bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A localization algorithm for railway vehicles based on sensor fusion between tachometers and inertial measurement units
Authors: Malvezzi M , Vettori G , Allotta B , Pugi L , Ridolfi A , Rindi A
Published: April 2013

The availability of a reliable speed and travelled distance estimation is relevant for the efficiency and safety of automatic train protection and control systems. This paper investigates the main features of an innovative localization algorithm that integrates tachometers and inertial measurement units. Nowadays, the estimation is performed by an odometry algorithm that relies on wheel angular speed sensors. The objective is to increase the accuracy of the odometric estimation, especially in critical adhesion conditions, through sensor fusion techniques based on Kalman filter theory. The Italian company ECM S.p.A. has supported the project, providing a custom inertial measurement unit based on micro electro-mechanical system sensors for the on-track testing of the algorithm. The preliminary results show a significant improvement of the position and speed estimation performances compared to those obtained with SCMT (Italian acronym for ‘Sistema Controllo Marcia Treno’) algorithms, currently in use on the Italian railway network. A wide set of simulated test results, showing the improvement of the estimation process, is presented and discussed. An accurate train navigation that scarcely relies on information from the infrastructure will open a road map for the development of a more and more effective and efficient exploitation of the railway infrastructure.
Oscillating aerofoil and perpendicular vortex interaction
Authors: Gibertini G , Mencarelli A , Zanotti A
Published: April 2013

An experimental activity was conducted to investigate the aerodynamic effects of a stream-wise vortex impacting on a NACA 23012 oscillating aerofoil. The experimental setup allowed to study the effects of the blade pitching motion in the interaction with the vortex. The impacting vortex was statistically qualified by means of a three-dimensional hot-wire anemometry, taking into account also the vortex wandering phenomenon. The flow developed on the aerofoil was investigated through particle image velocimetry surveys carried out on different measurement planes along span-wise direction. The experimental study investigated both the light and the deep dynamic stall, representing typical helicopter flight conditions. In particular, in the tested light dynamic stall condition, the phase averaged velocity fields showed that in downstroke, the vortex impact triggers the flow separation on the aerofoil upper surface. Therefore, the vortex interaction can introduce detrimental effects on the blade performance. Moreover, the influence of the target aerofoil oscillating motion on the vortex trajectory was investigated.
The clinical utility of HIV outpatient pharmacist prescreening to reduce medication error and assess adherence
Authors: Seden K , Bradley M , Miller A R O , Beadsworth M B J , Khoo S H
Published: April 2013

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is complex and has high propensity for medication error and drug-drug interactions (DDIs). We evaluated the clinical utility of pharmacist prescreening for DDIs, adherence to ART and medicines reconciliation prior to HIV outpatient appointments. A pharmacist took detailed medication histories and ART adherence assessments, then screened medication for DDIs. A template detailing current medication, potential DDIs and adherence was filed in the clinical notes and physicians were asked for structured feedback. Potential DDIs were observed in 58% of 200 patients, with 22 (9%) potential DDIs occurring with medication that was not previously recorded in the patients’ notes. Of 103 physician responses, 61.2% reported that the pharmacist consultation told them something they did not know, and pharmacist consultants led to change in management in 13.6% of cases. Pharmacist consultations were more likely to add benefit in patients taking two or more concomitant medications in addition to ART ( P = 0.0012).
Defining Soldiers: Britain’s Military, c.1740–1815
Authors: Linch Kevin , McCormack Matthew
Published: April 2013

This article offers a critique of the methodology of military history. The question of what constitutes a ‘soldier’ is usually taken for granted, but history of Britain’s military between the wars of the 1740s and the end of the Napoleonic Wars suggests that current definitions are inadequate. By focusing on the themes of language, law and citizenship, life cycles, masculinity, and collective identity, this article proposes new ways of thinking about ‘the soldier’. In so doing, it suggests that military historians should rethink the relationship between the military and society, and engage further with the methodologies of social and cultural history.
Colonial Hanoi and Saigon at War: Social Dynamics of the Viet Minh’s ‘Underground City’, 1945–1954
Authors: Goscha Christopher E.
Published: April 2013

Because much of the existing literature on the Indochina War (1945–54) remains focused on its diplomatic and military aspects, scholars have tended to overlook the transformative impact of this violent war of decolonization on the Vietnamese city ‘down below’. This article shifts our view of the Viet Minh’s war against the French in this direction by exploring how the colonial cities of Hanoi and Saigon were a vital part of the rural-based Democratic Republic of Vietnam’s war and state-building efforts. Of particular concern are two socio-economic phenomena and one related military one. On the economic front, the colonial city exported badly needed manufactured goods, electronic products, people, and medicines to the isolated and unindustrialized guerrilla state. Second, in order to build ‘underground cities’, to connect them to the maquis state, and to obtain and export hard-to-find materials, the Viet Minh cultivated a complex set of social relations going into and out of the cities. Third, these social relations involved civilians from the start, which was essential to the DRV’s ability to transform the colonial city into a major battle zone first in Hanoi, then in Saigon. The urban–rural divide was never a sharp one during the Indochina War.
Military Service Pensions for Veterans of the Irish Revolution, 1916–1923
Authors: Coleman Marie
Published: April 2013

