bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School Subject Paradigms and Teaching Practice in the Screen Culture: Art, Music and the Mother Tongue (Swedish) under Pressure
Authors: Erixon Per-Olof , Marner Anders , Scheid Manfred , Strandberg Tommy , Örtegren Hans
Published: June 2012

There are great expectations that new digital technology will become a powerful tool for developing education activities. Like many countries in Europe and worldwide, Sweden has invested a large amount of resources in new technology and new media (hereafter called digital media), and they have become a natural and important part of school teaching. The developed use of digital media is assumed to lead to educational change and, hence, better teaching. That such expectations have not been fulfilled, however, is shown in a number of Swedish, European and international studies. One explanation of this situation may be that the incorporation of digital media differs between different school subjects. School subjects have their characteristic structures, which are of great importance for how digital media can be integrated. Digital media influence the way in which school subjects can be described from a knowledge theory perspective — i.e. what constitutes the subject's paradigm and its teaching practice. The point of departure of this article is the school subjects of art, music and the mother tongue (Swedish), which, like other school subjects, are feeling the pressure of a digital media and screen culture to an ever increasing degree, and it queries whether and how teachers and pupils in these three school subjects conceive of and relate to the shifts that take place in the subjects when digital media are being increasingly integrated into the teaching. The study is based on interviews with pupils and teachers in the three school subjects, and the results are presented in terms of four themes that appear in the investigation — namely: (1) educational environments; (2) what teachers and pupils regard as the sacred and the profane; (3) motives for using digital media in teaching; and (4) whether and how working methods are changing with digital technology, i.e. questions concerning collective and individual aspects. In all three subjects, there are clear indications that digital media have already started to influence both the subject content and the working methods, while, at the same time, the proportion of digital media is limited and the impact is weak.
Researching Research in Master's Degrees in Europe
Authors: Sin Cristina
Published: June 2012

The research dimension of higher education programmes is usually discussed in association with doctoral studies. Against a background of scarce literature investigating research in a Master's degree, this article aims to analyse the place of research in Master's qualifications, first, as envisaged by official European and national documents acting as reference frameworks for degree design (i.e. qualification frameworks) and, second, in its practical manifestations in Master of Science (MSc) degrees in Physics in three national contexts (England, Portugal and Denmark). It highlights different understandings of the importance and roles assigned to research in Master's degrees by national policy actors in the three countries. Simultaneously, it argues that research is an essential component of MSc degrees in Physics, perceived as a gateway to a Physics research profession on account of disciplinary specificity. Research translates into a number of concrete practices, of which the Master's thesis is the main manifestation, with, however, variation in the purpose of research (instrumental or an end in itself). The article discusses implications of these different understandings and expressions of research in Master's programmes for the comparability of higher education degrees and ensuing recognition and student mobility in the European Higher Education Area, as envisaged by the Bologna process reforms. It is suggested that similar studies could be performed in other disciplines to make up for the gap in evidence and scholarship on the research dimension of Master's programmes and their degree of convergence.
Is the BESTest at Its Best? A Suggested Brief Version Based on Interrater Reliability, Validity, Internal Consistency, and Theoretical Construct
Authors: Padgett Parminder K. , Jacobs Jesse V. , Kasser Susan L.
Published: June 2012

Background

The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) and Mini-BESTest are clinical examinations of balance impairment, but the tests are lengthy and the Mini-BESTest is theoretically inconsistent with the BESTest.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to generate an alternative version of the BESTest that is valid, reliable, time efficient, and founded upon the same theoretical underpinnings as the original test.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods

Three raters evaluated 20 people with and without a neurological diagnosis. Test items with the highest item-section correlations defined the new Brief-BESTest. The validity of the BESTest, the Mini-BESTest, and the new Brief-BESTest to identify people with or without a neurological diagnosis was compared. Interrater reliability of the test versions was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients. Validity was further investigated by determining the ability of each version of the examination to identify the fall status of a second cohort of 26 people with and without multiple sclerosis.

Results

Items of hip abductor strength, functional reach, one-leg stance, lateral push-and-release, standing on foam with eyes closed, and the Timed “Up & Go” Test defined the Brief-BESTest. Intraclass correlation coefficients for all examination versions were greater than .98. The accuracy of identifying people from the first cohort with or without a neurological diagnosis was 78% for the BESTest versus 72% for the Mini-BESTest or Brief-BESTest. The sensitivity to fallers from the second cohort was 100% for the Brief-BESTest, 71% for the Mini-BESTest, and 86% for the BESTest, and all versions exhibited specificity of 95% to 100% to identify nonfallers.

Limitations

Further testing is needed to improve the generalizability of findings.

