bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practices, Concerns, and Willingness to Participate in Solid Waste Management in Two Urban Slums in Central Uganda
Authors: Mukama Trasias , Ndejjo Rawlance , Musoke David , Musinguzi Geofrey , Halage Abdullah Ali , Carpenter David O. , Ssempebwa John C.
Published: March 2016

Poor solid waste management is among the major challenges facing urban slums in developing countries including Uganda. Understanding community concerns and willingness towards involvement in solid waste management improvement initiatives is critical for informing interventions in slums.Methods. We used a cross-sectional study to collect quantitative data from 435 residents in two urban slums in central Uganda. A semistructured questionnaire was used which assessed waste collection practices, separation and disposal methods, concerns regarding solid wastes, and willingness to participate in waste separation and composting. Data was analysed using STATA 12.Results. Food remains (38%) and plastics (37%) formed the biggest proportion of wastes generated in households. Most households (35.9%) disposed of general wastes by open dumping while 27% disposed of plastics by burning. Only 8.8% of households conducted composting while 55% carried out separation for some decomposable wastes. Separation was carried out for only banana peelings and leftover foods for feeding animals. Respondents expressed high willingness to separate (76.6%) and compost (54.9%) solid wastes.Conclusion. Practices in waste disposal and separation were poor despite high willingness to participate in initiatives to improve waste management, highlighting a need for authorities to engage residents of slums to improve their practices.
Accurate Load Modeling Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Wang Zhenshu , Jiang Xiaohui , Bian Shaorun , Ma Yangyang , Fan Bowen
Published: March 2016

Establishing an accurate load model is a critical problem in power system modeling. That has significant meaning in power system digital simulation and dynamic security analysis. The synthesis load model (SLM) considers the impact of power distribution network and compensation capacitor, while randomness of power load is more precisely described by traction power system load model (TPSLM). On the basis of these two load models, a load modeling method that combines synthesis load with traction power load is proposed in this paper. This method uses analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to interact with two load models. Weight coefficients of two models can be calculated after formulating criteria and judgment matrixes and then establishing a synthesis model by weight coefficients. The effectiveness of the proposed method was examined through simulation. The results show that accurate load modeling based on AHP can effectively improve the accuracy of load model and prove the validity of this method.
Adaptive Array Beamforming Using a Chaotic Beamforming Algorithm
Authors: Jovanović Ana , Lazović Luka , Rubežić Vesna
Published: March 2016

The Chaotic beamforming adaptive algorithm is new adaptive method for antenna array’s radiation pattern synthesis. This adaptive method based on the optimization of the Least Mean Square algorithm using Chaos theory enables fast adaptation of antenna array radiation pattern, reduction of the noisy reference signal’s impact, and the improvement of the tracking capabilities. We performed simulations for linear and circular antenna arrays. We also compared the performances of the used and existing algorithms in terms of the radiation pattern comparison.
Knowledge and Attitudes towards Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Senior Medical Students in King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzahrani Sami H. , Bashawri Jamil , Salawati Emad M. , Bakarman Marwan A.
Published: March 2016

Objectives. This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in medical students in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it evaluated their views on the incorporation of CAM in their medical syllabus. Methods. The study was conducted by selecting a cross‐sectional sample of senior medical students in the Faculty of Medicine. A validated and reliable self‐administered questionnaire was used to explore the knowledge, attitude, and benefits of CAM. It was distributed to a sample of 273 students. Results. The study included 242 students, making the response rate 88.6%. Only two‐thirds of students (62.4%) were aware of acupuncture principles and only 17.4% recognized that chiropractic is associated with pain management. The knowledge of common herbs such as St. John’s Wort, Echinacea, and Ginkgo biloba was limited among the students. Older students had a positive CAM attitude compared to younger students (p = 0.027). Conclusion. Students attitudes toward CAM learning were encouraging regardless of their limited knowledge on the subject. A high percentage of students agreed that CAM in combination with conventional therapy is beneficial in treating unusual cases, but the choice of CAM should be based on evidence. Furthermore, medical students are still reluctant to have CAM practitioners in their referral network.
CD38 Expression in a Subset of Memory T Cells Is Independent of Cell Cycling as a Correlate of HIV Disease Progression
Authors: Würsch Daniela , Ormsby Christopher E. , Romero-Rodríguez Dámaris P. , Olvera-García Gustavo , Zúñiga Joaquín , Jiang Wei , Pérez-Patrigeon Santiago , Espinosa Enrique
Published: March 2016

