bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New reflections on some law professors at Leiden between c. 1580 and c. 1715
Authors: Feenstra† Robert
Published: June 2013

The present reflections originate from a retrospective view of Seventeenth-Century Leyden law professors and their influence on the development of the civil law, by R. Feenstra and C.J.D. Waal (1975), a study mainly concerning Arnold Vinnius (1588–1657) and Johannes Voet (1647–1713). They supplement that work with references to bibliographic studies since 1975 and with some rectifications. An important part of the reflections, however, concerns Hugo Grotius (1583–1645) and the origins of his ideas in the field of private law (largely followed by Vinnius and Voet). His preferred sources would seem to have been Hugo Donellus (1527–1591) and Matthaeus Wesenbecius (1531–1586). As far as Donellus is concerned, attention is paid to manuscripts of his lectures and to his pupil Gerard Tuning (1566–1610), a Leiden professor; he (and his family) had various links with Grotius.
Palaearctic Abaristophora (Diptera: Phoridae): First female of A. arctophila Schmitz, 1927 and a new species from N. W. Russia
Authors: PAPE THOMAS , ULEFORS SVEN-OLOF , DISNEY R. HENRY L.
Published: June 2013

Abaristophora arctophila Schmitz, 1927 is confirmed from Europe through a series of males and females collected in bo-real Sweden. The male of A. arctophila is documented and separated from A. sachalinensis Michailovskaya, 1988 and Abaristophora kolaensis Disney n. sp., which is described from a single male from N.W. Russia. A lectotype is designated for A. arctophila and the female is described for the first time.
A new species of the genus Sinanapis Wunderlich & Song (Araneae, Anapidae) from China
Authors: JIN CHI , ZHANG FENG
Published: June 2013

Anapidae are small-sized (~ 3 mm), three-clawed, haplogyne spiders with six or eight eyes situated on an elevated ocular region and an anterior labral spur. The family currently contains 38 genera and 153 species worldwide (Platnick 2013, Lin, Li & Jäger, 2013). Nine species belonging to six genera have been recorded from China (Oi, 1960; Brignoli 1981; Zhang & Chen, 1994; Wunderlich & Song, 1995; Ono, Chang & Tso, 2006; Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009; Lin & Li, 2012).
Tensile Characterization of Porcine Temporomandibular Joint Disc Attachments
Authors: Murphy M.K. , Arzi B. , Hu J.C. , Athanasiou K.A.
Published: June 2013

The frequency and impact of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders necessitate research in characterizing the joint’s function. The 6 discal attachments have not yet been systematically characterized under tension. Understanding their role in joint function may guide our study of TMJ pathologies, including disc displacement. In the present study, a porcine model was used to characterize the attachments in tension anteroposteriorly and mediolaterally, based on previously identified similarities in the porcine and human masticatory behaviors and discal properties. Tensile stiffness, strength, toughness, and maximum strain were quantified. Collagen alignment was characterized via polarized light and scanning electron microscopy. Anisotropy was demonstrated in all attachments, with the exception of the anterior inferior attachment. Anteroposteriorly, the lateral attachment was stiffest (8.3 MPa) and the anterior superior was least stiff (1.4 MPa). Mediolaterally, the posterior superior attachment was stiffest (16.3 MPa) and the medial was least stiff (1.4 MPa). The greatest strain was observed in the lateral attachment in the mediolateral direction and the posterior superior attachment in the anteroposterior direction. With greatest strains in the most commonly observed directions of disc displacement, it is suggested that compromise in the posterior and lateral attachments contributes to partial lateral and anterior disc displacement.
Exploring the Meso-System
Authors: Smith Emilie Phillips , Faulk Monique , Sizer Monteic A.
Published: June 2013

Community contexts are important ecological settings related to problem behavior and positive youth development (PYD). While substantial work has focused on neighborhood disadvantage, the current study explores the role of community assets, specifically linkages to important institutional resources and people in those settings. These concepts are explored in a cross-sectional sample of African American and White, male and female adolescent offenders with an eye toward approaches to reducing further delinquency. The findings of confirmatory factor and path analyses demonstrate that personal relationships and linkages to important community resources including recreational, school, faith-based, extended-family, and work-related sources, are related not only to better family functioning but also to positive peer relations and indirectly to youth self-reliance. This study highlights the potential role of community networks and support in the lives of youthful offenders and their families, a population in need of more research identifying potential positive pathways of development.
Apprehensions: On gaining recognition as middle class in Madurai
Authors: Dickey Sara
Published: June 2013

In this article, I examine everyday ways in which residents of Madurai, Tamil Nadu work to gain and maintain recognition as middle class. In the intersubjective production of identities, people define not only what it takes to be a member of a specific local class category, but also what it means to be treated as fully human. I explore the critical importance of visibility and recognition in daily life, and the modes and meanings of the consumption through which people strive to achieve them. Focusing on two key consumption practices—presenting oneself in public according to local standards of ‘decency’ and marking class belonging through one fetishised consumer good, the cell phone—I consider the relationships among visual apprehension, counting as a social being and dignity.
Environmental conditions and the prevalence of norovirus in hospital building drainage system wastewater and airflows
Authors: Gormley M , Templeton KE , Kelly DA , Hardie A
Published: June 2013

