bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Term Birth
Authors: McAlister Barbara S. , Tietze Mari , Northam Sally
Published: April 2013

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines discourage elective deliveries before 39 weeks gestation, but clinicians continue to schedule elective inductions and cesareans resulting in births at 37 0/7 to 38 6/7 weeks gestation. These “early term” (ET) infants incur more morbidity and mortality than their 39-to-41-week counterparts. Using the Quality Health Outcomes Model, four hypotheses were tested: Among hospitals in one southwestern U.S. county, there are different rates of ET births, ET births preceded by elective labor induction, ET births preceded by elective cesarean section, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admissions of ET infants. Analyses of 75,625 birth certificates involved 26,199 ET and 49,426 full term births in 16 hospitals. Chi-square analyses revealed significant differences in rates among hospitals for ET births, ET births preceded by elective labor induction, and ET births preceded by elective cesarean section, but no significant differences in NICU admissions. Wide variance across hospitals demonstrated practice patterns amenable to improvements.
European Commission media policy and its pro-market inclination: The revised 2009 Communication on State Aid to PSBs and its restraining effect on PSB online
Authors: Brevini Benedetta
Published: April 2013

This article explores the most recent policy-making of the European Commission that is shaping the online expansion of public service broadcasters. This process culminated in the renewal of the Communication on State Aid to Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs). The article argues that, whereas until 2002, the Commission was supportive of new media initiatives by PSBs, the more recent reasoning – substantiated in Communication 2009 – reveals a more restrictive approach towards PSB online. Communication 2009 sets a higher barrier to PSBs’ ventures in the new media by requiring stricter controls on PSBs’ expansion through a new ‘ex ante test’. The article concludes by highlighting the increasing weight of private broadcasters and publishers on EU policy-making.
The media and the executive in France: An unequal power relationship
Authors: Kuhn Raymond
Published: April 2013

This article examines the interrelationship between the media and the executive in Fifth Republic France. The focus is on the structural, operational and cultural aspects of the media that have contributed to the forging of an unequal power relationship with the executive. The article argues that these features have combined to undermine the mainstream media’s capacity to function as a powerful autonomous actor in the national political communication system and to act as a check on the exercise of executive leadership. As a result, the mainstream media in France have relatively low levels of autonomous power compared with their counterparts in many other western democracies.
Lumbar Pain with Intracranial Origin
Authors: Perlepe Vasiliki , Haenecour Luc , Duprez Thierry , Omoumi Patrick , Vande Berg Bruno C , Lecouvet Frederic E
Published: April 2013

A 48-year-old woman presented low-back pain radiating to the lower right leg. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine revealed a L4-L5 subacute subdural hematoma (SDH). The patient had no general or local cause for this lumbar SDH, such as coagulation disorder, trauma, surgery, or lumbar puncture. She had a history of post-traumatic bilateral hemorrhagic contusions of the brain and intracranial SDH because of a fall occurring several months before the current problems. A downward migration of the cerebral SDH was found as only potential explanation of the lumbar SDH. The association between the intracranial and spinal hematomas is discussed.
Evaluation of contrast-enhanced MR angiography in the follow-up of visceral arterial aneurysms after coil embolization
Authors: Iryo Yasuhiko , Ikushima Ichiro , Hirai Toshinori , Yonenaga Kazuchika , Yamashita Yasuyuki
Published: April 2013

Background

The placement of detachable coil has become the alternative method of treating visceral arterial aneurysms (VAAs). Imaging follow-up is necessary after coil embolization because of frequent incomplete occlusion.

Purpose

To compare contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) at 3T with a reference standard of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the evaluation of VAAs after coil embolization.

Material and Methods

We treated 15 patients with VAA with coil embolization; eight had splenic artery aneurysms and seven had renal artery aneurysms. We packed the aneurysmal sac preserving native arterial circulation. For follow-up, all patients underwent CE-MRA at 3T and DSA. The results were classified according to coil occlusion: Class 1, complete occlusion; Class 2, residual neck; Class 3, aneurysmal filling.

Results

CE-MRA revealed 11 complete occlusions and four residual necks. DSA follow-up showed 12 complete occlusions and three residual necks. No aneurysmal filling occurred after treatment. Comparison of CE-MRA and DSA findings showed 93% agreement (14/15). CE-MRA allowed the detection of a residual neck in one misclassified case in which DSA showed occlusion. Coil-related artifacts were minimal and did not interfere with evaluation of the occlusion status of the VAAs.

Conclusion

CE-MRA at 3T provides high-quality images equivalent to DSA for the evaluation of VAAs after coil embolization. We suggest that CE-MRA at 3T might be used as the primary method for follow-up of VAAs after coil embolization.
Anisotropic phantom measurements for quality assured use of diffusion tensor imaging in clinical practice
Authors: Berberat Jatta , Eberle Brigitte , Rogers Susanne , Boxheimer Larissa , Lutters Gerd , Merlo Adrian , Bodis Stephan , Remonda Luca
Published: April 2013

Background

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being increasingly applied in clinical practice, for example in neuronavigation and in modern radiation treatment planning. Quality assurance (QA) is therefore important to avoid clinical errors.