In 1924 the Irish Free State government passed legislation to award pensions to veterans of the Irish revolution and Civil War. This article argues that the motivation for the pensions was the need to placate the national army after a failed mutiny in 1924 and that this explains their unusual nature in being based on service alone rather than disability. It will also explore the problems this created for defining service, examine the extension of eligibility to former republican enemies of the state and women revolutionaries in 1934, and describe the application and assessment procedure.
“Exercise Is Medicine”
Authors: Coombes Jeff S. , Law Jen , Lancashire Bill , Fassett Robert G.
Published: April 2013

An exercise program designed to improve fitness is essential for most adults. Exercise decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, depression, and anxiety. Most fail to achieve recommended exercise levels. Only 1.3% of Australian general practice (GP) consultations provide exercise counseling and advice. Australia provides Medicare reimbursement for consultations with Accredited Exercise Physiologists through allied health care plans initiated through primary care. Exercise Is Medicine is an initiative to equip primary care providers with resources, education, and strategies to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. The objective of Exercise Is Medicine is to improve the health and well-being of our nation. We describe Exercise Is Medicine and encourage primary care providers to discuss physical activity and exercise with their patients and provide them with resources to encourage this activity and referral pathways to train exercise professionals. This will assist primary care providers in treating their patients.
The Psychological Impact of Exposure to the 2008 Snowstorms on Migrant Workers in China
Authors: Chen Guanghua , Shen Huizhang , Chen Guangming , Kerr Naphtali , Zhao Jun
Published: April 2013

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to identify associated risk factors among migrant workers 4 years after the 2008 snowstorm in China. A cross-sectional survey of 528 respondents was conducted to collect data in Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province. A multistage cluster sampling method was applied in selecting subjects from migrant workers’ gathering areas. Association between the independent variables and PTSD was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of PTSD was 17.42% among migrant workers in Changsha. Being male, being older than 35 years, being an electrician, having dependent children, suffering property damage, being without medical insurance, and having low social support were risk factors significantly related to the development of PTSD. Effective and sustainable mental health services should be directed particularly to the migrant workers, who are among the groups most vulnerable to the direct impact of snowstorms.
A protein A/G indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies in Arctic wildlife
Authors: Nymo Ingebjørg H. , Godfroid Jacques , Åsbakk Kjetil , Larsen Anett K. , das Neves Carlos G. , Rødven Rolf , Tryland Morten
Published: April 2013

A species-independent indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) based on chimeric protein A/G was established for the detection of anti- Brucella antibodies in Arctic wildlife species and compared to previously established brucellosis serological tests for hooded seals ( Cystophora cristata), minke whales ( Balaenoptera acutorostrata), sei whales ( Balaenoptera borealis), fin whales ( Balaenoptera physalus), and polar bears ( Ursus maritimus), as well as bacteriology results for reindeer and caribou ( Rangifer tarandus sp.). The protein A/G iELISA results were consistent with the other serological tests with Cohen kappa values between 0.47 and 0.92, and the protein A/G iELISA can thus offer a technically simple method for these species yielding results consistent with established brucellosis serological tests. Receiver operator characteristics analysis proved that the reindeer and caribou protein A/G iELISA results were consistent with the bacteriological gold standard with an area under the curve of 0.99, and the protein A/G iELISA was thus validated as a sensitive and specific serological method for the detection of anti- Brucella antibodies in reindeer and caribou. The binding of the antibodies from the respective species to protein A and G were also evaluated in the iELISA. The antibodies from hooded seals and polar bears reacted stronger to protein A than to G. The sei whale, fin whale, reindeer, and caribou antibodies reacted stronger to protein G than to A. The minke whale antibodies reacted to both protein A and G. There was a strong correlation ( rs = 0.88–0.98) between the optical density results obtained with the iELISA with protein A/G and protein A or G, showing that protein A/G is as well suited as protein A or G for the detection of anti- Brucella antibodies in these species with the iELISA.
Fluorescent in situ hybridization for detection of “Brachyspira hampsonii” in porcine colonic tissues
Authors: Burrough Eric R. , Wilberts Bailey L. , Bower Leslie P. , Jergens Albert E. , Schwartz Kent J.
Published: April 2013

