrew M.
Published: September 2013

Hypertension contributes to multiple forms of cardiovascular disease and thus morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms inducing hypertension remain unclear although the involvement of homeostatic systems, such as the renin–angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems, is established. A pivotal role of the angiotensin type 1 receptor in the proximal tubule of the kidney for the development of experimental hypertension is established. Yet, other systems are involved. This study tests whether the expression of angiotensin type 1A receptors in catecholaminergic cells contributes to hypertension development. Using a Cre-lox approach, we deleted the angiotensin type 1A receptor from all catecholaminergic cells. This deletion did not alter basal metabolism or blood pressure but delayed the onset of angiotensin-dependent hypertension and reduced the maximal response. Cardiac hypertrophy was also reduced. The knockout mice showed attenuated activation of the sympathetic nervous system during angiotensin II infusion as measured by spectral analysis of the blood pressure. Increased reactive oxygen species production was observed in forebrain regions, including the subfornical organ, of the knockout mouse but was markedly reduced in the rostral ventrolateral medulla. These studies demonstrate that stimulation of the angiotensin type 1A receptor on catecholaminergic cells is required for the full development of angiotensin-dependent hypertension and support an important role for the sympathetic nervous system in this model.
Marx as the Historical Materialist: Re-reading The Eighteenth Brumaire
Authors: Tomba Massimiliano
Published: September 2013

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to re-read Marx’sEighteenth Brumaireby highlighting the political meaning of a materialist historiography. In the first part, I consider Marx’s historiographical and political intention to represent the history of the aftermath of the revolution of ’48 as a farce in order to liquidate ‘any faith in the superstitious past’. In the second part I analyse the theatrical register chosen by Marx in order to represent the Second Empire as a society without a body, a phantasmagoria in which the Constitution, the National Assembly and law – in short, everything that the middle class had put up as essential principles of modern democracy – disappear. In the third part I argue that Marx does not elaborate a theory of revolution that is good for every occasion. What interests him is a historiography capable of grasping, in the various temporalities of the revolution, the chance for a true liberation.
Imperialism and Capitalist Development in Marx’s Capital
Authors: Pradella Lucia
Published: September 2013

Abstract

This article aims at contributing to current debates on the ‘new imperialism’ by presenting the main results of a reading of Marx’sCapitalin light of his writings on colonialism, which were unknown in the early Marxist debate on imperialism. It aims to prove that, in his main work, Marx does not analyse a national economy or – correspondingly – an abstract model of capitalist society, but a world-polarising and ever-expanding system. This abstraction allows the identification of the laws of development of capitalism and its antagonisms, and reflects the tendency of the capital of the dominant states, by making permanent recourse also to methods of so-called ‘primitive accumulation’, to expand and increase the exploitation of workers worldwide, and, at the same time, the cooperation between them. What, for Marx, was later defined as imperialism is the concrete form of the process of ‘globalisation’ of the capital of the dominant states. With the development of his analysis, Marx became increasingly aware of the economic and political consequences of imperialism. In his activity within the First International, with regard to the question of Irish independence, he affirmed the fundamental importance of building a real solidarity between class struggles in imperialist countries and anti-colonial resistance in colonised and dependent countries. His examination of imperialism and internationalist perspective were downplayed, denied, if not completely reversed in the interpretation and systematisation of his thought by reformist leaders within the Second International. In their attempt to react against this tendency and develop an analysis and a political strategy adequate to the new phase of generalised imperialist expansion, increased inter-imperialist rivalries and rising anti-colonial resistance, Rosa Luxemburg and Lenin reaffirmed the centrality of the critique of imperialism at the economic and at the political levels. Even if they were partially unaware of this, they thus developed and expanded on some aspects already present in Marx’s work.
New species for Thraulodes Ulmer, 1920 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae: Atalophlebiinae) and the first key to adults from Brazil
Authors: LIMA LUCAS R.C. , MARIANO RODOLFO , PINHEIRO ULISSES
Published: September 2013

Four new species of the mayfly genus Thraulodes Ulmer are described based on imagos from Northeastern and Southern Brazil: Thraulodes luizgonzagai sp. nov., Thraulodes sternimaculatus sp. nov., Thraulodes alapictus sp. nov., and Thraulodes pinhoi sp. nov. The new species can be easily differentiated by the abdominal color pattern and genitalia morphology. The first key to adults from Brazil is provided.
A new species of Dicranocentrus Schött (Collembola, Entomobryidae, Orchesellinae) from Brazilian Amazon
Authors: BELLINI BRUNO CAVALCANTE , DE MORAIS JOSÉ WELLINGTON , OLIVEIRA FÁBIO GONÇALVES DE LIMA
Published: September 2013

