bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot trial of tele-ophthalmology for diagnosis of chronic blurred vision
Authors: Johnson Choon Hwai Tan , Eugenie Wei Ting Poh , Sanjay Srinivasan , Tock Han Tim
Published: May 2013

We evaluated the accuracy of tele-ophthalmology in diagnosing the major causes of chronic blurring of vision. Thirty consecutive patients attending a primary eye-care facility in Singapore (the Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic, AMKP) with the symptom of chronic blurred vision were recruited. An ophthalmic technician was trained to perform Snellen acuity; auto-refraction; intraocular pressure measurement; red-colour perimetry; video recordings of extraocular movement, cover tests and pupillary reactions; and anterior segment and fundus photography. Digital information was transmitted to a tertiary hospital in Singapore (the Tan Tock Seng Hospital) via a tele-ophthalmology system for teleconsultation with an ophthalmologist. The diagnoses were compared with face-to-face consultation by another ophthalmologist at the AMKP. A user experience questionnaire was administered at the end of the consultation. Using face-to-face consultation as the gold standard, tele-ophthalmology achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing media opacity (n = 29), maculopathy (n = 23) and keratopathy (n = 30) of any type; and 100% sensitivity and 92% specificity in diagnosing optic neuropathy of any type (n = 24). The majority of the patients (97%) were satisfied with the tele-ophthalmology workflow and consultation. The tele-ophthalmology system was able to detect causes of chronic blurred vision accurately. It has the potential to deliver high-accuracy diagnostic eye support to remote areas if suitably trained ophthalmic technicians are available.
The Impact of Target, Wording, and Duration on Rating Accuracy for Direct Behavior Rating
Authors: Chafouleas Sandra M. , Jaffery Rose , Riley-Tillman T. Chris , Christ Theodore J. , Sen Rohini
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study was to extend evaluation of rater accuracy using Direct Behavior Rating–Single-Item Scales (DBR-SIS). Extension of prior research was accomplished through use of criterion ratings derived from both systematic direct observation and expert DBR-SIS scores, and also through control of the durations over which the target behavior was displayed in each clip. Rating targets included academically engaged, disruptive, and respectful behavior. Undergraduate participants ( n = 113) viewed video clips of classroom instruction and subsequently rated target students’ behavior using DBR-SIS. Results indicated that both rater bias and rater error were present to some degree based on the behavior target, wording, and duration displayed, with greater bias found for the target involving respectful behavior. In addition, positive wording for academically engaged behavior resulted in improved accuracy, yet negative wording resulted in improved accuracy for disruptive and possibly respectful behavior. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Varied spectrum of clinical presentation and mortality in a prospective registry of visceral leishmaniasis in a low endemicity area of Northern Italy
Authors: Cenderello Giovanni , Pasa Ambra , Dusi Andrea , Dentone Chiara , Toscanini Federica , Bobbio Nicoletta , Bondi Elisabetta , Del Bono Valerio , Izzo Manuela , Riccio Giovanni , Anselmo Marco , Giacchino Raffaella , Marazzi Maria Grazia , Pagano Gabriella , Cassola Giovanni , Viscoli Claudio , Ferrea Giuseppe , De Maria Andrea
Published: May 2013

Background

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic in 88 countries, in areas of relatively low incidence with a relevant proportion of immune suppressed patients clinical presentation, diagnosis and management may present difficulties and pitfalls.

Methods

Demographic data, clinical, laboratory features and therapeutic findings were recorded in patients identified by a regional VL disease registry from January 2007 to December 2010.

Results

A total of 55 patients (36 adults mean age 48.7 years, 19 children median age 37.5 months) were observed presenting with 65 episodes. All childen were immunocompetent, whereas adults affected by VL included both immunocompetent (n°17) and immunesuppressed (n°19) patients. The clinical presentation was homogeneous in children with predominance of fever and hepato-splenomegaly. A wider spectrum of clinical presentations was observed in immunocompromised adults. Bone marrow detection of intracellular parasites (Giemsa staining) and serology (IFAT) were the most frequently used diagnostic tools. In addition, detection of urinary antigen was used in adult patients with good specificity (90%). Liposomal amphotericin B was the most frequently prescribed first line drug (98.2% of cases) with 100% clinical cure. VL relapses (n°10) represented a crucial finding: they occurred only in adult patients, mainly in immunocompromised patients (40% of HIV, 22% of non-HIV immunocompromised patients, 5,9% of immunocompetent patients). Furthermore, three deaths with VL were reported, all occurring in relapsing immunocompromised patients accounting for a still high overall mortality in this group (15.8%).

Conclusions

The wide spectrum of clinical presentation in immunesuppresed patients and high recurrence rates still represent a clinical challenge accounting for high mortality. Early clinical identification and satisfactory treatment performance with liposomal amphotericin B are confirmed in areas with low-level endemicity and good clinical standards. VL needs continuing attention in endemic areas where increasing numbers of immunocompromised patients at risk are dwelling.
Functional abnormalities in the cortical processing of sound complexity and musical consonance in schizophrenia: evidence from an evoked potential study
Authors: Wu Kuan-Yi , Chao Ching-Wen , Hung Ching-I , Chen Wei-Hong , Chen Yung-Ting , Liang Sheng-Fu
Published: May 2013

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated functional and structural temporal lobe abnormalities located close to the auditory cortical regions in schizophrenia. The goal of this study was to determine whether functional abnormalities exist in the cortical processing of musical sound in schizophrenia.

