bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Cancer.
Authors: Lee Jung Won , Han Ji Eun , Park Ho Ran
Published: February 2013

PURPOSE: This study was done to provide basic data for developing nursing interventions to enhance quality of life of pediatric patients with cancer (children and adolescents) by examining the quality of life and related factors.METHODS: Participants were 134; 67 pediatric patients and 67 parents. The PedsQL(TM) 3.0 Cancer Module was employed to measure quality of life in the participants. The related factors included general and clinical characteristics of the participants.RESULTS: Mean score for quality of life in the patients was 75.07, and mean score for patient quality of life as perceived by their parents was 64.40. Among the quality of life subscales, treatment anxiety had the highest score whereas nausea had the lowest score. Mean score in adolescent patients (13-18 years of age) was 71.62, lower than the 78.04 for child patients (8-12 years of age).Regarding general and clinical characteristics of the participants, there were no significant differences in the scores.CONCLUSION: The results indicate that there is difference in perception of quality of life between patients and their parents, and between children and adolescents and these differences should be taken into account when planning and providing nursing care.
Land tenure insecurity, vulnerability to climate-induced disaster and opportunities for redress in southern Africa
Authors: Chagutah Tigere
Published: February 2013

Land tenure is an important variable impacting on vulnerability to climate-related disaster. Land tenure insecurity is widespread in southern Africa and manifests itself in a number of ways that accentuate vulnerability to climate change impacts. Insecure tenure is seen to heighten vulnerability against growing demand for land for residential purposes and working space in urban areas while in the rural areas insecure tenure militates against diversified livelihoods and hinders investment in appropriate technologies and uptake of sound environmental management practices. Using the focused synthesis method, this article (1) maps the intersections between land tenure insecurity and vulnerability to climate-induced disaster in southern Africa; and (2) identifies the opportunities tenure reforms hold for vulnerability reduction in a region predicted to suffer widespread impacts from climate change. The paper contends that land tenure is a critical component of the milieu of factors – economic, social, cultural, institutional, political and even psychological – that are known to shape vulnerability and determine the environment that people live in. The study finds that land tenure reforms can help to reduce vulnerability and enhance community resilience to climate change. In this regard, the article outlines how tenure reforms can help build diverse household livelihoods, improve environmental management, particularly in the rural areas, and encourage investment in robust housing and safe neighbourhoods among the urban poor – all of which are integral to the region’s response to climate change.
Optimal emergency personnel allocation after a natural disaster
Authors: Davis, MD James S. , Allan, MD, MBA Bassan J. , Pearlman, BS Amy M. , Carvajal, BBA, PMP Daniel P. , Schulman, MD, PhD, MSPH Carl I.
Published: February 2013

Objective: Little work has been devoted to the links between natural disasters, subsequent Emergency Medical Services (EMS) network utilization, triage, and public awareness. The aim of this study was to investigate the types and distribution of emergency calls recorded after each South Florida hurricane during the 2005 season, identifying target areas for public health education, and emergency personnel use and training.Design: Retrospective database review.Setting: Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) emergency dispatch headquarters.Patients, participants: All persons making 911 phone calls to the MDFR emergency dispatch headquarters in the 3 days before and after category 3 or higher hurricanes during 2005.Interventions: None.Results: There were 192,363 emergencies reported in 2005. The mean number of 911 emergencies reported per day for the 3 days before and after Katrina was 503 ± 26 and 819 ± 105, respectively (p = 0.007). The mean number for Wilma was 533 ± 42 before and 800 ± 63 after (p = 0.004). However, Rita had no impact on the number of 911 emergencies reported. Katrina resulted in a statistically significant increase in 911 calls for breathing (p = 0.03), convulsions and seizures (p = 0.02), and hazardous situations (p = 0.04). Rita led to an increase in convulsions and seizures (p = 0.03). Lastly,Wilma caused a rise in breathing emergencies (p = 0.02) and hazardous situations (p = 0.02).Conclusions: This study suggests that 911 calls regarding respiratory complaints, convulsions, seizures, and hazardous situations can be expected to significantly increase after a hurricane. Educational initiatives,EMS resource allocation, and modified triage systems designed to target these areas may limit EMS system-wide strain and improve health outcomes following natural disasters.
The use of volunteer interpreters during the 2010 Haiti earthquake: Lessons learned from the USNS COMFORT Operation Unified Response Haiti
Authors: Powell, MD, MPH, FAAP Clydette , Pagliara-Miller, RN, PhD Claire
Published: February 2013

