bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioreducible cross-linked Pluronic micelles: pH-triggered release of doxorubicin and folate-mediated cellular uptake
Authors: Nguyen Dai Hai , Bae Jin Woo , Choi Jong Hoon , Lee Jung Seok , Park Ki Dong
Published: July 2013

Bioreducible are described here, cross-linked Pluronic micelles carrying doxorubicin (DOX) for folate-mediated cancer targeting. The amine-terminated Pluronic® F-127 was functionalized by grafting acrylic acid (AA) to the hydrophobic block (AA-Pluronic-NH2). Folic acid (FA), hydrazine (H), and cystamine (C) were sequentially conjugated to AA-Pluronic-NH2, followed by DOX conjugation via an acid-labile hydrazone bond (FA-Pluronic-C/H-DOX). The DOX content was approximately 143 µg/mg of polymer. We prepared bioreducible cross-linked micelles using FA-Pluronic-C/H-DOX, which had a diameter of 156.1 nm. After incubation for 24 h with 10 mM of dithiothreitol, the micelle size decreased dramatically to 87.6 nm with a broad distribution, indicating that disulfide bonds in the micelle core were reductively cleaved. In vitro release data showed that the conjugated DOX was released slowly from the FA-Pluronic C/H-DOX micelles at pH 7.4, whereas there was a rapid DOX release at pH 5.2. Confocal images of HeLa cells showed enhanced cellular uptake of FA-Pluronic-C/H-DOX micelles as compared to nontargeted Pluronic-C/H-DOX micelles. The FA-Pluronic-C/H-DOX micelles killed more cells than the nontargeted micelles, but the cytotoxic effect was not as significant as free DOX. Additionally, micelles without DOX were not cytotoxic. On the basis of these results, pH- and redox potential–responsive FA-Pluronic-C/H-DOX micelles could potentially function as cancer-targeted and controlled DOX delivery systems.
Role of Illness Perceptions and Medication Beliefs on Medication Compliance of Elderly Hypertensive Cohorts
Authors: Rajpura Jigar R. , Nayak Rajesh
Published: July 2013

Background:

Poor compliance with antihypertensive medications is one possible reason why its success in clinical trials has not been translated into everyday practice. In addition, medication noncompliance in elderly leads to increased hospitalizations, physician visits, and higher health care costs.

Objective:

The study assessed influence of illness perceptions and medications beliefs on medication compliance of elderly hypertensive cohorts.

Method:

A cross-sectional survey research design, utilizing self-administered health surveys, was adapted to address key study objectives. Conceptualized associations among the study variables were explored to assess their individual as well as their collective impact on the medication compliance.

Result:

A total of 78 (66%) study samples were found to be noncompliant with their medications. Analysis revealed that perceptions about illness and beliefs about medication jointly played a significant role in the prediction of medication compliance ( F = 5.966, P < .05; R2 = .212). Significant bivariate correlations were observed between Morisky’s test score versus Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire measure ( r = .332, P = .001), Beliefs of Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) differential score ( r = .301, P = .001), and BMQ components, such as specific necessity ( r = .250, P = .008), specific concern ( r = −.231, P = .001), and general overuse ( r = −.342, P = .001).

Conclusion:

The findings provide practical basis for designing interventions and programs aimed at compliance building in elderly populations having hypertension by incorporating the value and importance of patient perceptions of illness and medications in order to achieve desired patient outcomes.
The Flow of Management Practices
Authors: Marshall Jeffery H. , Suárez David
Published: July 2013

Which characteristics of NGOs are associated with the adoption of modern management practices and to what extent have those practices become standardized? Based on a national sample of 135 international and local NGOs operating in Cambodia, we address these questions by analyzing the dynamics of “monitoring and evaluation” (M&E), a term used to describe a broad range of activities that NGOs undertake to track, understand, and assess their work. We provide an overview of monitoring and evaluation in a developing country setting, investigate the factors associated with more extensive (or sophisticated) M&E using multivariate analysis, and look at how M&E practices vary between local and international NGOs. Findings demonstrate that professionalization, resource dependence, and social embeddedness all play important roles in explaining the activities of NGOs operating in Cambodia. The analysis also suggests that the flow of management practices in the NGO sector differs for local and international actors.
Childhood as a question of critiques and justifications: Insights into Boltanski’s sociology
Authors: Garnier Pascale
Published: July 2013

In France, definitions of childhood and relations between adults (parents, professionals, public authorities, scientists, even sociologists …) and children, continue to be matters of debate in everyday life, scientific practices and political arenas. This article intends to show how these debates can be analysed as an object of research, using Boltanski’s sociological model of Justification. The presentation of this framework highlights its relations to the contributions of two other French sociologists whose works are not directly interested in childhood: Bourdieu and Latour. It is centred on two main aspects of this model: the study of operations of critiques and justifications based on a pragmatic sociology of critique and the idea of its double requirement: equality and order between human beings. It shows how this framework can be useful for thinking about childhood–adulthood relations as a moral and political order which is an object of debates. Then, from an historical example, the author proposes a short case study of what may be called an analysis of the moral sense of justice towards children.
Aerodynamic pressures around high-speed trains: the transition from unconfined to enclosed spaces
Authors: Gilbert Timothy , Baker Christopher , Quinn Andrew
Published: July 2013