Purpose

To compare four analytical programs and a neuronavigation tool to evaluate our in-house diffusion-weighted imaging protocol in order to be able to implement diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) into clinical practice.

Material and Methods

A phantom containing crossing fibers was used for the QA. Fiber tracking and fractional anisotropy (FA) analyses were performed, and the geometrical resolution was verified using the phantom.

Results

FA results were reproducible within each program and no significant differences between programs were observed. Also, no significant differences in FA values were found when comparing the results between the four software programs. Geometrical resolution of the anatomical data-set was satisfactory; however the crossing of the fibers was not accurately represented by three of the four programs.

Conclusion

Phantom QA is necessary before using DTI for novel procedures to identify the uncertainties associated with DTI data. It is important to remember that the results are software-dependent and that representation of the tracts may vary between software products. We therefore recommend caution with regard to the application of fiber tracking results intraoperatively when dealing with abnormal fiber tract anatomy.
An imaging protocol for dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI with 3.0T: using sagittal sequence interleaved between axial sequences
Authors: Park Ji Eun , Lee Jee Eun , Hwang Ji-Young , Cha Eun Suk
Published: April 2013

Background

B1 transmission-field inhomogeneity has been reported at 3.0 Tesla (T) breast imaging. Enhancement measurements of breast cancers at 3.0T may be insufficient for some patients and improvements in imaging protocols are needed.

Purpose

To quantify B1 inhomogeneities in normal tissue and malignant masses at 3.0T breast MR imaging and to evaluate effect of an imaging protocol using an interleaved sagittal sequence in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI).

Material and Methods

A total of 76 patients were included who underwent DCE-MRI of the breast at 3.0T with an imaging protocol consisting of 1st, 2nd, and 4–6th bilateral axial sequences, and 3rd and 7th unilateral sagittal sequences. Signal intensity (SI) of normal breast tissue was measured at nipple level in four bilateral locations (anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral). Mean whole breast and location specific SI were calculated and compared between right and left breast using a paired t-test. All malignant masses were classified into three groups according to tumor size on MRI (≤2 cm, 2–4 cm, >4 cm). SI of malignant masses was measured independently on axial and sagittal sequences. The axial–sagittal SI gap in each mass was calculated and difference between right and left breast was compared using the t test. Size of each malignant mass was compared with pathologic findings to assess performance of the imaging protocol.

Results

SI of normal breast tissue were lower for the right breast (R-L difference, −91.9; P < 0.0001) and in all four locations (anterior, P < 0.01; posterior, P < 0.01; medial, P < 0.0001; lateral, P < 0.0001). SI of malignant masses were lower for the right breast among same size of the lesions ( P < 0.0001), particularly < 4 cm ( P < 0.0001). Decreased right to left difference in SI was produced with an interleaved sagittal sequence, as axial–sagittal gap of malignant masses was significant when tumor locates on the right side ( P < 0.001). The concordance rate in predicting size of mass in this imaging protocol was 92.2%.

Conclusion

The interleaved sagittal sequence is helpful to adjust reduced SI of malignant masses on right breast at 3.0T. This imaging protocol is clinically applicable by adding a single sequence during DCE-MRI of the breast.
Concomitant findings and clinical significance of a fluid crescent between the iliacus muscle and iliac bone on MRI
Authors: Eshed Iris , Liberman Boaz , Inbar Yael , Amitai Michal , Portnoy Orith , Hertz Marjorie , Apter Sara
Published: April 2013

Background

Some routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations show a thin line of fluid signal intensity along the iliac crest (“fluid crescent”) between the iliacus muscle and the iliac bone. This fluid crescent has not been described before.

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical context and significance of the fluid crescent.

Material and Methods

MRI examinations of the abdomen and pelvis performed over 1 year were retrospectively reviewed twice for the presence of a fluid crescent. The relationship between the presence of a fluid crescent and associated abnormal findings, including ascites, iliopsoas compartment, and bone and soft tissue pathologies, was evaluated.

Results

Forty-one out of 254 MRI studies (male:female ratio, 136:118; mean age, 42 years) demonstrated a fluid crescent (16%). Thirty-eight of them had associated MRI pathologies: edema of the hip muscles = 24, ascites = 11, iliac bone = 21, and iliopsoas compartment = 7. Correlations between the presence of a fluid crescent and pathological findings were highly significant ( P < 0.0001), except for the presence of fluid in the hip joint.

Conclusion

A fluid crescent is an abnormal MRI finding strongly associated with iliopsoas compartment pathology, ascites, hip muscle edema, and pelvic bone abnormalities. The nature of this fluid crescent is yet to be determined.
Improvement of SNR and acquisition acceleration using a 32-channel head coil compared to a 12-channel head coil at 3T
Authors: Reiss-Zimmermann Martin , Gutberlet Marcel , Köstler Herbert , Fritzsch Dominik , Hoffmann Karl-Titus
Published: April 2013

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques continue to improve in manifold ways. Besides field strength and sequence optimization, technical advances in coil design and sensitivity yield to increase the signal detection and therefore improve image quality.

