bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spinal Injuries in a Tertiary Care Referral Center of Western Nepal
Authors: Devkota P , Manandhar HK , Khadka PB
Published: October 2013

Background: Spinal injury is a devastating condition often affecting young and healthy individuals around the world. This devastating injury not only creates enormous physical and emotional cost to individuals but also gives tremendous financial burden to the society. We evaluate the demography, types and causes of the spinal injuries and their management in patients admitted in a hospital. Methods: Medical records of 45 patients who were presented with spinal injuries in a year were analyzed. The age, sex, mode of injury, sites, types and level of injury, hospital stay, and treatment given were analyzed. Frankel grading was used for the evaluation of the neurological deficits. Results: The mean age of the patient was 47.5 years (range 19 - 78). Male patients were 60% (n=27) and female 40% (n=18). There were 42.2% (n=19) patients with E grade, 24.4% (n=11) patients with C grade, 20% (n=9) patients with D, three 6.6% (n=3) patients with A and B grades each of patients according to Frankel grade. Lumbar spine was the commonest site of injury. The most common cause of injury was fall, followed by road traffic accidents (RTA) and others. Nineteen patients were treated conservatively, 16 were operated, five patients were referred to other centers due to various reasons and the other five patients were discharged on their request. Conclusions: Spinal injuries are one of the rapidly growing injuries in our society and the commonest mode of injury was fall. The majority of patients were from the hilly areas. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 156-159 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8967
Chronic suppurative mandibular osteomyelitis presenting as soft tissue swelling and trismus: A case report
Authors: Ahmad K , Ansari S , Dhungel K , Gupta MK , Amanullah MF , Kumar A , Rauniyar RK
Published: October 2013

Osteomyelitis of the mandible is a rare condition and it could be a serious complication of untreated odontogenic infection. Classically, patient with osteomyelitis of the mandible would experience pain and swelling over the affected side of the face. CT is usually indicated when there is extension of the infection into the adjacent soft tissue and fascial spaces which could be the presenting clinical symptom. Hereby, we present a case of mandibular osteomyelitis in an 11 year old girl who presented with pain and swelling in left lower jaw followed by extraction of tooth, diagnosed on CT followed by surgical management. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 197-199  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8978
Fatigue in Highway Construction Workers
Authors: Jackson J. Elizabeth , Sanquist Thomas , Campbell John , Lee Eul-Bum , Van Dongen Hans P. A.
Published: October 2013

This paper describes findings from a field study conducted during the first phase of a 3-year project sponsored by the SHRP 2 Renewal Program that investigated the problem of worker and manager fatigue on highway construction sites that use rapid renewal practices. The field study included interviews with 20 subject matter experts, contractors, and state departments of transportation representatives, and a survey of 47 employees measuring work and sleep schedules, attitudes about fatigue, fatigue levels, and fatigue countermeasures employed. Worker and manager fatigue was found to be a problem on highway construction sites that was exacerbated by accelerated construction practices such as night work and weekend closures. This problem was widely acknowledged by both management and labor. Methods for dealing with fatigue were found to be informal, and there was wide variability in attitudes about fatigue. Fatigue countermeasures relevant to highway construction have been studied in other contexts and are already practiced in other industries. Therefore, a set of specific fatigue countermeasures, targeted at the rapid renewal environment, could be developed. The set would be comprised of management interventions (e.g., fatigue training, work scheduling aids, incident reporting and review) and individual interventions (e.g., sleep hygiene, napping, use of caffeine). An integrated fatigue risk management program for rapid renewal projects would include (a) work scheduling and work practice guidance based on the science of fatigue, (b) organizational practice guidance, (c) fatigue management reference materials, (d) training materials for managers and workers, and (e) outreach materials for raising awareness.
Probing Portland Cement Concrete Pavement for Thickness Determination in Wisconsin
Authors: Whited Gary C. , Stenhaug Benjamin A. , Loh Wei-Yin
Published: October 2013

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) has used probing of fresh concrete to determine the thickness of portland cement concrete pavements since 1998. Two earlier studies that compared the results from probing and coring in Wisconsin DOT projects concluded that probing did provide an acceptable measure of pavement thickness, but it was recommended that an annual coring program be instituted to verify the probing results. This paper compares core depths with probe measurements for all the projects conducted by the Wisconsin DOT from 2006 to 2011 where both core and probe data were available. A total of 32 projects were analyzed, representing more than 6,600 probes and 1,200 cores. A statistical analysis was done to determine if the core and probe measurements gave the same results. A simulation model was developed to analyze the power of the t-test to predict whether the two measurements are the same and to develop sample sizes needed to ensure that the two measurements differ only by a preselected amount. Results indicate that there are small, yet somewhat negligible in practice, differences between the core and probe methods of measurement. Recommendations are given for sample sizes needed on the basis of the size of the acceptable difference between the two methods.
Methodology to Gather Multimodal Trip Generation Data in Smart-Growth Areas
Authors: Schneider Robert J. , Shafizadeh Kevan , Sperry Benjamin R. , Handy Susan L.
Published: October 2013