In order to determine if the expression of the activation marker CD38 can correlate with HIV disease progression independently of cycling, we performed a cluster-based multivariate correlation analysis of total circulating CD4+T cell counts and viral loads with frequencies of CD38 and Ki67 expression on CD4+lymphocytes from patients with untreated HIV infection, stratified in maturation subpopulations, and subpopulation subsets defined by the expression of CXCR5, CXCR3, and CCR4. The frequencies of the activated phenotypes %CD38+Ki67−and %CD38+Ki67+of the CXCR5−CXCR3−CCR4+(“pre-Th2”) central memory (TCM) cell subset clustered together, comprising a significant negative correlate of total circulating CD4+T cell counts and a positive correlate of viral load in multivariate analysis. Frequency of cycling-uncoupled CD38 expression in “pre-Th2”TCMcells was a negative correlate of total circulating CD4+T cell counts in univariate analysis, which was not the case of their %CD38+Ki67+. CXCR5+CXCR3−CCR4−  TCMcells were underrepresented in patients, and their absolute counts correlated negatively with their %CD38+Ki67−but not with their % CD38+Ki67+. Our results may imply that CD38 expression either reflects or participates in pathogenic mechanisms of HIV disease independently of cell cycling.
Formation of Liquid Products at the Filtration Combustion of Solid Fuels
Authors: Salgansky E. A. , Kislov V. M. , Glazov S. V. , Salganskaya M. V.
Published: March 2016

Yields of liquid and gaseous products of the filtration combustion of cellulose, wood, peat, coal, and rubber have been investigated. Experiments have shown that the gasification of solid fuels in the regime with superadiabatic heating yields liquid hydrocarbons with quantity and quality, which are close to those produced using other methods, for example, by pyrolysis. But in this case no additional energy supply is needed to carry out the gasification process. The low calorific combustible gas, which forms in this process, contains a substantial quantity of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which are components of syngas.
Endovascular Therapeutic Occlusion of the Posterior Cerebral Artery: An Option for Ruptured Giant Aneurysm in a Child
Authors: Demartini Jr. Zeferino , Matos Luiz Afonso Dias , dos Santos Marcio Luis Tostes , Cardoso-Demartini Adriane de Andre
Published: March 2016

The incidence of intracranial aneurysms in the pediatric population is low, and surgical clipping remains a good long-term treatment option. However, posterior circulation aneurysms are even more complex to manage in children than in adults. We report a case of a giant aneurysm of the posterior cerebral artery in a 10-year-old boy presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Endovascular treatment with platinum coils was performed with total occlusion of the aneurysm and the affected arterial segment without complications. The patient achieved good recovery, and a late control angiogram confirmed exclusion of the aneurysm. Occurrence of special features of cerebral aneurysm in children, in comparison to adults, is also described. Parent artery sacrifice is an effective therapeutic option, but long-term follow-up is necessary to avoid recurrence and rebleeding.
A Hepatocellular Carcinoma Aggressiveness Index and Its Relationship to Liver Enzyme Levels
Authors: Carr Brian I. , Guerra Vito
Published: March 2016

Background: Prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is influenced by both liver and tumor factors, which have been considered independent influences. However, recent evidence has shown that the underlying liver also has prognostic information. Aims: To investigate possible relationships between liver function parameters and HCC aggressiveness indices. Methods: A large HCC patient database with baseline clinical information and survival data was retrospectively examined. Results: Data on 756 HCC patients with normal bilirubin were examined for a relationship between serum liver enzymes and 4 HCC aggressiveness indices of maximum tumor diameter, portal vein invasion, tumor multifocality or serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. An association was found between elevated enzyme levels and increased HCC aggressiveness. An aggressiveness index was constructed from the 4 indices and expressed as a sum of their scores, which in turn reflected 3 survival groups. In a Cox model, the hazard ratios for each of the groups were significantly different. Conclusions: Statistically significant correlations were found between standard liver function parameters and HCC aggressiveness. A composite aggressiveness index was constructed, yielding 3 groups with different survival probabilities. These findings support the concept of the importance of the underlying liver in relation to HCC biology.
Post-Surgical and Oncologic Outcomes of Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy: A Single-Institution Report of Ninety Cases
Authors: Ozturk Kerem , Akyildiz Serdar , Gode Sercan , Turhal Goksel , Kirazli Tayfun , Aysel Abdulhalim , Uluoz Umit
Published: March 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to report the post-surgical and oncologic outcomes of patients who underwent supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL). Methods: 90 patients who underwent SCPL between 1994 and 2014 were reviewed. 45 patients underwent cricohyoidopexy (CHP) and 45 patients cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP). Median nasogastric (NG) tube removal time, decannulation time, overall survival, disease-free survival and local control rates were calculated. The effect of the type of surgery on functional and oncologic outcomes were assessed. Results: Median NG tube removal time was 16.5 days (IQR = 10) and 14 days (IQR = 9) in CHP and CHEP patients, respectively (p > 0.05). Median decannulation time was 30 days (IQR = 26) and 19 days (IQR = 15) in CHP and CHEP patients, respectively (p < 0.05). Resection of one arytenoid significantly increased NG tube removal time. Median follow-up time was 55 months. There were 15 oncologic failures and the median time interval for tumor recurrence was 9 months. Five-year overall survival rate was 80.4%. The 3- and 5-year disease-free specific survival rates were 81.7 and 76.7%, respectively. Conclusions: Given the more extensive surgery applied for CHP, functional outcomes were better in patients with CHEP. Resection of an arytenoid had a negative outcome on swallowing.
Quantification of the Interrelationship between Brachial-Ankle and Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity in a Workplace Population
Authors: Cheng Yi-Bang , Li Yan , Sheng Chang-Sheng , Huang Qi-Fang , Wang Ji-Guang
Published: March 2016

