bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis and Body Mass Index
Authors: Lalich Ian J. , Kasperbauer Jan L. , Maldonado Fabien , Ekbom Dale C. , Edell Eric S.
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

1) Describe factors associated with development, disease control, and rate of recurrence in patients with Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis (ISS). 2) Evaluate the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and ISS.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients treated at the Mayo Clinic Rochester between 1996 and December 2012. All patients 16 years and older with a clinical diagnosis and/or treatment of ISS were reviewed. Patients with an identifiable etiology for stenosis including trauma, prior neck surgery, previous tracheostomy, multiple intubations (>6 lifetime intubations), prolonged intubation (>1 week), Wegener's Granulomatosis, or an antecedent explanation for their stenosis were excluded. Outcome measurements included symptom free interval, recurrence, and number of procedures performed.

Results:

Features were collected on 182 female and 4 male patients. At diagnosis, 121 (65%) patients were overweight, and 76 (41%) patients were obese. The mean BMI at first surgery was 28.7 kg/m2. Ninety‐one patients experienced at least one recurrence at a mean of 2.3 years following treatment. Mean number of recurrences, relative to follow‐up interval, for class BMI >30.0 kg/m2 was 1.6 recurrences/year compared with 1.0 recurrences/year for BMI < 30 kg/m2 (P = 0.050). Increasing incidence of the following comorbidities was significantly associated with increases in BMI: heartburn (P = 0.012), gastroesophageal reflux disease (P = 0.011), hypertension (P = <0.001), cardiac history (P = 0.045), hyperlipidemia/dyslipidemia (P = <0.001), and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.004).

Conclusions:

ISS patients with elevated BMI appear to have an increased risk of recurrent disease. Encouraging lifestyle change and weight reduction may assist in disease control.
Safety Concerns of the CO2 Laser in Traditional and Hand‐Held Modes in Transoral Laser Microsurgery
Authors: Coughlan Carolyn A. , Verma Sunil P.
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

Comparisons between line‐of‐sight and fiber‐optic carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers have not been previously reported in regards to interactions with commonly used products in transoral laser microsurgery. In this study we sought to address this gap.

Methods:

The beams of a traditional and an Omniguide fiber‐based laser were focused on commonly used materials in transoral laser microsurgery. Three laser resistant endotracheal tubes (ETTs), a standard polyvinylcholoride (PVC) ETT, and cottonoids were evaluated. The time to penetrate through the material was recorded.

Results:

Neither laser beam completely penetrated any of the laser resistant ETTs within 90s of contact. However, both instantaneously perforated the absorbent coating of the laser resistant tubes, immediately exposing the underlying metal tape. The traditional laser perforated the PVC endotracheal tube at 0s, and the Omniguide laser did so within 3s. The Rusch Lasertubus ETT balloon cuff was the most resistant material to both lasers. Both laser beams perforated dry cottonoids instantaneously but were unable to penetrate excessively saturated cottonoids.

Conclusions:

In general the time to penetrate materials was longer for a traditional CO2 laser when used at the same power. The absorbent outer coating of all ETTs was easily penetrated with the laser, revealing highly reflective metallic tape. While supersaturated cottonoids were resistant to both lasers, dry pledgets could be penetrated. Of all ETTs tested, the Rusch Lasertubus ETT appears to be the most resistant to both lasers.
Analysis of Immortalized Normal Cell Lines Used in the Characterization of Oral Cancer
Authors: Dickman Christopher T. , Towle Rebecca , Saini Rajan , Garnis Cathie
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

1) Evaluate the molecular profiles of a panel of normal and dysplastic cell lines used in modeling oral cancer initiation and progression. 2) Determine how closely they resemble microdissected tissue of the same type.

Methods:

Primary cell lines OKP7, OKF4; Immortalized normal cell lines OKF4/TERT‐1, OKF4/E6E7, OKF6/TERT‐1, OKF6/TERT‐2, OKF6/E6E7, OKP7/bmi1/TERT; and dysplastic cell lines DOK and POE9n/TERT were analyzed for DNA copy number variation, mRNA, and miRNA expression. These data were compared to microdisected normal and dysplastic tissue using SMRT v.2 DNA microarrays, Agilent Human Gene Expression 44K microarrays, and Exiqon LNA RT miRNA PCR panels.

Results:

All but one of the immortalized cell lines contained major alterations in DNA copy number. Clustering analysis showed that mRNA and miRNA expression of the immortalized normal cell lines is distinct from normal tissue and is more similar to the primary and dysplastic cell lines, regardless of the tissues from which they derived, or if and how they have been immortalized. However the expression of tumor suppressors for example p53 was significantly lower in the immortalized cells (p=0.0021), regardless of immortalization method.