This study presents a method to quantify multimodal trip generation for developments in smart-growth areas. The technique combines door counts and intercept surveys to classify trips by mode, and it has several advantages over existing methods that use automated technologies to count automobiles entering and exiting access points to developments. These advantages are particularly important in urban areas with mixed-use developments, mixed-use buildings, and a variety of parking arrangements. First, door counts quantify the total number of trips generated by all modes. Second, door counts quantify all people traveling to and from particular land uses, even if a targeted use is part of a larger, mixed-use building. Third, intercept surveys differentiate between people who are walking for an entire trip and people who are walking as a secondary mode to or from parking or transit. The method was applied at 30 smart-growth study locations in California. Multimodal person trips and vehicle trips were documented at 24 of the study locations during the morning peak hour and at 27 study locations during the afternoon peak hour. Weighted averages from these locations show that suburban-based ITE peak hour vehicle trip estimates were 2.3 times higher than actual vehicle trips in the morning and 2.4 times higher than those in the afternoon. Total person trip generation at the smart-growth study locations was similar to the total person trips estimated from ITE data; however, larger shares of person trips at the smart-growth locations were made by walking, bicycling, or public transit.
Risk-Based Corridor Asset Management
Authors: Boadi Richard S. , Amekudzi Adjo A.
Published: October 2013

Simultaneous consideration of various types of assets and investment objectives for the purpose of allocating resources more efficiently can improve the systemwide performance of the transportation system. Various studies have been conducted on the development of management systems such as those for pavements, signs, mobility, safety, and preservation. However, not as many studies specifically investigate the synergistic effects of these systems on transportation system performance. This paper develops a multiattribute utility model that identifies high-risk corridors in a transportation system for prioritization on the basis of multiple objectives and various assets. Three objectives are used in evaluating the performance of the system: minimizing the number of incidents, maximizing mobility, and improving preservation of assets. The methodology is generally applicable to system-level management of transportation systems. The model is applied to a selected corridor in the state of Georgia. Results illustrate that the developed model can aid transportation agencies in identifying high-risk corridors that degrade the performance of their transportation system. This model can be used in identifying high-risk corridors during program development.
Strategic Total Highway Asset Management Integration
Authors: Posavljak Milos , Tighe Susan L. , Godin Jerry W.
Published: October 2013

To manage a significant quantity of aging roadway infrastructure and growing traffic volume successfully, agencies are faced with challenges in developing reliable long-term plans that maximize network performance by optimizing programming preservation projects at the network level. Current practice typically involves relatively independent planning for bridge and pavement subassets, with a slight number of situations allowing for reliable trade-off analysis between the two. The choice to improve two bridges rather than one pavement section may yield a greater percentage increase in the bridge network performance than one pavement section would for the pavement network performance. The reliability of this choice being right and at the right time significantly decreases over the long term. Mutually inclusive highway asset planning by an integration of the bridge subasset into pavement subasset significantly increases long-term planning reliability. A key point of this strategic total highway asset management integration (STHAMi) approach is the conceptual structural integration factor. Integrating the bridge condition index into a pavement performance index allows for the treatment of bridges as equivalent pavement sections. STHAMi resulted in a higher percentage of model network treated per unit of value, coupled with consistently higher annual network performance during a 25-year span. Key benefits include the introduction of one pavement performance indicator as an overall encompassing highway performance measure for combined long-term bridge and pavement subasset planning. The approach makes long-term planning for both subassets possible in a pavement-oriented engineering organizational unit.
Identification and Characterisation of New Microbial Antagonists for Biocontrol of Monilinia laxa, the Causal Agent of Brown Rot on Stone Fruit
Authors: Rungjindamai Nattawut , Xu Xiang-Ming , Jeffries Peter
Published: October 2013

Monilinia laxa is the causal agent of brown rot disease on stone fruits, and also causes blossom wilt and twig canker. The common practice used to manage this disease is through fungicide treatments. However the demand to reduce fungicide inputs has been increasing and there is a growing number of reports of M. laxa strains that are resistant to fungicides. There is an urgent need to search for an alternative strategy to control the disease. This study focused on the isolation and characterisation of biological control agents (BCAs) using indigenous isolates isolated from cherries and plums collected within the UK. A total of 192 isolates were screened against two strains of M. laxa in a series of in vitro dual culture tests. From this in vitro screen, 12 isolates were selected for a subsequent in vivo screen on detached fruits, which then narrowed these isolates down to two potential BCAs. These two strains were identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens/subtilis (isolate B91) and Aureobasidium pullulans (isolate Y126). The capability of these two potential BCAs to grow and survive at a range of temperatures likely to be experienced under field and storage conditions was studied in order to gain knowledge for product formulation and field application. Bacillus sp. B91 was shown to be a mesophilic bacterium that could grow at 10–25 °C but suffered significant mortality at 0 and 5 °C, while A. pullulans Y126 was both mesophilic and psychrotolerant as it grew between 0–25 °C with the optimum at 20 °C. When all nutrients were removed, Y126 was able to survive for several weeks in all test temperatures (0–25 °C) but showed significant mortality at 25 °C. The capability of B91 to survive at 20 and 25 °C was higher than at low temperatures (0–15 °C). In addition, the modes of action of the potential BCAs were studied. B91 was shown to produce soluble and volatile organic compounds that inhibited M. laxa, while A. pullulans Y126 did not produce inhibitory compounds, but appeared to inhibit the pathogen via competition for nutrients. This study shows that microbial antagonists against M. laxa can be found from indigenous sources and that they are capable of preventing brown rot disease in controlled conditions, thus demonstrating a potential to be developed into commercial products.
Regulation of Germinal Center Reactions by B and T Cells
Authors: Kim Young , Liu Xindong , Tanaka Shinya , Tran Dat , Chung Yeonseok
Published: October 2013

