bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus With Particulated Juvenile Cartilage
Authors: Coetzee J. Chris , Giza Eric , Schon Lew C. , Berlet Gregory C. , Neufeld Steven , Stone Rebecca M. , Wilson Erin L.
Published: April 2013

Background:

Numerous modalities are used today to treat symptomatic osteochondral lesions in the ankle. However, there are ongoing challenges with the treatment of certain lesions, and concerns exist regarding long-term effectiveness.

Methods:

The purpose of the study was to collect clinical outcomes of pain and function in retrospectively and prospectively enrolled patients treated with particulated juvenile cartilage for symptomatic osteochondral lesions in the ankle. This study collected outcomes and incidence of reoperations in standard clinic patients. The analysis presented here includes final follow-up to date for 12 males and 11 females representing 24 ankles. Subjects had an average age at surgery of 35.0 years and an average body mass index of 28 ± 5.8. Fourteen ankles had failed at least 1 prior bone marrow stimulation procedure. The average lesion size was 125 ± 75 mm2, and the average depth was 7 ± 5 mm. In conjunction with the treatment, 9 (38%) ankles had 1 concomitant procedure and 9 (38%) had more than 1 concomitant procedure. Clinical evaluations were performed with an average follow-up of 16.2 months.

Results:

Average outcome scores at final follow-up were American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale 85 ± 18 with 18 (78%) ankles demonstrating good to excellent scores, Short-Form 12 Health Survey (SF12) physical composite score 46 ± 10, SF12 mental health composite score 55 ± 7.1, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) activities of daily living 82 ± 14, FAAM Sports 63 ± 27, and 100-mm visual analog scale for pain 24 ± 25. Outcomes data divided by lesion size demonstrated 92% (12/13) good to excellent results in lesions 10 mm or larger and those smaller than 15 mm. To date, 1 partial graft delamination has been reported at 16 months.

Conclusions:

Preliminary data from a challenging clinical population with large, symptomatic osteochondral lesions in the ankle suggest that treatment with particulated juvenile cartilage could improve function and decrease pain. Longer follow-up and additional subjects are needed to evaluate improvement level and ideal patient indications.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Science Communication and the Rationality of Public Opinion Formation
Authors: Sapp Stephen G. , Korsching Peter F. , Arnot Charlie , Wilson Jannette J. H.
Published: April 2013

Because research indicates that people’s value orientations significantly affect their opinions about advanced technologies some risk scholars argue that technology policy should reflect the recommendations of experts rather than the opinions of a value-driven public. This suggested approach might be bolstered to the extent that people use substantive (value-driven) rather than formal (reason-driven) rationality when assessing the recommendations of experts. We found evidence that people’s opinions are indeed influenced strongly by their substantive rationality. We nevertheless argue that technology policy formation should rely more rather than less upon public opinions, thereby encouraging further efforts at improving science communication theory and practice.
Integrated optimization of structure and control systems for interconnected building structures subjected to earthquake
Authors: Xu Bin
Published: April 2013

The integrated optimization of structure and control systems is investigated for n interconnected building structures subjected to earthquake. The vibration control model is established for the interconnected building structures, and optimal stiffness and damping parameters of assigned passive controllers are calculated based on LQR algorithm and an equivalent control effect strategy in the frequency domain. The integrated optimization model of structure and control, including design variables, the objective function and constraint function, is built. The design variables are size parameters of structural elements, the parameters of the weighted matrix, and the number and locations of passive controllers. The maximal displacement of the controlled system in the time domain and the energy index in the frequency domain are introduced as the optimized objective functions. A genetic algorithm is adopted to solve this kind of optimization problem with discrete and continuous design variables. The results of a numerical example show that the proposed method is reasonable and effective.
Hand gesture recognition system using single-mixture source separation and flexible neural trees
Authors: Guo Yina , Wang Qinghua , Huang Shuhua , Abraham Ajith
Published: April 2013

Surface Electromyography (sEMG) is widely used in evaluating the functional status of hands to assist in hand gesture recognition in many fields of treatment and rehabilitation. Multi-channel parallel interfaces (MCPIs) or time-division multiple access (TDMA) interfaces are the main technologies for the man–machine communication medium of sEMG recognition instruments. However, they can also result in a complex circuit connection and noise interference. A hand gesture recognition model based on sEMG signals by using single-mixture source separation and flexible neural trees (FNTs) is a breakthrough model of hand gesture recognition designed to conquer the above defects. It distinguishes itself from the traditional MCPI or TDMA interfaces by more accurate and reliable measurements of signals. Single-mixture source separation by use of ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA) is a novel single-input multiple-output (SIMO) blind separation method, which can simplify the two interfaces described above. The FNT model is generated and evolved based on the pre-defined simple instruction sets, which can solve the highly structure dependent problem of the artificial neural network. The testing has been conducted using several experiments conducted with five participants. The EEMD-PCA-ICA algorithm can blind separate single mixed signals with higher cross-correlation and lower relative root mean squared error. The results indicate that the model is able to classify four different hand gestures up to 97.48% accuracy.
Sales Tax Collections in Nonmetropolitan Communities
Authors: Brorsen B. Wade , Lansford Notie H.
Published: April 2013