Methods

Twelve schizophrenic patients and twelve age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited, and participants listened to a random sequence of two kinds of sonic entities, intervals (tritones and perfect fifths) and chords (atonal chords, diminished chords, and major triads), of varying degrees of complexity and consonance. The perception of musical sound was investigated by the auditory evoked potentials technique.

Results

Our results showed that schizophrenic patients exhibited significant reductions in the amplitudes of the N1 and P2 components elicited by musical stimuli, to which consonant sounds contributed more significantly than dissonant sounds. Schizophrenic patients could not perceive the dissimilarity between interval and chord stimuli based on the evoked potentials responses as compared with the healthy controls.

Conclusion

This study provided electrophysiological evidence of functional abnormalities in the cortical processing of sound complexity and music consonance in schizophrenia. The preliminary findings warrant further investigations for the underlying mechanisms.
In-vitro evaluation of selected Egyptian traditional herbal medicines for treatment of alzheimer disease
Authors: Ali Shereen K , Hamed Ahmed R , Soltan Maha M , Hegazy Usama M , Elgorashi Esameldin E , El-Garf Ibrahim A , Hussein Ahmed A
Published: May 2013

Background

Egyptians recognized the healing power of herbs and used them in their medicinal formulations. Nowadays, “Attarin” drug shops and the public use mainly the Unani medicinal system for treatment of their health problems including improvement of memory and old age related diseases. Numerous medicinal plants have been described in old literature of Arabic traditional medicine for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (or to strengthen memory).

Methods

In this study, some of these plants were evaluated against three different preliminary bioassays related to AD to explore the possible way of their bio-interaction. Twenty three selected plants were extracted with methanol and screenedin vitroagainst acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and cycloxygenase-1 (COX-1) enzymes. In addition, anti-oxidant activity using DPPH was determined.

Results

Of the tested plant extracts;Adhatoda vasicaandPeganum harmalashowed inhibitory effect on AChE at IC50294 μg/ml and 68 μg/ml respectively. Moreover,A. vasicainteracted reversibly with the enzyme whileP. harmalashowed irreversible inhibition.Ferula assafoetida(IC503.2 μg/ml),Syzygium aromaticum(34.9 μg/ml) andZingiber officinalis(33.6 μg/ml) showed activity against COX-1 enzyme. Potent radical scavenging activity was demonstrated by three plant extractsTerminalia chebula(EC502.2 μg/ml),T. arjuna(3.1 μg/ml) andEmblica officinalis(6.3 μg/ml).

Conclusion

Interestingly, differential results have been obtained which indicate the variability of the mode of actions for the selected plants. Additionally, the reversible interaction ofA. vasicaagainst AChE and the potent activity ofF. assafoetidaagainst COX-1 make them effective, new and promising agents for treatment of AD in the future, either as total extracts or their single bioactive constituents.
Hydroxycamptothecin induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth in colon cancer by the downregulation of survivin and XIAP expression
Authors: Fei Bojian , Chi Alfred L , Weng Yuan
Published: May 2013

Background

10-Hydroxycamptothecin (10-HCPT), isolated from a Chinese tree Camptotheca acuminate, inhibits the activity of topoisomerase I and has a broad spectrum of anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. It has been shown that HCPT is more active and less toxic than conventional camptothecins and can induce cancer cell apoptosis. However, the mechanisms of HCPT-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of HCPT on apoptosis of colon cancer and underlying mechanism.

Methods

Cell proliferation was measured by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay, and apoptosis was measured using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Expression of genes was detected using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real time-PCR) and Western blot. Tumor growth in vivo was evaluated using a nude mouse xenograft model.

Results

HCPT could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in colon cancer SW1116 and Colo 205 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. HCPT treatment activated the activities of caspase 3, 7, 8 and 9, downregulated the expression of survivin, survivinΔEx3, survivin-3B and XIAP, and upregulated expression of surviving 2B. Moreover, the combination of HCPT and 5-fluorouracial (5-FU) synergistically induced apoptosis and downregulated the expression of survivin and XIAP. Knockdown of survivin and XIAP by siRNA sensitized colon cancer to HCTP-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, HCPT treatment significantly inhibited SW1116 xenograft tumor growth.

