bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Goal Abstraction, Goal Linkage Dependency, and Perceived Utilitarian Value of Information Systems
Authors: Matook Sabine , van der Heijden Hans
Published: May 2013

Prior research has shown that the utilitarian value of an information system influences user acceptance because of the way the system helps to achieve certain user goals. It is less recognized in the literature that users have multiple goals that influence a user’s perception regarding the information system’s utilitarian value. This paper extends this body of knowledge by incorporating different types of goals into a theoretical framework. Building on means-end chain theory, two goal characteristics are identified, goal abstraction and goal linkage dependency, that both exert an influence on the utilitarian value of an information system. Findings from a qualitative and a quantitative study indicate that perceived utilitarian value changes as goal abstraction increases, and that goal linkage dependency influences the similarity of perceived utilitarian values across goals. Implications are important because they provide insight into potentially contradicting user evaluations of information systems.
The internal medicine specialist: only an efficient technician or also a cultured person?
Authors: Cagli V.
Published: May 2013

Not available
Obstetric medicine
Authors: Balbi L. , Donvito V. , Maina A.
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND Obstetric assistance made major advances in the last 20 years: improved surgical technique allows quicker caesarean sections, anaesthesiology procedures such as peripheral anaesthesia and epidural analgesia made safer operative assistance, remarkably reducing perioperative morbidity and mortality, neonatology greatly improved the results of assistance to low birth weight newborns. A new branch of medicine called “obstetric medicine” gained interest and experience after the lessons of distinguished physicians like Michael De Swiet in England. All together these advances are making successful pregnancies that 20 years ago would have been discouraged or even interrupted: that’s what we call high risk pregnancy. High risk of what? Either complications of pregnancy on pre-existing disease or complications of pre-existing disease on pregnancy. Nowadays, mortality in pregnancy has a medical cause in 80% of cases in Western countries (Confidential Enquiry on Maternal Deaths, UK, 2004). DISCUSSION The background is always changing and we have to take in account of: increase of maternal age; widespread use of assisted fertilization techniques for treatment of infertility; social feelings about maternity desire with increasing expectations from medical assistance; immigration of medically “naive” patients who don’t know to have a chronic disease, but apt and ready to conceive; limited knowledge of feasibility of drug use in pregnancy which may induce both patients and doctors to stopping appropriate drug therapy in condition of severe disease. Preconception counseling, planning the pregnancy, wise use of drugs, regular follow-up throughout the pregnancy and, in selected cases, preterm elective termination of pregnancy may result in excellent outcome both for mother and foetus. CONCLUSIONS Highly committed and specifically trained physicians are required to counsel these patients and to plan their treatment before and during pregnancy.
Probable role of Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) in lung hypertension secondary to scleroderma
Authors: Faggioli P. , Finazzi S. , Vicenzi E. , Giani L. , Rondena M. , Lotzniker M. , Mazzone A.
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND Scleroderma, when complicated with pulmonary hypertension (PHT), presents a worse prognosis; recently treatment with new drugs seems to offer good perspectives, especially in early diagnosis and treatment. The standard approach for diagnosing PHT consists in measurement of the pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) by means of echodoppler. AIM OF INVESTIGATION Aim of this work is evaluating the significance of the NT-proBNP parameter, matched to echodoppler, in diagnosing scleroderma PHT. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty (60) patients, who came to observation for progressive systemic sclerosis underwent echodoppler in order to measure the PAP (normal values up to 30 mmHg). NT-proBNP was determined on serum sample using ECLIA method by Modular E170 (Roche Diagnostics); manufacturer reference values for age and gender were used. Forty-three (43) patients underwent a further NT-proBNP sampling 5 days later in order to assess parameter stability. RESULTS PHT and non- PHT patients showed statistically different (p < 0,001) medians (126 vs 69 pg/ml). No pathologic values of NT-proBNP were measured in the group with PAP < 30 mmHg, while 27% of cases who had PAP between 30 and 40 showed pathologic concentrations. The positivity ratio increases to 57% in patients showing PAP > 40 mmHg. No relevant correlation (r = 0,2) was found between PAP and NT-proBNP. Mean average between the two sampling groups was 31%. CONCLUSIONS In scleroderma patients, combination of NT-proBNP and PAP seems to improve the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, especially in presence of borderline pulmonary pressure values. We therefore propose the biochemical observation of NT-proBNP when PAP is > 30 mmHg and in monitoring the evolution of the pathology.
Cholestatic hepatitis induced by atorvastatin: a case-report
Authors: Vergura M. , Tomaiuolo P.
Published: May 2013