The theory and practice of train-induced aerodynamic pressure loads on surfaces near to the tracks is compromised by an incomplete understanding of trains operating in short tunnels, partially enclosed spaces, and next to simple structures such as vertical walls. Unique pressure-loading patterns occur in each case. This work has been carried out to obtain a fundamental understanding of how these loading patterns transition from one to the other as the infrastructure becomes more confined. It also considers the impact of the results on two separate European codes of practice applying to tunnels and other structures. A parametric moving-model study was undertaken, transitioning from the open air to single and double vertical walls, partially enclosed spaces, short single-track tunnels and a longer tunnel. The train model was based on a German ICE2, and was fired at 32 m/s past the structures. Multiple surface pressure tappings and in-flow probes were used, providing the opportunity to assess the three-dimensional nature of the pressure and velocity fields. The experiments successfully mapped the transition between the three loading patterns and isolated the geometric changes. Further loading patterns were discovered relating to the length of the train, the length of the tunnel and the distance from the tunnel entrance. The three-dimensional nature of the pressure was related to the length of the tunnel and the distance from the tunnel entrance. Issues surrounding the lack of provision in codes of practice for short tunnels were discussed.
Economic and environmental optimization of flight trajectories connecting a city-pair
Authors: Visser Hendrikus G , Hartjes Sander
Published: July 2013

This paper describes the development of a multi-phase/multi-criteria trajectory optimization framework that has been conceived to support the synthesis of green mission profiles that will allow aircraft to fly optimum flight paths with the lowest possible noise and emissions. The proposed multi-phase/multi-criteria framework is not only suitable to formulate trajectory optimization problems in which noise, emissions, or global warming effects can be simultaneously considered, but also provides the possibility to implement air traffic management constraints that apply to certain flight stages. A case study involving a trip from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Munich Franz Josef Strauss International Airport is presented to illustrate the synthesis of green trajectories and to demonstrate the potential for improving the environmental footprint. The optimization results bear out that optimizing with respect to noise can be very rewarding in terms of reducing the local noise impact, without significantly affecting the overall flight-economic performance.
Numerical analysis of a swept wing hot air ice protection system
Authors: Bu Xueqin , Lin Guiping , Yu Jia , Shen Xiaobin , Hou Panxue
Published: July 2013

A tight-coupling heat transfer method is proposed in this paper for the analysis of the performance of the hot air ice protection system. The Eulerian method is used for the calculation of the local collection efficiency. The external heat transfer coefficient was computed using the boundary layer integrated method. The thermal conductivity within the wing skin and the internal heat transfer between the hot air flow and the skin were computed using the computational fluid dynamic method. At the same time, the external heat flux boundary condition and the surface temperature were updated automatically by user-defined function to drive the iteration of the tight-coupling heat transfer calculation. The surface temperature results in dry air condition are compared with flight test data and show agreement. The maximum temperature difference between the simulation and the test is 11.5 K. In addition, the method proposed in this paper is applied to the wing hot air ice protection system of a real aircraft in icing conditions. It is found that the surface temperature ranges from 3 to 30 ℃ under certain flight and icing conditions. Larger droplet diameter or larger liquid water content leads to more runback water which changes the surface temperature not much when the parameters of the bleeding air are the same.
Presentation of clinically suspected persistent chlamydial infection: a case series
Authors: Pitt R A , Alexander S , Horner P J , Ison C A
Published: July 2013

In vivo antimicrobial resistance has yet to be documented in Chlamydia trachomatis; however, there have been anecdotal reports of persistent infection. The purpose of this case series was to describe a group of patients who have persistent chlamydia infection despite adequate treatment and where re-infection was considered unlikely. Patients were selected using a clinical questionnaire. For inclusion patients had to have tested positive for C. trachomatis, at least twice, using a nucleic acid amplification test despite having been fully compliant with at least two rounds of recommended therapy and be deemed to be at low risk of re-infection. Patients were grouped into categories based on sexual behaviour. Twenty-eight patients are included in this case series; 46% declared no sexual contact since initial diagnosis (category 1), a further 36% declaring contact that was considered low risk of re-infection (categories 2–4); 61% showed signs and symptoms at initial presentation increasing to 75% at re-attendance. Thirty-nine percent of patients received azithromycin only while 48% received doxycycline also. This case series identifies patients with persistent chlamydia despite receiving treatment. There is a need for a case definition of clinical treatment failure, development of susceptibility testing methods and guidance on appropriate treatment for patients with persistent infection.
Effect of HIV genotypic drug resistance testing on the management and clinical course of HIV-infected children and adolescents
Authors: Dehority W , Deville J G , Lujan-Zilbermann J , Spector S A , Viani R M
Published: July 2013