Conclusions

Our results elucidate new mechanisms of HCPT antitumor by the downregulation of survivin and XIAP expression. The combination of HCPT with 5-FU or IAP inhibitors may be a potential strategy for colon cancer treatment.
Distinct functional domains of the Abelson tyrosine kinase control axon guidance responses to Netrin and Slit to regulate the assembly of neural circuits
Authors: O’Donnell Michael P. , Bashaw Greg J.
Published: May 2013

To develop a functional nervous system, axons must initially navigate through a complex environment, directed by guidance ligands and receptors. These receptors must link to intracellular signaling cascades to direct axon pathfinding decisions. The Abelson tyrosine kinase (Abl) plays a crucial role in multiple Drosophila axon guidance pathways during development, though the mechanism by which Abl elicits a diverse set of guidance outputs is currently unknown. We identified Abl in a genetic screen for genes that contribute to Netrin-dependent axon guidance in midline-crossing (commissural) neurons. We find that Abl interacts both physically and genetically with the Netrin receptor Frazzled, and that disrupting this interaction prevents Abl from promoting midline axon crossing. Moreover, we find that Abl exerts its diverse activities through at least two different mechanisms: (1) a partly kinase-independent, structural function in midline attraction through its C-terminal F-actin binding domain (FABD) and (2) a kinase-dependent inhibition of repulsive guidance pathways that does not require the Abl C terminus. Abl also regulates motor axon pathfinding through a non-overlapping set of functional domains. These results highlight how a multifunctional kinase can trigger diverse axon guidance outcomes through the use of distinct structural motifs.
Loss of Pten promotes angiogenesis and enhanced vegfaa expression in zebrafish
Authors: Choorapoikayil Suma , Weijts Bart , Kers Rianne , de Bruin Alain , den Hertog Jeroen
Published: May 2013

Angiogenesis, the emergence of vessels from an existing vascular network, is pathologically associated with tumor progression and is of great interest for therapeutic intervention. PTEN is a frequently mutated tumor suppressor and has been linked to the progression of many types of tumors, including hemangiosarcomas in zebrafish. Here, we report that mutant zebrafish embryos lacking functional Pten exhibit enhanced angiogenesis, accompanied by elevated levels of phosphorylated Akt (pAkt). Inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) by LY294002 treatment and application of sunitinib, a widely used anti-angiogenic compound, suppressed enhanced angiogenesis in Pten mutants. Vegfaa has a crucial role in angiogenesis and vegfaa expression was upregulated in embryos lacking functional Pten. Interestingly, vegfaa expression was also upregulated in hemangiosarcomas from haploinsufficient adult zebrafish Pten mutants. Elevated vegfaa expression in mutant embryos lacking functional Pten was suppressed by LY294002. Surprisingly, sunitinib treatment dramatically enhanced vegfaa expression in Pten mutant embryos, which might account for tumor relapse in human patients who are treated with sunitinib. Combined treatment with suboptimal concentrations of sunitinib and LY294002 rescued enhanced angiogenesis in pten mutant embryos without the dramatic increase in vegfaa expression, suggesting a new approach for therapeutic intervention in VEGFR-signaling-dependent tumors.
Heteroleptic Palladium(II) Complexes with Mixed Thiol- and Sulfide-containing Amino Acids: Self-assembly of Novel Heptanuclear Coordination Oligomers
Authors: Yokoi Anzu , Yoshinari Nobuto , Konno Takumi
Published: May 2013

Treatment of a cyclic tripalladium(II) complex, [Pd3(d-pen)3] (d-H2pen: d-penicillamine), with l-methionine (l-Hmet) gave a novel open-chain-type S-bridged heptapalladium(II) complex, [Pd7(d-pen)8(l-met)2]4−, besides a monopalladium(II) complex, [Pd(d-pen)(l-met)]−. A similar reaction using S-methyl-l-cysteine (l-Hsmc) instead of l-Hmet produced an analogous heptapalladium(II) complex, [Pd7(d-pen)8(l-smc)2]4−.
All-Wales integrated care pathway project for care homes: completing the audit cycle – retrospective baseline audit findings of documented care during the last days of life of residents who died in care homes and the re-audit findings following implementation of the ICP
Authors: Knight Gillian , Jordan Carol
Published: May 2013

In 2005, the south-east Wales Cancer Network obtained support from Macmillan to fund a coordinator for a three-year project to improve the care that dying patients receive in care homes (nursing) across south-east Wales by the implementation of the integrated care pathway (ICP) for care in the last days of life.From the project outset it was clear that to gain commitment to the project from the care home senior staff they needed evidence that the ICP would improve the care they delivered to patients at the end of life. This was obtained through undertaking a retrospective baseline audit examining the documentation of care provided for dying patients in care homes, implementing any changes required and then re-auditing to review improvements.From the evidence and recommendations, changes were implemented including ongoing education for all levels of care home staff. The audit was repeated one year later to measure whether these changes had proved to be beneficial.This article provides an overview of the completed audit cycle results whilst outlining the changes that were implemented and highlighting some recommendations for the future. Throughout the article when it refers to a ‘patient’ this also refers to 'residents', ‘service users’ and ‘clients’.
A prospective study comparing conservative with operative treatment in patients with a ‘floating shoulder’ including assessment of the prognostic value of the glenopolar angle
Authors: Yadav V. , Khare G. N. , Singh S. , Kumaraswamy V. , Sharma N. , Rai A. K. , Ramaswamy A. G. , Sharma H.
Published: May 2013

Both conservative and operative forms of treatment have been recommended for patients with a ‘floating shoulder’. We compared the results of conservative and operative treatment in 25 patients with this injury and investigated the use of the glenopolar angle (GPA) as an indicator of the functional outcome. A total of 13 patients (ten male and three female; mean age 32.5 years (24.7 to 40.4)) were treated conservatively and 12 patients (ten male and two female; mean age 33.67 years (24.6 to 42.7)) were treated operatively by fixation of the clavicular fracture alone. Outcome was assessed using the Herscovici score, which was also related to changes in the GPA at one year post-operatively.