Break of B cell tolerance to self-antigens results in the development of autoantibodies and, thus, leads to autoimmunity. How B cell tolerance is maintained during active germinal center (GC) reactions is yet to be fully understood. Recent advances revealed several subsets of T cells and B cells that can positively or negatively regulate GC B cell responses in vivo. IL-21-producing CXCR5+ CD4+ T cells comprise a distinct lineage of helper T cells—termed follicular helper T cells (TFH)—that can provide help for the development of GC reactions where somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation take place. Although the function of TFH cells is beneficial in generating high affinity antibodies against infectious agents, aberrant activation of TFH cell or B cell to self-antigens results in autoimmunity. At least three subsets of immune cells have been proposed as regulatory cells that can limit such antibody-mediated autoimmunity, including follicular regulatory T cells (TFR), Qa-1 restricted CD8+ regulatory T cells (CD8+TREG), and regulatory B cells (BREG). In this review, we will discuss our current understanding of GC B cell regulation with specific emphasis on the newly identified immune cell subsets involved in this process.
Palladium-Catalyzed Polyfluorophenylation of Porphyrins with Bis(polyfluorophenyl)zinc Reagents
Authors: Sugita Noriaki , Hayashi Satoshi , Ishii Sawa , Takanami Toshikatsu
Published: October 2013

A facile and efficient method for the synthesis of pentafluorophenyl- and related polyfluorophenyl-substituted porphyrins has been achieved via palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of brominated porphyrins with bis(polyfluorophenyl)zinc reagents. The reaction is applicable to a variety of free-base bromoporphyrins, their metal complexes, and a number of bis(polyfluorophenyl)zinc reagents.
Intermetallics Synthesis in the Fe–Al System via Layer by Layer 3D Laser Cladding
Authors: Shishkovsky Igor , Missemer Floran , Kakovkina Nina , Smurov Igor
Published: October 2013

Intermetallide phase formation was studied in a powdered Fe–Al system under layer by layer laser cladding with the aim of fabricating the gradient of properties by means of changing the Fe–Al concentration ratio in the powder mixture from layer to layer. The relationships between the laser cladding parameters and the intermetallic phase structures in the consecutively cladded layers were determined. In order to study the structure formation an optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, measurement of microhardness, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy analysis were used after the laser synthesis of intermetallic compounds.
3D Reconstruction of Coronal Loops by the Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Nisticò Giuseppe , Verwichte Erwin , Nakariakov Valery
Published: October 2013

Knowing the three dimensional structure of plasma filaments in the uppermost part of the solar atmosphere, known as coronal loops, and especially their length, is an important parameter in the wave-based diagnostics of this part of the Sun. The combination of observations of the Sun from different points of observations in space, thanks to the most recent missions, including the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and the Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO), allows us to infer information about the geometrical shape of coronal loops in 3D space. Here, we propose a new method to reconstruct the loop shape starting from stereoscopically determined 3D points, which sample the loop length, by principal component analysis. This method is shown to retrieve in an easy way the main parameters that define the loop, e.g., the minor and major axes, the loop plane, the azimuthal and inclination angles, for the special case of a coplanar loop.
Second-Order Discrete-Time Sliding Mode Observer for State of Charge Determination Based on a Dynamic Resistance Li-Ion Battery Model
Authors: Kim Daehyun , Koo Keunhwi , Jeong Jae , Goh Taedong , Kim Sang
Published: October 2013

A second-order discrete-time sliding mode observer (DSMO)-based method is proposed to estimate the state of charge (SOC) of a Li-ion battery. Unlike the first-order sliding mode approach, the proposed method eliminates the chattering phenomenon in SOC estimation. Further, a battery model with a dynamic resistance is also proposed to improve the accuracy of the battery model. Similar to actual battery behavior, the resistance parameters in this model are changed by both the magnitude of the discharge current and the SOC level. Validation of the dynamic resistance model is performed through pulse current discharge tests at two different SOC levels. Our experimental results show that the proposed estimation method not only enhances the estimation accuracy but also eliminates the chattering phenomenon. The SOC estimation performance of the second-order DSMO is compared with that of the first-order DSMO.
Challenges for Research on Intelligence
Authors: Hunt Earl , Jaeggi Susanne
Published: October 2013

