bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical Distances and Their Applications to Biophysical Parameter Estimation: Information Measures, M-Estimates, and Minimum Contrast Methods
Authors: Leonenko Ganna , Los Sietse , North Peter
Published: March 2013

Radiative transfer models predicting the bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF) of leaf canopies are powerful tools that relate biophysical parameters such as leaf area index (LAI), fractional vegetation cover fV and the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation absorbed by the green parts of the vegetation canopy (fAPAR) to remotely sensed reflectance data. One of the most successful approaches to biophysical parameter estimation is the inversion of detailed radiative transfer models through the construction of Look-Up Tables (LUTs). The solution of the inverse problem requires additional information on canopy structure, soil background and leaf properties, and the relationships between these parameters and the measured reflectance data are often nonlinear. The commonly used approach for optimization of a solution is based on minimization of the least squares estimate between model and observations (referred to as cost function or distance; here we will also use the terms “statistical distance” or “divergence” or “metric”, which are common in the statistical literature). This paper investigates how least-squares minimization and alternative distances affect the solution to the inverse problem. The paper provides a comprehensive list of different cost functions from the statistical literature, which can be divided into three major classes: information measures, M-estimates and minimum contrast methods. We found that, for the conditions investigated, Least Square Estimation (LSE) is not an optimal statistical distance for the estimation of biophysical parameters. Our results indicate that other statistical distances, such as the two power measures, Hellinger, Pearson chi-squared measure, Arimoto and Koenker–Basset distances result in better estimates of biophysical parameters than LSE; in some cases the parameter estimation was improved by 15%.
Microsatellite markers in Rhodiola (Crassulaceae), a medicinal herb genus widely used in traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: You Jianling , Liu Wensheng , Zhao Yao , Zhu Yongqing , Zhang Wenju , Wang Yuguo , Lu Fan , Song Zhiping
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci are described for Rhodiola, a medicinal herb genus widely used in traditional Chinese medicine.

• Methods and Results: A total of 17 polymorphic microsatellite primer pairs were developed using the combined biotin capture method. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to 12 across 192 individuals from R. bupleuroides, R. crenulata, R. fastigiata, and R. sacra, and the mean observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.177 to 0.412 and from 0.363 to 0.578, respectively.

• Conclusions: The results demonstrate the potential use of this new set of microsatellite markers for genotyping individuals and estimating genetic diversity in Rhodiola.
METHOD FOR AGGREGATING CORRELATED INTERVAL GREY LINGUISTIC VARIABLES AND ITS APPLICATION TO DECISION MAKING
Authors: Zhang Nian
Published: March 2013

With respect to multiple attribute decision making (MADM) problems in which attribute values take the form of interval grey linguistic variables, a new decision making analysis method is developed. In this paper, we propose the interval grey linguistic variables ordered weighted aggregation (IGLOWA) operator, and then use the Choquet integral to develop the interval grey linguistic correlated ordered arithmetic aggregation (IGLCOA) operator and the interval grey linguistic correlated ordered geometric aggregation (IGLCOGA) operator. Those operators not only consider the importance of the elements, but also can reflect the correlations among the elements. Then, we develop an approach to multiple attribute decision making problems with correlative weights which attribute values are given in terms of interval grey linguistic variables information based on those operators. Finally an illustrative example is given to use the method in the range of uncertain multiple attribute decision making. The results show that the method proposed in this paper is feasible.
ERRATUM ON THE ARTICLE ‘COMMENTS ON “MULTIPLE CRITERIA DECISION MAKING (MCDM) METHODS IN ECONOMICS”: AN OVERVIEW’ (DOI: 10.3846/20294913.2012.753489)
Authors: Liou James J. H. , Tzeng Gwo-Hshiung
Published: March 2013

"Erratum on the article ‘Comments on “multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods in economics”: an overview’ (DOI: 10.3846/20294913.2012.753489). " Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 19(1), p Ia-Ib
Prevalence, diversity and disease association of Helicobacter pylori in dyspeptic patients from Pakistan
Authors: Khan Adnan , Farooqui Amber , Raza Yasir , Rasheed Faisal , Manzoor Hamid , Akhtar Syed Shakeel , Quraishy Muhammad Saeed , Rubino Salvatore , Kazmi Shahana U , Paglietti Bianca
Published: March 2013