Statins are very well recognized drugs for the management of hypercholesterolaemia and cardiovascular risk. Usually they are very well tolerated with few side effects. We report a case of 77 old years man who developed a cholestatic hepatitis secondary to atorvastatin therapy. The post-marketing surveillance is decisive to valuate the drug safety.
Role of internal medicine in a new model of hospital: a proposal of Tuscany’s FADOI
Authors: Alessandri M. , Bartolomei C. , Bernardini M. , Landini G. , Laureano R. , Lombardo G. , Nozzoli C.
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND The Tuscany’s FADOI society proposes the role of internal medicine in a new model of hospital care. The cornerstones of this new model are the “care intensity” and the “department”. We propose that hospital care should be organized so that the patient and his needs represent the core of this care system, in accordance with the idea of the progressive patient care. This aim can be obtained by dividing the hospital’s areas for intensity of care and, therefore, going beyond the present model of hospital care, where the patients are treated in specialty divisions. This new model of care may find its own execution within the department. For medical area, the department of medicine undoubtedly offers a strong multidisciplinary integration and favours the organization for intensity of care. The management of a large amount of patients should be left to the internist. In fact, because of his olistic formation, this clinician seems more appropriate than the other specialists to play this role. The specialists will take care of those patients who suffer from disturbances with a strong specialistic characterization, and in other cases acting as consultants. CONCLUSIONS In Tuscany we can now view various experiences which are trying to experiment this model. Results are encouraging. Starting from these results and greatly believing in them, we offer this contribute to the internists who work in hospital, persuaded to draw from them useful matters for discussion.
Focus on data available from the RIETE Registry (Regístro Informatizado de la Enfermidad TromboEmbólica): an editorial comment
Authors: Fontanella A. , Di Micco P. , Russo V.
Published: May 2013

Not available
131I therapy for hyperthyroidism and consequent appearing of anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid: simple case-report or real pathophysiologic link?
Authors: Scanelli G. , Traverso B. , Frabetti F.
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND 131I is usually employed for the therapy of hyperfunctioning thyroid diseases. This β-emitting radioisotope acts releasing its radiations in small tissue volumes, but it is mandatory to consider, also for the small doses, the carcinogenic risk, well documented with the high 131I dosages used to cure differentiated thyroid cancers. METHODS We describe a case of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma appeared 4 years after therapy with 131I for Graves’ disease. The patient was treated both surgically and with thyonamides for Graves’ disease 20 years before; thereafter she underwent simple nephrectomy owing to Grawitz disease. After some years of well being, she was treated with 131I for a relapse of Graves’ disease. Four years later, she was treated with interleukin-2 and TNF-α, owing to distant metastases (pancreas, liver and lung) of Grawitz cancer. Some months later, because of a rapid enlargement of the thyroid gland, she was thyroidectomized and anaplastic thyroid cancer was histologically documented. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS It is very difficult to investigate the possible transformation of a benign thyroid lesion to a malignant one, and data from the literature are conflicting. Fractioned doses of 131I are known to induce less cancers than high doses: they allow DNA to repair. Nevertheless, in patients with altered or non valid genetic repair’s mechanisms (i.e. patients with p53 mutations) and, for this reason, prone to develop cancers, even low doses of 131I can induce carcinogenetic effects. In a patient with a history of cancer, who subsequently develops hyperthyroidism, even low doses of 131I can induce anaplastic thyroid cancer; in these subjects, therefore, other treatments than 131I could be preferred for the therapy of Graves’ disease. In our peculiar case, moreover, some studies have noteworthy demonstrated that certain cytokines (IL-1, TGF-β1 e TNF-α) can, rather than inhibit, induce anaplastic thyroid cancer cells to grow.
Calcium-channel blockers for the prevention of stroke: from scientific evidences to the clinical practice
Authors: Taddei S.
Published: May 2013

AIM OF THE REVIEW The present review aims to analyze the role of calcium-channel blockers, and particularly newer molecules, as first-line therapy for cerebrovascular disease. BACKGROUND Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the general population. Among traditional cardiovascular risk factors, hypertension has a key role in the genesis of both hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke and a direct correlation exists between blood pressure values and the risk of stroke. Moreover, blood pressure reduction has been demonstrated to be the most important route to reduce stroke incidence and recurrence. However, the mere reduction of blood pressure values does not normalize the cardiovascular risk of the hypertensive patient. It is therefore necessary to use drug classes that beyond their blood pressure-lowering effect have also an additional effect in terms of organ protection. Among these, calcium-channel blockers have a crucial profile. Firstly, they are effective in inducing left ventricular hypertrophy regression, with a strength at least equal to that of ACE-inhibitors. Secondly, they have an antithrombotic and an endothelium-protecting effect, mediated by their antioxidant activity. Finally, calcium-channel blockers are the most powerful drugs in preventing vascular remodeling. For these reasons this drug class has probably the strongest antiatherosclerotic effect, and it is the first-choice treatment mainly for cerebrovascular disease. Among different available calcium-channel blockers, the newer ones seem to possess pharmacokinetic characteristics allowing a more homogeneous 24 hours coverage as compared to older molecules, and preliminary data seem to suggest a greater beneficial effect also on left ventricular hypertrophy and lower incidence of side effects. CONCLUSIONS Although blood pressure reduction is the main tool to reduce cerebrovascular risk in hypertensive patients, some drug classes, such as calciumchannel blockers, seem to provide a protective action beyond the mere antihypertensive effect, and represent a key element in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Fondaparinux
Authors: Airoldi G. , Campanini M.
Published: May 2013