Orchesellinae specimens are distinguished from other Entomobryidae by a shorter fourth abdominal segment (length at the midline less than 1.8 times the third segment), generally more than four antennal segments, recurved labral setae and the presence of a complex metatrochanteral organ, with at least 11 spine-like setae, (Soto-Adames et al. 2008). Adult Dicranocentrus Schött specimens have the following characters: antennae with six segments, both fifth and sixth antennal segments annulated, 8+8 lenses in the eye patches, absence of a postantennal organ, apically rounded and/or truncated scales, pre-labral setae simple, not bifurcated, rows of spines on dens (present in most but not all species) and mucro bearing two teeth with a basal spine (Mari-Mutt 1976, 1981, Arlé & Mendonça 1982, Bellinger et al. 1996–2012). The genus is similar to other scaled Orchesellini genera such as Pseudodicranocentrus Mari-Mutt, 1981 and Dicranorchesella Mari-Mutt, 1977, but differs from these taxa by the presence of simple pre-labral setae (bifurcated in Pseudodicranocentrus) and by rounded and/or truncated scales (fusiform and apically pointed in Dicranorchesella) (Mari-Mutt 1977, 1980). Dicranocentrus is holotropical in distribution only four species recorded from Brazil: D. bicolor Handschin, 1924, D. silvestrii Absolon, 1903, D. termitophilus Handschin, 1924 and D. heloisae Arlé & Mendonça, 1982 (Abrantes et al. 2012). These species are restricted to northeastern and southeastern Regions (Abrantes et al. 2012). The new species is the first from Brazilian Amazon, north region of Brazil. The dorsal chaetotaxic scheme follows that of Mari-Mutt (1979).
On the Near-Inertial Resonance of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Sévellec Florian , Hirschi Joël J.-M. , Blaker Adam T.
Published: September 2013

The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) is a crucial component of the global climate system. It is responsible for around a quarter of the global northward heat transport and contributes to the mild European climate. Observations and numerical models suggest a wide range of AMOC variability. Recent results from an ocean general circulation model (OGCM) in a high-resolution configuration (¼°) suggest the existence of superinertial variability of the AMOC. In this study, the validity of this result in a theoretical framework is tested. At a low Rossby number and in the presence of Rayleigh friction, it is demonstrated that, unlike a typical forced damped oscillator (which shows subinertial resonance), the AMOC undergoes both super- and subinertial resonances (except at low latitudes and for high friction). A dimensionless number Sr, measuring the ratio of ageo- to geostrophic forcing (i.e., the zonal versus meridional pressure gradients), indicates which of these resonances dominates. If Sr ≪ 1, the AMOC variability is mainly driven by geostrophic forcing and shows subinertial resonance. Alternatively and consistent with the recently published ¼° OGCM experiments, if Sr ≫ 1, the AMOC variability is mainly driven by the ageostrophic forcing and shows superinertial resonance. In both regimes, a forcing of ±1 K induces an AMOC variability of ±10 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) through these near-inertial resonance phenomena. It is also shown that, as expected from numerical simulations, the spatial structure of the near-inertial AMOC variability corresponds to equatorward-propagating waves equivalent to baroclinic Poincaré waves. The long-time average of this resonance phenomenon, raising and depressing the pycnocline, could contribute to the mixing of the ocean stratification.
Advances in Hirschsprung Disease Genetics and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Burkardt Deepika D’Cunha , Graham John M. , Short Scott S. , Frykman Philip K.
Published: September 2013

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a multigenic condition with variable presentation. Most commonly, it presents in the neonatal period as a functional intestinal obstruction secondary to failure of caudal migration of the enteric nervous system. Classically, this manifests as dilated proximal bowel and constricted distal bowel with absent ganglia and hypertrophic nerve trunks. When recognized early, medical and surgical therapies can be instituted to minimize associated morbidity and mortality. This article reviews current understanding of the etiology of HSCR, its multigenic associations, the historical evolution of HSCR diagnosis and treatment, and current HSCR therapies.
Dispensable Daughters and Indispensable Sons: Discrete Family Choices
Authors: Ahlawat Neerja
Published: September 2013