Background: Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV) is increasingly used for the measurement of arterial stiffness. In the present study, we quantified the interrelationship between brachial-ankle and carotid-femoral PWV in a workplace population, and investigated the associations with cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Methods: Brachial-ankle and carotid-femoral PWV were measured using the Omron-Colin VP1000 and SphygmoCor devices, respectively. We investigated the interrelationship by the Pearson's correlation analysis and Bland-Altman plot, and performed sensitivity and specificity analyses. Results: The 954 participants (mean ± standard deviation age 42.6 ± 14.2 years) included 630 (66.0%) men and 203 (21.3%) hypertensive patients. Brachial-ankle (13.4 ± 2.7 m/s) and carotid-femoral PWV (7.3 ± 1.6 m/s) were significantly correlated in all subjects (r = 0.75) as well as in men (r = 0.72) and women (r = 0.80) separately. For arterial stiffness defined as a carotid-femoral PWV of 10 m/s or higher, the sensitivity and specificity of brachial-ankle PWV of 16.7 m/s or higher were 72 and 94%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.953. In multiple stepwise regression, brachial-ankle and carotid-femoral PWV were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with age (partial r = 0.33 and 0.34, respectively) and systolic blood pressure (partial r = 0.71 and 0.66, respectively). In addition, brachial-ankle and carotid-femoral PWV were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with carotid IMT (r = 0.57 and 0.55, respectively) in unadjusted analysis, but not in analysis adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors (p ≥ 0.08). Conclusions: Brachial-ankle and carotid-femoral PWV were closely correlated, and had similar determinants. Brachial-ankle PWV can behave as an ease-of-use alternative measure of arterial stiffness for assessing cardiovascular risk.
ASIRI: An Ocean–Atmosphere Initiative for Bay of Bengal
Authors: Wijesekera Hemantha W. , Shroyer Emily , Tandon Amit , Ravichandran M. , Sengupta Debasis , Jinadasa S. U. P. , Fernando Harindra J. S. , Agrawal Neeraj , Arulananthan K. , Bhat G. S. , Baumgartner Mark , Buckley Jared , Centurioni Luca , Conry Patrick , Farrar J. Thomas , Gordon Arnold L. , Hormann Verena , Jarosz Ewa , Jensen Tommy G. , Johnston Shaun , Lankhorst Matthias , Lee Craig M. , Leo Laura S. , Lozovatsky Iossif , Lucas Andrew J. , Mackinnon Jennifer , Mahadevan Amala , Nash Jonathan , Omand Melissa M. , Pham Hieu , Pinkel Robert , Rainville Luc , Ramachandran Sanjiv , Rudnick Daniel L. , Sarkar Sutanu , Send Uwe , Sharma Rashmi , Simmons Harper , Stafford Kathleen M. , St. Laurent Louis , Venayagamoorthy Karan , Venkatesan Ramasamy , Teague William J. , Wang David W. , Waterhouse Amy F. , Weller Robert , Whalen Caitlin B.
Published: March 2016

Air–Sea Interactions in the Northern Indian Ocean (ASIRI) is an international research effort (2013–17) aimed at understanding and quantifying coupled atmosphere–ocean dynamics of the Bay of Bengal (BoB) with relevance to Indian Ocean monsoons. Working collaboratively, more than 20 research institutions are acquiring field observations coupled with operational and high-resolution models to address scientific issues that have stymied the monsoon predictability. ASIRI combines new and mature observational technologies to resolve submesoscale to regional-scale currents and hydrophysical fields. These data reveal BoB’s sharp frontal features, submesoscale variability, low-salinity lenses and filaments, and shallow mixed layers, with relatively weak turbulent mixing. Observed physical features include energetic high-frequency internal waves in the southern BoB, energetic mesoscale and submesoscale features including an intrathermocline eddy in the central BoB, and a high-resolution view of the exchange along the periphery of Sri Lanka, which includes the 100-km-wide East India Coastal Current (EICC) carrying low-salinity water out of the BoB and an adjacent, broad northward flow (∼300 km wide) that carries high-salinity water into BoB during the northeast monsoon. Atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) observations during the decaying phase of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) permit the study of multiscale atmospheric processes associated with non-MJO phenomena and their impacts on the marine boundary layer. Underway analyses that integrate observations and numerical simulations shed light on how air–sea interactions control the ABL and upper-ocean processes.
Influence of Climate Variability on Extreme Ocean Surface Wave Heights Assessed from ERA-Interim and ERA-20C
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Min Seung-Ki , Weller Evan , Lee Hansu , Wang Xiaolan L.
Published: March 2016