AIM OF THE STUDY To review the best evidence-based knowledge about the clinical pharmacology and use of fondaparinux. DESIGN OF THE STUDY Narrative review. RESULTS Fondaparinux is a synthetic pentasaccharide anticoagulant that binds selectively with high affinity to antithrombin and catalyses the inactivation of factor Xa, which results in a dose-dependent inhibition of thrombin generation. Fondaparinux does not bind to platelets or inhibit platelet aggregation, does not cross-react with antibodies to heparin-PF4 complexes (HIT antibodies) and has no effects on the activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and antithrombin levels. Fondaparinux shows a linear and highly predictable pharmacokinetic profile in humans, with very limited intraindividual and interindividual variability, which makes routine monitoring and dose adjustments unnecessary for the majority of the population. After subcutaneous iniection fondaparinux undergoes complete and dose-independent absorption; it is not significantly metabolized by the liver and does not interfere with cytochrome P450-mediated transformation of other drugs. Fondaparinux is almost entirely excreted unchanged in the urine with a half-life of approximately 17 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing. Its plasma clearance is reduced in patients with moderate or severe renal insufficiency. In the clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance fondaparinux shows an excellent tolerability profile, with a low incidence of major bleeding across a wide dose range and no cases of severe thrombocytopenia or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). CONCLUSIONS Fondaparinux has been approved in many countries for use in thromboprophylaxis after major orthopedic surgery and in medical patients, and for the treatment of sintomatic venous thromboembolism (deep venous thrombosis and hemodynamically stable pulmonary embolism) and acute coronary syndromes (unstable angina, and acute miocardial infartion, with or without ST elevation). In these clinical settings fondaparinux is at least as effective and safe as unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparins, and may be easier to use.
Reducing cardiovascular risk in diabetes: insights from the ADVANCE study
Authors: Pinna Giuliano
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND Blood pressure is an important determinant of the risks of macrovascular and microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes. That’s why guidelines recommend intensive lowering of blood pressure in those patients. The ADVANCE (Action in Diabetes and Vascular disease: preterAx and diamicroN-MR Controlled Evaluation) study has been recently introduced. It assessed the effects of such an approach on vascular disease using a fixed combination of the ACE-inhibitor perindopril, and the diuretic indapamide, in a population of patients with type 2 diabetes and a broad range of blood pressure values. METHODS After a 6-week active run-in period, 11,140 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomised to treatment with a fixed combination of perindopril and indapamide or matching placebo, in addition to current therapy. Primary end-points: major macrovascular and microvascular events, defined as death from cardiovascular disease, non-fatal stroke or non-fatal myocardial infarction, and new or worsening renal or diabetic eye disease. The macrovascular and microvascular composites were analysed jointly and separately. RESULTS To the end of the follow-up a meaningful reduction of the deaths has been obtained, both for cardiovascular causes and for macro and microvascular events, examined in together (in the total) (separately significance has not turned out). The best result has been obtained in the reduction of the renal events. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The authors conclude that routine administration of a fixed combination of perindopril and indapamide to patients with type 2 diabetes and with a good controlled blood pressure, was well tolerated and reduced the risks of major vascular events, including death, but it remains the doubt if these results have been obtained because of the better pressure control or are specific of this preconstructed association.
REACH, PATHOS and SIRIO: indications for managing atherothrombosis
Authors: Imberti Davide , Giorgi Pierfranceschi Matteo , Sverzellati Enrico , Orlando Sergio
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND Atherothrombosis includes a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral artery disease) and is associated with the main causes of morbility and mortality on a world-wide scale. Thus far, most of the available information on atherothrombosis has been derived especially from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Due to their strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, RCTs not always provide an accurate view of the entire spectrum of atherosclerotic clinical syndromes and are not fully representative of the real-world situation. Recently, three important observational clinical studies performed in unselected populations (REACH, PATHOS, SIRIO) have described the demographic characteristics, risk profiles, management and prognosis of a very large cohort of patients suffering from atherothrombosis. AIM OF THE STUDY In this article we focus on the description of the main results of REACH, PATHOS and SIRIO studies and we discuss about their relevance in the daily clinical practice.
Diarrhoea in critical care patients: focus on special issues
Authors: Ventrucci Maurizio , Pozzato Paolo
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND Diarrhoea is common in critically ill patients, especially in elderly subjects during antibiotic therapy and enteral feeding. The management of diarrhoea includes generous hydration, compensation for the loss of electrolytes, antidiarrhoeal oral medications, and antibiotic drugs in infections related diarrhoea. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this review is to provide an update on particular types of diarrhoea in critically ill patients. Epidemiological data will be discussed, with special emphasis on Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea. The possible therapeutic measures will be presented.
Malpractice or maljustice?
Authors: Josa Giovanni
Published: May 2013

Not available
“Malasanità” and/or malpractice: a bioethical view
Authors: Malta Renato , Di Rosa Salvatore
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND Inspired by a series of newspaper articles, the authors consider the different semantic meaning of the Italian word “malasanità” and the English word “malpractice”. They feel that many cases of “malasanità” are rarely due to technical problems, which are rarely proven in a trial, but mainly to the ethical problems. They claim that ethics lead human behaviour particularly in healthcare, as can be seen in the loving care of the patients. Patients take free medical service as granted and appreciate the personal behaviour and the empathy of the doctors. Today the practice of informed consent is the failure of the relationship between physician and patient. Medicine should be humanized not through technical improvements, but through ethics. AIM OF THE PAPER By the analysis of single cases the healthcare operator’s behaviour and actions are studied, as well as the authentic humanity of the professionals called to help other people. CONCLUSIONS When dealing with a single case, the media use the word “malasanità” globally, as if the whole healthcare system was responsible. The authors, criticizing both the terminology and the interpretation, prefer to proceed to the analysis of the single case, without ignoring however the many lacks and faults that occurred during the hospitalization.
DIALOGO SULLA DIAGNOSI: UN FILOSOFO E UN MEDICO A CONFRONTO
Authors: Fabbri Nardi Tatiana
Published: May 2013