Small communities sometimes increase their local sales tax rate in order to maintain or expand public services. The question addressed here is what is the net effect of changing sales tax rates on revenues from sales taxes? Using both semiparametric and nonparametric regression, we find retail sales to be mostly unaffected by sales tax rates as long as the local rate is less than 4 percent. At rates higher than 4 percent, however, there is a severe reduction in sales, yet not enough that sales tax revenues would decrease with increased rates. For a penny increase in sales tax rates from 4 cents, a city can expect their revenues to go up 0.86 cents according to the semiparametric model and 0.74 cents according to the parametric model.
A sclerosis of demography
Authors: Yeoman Ian , Schanzel Heike , Smith Karen
Published: April 2013

The future of tourism is dominated by discussions on sustainability, but the single biggest issue that is largely ignored is demography. As a key driver for future tourism demand, demography needs a strategic planning approach. This article takes a scenario planning perspective and examines the future of tourism in New Zealand and how it will be shaped by demography. This article, as part of a wider study on the future of tourism, focuses on a scenario–sclerosis of demography–where the tourism industry is in a downward spiral of decline with tourists spending less monies year on year because of ageing populations, resulting in falling productivity and less disposable income in future years. This scenario is based upon two key issues. First, as populations age, the pressure on New Zealand’s public purse is contested and second, older consumers extend their healthy years resulting in an ageless society. The scenario raises four key questions for the future. First, what is the role of tourism in an ageing society? Second, if the New Zealand tourism sector fails and as a consequence government is forced to intervene, what does this mean? Third, what is the impact on future immigration policies as a consequence of a decline in traditional labour supplies? Finally, what is the future of youth tourism if future generations are stifled by debt and lack of purchasing power? The article concludes with a conceptual map as a strategic planning device that considers these questions and offers answers around the themes of lifestyle, the role of government, economic aspects, and trends in employment.
Facing divergent supply and demand trajectories in Australian caravanning
Authors: Caldicott Rodney W , Scherrer Pascal
Published: April 2013

The caravan park sector of the Australian leisure accommodation industry currently provides 50% of total domestic bed capacity. Recent decades have seen a gradual decline in caravan park establishments and despite its continuing market dominance in terms of bed capacity, the industry today is only a mere shadow of its former glory days in the mid 1970s. A current resurgence in caravanning, as a subset of drive tourism, has seen an increase in registrations of new campervans and motor homes of over 19% in the last 5 years alone. This inverse relationship between downward-trending park capacity and upward-trending recreational vehicle1 registrations raises significant capacity issues for leisure accommodation. This article examines supply-side elements of caravanning – elements largely overlooked in the demand-side focused literature – through a case study of caravan parks of the Tweed Shire in northern New South Wales (NSW), Australia. It innovatively adapts the theoretical framework of Butler’s ( Canadian Geographer 1980; 24: 5–12) tourist area life cycle (TALC) to an industry subsector, caravan parks, to examine time-series trends in park-based site-mix options and capacity. The study found that traditional site infrastructure, geared towards mobile accommodation forms of caravans and tents, is giving way to fixed forms of relocatable homes and ensuite cabins. In an environment of increasing demand for the caravanning experience but decreasing parks, and thus decreasing total site capacity, the contrasting trends are predicted to create a serious accommodation facilities shortage for the caravanning sector of the tourism industry. It concludes that the broad pattern of caravan park development, through site-mix analysis, is in alignment with the six stages of the TALC, as proposed by Butler ( Canadian Geographer 1980; 24: 5–12). Market forces have, to date, propelled caravan parks to their current stage of the TALC. However, the path to a sustainable future for Australian caravan parks will now predominately be determined through their own proactive management intervention.
Identifying best practice in national tourism organisations
Authors: Wight Alexander Craig
Published: April 2013

The UK Leisure and Tourism sector is uniquely fragmented at government and industry levels and comprises a wide and diverse range of products and services. Tourist boards and strategic authorities are important for the thousands of small enterprises that provide accommodation, food, attractions and travel services in Britain. These organisations are responsible for marketing to incoming visitors and they provide a voice on industry issues. This article presents the findings of qualitative, exploratory analysis into the remits and positioning of six National Tourism Organisations in terms of the role each plays in interfacing with other interest groups to influence tourism policy issues and to support the tourism industry. Emphasis is placed on exploring the partnership-working dynamic between national tourism organisations and interest groups towards exerting influence on policy formulation. The study identifies best practice in partnership working and government lobbying based on thematic interviews. A thematic network is presented to suggest how the best practice partnership aspects that are identified might be applied in a UK context.
Mediating science and nature: Representing and consuming infant formula advertising in China
Authors: Gong Qian , Jackson Peter
Published: April 2013