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and parallel acquisition technique (PAT) acceleration of a dedicated 32-channel head coil compared with a standard 12-channel head coil.

Material and Methods

In a clinical 3T setting, spatial resolved SNR values for unaccelerated imaging and PAT with acceleration factors of 2–6 of a 32-channel head coil were evaluated in relation to a 12-channel head coil. SNR was determined quantitatively using proton-density-weighted in-vivo examinations in five healthy volunteers. Quantitative SNR maps for unaccelerated and PAT imaging were calculated using unfiltered MR raw data.

Results

Up to three-fold higher SNR values were achieved with the 32-channel head coil, which diminished towards the center to an increase of 40% compared with the 12-channel head coil. When using PAT, the 32-channel head coil resulted in a lower spatial-dependent quantitative noise enhancement, varying between 0% at R = 2 and 33% at R = 5.

Conclusion

The 32-channel head coil provided superior SNR both with and without PAT compared with a 12-channel head coil, especially close to the brain surface. Using PAT, the unavoidable noise enhancement is diminished up to acceleration factors of 6 for the 32-channel head coil. Therefore, the 32-channel head coil is considered as a preferable tool for high-resolution neuroradiological imaging.
Computed tomography-guided needle aspiration and biopsy of pulmonary lesions: a single-center experience in 1000 patients
Authors: Poulou Loukia S , Tsagouli Paraskevi , Ziakas Panayiotis D , Politi Dimitra , Trigidou Rodoula , Thanos Loukas
Published: April 2013

Background

Computed tomography (CT)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) and biopsies are well-established, minimally invasive diagnostic tools for pulmonary lesions.

Purpose

To analyze retrospectively the results of 1000 consecutive lung CT-guided FNA and/or core needle biopsies (CNB), the main outcome measures being diagnostic yield, and complication rates.

Material and Methods

Patients considered eligible were those referred to our department for lung lesions. The choice of FNA, CNB, or both was based upon the radiologist's judgment. Diagnostic yield was defined as the probability of having a definite result by cytology/histology.

Results

The study included 733 male patients and 267 female patients, with a mean (SD) age of 66.4 (11.4) years. The mean (SD) lesion size was 3.7 (2.4) cm in maximal diameter. Six hundred and forty-one (64%) patients underwent an FNA procedure, 245 (25%) a CNB, and 114 (11%) had been subjected to both. The diagnostic yield was 960/994 (96.6%); this decreased significantly with the use of CNB only (odds ratio [OR] 0.32; 95% CI 0.12–0.88; P = 0.03), while it increased with lesion size (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.03–1.79; P = 0.03 per cm increase). In 506 patients (52.7%), a malignant process was diagnosed by cytopathology/histology. The complication rate reached 97/1000 (9.7%); complications included: hemorrhage, 62 (6.2%); pneumothorax, 28 (2.8%); hemorrhage and pneumothorax, 5 (0.5%); and hemoptysis, 2 (0.2%). It was not significantly affected by the type of procedure or localization of the lesion. The overall risk for complications was three times higher for lesions <4 cm (OR 3.26; 95% CI 1.96–5.42; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

CT-guided lung biopsy has a high diagnostic yield using FNA, CNB, or both. The CNB procedure alone will not suffice. Complication rates were acceptable and correlated inversely with lesion size, not localization or type of procedure.
Adrenal lesions: variability in attenuation over time, between scanners, and between observers
Authors: Hammarstedt Lilian , Thilander-Klang Anne , Muth Andreas , Wängberg Bo , Odén Anders , Hellström Mikael
Published: April 2013

Background

Measurements of attenuation (in Hounsfield units [HU]) and contrast wash-out are widely used to characterize adrenal lesions as benign or indeterminate/malignant at computed tomography (CT). Clinical experience suggests that such measurements of adrenal lesions may vary over time and between observers, making evaluation difficult.

Purpose

To investigate the change over time of adrenal lesion size, attenuation, and contrast wash-out at CT, to determine inter-observer variability, and to analyze other factors underlying the variability.

Material and Methods

In a cohort of patients, with or without malignant disease, undergoing CT, adrenal lesions were prospectively analyzed. Lesions with growth >20% or >5 mm over 6 months were excluded. Non-enhanced attenuation and contrast medium wash-out over 2-year follow-up were analyzed. An inter-observer analysis with five observers and a phantom study of eight different CT scanners were performed to assess measurement variability.

Results

Mean adrenal lesion non-enhanced attenuation values decreased by 0.5 HU/year during follow-up. Using 10 HU or 40% relative wash-out as threshold values for benign versus indeterminate lesions, 27 (20%) and 39 (29%) of 136 lesions, respectively, would be reclassified at some occasion during follow-up. In the observer analysis 37 of 40 lesions demonstrated agreement between all observers, using established threshold values. The phantom study showed an intra-scanner variability of 1–3 HU, but an inter-scanner variability of up to 8 HU for water.