Swine dysentery is classically associated with infection by the strongly beta-hemolytic Brachyspira hyodysenteriae; however, the proposed novel species “ Brachyspira hampsonii” has also been isolated from clinical cases of dysentery in the United States and Canada. Microbial culture is highly sensitive for detecting Brachyspira in clinical samples but requires several days for completion and is often followed by molecular testing for speciation. Alternatively, in situ hybridization using molecular probes applied to sections of formalin-fixed tissue can provide rapid, culture-independent identification of agents observed histologically. Accordingly, a fluorescent in situ hybridization assay was developed for confirmation of a clinical diagnosis of swine dysentery associated with infection by “ B. hampsonii.” An oligonucleotide probe (Hamp1210) targeting a specific 23S ribosomal RNA sequence of “ B. hampsonii” was developed following sequence analysis and comparison of numerous Brachyspira spp. clinical isolates with reference sequences available in GenBank. The application of Hamp1210 and a previously published probe for B. hyodysenteriae (Hyo1210) to diseased colonic tissues successfully detected the target species in both experimentally infected pigs and naturally infected pigs from field cases, and the Hamp1210 probe consistently detected both clade I and clade II isolates of “ B. hampsonii”; however, a strong positive signal was also observed in a single case where the Hamp1210 probe was applied to tissues infected with Brachyspira intermedia. In situ hybridization incorporating the Hamp1210 probe can reduce the delay from sample submission to pathogen identification in cases of swine dysentery associated with “ B. hampsonii” infection where formalin-fixed tissues are available.
An integrated multilayer ceramic piezoelectric micropump for microfluidic systems
Authors: Zhang Wenli , Eitel Richard E
Published: April 2013

A package-level peristaltic piezoelectric micropump has been designed and fabricated in utilizing multilayer ceramic fabrication methods. The device was fabricated using commercially available low-temperature cofired ceramic materials and a custom-designed low-temperature cofired ceramic compatible piezoelectric ceramic composition. The assembled multilayer pump structure was sintered in single cofiring step. Performance testing resulted in observed unloaded bidirectional flow rates of 450 µL/min and a blocking pressure of 1.4 kPa when the pump was operated at a voltage of 100 Vpp (with a phase difference of 120°) with a frequency of 100 Hz. It was further shown that incorporation of diffuser elements into the microfluidic interconnects was used to increase the blocking pressure capabilities at the expense of flow rate and bidirectional flow characteristics. Alternatively, by maintaining a uniform channel width but varying channel cross section width over height ratio ( W/ H), an unloaded flow rate of 630 µL/min with an enhancement of blocking pressure (1.55 kPa) was achieved for W/ H = 3 (and the same drive conditions as above). The resulting multilayer ceramic-based piezoelectric micropump offers a compact planar pump design, with significant performance advantages, and design flexibility compared to competing micropump technologies.
Implementation of the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) for the Dying Patient in the Inpatient Hospice Setting
Authors: Leo Silvia Di , Bono Laura , Romoli Vittoria , West Emily , Ambrosio Raffaella , Gallucci Michele , Pilastri Paola , Ciura Pietro La , Morino Piero , Piazza Massimo , Valenti Danila , Franceschini Catia , Costantini Massimo
Published: April 2013

Background:

The Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) is extensively used in hospices, but the literature on the process of implementation is scarce.

Aim:

Developing, piloting, and preliminarily assessing the LCP program within the inpatient hospice setting.

Methods:

This is a phase 0-1 study, according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) Framework, divided into three phases: literature review on LCP in hospice and development of the Italian version of the LCP program (LCP-I), development of a procedure for assessing the quality of the implementation process and assessing the feasibility of the implementation process, and piloting the procedure in 7 inpatient Italian hospices.

Results:

The LCP was implemented in all the hospices involved. A high proportion of physicians (50%-100%) and nurses (94%-100%) attended the self-education program. The self-implementation of the LCP-I program was completed in all hospices. The proportion of patients who died on LCP-I ranged between 35.6% and 89.1%. Professionals from 2 hospices reported a positive impact of the LCP-I. Conversely, professionals from 2 hospices did not recognize a positive impact of the program and did not agree to maintain the LCP-I in hospice. Finally, professionals from the other 3 hospices reported intermediate evaluations (1 stopped to use the LCP-I). Some weaknesses emerged from the external audits, related to the self-education and the self-implementation approach. Professionals required an external support from a trained palliative care team with reference to both phases.