Book review of:Dario Antiseri, Vito Cagli DIALOGO SULLA DIAGNOSI: UN FILOSOFO E UN MEDICO A CONFRONTO (prefazione di Massimo Baldini) Roma: Armando Editore, 2008 Pagine: 80 Prezzo: 9,00 euro
Which appropriateness for clinical decision making in Internal Medicine?
Authors: Nardi R.
Published: May 2013

Not available
Inappropriate emergency laboratory test ordering: defensive or peer evidence shared based medicine?
Authors: Descovich C. , Nardi R. , Ligabue A. , Gaspari G. , Dini E. , Pieroni G. , Annichiarico M.
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND The laboratory overuse is widely prevalent in hospital practice, mostly in the emergency care. Reasons for excessive and inappropriate test-ordering include defensive behaviour and fear or uncertainty, lack of experience, the misuse of protocols and guidelines, “routine” and local attitudes, inadequate educational feedback and clinician’s unawareness about the cost of examinations and their related implications. AIM OF THE STUDY AND METHODS The primary target of our working group was to reduce inappropriate ordering on a urgent basis test, implementing further examinations not yet previewed in the hospital panel of the available urgencies, according to the evidence based diagnosis concept. The secondary goal was to indicate strategies of re-engineering of the processes, improving turnaround time in the laboratory management of emergencies. After evaluating, as first intervention, the more reliable sources for practice guidelines, systematic reviews and RCTs, the committee further discussed main topics with in-hospital stakeholders, selected from Emergency, Internal Medicine and Surgery Depts. The working group, in many subsequent audits, tried to obtain a systematic feed back with all involved professionals. RESULTS After reviewing literature’s evidence, the board constrained testing options by defining the basic emergency laboratory panel tests (blood type, hemogram, blood urea nitrogen, plasma creatinine, glucose, sodium, potassium, chloride, osmolarity, CRP, bicarbonate, CPK, creatine phosphokinase-MB, myoglobin, troponin, BNP and NT-proBNP, PT-INR, PTT, D-dimer, beta- HCG, biochemical urinalysis etc.). As final result, the proposed tests reduced the overall number of inappropriate investigations and increased, with newer and updated tests, the available panel for critical patients. DISCUSSION A collegiate review of data reporting, in-hospital deepening of problems and the inter- professional discussion of the evidences, defining the “best – locally applicable – standard of care”, are suitable tools to facilitate communication for reducing inappropriate test-ordering. CONCLUSIONS Excessive ordering increases the use of technology and adds unnecessary costs to the delivery of health care. Hospitals with growing health care costs can improve their resource utilization through peer management of testing behaviours by using evidence based medicine for clinical audit. A basic, homogeneous and shared panel of critical tests may be adopted even in complex health organizations, including several hospitals too.
A swollen knee in a patient with refractory anaemia
Authors: Bordin P. , Volpe C. , Anzil G. , Damato R. , Di Loreto C.
Published: May 2013

CASE REPORT A 63-year old man with refractory anaemia with excess of blasts and a history of heart failure, diabetes and hyperuricaemia, presented with pain, warmth and swelling in the left knee. Blood sample showed white cell blood count 3,840/μL (normal formula), haemoglobin 7.1 g/dL, platelets 117,000/L, eritrosedimentation rate 66 mm/h, normal serum creatinine and uric acid. He had no history of neutropenia, fever or recurrent infections. X-ray of the knee did not show any erosion or lytic lesion. Arthrocentesis produced turbid fluid, with elevated cell count (81,000/μL, mainly polimorphonuclear cells), no urate crystals, normal chemical pattern, sterile culture. Synovial fluid smear showed a huge neutrophilic cellularity with scattered mononuclear cells looking like medullar myeloid blasts. The microscopic examination identified a myeloid infiltration as the cause of arthritis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Rheumatic phenomena in myelodysplastic syndromes have a prevalence of 10% and include vasculitis, neuropaties, glomerulonephritis, lupus-like syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, lung infiltrates and arthritis. The pathogenesis is usually autoimmune, as in all paraneoplastic syndromes. In our case, arthritis was due to a direct invasion of blasts. This phenomenon is rarely observed in acute leukemias and was not described yet in myelodysplastic syndromes. Synovial fluid analysis is critical to define the ethiology of an articular effusion, microscopical examination is strongly recommended but it is not always carried out. This case shows how simple diagnostic tests can easily disclose rare conditions.
Penile Mondor’s disease: a case report
Authors: Bolognesi M.
Published: May 2013