The overall sex ratio at the national level (the number of females per 1,000 males) has improved by seven points from 933 in 2001 census to 940 in 2011 census. However, the matter of concern is the lowest child sex ratio of 914 girls per 1,000 boys at the national level in the 2011 census as against 927 in the 2001 census. It shows that aversion to daughters continues despite PCPNDT Act and state measures to protect the girl child. This article examines how family plans and uses discrete strategies to limit the family size deciding the number of children, particularly sons and daughters in the family. Why daughters have always been dispensed with and sons’ number in the family is again not unlimited? A deficit in the girl child population is leading to ‘male marriage squeeze’, a serious implication of the shortage of marriageable age girls.
Decentralised Provision of Public Services in Developing Countries: A Review of Theoretical Discourses and Empirical Evidence
Authors: Chattopadhyay Soumyadip
Published: September 2013

This article discusses the problems and prospects of provision of public services under decentralisation of the government. Traditionally, the provision of public services falls under the purview of a centralised planning process. But the system’s failure to adjust public services to heterogeneous local needs results in inadequate provisioning and improper maintenance of these services. Of late, decentralisation has been hailed as an alternative to take care of the service delivery problems. One of the major promises of decentralisation is that it brings popular participation and accountability to local governance, and therefore, makes local government more responsive to citizens’ desires and more effective in delivering services. The causal chain of decentralisation leading to greater citizen participation and voice and the resultant increase in accountability has been questioned both on theoretical and empirical grounds. A review of available empirical evidence also suggests that the success of decentralisation depends very much on the ‘type/form’ of the process itself. The real challenge is, therefore, to design an appropriate form of decentralisation that would help to realise the promised benefits of decentralisation.
Concerns and Challenges for Social Sciences in Kashmir
Authors: Baba Noor Ahmad
Published: September 2013

Generally the contours of social existence are, by and large, similar as human societies across communities, regions and nations have broadly similar issues and problems to deal with. Therefore, no place and country can be understood in isolation from the larger context either at the regional or at the global level. There are a large number of common challenges that humanity is confronted with. However, in spite of the similarities, each society is also unique in a number of respects. There is a contextual variation defined by the objective placement of different societies that makes each one of these distinct. So, for any meaningful study of the social phenomenon both facets need to be understood and covered appropriately. In this context, this write-up highlights some of the challenges and concerns that Kashmir as a society has to deal with. These challenges, in spite of broad parallels elsewhere, have many elements that make these unique for the place. An attempt has been made not only to highlight these concerns and challenges along with identifying the elements that are unique, but also offer insights into how best these could be dealt with.
A wavelet-based grey particle filter for self-estimating the trajectory of manoeuvring autonomous underwater vehicle
Authors: Ting Li , Dexin Zhao , Zhiping Huang , Chunwu Liu , Shaojing Su
Published: September 2013

In this paper, a novel particle filter termed the wavelet-based grey particle filter (WG-PF) is proposed to self-estimate the trajectory of a manoeuvring autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) without prior manoeuvring information. To implement the WG-PF, the particles are sampled by the state transition and grey prediction. The state transition is based on a prior dynamic model, while the grey prediction is a kind of model-free method that predicts the state through historical measurements. Therefore, the WG-PF has the inherent advantages of both model-based and model-free systems. Additionally, the measurement noise covariance is modified by the wavelet transform. Thus, the WG-PF can effectively correct the prior distribution and likelihood function of the particles and then alleviate the sample degeneracy problem. The estimation performances of three filters, the proposed WG-PF, the multiple model particle filter (PF) and the adaptive extended Kalman filter, are evaluated and compared through the experimental data, in which a trajectory plotted by the underwater acoustic positioning sensors is employed as the true trajectory. The grey-prediction-based and wavelet-based PFs are also examined to demonstrate their positive effects in the WG-PF. The presented results show that the WG-PF acquires satisfactory effectiveness, robustness and better estimation accuracy than the other filters.
Jane Addams, the Hull-House School of Sociology, and Social Justice, 1892 to 1935
Authors: Deegan Mary Jo
Published: September 2013

Jane Addams is one of the greatest sociologists who has ever lived; yet, her ideas and practices remain a puzzle to many contemporary sociologists. There are many reasons for this confusion, but they are less important than learning what she accomplished and why it is vital to understand her life within the context of a global society. I will outline these major points here.
Vacuum-assisted closure system in treatment of postoperative mediastinitis
Authors: Elawadi Mohamed Ahmed , Oueida Farouk
Published: September 2013

Objectives

Post-cardiac surgery mediastinitis is a serious complication with high morbidity and high financial costs. Using a vacuum-assisted closure system is the established line of treatment for mediastinitis, which improves outcome, especially in the high-risk group of patients.