Conclusions:

The LCP-I implementation within hospices is feasible, and the process of implementation is evaluable. Issues that occurred within the implementation process suggest the introduction of an external support from a trained palliative care team in implementing the LCP program.
Evaluation of the SCKnowIQ Tool and Reproductive CHOICES Intervention Among Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease or Sickle Cell Trait
Authors: Gallo Agatha M. , Wilkie Diana J. , Wang Edward , Labotka Richard J. , Molokie Robert E. , Stahl Christiane , Hershberger Patricia E. , Zhao Zhongsheng , Suarez Marie L. , Johnson Bonnye , Pullum Cherese , Angulo Rigoberto , Thompson Alexis
Published: April 2013

The study purpose was to evaluate a computer-based questionnaire (SCKnowIQ) and CHOICES educational intervention using cognitive interviewing with childbearing-aged people with sickle cell disease (SCD) or trait (SCT). Ten control group participants completed the SCKnowIQ twice. Ten intervention group participants completed the SCKnowIQ before and after the CHOICES intervention. Most participants found the questionnaire items appropriate and responded to items as the investigators intended. Participants’ responses indicated that the information on SCD and SCT and reproductive options was understandable, balanced, important, and new to some. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were adequate (.47 to .87) for 4 of the 6 scales, with significant within-group changes in knowledge scores for the intervention group but not for the control group. Findings show evidence for potential efficacy of the intervention, but proof of efficacy requires a larger randomized study.
Self-Management of Social Initiations by Kindergarten Students With Disabilities in the General Education Classroom
Authors: Reynolds Brooke M. , Gast David L. , Luscre Deanna
Published: April 2013

The effectiveness of a self-management intervention on social interaction behaviors was evaluated for students with disabilities and social deficits. Four students enrolled in a general education kindergarten classroom were taught to self-monitor social initiations during nonstructured social time via a digital wrist counter. The number of social initiations and concurrent engagement in social interactions were recorded in 10-min observation sessions, within the context of a multiple baseline design across participants. Generalization was assessed in novel social situations through pre- and postintervention sessions. The number of social initiations and mean percentage of intervals participants were interacting increased for all participants. Topics for future research and implications for special education professionals are discussed.
Multitiered Support Framework for Teachers’ Classroom-Management Practices
Authors: Simonsen Brandi , MacSuga-Gage Ashley S. , Briere Donald E. , Freeman Jennifer , Myers Diane , Scott Terrance M. , Sugai George
Published: April 2013

Many teachers enter the field without sufficient training in classroom management and continue to experience challenges throughout their careers. Therefore, school-based leaders need a multi-tiered support (MTS) framework to (a) provide training to all teachers in classroom management (Tier 1), (b) identify teachers who require additional assistance (universal screening), (c) support the identified teachers (Tiers 2 and 3), and (d) continue to monitor teachers’ classroom management to adjust (i.e., intensify or fade) supports. In this article, we describe key features of the MTS continuum of intervention and assessment and present a case study to illustrate implementation of some components of the framework with four middle school teachers.
Critical Features Predicting Sustained Implementation of School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
Authors: Mathews Susanna , McIntosh Kent , Frank Jennifer L. , May Seth L.
Published: April 2013

The current study explored the extent to which a common measure of perceived implementation of critical features of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) predicted fidelity of implementation 3 years later. Respondents included school personnel from 261 schools across the United States implementing PBIS. School teams completed the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Self-Assessment Survey to self-assess fidelity of implementation in different PBIS settings (school-wide, nonclassroom, classroom, individual). These scores were then analyzed to assess whether certain items predicted the fidelity of PBIS implementation, as assessed through another fidelity of implementation measure, the School-Wide Benchmarks of Quality, 3 years later. Regression analyses indicated that self-reported fidelity of implementation of Classrooms Systems significantly predicted sustained implementation and student outcomes, as assessed through levels of Office Discipline Referrals. Within Classroom Systems, regular acknowledgment of expected behaviors, matching instruction to student ability, and access to additional support were the strongest predictors of sustained implementation. Results are discussed in terms of critical areas for focusing PBIS training to increase the likelihood of sustained implementation.
Objectivity and Advocacy in Global Warming Journalism
Authors: Krøvel Roy , Ytterstad Andreas , Orgeret Kristin Skare
Published: April 2013

To isolate advocacy and objectivity in journalism as an object of study is fraught with difficulties. It may be slightly easier to get a grip on norms and values if we consider what they are about. This article explores journalistic professional values and ethics as they come to the fore in student discussions around global warming in Nicaragua, Nepal and Bangladesh. We find that their scientific knowledge and local experience must both be taken into account to explain their concern over global warming. We also find the students leaning towards advocacy positions, although they are also attracted by the research credentials of objectivity. Reflecting on the findings as journalism teachers, we propose a ‘realist-constructivist’ pedagogical approach, arguing that if scientific understandings are to prompt the kind of social change necessary to avert worst case scenarios of global warming, they must somehow be connected to the concerns of everyday life.
Evaluating a Police and Journalism Joint Training Initiative
Authors: Davies Kayt
Published: April 2013

In early 2010, the Edith Cowan University (ECU) journalism programme and the Western Australia Police Academy Detective Training School launched a novel collaboration that involved running joint training days, in which a ‘media pack’ of journalism students interview trainee detectives about mock crimes they have been tasked with investigating. The training improved the trainee journalists’ and detectives’ understanding about the constraints the other parties face. It also made them more confident about their ability to elicit and convey accurate information, and more willing to attempt to do so than before the training.