After 100 years of research, the definition of the field is still inadequate. The biggest challenge we see is moving away from a de-factor definition of intelligence in terms of test scores, but at the same time making clear what the boundaries of the field are. We then present four challenges for the field, two within a biological and two within a social context. These revolve around the issues of the malleability of intelligence and its display in everyday life, outside of a formal testing context. We conclude that developments in cognitive neuroscience and increases in the feasibility of monitoring behavior outside of the context of a testing session offer considerable hope for expansion of our both the biological and social aspects of individual differences in cognition.
Simulations and Measurements of Human Middle Ear Vibrations Using Multi-Body Systems and Laser-Doppler Vibrometry with the Floating Mass Transducer
Authors: Böhnke Frank , Bretan Theodor , Lehner Stefan , Strenger Tobias
Published: October 2013

The transfer characteristic of the human middle ear with an applied middle ear implant (floating mass transducer) is examined computationally with a Multi-body System approach and compared with experimental results. For this purpose, the geometry of the middle ear was reconstructed from μ-computer tomography slice data and prepared for a Multi-body System simulation. The transfer function of the floating mass transducer, which is the ratio of the input voltage and the generated force, is derived based on a physical context. The numerical results obtained with the Multi-body System approach are compared with experimental results by Laser Doppler measurements of the stapes footplate velocities of five different specimens. Although slightly differing anatomical structures were used for the calculation and the measurement, a high correspondence with respect to the course of stapes footplate displacement along the frequency was found. Notably, a notch at frequencies just below 1 kHz occurred. Additionally, phase courses of stapes footplate displacements were determined computationally if possible and compared with experimental results. The examinations were undertaken to quantify stapes footplate displacements in the clinical practice of middle ear implants and, also, to develop fitting strategies on a physical basis for hearing impaired patients aided with middle ear implants.
Shear Behavior Models of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Beams Modifying Softened Truss Model Approaches
Authors: Hwang Jin-Ha , Lee Deuck , Ju Hyunjin , Kim Kang , Seo Soo-Yeon , Kang Joo-Won
Published: October 2013

Recognizing that steel fibers can supplement the brittle tensile characteristics of concrete, many studies have been conducted on the shear performance of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) members. However, previous studies were mostly focused on the shear strength and proposed empirical shear strength equations based on their experimental results. Thus, this study attempts to estimate the strains and stresses in steel fibers by considering the detailed characteristics of steel fibers in SFRC members, from which more accurate estimation on the shear behavior and strength of SFRC members is possible, and the failure mode of steel fibers can be also identified. Four shear behavior models for SFRC members have been proposed, which have been modified from the softened truss models for reinforced concrete members, and they can estimate the contribution of steel fibers to the total shear strength of the SFRC member. The performances of all the models proposed in this study were also evaluated by a large number of test results. The contribution of steel fibers to the shear strength varied from 5% to 50% according to their amount, and the most optimized volume fraction of steel fibers was estimated as 1%–1.5%, in terms of shear performance.
Decrease in Available Soil Water Storage Capacity Reduces Vitality of Young Understorey European Beeches (Fagus sylvatica L.)—A Case Study from the Black Forest, Germany
Authors: Chakraborty Tamalika , Saha Somidh , Reif Albert
Published: October 2013

Growth and survival of young European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is largely dependent on water availability. We quantified the influence of water stress (measured as Available Soil Water Storage Capacity or ASWSC) on vitality of young beech plants at a dry site. The study site was located in a semi-natural sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Mattuschka) Liebl.) stand adjacent to beech stands on a rocky gneiss outcrop in southwestern Germany. Plant vitality was measured as crown dieback and estimated by the percentage of dead above ground biomass. The magnitude of crown dieback was recorded in different vertical parts of the crown. Biomass was calculated from the harvested plants following allometric regression equations specifically developed for our study site. Stem discs from harvested plants were used for growth analysis. We found that soil depth up to bedrock and skeleton content significantly influenced ASWSC at the study site. A significant negative correlation between ASWSC and crown dieback was found. Highest rates of crown dieback were noticed in the middle and lower crown. The threshold of crown dieback as a function of drought stress for young beech plants was calculated for the first time in this study. This threshold of crown dieback was found to be 40% of above ground biomass. Beyond 40% crown dieback, plants eventually experienced complete mortality. In addition, we found that the extremely dry year of 2003 significantly hampered growth (basal area increment) of plants in dry plots (ASWSC < 61 mm) in the study area. Recovery in the plants’ radial growth after that drought year was significantly higher in less dry plots (ASWSC > 61 mm) than in dry plots. We concluded that a decrease in ASWSC impeded the vitality of young beech causing partial up to complete crown dieback in the study site.
Area-Based Approach for Mapping and Monitoring Riverine Vegetation Using Mobile Laser Scanning
Authors: Saarinen Ninni , Vastaranta Mikko , Vaaja Matti , Lotsari Eliisa , Jaakkola Anttoni , Kukko Antero , Kaartinen Harri , Holopainen Markus , Hyyppä Hannu , Alho Petteri
Published: October 2013