Conclusion

The clinically widespread use of specific attenuation threshold values for characterizing adrenal lesions must be used with great caution, considering that multiple factors, related to patient, equipment, scanning technique, and observer influence the outcome.
Video Diversion During Fundoscopic Examination in Children
Authors: Singhal Ash , Yang Michael M.H. , Kerr John M.
Published: April 2013

Fundoscopy is an important aspect of a neurological examination but can be challenging in uncooperative children. This study explored whether viewing a video during examination improves the success, duration, and ease of pediatric fundoscopy. This single-practitioner, randomized study involved 60 patients aged 1 to 8 years. Patients were randomized (by eye examined) to the treatment group (video-assisted) or control group (no video). A caregiver and the practitioner ranked the level of difficulty of each examination. There was a 28% improvement in the success rate of visualizing the optic disc ( P < .001). Further analysis showed a 48% improvement in the success rate in children aged 1 to 4 years ( P < .001) but no difference in children aged 5 to 8 years ( P = .23). Time needed to visualize the optic disc also improved (Δ16.3 s, P < .001). Improvement in the ease of examination ( P < .001) was noted by both the practitioner and caregiver. This simple adjunct has the potential to improve the efficacy of this aspect of the pediatric neurological examination.
Preliminary Psychometrics of the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy–Youth
Authors: Wagner Janelle L. , Smith Gigi , Ferguson Pamela L. , Fedele David A.
Published: April 2013

The authors examined the preliminary psychometrics of a depression screening tool for youth with epilepsy. Development involved content analysis, cognitive interviewing, and qualitative analysis. Ninety-three youths with epilepsy aged 10 to 17 years completed the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy–Youth and the depression module of a standardized clinical interview. Caregivers rated seizure severity and completed the Pediatric Symptom Checklist. Results indicated strong reliability indices, including test-retest, κ value, and internal consistency for the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy–Youth. It was significantly associated with the other measures of depression and psychosocial functioning. Factor analyses revealed a 1-factor solution for 9 items, with 35.7% of the variance explained. An optimal cutoff score of 27 resulted in a sensitivity index of 0.80 and a specificity index of 0.71. The Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy–Youth is a screening tool that can be utilized in routine epilepsy care, but further evaluation is necessary.
On Empirical Validation of Compactness Measures for Electoral Redistricting and Its Significance for Application of Models in the Social Sciences
Authors: Chou Christine , Kimbrough Steven O. , Murphy Frederic H. , Sullivan-Fedock John , Woodard C. Jason
Published: April 2013

Use of optimization models in science and policy applications is often problematic because the best available models are very inaccurate representations of the originating problems. Such is the case with electoral districting models, for which there exist no generally accepted measures of compactness, in spite of many proposals and much analytical study. This article reports on an experimental investigation of subjective judgments of compactness for electoral districts. The experiment draws on a unique database of 116 distinct, legally valid districting plans for the Philadelphia City Council, discovered with evolutionary computation. Subjects in the experiment displayed, in the aggregate, remarkable agreement with several standard measures of compactness, thus providing warrant for use of these measures that has heretofore been unavailable. The exercise also lends support to the underlying methodology on display here, which proposes to use models based on subjective judgments in combination with algorithms that find multiple solutions in order to support application of optimization models in contexts in which they are only very approximate representations.
The rise and fall of icons of ‘stolen childhood’ since the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Authors: Poretti Michele , Hanson Karl , Darbellay Frédéric , Berchtold André
Published: April 2013

In the past two decades, the iconography of victimhood mobilized by child rights advocates has changed significantly. In particular, the child victim of violence has replaced the street child as the dominant icon on the international agenda. Based on data from more than 300 documents produced between 1989 and 2009 and interviews with leading advocates, this article explores the diverging trajectories of iconic child victims. It follows the traces of the successive translations of the idea of ‘stolen childhood’ and locates them against the backdrop of evolutions in the children’s rights field.
Group Heterogeneity Increases the Risks of Large Group Size
Authors: Cummings Jonathon N. , Kiesler Sara , Bosagh Zadeh Reza , Balakrishnan Aruna D.
Published: April 2013

Heterogeneous groups are valuable, but differences among members can weaken group identification. Weak group identification may be especially problematic in larger groups, which, in contrast with smaller groups, require more attention to motivating members and coordinating their tasks. We hypothesized that as groups increase in size, productivity would decrease with greater heterogeneity. We studied the longitudinal productivity of 549 research groups varying in disciplinary heterogeneity, institutional heterogeneity, and size. We examined their publication and citation productivity before their projects started and 5 to 9 years later. Larger groups were more productive than smaller groups, but their marginal productivity declined as their heterogeneity increased, either because their members belonged to more disciplines or to more institutions. These results provide evidence that group heterogeneity moderates the effects of group size, and they suggest that desirable diversity in groups may be better leveraged in smaller, more cohesive units.
Genetic algorithm based fuzzy logic control for a magneto-rheological suspension
Authors: Dong XM , Yu M
Published: April 2013