Conclusions

Although preliminary, the Brief-BESTest demonstrated reliability comparable to that of the Mini-BESTest and potentially superior sensitivity while requiring half the items of the Mini-BESTest and representing all theoretically based sections of the original BESTest.
Rectal Misoprostol versus Intramuscular Oxytocin for Prevention of Post Partum Hemorrhage
Authors: Shrestha A , Dongol A , Chawla C D , Adhikari R
Published: June 2012

Background Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality especially in the developing countries. Compared to expectant management, active management decreases the incidence of PPH. Objective To compare the effectiveness of rectal misoprostol with intramuscular oxytocin in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. Methods This is a prospective, randomized and analytical study from 1stSeptember 2009 to 28th February 2010 at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dhulkhel Hospital - Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Nepal. A total of 200 women were included to receive either 1000 micrograms rectal misoprostol tablets or 10 units of oxytocin intramuscularly. Primary outcome measures were the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage or a change in hematocrit or hemoglobin from admission to day two post delivery. Secondary outcome measures including severe postpartum hemorrhage and the duration of the third stage of labor were noted. Also the side effects of both misoprostol and oxytocin were recorded. Results The frequency of postpartum hemorrhage was 4% in the misoprostol subjects and 6% in the control subjects (P=0.886) There were no significant difference among the groups in the drop of hematocrit (P>0.05). Secondary outcome measures including severe postpartum hemorrhage and the duration of the third stage of labor were similar in both groups. Similarly, the side effects between the misoprostol and oxytocin group within 6 hours was statistically significant (p=0.003) whereas the side effects within 24hours was statistically not significant (p=0.106). ConclusionRectal misoprostol is as effective as intravenous oxytocin in preventing postpartum hemorrhage with the similar incidence of side effects and is worthwhile to be used as a uterotonic agent for the routine management of third stage of labor.http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i1.6254 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(1):8-12
Tissue Polypeptide Specific Antigen as a Marker Used to Determine the Liver Diseases
Authors: Paul D , Biswas R , Habib S H
Published: June 2012

Background Tissue polypeptide specific antigen and its specific M3 epitope are increased in malignant as well as in some benign diseases. The level of tissue polypeptide specific antigen in serum is related mostly to proliferation capacity rather than tumor mass and cell necrosis. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of tissue polypeptide specific antigen and other tumor markers in patients with liver cirrhosis, chronic active hepatitis and hepatoma to determine if tissue polypeptide specific antigen is important to other tumor markers in hepatoma patients. Methods Ninty-seven patients and 30 controls were included in the study. The patients were divided into three subgroups as cirrhosis, hepatoma and chronic active hepatitis. The levels of tissue polypeptide specific antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, CA19.9, alpha-fetoprotein and transaminases were determined in all patients. Results Tissue polypeptide specific antigen levels were significantly higher in all patients than in the control group (p<0.005) According to Kruskal-Wallis test with regard to subgroups, the differences in mean values of tissue polypeptide specific antigen and alpha-fetoprotein were significant (p<0.0001 for both). There was a low correlation between tissue polypeptide specific antigen and alpha-fetoprotein in the cirrhotic and hepatoma groups, but these were significantly correlated in the chronic active hepatitis group. The correlation coefficient between tissue polypeptide specific antigen and transaminases in all patients was low. Conclusions Tissue polypeptide specific antigen is efficient for determining primary hepatoma patients and also that this marker is specific for proliferation of cells. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i1.6257 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(1):24-7
Outcome of Pregnancy Complicated by Threatened Abortion
Authors: Dongol A , Mool S , Tiwari P
Published: June 2012

Background Threatened abortion is the most common complication in the first half of pregnancy. Most of these pregnancies continue to term with or without treatment. Spontaneous abortion occurs in less than 30% of these women. Threatened abortion had been shown to be associated with increased incidence of antepartum haemorrhage, preterm labour and intra uterine growth retardation. Objective This study was to asses the outcome of threatened abortion following treatment. Methods This prospective study was carried out in Dhulikhel Hospital - Kathmandu University Hospital from January 2009 till May 2010. Total 70 cases of threatened abortion were selected, managed with complete bed rest till 48 hrs of cessation of bleeding, folic acid supplementation, uterine sedative, and hormonal treatment till 28 weeks of gestation. Ultrasonogram was performed for diagnosis and to detect the presence of subchorionic hematoma. Patients were followed up until spontaneous abortion or up to delivery of the fetus. The measures used for the analysis were maternal age, parity, gestational age at the time of presentation, previous abortions, presence of subchorionic hematoma, complete abortion, continuation of pregnancy, antepartum hemorrhage, intrauterine growth retardation and intrauterine death of fetus. Results Out of 70 cases subchorionic haematoma was found in 30 (42.9%) cases. There were 12 (17.1%) patients who spontaneously aborted after diagnosis of threatened abortion during hospital stay, 5 (7.1%) aborted on subsequent visits while 53 (75.8%) continued pregnancy till term. Among those who continued pregnancy intrauterine growth retardation was seen in 7 (13.2%), antepartum hemorrhage in 4 (7.5%), preterm premature rupture of membrane in 3 (5.66%) and IUD in 3 (5.66%). Spontaneous abortion was found more in cases with subchorionic hematoma of size more than 20 cm2. Conclusion In cases of threatened abortion with or without the presence of subchorionic hematoma, prognostic outcome is better following treatment with bed rest, uterine sedatives, folic acid supplementation and hormonal treatment.http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i1.6261 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(1):41-4
Outcomes Of Adolescent Pregnancy at Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre
Authors: Pun K D , Chauhan M
Published: June 2012