Vegetation plays an important role in stabilizing the soil and decreasing fluvial erosion. In certain cases, vegetation increases the accumulation of fine sediments. Efficient and accurate methods are required for mapping and monitoring changes in the fluvial environment. Here, we develop an area-based approach for mapping and monitoring the vegetation structure along a river channel. First, a 2 × 2 m grid was placed over the study area. Metrics describing vegetation density and height were derived from mobile laser-scanning (MLS) data and used to predict the variables in the nearest-neighbor (NN) estimations. The training data were obtained from aerial images. The vegetation cover type was classified into the following four classes: bare ground, field layer, shrub layer, and canopy layer. Multi-temporal MLS data sets were applied to the change detection of riverine vegetation. This approach successfully classified vegetation cover with an overall classification accuracy of 72.6%; classification accuracies for bare ground, field layer, shrub layer, and canopy layer were 79.5%, 35.0%, 45.2% and 100.0%, respectively. Vegetation changes were detected primarily in outer river bends. These results proved that our approach was suitable for mapping riverine vegetation.
A cor da alma: ambivalências e ambigüidades da identidade nacional
Authors: Pesavento Sandra Jatahy
Published: October 2013

RÉSUMÉ- L'identité nationale est d'abord le résultat historique et, à ce titre, provisoire d'une lutte symbolique dans le champ de l'imaginaire grâce à laquelle se crée le sentiment d'une appartenance commune. Au XIXe siècle, la première version de l'histoire-mémoire brésilienne a élaboré une triade érigeant le colonisateur blanc en porteur de culture, l'Indien en symbole de la nature et réduisant le nègre au rang de simple outil de travail.

Au cœur du processus de construction de l'identité brésilienne, la tension entre le local et l'universel a toujours été forte : « ceci » est une terre, une nature et une population préexistant à la découverte — et « cela » est identifié à la civilisation occidentale, arrivée avec les nefs portugaises.

Le dos tourné à l'Amérique latine et, d'une certaine manière aussi, à son peuple pauvre et métis, le Brésil a toujours eu le Premier monde comme horizon de son identité.
Brasil: a sociedade civil desde a democratização (1985-2000)
Authors: Lesbaupin Yvo
Published: October 2013

RÉSUMÉ- Cet article s'intéresse à la reconstitution des canaux de la société civile, à partir des dernières années de la dictature militaire (1964-1985). Il met en évidence deux périodes : d'une part la fin des années 80, au cours desquelles les mouvements sociaux sont en pleine expansion, avec l'apogée de la Constitution de 1988 ; d'autre part les années 90, caractérisées par l'hégémonie néo-libérale et un état fortement interventionniste mais au service d'un marché sans règles. Pendant cette dernière phase, la plupart des mouvements populaires, d'abord en difficulté, reprennent vigueur à la fin de la décennie, avec la crise de la pensée hégémonique.
Retorno às origens ou revisão do instrumento : Teatralidade, brasilidade e os caminhos poéticos do Oriente
Authors: Pereira Bezerra Antonia
Published: October 2013

RESUME- Les termes « Théâtre Brésilien » et brasilidade, n'ont jamais autant hanté nos créations théâtrales. Curieusement, une certaine élite artistique manifeste un grand intérêt pour les formes théâtrales orientales, le nô et le kabuki en l'occurrence. Peut-on adopter ces formes sans oublier les mythes de notre inconscient collectif, géant endormi, certes, mais qui depuis les temps ancestraux, frémit et désire donner une légitimité à son identité, sa brasilidade ?
La luz gótica. Paisaje religioso y arquitectónico de la época de las catedrales
Authors: Medina del Río Juan Manuel , Cassinello Plaza Maria Josefa
Published: October 2013

La historia de la arquitectura gótica ha viajado intrínsecamente unida a la búsqueda de la luz. El presente estudio se introduce en la composición de esa luz tan singular que ayudó, a través de las vidrieras coloreadas, a catequizar un pueblo que no sabía hablar, gracias de un sistema visual completo insertado dentro de un complejo arquitectónico revolucionario, la catedral gótica.
El conocimiento de esa luz, su composición, cualidades y simbología, debe ser un condicionante inexcusable para afrontar cualquier intervención en el patrimonio catedralicio, en aras de respetar su esencia viva como elemento único de catequización.
Feedback in Clinical Education, Part II: Approved Clinical Instructor and Student Perceptions of and Influences on Feedback
Authors: Nottingham Sara , Henning Jolene
Published: October 2013

Context:

Approved Clinical Instructors (ACIs; now known as preceptors) are expected to provide feedback to athletic training students (ATSs) during clinical education experiences. Researchers in other fields have found that clinical instructors and students often have different perceptions of actual and ideal feedback and that several factors may influence the feedback exchanges between instructors and students. However, understanding of these issues in athletic training education is minimal.