Summary

The clinical utility of genotypic drug resistance testing (DRT) in HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not well understood. HIV-infected patients aged <19 years undergoing DRT for virological failure were retrospectively enrolled. Indications for DRT and changes in HIV RNA load were recorded. Between January 2000 and December 2006, 57 patients had DRT. The most common indication for DRT was poor ART adherence (57.7% of patients). ART was changed in 50.9% of patients after DRT. Poor adherence was cited by clinicians for not changing ART significantly more often than any other reason (47.3%, P < 0.001). After DRT, significant improvement in HIV RNA load occurred independent of ART changes, though patients whose ART was modified were more likely to become undetectable (31.5% versus 7.0%, P < 0.001). Poor adherence was a significant factor for ordering DRT and for not changing ART in HIV-infected children.
Central pontine myelinolysis in advanced HIV infection with tuberculosis and multicentric Castleman's disease
Authors: Katchanov J , Branding G , Stocker H
Published: July 2013

Summary

We present a case of central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) in a patient with advanced HIV infection and miliary tuberculosis. While hospitalized the patient developed an unusual ataxic variant of CPM with full clinical recovery. Follow-up imaging revealed resolution of pontine lesions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a clinical and radiological recovery from CPM in advanced HIV disease. Our report extends our knowledge of neurological presentations in patients with advanced HIV infection. It highlights the importance of considering CPM in patients with advanced HIV disease presenting with an ataxic syndrome, even in the absence of an electrolyte derangement.
Thomas Paytherus (1752–1828): Entrepreneurial surgeon-apothecary and ardent Jennerian
Authors: Connor Henry , Clark David M
Published: July 2013

Thomas Paytherus was born in Fownhope and apprenticed in Gloucester. He practised there and in Ross-on-Wye where he and Edward Jenner undertook an autopsy on a patient with angina that they linked causally to coronary artery ossification. In 1794 Paytherus moved to London and opened a highly successful pharmacy that he later sold to his partners Savory and Moore. Paytherus was among those who advised Jenner on the publication of his work on vaccination. Then he acted as an intermediary in the dispute between Jenner and Ingen-Housz and also alerted Jenner to Pearson’s claims as a pioneer of vaccination. In 1800 he published a detailed analysis of the dispute between Jenner and Woodville whose patients had developed variola-like lesions following vaccination. Their correspondence shows that Paytherus, Jenner and their families remained firm friends. Paytherus and his family moved to Abergavenny where he died in 1828.
Joseph Hersey Pratt (1872–1956): An early proponent of cognitive-behavioural therapy in America
Authors: Ambrose Charles T
Published: July 2013

The treatment of mild psychoneuroses in America began shifting in the 1950s from Freudian psychoanalysis to various forms of psychotherapy that do not delve into patient’s subconscious. Some of the new approaches were termed cognitive, behavioural or cognitive behavioural therapy and in America were practised notably by Joseph Wolpe, Albert Ellis and Aaron T Beck. Modern psychiatric literature makes little mention of two prior innovators in this area – the French neurologist Jules Dejerine and his Boston disciple Joseph H Pratt. In the early 1900s, Dejerine treated patients at La Salpêtrière in Paris using techniques adopted subsequently by Pratt during the 1930s and employed by the trio some decades later. This paper revisits the early history of psychotherapy in America and includes a brief summary of Pratt’s medical career.
Defensive routines in land use policy steering in Finnish urban regions
Authors: Hytönen Jonne , Mäntysalo Raine , Peltonen Lasse , Kanninen Vesa , Niemi Petteri , Simanainen Miska
Published: July 2013

Land use planning practices in different municipalities and urban regions in Finland vary substantially, as do attitudes towards land ownership and land use policy. Consequently, inter-municipal cooperation in strategic land use planning is often weak, despite central government efforts such as the introduction of the PARAS Act in 2007, which exhorts municipalities in the urban regions to consolidate or cooperate. However, governmental steering has been vague on most sensitive and pragmatic land use policy issues such as planning and policy tools to control dispersed development patterns leading to urban sprawl. This article examines the challenges of consistent steering of land use practices by presenting observations from follow-up studies of five Finnish urban regions, all in the first stage of implementing the PARAS Act. The analysis reveals that mixed messages and defensive routines are preventing effective political debate on core issues. These defences are fostered by the vagueness of central government policy. Since these core issues have not been brought up in the legislation, they are now being tackled – or ignored – at the local level in an unpredictable manner.
Outdoor adventure camps for people with mental illness
Authors: Cotton Sue , Butselaar Felicity
Published: July 2013

Objective:

The aim of the study was to evaluate a novel outdoor adventure camping program for individuals with mental illness.