The mean Herscovici score was significantly better three months and two years after the injury in the operative group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). There was a negative correlation between the change in GPA and the Herscovici score at two years follow-up in both the conservative and operative groups, but neither were statistically significant (r = -0.295 and r = -0.19, respectively). There was a significant difference between the pre- and post-operative GPA in the operative group (p = 0.017).

When compared with conservative treatment, fixation of the clavicle alone gives better results in the treatment of patients with a floating shoulder. The GPA changes significantly with fixation of clavicle alone but there is no significant correlation between the pre-injury GPA and the final clinical outcome in these patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:815–19.
Instability of the sternoclavicular joint
Authors: Sewell M. D. , Al-Hadithy N. , Le Leu A. , Lambert S. M.
Published: May 2013

The sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is a pivotal articulation in the linked system of the upper limb girdle, providing load-bearing in compression while resisting displacement in tension or distraction at the manubrium sterni. The SCJ and acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) both have a small surface area of contact protected by an intra-articular fibrocartilaginous disc and are supported by strong extrinsic and intrinsic capsular ligaments. The function of load-sharing in the upper limb by bulky periscapular and thoracobrachial muscles is extremely important to the longevity of both joints. Ligamentous and capsular laxity changes with age, exposing both joints to greater strain, which may explain the rising incidence of arthritis in both with age. The incidence of arthritis in the SCJ is less than that in the ACJ, suggesting that the extrinsic ligaments of the SCJ provide greater stability than the coracoclavicular ligaments of the ACJ.

Instability of the SCJ is rare and can be difficult to distinguish from medial clavicular physeal or metaphyseal fracture-separation: cross-sectional imaging is often required. The distinction is important because the treatment options and outcomes of treatment are dissimilar, whereas the treatment and outcomes of ACJ separation and fracture of the lateral clavicle can be similar. Proper recognition and treatment of traumatic instability is vital as these injuries may be life-threatening. Instability of the SCJ does not always require surgical intervention. An accurate diagnosis is required before surgery can be considered, and we recommend the use of the Stanmore instability triangle. Most poor outcomes result from a failure to recognise the underlying pathology.

There is a natural reluctance for orthopaedic surgeons to operate in this area owing to unfamiliarity with, and the close proximity of, the related vascular structures, but the interposed sternohyoid and sternothyroid muscles are rarely injured and provide a clear boundary to the medial retroclavicular space, as well as an anatomical barrier to unsafe intervention.

This review presents current concepts of instability of the SCJ, describes the relevant surgical anatomy, provides a framework for diagnosis and management, including physiotherapy, and discusses the technical challenges of operative intervention.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:721–31.
Early revisions of the Femoro-Patella Vialla joint replacement
Authors: Williams D. P. , Pandit H. G. , Athanasou N. A. , Murray D. W. , Gibbons C. L. M. H.
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to review the early outcome of the Femoro-Patella Vialla (FPV) joint replacement. A total of 48 consecutive FPVs were implanted between December 2007 and June 2011. Case-note analysis was performed to evaluate the indications, operative histology, operative findings, post-operative complications and reasons for revision. The mean age of the patients was 63.3 years (48.2 to 81.0) and the mean follow-up was 25.0 months (6.1 to 48.9). Revision was performed in seven (14.6%) at a mean of 21.7 months, and there was one re-revision. Persistent pain was observed in three further patients who remain unrevised. The reasons for revision were pain due to progressive tibiofemoral disease in five, inflammatory arthritis in one, and patellar fracture following trauma in one. No failures were related to the implant or the technique. Trochlear dysplasia was associated with a significantly lower rate of revision (5.9% vs 35.7%, p = 0.017) and a lower incidence of revision or persistent pain (11.8% vs 42.9%, p = 0.045).