Conclusions:

This experiment provides valuable information for those wishing to use normal or dysplastic oral cell lines. One will need to keep in mind the genomic mutations and the altered expression inherent to these lines when applying the conclusions of studies done on these cell lines.
Clinical Outcome of Negative Rigid Esophagoscopy in Patients with Suspected Foreign Body Ingestion
Authors: Ong Yew Kwang , Lim Audrey , Lim Chwee Ming
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

Identify the reasons and clinical outcome for negative rigid esophagoscopy (NRE) in patients with suspected foreign body (FB) ingestion.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with a history of FB ingestion with negative rigid esophagoscopy over a 12‐year period. Patients with suspected FB ingestion underwent rigid esophagoscopy (RE) when they were symptomatic and/or when the radiological investigations revealed suspicious feature(s) of an FB. NRE patients were categorized as 1) passed out FB; 2) false positive indications for RE; or 3) migrated FB. Clinical outcomes were evaluated based on successful FB removal and complications following either FB ingestion or treatment related interventions.

Results:

89 (12.3%) out of 723 patients who underwent rigid esophagoscopy for suspected FB ingestion had NRE. 61.8% (55/89) had spontaneous FB passage without any complications; 36.0% (32/89) had a false positive indication for RE; and 2.2% (2/89) had migrated FB necessitating neck exploration with successful removal of the offending FB. Abnormal calcifications seen on radiological investigation accounts for 34.4% of these patients having false positive indications for RE, with 2 patients having thoracic exploration to rule out a migrated thoracic esophageal FB.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of NRE in patients with suspected FB is low (12.3%). However, 36.0% of patients had rigid esophagoscopy performed due to false positive indication, and nearly a third of these patients were primarily due to abnormal calcifications seen on the radiological investigations.
Difficult Airway Simulation for Novice Physicians: A Randomized Trial Comparing Traditional and Video‐Assisted Laryngoscopy
Authors: Ambrosio Art A. , Pfannenstiel Travis J. , Bach Kevin K. , Cornelissen Christopher , Gaconnet Cory , Brigger Matthew T.
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

Detect a difference in intubation success and total intubation times between novice physicians using either a Macintosh laryngoscope or a video‐assisted laryngoscope (Glidescope®) on a difficult airway manikin simulator.

Methods:

This prospective randomized trial was performed in June 2012. 40 first year residents with less than five total live intubations were recruited. Training was provided by both faculty otolaryngologists and anesthesiologists using both laryngoscope types on a manikin airway simulator in a standard intubation scenario. This was followed by randomization to use one of the aforementioned laryngoscopes in a difficult intubation scenario. The difficult airway simulation entailed oral cavity/oropharyngeal obstruction using tongue inflation, with rigid cervical spine immobilization preventing extension and elevation of the head and limiting oral cavity opening. Success was defined as a confirmed endotracheal intubation by the instructor in 120 seconds or less.

Results:

The Macintosh laryngoscope group (n=19) had an intubation success rate of 52.63% with a mean intubation time of 69.0 (95% CI: 52.7, 85.2) seconds. The video‐assisted group (n=21) demonstrated a significantly higher success rate of 100% (p<0.0001) and a decreased mean intubation time of 23.1 (95% CI: 18.4, 27.8) seconds (p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

Novice physicians with little to no prior intubation experience showed significantly higher intubation success with lower intubation times using a video assisted laryngoscope in a difficult airway manikin simulator.
Topiramate for the Management of Vestibular Migraine
Authors: Perez Angel J. , Jardine Dinchen A. , Gille Theresa M. , Conley George S.
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

Vestibular migraine (VM) is considered to be the second most‐common cause of vertigo and the most common cause of spontaneous episodic vertigo. Topiramate has been used effectively for the prevention of migraine headaches, however, there are few quality studies showing its effectiveness for the prophylaxis of VM. We seek to determine the efficacy of topiramate for the treatment of VM.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review over a 24‐month period (2010‐2012) of patients evaluated at a tertiary neurotology clinic. A coding query was performed to identify potential patients with a diagnosis of VM. Records were reviewed for diagnostic criteria for VM and the use of topiramate as a primary prophylactic treatment. The subjective reduction in the frequency and severity of vertigo attacks was the primary measured outcome.

Results:

Of 109 patients identified with a diagnosis of vestibular migraine, 30 (27.5%) met the accepted diagnostic criteria for probable vestibular migraine and 22 (20.2%) met criteria for definite vestibular migraine. Nineteen (19) of those patients were treated with topiramate, out of which 13 (68%) reported significant improvement in the frequency or severity of vertigo attacks during a 10 month average follow up. Two patients discontinued topiramate due to side effects despite efficacy. No medication adverse events occurred on these patients.