A potential cross-transmission route, first identified in the spread of the SARs virus in South East Asia, in which infection was spread by virus-laden aerosolised droplets entering habitable space via defective water traps is investigated. The main aim of this work was to detect norovirus in wastewater from the collection drain in a hospital Building Drainage System and attempt to trace it in the BDS vent airflow. The methodology employed polymerase chain reaction tests on waste water samples and indicated strong positives for the norovirus GII strain from the collection drain, corresponding to an outbreak in the building, confirming that the BDS is contaminated in such circumstances and poses a threat. Pathogens were not detected in the BDS vertical stack airflows; however, the methodology employed to collect samples from the airflow was considered ineffective requiring further research. An average temperature of 24.3℃ was recorded, together with an average humidity of 96.6%. This research also confirmed that inside the building drainage stack, air flow movement occurs in both the ‘up’ and ‘down’ direction. Thus, aerosolised pathogens could travel from the contaminated horizontal collection drains upwards and enter wards via defective traps or little used showers, sinks, baths and sluices.

Practical application: The detection of norovirus from raw, unprocessed samples taken from the collection drain of a hospital complex highlights the need for caution in dealing with these large contaminated systems. The obvious area affected by these findings is in the awareness by building managers and facilities managers that this contamination exists and that all appropriate measures are taken to minimise infection spread due to normal o&m operations. While it was not possible to detect the virus in the airflow itself, it is considered significant that the identification of the direction and magnitude of these airflows confirms that building drainage stacks could act as conduits for the transmission of aerosolised pathogen-laden water droplets. This research suggests that there is a need for a secure and verifiable seal between the building drainage/sewer network and habitable space within a building to minimize the likelihood of any potential cross-contamination and consequent risk to human health.
Effectiveness of a Generic Chronic Disease Self-Management Program for People With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Lorig Kate , Ritter Philip L. , Ory Marcia G. , Whitelaw Nancy
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a generic chronic disease self-management program for people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

English-speaking adults with type 2 diabetes who were part of a larger US national translation study of the Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) were invited to be part of the current study. In addition to completing self-report questionnaires, participants submitted blood samples at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Of the 114 participants, half had A1C values between 6% and 6.9% and half had values of 7.0% or more.

Results

Adults with diabetes successfully participated in CDSMP workshops in a community health setting. Participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in health indicators and behaviors but no reductions in health care utilization. Participants with A1C of 7% and above had A1C reductions at 6 months, with smaller reductions at 12 months. Those with baseline A1C less than 7% had no changes in A1C at 6 or 12 months.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the CDSMP is a useful and appropriate program for lowering A1C among those with A1C above 7% and for improving health status for people with diabetes, regardless of their A1C.
Factors Associated With Treatment Success in Veterans With Diabetes and Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Tressler Michael C. , Greer Nancy , Rector Thomas S. , Ishani Areef , Ercan-Fang Nacide
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify factors related to achieving a LDL <100 mg/dL.

Methods

Data from a recent randomized control trial of nurse case management versus usual care conducted at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System were analyzed. The trial consisted of 556 veterans with diabetes mellitus (DM) and at least 1 of the following: blood pressure (BP) >140/90 mmHg, and/or glycated hemoglobin (A1C) >9.0%, and/or LDL >100 mg/dL. The current analysis is focused on 275 patients in either treatment group who, at baseline, had LDL >100 mg/dL. Baseline characteristics and variables obtained during the trial of the 95 patients who reached goal LDL were compared to the 180 who did not.

Results

Patients who reached goal LDL had higher rates of preexisting coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), congestive heart failure (CHF), and HMG-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) use. After adjustment for baseline LDL, preexisting CAD, CVA, and CHF increased the odds of patients achieving a goal LDL <100 mg/dL. This is possibly secondary to the increased prevalence of these conditions in patients with DM. These patients also likely had multiple other providers involved in their care promoting attainment of lower LDL. Baseline statin usage was not related to achieving a LDL<100 mg/dL, however, patients declining to take a statin at any time during the trial had decreased odds of reaching goal LDL. Patients with preexisting neuropathy were also less likely to reach goal LDL.