Focal patellofemoral osteoarthritis secondary to trochlear dysplasia should be considered the best indication for patellofemoral replacement. Standardised radiological imaging, with MRI to exclude overt tibiofemoral disease should be part of the pre-operative assessment, especially for the non-dysplastic knee.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:793–7.
Independent predictors of failure up to 7.5 years after 35 386 single-brand cementless total hip replacements
Authors: Jameson S. S. , Baker P. N. , Mason J. , Rymaszewska M. , Gregg P. J. , Deehan D. J. , Reed M. R.
Published: May 2013

The popularity of cementless total hip replacement (THR) has surpassed cemented THR in England and Wales. This retrospective cohort study records survival time to revision following primary cementless THR with the most common combination (accounting for almost a third of all cementless THRs), and explores risk factors independently associated with failure, using data from the National Joint Registry for England and Wales. Patients with osteoarthritis who had a DePuy Corail/Pinnacle THR implanted between the establishment of the registry in 2003 and 31 December 2010 were included within analyses. There were 35 386 procedures. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyse the extent to which the risk of revision was related to patient, surgeon and implant covariates. The overall rate of revision at five years was 2.4% (99% confidence interval 2.02 to 2.79). In the final adjusted model, we found that the risk of revision was significantly higher in patients receiving metal-on-metal (MoM: hazard ratio (HR) 1.93, p < 0.001) and ceramic-on-ceramic bearings (CoC: HR 1.55, p = 0.003) compared with the best performing bearing (metal-on-polyethylene). The risk of revision was also greater for smaller femoral stems (sizes 8 to 10: HR 1.82, p < 0.001) compared with mid-range sizes. In a secondary analysis of only patients where body mass index (BMI) data were available (n = 17 166), BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2significantly increased the risk of revision (HR 1.55, p = 0.002). The influence of the bearing on the risk of revision remained significant (MoM: HR 2.19, p < 0.001; CoC: HR 2.09, p = 0.001). The risk of revision was independent of age, gender, head size and offset, shell, liner and stem type, and surgeon characteristics.

We found significant differences in failure between bearing surfaces and femoral stem size after adjustment for a range of covariates in a large cohort of single-brand cementless THRs. In this study of procedures performed since 2003, hard bearings had significantly higher rates of revision, but we found no evidence that head size had an effect. Patient characteristics, such as BMI and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, also influence the survival of cementless components.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:747–57.
Non-invasive imaging of cartilage in early osteoarthritis
Authors: Palmer A. J. R. , Brown C. P. , McNally E. G. , Price A. J. , Tracey I. , Jezzard P. , Carr A. J. , Glyn-Jones S.
Published: May 2013

Treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) has traditionally focused on joint replacement for end-stage disease. An increasing number of surgical and pharmaceutical strategies for disease prevention have now been proposed. However, these require the ability to identify OA at a stage when it is potentially reversible, and detect small changes in cartilage structure and function to enable treatment efficacy to be evaluated within an acceptable timeframe. This has not been possible using conventional imaging techniques but recent advances in musculoskeletal imaging have been significant. In this review we discuss the role of different imaging modalities in the diagnosis of the earliest changes of OA. The increasing number of MRI sequences that are able to non-invasively detect biochemical changes in cartilage that precede structural damage may offer a great advance in the diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating condition.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:738–46.
Correspondence
Authors: Cobb J. P.
Published: May 2013

We welcome letters to the Editor concerning articles that have recently been published. Such letters will be subject to the usual stages of selection and editing; where appropriate the authors of the original article will be offered the opportunity to reply.
Exam Corner – June 2013
Authors: Khanduja V.
Published: May 2013

The FRCS (Tr & Orth) examination has three components: MCQs, Vivas and Clinical Examination. The Vivas are further divided into four sections comprising Basic Science, Adult Pathology, Hands and Children’s Orthopaedics and Trauma. The Clinical Examination section is divided into Upper and Lower limb cases. The aim of this section in the Journal is to focus specifically on the trainees preparing for the exam and to cater to all the sections of the exam. The vision is to complete the cycle of all relevant exam topics (as per the syllabus) in four years.
Patterns of Literacy among U.S. Students
Authors: Reardon Sean F. , Valentino Rachel A. , Shores Kenneth A.
Published: May 2013

Summary
:
How well do U.S. students read? In this article, Sean Reardon, Rachel Valentino, and Kenneth Shores rely on studies using data from national and international literacy assessments to answer this question. In part, the answer depends on the specific literacy skills assessed. The authors show that almost all U.S. students can “read” by third grade, if reading is defined as proficiency in basic procedural word-reading skills. But reading for comprehension—integrating background knowledge and contextual information to make sense of a text—requires a set of knowledge-based competencies in addition to word-reading skills. By the standards used in various large-scale literacy assessments, only about a third of U.S. students in middle school possess the knowledge-based competencies to “read” in this more comprehensive sense.

This low level of literacy proficiency does not appear to be a result of declining performance over time. Literacy skills of nine-year-olds in the United States have increased modestly over the past forty years, while the skills of thirteen- and seventeen-year-olds have remained relatively flat. Literacy skills vary considerably among students, however. For example, the literacy skills of roughly 10 percent of seventeen-year-olds are at the level of the typical nine-year-old.

This variation is patterned in part by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background. Black and Hispanic students enter high school with average literacy skills three years behind those of white and Asian students; students from low-income families enter high school with average literacy skills five years behind those of high-income students. These are gaps that no amount of remedial instruction in high school is likely to eliminate. And while the racial and ethnic disparities are smaller than they were forty to fifty years ago, socioeconomic disparities in literacy skills are growing.