This article analyses the representation and consumption of infant formula advertising on Chinese television, following the food scare of 2008 when milk supplies were contaminated with the poisonous chemical melamine. Drawing on the concepts of encoding/decoding and ‘circuit of culture’, the article investigates how the Chinese dairy industry encodes the messages of food safety and quality in their advertisements, and how parents decode these messages as part of their daily risk management strategies. Combining a critical analysis of advertising imagery with focus group and interview evidence regarding its consumption, the article suggests that the dairy industry juxtaposed images of science and nature to mediate messages about the quality and safety of infant formula. The study’s evidence confirms that Chinese consumers decode these messages based on their previous experience and knowledge, exhibiting considerable ambivalence about the advertising of infant formula and reflecting significant anxiety about the product’s quality and safety.
Social relations and smoking abstinence among ever-smokers: A report from two large population-based Danish cohort studies
Authors: Ross Lone , Thomsen Birthe Lykke , Boesen Sidsel Helle , Frederiksen Kirsten , Lund Rikke , Munk Christian , Dalton Susanne Oksbjerg , Bidstrup Pernille Envold , Kjær Susanne Krüger , Tjønneland Anne , Johansen Christoffer
Published: April 2013

Aims: Relational strain may be a risk factor for relapse after smoking cessation whereas social support may be protective. This study aimed to assess which aspects of social relations were associated with smoking abstinence among ever-smokers. Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire study included data from two large Danish cohorts: One including younger women ( n=10,107) and one including older men ( n=21,091) and women ( n=23,800). Structural and functional relations with different counterparts were measured. Results: Contact with and support from close counterparts tended to be associated with an increased probability of being smoking abstinent, and contact with or support from more distant counterparts tended to be associated with a decreased probability of being smoking abstinent. Although not completely consistent across all three samples, more frequently meeting too many demands from the partner or other relatives seemed to be associated with a decreased probability of abstinence. The patterns for strain measured as worries or conflicts were less clear. Conclusions: Smoking abstinence was associated with structural and functional measures of social relations and depended on the closeness of the persons constituting the relations. Further knowledge about these associations could lead to a potential in involving social relations in smoking cessation programmes.
Famous trauma victims: The Rt Hon Spencer Perceval (1762–1812)
Authors: Bonham Christopher , Greaves Ian
Published: April 2013

Spencer Perceval was born in November 1762, and quickly rose through the political ranks from Member of Parliament to Chancellor of the Exchequer, culminating in his appointment as Prime Minister in 1809. He was assassinated by John Bellingham, a British national, who was imprisoned in Russia 1803. He held a long-lasting vengeance with the British Government for not upholding compensation claims for his imprisonment. As such John Bellingham acted upon his grievances on 11 May 1812, shooting and fatally wounding Spencer Perceval in the old House of Commons. Spencer Perceval died from his wounds shortly after and was buried on 16 May 1812, whilst John Bellingham was tried by a jury of his peers, and subsequently hanged on 15 May 1812.
Institutions, discourse and welfare: Brazil as a distributional regime
Authors: Leubolt Bernhard
Published: April 2013

This article aims at broadening the scope of global and regional social policy studies to include the ‘Global South’. A strategic-relational approach, based on a combination of the ASID framework with a historical-institutionalist approach to social and distributional policies, serves as point of departure. In the final section, the theoretical reflections are exemplified by an empirical case study of Brazil’s socioeconomic development and the recent evolution of conditional cash transfers (CCTs). It is argued that considering the normative project of radical reformist practice, ‘best practice’ prescriptions are to be critically reviewed, considering diverse discursive and institutional legacies.
Global social policy studies: Conceptual and analytical reflections
Authors: Deacon Bob , Stubbs Paul
Published: April 2013

This article reviews the conceptual and analytical contribution of one strand of ‘global social policy studies’ since the mid-1990s. It outlines some of the strengths and weaknesses of the core conceptual basis of the approach acknowledging that the theoretical aspects have remained more implicit than explicit in many core texts. The article advances the case for using the ‘Agency, Structure, Institution and Discourse’ (ASID) approach as a framework within which to advance the analysis of the formation and transformation of ‘global social policy’. The recent development of the ILO and UN policy on advancing social protection floors is then used to illustrate how the ASID approach might be applied to an actual global social policy change.
The cultural construction of global social policy: Theorizing formations and transformations
Authors: Tag Miriam
Published: April 2013