Conclusions

Preexisting CAD, CVA, or CHF all increased the odds of patients achieving a goal LDL <100 mg/dL while declining statin therapy and preexisting neuropathy reduced the odds.
Applying the Payoff Time Framework to Carotid Artery Disease Management
Authors: Yuo Theodore H. , Roberts Mark S. , Braithwaite R. Scott , Chang Chung-Chou H. , Kraemer Kevin L.
Published: June 2013

Background and Objective: Asymptomatic stenosis of the carotid arteries is associated with stroke. Carotid revascularization can reduce the future risk of stroke but can also trigger an immediate stroke. The objective was to model the generic relationship between immediate risk, long-term benefit, and life expectancy for any one-time prophylactic treatment and then apply the model to the use of revascularization in the management of asymptomatic carotid disease. Methods: In the “payoff time” framework, the possibility of losing quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) because of revascularization failure is conceptualized as an “investment” that is eventually recouped over time, on average. Using this framework, we developed simple mathematical forms that define relationships between the following: perioperative probability of stroke (P); annual stroke rate without revascularization (r0); annual stroke rate after revascularization, conditional on not having suffered perioperative stroke (r1); utility levels assigned to the asymptomatic state (ua) and stroke state (us); and mortality rates (λ). Results: In patients whose life expectancy is below a critical life expectancy [Formula: see text], the “investment” will never pay off, and revascularization will lead to loss of QALYs, on average. CLE is independent of utilities assigned to the health states if a rank ordering exists in which ua > us. For clinically relevant values (P = 3%, r0 = 1%, r1 = 0.5%), the CLE is approximately 6.4 years, which is longer than published guidelines regarding patient selection for revascularization. Conclusions: In managing asymptomatic carotid disease, the payoff time framework specifies a CLE beneath which patients, on average, will not benefit from revascularization. This formula is suitable for clinical use at the patient’s bedside and can account for patient variability, the ability of clinicians who perform revascularization, and the particular revascularization technology that is chosen.
Tax Increment Financing in Chicago, IL, Building Neoliberal Exclusion One School at a Time
Authors: Farmer Stephanie , Poulos Chris D.
Published: June 2013

The article examines how the entrepreneurial municipal government in Chicago, IL has deployed tax increment financing revenues to realize so-called urban education reform through the construction of exclusive neoliberal schools. At the same time traditional open enrollment schools are relatively deprived of tax increment financing revenues for school construction projects. In effect, Chicago’s municipal government is allotted the financial flexibility by the tax increment financing program to construct a variegated, unequal and polarized school system consisting of well funded, high quality exclusive public schools and underfunded, lower quality open enrollment public schools. Further, the placement of exclusive schools is also polarized as prestigious selective enrollment public schools are located in high socio-economic neighborhoods and partially privatized charter and contract schools, outside of local democratic control, are located in predominantly African-American low socio-economic neighborhoods, thus disempowering these residents.
Validation of Holistic Nursing Competencies
Authors: Erickson Helen Lorraine , Erickson Margaret Elizabeth , Campbell Joan A. , Brekke Mary E. , Sandor M. Kay
Published: June 2013

The American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC), certifying body for nurses practicing within the precepts of holistic nursing, uses a systematic process to guide program development. A previous publication described their early work that distinguished basic and advanced holistic nursing and development of related examinations. A more recent publication described the work of AHNCC from 2004 to 2012, including a role-delineation study (RDS) that was undertaken to identify and validate competencies currently used by holistic nurses. A final report describes the RDS design, methods, and raw data information. This article discusses AHNCC’s goals for undertaking the 2012 Holistic Nursing RDS and the implications for the certification programs.
Functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with S-valine amino acid and its reinforcement on amino acid-containing poly(amide-imide) bionanocomposites
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Zadehnazari Amin
Published: June 2013

Chemical functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)s with S-valine amino acid was discussed to give enhanced solubility and dispersibility by rapidly and efficiently generating an appreciable amount of hydrophilic functional groups using microwave radiation. Surface functionality groups and the morphology of S-valine functionalized MWCNTs (MWCNTs-Val) were characterized by means of field emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy (FE-SEM and TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements. The surface-modified MWCNTs showed better chemical stability in common solvents. The amino acid-containing poly(amide-imide) (PAI) composites, which had been reinforced with amino acid-functionalized MWCNTs, were fabricated using the solution blending process. Through this method, MWCNTs-Val (5–15 wt%) was dispersed in the polymer matrix by high energy ultrasound. Microstructure observations, using FE-SEM and TEM, confirmed that the fabricated composites had a good dispersion of MWCNTs-Val in the polymer matrix, and they did not agglomerate with each other. The dispersion of CNTs could be improved by the functional groups, due to the carbonyl groups on the PAI matrix itself. A thorough characterization of bionanocomposites synthesized in the present work was carried out using FT-IR, XRD, TGA, FE-SEM, and TEM techniques. The mechanical strength of the composites was also demonstrated in this work.
Robust control allocation with adaptive backstepping flight control
Authors: Choi Byunghun , Kim H. Jin , Kim Youdan
Published: June 2013