Extreme ocean surface wave heights significantly affect coastal structures and offshore activities and impact many vulnerable populations of low-lying islands. Therefore, better understanding of ocean wave height variability plays an important role in potentially reducing risk in such regions. In this study, global impacts of natural climate variability such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) on extreme significant wave height (SWH) are analyzed using ERA-Interim (1980–2014) and ECMWF twentieth-century reanalysis (ERA-20C; 1952–2010) datasets for December–February (DJF). The nonstationary generalized extreme value (GEV) analysis is used to determine the influence of natural climate variability on DJF maxima of SWH (Hmax), wind speed (Wmax), and mean sea level pressure gradient amplitude (Gmax). The major ENSO influence on Hmax is found over the northeastern North Pacific (NP), with increases during El Niño and decreases during La Niña, and its counter responses are observed in coastal regions of the western NP, which are consistently observed in both Wmax and Gmax responses. The Hmax response to the PDO occurs over similar regions in the NP as those associated with ENSO but with much weaker amplitude. Composite analysis of different ENSO and PDO phase combinations reveals stronger (weaker) influences when both variability modes are of the same (opposite) phase. Furthermore, significant NAO influence on Hmax, Wmax, and Gmax is observed throughout Icelandic and Azores regions in relation to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns. Overall, the response of extreme SWH to natural climate variability modes is consistent with seasonal mean responses.
Impact of Ural Blocking on Winter Warm Arctic–Cold Eurasian Anomalies. Part I: Blocking-Induced Amplification
Authors: Luo Dehai , Xiao Yiqing , Yao Yao , Dai Aiguo , Simmonds Ian , Franzke Christian L. E.
Published: March 2016

In Part I of this study, the impact of Ural blocking (UB) on the warm Arctic–cold Eurasian (WACE) pattern associated with the winter (DJF) arctic sea ice loss during 1979–2013 is examined by dividing the arctic sea ice reduction region into two dominant subregions: the Barents and Kara Seas (BKS) and the North American high-latitude (NAH) region (Baffin and Hudson Bay, Davis Strait, and Labrador Sea). It is found that atmospheric response to arctic sea ice loss resembles a negative Arctic response oscillation with a dominant positive height anomaly over the Eurasian subarctic region. Regression analyses of the two subregions further show that the sea ice loss over the BKS corresponds to the UB pattern together with a positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO+) and is followed by a WACE anomaly, while the sea ice reduction in the NAH region corresponds to a negative NAO (NAO−) pattern with a cold anomaly over northern Eurasia.

Further analyses reveal that the UB pattern is more persistent during the period 2000–13 (P2) than 1979–99 (P1) because of the reduced middle-to-high-latitude mean westerly winds over Eurasia associated with the intense BKS warming. During P2 the establishment of the UB becomes a slow process because of the role of the BKS warming, while its decay is slightly rapid. In the presence of the long-lived UB that often occurs with the NAO+, the BKS-warming-induced DJF-mean anticyclonic anomaly is intensified and widened and then expands southward during P2 to amplify the WACE pattern and induce the southward displacement of its cold anomaly and the further loss of the BKS sea ice. Thus, midlatitude Eurasian cold events should be more frequent as the sea ice loss continues over the BKS.
The Role of Moist Intrusions in Winter Arctic Warming and Sea Ice Decline
Authors: Woods Cian , Caballero Rodrigo
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the trajectories followed by intense intrusions of moist air into the Arctic polar region during autumn and winter and their impact on local temperature and sea ice concentration. It is found that the vertical structure of the warming associated with moist intrusions is bottom amplified, corresponding to a transition of local conditions from a “cold clear” state with a strong inversion to a “warm opaque” state with a weaker inversion. In the marginal sea ice zone of the Barents Sea, the passage of an intrusion also causes a retreat of the ice margin, which persists for many days after the intrusion has passed. The authors find that there is a positive trend in the number of intrusion events crossing 70°N during December and January that can explain roughly 45% of the surface air temperature and 30% of the sea ice concentration trends observed in the Barents Sea during the past two decades.
Exploring the Pullback Attractors of a Low-Order Quasigeostrophic Ocean Model: The Deterministic Case
Authors: Pierini Stefano , Ghil Michael , Chekroun Mickael D.
Published: March 2016

A low-order quasigeostrophic double-gyre ocean model is subjected to an aperiodic forcing that mimics time dependence dominated by interdecadal variability. This model is used as a prototype of an unstable and nonlinear dynamical system with time-dependent forcing to explore basic features of climate change in the presence of natural variability. The study relies on the theoretical framework of nonautonomous dynamical systems and of their pullback attractors (PBAs), that is, of the time-dependent invariant sets attracting all trajectories initialized in the remote past. The existence of a global PBA is rigorously demonstrated for this weakly dissipative nonlinear model. Ensemble simulations are carried out and the convergence to PBAs is assessed by computing the probability density function (PDF) of localization of the trajectories. A sensitivity analysis with respect to forcing amplitude shows that the PBAs experience large modifications if the underlying autonomous system is dominated by small-amplitude limit cycles, while less dramatic changes occur in a regime characterized by large-amplitude relaxation oscillations. The dependence of the attracting sets on the choice of the ensemble of initial states is then analyzed. Two types of basins of attraction coexist for certain parameter ranges; they contain chaotic and nonchaotic trajectories, respectively. The statistics of the former does not depend on the initial states whereas the trajectories in the latter converge to small portions of the global PBA. This complex scenario requires separate PDFs for chaotic and nonchaotic trajectories. General implications for climate predictability are finally discussed.
Upslope Internal-Wave Stokes Drift, and Compensating Downslope Eulerian Mean Currents, Observed above a Lakebed
Authors: Henderson Stephen M.
Published: March 2016