Introduction: The etiological association of Helicobacter pylori with gastric ulcer (GU), gastric cancer (GC), and duodenal ulcer (DU) is well-known. Understanding the epidemiology of H. pylori facilitates the estimation of disease burden in a certain population. This study presents the diversity of H. pylori genotypes and their association with different clinical outcomes among dyspeptic patients in Pakistan over a period of four years. Methodology: Gastric biopsy samples from a total of 450 dyspeptic individualswere subjected to PCR, genotypingand histology. Results: A total of 201 (45%) cases were found positive for H. pylori. The detection rate was high in GU (91%), DU (86%) and GC (83%) cases compared with those cases who had intact gastric mucosa (18%). Histology revealed the presence of infection in 68% of cases of mild/chronic nonspecific gastritis with others belonging to the GU sequel. cagA gene carriage was observed in 104 (51%) cases or mostly from DU, GU and GC groups, of which 97 were Western type strains while 3 were East-Asian type strains that are rarely observed in South Asia. vacA allelic variant s1am1 was most commonly observed, followed by s1am2, and s1bm1, with direct correlation in diseased cases (gastritis, GU, DU and GC). Prevalent genotypic combinations were s1am1/cagA- in gastritis and s1am1/cagA+ in DU, GU, and GC. Conclusions: Our study indicates the predominant circulation of Western type cagA and vacAs1am1 type H. pylori strains in Pakistan.
Genotypic and phenotypic features of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated in industrialized and developing countries
Authors: Santona Simona , Diaz Nicia , Fiori Pier Luigi , Francisco Moises , Sidat Mohsin , Cappuccinelli Piero , Rappelli Paola
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Typical EPEC are considered a leading cause of diarrhoea in developing countries, while atypical EPEC have been isolated more frequently in developed areas. The actual geographic distribution of the two EPEC subgroups is controversial, since data can be highly influenced by laboratory resources. This study aimed to compare the distribution of typical and atypical EPEC among children in developed and developing countries, and to characterize the bacterial isolates, using a unique methodological approach. Methodology: A total of 1,049 E. coli were isolated from faeces of children with acute diarrhoea in Mozambique, Angola and Italy, and processed by PCR to assess the presence of a large panel of virulence genes. All isolates classified as EPEC were further characterized by evaluating adherence and capability to induce actin rearrangement on Hep-2 cells. Results: Overall we isolated 59 EPEC, likewise distributed in the three countries, representing the 5.04%, 4.44% and 6.97% of all Mozambican, Angolan and Italian isolates, respectively. Nevertheless, the geographic distribution of the two EPEC subgroups was not homogeneous: in Italy we isolated 28 aEPEC but no tEPEC, while in Angola and Mozambique the percentage of the two subgroups was comparable. Twelve atypical EPEC were FAS positive and able to induce localized-like adherence on Hep-2 cells, but no correlation with the geographic origin of isolates was observed. Conclusion: Atypical EPEC are present in sub-Saharan areas in a percentage similar to that of typical strains, and are not mainly restricted to industrialized countries, as it was previously supposed.
Mycobacterium riyadhense overlooked: we can only find what we are looking for
Authors: Al-Hajoj Sahal , Varghese Bright , Van Ingen Jakko , Van Soolingen Dick
Published: March 2013

This item has no abstract. Follow the link below to access the full text.
In honor of Professor Giovanni Fadda: a fighter against tuberculosis
Authors: Zanetti Stefania , Sechi Leonardo A , Molicotti Paola , Delogu Giovanni , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Rubino Salvatore
Published: March 2013

This item has no abstract. Use the link below to access the full text.
Le pouvoir gris à l'épreuve du territoire
Authors: Argoud Dominique
Published: March 2013

En France, la représentation des retraités et personnes âgées est en grande partie institutionnalisée aux niveaux national, régional et départemental. Pourtant, des initiatives locales existent visant à mieux associer les personnes vieillissantes à la définition de l’action publique sur un mode plus réflexif. Il en résulte une conception alternative du « pouvoir gris », beaucoup plus diffuse et moins centrée sur les catégories d’âge.
Lire Jules Verne aujourd'hui ?
Authors: Dekiss Jean-Paul
Published: March 2013

Dès lors que le progrès n’est plus notre mythe porteur, l’auteur des Voyages extraordinaires doit-il être renvoyé au musée ? La parution récente de quatre romans de Jules Verne dans la collection « Pléiade » pose la question de l’actualité de ce chantre des transformations techniques.
Pas de revenu inconditionnel sans revenu maximum acceptable
Authors: Lepesant Michel
Published: March 2013

