bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congenital Hypoplastic Trigeminal Nerve Revealed by Manifestation of Corneal Disorders Likely Caused by Neural Factor Deficiency
Authors: Morishige Naoyuki , Morita Yukiko , Yamada Naoyuki , Nishida Teruo , Sonoda Koh-Hei
Published: June 2014

Purpose: To report a case of hypoplastic trigeminal nerve associated with corneal epithelial disorders that were successfully treated with peptides derived from substance P and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Case Report: A 16-month-old boy was referred for treatment of a persistent corneal epithelial defect on his left eye. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the apparent absence of the trigeminal nerve on the left side, and the patient was therefore diagnosed with neurotrophic keratopathy. Treatment with eye drops containing the tetrapeptides FGLM-NH2 and SSSR derived from the neuropeptide substance P and the growth factor IGF-1, respectively, resulted in resurfacing of the corneal epithelial defect. Discussion: The trigeminal nerve anomaly of the patient likely gave rise to neurotrophic keratopathy as a result of a deficiency of neural factors, emphasizing the importance of neural regulation in corneal epithelial homeostasis.
Scriptural Substitutions and Anonymous Citations: Judaization as Rhetorical Strategy in a Jewish Sufi Text1
Authors: Hofer Nathan
Published: June 2014

In this article, I take the theme of other people’s scriptures in a slightly different direction by highlighting a case in which an instance of scriptural engagement is characterized by a notable absence rather than explicit presence. I examine the work of David ben Joshua Maimonides, a medieval Jewish author who engaged with and quoted from Muslim Sufi texts. However, in the process of writing David systematically removed references to the Qurʾān and obscured the identity of his Sufi interlocutors, a process which scholars often describe as “judaization.” However, this descriptive use of judaization often functions to obscure the complicated negotiations between an author and his or her sources. In this case, I pose judaization as an analytical problem. I argue that David left his knowing readers clues in the text that hint at the Sufi provenance of many of his ideas. The removal of qurʾānic material and the obfuscation of his Sufi sources were actually part of a clear and deliberate rhetorical strategy meant both to subvert his Sufi texts and to bolster his claims about the relationship between Sufism, biblical Judaism, and the revivification of prophecy among the Jews.
Religion as Concept and Measure
Authors: Schilderman Hans
Published: June 2014

This contribution offers an introduction to the volume. The definition and operationalisation of religion is described as a multidisciplinary issue in the changing landscape of academia. One of the problems that theology is confronted with, concerns the fact that religion is being studied from various universes of interpretation that result in a variety of definitions with strong historical roots. While this offers a rich palette for research, it also questions the contemporary identity of empirical research in theology. The contributing authors are being introduced with reference to their respective empirical studies, while pointing at a concluding essay that addresses the theological identity of empirical research.
Nineteenth-Century Royal Navy Sailors from Africa and the African Diaspora: Research Methodology
Authors: Rankin John
Published: June 2014

The paper explains a methodology, where previously there was none, for identifying African and diasporan naval personnel hired by the British Royal Navy to serve in the West African Station in the mid-nineteenth century. The methodology employs a variety of naval documents including: ship’s musters, description books, daily sick lists, and medical journals to identify African and diasporan personnel. The Royal Navy employed four categories (Kroomen, Liberated Africans, Africans, Blacks) to describe and to differentiate the African and diasporan work force within the Station. By identifying African and diasporan naval personnel more can be learned about the ways in which race and ethnicity were constructed and applied during the age of abolition. It also provides a method capable of examining the shipboard lives and socio-economic niches carved out by ‘subject’ people within the British maritime Atlantic World.
Cinema as the Space to Transgress Palestine’s Territorial Trap
Authors: Tawil-Souri Helga
Published: June 2014

In this article, Palestinian national cinema is interpreted through the lens of a ‘structure of feeling’ in order to address the theme of Palestinians reconstituting themselves in relation to changing geographies. Palestinians must constantly negotiate the tensions between mobility and immobility, whether in exile or diaspora, inside Israel, or within the Territories. Connecting these lived geographies to film, the article argues that analytic frameworks mistaking the national for a territorially-defined and stable order are ill-suited for a treatment of Palestinian national cinema. Touching on film production, narrative tropes and filmic locations in various films, the paper argues that cinema serves as a space to transgress Palestine’s territorial trap. Cinema as a structure of feeling allows for a more elastic, transgressive and encompassing understanding of Palestine and Palestinians.
Side by Side in Peace
Authors: Gooding Francis
Published: June 2014

By examining official films of Palestine made during the British Mandate period, this paper seeks to show that a recognizable visual trope—the ‘street scene in Jerusalem’—can be identified, and that it can be linked historically to the proclamation of British martial law in Jerusalem by General Allenby. The paper argues that this trope, and in particular its recurrence in a news report on the King David Hotel bombing of 1946, can be understood as typical of the way that British imperial power was projected throughout the Empire. In conclusion, the paper argues that the tolerance and egalitarianism that Jerusalem signifies in British colonial films of Palestine are values whose invocation is historically linked to the advent of militarized colonial control.
Between Form and Function
Authors: Denes Nick
Published: June 2014