To overcome the limitations of conventional fuzzy logic control strategies, an adaptive fuzzy logic control based on a hybrid Taguchi genetic algorithm is proposed to control the vibration of the magneto-rheological suspension in order to promote ride comfort. A half-car model equipped with two telescopic magneto-rheological dampers is first developed. An adaptive fuzzy logic control based on a hybrid Taguchi genetic algorithm is then formulated on the basis of the developed model. The hybrid Taguchi genetic algorithm is applied to tune the linguistic variables and control rules of the fuzzy logic control. Finally, a road test is carried out to validate the proposed control scheme. For comparison purposes, a conventional fuzzy logic control is also implemented on the test car. The results show that the magneto-rheological suspension system with two control strategies can improve ride comfort, and the proposed control algorithm has better ride improvement than conventional fuzzy logic control.
Particle swarm optimization-based neural network control for an electro-hydraulic servo system
Authors: Yao Jianjun , Jiang Guilin , Gao Shuang , Yan Han , Di Duotao
Published: April 2013

This paper focuses on an electro-hydraulic servo system, which is derived from a shaking table. It proposes a control scheme based on a back propagation (BP) neural network, whose weights are trained by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) according to the fitness, which is determined by the input and the feedback signals. Each particle of PSO includes weights and thresholds of BP. The movement of each particle is adjusted by its local best-known position and the global best-known position in the searching space. With the update, a satisfactory solution can be achieved. In order to show the performance of the proposed control scheme, the designed network is also trained and tested by BP only. The comparisons between the PSO-BP and BP networks demonstrate that the PSO-BP one has better performance than that of BP, both in convergence speed and in convergence accuracy.
Preferences for destination attributes
Authors: Herington Carmel , Merrilees Bill , Wilkins Hugh
Published: April 2013

This article reports the findings of differences in tourist preferences for short and long breaks. Cluster analysis is employed to explore specific preferences of tourist clusters taking long or short breaks. Four distinct clusters were found for each type of break, exhibiting distinctive demographic characteristics and activity preferences. Different preferences for short versus long breaks were also found. Assumptions that the same customers prefer the same kind of destination and activity when taking either a short or long break are dispelled. Implications for markets include developing distinct campaigns for short- and long-break tourist segments.
‘It’s just like an extra string to your bow’: Exploring higher education students’ perceptions and experiences of extracurricular activity and employability
Authors: Thompson Leanne J , Clark Gordon , Walker Marion , Whyatt J Duncan
Published: April 2013

Students’ experience of higher education comprises not only their academic studies but also their extracurricular activities. This article reports on the findings from a mixed-methods research project, exploring in detail the nature and value of extracurricular activity engagement and the significance of institutional schemes encouraging extracurricular activity engagement, from a UK student perspective. Our findings reveal that many students are actively engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities and recognise their value for employability. However, fewer students are strategic in their patterns of involvement, which may be hindered by a lack of career planning. Furthermore, extracurricular activity engagement can be detrimental to academic study, and engagement alone does not assure employability benefits. However, structured institutional schemes encouraging extracurricular activity engagement may facilitate reflection, enabling students to make best use of their experiences for their future careers. Our research contributes to a growing body of research evidence on ‘life-wide learning’.
Siting risky facilities: Probabilism, determinism and beyond
Authors: Basta Claudia
Published: April 2013

The rejection of siting controversial facilities in urban areas periodically resurrects the discussion regarding site-specific technologies that pose risks characterised by severe impacts and extremely low probabilities. This article discusses this topic from an ethics perspective, focusing on the problematic evaluation of minimum safe distances that should be established between potential accidents and exposed residents. Two different approaches to the assessment of such ‘spatial safety’ measures – namely, the probabilistic and deterministic approaches – are compared. The scope of this article is to unveil these approaches’ implicit ethical assumptions and – more generally – facilitate a considered choice between different approaches towards planning ‘risky’ land uses.
Progressive planning, biased discourse, and critique: An agentic perspective
Authors: Farhat Ramzi
Published: April 2013

Progressive theorists and reflective practitioners have exhorted agents to renounce exploitative planning discourses. This repudiation can, however, only be successful if the agent’s own investment in biased discourses is accounted for. Reflecting on the work of Jon Elster, John Thompson, and Raymond Geuss, it is argued that the progressive planner should direct agents toward an acknowledgement of the motives compelling them to become invested in biased discourse, and how these discourses satisfy these motives by capitalizing on the trappings of habitual modes of reasoning and thriving on the ambiguity of referents. The value of this perspective is illustrated in an analysis of neoliberalism as a contemporary hegemonic discourse. It is discussed how popular anxieties about social mobility and community power motivate the investment in discourses characterized by a thesis of the inevitability of neoliberal restructuring and associations with narratives on entrepreneurialism, multiculturalism, and self-help.
The national picture: The reconfiguration of sovereignty, the normalization of emergency and the rise to prominence of urban security in Italy
Authors: Menichelli Francesca
Published: April 2013