Conclusions:

Given its safety and efficacy in classic migraine prophylaxis, topiramate has been proposed as a treatment for VM. Data from this preliminary cohort supports its role in vestibular migraine prophylaxis. Larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Airway Management in Children with Limited Oral Opening
Authors: Meyers Jason A. , Yue Ruixian A. , Sidman James D.
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

1) Describe largest population reported in the literature of children with limited oral opening that does not allow for routine orotracheal intubation with direct laryngoscopy. 2) Analyze incidence and outcome of airway compromise or loss in this population. 3) Identify factors that preclude decannulation in children with limited oral opening.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of children who were identified by the Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota craniofacial team over the last 15 years as having limited oral opening that did not allow for routine orotracheal intubation by direct laryngoscopy.

Results:

Ten children (mean age 13 years, range 7‐17 years) were identified for inclusion into the study. A total of 109 operations requiring general anesthesia (average of 10.9 per patient, range 0‐23) were performed on patients without a tracheostomy in place. Flexible fiberoptic nasal intubation was performed in 58 cases, 37 by otolaryngology (64%) and 21 by anesthesiology (36%). The remainder of airway control was by mask ventilation (33 cases), various methods of orotracheal intubation (12 cases), and unknown (6 cases). There was a total of 118 patient years without a tracheostomy tube in place (average of 11.8 years per patient). During this period there were no episodes of acute airway compromise that resulted in neurologic deficits.

Conclusions:

Select children with limited oral opening that does not allow for routine orotracheal intubation with direct laryngoscopy can be safely managed without a tracheostomy, even when the child requires frequent procedures under general anesthesia.
Healing Mechanisms of Human Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforations
Authors: Lou Zheng C.
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

Prospectively assess the healing mechanism of human traumatic tympanic membrane perforation (TMP).

Methods:

The spontaneous healing process of 20 patients with traumatic TMPs was photographed and analyzed.

Results:

Of the 20 patients with traumatic TMPS, 16 suffered dry perforations and four had wet perforations. Of the 16 dry perforations, in 13 patients, centripetal migrating epithelium was the first layer to close the perforation, followed by the fibrous layer. In 3 of 16 dry perforations, outward epithelial migration was observed on the side of perforation edge. Of the four wet perforations, granulation tissue formation of a fibrous layer was the first layer to close the perforation, after which it was covered by migrating epithelium. Additionally, within 1 week after injury, healing of dry perforations was slow, the estimated percentage not exceeding 30%, while that of wet perforations was significantly faster; the estimated percentages were 60‐95%.

Conclusions:

The healing mechanism of human traumatic TMPs may be related to the eardrum condition. Centripetal migrating epithelium from the proliferation center plays a crucial role in healing of dry perforations. In contrast, granulation tissue formation from the connective tissue layer plays an important role in healing of wet perforations.
Effect of Onchocerca Volvulus Chitinase on MUC5B Expression in Human Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kim Young‐Dae , Bae Chang‐Hoon , Song Si‐Youn
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

Chitin is an essential structural component of the wall of fungal cells and is present in the exoskeleton of arthropods. It has been generally assumed that mammals lack the ability to produce chitinase proteins, the enzymes responsible for chitin degradation. However, recent studies have demonstrated that mammals produce chitinases and chitinase‐like proteins, and chitinase plays a potential role in human asthma and allergic inflammation. In this study, the effect and brief signaling pathway of chitinase on MUC5B expression were investigated in human airway epithelial cells.

Methods:

In the mucin‐producing human NCI‐H292 airway epithelial cells and the primary cultures of normal nasal epithelial cells, the effect and signaling pathway of chitinase on MUC5B expression were investigated using the reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), real‐time PCR, enzyme immunoassay, and immunoblot analysis with several specific inhibitors and small interfering RNA (siRNA).

Results:

In the mucin‐producing human NCI‐H292 airway epithelial cells, chitinase increased MUC5B expression. Chitinase significantly activated the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK but not the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) significantly attenuated chitinase‐induced MUC5B mRNA expression, but U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor) did not. Knockdown of p38 MAPK by p38 MAPK siRNA significantly blocked chitinase‐induced MUC5B expression. In the primary cultures of normal nasal epithelial cells, chitinase significantly increased MUC5B gene expression, and this was significantly attenuated after pretreatment with SB203580.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that chitinase induces MUC5B expression by activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in human airway epithelial cells.
Serum 25Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Taiwanese Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Wang LingFeng
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased incidence of allergic airway diseases and is correlated with the severity of asthma. The study was designed to determine if serum Vitamin D level is lower in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and correlated with the severity of CRSwNP.

Methods:

Patients with latest diagnosis of CRSwNP undergoing elective endoscopic sinus surgery were recruited. Twenty patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) were used as control. Demographic characteristic information was collected. The severity of CRSwNP was assessed with the Lund‐Mackay score and polyp grading system. Vitamin D status was assessed by measuring circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD). Data were stratified by factors known to affect serum 25OHD, including sex, race, and body mass index.

Results:

Serum 25OHD levels (ng/ml ± SD) were significantly lower in patients with CRSwNP (21.4 ± 5.7) than in those with CRSsNP (28.8 ± 6.2) (P < 0.001). A significantly negative relationship was found between serum 25OHD level and polyp grade (r=‐0.63, P = 0.001), indicating lower serum 25OHD was associated with higher polyp grade. Serum 25OHD was inversely related to both LM score and total IgE level as well; however, statistical significance was not found.