In 1968, the first cinema unit of the Palestinian liberation movement was founded in Amman by Mustafa Abu Ali, Sulafa Jadallah and Hany Jawhariyyeh. Affiliated with Yasser Arafat’s rapidly ascendant Fateh movement, from 1969 to 1974 this organization completed a stylistically eclectic series of films addressing revolutionary changes in Palestinian society and politics. This essay identifies some of the more striking formal experiments undertaken in these early works, reading these in contact with historical and political conditions. It links a reading of the Fateh movement’s response to questions of political form or definition in this period, with an account of the aesthetic and structural innovations through which these early filmmakers pursued a cinema suited to the revolutionary moment. By distinguishing works of this early period from those that followed, and by highlighting the stylistic variations occurring in them, the essay shows filmmaking by militants affiliated with the liberation movement’s political establishment to have been more adventurous and formally unstable than has previously been suggested.
Multivariate Regression Reconstruction and Its Sampling Error for the Quasi-Global Annual Precipitation from 1900 to 2011
Authors: Shen Samuel S. P. , Tafolla Nancy , Smith Thomas M. , Arkin Phillip A.
Published: June 2014

This paper provides a multivariate regression method to estimate the sampling errors of the annual quasi-global (75°S–75°N) precipitation reconstructed by an empirical orthogonal function (EOF) expansion. The Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) precipitation data from 1979 to 2008 are used to calculate the EOFs. The Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCN) gridded data (1900–2011) are used to calculate the regression coefficients for reconstructions. The sampling errors of the reconstruction are analyzed in detail for different EOF modes. The reconstructed time series of the global-average annual precipitation shows a 0.024 mm day−1 (100 yr)−1 trend, which is very close to the trend derived from the mean of 25 models of phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. Reconstruction examples of 1983 El Niño precipitation and 1917 La Niña precipitation demonstrate that the El Niño and La Niña precipitation patterns are well reflected in the first two EOFs. Although the validation in the GPCP period shows remarkable skill at predicting oceanic precipitation from land stations, the error pattern analysis through comparison between reconstruction and GHCN suggests the critical importance of improving oceanic measurement of precipitation.
Verification of Quantitative Precipitation Reforecasts over the Southeastern United States
Authors: Baxter Martin A. , Lackmann Gary M. , Mahoney Kelly M. , Workoff Thomas E. , Hamill Thomas M.
Published: June 2014

NOAA’s second-generation reforecasts are approximately consistent with the operational version of the 2012 NOAA Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS). The reforecasts allow verification to be performed across a multidecadal time period using a static model, in contrast to verifications performed using an ever-evolving operational modeling system. This contribution examines three commonly used verification metrics for reforecasts of precipitation over the southeastern United States: equitable threat score, bias, and ranked probability skill score. Analysis of the verification metrics highlights the variation in the ability of the GEFS to predict precipitation across amount, season, forecast lead time, and location. Beyond day 5.5, there is little useful skill in quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) or probabilistic QPFs. For lighter precipitation thresholds [e.g., 5 and 10 mm (24 h)−1], use of the ensemble mean adds about 10% to the forecast skill over the deterministic control. QPFs have increased in accuracy from 1985 to 2013, likely due to improvements in observations. Results of this investigation are a first step toward using the reforecast database to distinguish weather regimes that the GEFS typically predicts well from those regimes that the GEFS typically predicts poorly.
Prediction of Hearing Outcomes by Multiple Regression Analysis in Patients With Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Suzuki Hideaki , Tabata Takahisa , Koizumi Hiroki , Hohchi Nobusuke , Takeuchi Shoko , Kitamura Takuro , Fujino Yoshihisa , Ohbuchi Toyoaki
Published: June 2014

Objective:

This study aimed to create a multiple regression model for predicting hearing outcomes of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).

Methods:

The participants were 205 consecutive patients (205 ears) with ISSNHL (hearing level ≥ 40 dB, interval between onset and treatment ≤ 30 days). They received systemic steroid administration combined with intratympanic steroid injection. Data were examined by simple and multiple regression analyses. Three hearing indices (percentage hearing improvement, hearing gain, and posttreatment hearing level [HLpost]) and 7 prognostic factors (age, days from onset to treatment, initial hearing level, initial hearing level at low frequencies, initial hearing level at high frequencies, presence of vertigo, and contralateral hearing level) were included in the multiple regression analysis as dependent and explanatory variables, respectively.

Results:

In the simple regression analysis, the percentage hearing improvement, hearing gain, and HLpost showed significant correlation with 2, 5, and 6 of the 7 prognostic factors, respectively. The multiple correlation coefficients were 0.396, 0.503, and 0.714 for the percentage hearing improvement, hearing gain, and HLpost, respectively. Predicted values of HLpost calculated by the multiple regression equation were reliable with 70% probability with a 40-dB-width prediction interval.