Methods

From January 2007 to April 2011, a retrospective study was carried out to evaluate the outcome of vacuum-assisted closure in the treatment of postoperative mediastinitis.

Results

There were 34 patients; 27 were male and 7 female. Mean time from infection to vacuum-assisted closure was 3.34 ± 1.10 days. The duration of vacuum-assisted closure was 6.51 ± 1.85 days (3-9 days). The mean amount of discharge was 759.60 ± 175.28 mL (range, 354–990 mL). Of the 34 patients, 21 (61.76%) had direct surgical wound closure and 13 (41.16%) had re-wiring. Two patients had bilateral pectoral flaps. One patient had chronic fistula formation, and one had a tear in the right ventricle. Mean hospital stay was 11.28 ± 2.09 days (range, 6–16 days).

Conclusion

Vacuum-assisted closure therapy is a safe, reliable, and cost-effective modality of treatment for postoperative mediastinitis. It improves the outcome and can be combined with other modalities of conventional treatment, especially in high-risk groups such as the elderly or patients with diabetes.
Limb ischemic preconditioning attenuates cerebral ischemic injury in rat model
Authors: Wang W , Yu XD , Mo X , Zhang HB , Zhu DM
Published: September 2013

Ischemic brain injury is not uncommon after open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and seriously undermines the patients’ life quality. Therefore, potential protective effects of limb ischemic preconditioning (LIP) on subsequent ischemic injury of the brain were investigated by evaluating anti-inflammatory effects and apoptosis of pyramidal neurons in the CA1 hippocampus. One hundred and eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group (n=54) and the LIP group (n=54). A thread was used to occlude the middle cerebral artery in the MCAO group and the LIP group animals were pretreated with LIP followed by MCAO. In the two groups, nine samples were collected at each time-point of 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after MCAO to detect IL-6 and IL-17 and their mRNA levels. Neurological severity scores (NSS) were examined before the animals were sacrificed. Compared with the LIP group, cerebral histopathological changes in the MCAO group were most distinct and significantly more infiltrated inflammatory and apoptotic neuronal cells were observed at 24, 48 and 72 h post-surgery. IL-17 and IL-6 mRNA levels analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (qRT-PCR) were significantly reduced in the LIP group compared with the MCAO group at the 12, 24 and 48 h time-points. A significant reduction in IL-17 expression level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the LIP group at 12, 24 and 48 h, while IL-6 was significantly reduced at the 24 and 48 h time-points. The NSSs were not significantly different between the groups. Therefore, in a MCAO rat model, we have proved that LIP pretreatment can protect the brain from infarction after ischemic injury and induce ischemic tolerance, potentially, by reducing IL-17 to provide anti-inflammatory effects and attenuate apoptosis of hippocampal neuronal cells.
The effectiveness of 3T time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography for follow-up evaluations after the stent-assisted coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Cho Won-Sang , Kim Sam Soo , Lee Seung Jin , Kim Sung Hun
Published: September 2013

Background

Artifacts introduced by stents limit the value of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as a follow-up modality after the stent-assisted coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms.

Purpose

To investigate the usefulness of 3 Tesla (3T) time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography (MRA) for the follow-up evaluation.

Material and Methods

Twenty-two aneurysms of 20 patients treated with stent-assisted coil embolization were followed up with 3T TOF MRA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) with three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA). The status of coiled aneurysms was compared with 3T TOF MRA and DSA with 3DRA in terms of complete occlusion, residual neck, and residual aneurysm. TOF MRA at 3T was performed 1 day before DSA with 3DRA, with a mean follow-up period of 20.1 ± 10.8 months.

Results

Twenty (90.9%) of 22 cases were concordant between the two modalities. The degree of agreement and correlation between them were high (κ = 0.771, P < 0.001; r = 0.832 and P < 0.001). When evaluating the status of residual neck, the sensitivity was 80% (4/5 cases); specificity was not available because there were no cases of complete occlusion. For the status of residual aneurysm, the sensitivity and specificity were 94.1% (16/17 cases) and 100% (all 5 cases), respectively.