Conclusions:

A significantly lower vitamin D level was found in a group of Taiwanese CRSwNP patients, which revealed an association with greater nasal polyp size. Serum vitamin D levels could be added to the routine workup of patients suffering from CRSwNP.
The Portable Device “Watch PAT” as a Diagnostic Method of Sleep‐Disordered Breathing
Authors: Pinto Jose A. , Godoy Luciana B. M. , Mizoguchi Elcio I. , Ribeiro Renata C. , Gomes Leonardo M. , Hirsch Lina A. M.
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

1) Evaluate the accuracy of Watch PAT in diagnosing sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB). 2) Compare the results of Watch PAT and polysomnography (PSG).

Methods:

Prospective study performed between February and December 2012. Thirty patients with suggestive complaints of respiratory sleep disorder underwent Watch PAT and polysomnography simultaneously.

Results:

Twenty men and ten women underwent the sleep studies. Mean age was 42.8 ± 12.32 years. There was a trend that the apnea / hypopnea index (AHI) of Watch PAT was significantly higher than that of PSG (p<0.001); however the values of AHI of both sleep studies were significantly correlated (r = 0.762). There was also a high correlation between the values of the following variables: minimum oxygen saturation (r = 0.842, p<0.001), oxygen saturation <90% (r = 0.799, p <0.001), and mean heart frequency (r = 0.951, p <0.001). The analysis which used ROC curve to test the diagnostic efficiency of Watch PAT concluded that the area under the curve could reach 0.727 if the threshold of 12 events/hour was used as the cut‐off point in this study with a sensitivity of 96.2% and a specificity of 60%. When analyzing the severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (AHI ≥ 30 events/hour), the area under the curve was 0.846 with a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 86.4%.

Conclusions:

Watch PAT tends to overestimate the AHI when compared with PSG, especially for mild OSA. The Watch PAT is an alternative method that is reliable and highly sensitive for the diagnosis of SDB.
The Development of Nanoparticles for Targeted Head and Neck Cancer Detection with Molecular Imaging
Authors: Mouchli Anas , Lajud Shayanne A. , Nagda Danish , Zheng Jun , O'Malley Bert W. , Li Daqing
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

1) Develop an accurate detection system for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) using tumor specific nanoparticle‐based probes. 2) Apply these probes for real‐time non‐invasive HNSCC detection using molecular imaging (MI) system.

Methods.

Fluorescence‐labeled LDS nanoparticles targeting Hsp47 (a highly specific biomarker for HNSCC) were constructed. The HNSCC targeted properties of these constructs were evaluated in vitro using human HNSCC tumor cell lines and in a mouse model of HNSCC with a MI system.

Results:

Fluorescence‐labeled LDS nanoparticles demonstrated HNSCC tumor cell targeting properties in vitro. Furthermore, this targeting strategy demonstrated accurate and real time tumor detection using MI system.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests that these novel nanoparticle‐based HNSCC tumor‐targeting constructs have the potential to be used clinically for non‐invasive, accurate, and real time detection of tumors for patients evaluated for HNSCC.
Right thoracotomy, off-pump, scimitar syndrome repair in infants
Authors: Gil-Jaurena Juan-Miguel , Castillo Rafael , Sarria Esteban , González Mayte
Published: August 2013

Two cases of scimitar syndrome in children under one-year old are presented. Both were repaired through a right thoracotomy, off-pump, reimplanting the venous collector in the left atrium. Tips and advantages are discussed.
Single coronary artery anomaly causing ischemic mitral insufficiency
Authors: Ay Yasin , Aydın Cemalettin , Ay Nuray Kahraman , İnan Bekir , Başel Halil , Zeybek Rahmi
Published: August 2013

Single coronary artery anomaly is rarely seen, and although it can present with sudden death, chest pain, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, or congestive heart failure, it can also be asymptomatic. We describe the case of a 58-year-old man with single coronary artery anomaly in whom the coronary artery stemmed from the left coronary sinus and caused ischemic mitral insufficiency due to left anterior descending artery stenosis. He underwent successful mitral valve repair and coronary bypass.
Infected pseudoaneurysm following a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt procedure
Authors: Nakai Yosuke , Nomura Norikazu , Ukai Tomohiko , Asano Miki , Mishima Akira
Published: August 2013