Method:

The program was developed by YMCA Victoria in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria, and mental health service agencies. Orygen Youth Health Research Centre conducted the program evaluation. One hundred and eight individuals from mental health services across Victoria participated in 12 camps. Five camps targeted young people between the ages of 18 and 25 years. Seven camps were run for adults 26 years and older. Participants were assessed at baseline, end of camp, and four weeks following the camp in terms of self-esteem, mastery, and social connectedness. Quality of life was assessed at baseline and four weeks post-camp.

Results:

Participants demonstrated significant improvements in mastery, self-esteem and social connectedness from baseline to end of the camp; however, these improvements were not sustained by the four-week follow-up.

Conclusions:

We have demonstrated that utilizing the expertise of mental health services and a community recreation provider can benefit individuals experiencing mental illness. More research is required with respect to how to sustain these benefits over the longer term.
Dynamic characteristics analysis of a rub-impact rubber bearing-shaft system
Authors: Hua Chunli , Ta Na , Rao Zhushi
Published: July 2013

Shaft/bearing rubbing systems may undertake a number of quite different responses. Recent experiments on shaft/bearing rubbing have revealed that two or three different responses may exist under the same frequency ratio with different initial conditions and system parameters. In the present paper, the rubber bearing/shaft system is simplified into a general bearing/shaft system with nonlinear elastic support of bearing, which is established based on the classic impact theory and is analyzed by the modern nonlinear dynamics and bifurcation theories. The boundaries for the existence of the no-rub responses are determined analytically, and the synchronous full annular rub solution are derived and the stability is analyzed to determine the region of the synchronous full annular rub response. The results provide an opportunity for a better understanding of the dynamical characteristics, such as the synchronous full annular rub motion, the jump phenomena as well as the transition between the partial rub motion, the dry whip and the full annular periodic rub motion. A systematic study on the influence of the system parameters on the dynamics characteristics is carried out. An overall picture of the response characteristics of this model is then obtained by drawing the existence boundaries in the parameter space. The present results provide a good understanding of the relationship between the different rubbing responses and the system parameters.
Electrophysiology Procedures
Authors: Price Adam , Santucci Peter
Published: July 2013

Invasive electrophysiologic procedures have evolved and increased in frequency significantly over the past 2 decades. The complexity and nature of the various procedures offered have also changed, and complex ablations for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia have become commonplace. These procedures often require the services of an anesthesiologist. An understanding of the specific nature and challenges of these procedures may be helpful in planning the optimal anesthetic and patient management. A paired review of these issues has been written from the standpoint of a practicing anesthesiologist. This review is written from the viewpoint of a cardiac electrophysiologist and will focus on the intra-procedural management of patients undergoing both cardiac implantable device implantation as well as catheter-based ablations, with a specific focus on the catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Ultimately, the proper management of these patients will facilitate successful procedural outcomes while maintaining a high degree of patient safety.
Failure prediction for HPC systems and applications
Authors: Gainaru Ana , Cappello Franck , Snir Marc , Kramer William
Published: July 2013

As large-scale systems evolve towards post-petascale computing, it is crucial to focus on providing fault-tolerance strategies that aim to minimize fault’s effects on applications. By far the most popular technique is the checkpoint–restart strategy. A complement to this classical approach is failure avoidance, by which the occurrence of a fault is predicted and proactive measures are taken. This requires a reliable prediction system to anticipate failures and their locations. One way of offering prediction is by the analysis of system logs generated during production by large-scale systems. Current research in this field presents a number of limitations that make them unusable for running on real production high-performance computing (HPC) systems. Based on our observations that different failures have different distributions and behaviours, we propose a novel hybrid approach that combines signal analysis with data mining in order to overcome current limitations. We show that by analysing each event according to its specific behaviour, our prediction provides a precision of over 90% and its able to discover about 50% of all failures in a system, result which allows its integration in proactive fault tolerance protocols.
Towards fully automatic auto-tuning
Authors: Chen Ray S , Hollingsworth Jeffrey K
Published: July 2013

Application auto-tuning has produced excellent results in a wide range of computing domains. Yet adapting an application to use this technology remains a predominately manual and labor intensive process. This paper explores first steps towards reducing adoption cost by focusing on two tasks: parameter identification and range selection. We show how these traditionally manual tasks can be automated in the context of Chapel, a parallel programming language developed by Cray Inc. Potential auto-tuning parameters may be inferred from existing Chapel applications by leveraging features unique to this language. After verification, these parameters may then be passed to an auto-tuner for an automatic search of the induced parameter space. To further automate adoption, we also present Tuna: an auto-tuning shell designed to tune applications by manipulating their command-line arguments. Finally, we demonstrate the immediate utility of this system by tuning two Chapel applications with little or no internal knowledge of the program source.
Screening diabetic cats for hypersomatotropism: performance of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for insulin-like growth factor 1
Authors: Rosca Madalina , Forcada Yaiza , Solcan Gheorghe , Church David B , Niessen Stijn JM
Published: July 2013