Background Adolescence Pregnancy is a social problem worldwide with serious implication of maternal and child health. This study purposed to compare the maternal and neonatal outcome of the teenage mothers (15- 19 years) with that of the young mothers (20-24 years) to determine if adolescent pregnancies have increased risk of adverse outcomes. Objectives This st udy aims to find out the outcomes of adolescent pregnancy at Kathmandu Univeristy Hospital, Dhulikhel Hospital, KAvre. Methods Descriptive cross sectional study was done. The study included all primiparous mothers of age 15-19 (n=168) and 20-24 (n=401) recorded in the delivery record book of Dhulikhel Hospital from June 2007 to May 2008. Chi-square test and relative risk (RR) for subgroups of study population was examined using the SPSS version 10.0. Results The low birth weight baby among teenage mothers and young mothers were 28% and 26.7% respectively (p=0.572). The Relative risk of low birth weight among adolescent is 1.1 (0.75-1.684) times to that of young mothers at 95% confidence interval. Preterm birth was not associated with adolescence pregnancy (7% Vs. 11.5%, p=0.141). Normal delivery was the common mode of delivery among both groups (77.4% Vs. 74.6%). Among the neonatal complication, newborns of adolescents had greater neonatal complications than newborns of the young mothers (17.2% Vs 16.7%). Maternal complication like antepartum hemorrhage (2.4% Vs. 1.7%) and postpartum hemorrhage (0.6% Vs. 0.2%) was higher among adolescents. ConclusionsLow birth weight, common neonatal complication, antepartum hemorrhage and postpartum hemorrhage are found more in adolescent group, however statistically insignificant.http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i1.6263 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(1):50-3
Ocular trauma in patients presenting to Dhulikhel Hospital
Authors: Sthapit P R , Marasini S , Khoju U , Thapa G , Nepal B P
Published: June 2012

Background Ocular trauma is an important cause of blindness and ocular morbidity throughout the world. Prevalence studies help to define the target group, plan strategies and thereby lessen trauma related blindness in the country. Objective To identify the risk factors for ocular trauma, those at risk, describe the visual acuity at time of clinical presentation, and assess the nature and severity of ocular trauma in patients presenting to Dhulikhel Hospital’s emergency department and eye OPD with ocular trauma. Methods It is a descriptive and prospective study of all the patients with ocular trauma presenting to Dhulikhel Hospital from December 2009 to December 2010. A complete history and detailed ophthalmologic evaluation was done and noted down. Results There were 112 subjects with ocular trauma. Mean age was 28.43±16.36 years with a range of one year to 74 years. Males predominated with 72.3% frequency (p<0.001). Incidence peaked in third decade of life (p<0.01). Ocular trauma peaked in months of September and October. Presenting visual acuity better than 6/12 was noted in 83.9% of cases whereas 2.7% of cases had visual acuity of <3/60. Household (56.3%, p<0.001) was the commonest place of injury with wooden objects (19.6%) being the commonest object of injury. Most of the injuries were mechanical (85.7%, p>0.001). ConclusionBlunt injuries were more common in young males. Household and workplace were common location of ocular injuries. Public awareness and strict legislation to use personal protective devices can help to reduce the occurrence of ocular injury.http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i1.6264 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(1):54-7
Tricuspid Valve Repair: Devega’s Tricuspid Annuloplasty in Moderate Secondary Tricuspid Regurgitation
Authors: Pradhan S , Gautam N C , Singh Y M , Shakya S , Timala R B , Sharma J , Koirala B
Published: June 2012

Background Moderate secondary tricuspid incompetence has variable natural history if left unattended during mitral valve surgery. Recent data suggest progression of the secondary tricuspid incompetence over time. Secondary moderate tricuspid regurgitation in rheumatic mitral valve disease may regress after mitral valve surgery without direct intervention. Objectives: The present retrospective comparative hospital based tudy was done to assess early result of DeVega tricuspid valve annuloplasty amongst those with moderate tricuspid regurgitation due to rheumatic mitral valve disease. Methods: Group I (mitral valve replacement with tricuspid repair) and Group II (mitral valve replacement only) were compared regarding functional class, heart rate, rhythm, cardiac dimensions, function and valve pathology. The two groups were followed up at three months post-operatively and evaluated for their functional class and echocardiography variables. The data was analyzed with SPSS 16.0 Results: There were 43 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement with moderate tricuspid regurgitation. Twenty three underwent mitral valve replacement with tricuspid repair group (Group 1). Most of the patients were women (28/43). The mean age was 31.4 + 14.8 and 25.13 + 9.4 years. Group I had 21(91.3%) and Group II had 17 (85%) in NYHA class III & IV. The pre-operative echocardiographic cardiac left ventricular and left atrial dimensions, left ventricular function and valve lesions were statistically similar for both groups, except PASP was higher amongst tricuspid repair (Group 1: 38.60 + 12.75mHg, Group 2: 61.52 + 19.76mmHg; p= <0.05). At three month’s review after surgery, four patients were in NYHA II amongst those without tricuspid repair (Group II), whilst the rest were in NYHA I. Left ventricular dimensions, Left Ventricular function and valve prosthetic valve function were similar between groups. Eleven (47.8%) patients in Group I and only five (25%) of Group II had trace or less TR at the follow-up (p < 0.05). There were 7 (16.2%) patients who had persistent moderate TR. Higher PASP and larger LV dimensions at three months were predictive of persistent moderate TR. Conclusion Mitral valve replacement does decrease the severity of tricuspid regurgitation amongst those with secondary moderate tricuspid regurgitation by at least one grade, but DeVega’s annuloplasty confers a better repair result. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i1.6266 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(1):64-8
Drowsy Drivers - Medical Implications of Highway Traffic Safety
Authors: Pant S
Published: June 2012