Conclusion:

Prediction of HLpost by the multiple regression model may be useful to estimate the hearing prognosis of ISSNHL.
Complications After Tracheal and Cricotracheal Resection and Anastomosis for Inflammatory and Neoplastic Stenoses
Authors: Piazza Cesare , Del Bon Francesca , Paderno Alberto , Grazioli Paola , Mangili Stefano , Lombardi Davide , Nicolai Piero , Peretti Giorgio
Published: June 2014

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate complications and success rates of tracheal resection and anastomosis (TRA) and cricotracheal resection and anastomosis (CTRA) in patients treated in 2 academic institutions.

Methods:

Retrospective charts review of 137 patients submitted to TRA/CTRA. Fifty (36.5%) had neoplastic (group A) and 87 (63.5%) benign (group B) stenoses. Using univariate analysis, age, medical comorbidities, previous radiotherapy, type of TRA/CTRA, association with neck dissection and thyroidectomy, length of resected airway, and preoperative tracheotomy were evaluated to identify factors predictive of complications and outcomes.

Results:

The mean length of resected airway was 2.7 and 3 cm in groups A and B, respectively. Overall decannulation and complication rates for group A were 96% and 36%, and 99% and 46% for group B, respectively. Length of airway resected and presence of preoperative tracheotomy had a statistically significant effect on major surgical complications. Age older than 70 and cardiovascular and pulmonary comorbidities were significantly associated with the incidence of major medical complications. No statistically significant difference was found considering the complication rates of group A versus group B.

Conclusion:

Even though the overall success rate of TRA/CTRA is high, it should always be regarded as a major surgical procedure with a non-negligible incidence of complications.
Overview of the in vitro stability of commonly measured vitamins and carotenoids in whole blood
Authors: Cuerq Charlotte , Peretti Noël , Chikh Karim , Mialon Anne , Guillaumont Marc , Drai Jocelyne , Blond Emilie
Published: June 2014

Background

The pre-analytical stabilities of vitamins A, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, carotenoids and folates in whole blood were studied. The aim of this work was to provide clear and workable pre-analytical procedures specifying optimal delay before freezing for laboratories which perform themselves such analyses or which receive and transfer such specimens to referral laboratories.

Methods

The stability of vitamins was studied in whole blood at room temperature after light exposure up to 24 h (vitamin C), 48 h (vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B6 and carotenoids) and 72 h (vitamins K, B12, red blood cell (RBC) and serum folates). Vitamin C stability after baseline acidification was analysed up to 48 h. Changes observed were compared to a clinical cut-off defined as total change limit based on a combination of analytical performance and within-subject variation.

Results

Clinically and statistically significant changes occurred only in vitamins C (−22.5%), B6 (+9.9%) and serum folates (−16.8%) concentrations after 6, 24 and 48 h, respectively. Vitamins A, E, K, B1, B2, B12, RBC folates and carotenoids showed good stability up to 48 or 72 h. Vitamin C in acidified serum conserved at room temperature appeared unstable. The optimal condition for acidified vitamin C conservation was at less than −20℃.

Conclusion

The majority of vitamins remain stable for up to 48 h. Vitamin C quantification requires serum acidification followed by freezing as soon as possible. Freezing, respectively, within 12 h and 24 h for determination of plasma vitamin B6 and serum folates concentrations is recommended.
Thinking Aloud Influences Perceived Time
Authors: Hertzum Morten , Holmegaard Kristin Due
Published: June 2014

Objective:

We investigate whether thinking aloud influences perceived time.

Background:

Thinking aloud is widely used in usability evaluation, yet it is debated whether thinking aloud influences thought and behavior. If thinking aloud is restricted to the verbalization of information to which a person is already attending, there is evidence that thinking aloud does not influence thought and behavior.

Method:

In an experiment, 16 thinking-aloud participants and 16 control participants solved a code-breaking task 24 times each. Participants estimated task duration. The 24 trials involved two levels of time constraint (timed, untimed) and resulted in two levels of success (solved, unsolved).

Results:

The ratio of perceived time to clock time was lower for thinking-aloud than control participants. Participants overestimated time by an average of 47% (thinking aloud) and 94% (control). The effect of thinking aloud on time perception also held separately for timed, untimed, solved, and unsolved trials.

Conclusion:

Thinking aloud (verbalization at Levels 1 and 2) influences perceived time. Possible explanations of this effect include that thinking aloud may require attention, cause a processing shift that overshadows the perception of time, or increase mental workload.