Screening diabetic cats for feline hypersomatotropism (HS) is currently dependent on using a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for measurement of growth hormone or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), both of which require radioactivity, are costly and have limited availability. Performance of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using anti-human IGF-1 antibodies was assessed. Total IGF-1 was determined in diabetic cat samples across a wide range of IGF-concentrations using a previously validated RIA (serum: 92 cats; plasma: 31 cats). Repeat IGF-1 measurement was then performed using the ELISA-system. Mean IGF-1 recovery after serial dilution proved satisfactory with a correlation coefficient of 0.96 (serum) and 0.97 (plasma). Appropriate precision was established [intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) 9.5 ± 2% (serum) and 13.6 ± 7% (plasma); inter-assay CV 11.4 ± 4% (serum) and 7.6 ± 6% (plasma)] and significant effect of hyperlipidaemia, haemoglobinaemia, bilirubinaemia and storage was excluded, with the exception of an increase in serum IGF-1 when left at room temperature for more than 24 h. ELISA concentrations correlated significantly with RIA concentrations (serum Pearson r2: 0.75; plasma: 0.83, P <0.001). Receiver operating characteristics analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.99 (serum) and 0.96 (plasma), and indicated high diagnostic accuracy for categorising a diabetic cat correctly as suspicious for HS at a serum IGF-1 cut-off of 997 ng/ml (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 88.1%). The current study is the first to validate an easy-to-use and economical IGF-1 ELISA for the screening for HS among diabetic cats, which is important given the suspected significant prevalence of HS-induced diabetes mellitus.
An investigation on the flexural properties of balsa and polymer foam core sandwich structures: Influence of core type and contour finishing options
Authors: Fathi Amir , Wolff-Fabris Felipe , Altstädt Volker , Gätzi Roman
Published: July 2013

Polymer foams are frequently used as core materials in sandwich structures for applications such as aerospace, naval, and wind industry. It is known that the core material contributes to the overall mechanical properties of these sandwich structures up to a remarkable extent. In addition, due to the curvature and geometrical complexities of several applications, these cores are available with special cuts/grooves (finishing options) to provide bendability and better resin infusion during processing. The goal of this study is to investigate the mechanical performance of synthetic polymer foams as core materials for sandwich structures. Balsa wood, which is the most common traditional structural core, was used as reference material. Glass fiber reinforced epoxy was employed as face sheets. End-grain Balsa wood, commercially available polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene terephthalate, and experimental grades of polyurethane foams were chosen as alternative core materials. Quasi-static flexural tests were carried out using a four-point bending setup according to ASTM C 393. Sandwich properties such as stiffness, core shear strength, and energy absorption were determined and compared. The contour cuts filled with resin show a reinforcing effect against transverse shear stresses leading to higher shear strengths. Digital image correlation was used to study the yielding and permanent strain of the foam core sandwich beams.
Pediatric onset multiple sclerosis: McDonald criteria 2010 and the contribution of spinal cord MRI
Authors: Hummel Hannah-Maria , Brück Wolfgang , Dreha-Kulaczewski Steffi , Gärtner Jutta , Wuerfel Jens
Published: July 2013

Background:

Diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria have not been sufficiently validated in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) despite differences in epidemiologic data and clinical disease courses between pediatric and adult MS.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the diagnostic applicability and validity of the revised McDonald diagnostic criteria 2010 in a large cohort of pediatric-onset MS patients (POMS) and compare them to previously recommended MRI-based classifications. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the contribution of spinal cord lesions to the revised McDonald criteria 2010.

Methods:

A cohort of 85 patients with definite MS, age at onset 2.8–18 years, was analyzed in a retrospective multicenter study. Number and regional distribution of T2w and contrast-enhancing T1w lesions at initial and follow-up MRIs were main outcome measures.

Results:

In 62% of POMS the initial MRI within four weeks after symptom onset was sufficient to diagnose MS according to the revised McDonald criteria 2010. In a subcohort of patients with spinal MRI at first presentation, 10% reached the dissemination in space (DIS) and dissemination in time (DIT) criteria only by the inclusion of contrast-enhancing spinal lesions.

Conclusions:

The revised McDonald criteria 2010 facilitate the diagnosis of POMS already at first presentation. The addition of a spinal cord MRI was helpful only in selected cases.
Functional assessment of the visual pathway with multifocal visual evoked potentials, and their relationship with disability in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Blanco Román , Pérez-Rico Consuelo , Puertas-Muñoz Inmaculada , Ayuso-Peralta Lucía , Boquete Luciano , Arévalo-Serrano Juan
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To objectively evaluate the visual function, and the relationship between disability and optic nerve dysfunction, in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and optic neuritis (ON), using multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEP).