Thinking about global social policy can take many paths, ranging from empirical studies to theoretical reflections, from in-depth investigations to conceptual clarifications. This article provides a cultural and constructivist perspective to the debate on how to theorize global social policy. The main argument of this article is that a combination of world society theory and discourse analysis can provide a new and fruitful angle for global social policy research. Such theorizing involves clarifying definitions and conceptualizations, and the development of analytical strategies. The article first points out parallels in the definition of the ‘global’ in global social policy and world society research. Based on these shared understandings, it then introduces the core concepts and assumption of neo-institutionalist world society theory and discusses their implications for global social policy research, with a specific focus on the conceptualization of actors and the debate on homogeneity. Next, it discusses the newly emerging discourse analytical perspective on globalization processes within world society research and its corresponding analytical strategies. The article uses the case of early childhood to exemplify how the formation and transformation of global social policy can be analysed from such a discourse theoretical world society perspective, focusing on the conditions for the formation of statements, the formation of objects and concepts, and the formation of strategies. It concludes by summarizing the theoretical and analytical consequences of this perspective for global social policy research.
Powers, liabilities and expertise in community safety: Comparative lessons for ‘urban security’ from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Gilling Daniel , Hughes Gordon , Bowden Matthew , Edwards Adam , Henry Alistair , Topping John
Published: April 2013

This paper begins by outlining and critiquing what we term the dominant anglophone model of neo-liberal community safety and crime prevention. As an alternative to this influential but flawed model, a comparative analysis is provided of the different constitutional-legal settlements in each of the five jurisdictions across the UK and the Republic of Ireland (ROI), and their uneven institutionalization of community safety. In the light of this it is argued that the nature of the anglophone community safety enterprise is actually subject to significant variation. Summarizing the contours of this variation facilitates our articulation of some core dimensions of community safety. Then, making use of Colebatch’s (2002) deconstruction of policy activity into categories of authority and expertise, and Brunsson’s (2002) distinction between policy talk, decisions and action, we put forward a way of understanding policy activity that avoids the twin dangers of ‘false particularism’ and ‘false universalism’ (Edwards and Hughes, 2005); that indicates a path for further empirical enquiry to assess the ‘reality’ of policy convergence; and that enables the engagement of researchers with normative questions about where community safety should be heading.
Social Marketing and Tourism
Authors: Truong V. Dao , Hall C. Michael
Published: April 2013

Though the effectiveness of social marketing has been proven in various areas, it has captured scant research attention of tourism scholars. This article analyzes the social marketing characteristics of a number of tourism-related projects that have been funded by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Vietnam. The importance of NGOs in Vietnam’s development process is highlighted. A search strategy is described where some terms and phrases are combined to identify tourism-related development projects. Forty-five projects were found and assessed against a set of six social marketing benchmarks. Twenty-one projects match all the criteria, where different evaluation measures are noted. Significantly, no project labeled itself in terms of social marketing attributes. The social marketing label is thus not necessarily effective in identifying social marketing interventions in tourism-related projects. Despite some caveats, the article indicates that social marketing may be effective in promoting behavior change for sustainable tourism development and poverty alleviation.
Two Cases of Early Childhood Selective Mutism
Authors: Ale Chelsea M. , Mann Angela , Menzel Jessie , Storch Eric A. , Lewin Adam B.
Published: April 2013

Selective Mutism (SM) is a highly impairing disorder which typically presents upon entry to school and affects approximately 0.7% of children. Despite its impact on social and academic development, it is a difficult disorder to treat and there is a small evidence base for behavioral treatment. Preliminary evidence suggests that behavioral treatment focused on exposure to social interactions, social skill building, and involvement of caregivers in treatment may be promising. This article presents two cases of early childhood SM to demonstrate the importance of tailored treatment implementation to meet the individual needs of each family and help children resume typical social development.
Incorporating Technology Into the Treatment of a 17-Year-Old Female With Selective Mutism
Authors: Bunnell Brian E. , Beidel Deborah C.
Published: April 2013

Selective mutism (SM) is a relatively rare disorder and is most commonly found among young children. Children and adolescents presenting with SM and its associated features (e.g., social anxiety, social skills deficits) are often challenging to treat, and recent data suggest that SM is characterized by heightened levels of autonomic arousal, often coupled with behavioral avoidance. In this report, we present the case of Nina, a 17-year-old Caucasian female diagnosed with comorbid SM and social anxiety disorder. Standard intervention designed to treat social anxiety disorder (i.e., intensive exposure based on an extinction paradigm) met with a minimal response and no changes in speech behavior. Reconceptualization of the treatment approach led to a decision to focus directly on speech using a graduated exposure (desensitization) paradigm. To create an emotional response incompatible with anxiety, initial desensitization sessions used Apple iPad applications that allowed for engagement in amusing tasks and the pairing of vocalization with positive emotions. Traditional social skills training constituted the final treatment component. Advantages and limitations associated with the various treatment modalities used are discussed as well as recommendations for future clinical research.
Healing of Ileocolic Nitinol Compression Anastomosis
Authors: Kopelman Doron , Kopelman Yael , Peled Dori , Willenz Udi , Zmora Oded , Wasserberg Nir
Published: April 2013