On January 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude Richter earthquake devastated Haiti, leading to the world’s largest humanitarian effort in 60 years. The catastrophe led to massive destruction of homes and buildings, the loss of more than 200,000 lives, and overwhelmed the host nation response and its public health infrastructure. Among the many responders, the United States Government acted immediately by sending assistance to Haiti including a naval hospital ship as a tertiary care medical center, the USNS COMFORT. To adequately respond to the acute needs of patients, healthcare professionals on the USNS COMFORT relied on Haitian Creole-speaking volunteers who were recruited by the American Red Cross (ARC). These volunteers complemented full-time Creole-speaking military staff on board. The ARC provided 78 volunteers who were each able to serve up to 4 weeks on board. Volunteers’ demographics, such as age and gender, as well as linguistic skills, work background, and prior humanitarian assistance experience varied. Volunteer efforts were critical in assisting with informed consent for surgery, family reunification processes, explanation of diagnosis and treatment, comfort to patients and families in various stages of grieving and death, and helping healthcare professionals to understand the cultural context and sensitivities unique to Haiti. This article explores key lessons learned in the use of volunteer interpreters in earthquake disaster relief in Haiti and highlights the approaches that optimize volunteer services in such a setting, and which may be applicable in similar future events.
Impact of Hurricane Ike on the call volumes of Houston Fire Department emergency medical services
Authors: Cooper, MD, MPH Lt. Elise , Langabeer II, PhD James R. , Alqusairi, MS Diaa , Persse, MD, EMT-P, FACEP David
Published: February 2013

Introduction: Little is known about the capacity and activity of emergency medical services (EMS) during large-scale disasters. This article provides a case study of the role of EMS in one large urban city during a major hurricane.Methods: The authors analyzed changes in call volume data from the City of Houston Fire Department’s EMS during Hurricane Ike. Descriptive and statistical analyses are used to explain surges and statistical differences in volumes.Results: Demand for EMS care can increase approximately 40 percent during surges in the disaster cycle, placing extreme burdens on system capacity and workload. The largest increase in demand came from respiratory problems, falls, and chest pains, with the largest decrease in calls from motor vehicle accidents.Conclusions: A strategy for managing surges in prehospital care from major disasters is a requirement for modern EMS.
Ethical implications of diversity in disaster research
Authors: Hunt, PhD, PT Matthew R. , Anderson, PhD James A. , Boulanger, HBA Renaud F.
Published: February 2013

Enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency, and fairness of interventions is an increasing source of concern in the field of disaster response. As a result, the expansion of the disaster relief evidence base has been identified as a pressing need. There has been a corresponding increase in discussions of ethical standards and procedures for disaster research. In general, these discussions have focused on elucidating how traditional research ethics concerns can be operationalized in disaster settings. Less attention has been given to the exploration of the ethical implications of heterogeneity within the field of disaster research. Hence, while current efforts to discuss the ethics of disaster research in low-resource settings are very encouraging, it is clear that further initiatives will be crucial to promote the ethical conduct of disaster research. In this article, we explore how the ethical review of disaster research conducted in low-resource settings should account for this diversity. More specifically, we consider how the nature of the project (what?), sociopolitical and physical environment of research sites (where?), temporal proximity to the disaster event (when?), objectives motivating the research (why?), and identity of the stakeholders involved in the research process (who?) all relate to the ethics of disaster research.
Evaluating the efficacy of the AAP “Pediatrics in Disaster” course: The Chinese experience
Authors: Cooper, MD Lindsey , Guan, MD Hongyan , Ventre, MD Kathleen M. , Dai, MD Yaohua , Zhu, MD Zonghan , Li, MPA Spencer , Berman, MD Stephen
Published: February 2013

Objective: “Pediatrics in Disasters” (PEDS) is a course designed by the American Academy of Pediatrics to provide disaster preparedness and response training to pediatricians worldwide. China has managed to sustain the course and adapt its content for local needs. China has also experienced several natural disasters since the course’s inception, providing an opportunity to evaluate the impact of courses that took place in Beijing and Sichuan, in 2008-2010.Methods: We used pretesting/post-testing, participant surveys, and in-depth interviews to evaluate whether the course imparted cognitive knowledge, was perceived as useful, and fostered participation in relief efforts and disaster preparedness planning.Results: In Beijing and Sichuan, post-test scores were 16 percent higher than pretest scores. On immediate postcourse surveys, 86 percent of Beijing and Sichuan respondents rated the course as very good or excellent. On 6-month surveys, participants identified emotional impact of disasters, planning/triage, and nutrition as the three most useful course modules. Twelve of 75 (16 percent) of Beijing respondents reported direct involvement in disaster response activities following the course; eight of 12 were first-time responders. Participant interviews revealed a need for more training in providing nutritional and psychological support to disaster victims and to train a more diverse group of individuals in disaster response.Conclusions: PEDS imparts cognitive knowledge and is highly valued by course participants. Emotional impact of disasters, planning/triage, and nutrition modules were perceived as the most relevant modules. Future versions of the course should include additional emphasis on emotional care for disaster victims and should be extended to a broader audience.
Developing a trauma critical care and rehab hospital in Haiti: A year after the earthquake
Authors: Hotz, PhD Gillian A. , Moyenda, MD, MBA Zakiya B. , Bitar, MD Jerry , Bitar, MD Marlon , Ford, MD Henri R. , Green, MD Barth A. , Andrews, MD David M. , Ginzburg, MD Enrique
Published: February 2013