This paper argues that in Italy the notion of urban security is being used to shift sovereignty from national to local authorities. This has been made possible thanks to the political and legislative processes taking place in the country in the past decade, which have opened up a space of autonomy where local authorities could play a proactive role in the provision of security to citizens. This is exemplified by the flows of public funding that have been made available for security-related projects throughout the country. Finally, the article concludes by arguing that the spread of concerns over the security of Italian cities has not automatically led to the securitization of urban space in Italian cities.
Use of Comforting to Enhance Social Marketing Success
Authors: Forbus Robert , Snyder Jason L.
Published: April 2013

Successful behavioral change is the Holy Grail for social marketers. Meta-analysis demonstrates that effect sizes of behavioral change in social marketing campaigns is typically low. The present case study uses 4 years of survey data from an Alabama weight loss and behavioral change campaign to develop an explanation for why some people are more successful in lifestyle change efforts than others. Comforting, a communicative form of prosocial behavior, produced the greatest magnitude of change when tested as an independent variable on dependent variables, including pounds lost, amount of dairy products and water consumed, and physical activities undertaken. The case study concludes by discussing implications for social marketing academics and practitioners.
Sutureless Hemostatic Control During Laparoscopic NSS for the Treatment of Small Renal Masses
Authors: Minervini Andrea , Siena Giampaolo , Tuccio Agostino , Lapini Alberto , Serni Sergio , Carini Marco
Published: April 2013

Background. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a sutureless hemostatic control during laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery (LNSS) for the treatment of small renal masses. Methods. Between November 2007 and August 2010, 245 patients underwent nephron sparing surgery. Overall, 100 patients (41%) had LNSS. Hemostasis was controlled either by a knot-tying suture repair (standard-LNSS) or by a sutureless technique (s-LNSS). The s-LNSS was done using a bipolar cauterization of the resection bed, followed by Floseal apposition. Operative and warm ischemia time (WIT), intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, blood tests, and perioperative complications were recorded. Results. In 32 cases (32%) hemostasis was controlled by the sutureless technique. The s-LNSS was the treatment of choice for small tumors ≤1.5 cm, and it was also used for the treatment of tumors between 1.6 and 2.5 cm, aside from their spatial extension. Indeed, the mean (range; interquartile range) clinical dimension of the tumors in the s-LNSS group was 1.9 (1-3.5; 1.5-2.1) cm. On the contrary, the vast majority of tumors >2.5 cm were treated with standard-LNSS. Mean (range; interquartile range) WIT in the s-LNSS group was 16 (8-22; 12-16) minutes. The mean (range) intraoperative blood loss in the s-LNSS group was 107 cc (25-205). No postoperative early and late bleeding were reported in the s-LNSS group, and the mean (range) time to drainage removal and time to discharge were 3 (2-5) and 4 (3-7) days, respectively. Conclusions. The sutureless technique with bipolar cauterization of the surgical bed and Floseal apposition is safe and effective for the hemostatic control in the treatment of small cortical masses. It can be always used for tumors ≤1.5 cm and can be a valid option also for tumors between 1.6 and 2.5 cm, aside from their spatial extension.
Risk factors for high-altitude headache upon acute high-altitude exposure at 3700 m in young Chinese men: a cohort study
Authors: Bian Shi-Zhu , Zhang Ji-Hang , Gao Xu-Bin , Li Ming , Yu Jie , Liu Xi , Dong Jun-Qing , Chen Guo-Zhu , Huang Lan
Published: April 2013

Background

This prospective and observational study aimed to identify demographic, physiological and psychological risk factors associated with high-altitude headache (HAH) upon acute high-altitude exposure.

Methods

Eight hundred fifty subjects ascended by plane to 3700 m above Chengdu (500 m) over a period of two hours. Structured Case Report Form (CRF) questionnaires were used to record demographic information, physiological examinations, psychological scale, and symptoms including headache and insomnia a week before ascending and within 24 hours after arrival at 3700 m. Binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors for HAH.

Results

The incidence of HAH was 73.3%. Age (p =0.011), physical labor intensity (PLI) (p =0.044), primary headache history (p <0.001), insomnia (p <0.001), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) (p =0.001), heart rate (HR) (p =0.002), the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) (p <0.001), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) (p <0.001) were significantly different between HAH and non-HAH groups. Logistic regression models identified primary headache history, insomnia, low SaO2, high HR and SAS as independent risk factors for HAH.