Background: There are limited large animal models for the research of novel anastomotic technologies. Subtotal colectomy requires the anastomosis of relatively remote segments of the alimentary tract that are different anatomically, histologically, and pose significant physiological challenge. The quest for a foreign material–free anastomotic line reintroduced nitinol compression anastomosis into clinical use in the last decade. Objective: To evaluate the safety, histological, and physiological parameters of side-to-side ileocolic nitinol compression anastomosis in a newly developed large animal model, mimicking the human subtotal colectomy. Intervention: Resection of the entire spiral colon with an ileocolic side-to-side compression anastomosis in 12 animals, compared to resection of a short ileal segment in 6 animals. All anastomoses were constructed by using a novel nitinol-based compression device. The animals were followed up to 30 days postoperatively and were reoperated and sacrificed. Results: All 12 animals underwent successful subtotal colectomy with side-to-side nitinol compression anastomosis. No signs of abdominal infection were found. The increase in the colectomized animals’ bodyweight over the postoperative course was significantly lower and the animals presented with longer periods of diarrhea. The histopathology revealed minimal inflammation and foreign body reaction with good alignment of the bowel wall layers in both groups. The anastomotic line width was shown to be reduced during the healing course of the compression anastomoses. Conclusions: Side-to-side nitinol compression anastomosis is safe and demonstrates favorable functional and histopathological features. The porcine model of subtotal colectomy can be used for further research of novel anastomotic technologies.
Feasibility of Transumbilical Surgical Lung Biopsy and Pericardial Window Creation
Authors: Wu Yi-Cheng , Yen-Chu  , Yeh Chi-Ju , Hsieh Ming-Ju , Chen Tzu-Ping , Chao Ying-Kai , Wu Ching-Yang , Yuan Hsu-Chia , Ko Po-Jen , Liu Yun-Hen , Liu Hui-Ping
Published: April 2013

Background. To date there are no practical platforms for performing natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in the thoracic cavity. This study evaluates the feasibility of transumbilical thoracosopy for lung biopsy and pericardial window creation. Methods. Eleven dogs (6 in the nonsurvival group and 5 in the survival group) were used for this study. A homemade metallic tube was advanced into the abdominal cavity via a 12-mm umbilical incision. The metallic tube was advanced into the thoracic cavity through a subxyphoid diaphragmatic incision under video guidance. Access to the thoracic cavity was achieved by a flexible bronchoscope via the metallic tube. Surgical lung biopsy and pericardial window creation were performed using an electrocautery loop and needle knife. The animals were euthanized 20 minutes after the surgery was complete (nonsurvival group) or 14 days postsurgery (survival group) for necropsy evaluation. Results. Eight pericardial window creations and 21 of 22 preplanned lung biopsies were completed in a median time of 72.18 minutes (range 50-105 minutes). One dog in the nonsurvival group died after tension pneumothorax due to postprocedure massive air leaks. In the survival group, the postoperative period was uneventful in all 5 dogs. Autopsies revealed no signs of vital organ injury and complete healing of the diaphragmatic incision occurred in all animals. Conclusions. The study demonstrated that transumbilical thoracoscopic surgical lung biopsy and pericardial window creation is feasible. The safety and efficacy of the transumbilical approach need to be verified by a more detailed survival study.
Automated External Defibrillators and Emergency Planning for Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Vermont High Schools
Authors: Wasilko Scott M. , Lisle David K.
Published: April 2013

Background:

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) events are tragic. Secondary prevention of SCD depends on availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). High school athletes represent a high-risk group for SCD, and current efforts aim to place AEDs in all high schools.

Hypothesis:

The prevalence of AEDs and emergency planning for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in Vermont high schools is similar to other states. Understanding specific needs and limitations in rural states may prevent SCD in rural high schools.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Methods:

A survey was distributed to all 74 Vermont high school athletic directors. Outcome measures included AED prevalence, AED location, individuals trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED utilization, funding methods for AED attainment, and the establishment of an emergency action plan (EAP) for response to SCA.

Results:

All schools (100%, 74 of 74) completed the survey. Of those, 60 (81%) schools have at least 1 AED on school premises, with the most common location for AED placement being the main office or lobby (50%). Larger sized schools were more likely to have an AED on the premises than smaller sized schools ( P = 0.00). School nurses (77%) were the most likely individuals to receive formal AED training. Forty-one schools (55%) had an EAP in place for response to SCA, and 71% of schools coordinated AED placement with local emergency medical services (EMS) responders.

Conclusion:

In Vermont, more than two-thirds of high schools have at least 1 AED on school premises. However, significant improvement in the establishment of EAPs for SCA and training in CPR and AED utilization is essential given the rural demography of the state of Vermont.