A 3-year-old boy with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect, who had undergone placement of a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt, presented with a 1-week history of high fever. Computed tomography showed a pseudoaneurysm at the anastomosis between the right brachiocephalic artery and the graft. After intravenous antibiotic therapy, the pseudoaneurysm and infected graft were resected through a median sternotomy. This report describes successful management of a potentially fatal complication following placement of a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt.
The effect of body movement on listeners’ perceptions of musicality in trombone quartet performance
Authors: Silveira Jason M.
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine what effect body movement would have on listeners’ ( N = 90) perceptions of a professional chamber ensemble performance. Specifically, an audio/video recording of a trombone quartet performance was used for the music stimulus. Listeners were asked to rate each performance on the basis of perceived appropriateness of style and perceived ensemble expressivity. While the video portion of the stimulus changed to reflect each of three movement conditions: (1) deadpan – no extraneous movement, (2) head/face movement only, (3) full body movement, the audio portion of the stimulus remained the same. Results indicated that body movement condition did significantly affect listeners’ ratings of perceived style and expressivity. Increased movement in performance corresponded to higher ratings. Differences were also found on the basis of major (although the effect size was small) and presentation order. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Creativity in the elementary music classroom: A study of students’ perceptions
Authors: Coulson Andrea N. , Burke Brigid M.
Published: August 2013

This research explored essential elements to be considered when teaching US students to develop and define creativity in the general elementary (students aged 5–11 years) music classroom. This case study focused on answering the following research questions: 1) What are students’ perceptions of creativity? 2) How can music educators successfully implement improvisation lessons to promote student creativity and learning? Data included students’ in-class written work and homework, and field notes taken during observations of classroom discussions after improvisation lessons. Analysis of this data provided evidence that students produce more creative, original music when they are more confident with their musical ability. Students viewed music they enjoyed as creative. Students also believed that a variety of instruments or rhythms make music creative. Although improvisation skills were demonstrated for students, the results indicated that students might take more risks when creating music if their teachers played music and demonstrated skills more often in class.
Cultural Techniques: Or the End of the Intellectual Postwar Era in German Media Theory
Authors: Siegert Bernhard
Published: August 2013

This paper seeks to introduce cultural techniques to an Anglophone readership. Specifically geared towards an Anglophone readership, the paper relates the re-emergence of cultural techniques (a concept first employed in the 19th century in an agricultural context) to the changing intellectual constellation of postwar Germany. More specifically, it traces how the concept evolved from – and reacted against – so-called German media theory, a decidedly anti-hermeneutic and anti-humanist current of thought frequently associated with the work of Friedrich Kittler. Post-hermeneutic rather than anti-hermeneutic in its outlook, the reconceptualization of cultural techniques aims at presenting them as chains of operations that link humans, things, media and even animals. To investigate cultural techniques is to shift the analytic gaze from ontological distinctions to the ontic operations that gave rise to the former in the first place. As Siegert points out, this shift recalls certain concurrent developments within the North American posthumanities; the paper therefore also includes a discussion of the similarities and differences between German and North American posthumanism.
Academics’ use and attitude towards open access in selected higher learning institutions of Ethiopia
Authors: Mammo Yared , Ngulube Patrick
Published: August 2013

Libraries in higher learning institutions (HLIs) of Ethiopia have been providing electronic information (e-information) resources to users such as academics through different access models, including open access. Nonetheless, little is known about the academics’ attitudes toward open access journals. The study triangulated qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Data were obtained through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Out of 768 academics from seven selected universities in Ethiopia who were surveyed, 566 (78 percent) responded. The data were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively by means of content analysis and basic descriptive statistics respectively. The results of the study revealed that 78 percent of the academics were aware of open access journals. On the whole, they have a perceived positive attitude towards open access journals and would like to use them in the future. Moreover, they have been using open access journals as an alternative access model to the conventional journals subscription model; and yet to optimize the benefits of open access among academics, they expect university librarians to promote and enhance the accessibility of open access journals in their respective university libraries and in Ethiopia in general. Further studies using a similarly rigorous approach are required to determine the generality of this finding.
Towards tackling inequalities in South Africa
Authors: Mnkeni-Saurombe Nampombe , Zimu Nomusa
Published: August 2013

Tackling inequalities in society remains a serious challenge for post-apartheid South Africa. This battle calls for a multifaceted approach that involves various stakeholders including community libraries. Community libraries are internationally recognised as social institutions that can effect social and economic transformation in society. In South Africa, this is clearly manifested by the provision of a conditional government grant for the development of community libraries in the country. The Department of Arts and Culture started this project in 2007. Despite this recognition for community libraries, their role in tackling inequalities in society is not always clear. Findings from the literature and reports from the Department of Arts and Culture suggest that community libraries are playing an important role in curbing inequalities. This article also attempts to report on the progress of the Department of Arts and Culture’s conditional grant community library project. Though there has been some progress in the project but challenges still exist and more effort and support are required. It is vital that community library services be developed and sustained as these libraries can have a positive influence on the development of society.
Linking Subsistence Activities to Global Marketing Systems
Authors: Kolk Ans
Published: August 2013