For the enhancement of survivability and maneuverability, modern aircraft systems have redundant control effectors. Control allocation is a useful method for distributing control signals among the individual effectors. In order to implement a control allocation scheme, the control system is designed using two-step procedures. In the first step, the control law is designed by adaptive backstepping control. The second step is to design the control allocator. A robust control allocation method is presented in this paper, which is motivated from the concept of the worst-case robust approximation approach. By assuming uncertainties in the control effectiveness matrix, the worst-case robust control allocation problem is investigated. The proposed robust control allocation technique is compared with weighted least squares control allocation. In particular, nonlinear simulations demonstrate that the proposed robust control allocation method has satisfactory performance and robustness for the assumed uncertainties in the control effectiveness matrix.
A Longitudinal Cluster-Randomized Controlled Study on the Accumulating Effects of Individualized Literacy Instruction on Students’ Reading From First Through Third Grade
Authors: Connor Carol McDonald , Morrison Frederick J. , Fishman Barry , Crowe Elizabeth C. , Al Otaiba Stephanie , Schatschneider Christopher
Published: June 2013

Using a longitudinal cluster-randomized controlled design, we examined whether students’ reading outcomes differed when they received 1, 2, or 3 years of individualized reading instruction from first through third grade, compared with a treated control group. More than 45% of students came from families living in poverty. Following students, we randomly assigned their teachers each year to deliver individualized reading instruction or a treated control condition intervention focused on mathematics. Students who received individualized reading instruction in all three grades showed the strongest reading skills by the end of third grade compared with those who received fewer years of such instruction. There was inconsistent evidence supporting a sustained first-grade treatment effect: Individualized instruction in first grade was necessary but not sufficient for stronger third-grade reading outcomes. These effects were achieved by regular classroom teachers who received professional development, which indicates that policies that support the use of evidence-based reading instruction and teacher training can yield increased student achievement.
Safety and Efficacy of Periprocedural Anticoagulation With Enoxaparin in Patients Undergoing Peripheral Endovascular Revascularization
Authors: Brodmann Marianne , Dorr A. , Hafner F. , Gary T. , Froehlich H. , Kvas E. , Deutschmann H. , Pilger E.
Published: June 2013

Background:

Periprocedural anticoagulation is primarily used in endovascular procedures to prevent acute reocclusion of the target vessel, but periprocedural anticoagulation might also have an impact on long-term outcome. Consecutive bleeding events are feared complications. Despite changes in peripheral endovascular revascularizations (EVRs), the periprocedural management has remained unchanged for years. Unfractionated heparin is still the treatment of choice during and immediately after EVR.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a prospective, single-center, open-label phase III study comparing 2 different regimes of enoxaparin peri-interventional to peripheral EVR stratified into low- and high-risk groups according to the acute and long-term reocclusion risk due to their vessel morphology. In both groups, 0.5 mg/kg of enoxaparin as a bolus was administered intravenously 10 to 15 minutes before the start of the procedure. In the low-risk group, 40 mg of enoxaparin were administered once daily for 7 days; whereas in the high-risk group, 1 mg/kg of enoxaparin was administered subcutaneously (sc) 2 times a day for 48 hours after the procedure and afterward 40 mg of enoxaparin was administered sc once daily for 5 days.

Results:

For the analysis of the per protocol population, 44 patients remained in the low-risk group and 140 in the high-risk group. Concerning the primary safety end point, a total of 25 (13.59%) bleeding events occurred until day 30; 5 (11.36%) of them in the low-risk group and 20 (14.29%) in the high-risk group ( P = .809 for low vs high risk). None of the bleeding events observed were major according to Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction criteria. Concerning our primary efficacy end point, none of the patients showed an acute reocclusion classified as a significant decrease in ankle–brachial index (ABI) or elevated peak systolic velocity ratio confirmed by duplex sonography until day 30. Concerning the second end point of prevention of chronic reobstruction, at day 180 ABI has decreased in the low-risk group from mean 0.94 at day 30 to mean 0.89 and from 1.28 at day 30 to 0.85 after 6 months in the high-risk group. No significant reobstruction was found in the low-risk group, whereas 5 significant reobstruction events were objectified in the high-risk group, all of them in the femoropopliteal arterial segment at day 180.

Conclusion:

We conclude that low-molecular-weight heparin either in a low-dose or high-dose regime during a peripheral EVR is safe concerning bleeding complications and acute reobstructions. The long-term follow-up showed no significant difference between our high- and low-risk groups concerning reobstruction. The periprocedural anticoagulation seems to have no influence on the long-term patency rate after peripheral EVR.
Un-Doing a Title
Authors: Badley Graham Francis
Published: June 2013

A complicated title may put some readers off. Others may be intrigued by the complexities that a messy title suggests. “Un-doing a title” is an essay that focuses on unraveling the threads of Hanna Guttorm’s messy article “Becoming-(a)-Paper, or an Article Undone.” The essay, first, introduces titology and titles and subtitles as paratexts. Second, it examines the title’s main concepts, namely, Becoming, Paper, Article, Undone, (Post-)Knowing, Writing (Again), Nomadic, and Messy, which structure the article. It concludes with brief comments on topics raised in the main text including that of academic texts as love letters.
The sound of street corner society: UK grime music as ethnography
Authors: Barron Lee
Published: June 2013