Methods:

This observational, cross-sectional study assessed 28 consecutive patients with clinically definite MS, according to the McDonald criteria, and 19 age-matched healthy subjects. Disability was recorded using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score. The patients’ mfVEP were compared to their clinical, psychophysical (Humphrey perimetry) and structural (optic coherence tomography (OCT)) diagnostic test data.

Results:

We observed a significant agreement between mfVEP amplitude and Humphrey perimetry/OCT in MS-ON eyes, and between mfVEP amplitude and OCT in MS but non-ON eyes. We found significant differences in EDSS score between patients with abnormal and normal mfVEP amplitudes. Abnormal mfVEP amplitude defects (from interocular and monocular probability analysis) were found in 67.9% and 73.7% of the MS-ON and MS-non-ON group eyes, respectively. Delayed mfVEP latencies (interocular and monocular probability analysis) were seen in 70.3% and 73.7% of the MS-ON and MS-non-ON groups, respectively.

Conclusions:

We found a significant relationship between mfVEP amplitude and disease severity, as measured by EDSS score, that suggested there is a role for mfVEP amplitude as a functional biomarker of axonal loss in MS.
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency: masked multimodal imaging assessment
Authors: Brod Staley A , Kramer Larry A , Cohen Alan M , Barreto Andrew D , Bui Thanh-Tung , Jemelka James R , Ton Kelly , Lindsey John W , Nelson Flavia , Narayana Ponnada A , Wolinsky Jerry S
Published: July 2013

Background:

Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) was implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

We evaluated neurosonography (NS), magnetic resonance venography (MRV), and transluminal venography (TLV) in subsets of MS patients drawn from a single-center, prospective, case-control study of 206 MS and 70 non-MS volunteers.

Methods:

As previously reported, findings on high-resolution B-mode NS imaging with color and spectral Doppler of the extracranial and intracranial venous drainage consistent with CCSVI were similar among MS and non-MS volunteers (3.88% vs 7.14%; p = 0.266). Ninety-nine MS participants consented to intravascular contrast-enhanced 3D MRV to assess their major systemic and intracranial venous circulation, and 40 advanced to TLV that included pressure measurements of the superior vena cava, internal jugular, brachiocephalic, and azygous veins.

Results:

NS findings and MRV patterns were discrepant for 26/98 evaluable subjects, including four with abnormal findings on NS that had normal venous anatomy by MRV. In no instance were TLV pressure gradients indicative of clinically significant functional stenosis encountered. The three imaging approaches provided generally consistent data with discrepancies referable to inherent technique properties.

Conclusions:

Our findings lend no support for altered venous outflow dynamics as common among MS patients, nor do they likely contribute to the disease process.
“Bright spotty lesions” on spinal magnetic resonance imaging differentiate neuromyelitis optica from multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yonezu Tadahiro , Ito Shoichi , Mori Masahiro , Ogawa Yoshitsugu , Makino Takahiro , Uzawa Akiyuki , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: July 2013

Background:

Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) finding of longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions (LESCL) extending over three vertebral segments and involvements of spinal central gray matter have been reported in patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO).

Objectives:

We aimed to review spinal MRI findings in NMO and multiple sclerosis (MS), and to determine whether the “bright spotty lesions” (BSLs) are a discriminative finding of NMO.

Methods:

For this study, 24 consecutive patients with NMO and 34 patients with MS were enrolled. BSLs were defined as very hyperintense spotty lesions on axial T2WI. We also studied the length, distribution, signal homogeneity, size, and presence of contrast-enhanced lesions.

Results:

BSLs were more frequently found in patients with NMO (54%) than in those with MS (3%; p < 0.01). LESCL were found in 67% of the NMO patients. BSLs were seen in 63% of the patients without LESCL. BSLs or LESCL were found in 88% of the NMO patients. Inhomogeneous lesions, transversally extensive lesions, and central lesions were more frequently seen in NMO than in MS.

Conclusions:

BSLs are a newly defined spinal MRI finding specifically seen in NMO. In combination with LESCL, BSLs can help differentiate patients with NMO from those with MS with higher sensitivity than LESCL alone.
Safety, anxiety and natalizumab continuation in JC virus-seropositive MS patients
Authors: van Rossum Johannis A , Vennegoor Anke , Balk Lisanne , Uitdehaag Bernard M , Polman Chris H , Killestein Joep
Published: July 2013

The use of natalizumab in multiple sclerosis has been restricted by the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). JC virus carriership, duration of natalizumab treatment and past immunosuppression are known risk factors. This has allowed for calculated risk assessment for individual patients to be implemented. Not much data are available about the effect of JCV carriership on patient willingness to continue natalizumab. Here, we evaluated the impact of JCV seropositivity on safety feelings, anxiety and treatment continuation for patients treated with natalizumab, using a visual analog scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a decisional conflict scale. Seropositivity led to an elevated anxiety level for PML ( p = 0.004). However, so far only 3% of patients have discontinued natalizumab because of JCV positivity in our cohort.
The link between resting-state functional connectivity and cognition in MS patients
Authors: Cruz-Gómez Álvaro J , Ventura-Campos Noelia , Belenguer Antonio , Ávila Cesar , Forn Cristina
Published: July 2013