Conclusion

TOF MRA at 3T with source images could be useful as a non-invasive follow-up modality after the stent-assisted coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms. Further study with a larger patient sample is needed to confirm the effectiveness of 3T TOF MRA.
Comparison of Heidelberg retina tomography, optical coherence tomography and Humphrey visual field in early glaucoma diagnosis
Authors: Wang Hong , Tao Yuan , Sun Xiao-Ling , Zhuang Kang
Published: September 2013

Objective

To determine the value of optic disc parameters and perimetric defects in the early diagnosis of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

Optic disc parameters and perimetry were compared among patients in the early stage of POAG, patients with suspected POAG and healthy control subjects, using Heidelberg retina tomography (HRT-II), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and a Humphrey 750 i automatic field analyser, in order to determine whether these parameters could be used for early POAG diagnosis.

Results

A total of 55 participants were enrolled in the study. Significant differences in the optic disc parameter and perimetry values were observed between the three groups. HRT-II parameters showed good correlation with OCT parameters. The majority of the HRT-II and OCT parameters showed a good correlation with perimetry values.

Conclusions

HRT-II and OCT optic disc parameters both reflect morphological changes of the optic disc. These current findings suggest that they can both detect glaucomatous optic neuropathy earlier than a white-on-white perimetry examination. In addition, OCT can detect optic disc parameter changes that cannot be detected by HRT-II.
Multiple renal arteries with renal cell carcinoma: Preoperative evaluation using computed tomography angiography prior to laparoscopic nephrectomy
Authors: Guan Wen-Hua , Han Yan , Zhang Xuan , Chen Dian-Shen , Gao Zhong-Wei , Feng Xiao-Shan
Published: September 2013

Objective

To investigate anatomical variations in the renal arteries of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Methods

Patients diagnosed with RCC were evaluated using CTA prior to undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy. Any anatomical variations of the renal arteries on the side affected by the RCC were recorded. The CTA results were compared with the observations made during surgery and those produced by conventional digital subtraction angiography.

Results

A total of 107 patients with RCC were enrolled in the study. Multiple renal arteries were found in 11 patients (10.3%). Accessory renal inferior polar arteries were the most common type of multiple renal arteries. Multiple renal arteries acting as the feeding arteries to the RCC were found in five patients (4.7%).

Conclusion

CTA can be used as part of the preoperative evaluation prior to laparoscopic nephrectomy to provide anatomical information about the presence of multiple renal arteries in the affected kidney of patients with RCC. This could help with planning the surgery and reducing surgical complications.
Ipsilateral Versus Contralateral Hamstring Grafts in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: McRae Sheila , Leiter Jeff , McCormack Robert , Old Jason , MacDonald Peter
Published: September 2013

Background:

Benefits of graft harvest from the side contralateral to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–deficient leg have been identified when using bone–patellar tendon–bone autografts in ACL reconstruction (ACLR). As hamstring tendon autografts are becoming more commonly used, a study examining the effect of contralateral graft harvest of semitendinosus gracilis (STG) tendons on patient quality of life was conducted.

Purpose:

To evaluate if ACLR using a hamstring tendon autograft results in better patient quality of life if the graft is harvested from the leg contralateral to the ACL rupture compared with the ipsilateral leg.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

A total of 100 participants between 16 and 50 years of age with a complete ACL tear were randomly assigned to undergo ACLR using either the ipsilateral or contralateral leg as the STG graft donor. Primary outcome measures were the ACL Quality of Life questionnaire (ACL-QOL), concentric knee flexion and extension strength at 60 and 240 deg/s, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) knee assessment form, early postoperative pain and diary of analgesic use, and rate of reruptures. Outcome measures were evaluated before surgery and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery.

Results:

The ACL-QOL score improved over time for both groups ( P < .001), and there were no significant differences between groups at any time point ( P = .528). Significant differences in knee flexion and extension strength were found at 3 months after surgery. There were no differences between groups in IKDC knee assessment scores or rerupture rates.

Conclusion:

There does not appear to be any measurable benefit or drawback in quality of life to the use of an STG graft from the unaffected limb. In light of this finding, further research to examine other possible effects on agility and balance as well as time and ability to return to sport should be conducted. Longer term follow-up beyond 2 years would allow for a more thorough evaluation of the risk of reruptures or contralateral reruptures using this novel approach.
Measuring the value of public libraries in the digital age: What the power people need to know
Authors: Halpin Eddie , Rankin Carolynn , Chapman Elizabeth L , Walker Christopher
Published: September 2013