This article explores the ways in which popular music can be linked to ethnography. While there is a tradition of connecting popular music with sociology, this article posits a further resonance that is not so much theoretical as methodological. The article suggests that forms of contemporary popular music parallel key facets of ethnography, not simply in terms of sociological analysis, but with regard to popular music as an ethnographic resource, as ‘data’, and as the reflexive expression of Paul Willis’ conception of the ‘ethnographic imagination’; and the article argues that contemporary British hip-hop in the form of ‘grime’ is a potent exemplar. This is due to the resolutely cultural, spatial nature of grime music: a factor that marks out grime as a distinctive musical genre and a distinctive ethnographic form, as it is an experientially rooted music about urban locations, made from within those urban locations.
Re-imagining career transition: What help from typologies?
Authors: Burns Edgar
Published: June 2013

This article considers the part played by typologies in analysing career transition. It identifies three strands of typological thinking in seeking to understand this phenomenon. These are typologies as method, as a method–theory bridge, and as a theoretical mode of sociological thinking. The discussion explores ways in which each of these approaches to career transition may contribute insights or may simply complicate analysis. Positive and negative examples of career transition typologies are used to illustrate typology creation and usage. The argument presented is that while each strand can contribute sociological insights, it is the theoretical use of typologies that is paradigmatic, not method-driven typologies, for contemporary career transition inquiry.
Making connections in a regional city: Social capital and the primary social contract
Authors: Kilpatrick Sue , Johnson Louise , King Tanya J. , Jackson Ruth , Jatrana Santosh
Published: June 2013

Government policy in many countries encourages migration to regional centres to relieve pressure on major cities and to boost economic development. Migrants are more likely to remain in a new location if they have meaningful work and establish social connections there. This article explores how organisations and groups in a regional city provide newcomers with access to social capital resources which migrants can use to forge social connections. Past research has shown that migrants require a mix of linking, bridging and bonding social capital to form an effective primary social contract with their new home. This research suggests that regional cities – such as Geelong, Victoria – which are proactive in assembling diverse social capital resources and making them accessible to migrants, are more likely not only to receive more newcomers but also more likely to retain migrants and a skilled workforce. The findings have relevance to other regional centres.
Abnormal heart rate recovery and chronotropic incompetence on exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Gupta Mansi , Bansal Vishal , Chhabra Sunil K
Published: June 2013

Chronotropic incompetence (CI; failure to reach the targeted heart rate (HR) on exercise) and a delayed HR recovery (HRR; ≤12 beats decline within the first minute after cessation) reflect autonomic dysfunction (AD) and predict adverse cardiac prognosis. As chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is known to be associated with AD, we hypothesized that these patients may manifest these responses on exercise. The prevalence and predictors of these responses in COPD and their association with its severity have not been evaluated. Normoxemic, stable male patients with COPD ( n = 39) and 11 healthy controls underwent lung function testing and incremental leg ergometry. HR responses were monitored during exercise and recovery to compute the HRR and CI. Of all the patients, 33 (84.6%) had at least one of the two exercise responses as abnormal, with the majority (23, 58.9%) having both an abnormal HRR and CI. The frequency of abnormal responses increased with increasing Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage and body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea and exercise capacity index. After adjusting for smoking history and post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second, only a reduced diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide predicted abnormal HRR, though weakly. We concluded that abnormal HRR and CI are common in patients with COPD. These responses are observed with increasing frequency as the severity of disease increases.
Information Organization in the Airline Cockpit
Authors: Degani Asaf , Barshi Immanuel , Shafto Michael G.
Published: June 2013

We describe the all-engine-out landing of Air Transat Flight 236 in the Azores Islands (August 24, 2001) and use certain aspects of that accident to motivate a conceptual framework for the organization and display of information in complex human-interactive systems. Four hours into the flight, the aircraft experienced unusual oil indications. Two hours later, a fuel system failure led to a full-blown emergency that was not evident to the crew until it was too late. Although all relevant data to avoid the emergency were available to the aircraft computer systems, the design choices made about what to display and how to display it kept the pilots “in the dark.” The framework proposed here consists of six levels, beginning from the extraction of data from physical signals, abstracting from raw data to form visual representations on the user interface, and finally integrating high-level elements and information structures. We illustrate how the framework can be used to analyze some of the shortcomings in current display design, and we discuss some principles of information organization and formal analysis of task logic that might help to improve design. Finally, we sketch a design for a helicopter engine display based on these principles.
Palmar plate capsulodesis for thumb metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension in association with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis
Authors: Miller N. J. K. , Davis T. R. C.
Published: June 2013