Objective: Prior to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, January 12, 2010, a group of Haitian physicians, leaders and members of Project Medishare for Haiti, a Nongovernmental Organization, had developed plans for a Trauma Critical Care Network for Haiti.Design: One year after the earthquake stands a 50-bed trauma critical care and rehab hospital that employs more than 165 Haitian doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals, and administrative and support staff in Port-Au-Prince. Hospital Bernard Mevs Project Medishare (HBMPM) has been operating with the following two primary goals: 1) to provide critical- care- and trauma-related medical and rehabilitation services and 2) to provide clinical education and training to Haitian healthcare professionals.1Results: These goals have been successfully accomplished, with more than 43,000 outpatients seen, 6,500 emergency room visits, and about 2,300 surgical procedures performed. Daily patient care has been managed by Haitian medical staff as well as more than 2,400 international volunteers including physicians, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals.With the continued assistance of weekly volunteers, many programs and services have been developed; however, many challenges remain.Conclusions: This article highlights the development and progress of HBMPM over the last year with emphasis on developing inpatient and outpatient services, which include surgical, clinical laboratory, wound care, radiology, rehabilitation, and prosthesis/orthotics programs. Some of the challenges faced and how they were managed will be discussed as well as future plans to conduct more training and education to increase the building of medical capacity for Haiti.
Emergency detention of persons with certain mental disorders during public health disasters: Legal and policy issues
Authors: Vernick, JD, MPH Jon S. , Gakh, JD, MPH Maxim , Rutkow, JD, PhD, MPH Lainie
Published: February 2013

Public health emergencies (disasters) are associated with mental health conditions ranging from mild to severe.When persons pose a danger to themselves or others, a brief emergency detention allows a mental health assessment to determine if a lengthier involuntary civil commitment is needed. Involuntary commitment requires participation of the civil justice system to provide constitutionally mandated due process protections. However, disasters may incapacitate the judicial system, forcing emergency detainees to be prematurely released if courts are unavailable. The authors review state laws regarding emergency detention of persons deemed a potential mental health-related danger. Although some states are well prepared for the dual impact of disasters on mental health and the court system, important gaps exist.The authors recommend that state laws anticipate the need for brief extensions of emergency detention periods without court participation. States should also include mental health considerations in their disaster preparedness plans for the court system.
A comparison of different types of hazardous material respirators available to anesthesiologists
Authors: Candiotti, MD Keith A. , Rodriguez, MD Yiliam , Shekhter, MS Ilya , Castillo-Pedraza, MD Catalina , Rosen, MA Lisa Forman , Arheart, EdD Kristopher L. , Birnbach, MD, MPH David J.
Published: February 2013