The estimates of the contribution of drowsiness and fatigue to the number of road crashes is often neglected considerably, due both to under-reporting of these factors by drivers, and technical difficulty in investigating the problem. Preventing and treating the reasons for falling asleep behind the wheel may have considerable contribution in traffic safety. Therefore the licensing authorities in co-operation with the medical profession should attend more closely to the issue of sleep related disorders and their implications for driving in cases with notoriously high risk. The police and other enforcement authorities need appropriate knowledge and procedures to detect drivers at risk of falling asleep while driving. Considering the increasing number of road traffic accidents day per day, it is a need of the hour to detect drivers possibly at risk, and to take appropriate precautions in terms of education, advice and treatment regimes, as well as restrictions on licensing.http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i1.6267 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(1):69-71
Multiple Variations of Branches of Abdominal Aorta
Authors: Salve V M , Ratanprabha C
Published: June 2012

The Abdominal aorta and its major branches supply oxygenated blood to nearly all the organs in the abdominal cavity. During routine dissection (January 2009) of a middle aged male cadaver at Dr. PSIMS, Gannavaram, Krishna Dist. (INDIA), the following variations of branches of abdominal aorta were found. The coeliac trunk gave off three branches. The first branch was left inferior phrenic artery which arose directly from coeliac trunk. The second branch bifurcates into left gastric artery and accessory hepatic artery for left lobe of liver. The second branch gave off splenic artery and common hepatic artery. The right testicular artery took its origin from right aberrant renal artery. This variation was associated with the presence of bilateral aberrant renal arteries for lower poles of both kidneys arising from abdominal aorta and aberrant renal arteries bilateral for upper poles originating from the renal arteries. Anatomical variation of testicular arteries is reported to be 4.7 %. Apart from creating hazards during abdominal surgery, vascular variation can also become a technical problem for infusion therapy and chemoembolisation of neoplasm in the liver.http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i1.6268 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(1):72-6
Neurocysticercosis in Nepal and It’s Global Perspective
Authors: Agrawal J P
Published: June 2012

No abstract available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i2.6277Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(2):1-2
A thrombosing, giant, distal posterior cerebral artery aneurysm in a newborn infant
Authors: Sabanci Pulat Akın , Aras Yavuz , Aydoseli Aydın , Sencer Serra , Sencer Altay , Erguven Mine , Izgi Nail
Published: June 2012

Intracranial aneurysms are extremely rare in infancy. No consensus has yet been developed about the exact treatment of this rare situation. The authors report the case of a 47-day-old male infant who had multiple seizures on the same day, leading to the diagnosis of an intracranial aneurysm. The case was managed conservatively with close imaging follow-up, and the patient had a good recovery. The results of neurological examination were completely normal at the 5-year follow-up visit.

These rare lesions may be suspected on the basis of clinical findings and correctly diagnosed with current neuroradiological imaging modalities. The authors believe this report contributes valuable imaging data on rare childhood aneurysms to the literature, as well as emphasizing the importance of clinical and imaging information in therapeutic decision making in children with intracranial vascular problems.
Complete remission of seizures after corpus callosotomy
Authors: Iwasaki Masaki , Uematsu Mitsugu , Sato Yuko , Nakayama Tojo , Haginoya Kazuhiro , Osawa Shin-ichiro , Itabashi Hisashi , Jin Kazutaka , Nakasato Nobukazu , Tominaga Teiji
Published: June 2012

Object

Corpus callosotomy is usually intended to alleviate—not to achieve total control of—epileptic seizures. A few patients experience complete seizure control after callosotomy, but the associated clinical factors are unknown. The object of this study was to investigate clinical factors associated with long-term seizure remission after total corpus callosotomy in patients with infantile or early childhood onset epilepsy.

Methods

Thirteen consecutive patients with infantile or early childhood onset epilepsy underwent 1-stage total corpus callosotomy for alleviation of seizures. Their age at surgery ranged from 1 year and 5 months to 24 years (median 7 years). Eleven patients had West syndrome at the onset of disease, and the other 2 had Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. All patients suffered from spasms, axial tonic seizures, or atonic seizures. Six patients had proven etiology of epilepsy, including tuberous sclerosis, polymicrogyria, trauma, and Smith-Magenis syndrome. The association between postoperative seizure freedom and preoperative factors including age at surgery, no MRI abnormalities, proven etiology, and focal electroencephalographic epileptiform discharges was examined.