Application:

For usability evaluation, this study implies that time estimates made while thinking aloud cannot be compared with time estimates made while not thinking aloud, that ratings of systems experienced while thinking aloud may be inaccurate (because the experience of time influences other experiences), and that it may therefore be considered to replace concurrent thinking aloud with retrospective thinking aloud when evaluations involve time estimation.
Global Burden of Severe Tooth Loss
Authors: Kassebaum N.J. , Bernabé E. , Dahiya M. , Bhandari B. , Murray C.J.L. , Marcenes W.
Published: June 2014

The goal of the Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study has been to systematically produce comparable estimates of the burden of 291 diseases and injuries and their associated 1,160 sequelae from 1990 to 2010. We aimed to report here internally consistent prevalence and incidence estimates of severe tooth loss for all countries, 20 age groups, and both sexes for 1990 and 2010. The systematic search of the literature yielded 5,618 unique citations. After titles and abstracts were screened, 5,285 citations were excluded as clearly not relevant to this systematic review, leaving 333 for full-text review; 265 publications were further excluded following the validity assessment. A total of 68 studies—including 285,746 individuals aged 12 yr or older in 26 countries—were included in the meta-analysis using modeling resources of the Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study. Between 1990 and 2010, the global age-standardized prevalence of edentate people decreased from 4.4% (95% uncertainty interval: 4.1%, 4.8%) to 2.4% (95% UI: 2.2%, 2.7%), and incidence rate decreased from 374 cases per 100,000 person-years (95% UI: 347, 406) to 205 cases (95% UI: 187, 226). No differences were found by sex in 2010. Prevalence increased gradually with age, showing a steep increase around the seventh decade of life that was associated with a peak in incidence at 65 years. Geographic differences in prevalence, incidence, and rate of improvement from 1990 to 2010 were stark. Our review of available quality literature on the epidemiology of tooth loss shows a significant decline in the prevalence and incidence of severe tooth loss between 1990 and 2010 at the global, regional, and country levels.
Review of Preclinical Studies on Treatment of Mucositis and Associated Pain
Authors: Viet C.T. , Corby P.M. , Akinwande A. , Schmidt B.L.
Published: June 2014

Oral mucositis is a significant problem in cancer patients treated with radiation or chemotherapy, often hindering definitive cancer treatment. For patients with oral mucositis, pain is the most distressing symptom, leading to loss of orofacial function and poor quality of life. While oral mucositis has been well-described, its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Oral health professionals treating patients with mucositis have almost no effective therapies to treat or prevent oral mucositis. The purpose of this review is to (1) describe the current preclinical models of oral mucositis and their contribution to the understanding of mucositis pathophysiology, (2) explore preclinical studies on therapies targeting mucositis and discuss the clinical trials that have resulted from these preclinical studies, and (3) describe the proposed pathophysiology of oral mucositis pain and preclinical modeling of oral mucositis pain.
Predicting Reading Difficulty in First Grade Using Dynamic Assessment of Decoding in Early Kindergarten
Authors: Petersen Douglas B. , Allen Melissa M. , Spencer Trina D.
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the classification accuracy of early static prereading measures and early dynamic assessment reading measures administered to 600 kindergarten students. At the beginning of kindergarten, all of the participants were administered two commonly used static prereading measures. The participants were then administered either a dynamic assessment featuring an onset-rime decoding strategy or a dynamic assessment featuring a sound-by-sound strategy. At the end of first grade, those same participants’ reading ability was assessed using multiple reading measures. Results indicated that the dynamic assessments yielded significantly higher classification accuracy over the static measures, but that the classification accuracy of the two dynamic assessments did not differ significantly. Sensitivity for the static measures was less than 80%, and specificity ranged from 33% to 51%. The sensitivity and specificity for the dynamic assessments was greater than 80% for all children, with the exception of specificity for the Hispanic children, which was at or greater than 70%. Results also indicated that the combination of static and dynamic measures did not improve the classification accuracy over the dynamic assessments alone. Dynamic assessment appears to be a promising approach to classifying young children at risk for future reading difficulty.
Intermediary cooperative associations and the institutionalization of participative work practices: A case study in the Danish public sector
Authors: Sørensen Ole Henning , Doellgast Virginia , Bojesen Anders
Published: June 2014

Scandinavian countries are known for having a high adoption of cooperative models of work design. This article investigates the role of parity labour market associations, termed intermediary cooperative associations, in the dissemination of these models. Findings are based on an examination of the Centre for the Development of Human Resources and Quality Management (SCKK), a social partnership-based organization that funds workplace development projects at state workplaces, and of nine participative development projects that received financial and logistical support from the SCKK. These projects increased union and management commitment to partnership-based approaches to problem-solving, despite their ambiguous results for both groups. This suggests that intermediary cooperative associations help to enhance the normative legitimacy of participative work practices through the provision of resources and ‘best practice’ management approaches.
Internal diversity and change in the UK: The changing forms and levels of coordination in wages and working conditions within the ceramic tableware sector 1945–2008
Authors: Lambert Neil J
Published: June 2014