Conclusions

Insomnia, primary headache history, low SaO2, high HR, and high SAS score are the risk factors for HAH. Our findings will provide novel avenues for the study, prevention and treatment of HAH.
Codon pairs of the HIV-1 vif gene correlate with CD4+ T cell count
Authors: Bizinoto Maria Clara , Yabe Shiori , Leal Élcio , Kishino Hirohisa , de Oliveira Martins Leonardo , de Lima Mariana Leão , Morais Edsel Renata , Diaz Ricardo Sobhie , Janini Luiz Mário
Published: April 2013

Background

The human APOBEC3G (A3G) protein activity is associated with innate immunity against HIV-1 by inducing high rates of guanosines to adenosines (G-to-A) mutations (viz., hypermutation) in the viral DNA. If hypermutation is not enough to disrupt the reading frames of viral genes, it may likely increase the HIV-1 diversity. To counteract host innate immunity HIV-1 encodes the Vif protein that binds A3G protein and form complexes to be degraded by cellular proteolysis.

Methods

Here we studied the pattern of substitutions in the vif gene and its association with clinical status of HIV-1 infected individuals. To perform the study, unique vif gene sequences were generated from 400 antiretroviral-naïve individuals.

Results

The codon pairs: 78–154, 85–154, 101–157, 105–157, and 105–176 of vif gene were associated with CD4+ T cell count lower than 500 cells per mm3. Some of these codons were located in the 81LGQGVSIEW89 region and within the BC-Box. We also identified codons under positive selection clustered in the N-terminal region of Vif protein, between 21WKSLVK26 and 40YRHHY44 regions (i.e., 31, 33, 37, 39), within the BC-Box (i.e., 155, 159) and the Cullin5-Box (i.e., 168) of vif gene. All these regions are involved in the Vif-induced degradation of A3G/F complexes and the N-terminal of Vif protein binds to viral and cellular RNA.

Conclusions

Adaptive evolution of vif gene was mostly to optimize viral RNA binding and A3G/F recognition. Additionally, since there is not a fully resolved structure of the Vif protein, codon pairs associated with CD4+ T cell count may elucidate key regions that interact with host cell factors. Here we identified and discriminated codons under positive selection and codons under functional constraint in the vif gene of HIV-1.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors up-regulate LL-37 expression independent of toll-like receptor mediated signalling in airway epithelial cells
Authors: Liu Quan , Liu Juan , Roschmann Kristina Irene Lisolette , van Egmond Danielle , Golebski Korneliusz , Fokkens Wytske Johanna , Wang Dehui , van Drunen Cornelis Maria
Published: April 2013

HDAC inhibitors have been proposed as anticancer agents. However, their roles in innate genes expression remain not well known. Cathelicidin LL-37 is one of the few human bactericidal peptides, but the regulation of histone acetylation on LL-37 expression in airway epithelium remains largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effects of two non-selective HDACi, trichostatin A (TSA) and sodium butyrate (SB), on the expression of the cathelicidin LL-37 in human airway epithelial cells. LL37 in human NCI-H292 airway epithelial cells and the primary cultures of normal nasal epithelial cells(PNEC) in response to HDAC inhibitors with or without poly (I:C) stimulation was assessed using real-time PCR and western blot. In parallel, IL-6 expression was evaluated by ELISA. Our results showed that HDAC inhibitors up-regulated LL-37 gene expression independent of poly (I:C) stimulation in PNEC as well as in NCI-H292 cells. HDAC inhibitors increased LL37 protein expression in NCI-H292 cells but not in PNEC. In addition, HDAC inhibitors significantly inhibited poly (I:C)-induced IL-6 production in both of the epithelial cells. In conclusion, HDAC inhibitors directly up-regulated LL-37 gene expression in human airway epithelial cells.
A simple additive-free approach for the synthesis of uniform manganese monoxide nanorods with large specific surface area
Authors: Zheng Mingtao , Zhang Haoran , Gong Xuebin , Xu Ruchun , Xiao Yong , Dong Hanwu , Liu Xiaotang , Liu Yingliang
Published: April 2013

A simple additive-free approach is developed to synthesize uniform manganese monoxide (MnO) one-dimensional nanorods, in which only manganese acetate and ethanol were used as reactants. The as-synthesized MnO nanorods were characterized in detail by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) including high-resolution TEM and selected-area electron diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, and nitrogen adsorption isotherm measurements. The results indicate that the as-synthesized MnO nanorods present a mesoporous characteristic with large specific surface area (153 m2 g−1), indicating promising applications in catalysis, energy storage, and biomedical image. On the basis of experimental results, the formation mechanism of MnO one-dimensional nanorods in the absence of polymer additives was also discussed.
Low prevalence of contraceptive counseling at Srinagarind hospital, Thailand among women of reproductive age with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kittisiam Thannaporn , Werawatakul Yuthapong , Nanagara Ratanavadee , Wantha Orathai
Published: April 2013

Objective

Unplanned pregnancy in women with SLE can have grave complications both for the child and the woman. We studied the prevalence of contraceptive counseling among women of reproductive age with SLE at a university hospital in Northeast Thailand.

Methods

Recruited: 125 women with SLE, between 15 and 50 years, followed up at the Rheumatology Clinic. A questionnaire was administered and the results analyzed to identify the prevalence of contraceptive counseling.