Objective: Despite anesthesiology personnel involvement in initial treatment of patients exposed to potentially lethal agents, less than 40 percent of US anesthesiology training programs conduct training to manage these patients.1 No previous studies have evaluated performance of anesthesiologists wearing protective gear. The authors compared the performance of anesthesiologists intubating a high-fidelity mannequin while wearing either a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) or a negative pressure respirator (NPR).Methods: Twenty participants practiced intubations on a high-fidelity simulator until comfortable. Each subject performed 10 repetitions, initially without any gear, then while wearing a protective suit, gloves, and respirator. The order of gear use was randomized and all subjects used both devices. Time for task completion were recorded, and at the end of the trial, subjects were asked to rate their comfort with the equipment.Results: After controlling for other variables, overall statistically slower total performance times were observed with use of the PAPR when compared to the control arm and use of the NPR (p = 0.01 and p 0.007, respectively). Of the total 90 intubations, only one proved to be esophageal and initially undetected.Conclusions: The use of an NPR or PAPR does not preclude an anesthesiologist from successfully intubating, but practice is necessary. The slightly better performance with the NPR is weighed against the improved comfort of the PAPR and the fact that PAPR users could wear eyeglasses. Neither type of gear allowed the users to auscultate the lung fields to confirm correct endotracheal tube placement.
Application of the Statistical Oxidation Model (SOM) to Secondary Organic Aerosol formation from photooxidation of C12 alkanes
Authors: Cappa C. D. , Zhang X. , Loza C. L. , Craven J. S. , Yee L. D. , Seinfeld J. H.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Laboratory chamber experiments are the main source of data on the mechanism of oxidation and the secondary organic aerosol (SOA) forming potential of volatile organic compounds. Traditional methods of representing the SOA formation potential of an organic do not fully capture the dynamic, multi-generational nature of the SOA formation process. We apply the Statistical Oxidation Model (SOM) of Cappa and Wilson (2012) to model the formation of SOA from the formation of the four C12 alkanes, dodecane, 2-methyl undecane, cyclododecane and hexylcyclohexane, under both high- and low-NOx conditions, based upon data from the Caltech chambers. In the SOM, the evolution of reaction products is defined by the number of carbon (NC) and oxygen (NO) atoms, and the model parameters are (1) the number of oxygen atoms added per reaction, (2) the decrease in volatility upon addition of an oxygen atom and (3) the probability that a given reaction leads to fragmentation of the molecules. Optimal fitting of the model to chamber data is carried out using the measured SOA mass concentration and the aerosol O:C atomic ratio. The use of the kinetic, multi-generational SOM is shown to provide insights into the SOA formation process and to offer promise for application to the extensive library of existing SOA chamber experiments that is available.
Spatial distribution and temporal variations of atmospheric sulfur deposition in Northern China: insights into the potential acidification risks
Authors: Pan Y. P. , Wang Y. S. , Tang G. Q. , Wu D.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Atmospheric sulfur (S) deposition via precipitation, particles and gases was investigated at ten sites in Northern China. Measurements were performed continuously between December 2007 and November 2010. The total S deposition flux in the target area ranged from 35.0 to 100.7 kg S ha−1 yr−1, noticeably higher than the values documented in Europe, North America, and East Asia. The ten-site, 3-yr average total S deposition was 64.8 kg S ha−1 yr−1, with 68% attributed to dry deposition (mainly SO2) and the rest to wet deposition. Consequently, the spatial distribution of the total flux was consistent to that of dry deposition, that is, higher values were observed at industrial and urban sites than at agricultural and rural sites. However, the seasonal variation in the total S deposition was not obvious across the entire year because of opposite seasonal trends in wet and dry deposition. It was found that the wet deposition, without significant spatial and interannual differences, was influenced by the volume of precipitation, the air-column concentrations of S compounds and in-cloud scavenging. Similar to the wet deposition, the dry-deposited sulfate was also less dependent on the surface concentration. Nevertheless, the regional differences in SO2 dry deposition were mostly explained by the ambient concentration, which is closely associated with local emissions. As expected, the spatial pattern of total S deposition resembled that of the emission inventory, indicating the dramatic anthropogenic imprints on the regional S budget. Although at most of the study sites the "acid equivalents" deposition of S was comparable to that of nitrogen (N), the importance of S in the acidification risks was more pronounced at the industrial sites. The ten-site, 3-yr mean total "acid equivalents" deposition of S and N was estimated to be 8.4 (range: 4.2–11.6) keq ha−1 yr−1, which exceeds the critical loads for natural ecosystems in Northern China. Taking these findings and our previous studies together, a multi-pollutant perspective and joint mitigation strategies to abate SO2 and NH3 simultaneously in the target area are recommended to protect natural ecosystems from excess acid deposition.
Evaluating the degree of oxygenation of organic aerosol during foggy and hazy days in Hong Kong using high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometry (HR-ToF-AMS)
Authors: Li Y. J. , Lee B. Y. L. , Yu J. Z. , Ng N. L. , Chan C. K.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The chemical characteristics of organic aerosol (OA) are still poorly constrained. Here we present observation results of the degree of oxygenation of OA based on high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometry (HR-ToF-AMS) measurements made at a coastal site in Hong Kong from late April to the end of May in 2011. Two foggy periods and one hazy period were chosen for detailed analysis to compare the changes in the degree of oxygenation of OA due to different processes. The Extended Aerosol Inorganic Model (E-AIM) predicted a fine particle liquid water content (LWCfp) up to 85 μg m−3 during the foggy days. Particle concentration as measured by HR-ToF-AMS was up to 60 μg m−3 during the hazy days and up to 30 μg m−3 during the foggy days. The degree of oxygenation of OA, as indicated by several parameters including the fraction of m/z 44 in organic mass spectra (f44), the elemental ratio of oxygen to carbon (O : C), and the carbon oxidation state (OSc), was evaluated against the odd oxygen (Ox) concentration, LWCfp, ionic strength (IS), and in-situ pH (pHis). Results suggest that the high concentration of OA (on average 11 μg m−3) and the high degree of oxygenation (f44 = 0.15, O : C = 0.51, and OSc = −0.31) during the hazy period were mainly due to gas-phase oxidation. During the foggy periods with low photochemical activities, the degree of oxygenation of OA was almost as high as that on the hazy days and significantly higher than that during non-foggy/non-hazy days. However, the OA evolved quite differently in the two foggy periods. The first foggy period in late April saw a larger LWCfp and a lower Ox concentration and the OA was made up of ~ 20% semi-volatile oxygenated organic aerosol (SVOOA) as resolved by positive matrix factorization (PMF). In the second foggy period in mid-May, higher Ox concentration and lower LWCfp were observed, and the OA was found to contain >50% low-volatility oxygenated organic aerosols (LVOOA). An examination of the particle-phase constituents suggests that partitioning may have been the dominating process through which oxygenated species were incorporated into the particle phase during the first foggy period, while oxidation in the aqueous phase may have been the dominating process during the second foggy period. Both physical and chemical processes were found to be important for oxygenated OA formation.
Concentrations and fluxes of dissolved organic carbon in runoff from a forested catchment: insights from high frequency measurements