Results

Postoperative seizure freedom was achieved in 4 of 13 patients for a minimum of 12 months. All 4 patients had no MRI abnormalities and no identified etiology. None of the 8 patients with MRI abnormality, 6 patients with known etiology of epilepsy, or 4 patients aged older than 10 years at surgery achieved seizure freedom. Two of the 7 patients with focal electroencephalographic abnormalities became seizure free. Absence of MRI abnormalities was significantly associated with postoperative seizure freedom (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Complete seizure remission is achieved after total corpus callosotomy in a subgroup of patients with intractable epilepsy following West syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. One-stage total corpus callosotomy at a young age may provide a higher rate of seizure freedom, especially for patients with no MRI abnormalities and no identified etiology of epilepsy.
Multimodality localization of the sensorimotor cortex in pediatric patients undergoing epilepsy surgery
Authors: Wray Carter D. , Blakely Tim M. , Poliachik Sandra L. , Poliakov Andrew , McDaniel Sharon S. , Novotny Edward J. , Miller Kai J. , Ojemann Jeffrey G.
Published: June 2012

Object

The gold-standard method for determining cortical functional organization in the context of neurosurgical intervention is electrical cortical stimulation (ECS), which disrupts normal cortical function to evoke movement. This technique is imprecise, however, as motor responses are not limited to the precentral gyrus. Electrical cortical stimulation also can trigger seizures, is not always tolerated, and is often unsuccessful, especially in children. Alternatively, endogenous motor and sensory signals can be mapped by somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), functional MRI (fMRI), and electrocorticography of high gamma (70–150 Hz) signal power, which reflect normal cortical function. The authors evaluated whether these 4 modalities of mapping sensorimotor function in children produce concurrent results.

Methods

The authors retrospectively examined the charts of all patients who underwent epilepsy surgery at Seattle Children's Hospital between July 20, 1999, and July 1, 2011, and they included all patients in whom the primary motor or somatosensory cortex was localized via 2 or more of the following tests: ECS, SSEP, fMRI, or high gamma electrocorticography (hgECoG).

Results

Inclusion criteria were met by 50 patients, whose mean age at operation was 10.6 years. The youngest patient who underwent hgECoG mapping was 2 years and 10 months old, which is younger than any patient reported on in the literature. The authors localized the putative sensorimotor cortex most often with hgECoG, followed by SSEP and fMRI; ECS was most likely to fail to localize the sensorimotor cortex.

Conclusions

Electrical cortical stimulation, SSEP, fMRI, and hgECoG generally produced concordant localization of motor and sensory function in children. When attempting to localize the sensorimotor cortex in children, hgECoG was more likely to produce results, was faster, safer, and did not require cooperation. The hgECoG maps in pediatric patients are similar to those in adult patients published in the literature. The sensorimotor cortex can be mapped by hgECoG and fMRI in children younger than 3 years old to localize cortical function.
Retinotopic organization of the visual cortex before and after decompression of the optic chiasm in a patient with pituitary macroadenoma
Authors: Chouinard Philippe A. , Striemer Christopher L. , Ryu Won Hyung A. , Sperandio Irene , Goodale Melvyn A. , Nicolle David A. , Rotenberg Brian , Duggal Neil
Published: June 2012

Compression induced by a pituitary tumor on the optic chiasm can generate visual field deficits, yet it is unknown how this compression affects the retinotopic organization of the visual cortex. It is also not known how the effect of the tumor on the retinotopic organization of the visual cortex changes after decompression. The authors used functional MRI (fMRI) to map the retinotopic organization of the visual cortex in a 68-year-old right-handed woman before and 3 months after surgery for a recurrent pituitary macroadenoma. The authors demonstrated that longitudinal changes in visual field perimetry, as assessed by the automated Humphrey visual field test, correlated with longitudinal changes in fMRI activation in a retinotopic manner. In other words, after decompression of the optic chiasm, fMRI charted the recruitment of the visual cortex in a way that matched gains in visual field perimetry. On the basis of this case, the authors propose that fMRI can chart neural plasticity of the visual cortex on an individual basis and that it can also serve as a complementary tool in decision making with respect to management of patients with chiasmal compression.
Elevated diffusion anisotropy in gray matter and the degree of brain compression
Authors: Osuka Satoru , Matsushita Akira , Ishikawa Eiichi , Saotome Kousaku , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Marushima Aiki , Satou Naoaki , Zaboronok Alexander , Masumoto Tomohiko , Matsumura Akira
Published: June 2012

Object

For several decades, clinicians have predicted intraparenchymal brain pressure or brain tissue compression indirectly based on the degree of distortion of the midline structures (midline shift) and ventricle wall (ventriculomegaly) observed on conventional MRI. However, this method has several limitations. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a novel MRI technique that can provide information about the microstructural properties of compressed tissue. In this study, the authors evaluated whether DTI can precisely define the degree of tissue compression in patients with chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH).

Methods

The study sample consisted of 18 patients (mean age 71 years, 10 men and 8 women) with unilateral CSDH and 12 age-matched volunteers. Diffusion tensor imaging results were acquired before and after the surgical irrigation in the CSDH group. Subdural pressure during the operation was also measured. Fractional anisotropy (FA) values were evaluated at several locations, including the gray matter.