Droit au travail, efficacité économique, principe de justice, droit de propriété, participation à la création de richesses sont les principales justifications avancées dans les variantes du revenu inconditionnel (RI). Parmi celles-là, lesquelles pourraient convenir pour lier cette « belle revendication » du RI à celle d’un revenu maximum (d’un montant) acceptable (RMA) ? Comment RI et RMA, comme plancher et plafond d’un « espace écologique des revenus », forment-ils les deux conditions nécessaires pour une décroissance des inégalités, au cœur d’une société redevenue « commune », d’une société redéfinie comme « bien commun » ?
Le salaire universel : un déjà-là considérable à généraliser
Authors: Friot Bernard
Published: March 2013

Le travail est aujourd’hui au rouet là où on ne sh’y attendait guère : dans les pays capitalistes développés. C’est que sa convention capitaliste y donne toute sa mesure mortifère. Mais elle est aussi – et c’est l’objet de cet article – controversée par une autre convention, salariale, conquise au XX e siècle en Europe occidentale. Cette convention repose sur la qualification personnelle, le salaire à vie qui lui est lié et sur la cotisation qui finance le long terme sans appel à l’épargne. Généraliser ces prémices d’un salaire universel, c’est-à-dire pour tous (reconnaissant à vie que chacun est qualifié) et pour tout (finançant l’investissement par sa partie socialisée dans une cotisation économique) est bien plus émancipateur – et plus réaliste, puisque le déjà-là est considérable - que mettre en place un revenu de base.
Les diplomaties émergentes à l'épreuve de la durée. Réflexions sur l'émergence du Brésil
Authors: Kourliandsky Jean-Jacques
Published: March 2013

Le Brésil est l’un des grands pays émergents, occupant une place désormais stratégique. À ce titre, il multiplie les coalitions diplomatiques et autres regroupements à géométrie variable, et exige d’être intégré dans les cercles décisionnels internationaux, desquels il reste périphérique. Le Brésil a changé économiquement, socialement et pratique donc une diplomatie active, de l’Amérique latine à la Chine, en passant par l’Iran. Pour autant, la capacité des dirigeants brésiliens à inscrire dans la durée l’ambition internationale qu’ils revendiquent pour leur pays reste une question ouverte. Ces interrogations, au-delà du cas brésilien, donnent matière à une réflexion plus globale sur les pays émergents.
ARTICLE RETIRÉ : Du « matérialisme » de la pulsion : Zizek, lecteur de Lacan
Authors: Baas Bernard
Published: March 2013

La théorie lacanienne des pulsions ne permet pas d’apporter une solution satisfaisante au problème que pose le concept freudien de pulsion de mort. C’est pourtant à partir de Lacan que Zizek entreprend de « forcer » la thèse de Freud pour repenser radicalement le sens de la pulsion de mort. Ce faisant, il entend souligner la dimension « matérialiste » de la pulsion et en révéler l’enjeu politique.
Donner ce qui n'est pas à donner : y a-t-il un matérialisme du don ?
Authors: Radiszcz Esteban
Published: March 2013

À partir d’une dédicace célèbre de J.-L. Borges, on examine la question du don en fonction des considérations proposées par Lacan concernant la place du réel dans les échanges interhumains. On évoque une matérialité du don qui, au-delà du signifiant, a à voir avec ce qui n’est pas à être donné, en suggérant un matérialisme de l’impossible.
Lacan ironiste
Authors: Audi Paul
Published: March 2013

Quel est le régime du discours que tient Lacan dans le Séminaire ? Suffit-il de le décrire comme un discours d’analysant pour en définir la teneur ? Ne participe-t-il pas, selon une modalité qui reste évidemment à préciser, des quatre discours dégagés par Lacan et réputés par lui être les seuls possibles ? En se posant ces questions, l’on pourrait peut-être commencer à comprendre quelle est la position éthique qui, aux yeux de Lacan lui-même, préside à la dispensation de son enseignement.
Donne-moi ta dopamine – ta libido
Authors: Braunstein Néstor A.
Published: March 2013