Clinical Relevance:

Rural high schools inherently have longer EMS response times. In addition to obtaining AEDs, high schools must develop a public access to defibrillation program to maximize the chance of survival following cardiac arrest, especially in rural settings.
Systematic Review of Teleneurology
Authors: Rubin Mark N. , Wellik Kay E. , Channer Dwight D. , Demaerschalk Bart M.
Published: April 2013

The use of 2-way audiovisual telemedicine technology for the delivery of acute stroke care is well established in the literature and is a growing practice. The use of such technology for neurologic consultation outside the cerebrovascular specialty has been reported to a variable extent across most disciplines within the field of neurology, including that of the neurohospitalist medicine. A systematic review of these reports is lacking. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature on teleneurologic consultation in hospital neurology. The databases Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane were used as data sources and were searched with key words “teleneurology” and its numerous synonyms and cognates. These key words were cross-referenced with subspecialties of neurology. The studies were included for further review only if the title or the abstract indicated that the study made use of 2-way audiovisual communication to address a neurologic indication. This search yielded 6625 abstracts. By consensus between the 2 investigators, 688 publications met the criteria for inclusion and further review. Four of those citations directly pertained to the inpatient hospital neurologic consultation. Each of the 4 relevant articles was scored with a novel rubric scoring functionality, application, technology, and evaluation phase. A subspecialty category score was calculated by averaging those scores. The use of 2-way audiovisual technology for general neurologic consultation of hospital inpatients, beyond stroke-related care, is promising, but the evidence supporting its routine use is weak. Further studies on reliability, validity, safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness are encouraged.
Validation of the GerdQ questionnaire for the management of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Hidekazu , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Okada Sawako , Hirata Kenro , Fukuhara Seiichiro , Hibi Toshifumi
Published: April 2013

Background

The GerdQ scoring system may be a useful tool for managing gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease. However, GerdQ has not been fully validated in Asian countries.

Objective

To validate the Japanese version of GerdQ and to compare this version to the Carlsson‐Dent questionnaire (CDQ) in both general and hospital‐based populations.

Methods

The questionnaires, including the Japanese versions of GerdQ and CDQ, and questions designed to collect demographic information, were sent to a general population via the web, and to a hospital‐based population via conventional mail. The optimal cutoff GerdQ score and the differences in the characteristics between GerdQ and CDQ were assessed.

Results

The answers from 863 web‐responders and 303 conventional‐mail responders were analysed. When a GerdQ cutoff score was set at 8, GerdQ significantly predicted the presence of reflux oesophagitis. Although the GerdQ scores were correlated with the CDQ scores, the concordance rates were poor. Multivariate analysis results indicated that, the additional use of over‐the‐counter medications was associated with GerdQ score ≥ 8, but not with CDQ score ≥ 6.

Conclusions

The GerdQ cutoff score of 8 was appropriate for the Japanese population. Compared with CDQ, GerdQ was more useful for evaluating treatment efficacy and detecting patients’ unmet medical needs.
Deformation behaviour of hot extruded Mg alloy AZ31 during compressive deformation
Authors: He J J , Liu T M , Zhang Y , Xu S , Lu L W , Tan J
Published: April 2013

Deformation behaviour of a hot extruded Mg–3Al–1Zn alloy subjected to uniaxial compression at room temperature was investigated. Microstructure evolution showed that the amount of lenticular shaped extension twins increased with the increase in true strain when it was lower than ∼4 but decreased when it was higher than ∼4. Previous studies indicated that detwinning occurred. However, we have demonstrated in the present paper that no detwinning occurred, but a process of twin growth and coalescence, leading to an analogous detwinning phenomenon observed in the optical micrographs because most of the matrixes were consumed. A strong texture evolution occurred in this process, and the reorientation produced by strong twinning was mainly responsible for strain hardening when compressed along the extrusion direction.
Microstructure, mechanical and degradation properties of equal channel angular pressed pure magnesium for biomedical application
Authors: Li Z , Huang N , Zhao J , Zhou S J
Published: April 2013

Magnesium is a biocompatible and biodegradable metal, which has attracted much interest in biomedical engineering. Pure magnesium shows the low strength and plasticity at ambient temperature. Microstructure, mechanical properties and degradation properties of the equal channel angular pressed pure magnesium have been investigated for biomedical application in detail by optical microscopes, mechanical properties testing and corrosion testing. The results have revealed that the processing temperature and routes are important factors that affect the properties of pure Mg by equal channel angular pressing. The two-step equal channel angular pressing processing (one pass at 360°C and three passes at 200°C) has been successfully applied to control the microstructure, mechanical and degradation properties of the pure Mg. Optical microscopy observation has indicated that the grain size of the as cast pure magnesium has been significantly decreased after equal channel angular extrusion, which has mainly contributed to the high tensile strength and good elongation. Equal channel angular pressed pure magnesium has provided moderate corrosion resistance, which has opened a new window for materials design, especially for biomedical.
Effect of Y content on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–2·4Nd–0·2Zn–0·4Zr alloys
Authors: Su Z J , Liu C M , Wang Y C , Shu X
Published: April 2013