Results

The FA values of the gray matter, especially in the caudate nucleus and putamen, were increased in the patients with CSDH compared with the control group. The change in FA data before and after surgery (ΔFA) correlated with the degree of tissue compression evaluated by measurement of the subdural pressure. Furthermore, the increased FA values in patients with CSDH decreased after surgery.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that FA values of the gray matter, especially in the caudate nucleus and putamen, may be important markers of tissue compression. The assessment of FA values of the gray matter will result in a new, less-invasive diagnostic technique to evaluate the degree of brain compression.
Unilateral surgical approach for lumbar disc herniation with contralateral symptoms
Authors: Akdeniz Taşkan , Kaner Tuncay , Tutkan İbrahim , Ozer Ali Fahir
Published: June 2012

Object

In most cases of lumbar disc herniation, the primary problem is usually limited to radicular pain due to nerve compression on the herniated side, which is generally limited to the side of operation. The aim of this study was to reevaluate the side of the surgical approach in a selected group of patients with leg pain and contralateral lumbar disc herniation.

Methods

Included in this study were a total of 5 patients with lumbar disc herniations who presented with contralateral symptoms and neurological signs. In all cases, patients underwent a microdiscectomy from the side ipsilateral to the herniated lumbar disc, the side contralateral to the motor deficits and leg pain.

Results

The symptoms and signs, to some extent, resolved during the immediate postoperative period. There were no postoperative complications.

Conclusions

The findings confirm that performing a laminotomy via the side of the herniation is sufficient for this group of patients.
Endoscopic indocyanine green video angiography in aneurysm surgery: an innovative method for intraoperative assessment of blood flow in vasculature hidden from microscopic view
Authors: Nishiyama Yoshihisa , Kinouchi Hiroyuki , Senbokuya Nobuo , Kato Tatsuya , Kanemaru Kazuya , Yoshioka Hideyuki , Horikoshi Toru
Published: June 2012

Recently, intraoperative fluorescence video angiography using indocyanine green (ICG) has been widely used in aneurysm surgery. This is a simple and useful method to confirm complete occlusion of the aneurysm lumen and preservation of blood flow in the arteries around the aneurysm. However, the observation field of ICG video angiography is limited under a microscope, making it difficult to confirm the flow in the arteries behind the parent arteries or aneurysm. The authors developed a new technique of intraoperative endoscopic ICG video angiography to assess the blood flow in perforating arteries hidden by the parent arteries or aneurysm. The endoscope emits excitation light with a wavelength of approximately 800 nm, and video images were obtained through a cut filter. The authors used this ICG fluorescence endoscope in treating 3 patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms. During clip placement, the endoscope was inserted to confirm aneurysm occlusion. Then, ICG was intravenously administered, and the fluorescence in the vessels was observed via the endoscope as well as under the microscope. The blood flow in the perforating arteries was clearly identified, and no procedural complication occurred. The authors conclude that the technique is very useful and facilitates intraoperative real-time assessment of the patency of perforating arteries behind parent arteries or aneurysms.
Methane Emission and Milk Production of Dairy Cows Grazing Pastures Rich in Legumes or Rich in Grasses in Uruguay
Authors: Dini Yoana , Gere José , Briano Carolina , Manetti Martin , Juliarena Paula , Picasso Valentin , Gratton Roberto , Astigarraga Laura
Published: June 2012

Understanding the impact of changing pasture composition on reducing emissions of GHGs in dairy grazing systems is an important issue to mitigate climate change. The aim of this study was to estimate daily CH4 emissions of dairy cows grazing two mixed pastures with contrasting composition of grasses and legumes: L pasture with 60% legumes on Dry Matter (DM) basis and G pasture with 75% grasses on DM basis. Milk production and CH4 emissions were compared over two periods of two weeks during spring using eight lactating Holstein cows in a 2 × 2 Latin square design. Herbage organic matter intake (HOMI) was estimated by chromic oxide dilution and herbage organic matter digestibility (OMD) was estimated by faecal index. Methane emission was estimated by using the sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer technique adapted to collect breath samples over 5-day periods. OMD (0.71) and HOMI (15.7 kg OM) were not affected by pasture composition. Milk production (20.3 kg/d), milk fat yield (742 g/d) and milk protein yield (667 g/d) were similar for both pastures. This may be explained by the high herbage allowance (30 kg DM above 5 cm/cow) which allowed the cows to graze selectively, in particular in grass sward. Similarly, methane emission expressed as absolute value (368 g/d or 516 L/d) or expressed as methane yield (6.6% of Gross Energy Intake (GEI)) was not affected by treatments. In conclusion, at high herbage allowance, the quality of the diet selected by grazing cows did not differ between pastures rich in legumes or rich in grasses, and therefore there was no effect on milk or methane production.
Deterministic Thermal Reservoirs
Authors: Morriss Gary P. , Truant Daniel
Published: June 2012