Une « neurophilosophie » dont les représentants les plus notoires, Searle, Damasio et Dennett, s’évertuent à remettre à jour les thèses classiques sur la conscience en tant qu’effet résultant de l’activité cérébrale, est en vogue aujourd’hui. Voilà qu’on s’appuie maintenant sur des techniques digitalisées, « objectives », qui recherchent les modifications physiques et chimiques dans les noyaux sous-corticaux. On discutera ici des présupposés théoriques à la lumière de ce qu’ils prétendent surpasser sans avoir même réussi à le comprendre : a) c’est la vie sociale qui détermine la conscience et non pas l’inverse (Marx) et b) les décharges des neurotransmetteurs qui les fascinent tant sont activées par la relation du sujet à l’autre dans le transfert et supposent l’Autre incomplet de lalangue (Freud et Lacan).
Transnational boys' love fan studies
Authors: Nagaike Kazumi , Suganuma Katsuhiko
Published: March 2013

Editorial overview of "Transnational Boys' Love Fan Studies," edited by Kazumi Nagaike and Katsuhiko Suganuma, special issue, Transformative Works and Cultures, no. 12 (2013).
Nueva central del Oberbank Salzburgo Alta Austria
Authors: Schmidt W.
Published: March 2013

En un privilegiado enclave urbano se ha construido esta central bancaria, de acuerdo con las más modernas técnicas organizativas y funcionales, y los últimos estudios sobre las formas de trabajo humanizadas en edificios administrativos.
En sus dos sótanos y siete plantas por encima de rasante, de distintas superficies —de acuerdo con sus diferentes usos y requisitos--, se han distribuido todas las dependencias necesarias en un edificio de este tipo, destacando en su organización la gran flexibilidad y funcionalidad de los diversos espacios conformados.
Mención aparte merece la especial atención prestada a la cimentación y estructura empleadas por la proximidad del Danubio; al tratamiento de las fachadas —dada la situación urbana de la construcción—, y a los sistemas de seguridad e instalaciones por la función específica del edificio.
Análisis y solución del problema de estacionamiento en el centro de las ciudades
Authors: Vicente Manuel
Published: March 2013

Una de las políticas más frecuentemente adoptada para tratar de reducir aquellas concentraciones en el centro de las ciudades y, como consecuencia, disminuir las dificultades de estacionamiento, consiste en procurar que los ciudadanos que en él trabajan utilicen sistemas de transportes colectivos, acostumbrándoles a dejar de usar sus vehículos particulares como medio habitual de transporte. Para ello hay que disminuir las facilidades de estacionamiento gratuito en las vías públicas y en los locales que permitan períodos largos de estacionamiento, para los cuales se recomienda la adopción de tarifas elevadas. Para que estas medidas sean eficaces y conduzcan, por tanto, a resultados reales, es imprescindible, evidentemente la existencia de transportes colectivos capaces de atender la demanda de viajes con comodidad y rapidez, a través de una amplia red bien estructurada, que abarque vastas zonas del área urbana. Por otro lado, sería necesario que, para los transportes de superficie, el sistema viario tuviese condiciones y características que permitiesen la fácil circulación, de forma que los autobuses pudiesen acceder rápidamente a los terminales localizados en el centro y en la periferia de las áreas urbanas.
Using ICT to Integrate Smallholder Farmers into Agricultural Value Chain
Authors: Okello Julius Juma , Ofwona-Adera Edith , Mbatia Oliver L.E. , Okello Ruth M.
Published: March 2013

This article examines an ICT-based intervention (known as the DrumNet project) that has succeeded in integrating smallholder-resource and poor farmers into a higher value agricultural chain. The article assesses the design of the project, and how it resolves the smallholder farmers’ idiosyncratic market failures and examines member-farmers’ marketing margins. The article finds that the design of the DrumNet project resolves smallholder farmers’ credit, insurance and information market failures and enables them to overcome organizational failure. The article concludes that successful ICT-based interventions for integrating farmers into higher value agricultural value chains require an integrated approach to tackling smallholder farmers’ constraints. The findings have implications for the design of future ICT-based interventions in agriculture.
The Role of Market Information in Adoption of Agricultural Seed Technology in Rural Uganda
Authors: Kiiza Barnabas , Pederson Glenn , Lwasa Stephen
Published: March 2013