The evaluation and impact of public libraries is highly topical as local authorities make decisions about what can and cannot be provided through the public purse. This article reports the outcomes of a research workshop which used the Delphi method to gather opinions from expert stakeholders on this subject. Key themes included the value and social benefits of libraries; the need for effective communication; the need for research; the role of CILIP; and the required next steps. The authors suggest the novel approach of using a human rights-based approach to support arguments in favour of public library provision.
The incidence, diagnostic clinical manifestations and severity of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus in New Zealand Maori and Pacific Island children: The Starship experience (2000−2010)
Authors: Concannon A , Rudge S , Yan J , Reed P
Published: September 2013

Objectives

To describe the incidence, diagnostic clinical manifestations and severity of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) in a cohort of New Zealand Maori and Pacific Island children compared to European children.

Methods

A chart review was conducted of children with jSLE seen by the Starship paediatric rheumatology and/or renal services between January 2000 and November 2010. Diagnostic clinical data and lupus nephritis data at anytime were collated while classic British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores were derived retrospectively.

Results

Thirty-two children were diagnosed with jSLE with an annual incidence of 0.52 per 100,000 per year. Compared with European children (0.31 per 100,000 per year) the incidence of jSLE was higher among Maori and Pacific (0.67 per 100,000 per year, p = 0.06) and significantly higher among Asian children (1.17 per 100,000 per year, p = 0.01). Compared with European children, Maori and Pacific children were more frequently diagnosed with lupus nephritis (80% vs 40%, p = 0.09) and severe (WHO class 4 or 5) renal lesions (60% vs 40%, p = 0.43) at presentation. Similarly, at any time during the study, lupus nephritis (100% vs 40%, p = 0.001) and severe (WHO class 4 or 5) renal lesions (73.3% vs 40%, p = 0.12) were more frequent among Maori and Pacific compared with European children. Furthermore, retrospective BILAG assessment of diagnostic disease severity demonstrated that Maori and Pacific children experienced the majority of severe “Category A” disease (56.8% vs 22.7%, p = 0.17) which was predominantly renal (73.3% vs 40%, p = 0.12) in nature.

Conclusions

This is the first description of the incidence and clinical manifestations of jSLE in a cohort of New Zealand children. Although limited by the small numbers involved it confirmed anecdotal suspicions that the incidence of jSLE among Maori, Pacific and Asian children is higher than European children. Lupus nephritis is also more frequent and severe in Maori and Pacific children.
The overrated power of background music in television news magazines: A replication of Brosius’ 1990 study
Authors: Kopiez Reinhard , Platz Friedrich , Wolf Anna
Published: September 2013

This study investigated the effects of background music on cognition, evaluations of films and attitudes. We replicated an earlier experiment by Brosius (1990) on the effects of background music on memory and evaluations of informational films. Using the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM, see Petty & Cacioppo, 1986) as a theoretical framework, we predicted that music would have negative effects on the central route of processing (recognition) but positive effects on the peripheral route (evaluations, changes in attitudes) of the ELM. A television report on toxic substances in energy-saving lamps served as the basic stimulus. Five versions of the report were presented: one with no music and four additional versions with high/low valence/arousal background music. Using a five-group between-subjects design (with approximately 100 members in each group), stimuli were rated in an online study with a representative sample of “consumers” (age range: 18–60 years). The changes in attitudes toward energy-saving lamps and the overall evaluations of the video were measured using pre- and post-test questionnaires. In addition, the subjects completed recognition tests for both the auditory and visual information. No differences in recognition or the evaluations were found between the conditions, and no effects of the valence of the music (i.e., negative vs. positive) were found. Furthermore, there was a pre-post shift in attitudes toward a critical evaluation of energy-saving lamps (dz = 0.85). However, this intervention effect was independent of the experimental condition. Overall, our study found no support for the widely assumed manipulative effect of background music in television news magazines. The results are discussed in relation to the habituation effects of music and the perceived relevance of background music.
A non-linear stiffness composite twisting I-beam
Authors: Lachenal Xavier , Daynes Stephen , Weaver Paul M
Published: September 2013