This article presents findings from a longitudinal analysis of postwar (1945–2008) changes to coordination in wages and working conditions within a single-case study sector in the UK – ceramic tableware production. It proposes three modes of incremental change during this period: layering in the immediate postwar years ( c. 1950); conversion during the 1970s; and displacement in the early 1980s. Shaped by (a) the internal and external pressures actors faced, (b) the veto possibilities and (c) the levels of discretion in the implementation and enforcement of targeted institutions for key actors at different stages, this sector saw different forms and levels of coordination in wages and working conditions come to prominence at different points during the second half of the twentieth century.
Exploration of Social, Environmental, and Familial Influences on the Sexual Health Practices of Urban African American Adolescents
Authors: Collins Michelle L. , Baiardi Janet M. , Tate Nutrena H. , Rouen Patricia A.
Published: June 2014

Despite efforts to examine social influences and provide interventions that lead to safer sexual practices for African American (AA) adolescent girls, statistics have demonstrated this population continues to have the highest rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV when compared with adolescent girls of other races. Guided by the principles of Black Feminist Thought and Photovoice and focus group methodology, this descriptive study aimed to discover the social realities influencing a group of eight AA adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years. Data from individual interviews and a focus group session were collected from November 11, 2012, to February 1, 2013. Analysis of selected photographs, interviews, and focus group conversations through a feminist lens suggests AA adolescents of low socioeconomic status continue to foster racial and mental inferiority stereotypes by using their sexuality as a bargaining tool for acceptance, value, and even love.
Total arch replacement for coarctation of the aorta in an adolescent
Authors: Kasama Keiichiro , Suzuki Shinichi , Isomatsu Yukihisa , Yamazaki Kazuya , Yanagi Hiromasa , Masuda Munetaka
Published: June 2014

A 16-year-old boy suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage and underwent open head surgery. He was subsequently diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta and referred to our hospital. The coarctation was at the distal transverse arch, just at the site of branching of the subclavian artery. Total arch replacement with selective cerebral perfusion was selected because of the short hypoplastic arch. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, and was doing well 3 years after the surgery.
Thoracoscopic wedge lung resection using virtual-assisted lung mapping
Authors: Sato Masaaki , Aoyama Akihiro , Yamada Tetsu , Menjyu Toshi , Chen Fengshi , Sato Toshihiko , Sonobe Makoto , Omasa Mitsugu , Date Hiroshi
Published: June 2014

Background

Virtual-assisted lung mapping is a novel bronchoscopic preoperative lung marking technique using virtual images to conduct multiple concurrent lung markings with dye. This study analyzed the indications, mapping design, and outcomes of lung wedge resection using virtual-assisted lung mapping.

Methods

From August 2012 to October 2013, 35 patients with 59 lesions were planned to undergo thoracoscopic lung wedge resection aided by virtual-assisted lung mapping. The data related to virtual-assisted lung mapping were prospectively collected, with the exception of the mapping design which was retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Suspected primary lung cancer (21 lesions in 18 patients) and metastatic lung tumors (38 lesions in 17 patients) were treated by thoracoscopic lung wedge resection with the aid of virtual-assisted lung mapping; 50 wedge resections were conducted with 107 markings. Virtual-assisted lung mapping was most frequently designed to place 2 ( n = 15 wedge resections) or 3 ( n = 17) markings to both identify the tumor(s) and secure a sufficient resection margin. In 7 wedge resections, anatomical landmarks and/or imaginary auxiliary lines functioned as complementary parts of the lung map when bronchial anatomy did not allow for markings at ideal spots. The resection outcomes were satisfactory without clinically evident complications.

Conclusion

Multiple markings of virtual-assisted lung mapping not only enabled tumor identification, but also secured sufficient resection margins. Special techniques using anatomical landmarks and imaginary auxiliary lines were complementary to the lung map when bronchial anatomy did not allow for markings at ideal spots.
Replacement of the heavily calcified ascending aorta in aortic valve replacement
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Hisashi Yosuke , Imoto Yutaka
Published: June 2014

A totally calcified ascending aorta prevents aortic crossclamping and aortotomy during aortic valve replacement, and replacement of the ascending aorta is a valid option in these cases. We describe a simple technique for calcified ascending aorta replacement using the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator. This can be used in aortic endarterectomy for removal of the calcified plaque in the anastomotic part.
Is bilateral chylothorax possible after simple cough? Yes
Authors: Candas Fatih , Yildizhan Akin , Gorur Rauf , Isitmangil Turgut
Published: June 2014