 This article presents a description of the training days and the rationale behind them from detective and journalism educator perspectives, including the minimal costs involved in time and resources. It also presents the results of an evaluation, involving before-and-after questionnaires completed by participants. The article also reviews the scant literature about the dynamics of the relationship between journalists and detectives and suggests that training related to the dynamic is important for journalism students given that police public relations departments and polices are blossoming in Australia and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Globalization, Democracy and Journalism Education
Authors: Ray Tapas
Published: April 2013

India embarked upon a journey into neoliberal globalization through its economic liberalization policies in 1991. The country has achieved rapid economic growth but inequalities have also grown. The media, which championed the cause of economic liberalization, have failed to critique the negative features of neoliberalism. Part of the blame may be ascribed to Indian journalism education, which stresses practical skills rather than an understanding of broader social issues. This commentary argues for a sharper focus on conceptual matters and the spirit of critique in media education.
Journalism and Mass Communication Education
Authors: Sanjay B. P.
Published: April 2013

Journalism and Mass Communication (J&MC) education in India has traversed a long way and is yet to find a firm footing in the academic matrix. History apart, there are many issues that concern the educators, professionals and students. These issues range from curriculum design and development to developing a viable and constant relationship with the media industry that has outpaced the growth of the education sector, particularly in the university system. Utilizing a variety of sources spanning from documents pertaining to the discipline published by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to senior academicians who developed many programmes in various Indian universities and abroad to forums where the academia and the professionals have met and debated the concerns, this article provides a review and critique as it has evolved over the years. The recent spurt of Media backed J&MC schools is also referred to where their claim of turning out better professionals is weighed against the older university system. Drawing from surveys and studies in which the author was involved, alumni and industry perspectives are also offered.
Commentary
Authors: Tere Nidhi Shendurnikar
Published: April 2013

A university degree was once considered to be the least requisite to become a journalist in India. A sense for news, writing skills and a burning desire for truth were all that mattered. Times changed and so did the face of journalism in India. From a mission during the freedom movement to a commercially laden venture; journalists transformed from crusaders to those enslaved by advertising and revenue concerns. A subtle but decisive development that took place alongside was the formalization of journalism education in the country (1940–50).1 The need to educate and train media professionals was recognized and infrastructure and institutes laid down for the same. This was only the beginning of the popularity and spread of journalism education in India.

Today the presence of audio-visual media, new media and other interactive media has provided a boost to journalismem education, in technical as well as academic terms. It is now not restricted to the traditional domain but includes many inter-disciplinary aspects. We have witnessed the blossoming of many institutes2 having their stake in media education apart from government universities and courses offered by media house.3

The article examines issues of quality in media education even as the number of institutions offering journalism programmes proliferate. As a nation, do we want to invest only in growing number of educational institutes or in quality education? Small town India is emerging fast on the media education map. How will it compete with media education in urban metros? Addressing these and other critical issues calls for an innovative role on part of media educators and improved training techniques in media education.
The role of cross-national knowledge on organizational ambidexterity: A case of the global pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Dunlap Denise , Marion Tucker , Friar John
Published: April 2013

Using a sample of 70 global pharmaceutical firms, this study examined how cross-national knowledge affected the creation of exploitative (incremental) and explorative (breakthrough) types of technological innovations both of which are necessary for organizational ambidexterity. We found that there were significant differences for effectively using cross-national knowledge, which reinforces the need for organizational ambidexterity. The data used to study cross-national knowledge consisted of patent analyses of commercialized products, which is a step further than most studies that stop at just the patents themselves. Through the use of double-log regression analysis, the results suggested a notable conclusion: while the sourcing of intrafirm, cross-national knowledge enhanced explorative or breakthrough innovation, it did not enhance the development of exploitative or incremental innovation. The article concludes with managerial implications for managing ambidexterity.
International Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group criteria for pediatric multiple sclerosis and immune-mediated central nervous system demyelinating disorders: revisions to the 2007 definitions
Authors: Krupp Lauren B , Tardieu Marc , Amato Maria Pia , Banwell Brenda , Chitnis Tanuja , Dale Russell C , Ghezzi Angelo , Hintzen Rogier , Kornberg Andrew , Pohl Daniela , Rostasy Kevin , Tenembaum Silvia , Wassmer Evangeline ,   for the International Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group
Published: April 2013

Background:

There has been tremendous growth in research in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) and immune mediated central nervous system demyelinating disorders since operational definitions for these conditions were first proposed in 2007. Further, the International Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group (IPMSSG), which proposed the criteria, has expanded substantially in membership and in its international scope.