Hyperextension of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is frequently seen with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis, but there is no consensus on the indication for, or type of, treatment. We re-examined 12 thumbs at a mean of 9 (range 6–13) years following MCP capsulodesis using a suture anchor performed with trapeziectomy. Mean MCP hyperextension improved from 45° pre-operatively to 19° at 1 year post-operatively. At 9 years follow-up, it had increased to 30° but was still significantly better than pre-operatively ( p = 0.007). Mean MCP flexion was 37° and near normal opposition was retained. The median pain score had improved from 5.5 to 1 ( p = 0.002). Thumb key and tip pinch and hand grip strength showed no significant change from pre-operative values. No thumb MCP had symptomatic radiological degeneration. Our results suggest that MCP capsulodesis preserves a useful range of MCP flexion but stretches out over time. However, this did not result in increased pain or thumb weakness.
Open Bandit Processes with Uncountable States and Time-Backward Effects
Authors: Wu Xianyi , Zhou Xian
Published: June 2013

Bandit processes and the Gittins index have provided powerful and elegant theory and tools for the optimization of allocating limited resources to competitive demands. In this paper we extend the Gittins theory to more general branching bandit processes, also referred to asopen bandit processes, that allow uncountable states and backward times. We establish the optimality of the Gittins index policy with uncountably many states, which is useful in such problems as dynamic scheduling with continuous random processing times. We also allow negative time durations for discounting a reward to account for the present value of the reward that was received before the present time, which we refer to astime-backward effects. This could model the situation of offering bonus rewards for completing jobs above expectation. Moreover, we discover that a common belief on the optimality of the Gittins index in the generalized bandit problem is not always true without additional conditions, and provide a counterexample. We further apply our theory of open bandit processes with time-backward effects to prove the optimality of the Gittins index in the generalized bandit problem under a sufficient condition.
Pruned Discrete Random Samples
Authors: Grübel Rudolf , Hitczenko Paweł
Published: June 2013

Let Xi,i ∈ ℕ, be independent and identically distributed random variables with values in ℕ0. We transform (‘prune’) the sequence {X1,…,Xn},n∈ ℕ, of discrete random samples into a sequence {0,1,2,…,Yn}, n∈ ℕ, of contiguous random sets by replacing Xn+1 with Yn +1 if Xn+1 >Yn. We consider the asymptotic behaviour of Yn as n→∞. Applications include path growth in digital search trees and the number of tables in Pitman's Chinese restaurant process if the latter is conditioned on its limit value.
Analysis of psychological functioning of patients after their suicide attempts
Authors: Wierzbiński Piotr , Talarowska Monika , Chamielec Marcelina , Mikołajczyk Iwona , Strombek-Milczarek Marta , Florkowski Antoni
Published: June 2013

Suicide is a serious psychiatric problem. A deliberate act of taking their own lives by patients is a difficult and dramatic move. There has been ongoing discussion about causes of this phenomenon and they still have not been established unequivocally. There are numerous theories on the etiology of suicidal behaviors including a sociological theory, cognitive-behavioral theory and neurobiological theories.
Material and methods. The research is based on the survey of the control group that consisted of 76 persons including 48 of those who had already attempted suicide. Among the group were also Lodz Babinski Hospital patients who attempted suicide recently or in the more distant past. Each patient did psychological CISS and IPSA-II tests.
Results. A statistical analysis shows that patients attempting suicide differ in psychological traits from the rest of the control group. They have greater aggressive tendencies and difficulties in controlling emotions. They also tend to be less trusting.
Conclusions. It is possible to attempt to prevent suicide. A psychological profile of those who attempt suicide could lead to a better understanding of mechanisms that underlie self-destructive actions and help identify a group of persons with a significantly greater suicidal behavior risk and apply preventive measures to those persons.
Suicidal ideation, tendencies, attempts and self-injuries in adolescents who are at risk of Internet addiction and who are addicted to the mobile phone
Authors: Potembska Emilia
Published: June 2013

The aim of the work was the verification of the hypothesis assuming that adolescents who are at risk of Internet addiction and mobile phone addiction more often report suicidal ideation, plan suicide, attempt suicide and self-injure as compared to the adolescents who are not at risk of these behavioural addictions.
Material and methods. The group consisting of 291 junior high school students and high school students (188 girls and 103 boys) was examined using the Questionnaire designed by the authors, the Internet Addiction Test by Young and Mobile Phone Addiction Assessment Questionnaire by Potembska and Pawłowska.
Results and conclusions. Based on the obtained results the following conclusions were formulated:
Significantly more adolescents at risk of Internet addiction thought of committing suicide or planned suicide as compared to those were not at risk of Internet addiction
Significantly more adolescents at risk of Internet addiction self-injure as compared to those adolescents who are not at risk of Internet addiction.
Significantly more adolescents at risk of mobile phone addiction showed suicidal ideation and planned suicide as compared to those adolescents who are not at risk of this addiction.
Significantly more adolescents at risk of mobile phone addiction carried out self-harm as compared to those adolescents who are not at risk of this addiction.
Photographic Scale
Authors: Fisher Andrew
Published: June 2013