Chylothorax is accumulation of chylous fluid in the pleural space due to impaired integrity of the thoracic duct or its branches. In childhood, the causes differ from those in adults because children less frequently develop malignancies and are more resistant to trauma. Commonly, chylothorax occurs as a complication of tumoral invasion or cardiopulmonary surgery. Treatment of chylothorax is essentially medical. In the event of medical treatment failure or a massive effusion, surgery is needed. We describe the case of a 65-year-old woman who developed bilateral chylothorax after a simple cough. She was treated with a medium-chain triglyceride diet and thoracentesis.
Needs and sources of information for women in the treatment and management of breast cancer in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Zaid Yetunde A. , Egberongbe Halima S. , Adekanye Adetoun E.
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the needs and sources of information women with breast cancer found helpful during the treatment procedure. The target population consists of women living in Lagos State who were in the process of breast cancer treatment. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a purposive sample of 125 women who had been diagnosed and were undergoing treatment in a teaching hospital in Lagos State, Nigeria. Descriptive analysis was used to represent information needs, information sources utilized and helpfulness of the information sources. The result shows that the women expressed a great need for almost all types of information but those with higher levels of education indicated a greater need to know the reasons that their doctors had for suggesting treatments. The data indicated that personal doctors, oncologists, family and friends, mass media and leaflets and brochure were important information sources utilized by respondents; but the major sources of information respondents found very helpful were personal doctors, oncologists, family and friends. The paper concludes with a suggestion for a proactive stance by health sciences librarians and librarians in public libraries in disseminating information to Nigerian women about breast cancer. This could be achieved by guiding them to easily readable, authoritative, and reliable information sources, including local demonstrations on treatment options available. The implications of the findings are discussed and recommendations offered.
Cost analysis of the Communication and Low Mood (CALM) randomised trial of behavioural therapy for stroke patients with aphasia
Authors: Humphreys Ioan , Thomas Shirley , Phillips Ceri , Lincoln Nadina
Published: June 2014

Objective:

To evaluate the cost effectiveness of a behavioural therapy intervention shown to be clinically effective in comparison with usual care for stroke patients with aphasia.

Design:

Randomised controlled trial with comparison of costs and calculation of incremental cost effectiveness ratio.

Setting:

Community.

Participants:

Participants identified as having low mood on either the Visual Analog Mood Scale sad item (≥50) or Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire Hospital version 21 (SADQH21) (≥6) were recruited.

Interventions:

Participants were randomly allocated to behavioural therapy or usual care using internet-based randomisation generated in advance of the study by a clinical trials unit.

Main measures:

Outcomes were assessed at six months after randomisation, blind to group allocation. The costs were assessed from a service use questionnaire. Effectiveness was defined as the change in SADQH21 scores and a cost-effectiveness analysis was performed comparing the behavioural group with the usual care control group. The cost analysis was undertaken from the perspective of the UK NHS and Social Services.

Results:

The greatest difference was in home help costs where there was a saving of £56.20 in the intervention group compared to an increase of £61.40 in the control group. At six months the SADQH21 score for the intervention group was 17.3 compared to the control group value of 20.4. This resulted in a mean increase of 0.7 in the control group, compared to a mean significant different decrease of 6 in the intervention group ( P = 0.003). The Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio indicated that the cost per point reduction on the SADQH21 was £263.

Conclusion:

Overall the behavioural therapy was found to improve mood and resulted in some encouraging savings in resource utilisation over the six months follow-up.
Rehabilitation for post-stroke cognitive impairment: an overview of recommendations arising from systematic reviews of current evidence
Authors: Gillespie David C , Bowen Audrey , Chung Charlie S , Cockburn Janet , Knapp Peter , Pollock Alex
Published: June 2014

Background:

Although cognitive impairments are common following stroke, there is considerable uncertainty about the types of interventions that can reduce activity restrictions and improve quality of life. Indeed, a recent project to identify priorities for research into life after stroke determined that the top priority for patients, carers and health professionals was how to improve cognitive impairments.

Objective:

To provide an overview of the evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation for patients with stroke and to determine the main gaps in the current evidence base.

Methods:

Evidence was synthesised for the six Cochrane reviews relating to rehabilitation for post-stroke cognitive impairment and any subsequently published randomized controlled trials to February 2012.

Results:

Data arising from 44 trials involving over 1500 patients was identified. Though there was support for the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation for some cognitive impairments, significant gaps were found in the current evidence base. All of the Cochrane reviews identified major limitations within the evidence they identified.

Conclusions:

There is currently insufficient research evidence, or evidence of insufficient quality, to support clear recommendations for clinical practice. Recommendations are made as to the research required to strengthen the evidence base, and so facilitate the delivery of effective interventions to individuals with cognitive impairment after stroke.
The NMDAr antagonist ketamine interferes with manipulation of information for transitive inference reasoning in non-human primates
Authors: Brunamonti Emiliano , Mione Valentina , Di Bello Fabio , De Luna Paolo , Genovesio Aldo , Ferraina Stefano
Published: June 2014