Objective:

The purpose of this review is to revise the 2007 definitions in order to incorporate advances in delineating the clinical and neuroradiologic features of these disorders.

Methods:

Through a consensus process, in which input was sought from the 150 members of the Study Group, criteria were drafted, revised and finalized. Final approval was sought through a web survey.

Results:

Revised criteria are proposed for pediatric acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, pediatric clinically isolated syndrome, pediatric neuromyelitis optica and pediatric MS. These criteria were approved by 93% or more of the 56 Study Group members who responded to the final survey.

Conclusions:

These definitions are proposed for clinical and research purposes. Their utility will depend on the outcomes of their application in prospective research.
Wallerian and trans-synaptic degeneration contribute to optic radiation damage in multiple sclerosis: a diffusion tensor MRI study
Authors: Rocca Maria A , Mesaros Sarlota , Preziosa Paolo , Pagani Elisabetta , Stosic-Opincal Tatjana , Dujmovic-Basuroski Irena , Drulovic Jelena , Filippi Massimo
Published: April 2013

Background:

Optic radiation (OR) damage occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to explore the contribution of local and distant mechanisms associated with OR damage in MS.

Methods:

Diffusion tensor (DT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tractography probability maps of the ORs were derived from 102 MS patients and 11 controls. Between-group differences of OR normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) damage and topographical distribution of OR damage were assessed using quantitative and voxel-wise analyses, considering the influence of previous optic neuritis (ON+) and T2 OR lesions (T2 OR+).

Results:

OR NAWM diffusivity abnormalities were more severe in ON+ patients vs patients without previous optic neuritis (ON–) and T2 OR+ vs T2 OR– patients. Damage to the anterior portions of the ORs was more severe in ON+ vs ON– patients. Compared to controls and T2 OR– patients, T2 OR+ patients experienced a more distributed pattern of DT MRI abnormalities along the ORs, with an increased axial diffusivity limited to the anterior portions of the ORs. In T2 OR+ group, ON+ vs ON– patients showed DT MRI abnormalities in the middle portion of the ORs, in correspondence with focal lesions. OR damage correlated with OR T2 lesion volume, visual dysfunction and optic nerve atrophy.

Conclusions:

Both trans-synaptic degeneration secondary to optic nerve damage and Wallerian degeneration due to local T2 lesions contribute to OR damage in MS.
Juvenile/Youth Justice Management in Nigeria: Making a Case for Diversion Programmes
Authors: Atilola Olayinka
Published: April 2013

There is a real prospect of a significant increase in the number of children and young people processed through the juvenile/youth justice system in Nigeria. Yet, both community- and institutionally-based structures for juvenile/youth justice management are grossly inadequate and have led to ‘crisis’ conditions. Several countries in sub-Saharan Africa are either in the middle of, or have concluded, sweeping changes in their youth/juvenile justice systems. A common feature of these reforms is the strengthening of diversion programmes. Drawing on the lessons generated by such initiatives, this article makes various recommendations towards advancing juvenile/youth justice policy and practice in Nigeria with a particular emphasis on diversion programmes.
Securitizing Childhood – Childhood and Youth in Finnish Crime Prevention Programmes
Authors: Harrikari Timo
Published: April 2013

This article addresses the issue of how children and young people are constructed and governed in Finland’s crime prevention and securitizing programmes and projects. The analysed data consists of abstracts and appraisals of 88 local securitizing programs. The results of the analysis suggest that, in many ways, the programmes reflect a post-recession situation in Finnish society. Children and young people are dominantly positioned as ‘risks’ or as ‘exposed to risks’ and the goals and means of the programmes are connected with intensifying their control. The results suggest that the status of security speech and crime prevention technologies within the entity of governing childhood and youth require critical consideration.
Reconstruction of Complex Abdominal Wall Defects
Authors: Leppäniemi A. , Tukiainen E.
Published: April 2013

Complex abdominal wall defects refer to situations where simple ventral hernia repair is not feasible because the defect is very large, there is a concomitant infection or failed previous repair attempt, or if there is not enough original skin to cover the repair. Usually a complex abdominal wall repair is preceded by a period of temporary abdominal closure where the short-term aims include closure of the catabolic drain, protection of the viscera and preventing fistula formation, preventing bowel adherence to the abdominal wall, and enabling future fascial and skin closure. Currently the best way to achieve these goals is the vacuum- and mesh-mediated fascial traction method achieving close to 90% fascial closure rates. The long-term aims of an abdominal closure following a planned hernia strategy include intact skin cover, fascial closure at midline (if possible), good functional outcome with innervated abdominal musculature, no pain and good cosmetic result. The main methods of abdominal wall reconstruction include the use of prosthetic (mesh) or autologous material (tissue flaps). In patients with original skin cover over the fascial defect (simple ventral hernia), the most commonly used method is hernia repair with an artificial mesh. For more complex defects, our first choice of reconstruction is the component separation technique, sometimes combined with a mesh. In contaminated fields where component separation alone is not feasible, a combination with a biological mesh can be used. In large defects with grafted skin, a free TFL flap is the best option, sometimes reinforced with a mesh and enhanced with components separation.
Pelvic, Perineal and Genital Reconstructions
Authors: Kolehmainen M. , Suominen S. , Tukiainen E.
Published: April 2013