In a small lake, where flows were dominated by internal waves with 10–32-h period, slow but persistent mean transport of water over many wave periods was examined. Acoustic Doppler profilers (ADPs) and a vertical string of temperature loggers were deployed where the lower thermocline intersected the sloping lakebed. Near (<1 m above) the bed, internal waves, coherent with a lakewide seiche, propagated upslope at ~0.023 m s−1. Near-bed wave-induced water velocity fluctuations had a standard deviation of <0.02 m s−1. Near the surface, velocity fluctuations had similar magnitude, but lateral wave propagation was unclear. Averaged over many wave periods, the near-bed Eulerian velocity flowed downslope at ~0.01 m s−1, and was roughly cancelled by an upslope internal-wave Stokes drift (estimated by assuming that weakly nonlinear waves propagated without change of form). To examine net transport, while relaxing approximations used to estimate the Stokes drift, the observed temperature range (9°–25°C) was divided into 0.5°C increments, and the depth-integrated, wave-averaged flux of water in each temperature class was calculated. The coldest (near-bed) water was slowly transported onshore, opposite the Eulerian mean velocity. Onshore flux of warm near-surface water was comparable to an Eulerian-mean flux, indicating minimal near-surface Stokes drift. Intermediate water, from the middle of the water column and the outer boundary layer, was transported offshore by an offshore Stokes drift. The downslope near-bed Eulerian mean velocity, together with intensification of mean stratification within 0.4 m of the bed, may enhance boundary layer mixing.
Human rights equals human survival?
Authors: Polanska Kasia
Published: March 2016

This essay reviews two works that offer both similar and different visions of what the sociology of human rights should entail. Both offer accounts of how sociology, by being inherently interested in studying and uncovering power relations in society, is a particularly useful perspective through which to analyze human rights. While providing a rigorous analysis of a variety of global human rights issues, the authors point to some critical problems and challenges to human rights implementation. They also show how these can be overcome to ensure not only the observance of human rights but also human survival.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Is Low in Acute and Chronic White-Matter Diseases of Children
Authors: Riikonen Raili , Turpeinen Ursula
Published: March 2016

Insulin-like growth factor 1 increases both the number of oligodendrocytes and the amount of axonal myelin produced. The aim of this study was to see whether insulin-like growth factor 1 played a role in white-matter diseases of children. We studied insulin-like growth factor 1 in the cerebrospinal fluid of children with various white-matter diseases: (1) children with acute demyelinating events: acute disseminated encephalomyelitis ( n = 5), acute transverse myelitis in multiple sclerosis ( n = 1), and infarct of the medial cerebral artery causing secondary white-matter changes ( n = 1), and (2) children with chronic diseases: delayed myelination ( n = 3) and progressive leukodystrophies ( n = 4). Insulin-like growth factor 1 was determined by radioimmunoassay with commercially available kits (Mediagnost, Tubingen, Germany). We found markedly lower concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid insulin-like growth factor 1 in the patients than in the 28 age-matched control children ( P < .0005). Low cerebrospinal fluid insulin-like growth factor 1 can play a role in the pathology of both acute and chronic white-matter diseases of children. ( J Child Neurol 2005;20:181—184).
Incongruent Cerebral Growth in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: Kadhim Hazim , Sébire Guillaume , Khalifa Monia , Evrard Philippe , Groswasser José , Franco Patricia , Kahn André
Published: March 2016

Sudden infant death syndrome remains a leading cause of postneonatal mortality in developed countries. Its etiopathogenic mechanisms are unknown. In this neuropathologic study, we noticed that the weights of the brains of infants who died from sudden infant death syndrome ( n = 97) were invariably heavier in comparison with those of a group of age-matched controls ( n = 23) issuing from the same local population. Brain edema was not a major element, and there were no significant microscopic or macroscopic cerebral anomalies in the brains from either of the study groups. Head circumference did not show a parallel increase in infants with sudden infant death syndrome. The excessive brain weight might reflect abnormal cerebral development and could be detrimental to vital neural control. In a previous study, we disclosed cytokine overexpression in the brains of these victims. Whether increased brain weight is linked to cytokine up-regulation remains, however, a moot case and merits further exploration.
Childhood Ischemic Stroke in a Nonurban Population
Authors: Bowen Michael D. , Burak Christopher R. , Barron Todd F.
Published: March 2016