This article sets out to develop a critical and theoretical interpretation of what scale means in and for photography, an investigation provoked by the expansive character of photography in the context of networked digital culture that also involves questions relating to historical practices and theorisations of photography. Scale has many different meanings in these contexts and these are normally addressed separately in specialised discursive frameworks. This article explores an alternative, namely, that it is its very diversity which gives the clue to what scale means for photography. The article projects a concept of ‘photographic scale’ to delineate the relational form of scale in photography and argues that photographic scale has ontological significance for photography. This concept denotes a ubiquitous, variegated and compound play between differing but necessarily associated scales that inform the spatiotemporality of photography, that allow for its sense as a form of visual representation, that structure its modes of materialisation and that figure significantly in determinations of its global geo-political processes.
Micro needling - Facts and Fictions
Authors: Bahuguna Amit
Published: June 2013

On 24th June 2013, the author's name was changed from Bahuga to Bahuguna.Two sentences were added to the section 'Tall Claims' on p.3. The corrected PDF is available by clicking on the link below.Micro needling or what is more commonly known as the derma-rolling is a new minimally-invasive avatar of an age old procedure. Micro needling has recently attained popularity as it is cheap, effective and can be used safely with minimal training. The basic principle is to create a controlled injury, thereby inducing the body to respond by producing more collagen in the treated area. Microneedling can be combined with other acne scar treatments for better results. Although it may not do justice to all the indications claimed by a plethora of manufacturers, if used judiciously it can prove to be a wonderful addition to the armamentarium of a dermatologist. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.5392 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 1-4
Anthropometric indicators as predictors of high blood pressure among the Ao tribe of North-East India
Authors: Maken Temsutola , Varte Lalmunlien Robert
Published: June 2013

Objective: Hypertension is related to increased body fat, which can be evaluated by anthropometric indicators among the Aos, a tribe of North-East India. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a sample of 1804 Ao adults (male= 890) (females= 914) aged 18 to 70 years. We considered the following anthropometric indicators: body mass index, waist circumference, waist-tohip ratio and waist-to-stature ratio. To identify predictors of high blood pressure, we adopted the analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves with a confidence interval of 95%. Result: For males, the area under curve with confidence intervals were BMI = 0.691 (0.67-0.712); waist circumference=0.757 (0.739-0.775); waist-to-hip ratio=0.692 (0.671-0.713); waist-to-stature ratio = 0.763 (0.745-0.781) and Conicity index = 0.734 (0.716-0.716). For females, the values were BMI = 0.754 (0.732-0.776); waist circumference = 0.762 (0.74-0.784); waist-to-hip ratio = 0.690 (0.668-0.784), waist-to-stature ratio=0.776 (0.753-0.799) and Conicity index=0.722 (0.701-0.743). Different cut off points of anthropometric indicators with better predictive power and their relevant sensitivities and specificities were identified. Conclusion: BMI does not show a very good area under the ROC curve. It seems that waist-to-stature ratio is the best predictor, followed by waist circumference and Conicity index among the males and results in high sensitivity and specificity to hypertension. We suggest the use of both waistto- stature ratio and waist circumference to predict hypertension among males. Among females, waist-to-stature ratio is the best predictor, followed by waist circumference and body mass index. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.6275 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 15-22
Mortality pattern of cardiovascular diseases in the medical wards of a tertiary health centre in a rural area of Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria.
Authors: Ogunmola Olarinde J , Akintomide Antony O
Published: June 2013

Objective: To determine the basic demographic patterns of cardiovascular diseases, deaths, and the frequency of clinical causes of deaths in medical wards of a tertiary health centre in a rural area, south west Nigeria. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of patients’ records admitted into the medical wards of Federal Medical Centre IdoEkiti, Ekiti State, South west Nigeria were conducted. The study subjects were patients of 16 years and above who died of cardiovascular diseases from January 2009 to December 2012. Data analysis was done using SPSS Version 16. Results: A total of 681 patients with cardiovascular diseases were admitted in medical wards within the study period, of which 70 died with crude mortality rate of 10.3%. Male mortality were 30 (42.9%) and females 40 (57.1%) ratio 1:1.3. The age range was 25 – 100 years with mean of 66.4 + 16.3 years, with more deaths occurring in the elderly (72%). The most frequent cause of deaths was stroke (68.6%). Conclusion: Females contributed the highest number of cardiovascular disease admission and crude mortality. Stroke was responsible for over half of cardiovascular deaths, and hypertension was the commonest aetiological factors of cardiovascular disease deaths. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.8030 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 52-57
Pilot epidemiological study of cleft lip and/or palate inh Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Authors: Cheng Chai Siew , Jimeno SKL , Sasidaran R , Sergius A
Published: June 2013