CASE REPORT This article describes a case report with a review of the symptomatology diagnosis, and treatment of thrombophlebitis in the superficial dorsal vein of the penis. Penile Mondor’s disease is a benign condition, and after appropriate therapy, near complete recovery takes place within three weeks. DISCUSSION Thrombophlebitis of the superficial dorsal vein of the penis (Penile Mondor’s disease) is a rare, but important clinical diagnosis that any physician, and in particular general practitioners, should be able to recognize. Indeed, correct diagnosis and consequent reassurance can help to control the anxiety typically experienced by patients suffering from the disease.
Primary pathologic role of interleukin-6 in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bajocchi G.L. , Pipitone N. , Boiardi P.L. , Salvarani C.
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a polyfunctional cytokine that regulates a very large number of cellular activities. Its implication in acute-phase reactant production by hepatocytes is of particular interest, as is its involvement in chronic inflammatory diseases, mainly rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and Castleman’s disease. Transgenic mice lacking IL-6 expression were completely protected against collagen-induced arthritis, and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-alpha) induces synovial cells to produce IL-6 and their proliferation. However, there is still some controversies regarding the unique proinflammatory activity of IL-6. Some studies have demonstrated that IL-6 and TNF-alpha may have an opposite effect in synovial cultured cells since IL-6 could represent a negative loop for TNF-alpha induced synovitis. However, phase III studies of rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with anti IL-6 receptor (tocilizumab) indicate an acceptable safety profile relative to the clinical benefit. AIM OF THE STUDY In this review, we summarized the rationale and the main evidence regarding the therapeutic benefit of blocking IL-6 activity in rheumatoid arthritis.
Spindle cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity
Authors: Gupta Sachin , Santoriello Dominick , Wieczorek Rosemary , De Lacure Mark D.
Published: May 2013

Spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC) is a unique variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SpCC confined to the nasal cavity is extremely rare, with only one case having been previously reported. We present a case report of nasal cavity SpCC and review the literature on this rare entity. A 29-year-old male presented with intermittent epistaxis from the left nasal cavity. On physical examination, the patient had an ulcerated mass in the left nasal vestibule and a biopsy showed a proliferation of spindle and epitheliod cells. The patient underwent wide local excision of the mass via a lateral alotomy approach and reconstruction with a composite conchal bowl skin and cartilage graft. Histologically, the mass had dyplastic squamous epithelium and spindle-shaped cells admixed with epitheliod cells. Immunohistochemistry was only positive for pancytokeratin AE1/AE3 and vimentin. Six months after surgery, the patient continues to have no evidence of disease. On literature review, only one previous case of SpCC confined to the nasal cavity was identified. We present a rare case of nasal cavity SpCC. No definite treatment protocol exists for this unique entity, but we believe that this tumor should primarily be treated with aggressive, wide local excision. Adjuvant radiation and/or chemotherapy have also been used anecdotally.
Laser filament-induced aerosol formation
Authors: Saathoff H. , Henin S. , Stelmaszczyk K. , Petrarca M. , Delagrange R. , Hao Z. , Lüder J. , Möhler O. , Petit Y. , Rohwetter P. , Schnaiter M. , Kasparian J. , Leisner T. , Wolf J.-P. , Wöste L.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Using the aerosol and cloud simulation chamber AIDA, we investigated the laser filament induced particle formation in ambient air, humid synthetic air, humid nitrogen, argon–oxygen mixture, and pure argon in order to simulate the particle formation under realistic atmospheric conditions as well as to investigate the influence of typical gas-phase atmospheric constituents on the particle formation. Terawatt laser plasma filaments generated new particles in the size range 3 to 130 nm with particle production rates ranging from 1 × 107 to 5 × 109 cm−3 plasma s−1 for the given experimental conditions. In all cases the particle formation rates increased exponentially with the water content of the gas mixture. Furthermore, the presence of a few ppb of trace gases like SO2 and α-pinene clearly enhanced the particle yield by number, the latter also by mass. Our findings suggest that new particle formation is efficiently supported by oxidized species like acids generated by the photoionization of both major and minor components of the air, including N2, NH3, SO2 and organics.
Simultaneous observations of a Mesospheric Inversion Layer and turbulence during the ECOMA-2010 rocket campaign
Authors: Szewczyk A. , Strelnikov B. , Rapp M. , Strelnikova I. , Baumgarten G. , Kaifler N. , Dunker T. , Hoppe U.-P.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. From 19 November to 19 December 2010 the fourth and final ECOMA rocket campaign was conducted at Andøya Rocket Range (69° N, 16° E) in northern Norway. We present and discuss measurement results obtained during the last rocket launch labelled ECOMA09 when simultaneous and true common volume in situ measurements of temperature and turbulence supported by ground-based lidar observations reveal two Mesospheric Inversion Layers (MIL) at heights between 71 and 73 km and between 86 and 89 km. Strong turbulence was measured in the region of the upper inversion layer, with the turbulent energy dissipation rates maximising at 2 W kg−1. This upper MIL was observed by the ALOMAR Weber Na lidar over the period of several hours. The spatial extension of this MIL as observed by the MLS instrument onboard AURA satellite was found to be more than two thousand kilometres. Our analysis suggests that both observed MILs could possibly have been produced by neutral air turbulence.
Assessing the role of dust deposition on phytoplankton ecophysiology and succession in a low-nutrient low-chlorophyll ecosystem: a mesocosm experiment in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Giovagnetti V. , Brunet C. , Conversano F. , Tramontano F. , Obernosterer I. , Ridame C. , Guieu C.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. In this study, we investigate the response of the phytoplankton community, with emphasis on ecophysiology and succession, after two experimental additions of Saharan dust in the surface water layer of a low-nutrient low-chlorophyll ecosystem in the Mediterranean Sea. Three mesocosms were amended with evapocondensed dust to simulate realistic Saharan dust events, while three additional mesocosms were kept unamended and served as controls. The experiment consisted in two consecutive dust additions and samples were daily collected at different depths (−0.1, −5 and −10 m) during one week, starting before each addition occurred. Data concerning HPLC pigment analysis on two size classes (< 3 and > 3 μm), electron transport rate (ETR) vs. irradiance curves, non-photochemical fluorescence quenching (NPQ) and phytoplankton cell abundance (measured by flow cytometry), are presented and discussed in this paper. Results show that picophytoplankton mainly respond to the first dust addition, while the second addition leads to an increase of both pico- and nano-/microphytoplankton. Ecophysiological changes in the phytoplankton community occur, with NPQ and pigment concentration per cell increasing after dust additions. While biomass increases after pulses of new nutrients, ETR does not greatly vary between dust-amended and control conditions, in relation with ecophysiological changes within the phytoplankton community, such as the increase in NPQ and pigment cellular concentration. A quantitative assessment and parameterisation of the onset of a phytoplankton bloom in a nutrient-limited ecosystem is attempted on the basis of the increase in phytoplankton biomass observed during the experiment. The results of this study are discussed focusing on the adaptation of picophytoplankton to nutrient limitation in the surface water layer, as well as on size-dependent competition ability in phytoplankton.
Agnotology: learning from mistakes
Authors: Benestad R. E. , Hygen H. O. , van Dorland R. , Cook J. , Nuccitelli D.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Replication is an important part of science, and by repeating past analyses, we show that a number of papers in the scientific literature contain severe methodological flaws which can easily be identified through simple tests and demonstrations. In many cases, shortcomings are related to a lack of robustness, leading to results that are not universally valid but rather an artifact of a particular experimental set-up. Some examples presented here have ignored data that do not fit the conclusions, and in several other cases, inappropriate statistical methods have been adopted or conclusions have been based on misconceived physics. These papers may serve as educational case studies for why certain analytical approaches sometimes are unsuitable in providing reliable answers. They also highlight the merit of replication. A lack of common replication has repercussions for the quality of the scientific literature, and may be a reason why some controversial questions remain unanswered even when ignorance could be reduced. Agnotology is the study of such ignorance. A free and open-source software is provided for demonstration purposes.
Evaluation of a near-global eddy-resolving ocean model
Authors: Oke P. R. , Griffin D. A. , Schiller A. , Matear R. J. , Fiedler R. , Mansbridge J. , Lenton A. , Cahill M. , Chamberlain M. A. , Ridgway K.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Analysis of the variability of the last 18 yr (1993–2012) of a 32 yr run of a new near-global, eddy-resolving ocean general circulation model coupled with biogeochemistry is presented. Comparisons between modelled and observed mean sea level (MSL), mixed layer depth (MLD), sea level anomaly (SLA), sea surface temperature (SST), and {\\chla} indicate that the model variability is realistic. We find some systematic errors in the modelled MLD, with the model generally deeper than observations, which results in errors in the {\\chla}, owing to the strong biophysical coupling. We evaluate several other metrics in the model, including the zonally averaged seasonal cycle of SST, meridional overturning, volume transports through key straits and passages, zonally averaged temperature and salinity, and El Niño-related SST indices. We find that the modelled seasonal cycle in SST is 0.5–1.5 °C weaker than observed; volume transports of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the East Australian Current, and Indonesian Throughflow are in good agreement with observational estimates; and the correlation between the modelled and observed NINO SST indices exceeds 0.91. Most aspects of the model circulation are realistic. We conclude that the model output is suitable for broader analysis to better understand upper ocean dynamics and ocean variability at mid- and low latitudes. The new model is intended to underpin a future version of Australia's operational short-range ocean forecasting system.
Design and Analysis of a Spatial 3-DOF Parallel Manipulator with 2T1R-Type
Authors: Zhang Yanbin , Ting Kwun-Lon
Published: May 2013

Abstract A novel asymmetrical spatial parallel manipulator with three degrees of freedom is proposed. The moving platform of the manipulator has two-translational and one-rotational (2T1R) DOFs with respect to the fixed base. Two other manipulators with platforms with high rotational ability are obtained by making simple changes to the original manipulator's architecture. The platform of the new mechanisms can rotate 360 degrees around their axis. The motion output characteristics and the mobility of the manipulator are analyzed based on the screw theory. Solutions for position and pose, velocity, acceleration are derived. The Jacobian matrix, mapping the input velocity vector space into the output velocity vector space, is an identical matrix, so the parallel mechanism is free-singularity and fully-isotropic. Therefore, these manipulators perform very well with regard to motion and force transmission and have potential applications in the field of industrial robots and medical devices.
Design and Implementation of an Autonomous Robot Soccer System
Authors: Wong Ching-Chang , Cheng Chi-Tai , Chan Hsiang-Min
Published: May 2013