Nor is the low level of literacy skills particularly a U.S. phenomenon. On international comparisons, American students perform modestly above average compared with those in other developed countries (and well above average among a larger set of countries). Moreover, there is no evidence that U.S. students lose ground relative to those in other countries during the middle school years. Thus, although literacy skills in the United States are lower than needed to meet the demands of modern society, the same is true in most other developed countries.
Zur Bücherverbrennung in Dortmund
Authors: Bohrmann Hans
Published: May 2013

Zur Biografie des Gymnasiallehrers Dr. Hans Woelbing, der maßgeblich an der Bücherverbrennung in Dortmund beteiligt war, unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Jahre ab 1926 in Dortmund und nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg in Koblenz und Zweibrücken.
Die Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Regionalbibliotheken in der Sektion 4 des dbv
Authors: Siebert Irmgard
Published: May 2013

Der Bericht enthält die wichtigsten Informationen über die Arbeit der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Regionalbibliotheken in der Sektion 4 des Deutschen Bibliotheksverbands (dbv) für die Jahre 2011 und 2012. Dargestellt werden im Überblick die Geschichte und Struktur der AG Regionalbibliotheken sowie die Aktivitäten (Sitzungen, Publikationen, Bibliothekartage) der AG für den Berichtszeitraum, und im Anschluss die aktuelle Debatte zum Thema Forschungsbibliotheken.
Method-specific differences in plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 measurement using four commercial ELISAs
Authors: Smith Edward R. , McMahon Lawrence P. , Holt Stephen G.
Published: May 2013

Background: There is growing interest in measuring plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) concentration in a number of clinical settings. However, data comparing current commercial intact and C-terminal FGF23 assays is lacking.

Methods: We used plasma samples collected from a cohort of healthy adults and patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis therapy (n=67) to compare the precision, recovery, linearity and pre-analytical stability characteristics of four commercial FGF23 assays from Kainos, Millipore and Immutopics Inc. Method agreement was evaluated using Passing-Bablok regression and difference plot analysis.

Results: Both Millipore and Immutopics intact FGF23 kits demonstrated marked negative proportional bias relative to Kainos assay readout, particularly in the haemodialysis group, and poor recovery of purified FGF23 standard at high spiking concentrations. Dilution of high-reading samples with saline as recommended by the Immutopics kit resulted in significant deviation from linearity. Immutopics C-terminal FGF23 concentrations displayed a strong association with intact FGF23 concentrations determined with all three intact assays in the haemodialysis group, but showed no significant correlation within the physiological range. Only intact FGF23 measurements made with the Immutopics assay demonstrated evidence of significant instability 8 h after venepuncture.

Conclusions: Current ELISA kits for plasma intact FGF23 measurement show poor analytical agreement, and cannot be used interchangeably. This is mainly due to differences in calibration. Harmonisation of available assays using a common international standard would facilitate more meaningful interpretation of data from studies using different kits. Discordance between intact and C-terminal FGF23 assay measurements is more marked at physiological concentrations than in patients undergoing haemodialysis.
Nobelitis: a common disease among Nobel laureates?
Authors: Diamandis Eleftherios P.
Published: May 2013

Winning a Nobel Prize is a great personal achievement. Some Nobel laureates may consider that their award is a certificate of competence in any field. This may prompt them to undertake projects or accept positions which are beyond their capabilities. Since Nobels are awarded when the laureates have usually passed their prime, caution should be exercised when these individuals are offered highly influential positions in academia and elsewhere.
C-ORAL-JAPON: Corpus of Spontaneous Spoken Japanese
Authors: Garrote Marta , Kimura Chieko , Matsui Kengo , Moreno Sandoval Antonio , Takamori Emi
Published: May 2013

Research on Language Technologies demands a wide range of linguistic resources. C-ORAL-JAPON is a corpus of spontaneous spoken Japanese. It has more than 12 recording hours and 149,380 words, divided into three types of texts: monologues, dialogues and conversations. The corpus is made up of 39 text files (transcription) aligned with the corresponding audio files. In total, 59 Japanese native speakers of different ages have participated in the corpus recordings. Thanks to its characteristics, this corpus is an ideal resource for linguistic or sociolinguistic studies, or to be used as working material in teaching Japanese as a foreign language.
Integrating Patient Incentives with Episode-Based Payment
Authors: Helmchen Lorens A. , Encinosa William E. , Chernew Michael E. , Hirth Richard A.
Published: May 2013

To rein in cost, payers are exploring bundled payment, which aggregates fees for a range of services into a single prospective payment. While under bundled payment providers would have incentives to reduce cost, they might also withhold more expensive care that patients prefer. We explore how bundled payment could be aligned with a benefit design that would encourage patients’ consideration of cost without jeopardizing access to the most expensive treatments. Least-costly-alternative approaches allow patient choice but might deter patients from choosing more expensive care by exposing them to potentially large out-of-pocket payments. A novel “shared-savings supplement” would reward patients for choosing the least costly alternative with a supplemental cash disbursement and thus allow them to share in any cost savings. This cash incentive for the least-costly-alternative allows a reduction of the out-of-pocket payment for the expensive alternative. Thus, patients would still have the option of the more expensive therapy while facing only a modest out-of-pocket cost. Such benefit modifications could be aligned with bundled payment by splitting the responsibility for the incremental cost of more expensive care between patients and their providers.
Comparison principles and Dirichlet problem for fully nonlinear degenerate equations
of Monge–Ampère type
Authors: Bardi Martino , Mannucci Paola
Published: May 2013