In this paper, the authors evaluate the impact of access to ICT-based market information on prices received by farmers and the intensity of adoption of improved hybrid and composite maize varieties. Propensity score matching is applied to cross-sectional survey data from farmers whose major cash crop is maize. Results indicate that adoption of improved maize has a positive and significant effect on maize yields, gross maize revenue per acre, and gross margins. The authors find that access to ICT-based market information has a positive and significant impact on the level of output prices received and the intensity of adoption of improved maize. Access to ICT-based market information implies better prices and this positively affects the intensity of adoption of improved seed. The implication is that improving food security and farm incomes should consider both the promotion of yield-augmenting agricultural technologies and improved access to ICT-based market information.
Emerging Information and Communication Technology Policy Framework for Africa
Authors: Zulu Saul F.C.
Published: March 2013

While emerging information and communications technologies (ICTs) offer possible solutions to some of the problems of applying ICTs in Africa, there are many challenges that have to be addressed in order to create an environment that is conducive for harnessing these technologies. This chapter, therefore, reviews emerging ICTs and their potential for application in leveraging Africa’s efforts towards meeting its development efforts. The Chapter highlights the digital divide barriers that may inhibit emergent ICTs in Africa. A review of current ICT policies of selected African countries indicates that the policies are geared towards application of ICTs other than their production. The review also reveals a lack of appreciation for emerging ICTs in Africa, both at the national as well as the sub-regional economic bloc levels. The chapter proposes policy frameworks for emerging ICTs for Africa that are necessary for creating an enabling environment for harnessing the emerging ICTs that will propel the continent into the 21st Century and beyond. The barriers to ICTs cut across many different issues. As such, they require multi-pronged policy approaches to address them. And that an emerging ICT environment must be anchored on a number of strategic policy frameworks including the legal, regulatory/administrative institutional framework, infrastructure, technology advocacy, financial, human resources, education and research frameworks. It concludes that Africa can prepare for its future by creating an appropriate environment for fostering the adoption and application of emerging technologies
Cloud Computing Enhanced Service Development Architecture for the Living Usability Lab
Authors: Teixeira Cláudio , Pinto Joaquim Sousa , Ferreira Flávio , Oliveira André , Teixeira António , Pereira Carlos
Published: March 2013

As life expectancy increases, so does the number of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) initiatives. The Living Usability Lab is a user-centered living laboratory aimed at open-innovation and evaluation of new approaches to AAL applications and services, where the different stakeholders may develop and evaluate innovative services for the elderly in near-real life conditions. These AAL initiatives often traverse several research fields, from embedded devices to multiple data streams analysis. Advanced processing, reasoning, and storage of such data streams poses a complex problem usually solved using local processing and storage resources. This chapter presents an overview of the LUL initiative, its services, and applications, and explores the problem of advanced processing, reasoning, and storage from a cloud computing perspective.
Adoption of Electronic Health Care Records
Authors: Hatton Jerald D. , Schmidt Thomas M. , Jelen Jonatan
Published: March 2013

Political, economic, and safety concerns have militated for the adoption of Electronic Health Records by physicians in the United States, but current rates of adoption have failed to penetrate the 50% level. A qualitative phenomenological study of practicing physicians reveals stumbling blocks to adoption. Maintaining a physician’s perceived sense of control of the process is key. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are critical to the support of research, quality control, cost reduction, and implementation of new technologies and methods in healthcare. Progress in the USA towards adoption of standardized EHRs has been halting. The authors discuss the results of a phenomenological study of physicians and draw conclusions that will assist all stakeholders in building a more consistent, comprehensive, and cost-effective healthcare system. When attempting to persuade physicians to migrate to an EMR-based solution, a strong focus on the control that physicians will have should be emphasized. The transition to an EHR system is eased by clearly articulating early in the process the potential benefits and the degree of control physicians can have in the use of the applications.
A Mobile Assistant to Aid Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Sobrinho Álvaro Alvares de Carvalho César , Dias da Silva Leandro , Melo de Medeiros Leonardo , Pinheiro Maria Eliete
Published: March 2013

Early diagnosis and slowing the progression of chronic diseases are very important factors for improving the quality of life of people with this type of problem. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is one of these diseases; however, with aggravating factors it can be the consequence of other chronic diseases of high incidence, such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Hypertension. The use of Information and Communication Technologies may be a way to help the doctor provides a diagnosis in less advanced stages of CKD. In this context, a mobile assistant to aid the early diagnosis of CKD through a wireless communication and Coloured Petri Nets (CPNs) models is proposed.
Investigating E-Planning in Practice
Authors: Williamson Wayne , Parolin Bruno
Published: March 2013