A 10-year, retrospective review of the etiology, outcome, and complications of ischemic stroke in children from a nonurban population was conducted. Twenty-seven children were identified (14 boys, 13 girls), ages 1.25 to 17 years (mean 7.7 years). Etiologies included undetermined (22%), arterial dissection (19%), coagulopathy (15%), embolism (15%), moyamoya disease (11%), sickle cell disease (11%), isolated angiitis of the central nervous system or vasculitis (11%), or other known source (11%; two fibromuscular dysplasia, one L-asparaginase). More than one risk factor was present in five children. Seventeen (65%) children were anticoagulated, with no adverse events occurring. Nine children were anticoagulated initially with low-molecular-weight heparin. Other treatments included corticosteroids; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; and anticonvulsants for concomitant seizures. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 60 months (mean 17 months) and was as follows: 6 (22%) were normal, 9 (33%) had mild impairment, and 12 (44%) had moderate to severe deficits. There were no deaths. Neurologic complications included seizure (two), behavioral problems (two), and hemorrhagic conversion (one). In this population, the outcome from ischemic stroke was similar to that of other studies, with the majority of children demonstrating persistent neurologic deficits. Etiology could be determined for the majority of patients, with 19% having more than one risk factor. ( J Child Neurol 2005;20:194—197).
Modern Imaging Methods for the Assessment of Langerhans' Cell Histiocytosis—Associated Neurodegenerative Syndrome: Case Report
Authors: Steiner Manuel , Prayer Daniela , Asenbaum Susanne , Prosch Helmut , Minkov Milen , Unger Edda , Grois Nicole
Published: March 2016

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis—associated neurodegenerative syndrome is an enigmatic manifestation, most often localized in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia. Its pathophysiologic basis is poorly understood, and effective treatment strategies are currently missing. Modern imaging modalities offer the possibility of shedding further light on this puzzling disease in a noninvasive way. We report on a 12-year-old boy with a Langerhans' cell histiocytosis—associated neurodegenerative syndrome who underwent a thorough evaluation with different modern imaging methods in addition to routine brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to analyze their informative value for this condition. Additional imaging includedpositronemissiontomographyusing[ 18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET), single photon emission computed tomographyusing[ 123I]2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta(4-iodophenyl)tropane and [123I]iodobenzamide, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The potential relevance of each method for neurodegenerative Langerhans' cell histiocytosis is discussed based on the results obtained, and a review of the literature is made. The case underlines the fact that MRI undoubtedly possesses the major role in the diagnostic evaluation and monitoring of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis—associated neurodegenerative syndrome. FDG-PET and magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings were in good correlation with the MRI results. In particular, magnetic resonance spectroscopy could provide a valuable diagnostic tool in addition to MRI in the early detection and evaluation of the neurodegenerativecomponentofthisdisease.( J Child Neurol 2005; 20: 253—257).
Common respiratory conditions of the newborn
Authors: Gallacher David J. , Hart Kylie , Kotecha Sailesh
Published: March 2016

Key points

Respiratory distress is a common presenting feature among newborn infants.

Prompt investigation to ascertain the underlying diagnosis and appropriate subsequent management is important to improve outcomes.

Many of the underlying causes of respiratory distress in a newborn are unique to this age group.

A chest radiograph is crucial to assist in diagnosis of an underlying cause.

Educational aims

To inform readers of the common respiratory problems encountered in neonatology and the evidence-based management of these conditions.

To enable readers to develop a framework for diagnosis of an infant with respiratory distress.

The first hours and days of life are of crucial importance for the newborn infant as the infant adapts to the extra-uterine environment. The newborn infant is vulnerable to a range of respiratory diseases, many unique to this period of early life as the developing fluid-filled fetal lungs adapt to the extrauterine environment. The clinical signs of respiratory distress are important to recognise and further investigate, to identify the underlying cause. The epidemiology, diagnostic features and management of common neonatal respiratory conditions are covered in this review article aimed at all healthcare professionals who come into contact with newborn infants.
Bedside myocardial perfusion assessment with contrast echocardiography
Authors: Orde Sam , McLean Anthony
Published: March 2016

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency medicine 2016. Other selected articles can be found online at http://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2016. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Emerging Concepts in Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Maxwell Cory , Konoske Ryan , Mark Jonathan
Published: March 2016

Introduced in 1977, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) offered imaging through a new acoustic window sitting directly behind the heart, allowing improved evaluation of many cardiac conditions. Shortly thereafter, TEE was applied to the intraoperative environment, as investigators quickly recognized that continuous cardiac evaluation and monitoring during surgery, particularly cardiac operations, were now possible. Among the many applications for perioperative TEE, this review will focus on four recent advances: three-dimensional TEE imaging, continuous TEE monitoring in the intensive care unit, strain imaging, and assessment of diastolic ventricular function.
Properties of Dupin Cyclide and Their Application. Part 3: The Problem of Apollonius
Authors: Сальков  , Sal'kov Nikolay
Published: March 2016

In the first part of work was addressed mainly the

issue of properties under Dupin cyclide, and given some examples

of their applications: three ways of solving the problem of Apollonius using only compass and ruler, using the identified properties of

Dupin cyclid. The second part of work continued with consideration

of the use of property under a lie of Dupin. It is determined that

the focal surface of cyclid of Dupin is degenerated in the lines and

represent curves of the second order. Here under a lie can be defined

conic curve and a sphere whose center lies on the focal curve.