Authors: Strohmeier S. , Knorr K.-H. , Reichert M. , Frei S. , Fleckenstein J. H. , Peiffer S. , Matzner E.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in runoff from catchments are often subject to substantial short-term variations. The aim of this study was to identify the compartmental sources of DOC in a forested catchment and the causes for short-term variations in runoff. Furthermore, we investigated the implication of short-term variations for the calculation of annual runoff fluxes. High frequency measurements (30 min intervals) of DOC in runoff, of discharge and groundwater table were conducted for one year in the 4.2 km2 forested Lehstenbach catchment, Germany. Riparian wetland soils represent about 30% of the catchment area. The quality of DOC was investigated by three dimensional fluorescence excitation-emission matrices in samples taken from runoff, deep groundwater and shallow groundwater from the riparian wetland soils. The concentrations of DOC in runoff were highly variable at an hourly to daily time scale, ranging from 2.6 mg L−1 to 34 mg L−1 with an annual average of 9.2 mg L−1. The concentrations were positively related to discharge, with a counter clockwise hysteresis. Relations of DOC to discharge were steeper and the degree of hysteresis larger in the summer/fall than in the winter/spring period. Dynamics of groundwater table, discharge, DOC concentrations and DOC quality parameters indicated that DOC in runoff originated mainly from the riparian wetland soils, both under low and high flow conditions. The annual export of DOC from the catchment was 84 kg C ha−1 yr−1 when calculated from the high frequency measurements. If the annual export was calculated by simulated samplings of >2 days intervals substantial deviations resulted. Predicted changes in precipitation and discharge patterns as well as generally increasing temperatures likely will cause raising DOC exports from this catchment.
Estimating absorption coefficients of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) using a semi-analytical algorithm for southern Beaufort Sea waters: application to deriving concentrations of dissolved organic carbon from space
Authors: Matsuoka A. , Hooker S. B. , Bricaud A. , Gentili B. , Babin M.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. A series of papers have suggested that freshwater discharge, including a large amount of dissolved organic matter (DOM), has increased since the middle of the 20th century. In this study, a semi-analytical algorithm for estimating light absorption coefficients of the colored fraction of DOM (CDOM) was developed for southern Beaufort Sea waters using remote sensing reflectance at six wavelengths in the visible spectral domain corresponding to MODIS ocean color sensor. This algorithm allows the separation of colored detrital matter (CDM) into CDOM and non-algal particles (NAP) through the determination of NAP absorption using an empirical relationship between NAP absorption and particle backscattering coefficients. Evaluation using independent datasets, which were not used for developing the algorithm, showed that CDOM absorption can be estimated accurately to within an uncertainty of 35% and 50% for oceanic and coastal waters, respectively. A previous paper (Matsuoka et al., 2012) showed that dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were tightly correlated with CDOM absorption in our study area (r2 = 0.97). By combining the CDOM absorption algorithm together with the DOC versus CDOM relationship, it is now possible to estimate DOC concentrations in the near-surface layer of the southern Beaufort Sea using satellite ocean color data. DOC concentrations in the surface waters were estimated using MODIS ocean color data, and the estimates showed reasonable values compared to in situ measurements. We propose a routine and near real-time method for deriving DOC concentrations from space, which may open the way to an estimate of DOC budgets for Arctic coastal waters.
Numerical and experimental investigation of leaks in viscoelastic pressurized pipe flow
Authors: Meniconi S. , Brunone B. , Ferrante M. , Massari C.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. This paper extends the analysis concerning the importance in numerical models of unsteady friction and viscoelasticity to transients in plastic pipes with an external flow due to a leak. In fact recently such a benchmarking analysis has been executed for the cases of a constant diameter pipe (Duan et al., 2010), a pipe with a partially closed in-line valve (Meniconi et al., 2012a), and a pipe with cross-section changes in series (Meniconi et al., 2012b). Tests are based on laboratory experiments carried out at the Water Engineering Laboratory (WEL) of the University of Perugia, Italy, and the use of different numerical models. The results show that it is crucial to take into account the viscoelasticity to simulate the main characteristics of the examined transients.
An ensemble approach to assess hydrological models' contribution to uncertainties in the analysis of climate change impact on water resources
Authors: Velázquez J. A. , Schmid J. , Ricard S. , Muerth M. J. , Gauvin St-Denis B. , Minville M. , Chaumont D. , Caya D. , Ludwig R. , Turcotte R.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Over the recent years, several research efforts investigated the impact of climate change on water resources for different regions of the world. The projection of future river flows is affected by different sources of uncertainty in the hydro-climatic modelling chain. One of the aims of the QBic3 project (Québec-Bavarian International Collaboration on Climate Change) is to assess the contribution to uncertainty of hydrological models by using an ensemble of hydrological models presenting a diversity of structural complexity (i.e., lumped, semi distributed and distributed models). The study investigates two humid, mid-latitude catchments with natural flow conditions; one located in Southern Québec (Canada) and one in Southern Bavaria (Germany). Daily flow is simulated with four different hydrological models, forced by outputs from regional climate models driven by global climate models over a reference (1971–2000) and a future (2041–2070) period. The results show that, for our hydrological model ensemble, the choice of model strongly affects the climate change response of selected hydrological indicators, especially those related to low flows. Indicators related to high flows seem less sensitive on the choice of the hydrological model.
Seismic risk assessment of architectural heritages in Gyeongju considering local site effects
Authors: Park H.-J. , Kim D.-S. , Kim D.-M.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. A seismic risk assessment is conducted for cultural heritage sites in Gyeongju, the capital of Korea's ancient Silla Kingdom. Gyeongju, home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, contains remarkable artifacts of Korean Buddhist art. An extensive geotechnical survey including a series of in situ tests is presented, providing pertinent soil profiles for site response analyses on thirty cultural heritage sites. After the shear wave velocity profiles and dynamic material properties were obtained, site response analyses were carried out at each historical site and the amplification characteristics, site period, and response spectrum of the site were determined for the earthquake levels of 2400 yr and 1000 yr return periods based on the Korean seismic hazard map. Response spectrum and corresponding site coefficients obtained from site response analyses considering geologic conditions differ significantly from the current Korean seismic code. This study confirms the importance of site-specific ground response analyses considering local geological conditions. Results are given in the form of the spatial distribution of bedrock depth, site period, and site amplification coefficients, which are particularly valuable in the context of a seismic vulnerability study. This study presents the potential amplification of hazard maps and provides primary data on the seismic risk assessment of each cultural heritage.
Simulating future precipitation extremes in a complex Alpine catchment
Authors: Dobler C. , Bürger G. , Stötter J.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The objectives of the present investigation are (i) to study the effects of climate change on precipitation extremes and (ii) to assess the uncertainty in the climate projections. The investigation is performed on the Lech catchment, located in the Northern Limestone Alps. In order to estimate the uncertainty in the climate projections, two statistical downscaling models as well as a number of global and regional climate models were considered. The downscaling models applied are the Expanded Downscaling (XDS) technique and the Long Ashton Research Station Weather Generator (LARS-WG). The XDS model, which is driven by analyzed or simulated large-scale synoptic fields, has been calibrated using ECMWF-interim reanalysis data and local station data. LARS-WG is controlled through stochastic parameters representing local precipitation variability, which are calibrated from station data only. Changes in precipitation mean and variability as simulated by climate models were then used to perturb the parameters of LARS-WG in order to generate climate change scenarios. In our study we use climate simulations based on the A1B emission scenario. The results show that both downscaling models perform well in reproducing observed precipitation extremes. In general, the results demonstrate that the projections are highly variable. The choice of both the GCM and the downscaling method are found to be essential sources of uncertainty. For spring and autumn, a slight tendency toward an increase in the intensity of future precipitation extremes is obtained, as a number of simulations show statistically significant increases in the intensity of 90th and 99th percentiles of precipitation on wet days as well as the 5- and 20-yr return values.
Clinical Experience with Tranexamic Acid during Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: March Gerard M. , Elfatori Salah , Beaulé Paul E.
Published: February 2013