Objective:

To investigate the current characteristics and perceptions of and the influences on feedback exchanges between ATSs and ACIs.

Design:

Qualitative study.

Setting:

One entry-level master's degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.

Patients or Other Participants:

Four ACIs and 4 second-year ATSs.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Individual, semistructured interviews were conducted with participants and integrated with field notes and observations for analysis. We used the constant comparative approach to inductively analyze data and develop codes and categories. Member checking, triangulation, and peer debriefing were used to promote trustworthiness of the study.

Results:

Participants described that feedback plays an important role in clinical education and has several purposes related to improving performance. The ACIs and ATSs also discussed several preferred characteristics of feedback. Participants identified 4 main influences on their feedback exchanges, including the ACI, the ATS, personalities, and the learning environment.

Conclusions:

The ACIs and ATSs had similar perceptions of ideal feedback in addition to the actual feedback that was provided during their clinical education experiences. Most of the preferences for feedback were aligned with recommendations in the literature, suggesting that existing research findings are applicable to athletic training clinical education. Several factors influenced the feedback exchanges between ACIs and ATSs, which clinical education coordinators should consider when selecting clinical sites and training ACIs.
Transrectal ultrasound-guided aspiration in the management of prostatic abscess: A single-center experience
Authors: Vyas Jigish B , Ganpule Sanika A , Ganpule Arvind P , Sabnis Ravindra B , Desai Mahesh R
Published: October 2013

Objectives: The safety and efficacy of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided aspiration of prostatic abscess (PA) is known. The objective of this study is to describe a treatment algorithm for management of PA with TRUS-guided aspiration, emphasizing on indications and factors predicting the treatment outcome. Materials and Methods: After the institutional review board approval was obtained, a retrospective study was done of all patients suspected with PA on digital rectal examination (DRE) and confirmed on TRUS. An 18-gauge two-part needle was used for aspiration. The real-time TRUS-guided aspiration of PA was done in the longitudinal axis. The aspiration of pus and the sequential collapse of cavity was seen "real time." A suprapubic catheter was placed, if the patient had urinary retention, persistent dysuria, and/or severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Success was defined as complete resolution of the abscess and/or symptoms. Results: Forty-eight patients were studied with PA, with a mean age of 54.6 ± 14.6 (range 26-79) years. The DRE diagnosed PA in 22 (45.83%) patients, while abdominal sonography diagnosed PA in 13 (27.08%) patients. TRUS revealed a hypoechoic area with internal echoes in all 48 (100%) patients. The diagnosis was confirmed in all 48 cases with aspiration. The mean size of the lesion was 3.2 ± 1.2 (range 1.5-8) cm. Mean volume aspirated was 10.2 ml (range 2.5-30 ml). Complete resolution after first aspiration was observed in 20 (41.66%) patients. An average of 4.1 (range 1-7) aspirations was required for complete resolution which was seen in 41 patients (85.42%). Seven (14.58%) patients required transurethral resection (deroofing) of the abscess cavity. We formulated a treatment algorithm based on the above findings. Conclusion: The proposed algorithm based on our experience suggests that patients with PA larger than 2 cm with severe LUTS and/or leukocytosis benefit from TRUS-guided aspiration. In addition, these patients are benefitted from urinary drainage (either perurethral or suprapubic). The algorithm also suggests that if two attempts of TRUS aspiration fail, these patients benefit from transurethral drainage.
Pseudoaneurysm of internal carotid artery after carotid body tumor excision
Authors: Ramesh Ananathakrishnan , Muthukumarassamy Rajakannu , Karthikeyan Vilvapathy Senguttuvan , Rajaraman Govindasamy , Mishra Sandeep
Published: October 2013

The common causes of pseudoaneurysms of internal carotid artery (ICA) in the neck are penetrating trauma, head and neck surgeries, carotid endarterectomies, infiltrating metastatic lymph nodes and neoplasms. We report a young male patient who presented with a swelling in left upper neck diagnosed as carotid body tumor with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Subadventitial excision of the tumor was done. The patient developed dense right hemiplegia in the immediate postoperative period. Doppler study of neck revealed left ICA dissection with partial thrombosis of the lumen. Computed tomography of the brain revealed nonhemorrhagic left capsuloganglionic infarct and he was managed conservatively with heparin. Follow-up Doppler study done 2 weeks later revealed pseudoaneurysm of the ICA. Attempts to obliterate the pseudoaneurysm by interventional procedures failed due to the narrow neck of the pseudoaneurysm. Heparin was stopped and patient was maintained only on oral aspirin. Doppler study repeated 1 week later showed spontaneous thrombosis of the pseudoaneurysm with good flow in the distal ICA. To the best of our knowledge, only one case of pseudo-pseudoaneurysm complicating surgical resection of carotid body tumor has been reported so far The etiology, imaging features, and treatment options of pseudoaneurysms are discussed.
Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome presenting with infertility: Role of MRI in diagnosis
Authors: Ahmad Zohra , Goyal Ankur , Das Chandan J , Deka Dipika , Sharma Raju
Published: October 2013