Perineogenital and pelvic surgery is challenging due to the complex anatomy and physiology, multi-organ involvement and microbial environment of this region. In reconstructive surgery local and pedicled flaps are usually applicable. Microvascular flaps are rarely needed. Positioning of the scars, tension in the wound edges and pressure conditions must be taken into account, because failed correction may create more functional and aesthetic problems as the defect itself. This brief review focuses on the reconstructive methods of perineum, genitals and pelvic floor, site by site, with special emphasis on functional details.
Orthopaedic Reconstruction of Complex Pelvic Bone Defects. Evaluation of Various Treatment Methods
Authors: Nieminen J. , Pakarinen T.-K. , Laitinen M.
Published: April 2013

Despite major developments in the field of revision surgery in recent decades, the management of severe acetabular deficiency at revision arthroplasty, complex primary total hip replacement or after pelvic tumour resection remains a complex problem. The options available for the management of severe bone loss include the use of uncemented press-fit cups with or without metal augments, impaction allografts, allograft-prosthesis composites, custom-made triflange cups, hip transposition, reconstruction prostheses or various combinations of these. This paper describes defect classification, various treatment options, clinical outcomes, survival of reconstruction, and typical complications in relation to treatment.
Re: Search
Authors: Graham Mark , Schroeder Ralph , Taylor Greg
Published: April 2013

Search has assumed a position of central importance in the way that people access and use online information and services. In this introduction we summarize the four articles constituting this themed section, and in so doing explore the ascendancy of search, the power it bestows upon those who control it, its role in shaping access to information, and its capacity to function as a mirror for society. We point to important outstanding questions and suggest some avenues for future work in this area.
Ontology, materiality and spectral traces: Methodological thoughts on studying Lao Buddhist festivals for ghosts and ancestral spirits
Authors: Ladwig Patrice
Published: April 2013

The study of ghosts and spirits, and the ethnographic evidence associated with this, is a fertile area for developing methodologies. By employing theories of materiality and the anthropological study of ontologies, I argue that looking at the traces of spirits and ghosts in the material domain can reveal crucial insights into their nature, position and relationships with the living. Two ethnographic case studies from the Buddhist ethnic Lao are used to demonstrate how material traces can explain the ‘ontic shifting’ of certain ghosts. I will then explore how through the modernization and rationalization of Buddhist cosmology there have evolved competing ideas of the nature of ancestral spirits addressed in Buddhist rites. While in an older interpretation these spirits are accessible through objects and the exchanges between layperson, monk and spirit, ‘modernist’ Buddhist monks advocate that the dead cannot be reached through objects. Finally, I argue that the material traces of spirits and their different readings hint to important transformations regarding the conceptualization of ghosts and spirits through the socialist revolution and the rationalization of Buddhism.
Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentration is lower in women with primary aldosteronism
Authors: Chen Ai-Hua , Li Hung-Yuan , Wu Vin-cent , Lin Yen-Hung , Huang Tien-Shang ,   (and the Taiwan Primary Aldosteronism Investigation (TAIPAI) Study Group)
Published: April 2013

Objective:

The objective of this article is to measure serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) concentration in both genders with primary aldosteronism (PA).

Materials and methods:

The study enrolled 78 subjects with normal controls, 46 subjects with essential hypertension and 85 subjects with PA from October 2007 to June 2011. Subjects with PA were divided into three subtype groups: aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), bilateral idiopathic hyperplasia (IHA) and PA with negative imaging findings.

Results:

Women with PA ( n = 49) had lower serum DHEA-S levels compared with normal controls and subjects with essential hypertension ( p < 0.01). In subtype analysis, only female APAs had lower serum DHEA-S levels ( p < 0.01 compared with normal controls, p < 0.01 compared with subjects with essential hypertension). In APA, a significant correlation between tumor size and serum DHEA-S was found in women ( p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Our data suggested that serum DHEA-S levels are lower in women with PA. In subtype groups, only women with APA had lower serum DHEA-S. There was no significant difference between subjects with bilateral essential hyperplasia, PA with negative imaging findings, normal controls and subjects with essential hypertension in both genders. The serum DHEA-S level is negatively correlated with the size of APA.
From shadow to person: Exploring roles in participant observations in an eldercare context
Authors: Börjesson Ulrika
Published: April 2013