We examined whether a single 1-gram preoperative dose of tranexamic acid (TXA) was effective in reducing 1) allogeneic blood transfusion, 2) haemoglobin (Hb) decreases, and 3) perioperative blood loss following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and resurfacing hip arthroplasty (RHA). One hundred and thirty-two patients (88 THA, 44 RHA; 66M, 66F; mean age = 58.2 years) who received TXA were compared with a control group matched for starting Hb, body mass index (BMI), age and gender. For the THR, transfusion rates were 4.5% and 19.3% for the TXA and control groups, respectively (p = 0.001) with no difference for the resurfacing patients. The mean overall Hb decrease was significantly lower in the TXA treatment groups for both THA and RHA patients (p<0.0001 and p = 0.01 respectively). 1 g of tranexamic acid administered preoperatively significantly reduced the mean decrease in haemoglobin as well as risk of transfusion.
The Effect of Locomotion on the Outcome following Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Wall Peter D.H. , Hossain Munier , Beard David J. , Murray David W. , Andrew John G.
Published: February 2013

The relationship between contralateral hip arthritis and co-morbid medical conditions that affect a patient's ability to walk, and outcome following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is not fully understood. We investigated this relationship in a prospective, multi-centre study. 1497 hips (1428 patients) were recruited. At five years follow-up there was complete data for 1053 hips. We recorded Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and Charnley Class (CC) both pre-operatively and at one and five years after surgery. Pre-Operatively there was a significant difference in OHS between CC categories and OHS deteriorated from CC-A to CC-C (p<0.001). The absolute OHS was significantly worse in CC-C compared to CC-A. Patients who remained in CC-A at five year follow-up had a larger change in OHS (mean 24) compared to those who had changed from CC-A to CC-C at five years (mean 21) p<0.001.