A classic structural component of mechanical engineering, the I-beam, is re-designed by adding a morphing twist functionality to the high bending stiffness inherent to the geometry of the component. The beam, as with its conventional counterpart, is made of two flanges separated by a web. Here, bi-stability is introduced from a combination of flange pre-stress, web geometry and material properties, yielding a highly non-linear twist morphing structure while keeping the low weight and the high bending stiffness of the beam. The present case study offers two twisted stable shapes and can be morphed from one stable configuration to the other by applying a snap-through twist moment to the ends of the structure. Correlation is found between tests results, finite element model data and analytical predictions, validating the modelling assumptions. A sensitivity study is also performed to understand the influence of the design parameters of the beam and loading condition on the stability of the structure. As a result, the three conflicting requirements of adaptive structures are met in a single structural entity: low mass, load-carrying capability and compliance.
A two-level procedure for the global optimization of the damping behavior of composite laminated plates with elastomer patches
Authors: Montemurro Marco , Vincenti Angela , Koutsawa Yao , Vannucci Paolo
Published: September 2013

This work concerns a two-level procedure for the global optimum design of hybrid elastomer/composite modular structures. The goal of the procedure is the maximization of the first Nf modal loss factors of the structure, satisfying mechanical constraints on the weight and on the bending stiffness, feasibility constraints on the admissible moduli for the constitutive laminates, along with geometric constraints on the positions of the viscoelastic patches. At the first level of the procedure, the optimization of the damping behavior of the structure is carried out: the optimization variables at this stage are the number of elastomer patches (modules), as well as their geometrical parameters (position, thickness and diameter), along with the material and geometric parameters of the composite laminated structure (elastic moduli, thickness of the laminate). The composite structure supporting the elastomer patches is thus optimized using a free-material approach, via the polar representation of 2D elasticity, and the second level of the optimization consists in finding the laminate stacking sequence satisfying the optimal elastic moduli and thickness issued from the first step. The method is able to automatically determine the optimal number of modules and it does not need the introduction of any simplifying assumption. The proposed approach relies on one hand, on the application of the well-known Iterative Modal Strain Energy (IMSE) method for the evaluation of the dynamic response of the structure, and on the other hand on the use of the polar formalism for the representation of the elastic anisotropic behavior of composite laminates as well as of a genetic algorithm as optimization tool to perform the solution search. We will illustrate the application of our approach to the optimization of the damping behavior of a rectangular composite plate with a discontinuous aperiodic distribution of viscoelastic material. The numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
On the senses and semantic excess in photographic evidence
Authors: Gibson Ross
Published: September 2013

It is widely accepted that forensic procedures are meant to bring precise interpretation to puzzling scenes and parcels of evidence. Forensic activity is a cool, slow and deliberate process of making meaning. But what of the feelings that also suffuse the scenes and the evidence? Does the force of affect linger in or around forensic materials? Can these feelings be evoked so they can be assayed to produce a particular kind of knowledge, even as they pulse and pass? How can investigators pay proper attention to the feelings that often elude or bamboozle conventional semiotic and semantic procedures? To address these questions, this article considers a specific archive of crime-scene photographs.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in diabetes
Authors: Roberts Anna C , Porter Karen E
Published: September 2013

In healthy individuals, the vascular endothelium regulates an intricate balance of factors that maintain vascular homeostasis and normal arterial function. Functional disruption of the endothelium is known to be an early event that underlies the development of subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) including atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. In addition, the rising global epidemic of type 2 diabetes is a significant problem conferring a significantly higher risk of CVD to individuals in whom endothelial dysfunction is also notable. This review first summarises the role of endothelium in health and explores and evaluates the impact of diabetes on endothelial function. The characteristic features of insulin resistance and other metabolic disturbances that may underlie long-term changes in vascular endothelial function (metabolic memory) are described along with proposed cellular, molecular and epigenetic mechanisms. Through understanding the underlying mechanisms, novel targets for future therapies to restore endothelial homeostasis and ‘drive’ a reparative cellular phenotype are explored.
Esomeprazole in the Australian courts: The acid test
Authors: Condon Wayne
Published: September 2013

A number of decisions have already been handed down this year by the Australian Federal Court in a series of pharmaceutical patent challenges. The most recent of them is the decision in the esomeprazole case. At issue was the validity and infringement of three patents: the so-called purity patent claiming an optically pure salt of the (−)- enantiomer of omeprazole, including the magnesium salt; the so-called multiple unit tableted dosage form patent claiming, amongst other things, omeprazole or one of its single enantiomers or an alkaline salt thereof in a tablet form with defined characteristics; and the so-called 774 patent claiming an oral pharmaceutical dosage form comprising, amongst other things, a proton pump inhibitor including omeprazole or the (−)- enantiomer of omeprazole.