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to explore differences in resting-state functional connectivity between cognitively impaired and preserved multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Methods:

Sixty MS patients and 18 controls were assessed with the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB-N). A global Z score of the BRB-N was obtained and allowed us to classify MS patients as cognitively impaired and cognitively preserved ( n = 30 per group). Functional connectivity was assessed by independent component analysis of resting-state networks (RSNs) related to cognition: the default mode network, left and right frontoparietal and salience network. Between-group differences were evaluated and a regression analysis was performed to describe relationships among cognitive status, functional connectivity and radiological variables.

Results:

Compared to cognitively preserved patients and healthy controls, cognitively impaired patients showed a lesser degree of functional connectivity in all RSNs explored. Cognitively preserved patients presented less connectivity than the control group in the left frontoparietal network. Global Z scores were positively and negatively correlated with brain parenchymal fraction and lesion volume, respectively.

Conclusion:

Decreased cognitive performance is accompanied by reduced resting state functional connectivity and directly related to brain damage. These results support the use of connectivity as a powerful tool to monitor and predict cognitive impairment in MS patients.
Self-reported peer victimization and suicidal ideation in adolescent psychiatric inpatients: The mediating role of negative self-esteem
Authors: Jones Heather A , Bilge-Johnson Sumru , Rabinovitch Annie E , Fishel Hazel
Published: July 2013

The current study investigated relationships among self-reported peer victimization, suicidality, and depression in adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Sixty-seven adolescent psychiatric inpatients at a Midwestern children’s hospital completed measures of bullying and peer victimization, suicidal ideation, and depression during their inpatient stay. Analyses indicated significant moderate correlations among victimization, suicidal ideation, and depression in adolescents. Results from mediational analyses found that negative self-esteem mediated the relationship between peer victimization and suicidal ideation. To date, this study is the first to directly examine the mechanisms underlying the relationship between peer victimization and suicidal ideation in adolescent psychiatric inpatients.
Emergency mental health admissions for children: A naturalistic study
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Marinos , Ougrin Dennis , Fraser Carmel , Thomas Gillene , McMahon Rachel
Published: July 2013

Objective:

Emergency mental health admissions (EA) for children under 13 years are not routinely offered in the UK, which may be related to preconceptions about their safety, appropriateness and acceptability. Our aim was to evaluate routinely offered EA of children in a national unit over a three-year period.

Method:

A retrospective, naturalistic study was conducted, comparing EA with planned admissions (PA) in terms of children’s functioning on admission and discharge, clinical characteristics, significant risk-related incidents and parental and children satisfaction.

Results:

EA children ( N=47) did not differ from PA children ( N=35) in age, length of admission, medication treatment, significant risk-related incidents, functioning at discharge, access to education at discharge and satisfaction. EA children had lower functioning and were less likely to have been out of education on admission. Parental satisfaction in EA was higher compared to PA.

Conclusions:

EA for children are an appropriate, clinically indicated and safe alternative to PA, associated with higher parental satisfaction.
Durkheim and Weber on the social implications of new information and communication technologies
Authors: Schroeder Ralph , Ling Rich
Published: July 2013

Max Weber and Emile Durkheim made an important contribution to our understanding of new information and communication technologies (ICTs). While they did not discuss ICTs in their work, they provided conceptual tools at the macro-, meso- and micro-social levels that help us understand the use of ICTs. We examine how Weber’s iron cage and Durkheim’s mechanical solidarity and ritual present a coherent account of how ICTs sustain cohesion and also enmesh us in mediated interactions in complex societies. Thus, they directly address the question of the implications of increasingly mediated relationships, which is overlooked by theories that focus only on the relation between individuals and technology. Unlike other theorists who do focus on the societal level, Weber and Durkheim are more concerned with their routine workings, providing a more grounded, everyday, and in this sense realistic understanding of ICTs and social change.
Do online communication attitudes mitigate the association between Facebook use and relational interdependence? An extension of media multiplexity theory
Authors: Ledbetter Andrew M , Mazer Joseph P
Published: July 2013

Given Facebook’s popularity for the maintenance of interpersonal relationships, this investigation examined the extent to which frequency of Facebook communication with a specific friend predicts relational interdependence. The chief goal of the investigation was to extend media multiplexity theory by examining whether attitudes toward (a) online self-disclosure and (b) online social connection moderated this association. Results not only replicated previous findings that multiple media are associated with relational interdependence, but also supported the hypothesized moderation of online communication attitude. Based on these results, the manuscript explores how media multiplexity theory might be extended to account for communicator cognitions about communication media.
Teens’ social media use and collective action
Authors: Seo Hyunjin , Houston J Brian , Knight Leigh Anne Taylor , Kennedy Emily J , Inglish Alexandra B
Published: July 2013