The OHS an outcome measure frequently used for THA is influenced by several extraneous factors which may be present pre-operatively but also change over time. These factors include the condition of the opposite hip as well as other disease processes that affect a patient's locomotion and therefore interpretation of OHS in isolation without additional information may not be appropriate.
Ischemic Necrosis of the Sigmoid Colon after Antegrade Sclerotherapy of Idiopathic Varicocele: A Case Report
Authors: Fulcoli Vittoho , Costa Giuseppe , Gigli Francesca , Laurini Lucio
Published: February 2013

A 34-year-old man affected by grade IV idiopathic varicocele with mild testicolar pain, severe oligoas-thenozoospermia and infertility, underwent an antegrade sclerotherapy according to Tauber surgical technique. After 5 days, the patient underwent a laparoscopic left colon resection with colonstomy due to a segmental infarction of the sigmoid colon.
The Exquisite Corpse as A/r/t: Bodied Troublings of Qualitative Research-as-Usual
Authors: Holbrook Teri , Pourchier Nicole M.
Published: February 2013

Research is defined by the National Science Foundation (1991) as "a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge" (p. 3). In this article, two a/r/tographers draw upon the metaphor of the Exquisite Corpse to theorize how they experience troubled responses to calls for such research. Concepts of qualitative research-as-usual are explored through the discomposure of three common elements of qualitative research: practices that dichotomize researcher/researched, the development of the research site, and the pursuit of clarity in research writing.
A Conversation About A/r/tography: What Are the Qualities of Living Inquiry That Foster a Qualitative Whole in Art Education?
Authors: Detlefsen Jean D.
Published: February 2013

With an a/r/tographic lens, this study renders the journey of five art educators, their first memory of art-related experiences, paths to art education, and teaching through living inquiry. Teachers in this study have had extensive experience as leaders in multiple arts curriculum movements across time and programs. They reflect on art content to examine their own experiences in relation to art practice, evidence provided by high school students, their students’ artwork, and historical art references. Key themes emerged concerning how experiences influence and are embodied in beliefs, understandings, and decision-making for our classrooms; how conversations can provide a stimulus for reflection; how thinking about the arts invites ambiguity in understanding; and how curriculum that addresses abstract concepts and thinking skills invites student engagement in inquiry, learning, and being awake to possibilities.
Hereditäre Thrombophilien und Plazenta-medierte Schwangerschafts-komplikationen im II./III. Trimenon
Authors: Thaler C. J. , Rath W.
Published: February 2013

Plazenta-medierte Schwangerschaftskomplikationen (PmSk) wie Präeklampsie (PE), intra uterine Wachstumsrestriktion (IUGR) und vorzeitige Plazentalösung (VPL) sind häufige Ursachen mütterlicher und kindlicher Morbidität und Mortalität. Die hohe Prä -valenz in Casecontrol-Studien sowie morphologische Untersuchungen der Plazenta bei diesen Frauen legten die Vermutung einer Assoziation zwischen hereditären Thrombo-philien und PmSk nahe. Allerdings ist die Daten lage widersprüchlich, da nachfolgende prospektive Kohortenstudien und aktuelle Metaanalysen keinen signifikanten Zusam-menhang zwischen hereditären Thrombophilien und PmSk nachweisen konnten. Infolge der multifaktoriellen Ätiologie der PmSk dürfte es schwierig sein, zu beweisen, dass here-ditäre Thrombophilien unabhängige Risikofaktoren für PmSk sind.

Aktuelle Leitlinien empfehlen keine Untersuchung auf hereditäre Thrombophilien nach vorangegangenen PmSk. Aktuelle In-vitro-Studien zeigten positive nicht antikoagulatorische Wirkungen von niedermolekularen Heparinen (NMH) auf die frühe Plazentation. Retrospektive Case-control-Studien sowie neue randomisierte und prospektive Studien ergaben, dass durch die Gabe von NMH ab der Frühschwangerschaft eine signifikante Sen-kung des Wiederholungsrisikos für PmSk in nachfolgenden Schwangerschaften bei Frauen mit und ohne hereditäre Thrombophilien zu erreichen ist. Schlussfolgerung: Große randomisierte Multizenterstudien sind notwendig, um die Bedeutung hereditärer Thrombophilien für PmSk und den Nutzen einer Prävention mit NMH zu klären.
MicroRNAs in platelet physiology and pathology
Authors: Dangwal S. , Thum T.
Published: February 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), highly conserved, short (approx. 22 nucleotides) non-coding RNAs, exhibit a fine-tune control over gene expression by complementary sequence binding and translational repression of protein coding mRNA transcripts. Recently, the role of miRNAs has been increasingly investigated in various physiological or pathophysiological events.

Circulating platelets are crucial for coagulation physiology to maintain haemostatic balance and are involved in various pathologies such as atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Anucleate platelets lack genomic DNA but inherit diverse array of functional coding or non-coding RNAs and translational machinery from their parent cells – mega-karyocytes enabling activated platelets to synthesize proteins which suggests the possibility of post transcriptional gene regulation in platelets. Expression of functionally active miRNAs in platelets changes during platelet activation indicating a role in platelet biology.