Polyconic conformity these focal curves is revealed. The article

show the formation of the surface of the fourth order on the basis

of defocusing curves of the second order.

In this issue of the journal the reader is invited to consider the

practical application of properties under a lie of Dupin for example

of well known problems with on-voltage. If the first part of the work

was cited only three ways of solving the problem of Apollonius, in

the third part the author considers other possible mates: as at zero

the size of the radius of the circle and the demon is of course great.

All decisions – both known and not really based on properties of

Dupin cyclide. In the course of engineering graphics, introductory

tests, as they say now, drawing on architectural faculties there are

tasks, dedicated to the mating arcs of circles with straight lines,

and circles passing through the points in various combinations.

Therefore, the proposed practical application cannot be considered

far-fetched – it is based on the practical utility of method.
Subject Olympiads As an Indicator of the Quality of Education
Authors: Сальков  , Sal'kov Nikolay
Published: March 2016

The famous phrase of M.V. Lomonosov: "Mathematics

should be studied for it puts mind in order". It is quite possible to

rephrase it for descriptive geometry, because geometry is math too.

The invention of microprocessor technology, the advent of the

personal computer, the discovery of the GMR effect (1988), which

dramatically increased the speed and memory capacity of the PC,

are called theSubject olympiads in descriptive geometry are held

in many cities of Russia, including in Moscow. These olympiads,

according to the author of the hundred-Tue, are an indicator of

the quality of teaching in universities. Introduced by the author at

the Moscow State Institute of Public Utilities (MIKHiS), and then

at the Moscow State Academic Art Institute named after V.I. Surikov

course of descriptive geometry, which allows to organize and algorithmization

of the educational process, helped students teams of

both universities without any special additional of preparation to

take a pretty decent place at the Moscow city Olympiads on descriptive

geometry. The structure of the basic course helped to

organize and sturcture lecture material, which, in turn, allowed the

entire amount of information to compress, in principle, by almost

half, and reduce the number of hours of lectures from 32 to 18

without much loss. If current trends to cut a watch from the disciplines

of engineering, it is the doubtless achievement. The use of

this structure led to a positive effect: better memorization of the

material, better absorption, which was identified with the participation

of students who passed the course at the Moscow city Olympiads

on descriptive geometry. The author developed the criterion of

success of the team of students. The article contains the appropriate

tables and charts.

The article does not provide data later than 2013, as Moscow

State Academy of Municipal Economy and Construction was

disbanded in 2014 and included in Moscow State University of

Civil Engineering. From the very beginning, the comparison of the

two approaches in Moscow State Academy of Municipal Economy

and Construction and in Moscow State Academic Art Institute

named after V.I. Surikov was considered: traditional teaching descriptive

geometry and proposed.
A Commonsense Knowledge-Enabled Textual Analysis Approach for Financial Market Surveillance
Authors: Li Xin , Chen Kun , Sun Sherry X. , Fung Terrance , Wang Huaiqing , Zeng Daniel D.
Published: March 2016

Market surveillance systems (MSSs) are increasingly used to monitor trading activities in financial markets to maintain market integrity. Existing MSSs primarily focus on statistical analysis of market activity data and largely ignore textual market information, including, but not limited to, news reports and various social media. As suggested by both theoretical explorations in finance and prevailing market surveillance practice, unstructured market information holds major yet underexplored opportunities for surveillance. In this paper, we propose a news analysis approach with the help of commonsense knowledge to assess the risk of suspicious transactions identified in market activity analysis. Our approach explicitly models semantic relations between transactions and news articles and provides semantic references to words in news articles. We conducted experiments using data collected from a real-world market and found that our proposed approach significantly outperforms the existing methods, which are based on transaction characteristics or traditional textual analysis methods. Experiments also show that the performance advantage of the proposed approach mainly comes from the modeling of news-transaction relationships. The research contributes to the market surveillance literature and has significant practical implications.
Incontinence-associated dermatitis: new insights into an old problem
Authors: Voegeli David
Published: March 2016

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a common skin disorder seen in patients with incontinence. Typically IAD presents as inflammation of the skin surface characterised by redness, and in extreme cases, swelling and blister formation. If untreated this usually rapidly leads to excoriation and skin breakdown, which may subsequently become infected by the skin flora. While this is a common condition encountered in all areas of nursing practice, gaps remain in our understanding of the many contributing factors. A lack of standardised definitions of IAD, differences in terminology, and a bewildering increase in products available to prevent and manage IAD, makes it difficult for nurses to deliver evidence-based care. However, it is an area where nursing research has made a considerable contribution over the past few years. This article explores the current thinking on IAD and the implications for nursing practice.
Nursing students' knowledge of child abuse and neglect in India
Authors: Poreddi Vijayalakshmi , Pashapu Dharma Reddy , Kathyayani BV , Gandhi SaiLaxmi , El-Arousy Wafaa , Math Suresh Bada
Published: March 2016

Background:

Child abuse and neglect are global phenomena. Research on knowledge of and attitudes towards child abuse and neglect among nursing students in India is limited.