This article aims to improve the understanding of how micro-level subsistence activities might be related to higher-level phenomena to increase the well-being of individuals and communities in contexts characterized by institutional gaps. Using coffee as illustrative case, it explores the link between local entrepreneurial activities in developing countries and global marketing systems, with specific attention to the role of institutions. In this way, the article also sheds some light on broader research challenges identified in the marketing and society area on the role of marketing in addressing sustainability and poverty, especially institution-building and failure in development. Insights from coffee projects to help small farmers, undertaken in different settings all characterized by institutional gaps, exemplify the emergence of “compensatory structures” – new/different networks, intermediary entities, and partnerships. They further knowledge transfer, market access, and capacity building; combine forces through producer groups and cooperatives; and create links with trading/exporting companies, sector organizations, and government agencies. While positive outcomes are found, the article also discusses limitations related to certification, access to finance, and extension in time and scale, as well as implications for research and practice.
The role of follow-up ultrasound and clinical parameters after abdominal MDCT in patients with multiple trauma
Authors: Geyer Lucas L , Körner M , Linsenmaier U , Wirth S , Reiser MF , Meindl T
Published: August 2013

Background

Beside its value during the initial trauma work-up (focused assessment with sonography for trauma), ultrasound (US) is recommended for early follow-up examinations of the abdomen in multiple injured patients. However, multidetector CT (MDCT) has proven to reliably diagnose traumatic lesions of abdominal organs, to depict their extent, and to assess their clinical relevance.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic impact of follow-up US studies after MDCT of the abdomen and to identify possible clinical parameters indicating the need of a follow-up US.

Material and Methods

During a 30-month period, patients with suspected multiple trauma were allocated. Patients with admission to the ICU, an initial abdominal MDCT scan, and an US follow-up examination after 6 and 24 h were included. Two patient cohorts were defined: patients with normal abdominal MDCT (group 1), patients with trauma-related pathologic abdominal MDCT (group 2). In all patients, parameters indicating alteration of vital functions or hemorrhage within the first 24 h were obtained by reviewing the medical charts.

Results

Forty-four of 193 patients were included: 24 were categorized in group 1 (mean age, 41.1 years; range, 21–90 years), 20 in group 2 (mean age, 36.6 years; range, 16–71 years). In group 1, US did not provide new information compared to emergency MDCT. In group 2, there were no contradictory 6- and 24-h follow-up US findings. In patients with positive MDCT findings and alterations of clinical parameters, US did not detect progression of a previously diagnosed pathology or any late manifestation of such a lesion. In none of the patients with negative abdominal MDCT and pathological clinical parameters US indicated an abdominal injury.

Conclusion

Routine US follow-up does not yield additional information after abdominal trauma. In patients with MDCT-proven organ lesions, follow-up MDCT should be considered if indicated by abnormal clinical and/or laboratory findings.
Diffusion tensor imaging of the cervical spinal cord in healthy adult population: normative values and measurement reproducibility at 3T MRI
Authors: Brander Antti , Koskinen Eerika , Luoto Teemu M , Hakulinen Ullamari , Helminen Mika , Savilahti Sirpa , Ryymin Pertti , Dastidar Prasun , Öhman Juha
Published: August 2013

Background

Compared to diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the brain, there is a paucity of reports addressing the applicability of DTI in the evaluation of the spinal cord. Most normative data of cervical spinal cord DTI consist of relatively small and arbitrarily collected populations. Comprehensive normative data are necessary for clinical decision-making.

Purpose

To establish normal values for cervical spinal cord DTI metrics with region of interest (ROI)- and fiber tractography (FT)-based measurements and to assess the reproducibility of both measurement methods.

Material and Methods

Forty healthy adults underwent cervical spinal cord 3T MRI. Sagittal and axial conventional T2 sequences and DTI in the axial plane were performed. Whole cord fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were determined at different cervical levels from C2 to C7 using the ROI method. DTI metrics (FA, axial, and radial diffusivities based on eigenvalues λ1, λ2, and λ3, and ADC) of the lateral and posterior funicles were measured at C3 level. FA and ADC of the whole cord and the lateral and posterior funicles were also measured using quantitative tractography. Intra- and inter-observer variation of the measurement methods were assessed.

Results

Whole cord FA values decreased and ADC values increased in the rostral to caudal direction from C2 to C7. Between the individual white matter funicles no statistically significant difference for FA or ADC values was found. Both axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity of both lateral funicles differed significantly from those of the posterior funicle. Neither gender nor age correlated with any of the DTI metrics. Intra-observer variation of the measurements for whole cord FA and ADC showed almost perfect agreement with both ROI and tractography-based measurements. There was more variation in measurements of individual columns. Inter-observer agreement varied from moderate to strong for whole cord FA and ADC.