We explore the consequences of a deterministic microscopic thermostat-reservoir contact mechanism for hard disks where the collision rule at the boundary is modified. Numerical evidence and theoretical argument is given that suggests that an energy balance is achieved for a system of hard disks in contact with two reservoirs at equal temperatures. This system however produces entropy near the the system-reservoir boundaries and this entropy flows into the two reservoirs. Thus rather than producing an equilibrium state, the system is at a steady state with a steady entropy flow without any associated energy flux. The microscopic mechanisms associated with energy and entropy fluxes for this system are examined in detail.
A Computational Study on Thiourea Analogs as Potent MK-2 Inhibitors
Authors: Hao Ming , Ren Hong , Luo Fang , Zhang Shuwei , Qiu Jieshan , Ji Mingjuan , Si Hongzong , Li Guohui
Published: June 2012

Mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 2 (MK-2) has been identified as a drug target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Currently, a series of thiourea analogs as potent MK-2 inhibitors were studied using comprehensive computational methods by 3D-QSAR, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations for a further improvement in activities. The optimal 3D models exhibit high statistical significance of the results, especially for the CoMFA results with r2ncv, q2 values of 0.974, 0.536 for the internal validation, and r2pred, r2m values of 0.910, 0.723 for the external validation and Roy’s index, respectively. In addition, more rigorous validation criteria suggested by Tropsha were also employed to check the built models. Graphic representation of the results, as contoured 3D coefficient plots, also provides a clue to the reasonable modification of molecules: (i) The substituent with a bulky size and electron-rich group at the C5 position of the pyrazine ring is required to enhance the potency; (ii) The H-bond acceptor group in the C3 position of the pyrazine ring is likely to be helpful to increase MK-2 inhibition; (iii) The small and electropositive substituent as a hydrogen bond donor of the C2 position in the oxazolone ring is favored; In addition, several important amino acid residues were also identified as playing an important role in MK-2 inhibition. The agreement between 3D-QSAR, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations also proves the rationality of the developed models. These results, we hope, may be helpful in designing novel and potential MK-2 inhibitors.
Development of 101 Gene-based Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers in Sea Cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus
Authors: Du Huixia , Bao Zhenmin , Yan Jingjing , Tian Meilin , Mu Xiaoyu , Wang Shi , Lu Wei
Published: June 2012

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are currently the marker of choice in a variety of genetic studies. Using the high resolution melting (HRM) genotyping approach, 101 gene-based SNP markers were developed for Apostichopus japonicus, a sea cucumber species with economic significance for the aquaculture industry in East Asian countries. HRM analysis revealed that all the loci showed polymorphisms when evaluated using 40 A. japonicus individuals collected from a natural population. The minor allele frequency ranged from 0.035 to 0.489. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.050 to 0.833 and 0.073 to 0.907, respectively. Thirteen loci were found to depart signiﬁcantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) after Bonferroni corrections. Signiﬁcant linkage disequilibrium (LD) was detected in one pair of markers. These SNP markers are expected to be useful for future quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, and to facilitate marker-assisted selection (MAS) in A. japonicus.
Structural Analysis of Hypothetical Proteins from Helicobacter pylori: An Approach to Estimate Functions of Unknown or Hypothetical Proteins
Authors: Park Sung Jean , Son Woo Sung , Lee Bong-Jin
Published: June 2012

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) have a unique ability to survive in extreme acidic environments and to colonize the gastric mucosa. It can cause diverse gastric diseases such as peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, gastric cancer, etc. Based on genomic research of H. pylori, over 1600 genes have been functionally identified so far. However, H. pylori possess some genes that are uncharacterized since: (i) the gene sequences are quite new; (ii) the function of genes have not been characterized in any other bacterial systems; and (iii) sometimes, the protein that is classified into a known protein based on the sequence homology shows some functional ambiguity, which raises questions about the function of the protein produced in H. pylori. Thus, there are still a lot of genes to be biologically or biochemically characterized to understand the whole picture of gene functions in the bacteria. In this regard, knowledge on the 3D structure of a protein, especially unknown or hypothetical protein, is frequently useful to elucidate the structure-function relationship of the uncharacterized gene product. That is, a structural comparison with known proteins provides valuable information to help predict the cellular functions of hypothetical proteins. Here, we show the 3D structures of some hypothetical proteins determined by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography as a part of the structural genomics of H. pylori. In addition, we show some successful approaches of elucidating the function of unknown proteins based on their structural information.
Mitigation of Blast Effects on Protective Structures by Aluminum Foam Panels
Authors: Shim Changsu , Yun Nuri , Yu Robin , Byun Doyeon
Published: June 2012

Aluminum foams have low density and are attractive materials to mitigate high-speed pressure by blast loads due to high-energy absorption capabilities. In order to develop nonlinear material models for the aluminum foam with different density, mechanical properties of the foam and foam panels under compression, tension, shear and bending moment were obtained by numerous tests. Through the explicit analyses of the foam panels by LS-DYNA, the derived models were verified. Performance of the foam panels with different scaled distances was evaluated by blast tests. Thickness, density and skin plate properties of the panel are the most important parameters to estimate the transmitted pressure to protective structures. Because the pressure of close range blast loading is not uniform, the skin plays an important role in the behavior of the foam. Numerical simulations considering the parameters provided basic design guidelines for the protective structures with sacrificial foam panels. Properly designed panels for the required blast loads can control the transmitted pressure to the target structure under a certain pressure on the yield strength of the foam.
Into the Grey: The Left, Progressivism, and Christian Rock in Uptown Chicago
Authors: Young Shawn David
Published: June 2012