One of the most remarkable traits of highly encephalized animals is their ability to manipulate knowledge flexibly to infer logical relationships. Operationally, the corresponding cognitive process can be defined as reasoning. One hypothesis is that this process relies on the reverberating activity of glutamate neural circuits, sustained by NMDA receptor (NMDAr) mediated synaptic transmission, in both parietal and prefrontal areas. We trained two macaque monkeys to perform a form of deductive reasoning – the transitive inference task – in which they were required to learn the relationship between six adjacent items in a single session and then deduct the relationship between nonadjacent items that had not been paired in the learning phase. When the animals had learned the sequence, we administered systemically a subanaesthetic dose of ketamine (a NMDAr antagonist) and measured their performance on learned and novel problems. We observed impairments in determining the relationship between novel pairs of items. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that transitive inference premises are integrated during learning in a unified representation and that reducing NMDAr activity interferes with the use of this mental model, when decisions are required in comparing pairs of items that have not been learned.
Clinical, Functional, and Morphological Evaluations of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Remnant Preservation
Authors: Lee Dhong Won , Jang Hyoung Won , Lee Yong Seuk , Oh Soo Jin , Kim Jae Young , Song Han Eui , Kim Jin Goo
Published: June 2014

Background:

Numerous posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction techniques have evolved and have revealed satisfactory outcomes; however, the optimal operative method for PCL reconstruction remains controversial.

Hypothesis:

Transtibial PCL reconstruction with a remnant preservation technique would result in successful clinical, radiological, functional, and morphological outcomes. In addition, it was hypothesized that the results of combined PCL and posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction would be comparable with those of isolated PCL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 168 patients who underwent arthroscopic PCL reconstruction with or without reconstruction of the PLC between March 2006 and June 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Ninety-two patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled, and 47 of 92 patients who underwent combined PCL and PLC reconstruction were evaluated as a subgroup. The PLC was reconstructed using the single fibular sling method. The patients were assessed by means of the Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score, and Tegner activity score. Stability was evaluated using a KT-2000 arthrometer and Telos device. Proprioception was assessed using the Biodex System. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 34 patients, and second-look arthroscopic surgery was conducted in 36 patients.

Results:

The minimum follow-up duration was 24 months in all patients. Clinical outcomes and posterior instability improved significantly. The mean Lysholm score improved from 56.7 ± 7.1 to 89.3 ± 7.3, the mean IKDC subjective knee score improved from 53.3 ± 9.6 to 86.2 ± 6.1, and the mean Tegner activity score was 2.5 ± 0.8 preoperatively and 5.1 ± 1.3 postoperatively (all P < .001). The mean side-to-side difference on posterior stress radiography with the Telos device improved significantly, decreasing from 12.1 ± 2.5 mm to 2.7 ± 1.3 mm ( P < .001). The mean side-to-side difference on varus stress radiography was reduced from 5.9 ± 0.8 mm preoperatively to 1.3 ± 1.0 mm after combined PCL and PLC reconstruction ( P < .001). Postoperative proprioception recovered to a level similar to that of the uninvolved side, and MRI and second-look arthroscopic surgery showed a high rate of complete healing and synovialization in patients who underwent either isolated PCL reconstruction or combined PLC and PCL reconstruction.

Conclusion:

Transtibial PCL reconstruction with remnant preservation resulted in satisfactory clinical, functional, radiological, and morphological outcomes. The results of combined posterolateral rotatory instability were comparable with those for isolated PCL reconstruction with adequate PLC reconstruction.
Environmental evaluation of the electric and cogenerative configurations for the energy recovery of the Turin municipal solid waste incineration plant
Authors: Panepinto Deborah , Genon Giuseppe
Published: June 2014

Given the desirability of reducing fossil fuel consumption, together with the increasing production of combustible solid wastes, there is clearly a need for waste treatment systems that achieve both volume reduction and energy recovery. Direct incineration method is one such system. The aim of this work was to analyze the municipal solid waste incineration plant currently under construction in the province of Turin (Piedmont, North Italy), especially the potential for energy recovery, and the consequent environmental effects. We analyzed two kinds of energy recovery: electric energy (electrical configuration) only, and both electric and thermal energy (cogenerative configuration), in this case with a different connection hypothesis to the district heating network. After we had evaluated the potential of the incinerator and considered local demographic, energy and urban planning effects, we assumed different possible connections to the district heating network. We computed the local and global environmental balances based on the characteristics of the flue gas emitted from the stack, taking into consideration the emissions avoided by the substituted sources. The global-scale results provided relevant information on the carbon dioxide emissions parameter. The results on the local scale were used as reference values for the implementation of a Gaussian model (Aermod) that allows evaluation of the actual concentration of the pollutants released into the atmosphere. The main results obtained highlight the high energy efficiency of the combined production of heat and electricity, and the opportunity to minimize the environmental impact by including cogeneration in a district heating scheme.
Systemic Transformation from the Ground–Up
Authors: Bal Aydin , Kozleski Elizabeth B. , Schrader Elizabeth M. , Rodriguez Esmeralda M. , Pelton Scott
Published: June 2014