Abstract A design and implementation method of a robot soccer system with three vision-based autonomous robots is proposed in this paper. A hierarchical architecture with four independent layers: (a) information layer, (b) strategy layer, (c) tactics layer, and (d) execution layer, is proposed to construct a flexible and robust vision-based autonomous robot soccer system efficiently. Five mechanisms, including (a) a two-dimensional neck mechanism, (b) dribbling mechanism, (c) shooting mechanism, (d) aiming mechanism, and (e) flexible movement mechanism, are proposed to mean the robot with multiple functions can win the game. A method based on data obtained from a compass and a vision sensor is proposed to determine the location of the robot on the field. In the strategy design, a hierarchical architecture of decision based on the finite-state transition mechanism for the field players and the goalkeeper is proposed to solve varied situations in the robot soccer game. Three vision-based robots are implemented and some real competition results in the FIRA Cup are presented to illustrate the validity and feasibility of the proposed method in autonomous robot soccer system design.
Control System Design for a Surface Cleaning Robot
Authors: Yuyi Zhai , Yu Zhou , Huanxin Luo , Yunjia Liu , Liang Liu
Published: May 2013

Abstract This paper aims to study a control system for a surface cleaning robot and the focus of the study is the surface cleaning robot controller design. The structural framework of the propulsion control system of the surface robot is designed based on the principle of PWM speed control. The function of each module in the control system is divided and described in detail. A kind of thinking based on an AVR microprocessor and its software and hardware design proposals are presented. Through RS485 and PC communication according to the agreed protocol, the control system achieves robot forward, backward, turn and work operations by the use of a DC motor or stepper motor, and it can therefore more successfully realize the work of a surface cleaning robot.
Fuzzy Vector Field Orientation Feedback Control-Based Slip Compensation for Trajectory Tracking Control of a Four Track Wheel Skid-steered Mobile Robot
Authors: Ha Xuan Vinh , Ha Cheolkeun , Lee Jewon
Published: May 2013

Skid-steered mobile robots have been widely used in exploring unknown environments and in military applications. In this paper, the tuning fuzzy Vector Field Orientation (FVFO) feedback control method is proposed for a four track wheel skid-steered mobile robot (4-TW SSMR) using flexible fuzzy logic control (FLC). The extended Kalman filter is utilized to estimate the positions, velocities and orientation angles, which are used for feedback control signals in the FVFO method, based on the AHRS kinematic motion model and velocity constraints. In addition, in light of the wheel slip and the braking ability of the robot, we propose a new method for estimating online wheel slip parameters based on a discrete Kalman filter to compensate for the velocity constraints. As demonstrated by our experimental results, the advantages of the combination of the proposed FVFO and wheel slip estimation methods overcome the limitations of the others in the trajectory tracking control problem for a 4-TW SSMR.
Walking Stability Compensation Strategy of a Small Humanoid Robot Based on the Error of Swing Foot Height and Impact Force
Authors: Zhao Jiandong , Li Zhaoxuan , Zheng Jun , Shen Tong
Published: May 2013

Abstract In order to reduce the impact force of swing legs and improve walking stability when a small humanoid robot is walking, a set of impact dynamics equations based on the second kind Lagrange equation is produced, and an impact compensation control strategy with a BP network optimized by a particle swarm algorithm is designed. The core element of the compensation controller is replacing the error back propagation with a particle swarm algorithm. Due to the regulating joints of the knee, hip and ankle, the walking process is more stable than before. The experiment results show that when the left swing leg lands, the impact force drops by 2N and 1.5N respectively in the moments 4.5s and 10.5s. Therefore, the compensation strategy can reduce the impact force effectively and improve the walking stability.
Cesty ke zkoumání výuky tělesné výchovy: význam Analýzy didaktické interakce (ADI) a její modifikace (MADI)
Authors: Mužík V. , Šafaříková J. , Süss V. , Marvanová Z.
Published: May 2013

Výuka tělesné výchovy je zkoumána z různých úhlů pohledu od poloviny minulého století. Pozornost je nejvíce věnována fyzickému zatížení žáků ve výuce, využití času vyučovací hodiny k aktivnímu pohybu žáků a didaktické interakci učitel–žák (žáci). Významnou roli ve zkoumání výuky tělesné výchovy hrají především interakční výzkumy, které se zabývají nejen kvantitativní, ale i kvalitativní charakteristikou výuky tělesné výchovy. Pro tato zkoumání byly vytvořeny četné metody založené především na pozorování. Mezi nimi hraje významnou roli metoda s názvem Analýza didaktické interakce (ADI), umožňující zdůvodňovat vztahy mezi interakcemi učitel–žák (žáci) a výsledky učení žáků. Zjednodušením metody ADI vznikla metoda Modifikovaná analýza didaktické interakce (MADI), která nachází uplatnění především v přípravě budoucích učitelů tělesné výchovy. Tato metoda poskytuje studentům objektivní zpětné informace o tom, jak učivo žákům předkládali a jak se ve výuce tělesné výchovy chovali. Metody ADI a MADI jsou tedy nejen vhodným nástrojem ke zkoumání výuky tělesné výchovy, ale i prostředkem k jejímu ovlivňování a zkvalitňování.
Strategies for assessing optimized corrosion control treatment of lead and copper
Authors: Brown Richard A. , McTigue Nancy E. , Cornwell David A.
Published: May 2013