Founded in 1972, Jesus People USA (JPUSA) is an evangelical “intentional community” located in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Living out of a common purse arrangement, this inner-city commune strives to counter much of what the Right stands for. An expression of the Evangelical Left, the commune’s various expressions of social justice are popularized through the music produced by the community and their annual festival.
Nation-Wide Clear-Cut Mapping in Sweden Using ALOS PALSAR Strip Images
Authors: Santoro Maurizio , Pantze Andreas , Fransson Johan E. S. , Dahlgren Jonas , Persson Anders
Published: June 2012

Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array L-band type Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) backscatter images with 50 m pixel size (strip images) at HV-polarization were used to map clear-cuts at a regional and national level in Sweden. For a set of 31 clear-cuts, on average 59.9% of the pixels within each clear-cut were correctly detected. When compared with a one-pixel edge-eroded version of the reference dataset, the accuracy increased to 88.9%. With respect to statistics from the Swedish Forest Agency, county-wise clear-felled areas were underestimated by the ALOS PALSAR dataset (between 25% and 60%) due to the coarse resolution. When compared with statistics from the Swedish National Forest Inventory, the discrepancies were larger, partly due to the estimation errors from the plot-wise forest inventory data. In Sweden, for the time frame of 2008–2010, the total area felled was estimated to be 140,618 ha, 172,532 ha and 194,586 ha using data from ALOS PALSAR, the Swedish Forest Agency and the Swedish National Forest Inventory, respectively. ALOS PALSAR strip images at HV-polarization appear suitable for detection of clear-felled areas at a national level; nonetheless, the pixel size of 50 m is a limiting factor for accurate delineation of clear-felled areas.
A Temperature-Insensitive Cladding-Etched Fiber Bragg Grating Using a Liquid Mixture with a Negative Thermo-Optic Coefficient
Authors: Kim Kwang Taek , Kim In Soo , Lee Cherl-Hee , Lee Jonghun
Published: June 2012

To compensate for the temperature dependency of a standard FBG, a cladding-etched FBG immersed with a liquid mixture having a negative thermo-optic coefficient is presented, and its characteristics are investigated. The Bragg wavelength of the cladding-etched FBG is shifted counter to the direction of the Bragg wavelength shift of a conventional FBG according to the mixing ratio of glycerin to water; thus, the temperature-dependent Bragg wavelength shift was almost compensated by using a liquid mixture of water (50%) and glycerin (50%) having the negative thermo-optic coefficient of −5 × 10−4 °C−1.
Synergistic Effects in the Gas Sensitivity of Polypyrrole/Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors: Huyen Duong Ngoc , Tung Nguyen Trong , Vinh Tran Dinh , Thien Nguyen Duc
Published: June 2012

Polypyrrole/single wall carbon nanotube composites were synthesized by in-situ chemical polymerization using pyrrole (PPy) as precursor and single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as additive component. Electron microscope images reveal that SWNTs component acts as nucleation sites for PPy growth in the form of spherical and cylindrical core-shell structures. The SWNTs/PPy core-shell results in thin n-p junctions which modify the PPy bandgap and reduce the work function of electrons. As a result of the strong coupling, Raman and IR spectra show that the PPy undergoes a transition from polaron to bipolaron state, i.e., indicating an increase in the conductivity. In the UV-Vis spectra, the 340 nm adsorption band (π*-π transition) exhibits a red shift, while the 460 nm adsorption band (bipolaron transition) experiences a blue shift indicating a change in electronic structure and a relocation of polaron levels in the band gap of PPy. The modification in PPy electronic structure brings in a synergistic effect in sensing feature. Upon exposure to oxygen (an oxidizing agent) and NH3 gas (a reducing agent), the PPy/SWNTs nanocomposite shows an enhancement in sensitivity exceeding ten folds in comparison with those of PPy or SWNTs.
Compiler Optimizations as a Countermeasure against Side-Channel Analysis in MSP430-Based Devices
Authors: Malagón Pedro , De Goyeneche Juan-Mariano , Zapater Marina , Moya José M. , Banković Zorana
Published: June 2012

Ambient Intelligence (AmI) requires devices everywhere, dynamic and massively distributed networks of low-cost nodes that, among other data, manage private information or control restricted operations. MSP430, a 16-bit microcontroller, is used in WSN platforms, as the TelosB. Physical access to devices cannot be restricted, so attackers consider them a target of their malicious attacks in order to obtain access to the network. Side-channel analysis (SCA) easily exploits leakages from the execution of encryption algorithms that are dependent on critical data to guess the key value. In this paper we present an evaluation framework that facilitates the analysis of the effects of compiler and backend optimizations on the resistance against statistical SCA. We propose an optimization-based software countermeasure that can be used in current low-cost devices to radically increase resistance against statistical SCA, analyzed with the new framework.