This research examined how social self-efficacy, collective self-esteem, and need to belong can be used to predict teens’ use of social media. The particular focus was on how these social psychological variables together with social media use account for variation in teens’ participation in a flash mob – an exemplar of 21st-century collective action. Empirical data come from a survey of teens in a major Midwestern city in the USA. Teens’ need to belong was positively associated with the amount of time they reported spending on social networking sites, even when controlling for gender, race, and household socio-economic status. Both teens’ social self-efficacy and time spent on YouTube were positively associated with their intention to participate in a flash mob in the future. These and other findings are discussed in the context of the role of social media in youth culture and collective action.
Embodied reminders in family interactions: Multimodal collaboration in remembering activities
Authors: Bietti Lucas M , Galiana Castelló Fátima
Published: July 2013

The aim of our study is to show the ways in which family members coordinate their minds, bodies and language in a functional and goal-oriented manner when they are jointly remembering shared events that they had experienced together as a group. So far, little attention has been paid to the influence that the interplay of multiple behavioral channels have in collaborative remembering in small groups. Our goal is to specifically examine the central role that direct questions have when they act as embodied reminders through the interanimation of multiple behavioral channels (language, pointing, eye-gaze, etc.) in family interactions. The video data for analysis comes from an ongoing project on how collaborative remembering takes places among small groups of Argentinean Spanish speakers as each group recalls a vacation taken together several years ago.
The role of play activities in facilitating child participation in psychotherapy
Authors: van Nijnatten Carolus , van Doorn Frida
Published: July 2013

In this double case study of child psychotherapy, we demonstrate the positive effect of children’s involvement in play activities on their verbal expression of inner emotions and cognitions. Discourse analysis of therapy sessions complemented with the therapist’s reflections show that children who have difficulty in verbalizing hard feelings and cognitions gain control of the communicative situation by getting involved in playful activities. Therapists’ verbal entrance into play can be used to negotiate the therapist–child relationship in terms of power and solidarity.
Social media, prosumption, and dispositives: New mechanisms of the construction of subjectivity
Authors: Zajc Melita
Published: July 2013

This article addresses the issue of social media from the perspective of prosumption. The term social media has recently replaced the descriptive discourse on new media and communication technologies. This change implies that, from among the various uses of new media and communication technologies, one use has prevailed. There is no consensus about the exact meaning of the term social media and several scholars still prefer the descriptive approach. The concept of prosumption, which claims that with the rise of digital technologies the barriers separating production from consumption have disappeared, might explain the distinctiveness of social media. This article explores this idea and expectations about the social potential of merging production and consumption in social media by focusing on the issue of audience participation. First, it traces various understandings of agency and subjectivity in the historical conceptions of the audience within media and communication studies. Second, it argues for a conceptual approach to the issues of agency and subjectivity. It proposes the concept of the dispositive as that which simultaneously addresses historical and conceptual issues, presents its implications for the interpretation of social media, and argues for the suitability of the theory of the dispositive for conceptualizing the social potentials of social media.
Strategic poverty: How social and cultural capital shapes low-income life
Authors: Demetry Daphne , Thurk Jessica , Fine Gary Alan
Published: July 2013

We investigate how material poverty functions as a cultural space, specifically addressing when it becomes a strategy, that is, when an individual with cultural and social capital adopts a life of low income in order to form other social identities. We examine two groups that use low income to further other goals but differ in their temporal lens: (1) “transitional bourgeoisie,” graduate students and artists who frame their economic deprivation as a temporary means to prospective identities, such as a professorship or success in art; (2) “embedded activists,” committed adults rooted in political and religious organizations who see low income as a permanent strategy to bolster their anti-consumerist desires. Relying on 37 in-depth interviews with informants we ask, how do people in strategic poverty construct satisfying lives? What cultural tools and skill-sets do informants draw upon to negotiate their economic circumstances and middle-class backgrounds?
The history of a habit: jogging as a palliative to sedentariness in 1960s America
Authors: Latham Alan
Published: July 2013

This article provides an account of the emergence of jogging as mass physical fitness practice in America in the 1960s. It explores how jogging was configured as a physical fitness activity suitable for sedentary middle-aged men and women. Jogging developed as a counter to the ill-effects of habits entrained by the increasingly sedentary lifestyles of modern industrialized urban and suburban dwellers. The paper traces the development of jogging as a defined exercise routine at the University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon. Focusing on the moment when jogging is ‘invented’ as a recognizable fitness practice tells a great deal about the origin of contemporary regimes of physical fitness for the middle-aged population and how they have evolved. It also points to the significance of understanding how the shaping of corporeal habits play into the making of (1) individual bodies, (2) common practices of corporeal care and activity, and (3) environments of physical activity.