Three strategies are commonly used to optimize corrosion control: adjusting pH and alkalinity, developing Pb(iv) scale by maintaining free chlorine residuals throughout the distribution system, and applying orthophosphate‐based corrosion inhibitors at appropriate dosages and pH ranges.
Take flight with mathematics
Authors: Lilienthal Kimberly M.
Published: May 2013

Exploring airport traffic, usage, hours of operation, and security statistics are all ways to model and bring relevance to math. Students soar while exploring the mathematics of aircraft: dimensions, cargo, fuel, and passenger capacity. Comparing two airports or aircraft would be valuable ways to extend their mathematical journey.
Singing and gaming to math literacy
Authors: Bremner Ann
Published: May 2013

Games and videos lend themselves to student engagement and learning, but how do teachers determine what is most beneficial to student learning? How can we effectively incorporate technology into our teaching of mathematics?
Shifting understanding of mixed numbers
Authors: Pfotenhauer Jennifer , Kleine Rick , Sitabkhan Yasmin , Earnest Darrell
Published: May 2013

Students had been learning about integers and fractions on the number line. For a lesson on mixed numbers, they solved an assessment problem at the beginning of the lesson. After the lesson, the authors interviewed two students individually and asked each girl to solve the same problem again.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Aashfa Hassan Shaikh  , Sabeen Aatif  , Tanweer Ahmed
Published: May 2013

Objective: To measure the thickness of Carotid Intima Media (CIMT) in patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and compare it with Controls, to establish the strong association of NAFLD with increased CIMT.Method/Setting: Fifty four patients with sonographically proven NAFLD and 50 controls were examined for CIMT. Carotid scanning was performed on Aloka 3500 Doppler Unit.Results: The mean Intima Media Thickness in NAFLD group was 0.80±0.12 and in controls 0.58±0.15 (p=
Visual Style in the “Golden Age” Anthology Drama: The Case of CBS1
Authors: Horwitz Jonah
Published: May 2013

Despite the centrality of a “Golden Age” of live anthology drama to most histories of American television, the aesthetics of this format are widely misunderstood. The anthology drama has been assumed by scholars to be consonant with a critical discourse that valued realism, intimacy and an unremarkable, self-effacing, functional style—or perhaps even an “anti-style.” A close analysis of non-canonical episodes of anthology drama, however, reveals a distinctive style based on long takes, mobile framing and staging in depth. One variation of this style, associated with the CBS network, flaunted a virtuosic use of ensemble staging, moving camera and attention-grabbing pictorial effects. The author examines several episodes in detail, demonstrating how the techniques associated with the CBS style can serve expressive and decorative functions. The sources of this style include the technological limitations of live-television production, networks’ broader aesthetic goals, the seminal producer Worthington Miner and contemporaneous American cinematic styles.
La télévision selon Alfred Hitchcock. Une esthétique de l’émergence
Authors: Delavaud Gilles
Published: May 2013

Alfred Hitchcock ne se contente pas d’apparaître au début et à la fin de chaque épisode de ses séries télévisées Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955-1962) et The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1962-1965). Il se met en scène, incarne un quasi-personnage (qui n’est ni Hitchcock producteur ni Hitchcock réalisateur), joue un rôle. Et en même temps, il tient un discours. Celui-ci n’a le plus souvent que peu de rapport avec la fiction qu’il est censé présenter. Hitchcock nous parle d’autre chose, principalement (et avec une constance remarquable) de télévision : de la télévision comme institution et comme dispositif. Pour lui, le dispositif télévisuel, comme celui du cinéma, est un dispositif ludique ; mais les règles du jeu diffèrent. En télévision, la présentation est essentielle. Dans cet article centré sur la notion de présentation, l’auteur se demande d’abord à quoi joue Hitchcock présentateur. Puis, en quels termes nouveaux se pose, pour le cinéaste, le délicat problème de la « direction de spectateurs » : qu’advient-il de cette ambition de contrôle, considérée par lui comme constitutive de son art, lorsqu’on n’a plus affaire, comme au cinéma, à un public captif ? Par l’établissement d’une définition de l’« esthétique de l’émergence », l’auteur propose des éléments de réponse permettant d’éclairer la stratégie hitchcockienne.
Du degré zéro au second degré dans la fiction télévisuelle québécoise
Authors: Picard Yves
Published: May 2013

Constatant que la fiction télévisuelle aurait atteint depuis peu un « âge d’art », l’auteur remonte le fil de la théorie pour éclairer le trajet esthétique du domaine, du degré zéro au second degré. Le degré zéro de la fiction télévisuelle serait marqué par le retrait de la visualité au profit de l’attrait de l’oralité (Caldwell et Butler). Le second degré de la fiction télévisuelle serait pour sa part caractérisé par l’attrait de la visualité, souvent accompagné d’un retrait de l’oralité (Genette et Metz). L’auteur soutient ces propositions en examinant deux objets de la fiction télévisuelle québécoise, liés par un thème commun, celui du retour d’un homme réticent à parler de son passé :Le Survenant(1954-1960) etAveux(2009).