We study fully nonlinear
partial differential equations of Monge–Ampère type involving the derivatives with respect to a family of vector fields. The main result is a comparison principle among viscosity subsolutions, convex with respect to , and viscosity supersolutions (in a weaker sense than usual), which implies the uniqueness of solution to the Dirichlet problem. Its assumptions include the equation of prescribed horizontal Gauss curvature in Carnot groups. By the Perron method we also prove the existence of a solution either under a growth condition of the nonlinearity with respect to the gradient of the solution, or assuming the existence of a subsolution attaining continuously the boundary data, therefore generalizing some classical result for Euclidean Monge–Ampère equations.
Retinoids and nuclear retinoid receptors in white and brown adipose tissues: physiopathologic aspects
Authors: Flajollet Sébastien , Staels Bart , Lefebvre Philippe
Published: May 2013

Vitamin A, ingested either as retinol or β-carotene from animal- or plant-derived foods respectively, is a nutrient essential for many biological functions such as embryonic development, vision, immune response, tissue remodeling, and metabolism. Its main active metabolite is all trans-retinoic acid (atRA), which regulates gene expression through the activation of α, β, and γ isotypes of the nuclear atRA receptor (RAR). More recently, retinol derivatives were also shown to control the RAR activity, enlightening the interplay between vitamin A metabolism and RAR-mediated transcriptional control. The white and brown adipose tissues regulate the energy homeostasis by providing dynamic fatty acid storing and oxidizing capacities to the organism, in connection with the other fatty acid-consuming tissues. This concerted interorgan response to fatty acid fluxes is orchestrated, in part, by the endocrine activity of the adipose tissue depots. The adipose tissues are also sites for synthesizing and storing vitamin A derivatives, which will act as hormonal cues or intracellularly to regulate essential aspects of adipocyte biology. As agents that prevent adipocyte differentiation hence, expected to decrease fat mass, and inducers of uncoupling protein expression, thus, favoring energy expenditure, retinoids have prompted many investigations to decipher their roles in adipose tissue pathophysiology, which are summarized in this review.
Structure and function of MK5/PRAK: the loner among the mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinases
Authors: Moens Ugo , Kostenko Sergiy
Published: May 2013

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are important signal transduction pathways that control pivotal cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, survival, apoptosis, gene regulation, and motility. MAPK pathways consist of a relay of consecutive phosphorylation events exerted by MAPK kinase kinases, MAPK kinases, and MAPKs. Conventional MAPKs are characterized by a conserved Thr-X-Tyr motif in the activation loop of the kinase domain, while atypical MAPKs lack this motif and do not seem to be organized into the classical three-tiered kinase cascade. One functional group of conventional and atypical MAPK substrates consists of protein kinases known as MAPK-activated protein kinases. Eleven mammalian MAPK-activated protein kinases have been identified, and they are divided into five subgroups: the ribosomal-S6-kinases RSK1-4, the MAPK-interacting kinases MNK1 and 2, the mitogen- and stress-activated kinases MSK1 and 2, the MAPK-activated protein kinases MK2 and 3, and the MAPK-activated protein kinase MK5 (also referred to as PRAK). MK5/PRAK is the only MAPK-activated protein kinase that is a substrate for both conventional and atypical MAPK, while all other MAPKAPKs are exclusively phosphorylated by conventional MAPKs. This review focuses on the structure, activation, substrates, functions, and possible implications of MK5/PRAK in malignant and nonmalignant diseases.
Qualitative themes of a listserv for parents of children with autism
Authors: Lazaro Jaclyn Ann , Bundy Myra Beth , English Stacy Lynn
Published: May 2013

Digital forms of social interaction and communication have become increasingly prevalent in our society. Parents of children with autism are among the groups taking advantage of such online opportunities. In this study, 14 parents from a local listserv for parents or families of children with autism volunteered to allow their autism listserv posts to be documented for a period of 3 months. The content of the parental listserv posts concerned a variety of topics, ranging from legislation to very personal stories of the group. Eight overall themes of the listserv were identified. A review of this listserv’s themes suggested that this group of parents worked as a team; had concerns about medical costs, therapies, school environments, and the development of their child; relied on other parental support; advocated to raise awareness; and supported efforts to find treatments or even a cure for autism spectrum disorders.
Design, Control, and Modeling of a New Voltage Source Converter for HVDC System
Authors: Mohan Madhan , Singh Bhim , Ketan Panigrahi Bijaya
Published: May 2013