Here, we present a review on recently identified platelet miRNAs and their role in platelet physiology that is essential for maintaining haemostasis.
Jesus Had A Sister Productions : pilules, identités et ironie
Authors: Rousseau Sara Savignac
Published: February 2013

C’est avec ironie que l’artiste Dana Wyse détaille des pilules miracles promettant succès et bonheur. Mettant en avant la pression consumériste exercée par les sociétés occidentales, mais également leurs injonctions implicites prescrivant l’être (Guarantee the Heterosexuality of your Child, 1997), ces gélules renvoient à la notion de choix, restreinte à l’intérieur de possibilités discursives préétablies, mais conférant un certain pouvoir aux individus désirant se reconnaître sujets en dehors des normes identitaires (Disco Dan’s D.I.Y Sex Change Kit for Men, 2003). Cependant, certaines incongruités mènent le consommateur ou la consommatrice à douter de la véracité du produit et à percevoir l’ambiguïté ironique de l’oeuvre, ce qui favorise une réflexion critique sur les concepts d’authenticité, de devenir et de normes identitaires.
Le pouvoir sur le rire et sur le monde : les bédéistes suédoises élèvent la voix
Authors: Lindberg Ylva
Published: February 2013

En Suède, l’humour des jeunes femmes bédéistes vient d’envahir l’espace de la bande dessinée (BD), jusque-là dominé par les hommes. Avec pour objectif de montrer les expressions variées de ce courant féministe, l’auteure a choisi d’analyser les oeuvres de Nina Hemmingsson (née en 1971) et de Liv Strömquist (née en 1978). La théorie du carnavalesque développée par Bakhtine sert de modèle pour analyser la femme grotesque et corporelle chez Hemmingsson, tandis que le discours subversif de Strömquist est approfondi par des théories postcoloniales. L’étude de Lindberg montre que les deux auteures et illustratrices offrent des outils pour révéler et dénoncer les inégalités persistantes dans un pays où l’on pense bientôt avoir atteint la parité parfaite.
L’offensive du rire des femmes dans les maisons closes de Bolivie
Authors: Absi Pascale
Published: February 2013

En Bolivie, les femmes rient beaucoup dans les maisons closes. Elles sont les maîtresses d’un humour particulier, fondamentalement obscène, qu’elles exercent à tout bout de champ sans jamais sembler s’en lasser. Sa récurrence, sa codification et sa pratique collective l’érigent en véritable art corporatif dont l’apprentissage accompagne celui de la prostitution. Déployé entre femmes, le rire construit l’entre-soi et reformule, en la dédramatisant, la transgression et le personnage de la prostituée. Cruel quand il s’adresse aux clients, le rire ébranle le pouvoir de l’argent et les aspirations triomphalistes de la sexualité des hommes. Basé sur une ethnographie menée dans les établissements populaires de la ville andine de Potosi, cet article porte sur le fonctionnement de cet humour particulier dans la construction de l’expérience de la prostitution et de ses rapports sociaux. Il réinterroge le rôle du rire comme mode de résistance à ‒ mais aussi de conservation de ‒ la domination. Il renvoie également l’ethnologue à son impossible neutralité : en choisissant d’en rire ou non, celui-ci ou celle-ci énonce forcément son camp.
Enlargement of Grains of Silica Colloidal Crystals by Centrifugation in an Inverted-Triangle Internal-Shaped Container
Authors: Hashimoto Kaori , Mori Atsushi , Tamura Katsuhiro , Suzuki Yoshihisa
Published: February 2013

We successfully fabricated large grains of silica colloidal crystals in an inverted-triangle internal-shaped container (inverted-triangle container) by centrifugation. The largest grain in the container was much larger than that in a container which has a flat bottom and constant width (flat-bottomed container). The edged bottom of the inverted-triangle container eliminated the number of the grains, and then the broadened shape of the container effectively widened the grains.
Preparation and Characterization of Sodium Alginate–Based Hydrogels and Their In Vitro Release Studies
Authors: Manjula Bandla , Varaprasad Kokkarachedu , Sadiku Rotimi , Raju K. Mohana
Published: February 2013

In the present work, polymer hydrogels have been used as the drug carrier for delivery systems of anticancer drugs. This investigation involves the formation of alginate hydrogels by a combination of three different monomers. The sodium alginate (SA) hydrogels were developed by free‐radical polymerization of selective water‐soluble monomers such as acrylamide (Am), methacrylamide (MAm), N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), and water‐soluble polysaccharide (SA). The structural and morphological characterizations of the developed hydrogels were obtained from FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy studies. Then, the hydrogels developed were encapsulated with a model cancer drug 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and hydrogels containing 5‐FU drug were evaluated for in vitro release studies. The released profiles of the drug showed that between 95% and 34% the loaded drug was released in the first half‐an‐hour at a buffer solution of 7.4 and the rest of the drug was released slowly. The results suggest that poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐sodium alginate) P(NIPAAm‐SA) hydrogels show better properties than such as P(Am‐SA) and P(MAm‐SA). The drug release kinetic parameters suggested that the Am and MAm hydrogel networks are anomalous in nature, and the diffusion type of NIPAAM systems shows a slightly Fickian phenomenon. P(Am‐SA), P(MAm‐SA), and P(NIPAAm‐SA) hydrogel formulations showed up to 97.13%, 95.53%, and 98. 36% cumulative release in 24 h, respectively. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Technol 2013, 32, 21340; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21340