The enduring existence of disproportionate representation of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in special education programs and disciplinary practices creates a double bind for educators, educational leaders, and families. Disproportionality is an adaptive systemic issue that is not under any entity’s control; thus, it demands collaboration and critical dialogue among local stakeholders. This article examined the implementation of Learning Lab, a new methodology of systemic transformation, for local stakeholders to collectively examine and address disproportionality in behavioral outcomes from the ground–up. Learning Lab aims to increase equity within the local implementations of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) by opening up decision-making and problem-solving processes with local stakeholders. Designed to increase authentic collaboration and dialogue among educators, families, and community-based organizations, Learning Lab offers the possibility of contextually fit, culturally responsive implementations of PBIS and building the capacity for forming adaptive and inclusive schools.
Twenty Years in the Making
Authors: Kulakevich Tatsiana
Published: June 2014

Even after twenty years of Lukashenka’s rule, Belarusians still have to struggle for democracy. However, there has been a modest growth in the number of protesters during presidential elections and in the pro-EU mood of the Belarusian population. This article analyzes the dynamic of this growth through the prism of social movements literature and such concepts as framing, political opportunity, and mobilizing structures. The argument is that the weakness of the mobilizing structures and framing processes at times when political opportunities presented themselves in Belarus resulted in an absence of large-scale protests and a failure to sustain the development of social movements in the country. At the same time, Belarus cannot be considered as being in a static or retrogressive state since transnational flows characteristic of a globalizing world have exposed people to wider flows of information, providing them with counterframes and resulting in a modest growth in the numbers of protesters and a change in the preferences of the Belarusian population.
Investigation and optimization of properties of sintered iron/recycled grey cast iron powder metallurgy parts
Authors: Abdollahi Hadi , Mahdavinejad Ramezanali , Panahi Leavoli Rohallah , Ghambari Mohammad , Moradi Mahmoud
Published: June 2014

In this work, the preparation of iron/grey cast iron powder metallurgy parts by recycling machining scraps using target jet milling method is studied. Cast iron powder percentage, compaction pressure, sintering temperature and sintering time are selected as input process parameters. The effects of selected parameters on the response density, transverse rupture strength and hardness of the sintered samples are investigated by response surface methodology, and optimal combinations of input parameters are obtained. Analysis of variance and regression analysis are used to determine the main and interaction effects of input parameters, develop mathematical models and evaluate the validity of the models. Scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy micrographs are provided to discuss the obtained responses. The results evidenced that the combination of iron/jet-milled grey cast iron is promising for producing powder metallurgy parts with diverse properties and economical considerations. Also, by comparing the optimized results obtained from the proposed models to that from the confirmation tests, the models errors were found to be in a range of 1%−8%.
A new model for contact geometry in single-point incremental forming
Authors: Adams David , Jeswiet Jack
Published: June 2014

Because the deformation within single-point incremental forming occurs in a small region around the area of contact, understanding the size and shape of the contact patch is useful to model process conditions. The following presents a new model of contact geometry, wherein contact geometry is derived from the intersection of the tool with the regions that have already been formed. Because this method allows for contact geometry to be determined based on measurable surrounding features, experimental measurements of contact geometry are performed to quantify the contributions of tool diameter, step size and wall angle on contact area.
Free vibration analysis of 2D-FGM truncated conical shell resting on Winkler–Pasternak foundations based on FSDT
Authors: Asanjarani A , Satouri S , Alizadeh A , Kargarnovin MH
Published: June 2014

Based on the first-order shear deformation theory, this paper focuses on the free vibration behavior of two-dimensional functionally graded material truncated conical shells resting on Winkler–Pasternak foundations. The materials are assumed to be isotropic and inhomogeneous in the length and thickness directions of truncated conical shell. The material properties of the truncated conical shell are varied in these directions according to power law functions. The derived governing equations are solved using differential quadrature method. Convergence of this method is checked and the fast rate of convergence is observed. The primary results of this study are obtained for ( SS− SL), ( CS− CL), and ( CS− SL) boundary conditions and compared with those available in the literatures. Furthermore, effects of geometrical parameters, material power indexes, mechanical boundary conditions, Winkler and Pasternak foundation moduli on the nondimensional frequency parameters of the two-dimensional functionally graded material truncated conical shell are studied.
An investigation into the effect of variable flash thickness on the strength of an AA7075 part obtained by hot closed-die forging
Authors: Zare Chavoshi Saeed , Tajdari Mehdi , Luo Xichun
Published: June 2014

Strength is an important specification for the forged part. This research investigates the macrostructure and grain flow distribution of material during the hot closed-die forging process of an AA7075 part by using variable flash thickness dies. Experimental tests were performed using operational conditions based on the finite volume simulation results of the forging process. The grain flow pattern and the strength of the produced parts were evaluated by using optical microscope after etching and tensile tests, respectively. It shows that using a variable flash thickness die can significantly increase the tensile strength of the forged parts.