Abstract: A New Voltage Source Converter (VSC) based on neutral clamped three-level circuit is proposed for High Voltage DC (HVDC) system. The proposed VSC is designed in a multipulse configuration. The converter is operated by Fundamental Frequency Switching (FFS). A new control method is developed for achieving all the necessary control aspects of HVDC system such as independent real and reactive power control, bidirectional real and reactive power control. The basic of the control method is varying the pulse width and by keeping the dc link voltage constant. The steady state and dynamic performances of HVDC system interconnecting two different frequencies network are demonstrated for active and reactive power control. Total number of transformers used in this system are reduced to half in comparison with the two-level VSCs for both active and reactive power control. The performance of the HVDC system is improved in terms of reduced harmonics level even at fundamental frequency switching. The harmonic performance of the designed converter is also studied for different value of the dead angle (β), and the optimized range of the dead angle is achieved for varying reactive power requirement. Simulation results are presented for the designed three level multipulse voltage source converters with the proposed control algorithm.
Studying Electromechanical Wave Propagation and Transport Delays in Power Systems
Authors: Dasgupta Kalyan , Kulkarni A.M. , Soman Shreevardhan
Published: May 2013

Abstract: In this paper, we make an attempt to describe the phenomenon of wave propagation when a disturbance is introduced in an electromechanical system. The focus is mainly on generator trips in a power system. Ordering of the generators is first done using a sensitivity matrix. Thereafter, orthogonal decomposition of the ordered generators is done to group them based on their participation in different modes. Finally, we find the velocity of propagation of the wave and the transport delay associated with it using the ESPRIT method. The analysis done on generators from the eastern and western regions of India.1
Nephroprotective activity of Cocculus hirsutus leaf extract in 5/6 nephrectomized rat model
Authors: Gadapuram Tharun Kumar , Murthy Josyula Surya Narayana , Rajannagari Raja Reddy , Kandati Vasu , Choda Pradeep Kumar , Shukla Rahul
Published: May 2013

Background:
Cocculus hirsutus, commonly known as broom creeper, belongs to the family Menispermaceae. It is widely used in folk medicine to treat leprosy, skin diseases, dyspepsia, etc. Hence, an effort has been made to investigate the nephroprotective potential of C. hirsutus.

Methods: The nephroprotective activity of ethanolic C. hirsutus leaf extract (ECHE) in the 5/6 nephrectomized rat model was investigated. Different parameters like postoperative survival rate, change in body weight and levels of red blood corpuscles (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), triglyceride, cholesterol, creatinine, urea and uric acid were estimated in experimental rats.

Results: The findings revealed the postoperative survival rate of rats in the investigated novel method to be 100%. Change in the body weight of ECHE-treated groups I and II was found to be 32 and 30 g, respectively. These values suggested that ECHE treatment normalized the elevated body weight levels in experimental rats. Furthermore, ECHE treatment normalized the decreased RBC levels and the elevated Hb, triglyceride, cholesterol, creatinine, urea and uric acid levels in experimental rats.

Conclusions: The results indicate that C. hirsutus has strong nephroprotective activity. However, further scrutiny is essential for isolation and characterization of the active components that can be employed to allay various human maladies.
Four-Area Load Frequency Control of an Interconnected Power System Using Neuro-Fuzzy Hybrid Intelligent Proportional and Integral Control Approach
Authors: Giri Surya Prakash , Sinha Sunil Kumar
Published: May 2013

This article presents a novel control approach, hybrid neuro-fuzzy (HNF), for the load frequency control (LFC) of a four-area interconnected power system. The advantage of this controller is that it can handle nonlinearities, and at the same time, it is faster than other existing controllers. The effectiveness of the proposed controller in increasing the damping of local and inter-area modes of oscillation is demonstrated in a four-area interconnected power system. Areas 1 and 2 consist of a thermal reheat power plant, whereas Areas 3 and 4 consist of a hydropower plant. Performance evaluation is carried out by using fuzzy, artificial neural network (ANN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, and conventional proportional and integral (PI) control approaches. Four different models with different controllers are developed and simulated, and performance evaluations are carried out with said controllers. The result shows that the intelligent HNF controller has improved dynamic response and is at the same time faster than ANN, fuzzy, and conventional PI controllers.
Small-scale plasticity critically needs a new mechanics description
Authors: Ngan Alfonso H.W.
Published: May 2013

Continuum constitutive laws describe the plastic deformation of materials as a smooth, continuously differentiable process. However, provided that the measurement is done with a fine enough resolution, the plastic deformation of real materials is often found to comprise discrete events usually nanometric in size. For bulk-sized specimens, such nanoscale events are minute compared with the specimen size, and so their associated strain changes are negligibly small, and this is why the continuum laws work well. However, when the specimen size is in the micrometer scale or smaller, the strain changes due to the discrete events could be significant, and the continuum description would be highly unsatisfactory. Yet, because of the advent of microtechnology and nanotechnolgy, small-sized materials will be increasingly used, and so there is a strong need to develop suitable replacement descriptions for plasticity of small materials. As the occurrence of the discrete plastic events is also strongly stochastic, their satisfactory description should also be one of a probabilistic, rather than deterministic, nature.