This case is another example of the Federal Court complying with the parties’ express desire for a prompt delivery of reasons for judgement. After a hearing of some weeks, which concluded on 28 March 2013, there were final written submissions filed on 12 April 2013. The parties (and in particular Ranbaxy) requested a determination preferably by no later than 23 April 2013. That gave Justice Middleton just under one month from the conclusion of the hearing and only 10 days after the final written submissions to deliver a judgement with respect to the validity of three separate patents, each of which was attacked on numerous bases including lack of novelty, a lack of inventive step and manner of manufacture. His Honour’s judgement extends to 1017 separate paragraphs over 148 pages. Although the decision does not traverse any astoundingly new ground or offer any particularly insightful new approach to the conventional validity attacks that were mounted, some general observations may be of interest.
Adolescent to parent violence: Framing and mapping a hidden problem
Authors: Condry Rachel , Miles Caroline
Published: September 2013

Adolescent to parent violence is virtually absent from policing, youth justice and domestic violence policy, despite being widely recognized by practitioners in those fields. It is under-researched and rarely appears in criminological discussions of family or youth violence. This article presents the first UK analysis of cases of adolescent to parent violence reported to the police. We analyse victim, offender and incident characteristics from 1892 cases reported to the Metropolitan Police in 2009–2010, most of which involved violence against the person or criminal damage in the home. Our findings reveal that adolescent to parent violence is a gendered phenomenon: 87 per cent of suspects were male and 77 per cent of victims were female. We argue that the absence of adolescent to parent violence from criminological discourse must be addressed if criminology is to have a thorough understanding of family violence in all its forms.
Low vitamin D level is an independent predictor of poor outcomes in Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
Authors: Wang Wallace J. , Gray Sondra , Sison Cristina , Arramraju Sushma , John Bijo K. , Hussain Syed A. , Kim Sang H. , Mehta Preeti , Rubin Moshe
Published: September 2013

Background:

The incidence, recurrence, and all-cause mortality rate for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has increased markedly over the past 10 years despite treatment. Low vitamin D levels are known to impair immune responses to infection and are associated with increased mortality. We compared the role of patient comorbidity measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) with vitamin D levels to ascertain whether vitamin D levels were an independent variable affecting the outcome of CDAD or a marker of overall comorbidity.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study studied 62 patients hospitalized between 2008 and 2009 with manifestations of CDAD and a positive C. difficile toxin assay. All patients received standard antibiotics (metronidazole and/or vancomycin). Their status at 30-day follow up was classified as resolved or recurred/expired. Patients’ CCI was calculated using their medical history. Logistic regression analysis of variables including 25-hydroxyvitamin D, CCI, age, gender, white blood cell count (WBC), albumin and residence type were performed.

Results:

There were 62 patients (43.6% men, 56.4% women) with CDAD; mean age was 75 ± 17 years. At 30-day follow up, 28 (45.2%) expired, 10 (16.1%) had persistent or recurrent diarrhea and 24 (38.7%) resolved. Nonresolution was seen in 38 (61.3%). There was no significant association between 30-day resolution status and CCI, gender, WBC, albumin level or residence type. Two variables were found to be independent predictors of resolution of CDAD: normal vitamin D levels ( p = 0.028) and age <70 years ( p = 0.024). Subjects with low vitamin D were 4.75 times more likely to fail to resolve CDAD than subjects with normal Vitamin D.

Conclusion:

In this study, vitamin D level and age are independent predictors of CDAD resolution in hospitalized patients. Low vitamin D levels and age >70 years old are associated with increased likelihood of recurrence. Low vitamin D levels are not a marker of comorbidity or advanced age.
The Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Eating Challenges on Family Mealtimes
Authors: Ausderau Karla , Juarez Malorie
Published: September 2013

Feeding disorders are prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can have a profound impact on family mealtimes. Mothers of 6 children with ASD were interviewed to explore family mealtime experiences. Narrative and thematic analysis were used. Analysis discovered varying mealtime practices across participants; however, similarities were evident across all families. Mealtimes were important to all families, but challenging to construct, often involving exhaustive work by the mother. Nutrition was a high priority for all and mothers detailed the battle with “healthy food” intake for their child with ASD, as the child displayed atypical food preferences, food selectivity, and disruptive mealtime behaviors. Four core themes emerged as mother’s narrated typical mealtimes in their households: (a) Eating Together, (b) Adapted Mealtime Routines, (c) Constructing Mealtimes Alone, and (d) No Longer Just a Sibling. An overwhelming similarity among mothers was the experience of stress surrounding aspects of mealtime that was interwoven throughout the 4 themes.