Conclusion

Both ROI- and FT-based measurements are applicable methods yielding reproducible results for cervical spinal cord DTI metrics. Normative values for both measurement methods are presented.
BMS-927711 for the acute treatment of migraine: A double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, dose-ranging trial
Authors: Marcus Ronald , Goadsby Peter J , Dodick David , Stock David , Manos George , Fischer Tanya Z
Published: August 2013

Background

BMS-927711 is a potent, selective, competitive human calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist that has shown in vivo efficacy without vasoconstrictor effect. The objective of the current study was to determine an effective and tolerable dose range of BMS-927711 for the acute treatment of migraine.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, dose-ranging study, 885 patients were randomized using an adaptive design to one of the following dose groups: BMS-927711 (10, 25, 75, 150, 300, or 600 mg); sumatriptan 100 mg (active comparator); and placebo. Patients were treated for a single migraine attack. The primary endpoint was pain freedom at two hours post-dose.

Results

Of patients who took the study drug, 799 had one post-randomization efficacy evaluation. Significantly more patients in the BMS-927711 75 mg (31.4%, p = 0.002), 150 mg (32.9%, p < 0.001), and 300 mg (29.7%, p = 0.002) groups and the sumatriptan group (35%, p < 0.001) had pain freedom at two hours post-dose versus placebo (15.3%). For the secondary endpoint of sustained pain freedom from two to 24 hours post-dose, BMS-927711 doses (25–600 mg) were also statistically significant compared with placebo. No deaths or treatment-related serious adverse events (AEs) were reported, and no patients discontinued because of AEs.

Conclusions

BMS-927711 is superior to placebo at several different doses (75 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg) and has an excellent tolerability profile.
Is Prophylactic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement Indicated?
Authors: Collins Jason Andrew , Ward James P. , Youm Thomas
Published: August 2013

Background:

This is a systematic review to determine if prophylactic surgical intervention for asymptomatic patients with radiographic evidence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is warranted to prevent early degenerative joint disease of the hip.

Methods:

A systematic search was performed from 1965 to 2013 in PubMed and EMBASE. Inclusion criteria were prospective or retrospective studies comparing skeletally mature asymptomatic patients with radiographic evidence of FAI treated with prophylactic hip arthroscopic surgery versus nonoperative management. A total of 840 references were identified from the searches. After detailed eligibility screening, none of the references met the eligibility criteria.

Results:

No trials were identified that met the criteria for inclusion in the review.

Conclusion:

There is a lack of available evidence to support surgical intervention for the treatment of FAI in asymptomatic patients. This article attempts to address this dilemma by reviewing the available literature to answer several questions that would indirectly address the topic. First, what is the prevalence of FAI in the asymptomatic population? Second, what is the natural history of FAI if left untreated? Upon reviewing these issues, the authors’ conclusion parallels that of the systematic review: Current evidence does not support prophylactic surgery for asymptomatic FAI in the vast majority of cases. However, limited evidence suggests that asymptomatic patients who have previously undergone total hip arthroplasty for FAI-induced osteoarthritis of the contralateral hip are at a significantly increased risk for early degenerative joint disease. Further research is needed to better clarify surgical indications.
Speed-Accuracy Testing on the Apple iPad® Provides a Quantitative Test of Upper Extremity Motor Performance in Children with Dystonia
Authors: Bertucco Matteo , Sanger Terence D.
Published: August 2013

The currently available scales for quantitative measurement of the severity of childhood dystonia require human observer ratings and provide poor granularity in the scores for individual limbs. We evaluated the use of new-generation high-quality touchscreens (an iPad®) according with the Fitts law, which is a mathematical model that takes into account the relation between movement time and the task accuracy. We compared the abilities of healthy subjects and children with dystonia. The linear relation described by Fitts law held for all the groups. The movement time and the information transmitted were age and severity related. Our results provide evidence for the usability and validity of using Fitts law as a quantitative diagnostic tool in children with dystonia. Furthermore, testing on touchscreen tablets may help to guide the design of user interfaces to maximize the communication rate for children who depend upon assistive communication devices.
Microencapsulation of cells in alginate through an electrohydrodynamic process
Authors: Gasperini L , Maniglio D , Migliaresi C
Published: August 2013

The encapsulation of living cells within a semi-permeable matrix is an attractive process for transplanting nonautologous cells by limiting the interaction with the host immune system. The electrohydrodynamic process is a low-cost and high-throughput system to encapsulate cells by means of a static potential. We evaluated the use of this system for cell entrapment by assessing and then manufacturing capsules that had the best dimensions. The effect of different cell densities on the beads was determined to set up the basic parameters of the encapsulation system. The cell viability inside the beads and as a function of release time was observed for their biological response.
Apathy in Elderly Nondemented Patients With Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Skorvanek Matej , Rosenberger Jaroslav , Gdovinova Zuzana , Nagyova Iveta , Saeedian Radka Ghorbani , Groothoff Johan W. , Dijk Jitse P.
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

To describe the prevalence and clinical determinants of apathy in elderly nondemented patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and their relationship to quality of life (QoL).