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS), characterized by uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis, is an uncommon combined Mullerian and mesonephric duct anomaly, and its presentation in adulthood is even rarer. We report here a 22-year-old female presenting with primary infertility where magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested the diagnosis of HWWS with endometriosis. In a patient of infertility with endometriosis and unilateral renal agenesis, diagnosis of HWWS should be suspected and MRI is the investigation of choice for such anomalies.
What is next after transfer of care from hospital to home for stroke patients? Evaluation of a community stroke care service based in a primary care clinic
Authors: Lakhan Ram
Published: October 2013

Background: Epilepsy is a disorder that is commonly found in people with intellectual disability (ID). The prevalence of epilepsy increases with the severity of ID. The objective of this study was to determine if there is an association between intelligence quotient (IQ) and epilepsy in children with ID. Materials and Methods: A total of 262 children, aged 3-18 years, with ID were identified as part of a community‑based rehabilitation project. These children were examined for epilepsy and diagnosed by a psychiatrist and physicians based on results of electroencephalogram tests. A Spearman’s correlation (ρ) was used to determine if there was an association between IQ scores and the occurrence of epilepsy. X2 statistics used to examine the relationship of epilepsy with gender, socioeconomic status, population type, severity of ID, family history of mental illness, mental retardation, epilepsy, and coexisting disorder. Results: Spearman’s rho –0.605 demonstrates inverse association of IQ with epilepsy. X2 demonstrates statistically significant association (P < 0.05) with gender, severity of ID, cerebral palsy, behavior problems, and family history of mental illness, mental retardation, and epilepsy. Conclusions: Lower IQ score in children with ID has association with occurrence of epilepsy. Epilepsy is also found highly associated with male gender and lower age.
On spectral estimates for two-dimensional Schrödinger operators
Authors: Laptev Ari , Solomyak Michael
Published: October 2013

For the two-dimensional Schrödinger operator

\mathrm H_{\alpha V}=-\Delta-\alpha V,\ V\ge 0

, we study the behavior of the number

N_-(\mathrm H_{\alpha V})

of its negative eigenvalues (bound states), as the coupling parameter

\alpha

tends to infinity. A wide class of potentials is described, for which

N_-(\mathrm H_{\alpha V})

has the semi-classical behavior, i.e.

N_-(\mathrm H_{\alpha V})=O(\alpha)

. For the potentials from this class, the necessary and sufficient condition is found for the validity of the Weyl asymptotic law.
Ways and Side Ways of Using the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Knowledge Sharing in Organizations
Authors: Lavtar Roman
Published: October 2013

Today, the information and communication technology (ICT) is vital for a successful and on-going operation and as support in the decision-making process of an organization. ICT used to serve merely as a data processing support and later as a management information system but it is nowadays becoming understood as a strategic information system, which is no longer separated from an organization’s business strategy. The new functionality requires that an organization does not treat ICT in its business plan separately. Such a role requires a change of business processes, different organizational approaches and a skilled workforce. Knowledge in an organization has been a competitive advantage and not an asset for quite some time now, therefore ICT must also be observed and applied in the light of creating the organizational knowledge. However, there is a risk of the role of ICT being overestimated, both in current operations as well as in the introduction of changes in an organization. The article studies the impact of ICT on the operations of an organization in the context of creating organizational knowledge and introducing changes. Moreover, it points out the traps which the management is exposed to whilst introducing such changes.
The Efficiency of Public Procurement Centralization: Empirical Evidence from Serbian Local Self-Governments
Authors: Jovanović Predrag , Žarkić Joksimović Nevenka , Milosavljevic Milos Srboljub
Published: October 2013

Different approaches in creating mechanisms for efficient public procurements have been applied worldwide over the last decade. Among these, bundling of public procurement is seen as a potential efficiency boost in the practice in highly decentralized procurement environments. Nevertheless, the domain of public procurement efficiency is still at its infancy in academic terms. This study examines the effects of centralization of public procurement at the local self-government level in Serbia. In particular, the study explores various upsides and downsides of centralization. Reflective recommendations provide a sound base for public procurement policy holders at the level of local self-governments.
Towards Good Urban Local Governance in Bangladesh: Lessons learnt from Japanese Local Government System to Overcome the Challenges
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Nashir
Published: October 2013