Aim:

To investigate undergraduate nursing students' knowledge of and attitudes towards child abuse and neglect.

Methods:

A descriptive design was adopted for the study, in which 158 nursing students participated by responding to a standardised questionnaire.

Results:

The findings revealed that students' knowledge of child abuse and neglect is inadequate, as the total mean (M) score was 13.84±4.35 (M±standard deviation (SD)). The total attitude score of 50.37±6.196 (M±SD) indicated participants' positive attitudes towards prevention of child abuse and neglect. However, there was a negative relation between age and attitudes towards and knowledge of child abuse. Older students scored higher on the total attitude and knowledge scale compared with younger students.

Conclusion:

The study findings support the hypothesis that nursing education programmes need to improve the curricular content related to the assessment and reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect, and prevention strategies to improve the wellbeing of children. Curricular changes have the potential to provide nurses with an opportunity to reduce the prevalence of child abuse and neglect in India.
Silicone-based stoma accessories in clinical practice
Authors: Cronin Elaine
Published: March 2016

Advanced silicone technology has transformed the treatment of wounds and peri-wound skin. Recently, there has been interest in the use of silicone-based products in stoma care. Peristomal skin issues are a common problem, and can have a negative impact on the patient's quality of life, so helping the ostomate maintain good skin health is crucial. The author, a stoma care nurse, regularly sees 3–4 patients each week in her stoma care clinic with damaged or broken peristomal skin. This article explores the ‘Trio’ range of silicone-based accessories, discussing how these products compare with the traditional hydrocolloid, how they are applied and used. A series of case studies illustrates the circumstances in which these products may be applied.
Identifying a standardised tool to assess and manage children with idiopathic constipation
Authors: Costigan Ann , Orr Stephanie
Published: March 2016

Aim

To identify a standardised assessment tool that can be used in Ireland to diagnose and treat children with idiopathic constipation, without the need for referral to secondary care.

Method

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2010) guidelines on constipation in children and young people were used as a benchmark tool, which identify keys areas that must be assessed. Seventy-eight patient charts were studied retrospectively to assess whether the key components were undertaken, and 45 patients were deemed suitable for inclusion in an audit due to an idiopathic constipation diagnosis.

Results

None of the 45 patients received a complete assessment as per the NICE (2010) guidelines.

Conclusion

A nationwide comprehensive assessment tool to diagnosis and treat idiopathic constipation is needed. The NICE (2010) guidelines should not be used in addition to written information and close follow-up. A document to incorporate all of this called the Poo Passport has been developed.
How to use an ECG machine
Authors: Pace Charlotte
Published: March 2016

Introduction

The electrocardiogram (ECG) can assist monitoring of a wide range of cases, such as emergencies, those undergoing anaesthesia and for critically ill patients. While being a valuable diagnostic tool in veterinary practice, many nurses are apprehensive about using the ECG machine, either due to uncertainty or unfamiliarity of the machine, or being unsure about what to look out for, when in use. This practical and illustrated article gives explanations on how to use the machine and provides examples of the common rhythms and arrhythmias seen in practice.
Pupils’ Beliefs in Cultural Interpretations of ’Heat’ associated with Anger: A Comparative Study of Ten Ethnic Communities in Kenya
Authors: Okere Mark I. O. , Keraro Fred N. , Anditi Zephania
Published: March 2016

Emerging evidence indicates that culture influences pupils learning of science. However, the influence of culture on science learning is usually not considered when developing science curricular for both primary and secondary schools. This study investigated the extent to which primary and secondary school pupils believe in cultural interpretations of the physical phenomenon of ‘heat’ associated with anger and the influence of education level, ethnic communities and gender on cultural beliefs. Cross-sectional survey research design was used. The target population was Standard Seven, Form one and Form Three pupils in ten districts selected from Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, Eastern and Coast Provinces in Kenya. The ten districts were selected purposively to represent 10 different ethnic communities from the five provinces. A total of 2837 secondary and 625 primary school pupils participated. The pupils were drawn from 15 primary and 31 secondary schools .A questionnaire was used to gather information from pupils. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used in analyzing data. Hypotheses were tested using the chi square ( X 2) statistic at α = 0.05 level of significance. Some of the results obtained give statistically significant relationship between pupils’ beliefs in cultural interpretations of scientific phenomenon of heat associated with anger and the communities where they come from. This implies that such beliefs are confined to specific communities studied. There appears to be no significant association between pupils’ beliefs in cultural interpretations of the scientific phenomenon of heat and level of education in some of the communities. The implication is that education reduces beliefs in cultural interpretations in such communities but does not eradicate such beliefs. There was also no statistically significant association between pupils’ beliefs in cultural interpretations of the scientific phenomenon of heat and gender, implying that both boys and girls equally believe in cultural interpretations. The findings from this study inform curriculum developers of some of the cultural beliefs that are likely to influence the learning of science. It is recommended that teachers discuss cultural interpretations of scientific concepts before introducing them in their lessons.