Objective: To identify number of cases and the type of cleft lip and/or palate managed in government tertiary center (Queen Elizabeth Hospital) in Kota Kinabalu; and to analyze the associative factors of cleft lip and/or palate. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study carried out in Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah from January 2011 to December 2012. Data from 162 new cases, which were referred for cleft lip and/or palate, were included in the study. Result: Cleft lip and palate was the most common type. While cleft lip with or without palate had higher preponderance towards male patients, secondary palate however was more common among female patients. These results were statistically significant. Conclusion: Further and larger scale study need to be carried out to identify the incidence of cleft lip and/or palate in Sabah, and its associated genetic and environmental risk factors. Early identification and intervention for cleft lip and palate need to be emphasized. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.8170   Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 86-91
Real-World Impact of Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor on Febrile Neutropenia
Authors: Altwairgi A.K. , Hopman W.M. , Mates M.
Published: June 2013

Background: Primary prophylaxis with granulocyte colony–stimulating factors (PP-G-CSF) is recommended in patients undergoing chemotherapy carrying a febrile neutropenia (FN) risk of 20% or more. In the present study, we examined clinical practice patterns and the impact of PP-G-CSF on FN incidence in women with early-stage breast cancer (EBC) treated with modern adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT). Methods: This single-centre retrospective cohort study of women with EBC, who were identified from the pharmacy database and who received at least 1 cycle of modern ACT from January 2009 to December 2011, was conducted at the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario. Data on patient demographics, pathology, stage distribution, chemotherapy, PP-G-CSF use, dose reductions, chemotherapy delays, treatment discontinuation, relative dose intensity, and FN events were collected. Chi-square tests, t-tests, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, and nonparametric Mann–Whitney U-tests were used for data analysis. Results: Of the 239 women eligible for analysis, 145 (61%) received PP-G-CSF, and 50 (21%) developed at least 1 episode of FN. Use of PP-G-CSF was associated with a significantly lower rate of FN (14% vs. 31%, p = 0.002) and trends to fewer dose delays (17% vs. 27%, p = 0.060) and dose reductions (19% vs. 25%, p = 0.28). Among women receiving PP-G-CSF, higher fn rates were associated with an age of 65 years or older, taxane-based chemotherapy, and prophylaxis with filgrastim. Conclusions: Clinical practice patterns at our institution showed that more than 50% of EBC patients treated with modern ACT received PP-G-CSF, which led to fewer FN episodes and increased delivery of planned ACT. The observed high FN risk despite PP-G-CSF was linked to older age, taxane-based chemotherapy, and filgrastim.
Le « modèle économique HLM »
Authors: Hoorens Dominique
Published: June 2013

Face à une crise durable du logement, les objectifs de la France en matière de logement sont à la fois légitimes et ambitieux. Notamment, dans un contexte de crise des finances publiques, la production de 150 000 logements sociaux par an pendant 5 ans constitue un défi. Cet article vise à présenter le modèle économique du logement social en France, modèle qui repose sur un système à la fois classique (utilisation de l’effet de levier de la dette, mobilisation de subventions) et spécifique (utilisation d’un circuit d’épargne quasiment dédié, coordination d’aides à la pierre et d’aides à la personne). Plus précisément, pour parvenir à fournir et gérer des logements de qualité à loyers modérés, le montage financier des opérations repose sur trois éléments. Le premier, qui couvre environ 75 % de chaque opération, est un emprunt assis sur la transformation par la Caisse des dépôts et consignations d’une épargne placée sur des livrets à vue en prêts à très long terme et à taux d’intérêt modéré. Ce sont les loyers (16 milliards d’euros) qui pourvoient au remboursement de cette dette qui atteint aujourd’hui environ 100 milliards d’euros. Le second est constitué d’aides (fiscales et en subventions) apportées par l’État, les collectivités et d’autres partenaires comme les entreprises. Enfin, le bouclage financier est assuré par les fonds propres des organismes HLM. Ce modèle repose aussi sur trois principes que sont la non-lucrativité des organismes de logement social, la pérennité du patrimoine et la maîtrise des risques, assurant ainsi une sécurité maximale aux locataires et aux épargnants. L’article discute les marges de manœuvre dont dispose ce modèle économique du logement social dans un contexte de fortes tensions alors même que ce modèle apparaît « à suivre » à bien des égards.
Agile Software
Authors: Alzoabi Zaidoun
Published: June 2013

The term Agile Method of software development was coined in the 2001.This approach is characterized with creativity, flexibility, adaptability, responsiveness, and human-centricity. Researchers have suggested that the complex, uncertain, and ever-changing environment is pushing developers to adopt agile methods rather than traditional software development. Agile methodologist claim that their Agile methods is the answer for the software engineering chaotic situation, in which projects are exceeding their time and budget limits, requirements are not fulfilled, and consequently ending up with unsatisfied customers. In this chapter we will explain agile methodology, its general characteristics, and quick description of the famous agile methods known in the industry and research.