Rapid increase of size and demands of the urban population are causing manifold challenges for urban local governance in Bangladesh whereas Japan has successfully tackled similar challenges during last half century by adopting various policy measures at considerable cost. Among those, Bangladesh might easily consider several for her urban governance and development. This paper attempted to find out some policy options that Bangladesh could adopt from Japanese practices and experiences. Accordingly, an explanatory-descriptive design has been employed for content analysis in order to draw logical arguments regarding local autonomy, city governance, local assembly, financial autonomy, environmental and disaster management. Finally, the study concludes that lesson learning is essential but is neither sufficient nor indicative of an exact path to follow.
The Role of the Mayor – Between Political Vision and Criminal Responsibility
Authors: Dezman Zlatan
Published: October 2013

This paper deals with anomalies of criminal law supervision of the legality of actions of local community officials in the Republic of Slovenia. It highlights some of the dilemmas that concern the limits of central state control over local

self-governing bodies. Therefore, the following will be analyzed: 1. the fundamental characteristics of the relationship between the central state and local self-governing entities; 2. the monitoring of the autonomy of local

self-governing bodies when they decide on matters within their original jurisdiction; 3. the role of the mayor as a representative, executive and supervisory individual authority; 4. an analysis of existing Slovenian criminal

case-law in that regard; and 5. concluding remarks.
Locality in German
Authors: Vasishth Shravan , Drenhaus Heiner
Published: October 2013

Three experiments (self-paced reading, eyetracking and an ERP study) show that in relative clauses, increasing the distance between the relativized noun and the relative-clause verb makes it more difficult to process the relative-clause verb (the so-called locality effect). This result is consistent with the predictions of several theories (Gibson, 2000; Lewis and Vasishth, 2005), and contradicts the recent claim (Levy, 2008) that in relative-clause structures increasing argument-verb distance makes processing easier at the verb. Levy’s expectation-based account predicts that the expectation for a verb becomes sharper as distance is increased and therefore processing becomes easier at the verb. We argue that, in addition to expectation effects (which are seen in the eyetracking study in first-pass regression probability), processing load also increases with increasing distance. This contradicts Levy’s claim that heightened expectation leads to lower processing cost. Dependency- resolution cost and expectation-based facilitation are jointly responsible for determining processing cost.
Incrementality and the Dynamics of Routines in Dialogue
Authors: Gargett Andrew
Published: October 2013

We propose a novel dual processing model of linguistic routinisation, specifically formulaic ex- pressions (from relatively fixed idioms, all the way through to looser collocational phenomena). This model is formalised using the Dynamic Syntax (DS) formal account of language processing, whereby we make a specific extension to the core DS lexical architecture to capture the dynamics of linguistic routinisation. This extension is inspired by work within cognitive science more broadly. DS has a range of attractive modelling features, such as full incrementality, as well as recent ac- counts of using resources of the core grammar for modelling a range of dialogue phenomena, all of which we deploy in our account. This leads to not only a fully incremental model of formulaic lan- guage, but further, this straightforwardly extends to routinised dialogue phenomena. We consider this approach to be a proof of concept of how interdisciplinary work within cognitive science holds out the promise of meeting challenges faced by modellers of dialogue and discourse.
On Incrementality in Dialogue: Evidence from Compound Contributions
Authors: Howes Christine , Purver Matthew , Healey Patrick G. T. , Mills Gregory J. , Gregoromichelaki Eleni
Published: October 2013

Spoken contributions in dialogue often continue or complete earlier contributions by either the same or a different speaker. These compound contributions (CCs) thus provide a natural context for investigations of incremental processing in dialogue.We present a corpus study which confirms that CCs are a key dialogue phenomenon: almost 20% of contributions fit our general definition of CCs, with nearly 3% being the cross-person case most often studied. The results suggest that processing is word-by-word incremental, as splits can occur within syntactic ‘constituents’; however, some systematic differences between same- and cross-person cases indicate important dialogue-specific pragmatic effects. An experimental study then investigates these effects by artificially introducing CCs into multi-party text dialogue. Results suggest that CCs affect people’s expectations about who will speak next and whether other participants have formed a coalition or ‘party’.Together, these studies suggest that CCs require an incremental processing mechanism that can provide a resource for constructing linguistic constituents that span multiple contributions and multiple participants. They also suggest the need to model higher-level dialogue units that have consequences for the organization of turn-taking and for the development of a shared context.
Incremental sentence production inhibits clausal coordinate ellipsis: A treebank study into Dutch and German
Authors: Harbusch Karin
Published: October 2013

From two corpus studies into varieties of clausal coordination in English (Meyer, 1995 and Greenbaum & Nelson, 1999), it is known that the incidence of clausal coordinate ellipsis (CCE) is about two times higher in written than in spoken language. We present a treebank study into CCE in written and spoken Dutch and German which confirms this tendency. Moreover, we observe considerable differences between written and spoken language with respect to the incidence of four main types of clausal coordinate ellipsis—Gapping, Forward Conjunction Reduction (FCR), Backward Conjunction Reduction (BCR), and Subject Gap with Finite/Fronted Verb (SGF). We argue that the detailed data pattern cannot be accounted for in terms of audience design, and propose an explanation based on the assumption that during spontaneous speaking—but not during writing—, the scope of online grammatical planning is basically restricted to one (finite) clause.