Methods:

A total of 106 nondemented elderly patients with PD were examined using the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), Starkstein Apathy Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and 39-item Parkinson’s disease quality of life questionnaire.

Results:

Apathy was present in 54% of the studied population. Factors associated with apathy were higher depression scores and a lower daily levodopa equivalent dose. Longer disease duration, higher motor MDS-UPDRS subscore, and higher depression and anxiety scores, but not apathy, were found to be associated with worse QoL.

Conclusions:

Although apathy does not seem to be an independent predictor of worse QoL specifically in elderly patients with PD, it remains very relevant, as its presence increases caregiver burden. Both depression and potential dopaminergic treatment underdosing can be properly managed, thus potentially reducing the prevalence and severity of apathy in a proportion of the apathetic patients with PD.
Natural resources and institutional development
Authors: Wiens David
Published: August 2013

Recent work on the resource curse argues that the effect of resource wealth on development outcomes is a conditional one: resource-dependent countries with low-quality institutions are vulnerable to a resource curse, while resource-dependent countries with high-quality institutions are not. But extant models neglect the ways in which the inflow of resource revenue impacts the institutional environment itself. In this paper, I present a formal model to show that where domestic institutions do not limit state leaders’ discretion over policy prior to becoming fiscally reliant on resources, those leaders have little incentive in the wake of resource windfalls to establish institutional mechanisms that limit their discretion. Importantly, this shows that simple calls for domestic institutional reform are unlikely to be effective. Among other things, future prescriptions to mitigate the resource curse must focus on decreasing rulers’ fiscal reliance on resources.
Are Forensic Experts Biased by the Side That Retained Them?
Authors: Murrie Daniel C. , Boccaccini Marcus T. , Guarnera Lucy A. , Rufino Katrina A.
Published: August 2013

How objective are forensic experts when they are retained by one of the opposing sides in an adversarial legal proceeding? Despite long-standing concerns from within the legal system, little is known about whether experts can provide opinions unbiased by the side that retained them. In this experiment, we paid 108 forensic psychologists and psychiatrists to review the same offender case files, but deceived some to believe that they were consulting for the defense and some to believe that they were consulting for the prosecution. Participants scored each offender on two commonly used, well-researched risk-assessment instruments. Those who believed they were working for the prosecution tended to assign higher risk scores to offenders, whereas those who believed they were working for the defense tended to assign lower risk scores to the same offenders; the effect sizes ( d) ranged up to 0.85. The results provide strong evidence of an allegiance effect among some forensic experts in adversarial legal proceedings.
Integrated momentum wheel and differential braking control to improve vehicle dynamic performance
Authors: Diba Fereydoon , Esmailzadeh Ebrahim
Published: August 2013

Recent studies showed that active yaw moment control is the most effective method to improve the stability and road handling of vehicles. Corrective yaw moment action should be applied to a vehicle in order to improve the vehicle dynamic performance. The corrective yaw moment is directly related to the interaction between the tires and road, which could either be generated directly or indirectly. Subsequently, the performance of the yaw moment control system, in low-friction road conditions, would noticeably be reduced. An innovative method is proposed to generate the corrective yaw moment by utilizing a momentum wheel that works independent of the tire/road interaction. A comprehensive dynamic analysis of this model, when is integrated with a direct yaw moment control system, has been carried out. Computer simulation results for the vehicle model combined with an integrated momentum wheel and differential braking, under different road conditions, are presented.
Style in science communication
Authors: Bucchi Massimiano
Published: August 2013

There is little doubt that during the past few decades science communication efforts aimed at non-expert audiences have increased in quantity and intensity on a global scale. Public engagement and outreach activities have now become a routine – when not a prominent – feature for several research institutions in Europe. However, it would be difficult for both scholars and those involved in science communication to agree on the impact of these activities, on the long-term implications of the ‘science communication movement’ and on the indicators we should develop and employ in order to assess impact. The paper argues that quality is a relevant issue and challenge for contemporary science communication. Style is relevant to addressing that challenge, insofar as it relates to discussions about how to strengthen the quality of science communication, suggesting a different perspective other than the traditional normative/prescriptive framework. The notion of style also fruitfully connects the debate on science communication with a rich tradition of studies in the history and sociology of science.
Internationalization at Home Alternatives to Study Abroad
Authors: Soria Krista M. , Troisi Jordan
Published: August 2013

Colleges and universities are increasingly internationalizing their curricular and cocurricular efforts on campuses; subsequently, it is important to compare whether internationalization at home activities may be associated with students’ self-reported development of global, international, and intercultural (GII) competencies. This study examined undergraduate students’ participation in study abroad and on-campus global/international activities within nine large public research universities in the United States. Framed within several intercultural development theories, the results of this study suggest that students’ participation in activities related to internationalization at home—participation in on-campus global/international activities such as enrollment in global/international coursework, interactions with international students, and participation in global/international cocurricular activities—may yield greater perceived benefits than study abroad for students’ development of GII competencies.