This article explores participant observation as a research method and more specifically addresses the intriguing situation of the researcher’s role in interacting with participants in the setting. The materials used in the analysis are field notes from participant observations focused on staff at two eldercare units in a mid-sized city in Sweden. Because limitations when referring to Raymond Gold’s roles of participant observations are known but sparsely described and discussed, this text attempts to provide that description and discussion. The specific question posed in the article is, (How) do roles for the researcher in participant observations change during the course of fieldwork? Randall Collins’ theory on interaction ritual chains is used as an analytical tool to identify symbols in the two staff groups. The examples chosen from the field are symbols displayed at the units, which moreover illustrate that the researcher’s roles in participant observations not only change once or twice during the course of fieldwork but also change continuously. Consequently, fieldworkers shift roles in different situations when observing a variety of people and settings. Observations are developed in the interaction between the researcher and the participants; therefore, referring observations to a number of roles is restrictive and limiting.
Feature-based automatic identification of interesting data segments in group movement data
Authors: von Landesberger Tatiana , Bremm Sebastian , Schreck Tobias , Fellner Dieter W
Published: April 2013

The study of movement data is an important task in a variety of domains such as transportation, biology, or finance. Often, the data objects are grouped (e.g. countries by continents). We distinguish three main categories of movement data analysis, based on the focus of the analysis: (a) movement characteristics of an individual in the context of its group, (b) the dynamics of a given group, and (c) the comparison of the behavior of multiple groups. Examination of group movement data can be effectively supported by data analysis and visualization. In this respect, approaches based on analysis of derived movement characteristics (called features in this article) can be useful. However, current approaches are limited as they do not cover a broad range of situations and typically require manual feature monitoring. We present an enhanced set of movement analysis features and add automatic analysis of the features for filtering the interesting parts in large movement data sets. Using this approach, users can easily detect new interesting characteristics such as outliers, trends, and task-dependent data patterns even in large sets of data points over long time horizons. We demonstrate the usefulness with two real-world data sets from the socioeconomic and the financial domains.
Interactive visual summaries for detection and assessment of spatiotemporal patterns in geospatial time series
Authors: Köthur Patrick , Sips Mike , Unger Andrea , Kuhlmann Julian , Dransch Doris
Published: April 2013

Numerous measurement devices and computer simulations produce geospatial time series that describe a wide variety of processes of System Earth. A major challenge in the analysis of such data is the complexity of the described processes, which requires a simultaneous assessment of the data’s spatial and temporal variability. To address this task, geoscientists often use automated analyses to compute a compact description of the data, ideally comprising characteristic spatial states of the process under study and their occurrence over time. The results of such automated methods depend on the parameterization, especially the number of extracted spatial states. A particular number of spatial states, however, may only reflect certain spatial or temporal aspects. We introduce a visual analytics approach that overcomes this limitation by allowing users to extract and explore various sets of spatial states to detect characteristic spatiotemporal patterns. To this end, we use the results of hierarchical clustering as a starting point. It groups all time steps of a geospatial time series into a hierarchy of clusters. Users can interactively explore this hierarchy to derive various sets of spatial states. To facilitate detailed inspection of these sets, we employ the concept of interactive visual summaries. A visual summary is the depiction of a set of spatial states and their associated time steps or intervals. It includes interactive means that allow users to assess how well the depicted patterns characterize the original data. Our visual interface comprises a system of visualization components to facilitate both the extraction of sets of spatial states from the hierarchical clustering output and their detailed inspection using interactive visual summaries. This study results from a close collaboration with geoscientists. In an exemplary analysis of observational ocean data, we show how our approach can help geoscientists gain a better understanding of geospatial time series.
Identification and differential expression of human carcinoma-associated antigens in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues
Authors: Zhou Dong-Xun , Zheng Long-Yi , Qu Hai-Xia , Yu Feng-Hai , Zou Shan-Shan , Hong Yi , Tan Ye-Xiong , Wang Hao , Hu He-Ping , Wang Hong-Yang
Published: April 2013

This study was designed to identify and verify hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-associated human carcinoma antigens (HCAs) that may be useful as tumor markers for HCC. We found that BCE075 and BCD021 anti-HCA antibodies were immunostained in the liver tissue samples and showed specific staining. Their expression was increased in HCC compared with normal liver tissues ( P = 0.008). Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analyses of the proteins precipitated by these two antibodies were identified to be cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CLIMP63) and brain-type glycogen phosphorylase (PYGB). This study demonstrated that HCC tissues expressed specific HCA glycoproteins, suggesting that our mouse monoclonal anti-HCA antibodies could be useful for immunohistochemical analysis of HCA expression as potential biomarkers for HCC diagnosis.