The effects of yttrium (0, 2·5, 4·0 and 6·0 wt-) on the microstructures, age hardening behaviours and mechanical properties of the Mg–2·4Nd–0·2Zn–0·4Zr alloys were investigated. The results demonstrated that the Mg–2·4Nd–0·2Zn–0·4Zr alloy was mainly composed of α-Mg and Mg12Nd phases. When Y was the added into Mg–2·4Nd–0·2Zn–0·4Zr alloy, Mg24Y5 phases formed. The volume fraction of Mg24Y5 phases increased, and the grains were refined with the Y element increasing. Moreover, the additions of Y could improve the peak aged hardness and mechanical properties of the alloys. Mg–2·4Nd–0·2Zn–0·4Zr–6Y alloy exhibited the highest yield strength of 280 MPa in 225°C peak aged condition; Mg–2·4Nd–0·2Zn–0·4Zr–4·0Y alloy exhibited the optimal mechanical properties in the peak aged condition, whose value of ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation were 330 MPa, 265 MPa and 6·5 respectively. The optimal mechanical properties of Mg-2·4Nd-0·2Zn-0·4Zr-4·0Y alloy were mainly attributed to the high volume fraction of fine metastable β′ precipitates in the matrix and the discontinuous distribution of the sparse grain boundary precipitates along grain boundary.
Effect of laser shock processing on stress corrosion cracking behaviour of AZ31 magnesium alloy at slow strain rate
Authors: Li X C , Zhang Y K , Chen J F , Lu Y L
Published: April 2013

An investigation was performed to evaluate the effect of laser shock processing (LSP) on AZ31 magnesium alloy using the slow strain rate tensile test. Microstructure revealed that a fine grained structure was obtained by LSP. X-ray diffraction showed that high compressive residual stress occurred at the surface after LSP. Meanwhile, the tensile strength of the LSP samples was improved. The stress corrosion cracking behaviour was examined, including both the base material and the LSP samples in air and 3·5NaCl solution respectively. Test results demonstrated that the AZ31 Mg alloy after LSP exhibits higher stress corrosion cracking resistance than the base material.
Quantitative analysis of austempering kinetics of ductile iron with Cu addition
Authors: Amran Y , Katsman A
Published: April 2013

The kinetics of austempering of two ductile iron alloys, Fe–3·5C–2·5Si and Fe–3·6C–2·7Si–0·7Cu, was investigated. The alloys were austempered for various times at 623 K (350°C) and 673 K (400°C), followed by water quenching. The first ferrite needles nucleate mainly at the graphite/austenite interface. Copper addition decreases the ferrite needles’ dimensions, increases the autocatalysis factor and increases the austempering rate. Decreasing the austempering temperature from 673 K (400°C) to 623 K (350°C) results in a decrease in the ferrite needles’ dimensions, an increase in the autocatalysis factor and a decrease in the austempering rate. A modified quantitative kinetic model for austempering of ductile iron, which takes into account the graphite nodules as ferrite nucleation sites, was developed. The change in the ferrite needles’ dimensions is explained by the interplay of the γ→ α transformation driving force and the dislocation density that formed near the ferrite needles during their growth.
In situ fabrication and wettability of Ca2SiO4/CaTiO3 biocoating by laser cladding technology on Ti–6Al–4V alloy
Authors: Yang Y L , Guo N
Published: April 2013

Wetting is the first and foremost event when a biomaterial is implanted into the biological system. Hence, it is very essential to investigate the wettability of a biomaterial before further biological studies. A textured coating with different relative amounts of Ca2SiO4 and CaTiO3 was in situ fabricated by varying laser scan speed. The wettability of different coatings was investigated. The results indicate that the relative amount of Ca2SiO4 phase increased with decreasing laser scan speeds and reached the highest value of 48·17±2·10 mJ mm−2, and the geometrically textured topography with a surface roughness of 9·17 μm was obtained at a laser scan speed of 2 mm s−1. The microstructure in the coating can be characterised as fine dendrites. Surface energy values varied with the relative amount of Ca2SiO4 phase. The coating obtained at the laser scan speed of 2 mm s−1, which contains more relative amount of Ca2SiO4, presents the highest surface energy, indicating most desirable wettability. This resulted in an increase in contact angle in simulated body fluid solution for improved wettability. The microhardness presented a gradient distribution from the coating surface (1072 HV) to the substrate (260 HV).
How we treat lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Fenaux Pierre , Adès Lionel
Published: April 2013

Lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are defined as having low or intermediate 1 risk by the International Prognostic Scoring System and are characterized mainly by anemia in most cases. Supportive care—primarily red blood cell transfusions—remains an important component of their treatment, but exposes patients to insufficient correction of anemia, alloimmunization, and organ iron overload (for which the role of iron chelation remains debated). Treatment aimed at preventing anemia recurrence should therefore be used whenever possible. Erythropoiesis stimulating agents remain the first-line treatment of anemia in most lower-risk MDS without del(5q), whereas anemia of low-risk MDS with del 5q responds to lenalidomide in two-thirds of the cases, but this drug should be used cautiously because profound cytopenias may occur initially. Treatment after failure of those first-line therapies are disappointing overall, with many patients eventually requiring long-term transfusions, but encouraging results have been reported with hypomethylating agents and lenalidomide. Selected patients respond to antithymocyte globulins, and thrombopoietin receptor agonists are under investigation in lower-risk MDS with thrombocytopenia. Some patients, while remaining at a “lower risk” MDS level, have severe cytopenias and/or poor prognostic factors, found using newer prognostic parameters, or resistance to treatment, making them urgent candidates for more intensive approaches, including allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
The impact of quantile and rank normalization procedures on the testing power of gene differential expression analysis
Authors: Qiu Xing , Wu Hulin , Hu Rui
Published: April 2013

Background

Quantile and rank normalizations are two widely used pre-processing techniques designed to remove technological noise presented in genomic data. Subsequent statistical analysis such as gene differential expression analysis is usually based on normalized expressions. In this study, we find that these normalization procedures can have a profound impact on differential expression analysis, especially in terms of testing power.

Results

We conduct theoretical derivations to show that the testing power of differential expression analysis based on quantile or rank normalized gene expressions can never reach 100% with fixed sample size no matter how strong the gene differentiation effects are. We perform extensive simulation analyses and find the results corroborate theoretical predictions.

Conclusions

Our finding may explain why genes with well documented strong differentiation are not always detected in microarray analysis. It provides new insights in microarray experimental design and will help practitioners in selecting proper normalization procedures.
Mef2A, a homologue of animal Mef2 transcription factors, regulates cell differentiation in Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Galardi-Castilla María , Fernandez-Aguado Irene , Suarez Teresa , Sastre Leandro
Published: April 2013

Background

Transcription factors from the MADS-box family play a relevant role in cell differentiation and development and include the animal SRF (serum response factor) and MEF2 (myocyte enhancer factor 2) proteins. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum contains four genes coding for MADS-box transcription factors, two of these genes code for proteins that are more similar to SRF, and the other two code for proteins that are more similar to MEF2 animal factors.

Results

The biological function of one of the two genes that codes for MEF2-related proteins, a gene known as mef2A, is described in this article. This gene is expressed under the transcriptional control of two alternative promoters in growing cells, and its expression is induced during development in prespore cells. Mutant strains where the mef2A gene has been partially deleted were generated to study its biological function. The mutant strains showed reduced growth when feeding on bacteria and were able to develop and form fruiting bodies, but spore production was significantly reduced. A study of developmental markers showed that prespore cells differentiation was impaired in the mutant strains. When mutant and wild-type cells were set to develop in chimeras, mutant spores were underrepresented in the fruiting bodies. The mutant cells were also unable to form spores in vitro. In addition, mutant cells also showed a poor contribution to the formation of the tip-organizer and the upper region of slugs and culminant structures. In agreement with these observations, a comparison of the genes transcribed by mutant and wild-type strains during development indicated that prestalk gene expression was enhanced, while prespore gene expression decreased in the mef2A
- strain.

Conclusions

Our data shows that mef2A plays a role in cell differentiation in D. discoideum and modulates the expression of prespore and prestalk genes.
Spir2; a novel QTL on chromosome 4 contributes to susceptibility to pneumococcal infection in mice
Authors: Wisby Laura , Fernandes Vitor E , Neill Daniel R , Kadioglu Aras , Andrew Peter W , Denny Paul
Published: April 2013

Background

Streptococcus pneumoniaecauses over one million deaths worldwide annually, despite recent developments in vaccine and antibiotic therapy. Host susceptibility to pneumococcal infection and disease is controlled by a combination of genetic and environmental influences, but current knowledge remains limited.

Results

In order to identify novel host genetic variants as predictive risk factors or as potential targets for prophylaxis, we have looked for quantitative trait loci in a mouse model of invasive pneumococcal disease. We describe a novel locus, calledStreptococcus pneumoniaeinfection resistance 2 (Spir2)on Chr4, which influences time to morbidity and the development of bacteraemia post-infection.

Conclusions

The two quantitative trait loci we have identified (Spir1andSpir2) are linked significantly to both bacteraemia and survival time. This may mean that the principle cause of death, in our model of pneumonia, is bacteraemia and the downstream inflammatory effects it precipitates in the host.