Results

The majority of women with SLE had had their reproductive goals evaluated (76.00%, 95% CI 66–83) and received contraceptive counseling (72%). Among the SLE patients at risk for pregnancy, only one-third used effective contraception and one-fifth of those did not have any background knowledge about SLE and pregnancy. Contraceptive counseling was more frequently given to women who had had a previous pregnancy or who were already concerned about SLE as related to pregnancy.

Conclusion

The majority of SLE patients had at one time or other received contraceptive counseling, but some reported not grasping the gravity. The survey results presented herein suggest that a multidisciplinary team is needed to improve patient knowledge regarding SLE as it affects on pregnancy and relatedly contraceptive counseling.
Complete genome sequencing and analysis of six enterovirus 71 strains with different clinical phenotypes
Authors: Wen Hong-ling , Si Lu-ying , Yuan Xiao-jing , Hao Shu-bin , Gao Feng , Chu Fu-lu , Sun Cheng-xi , Wang Zhi-yu
Published: April 2013

Background

Hand, foot and mouth diseases (HFMD) caused by enterovirus 71(EV71) presents a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from mild febrile disease to fatal neurolocal disease. However, the mechanism of virulence is unknown.

Methods

We isolated 6 strains of EV71 from HFMD patients with or without neurological symptoms, and sequenced the whole genomes of the viruses to reveal the virulence factors of EV71.

Results

Phylogenetic tree based on VP1 region showed that all six strains clustered into C4a of C4 sub-genotype. In the complete polypeptide, 298 positions were found to be variable in all strains, and three of these positions (ValP814/IleP814in VP1, ValP1148/IleP1148in 3A and AlaP1728/CysP1728/ValP1728in 3C) were conserved among the strains with neurovirulence, but variable in strains without neurovirulence. In the 5′-UTR region, it showed that the first 10 nucleotides were mostly conserved, however from the 11th nucleotide, nucleotide insertions and deletions were quite common. The secondary structure prediction of 5′-UTR sequences showed that two of three strains without neurovirulence (SDLY11 and SDLY48) were almost the same, and all strains with neurovirulence (SDLY96, SDLY107 and SDLY153) were different from each other. SDLY107 (a fatal strain) was found different from other strains on four positions (CP241/TP241, AP571/TP571, CP579/TP579in 5′-UTR and TP7335/CP7335in 3′-UTR).

Conclusions

The three positions (ValP814/IleP814in VP1, ValP1148/IleP1148in 3A and AlaP1728/CysP1728/ValP1728in 3C), were different between two phenotypes. These suggested that the three positions might be potential virulent positions. And the three varied positions were also found to be conserved in strains with neurovirulence, and variable in strains without neurovirulence. These might reveal that the conservation of two of the three positions or the three together were specific for the strains with neurovirulence. Varation of secondary structure of 5′-UTR, might be correlated to the changes of viral virulence. SDLY107 (a fatal strain) was found different from other strains on four positions, these positions might be related with death.
Use and valuation of native and introduced medicinal plant species in Campo Hermoso and Zetaquira, Boyacá, Colombia
Authors: Cadena-González Ana Lucía , Sørensen Marten , Theilade Ida
Published: April 2013

Background

Medicinal plant species contribute significantly to folk medicine in Colombia. However, few local studies have investigated whether species used are introduced or native and whether there is a difference in importance of native and introduced medicinal plant species. The aim of the present study was to describe the use of medicinal plants within two municipalities, Campo Hermoso and Zetaquira, both in the department of Boyacá, Colombia and to assess the importance of native and introduced plants to healers, amateur healers and local people. As local healers including amateur healers have no history of introduced species our working hypotheses (H1-2) were that H1: native and introduced medicinal plant species are of equal importance and H2: healers and amateur healers do not differentiate in their preferences between native and introduced medicinal plant species.

Methods

Ten villages were included in the study. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used including questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, in- depth interviews, and open talks. Voucher specimens were collected in home gardens and during field walks. For data analysis, we calculated use value indices and Jaccard index and tested for the above hypothesis using Spearman rank-correlation coefficients and Wilcoxon-Mann–Whitney tests.

Results

Eighty medicinal plant species were described by locals as the most frequently used. Of these, 78 species were taxonomically identified, distributed within 41 families and 74 genera, which included 35 native species and 43 introduced. The highest valued families were: Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Rutaceae and Verbenaceae. The species ranked highest according to their Use Values, in both municipalities, wereMentha suaveolensEhrh.,Ambrosia cumanensisKunth, andVerbena littoralisKunth. Introduced species were more important than native ones in Zetaquira, while there was no difference in importance in Campo Hermoso. While healers relied most on the uses of native species, amateur healers were inclined to rely on introduced species. Medicinal plant administration in both municipalities follow the usual pattern: Leaves are used most commonly prepared by decoction or infusion and administrated orally.

Conclusions

The high proportion of introduced plant species used in the local traditional medicines is similar to the results of a number of other ethnobotanical studies and emphasise the need for efforts to record and maintain traditional knowledge on native species.