The call by Geertman (2008) for research into the factual support role and organizational context in which a form of e-planning referred to as planning support systems (PSS) are created, implemented and used in planning practice is the basis for this research. Actor-Network Theory (ANT) is used as a framework to investigate and evaluate the social and technical interactions involved in PSS implementation and usage. Allowing the researcher to trace interactions between human and non-human actors, focusing on what causes actors to align with a network and what constitutes a stable network. Case studies have been conducted on three PSS implementations in the Australian State of New South Wales. The case studies document the complex and wide ranging resources that are necessary to create and implement a PSS and the organizational context in which three PSS implementations either succeeded or failed. This article explores the end result of this study further in the article.
Interleukin-6 Responses to Water Immersion Therapy After Acute Exercise Heat Stress: A Pilot Investigation
Authors: Lee Elaine C. , Watson Greig , Casa Douglas , Armstrong Lawrence E. , Kraemer William , Vingren Jakob L. , Spiering Barry A. , Maresh Carl M.
Published: March 2013

Context

Cold-water immersion is the criterion standard for treatment of exertional heat illness. Cryotherapy and water immersion also have been explored as ergogenic or recovery aids. The kinetics of inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), during cold-water immersion have not been characterized.

Objective

To characterize serum IL-6 responses to water immersion at 2 temperatures and, therefore, to initiate further research into the multidimensional benefits of immersion and the evidence-based selection of specific, optimal immersion conditions by athletic trainers.

Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Setting

Human performance laboratory

Patients or Other Participants

Eight college-aged men (age = 22 ± 3 years, height = 1.76 ± 0.08 m, mass = 77.14 ± 9.77 kg, body fat = 10% ± 3%, and maximal oxygen consumption = 50.48 ± 4.75 mL·kg−1·min−1).

Main Outcome Measures

Participants were assigned randomly to receive either cold (11.70°C ± 2.02°C, n = 4) or warm (23.50°C ± 1.00°C, n = 4) water-bath conditions after exercise in the heat (temperature = 37°C, relative humidity = 52%) for 90 minutes or until volitional cessation.

Results

Whole-body cooling rates were greater in the cold water-bath condition for the first 6 minutes of water immersion, but during the 90-minute, postexercise recovery, participants in the warm and cold water-bath conditions experienced similar overall whole-body cooling. Heart rate responses were similar for both groups. Participants in the cold water-bath condition experienced an overall slight increase (30.54% ± 77.37%) in IL-6 concentration, and participants in the warm water-bath condition experienced an overall decrease (−69.76% ± 15.23%).

Conclusions

We have provided seed evidence that cold-water immersion is related to subtle IL-6 increases from postexercise values and that warmer water-bath temperatures might dampen this increase. Further research will elucidate any anti-inflammatory benefit associated with water-immersion treatment and possible multidimensional uses of cooling therapies.
Fatigue-Induced Alterations of Static and Dynamic Postural Control in Athletes With a History of Ankle Sprain
Authors: Steib Simon , Zech Astrid , Hentschke Christian , Pfeifer Klaus
Published: March 2013

Context:

Sensorimotor control is impaired after ankle injury and in fatigued conditions. However, little is known about fatigue-induced alterations of postural control in athletes who have experienced an ankle sprain in the past.

Objective:

To investigate the effect of fatiguing exercise on static and dynamic balance abilities in athletes who have successfully returned to preinjury levels of sport activity after an ankle sprain.

Design:

Cohort study.

Setting:

University sport science research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

30 active athletes, 14 with a previous severe ankle sprain (return to sport activity 6–36 months before study entry; no residual symptoms or subjective instability) and 16 uninjured controls.

Intervention(s):

Fatiguing treadmill running in 2 experimental sessions to assess dependent measures.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Center-of-pressure sway velocity in single-legged stance and time to stabilization (TTS) after a unilateral jump-landing task (session 1) and maximum reach distance in the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) (session 2) were assessed before and immediately after a fatiguing treadmill exercise. A 2-factorial linear mixed model was specified for each of the main outcomes, and effect sizes (ESs) were calculated as Cohen d.

Results:

In the unfatigued condition, between-groups differences existed only for the anterior-posterior TTS (P = .05, ES = 0.39). Group-by-fatigue interactions were found for mean SEBT (P = .03, ES = 0.43) and anterior-posterior TTS (P = .02, ES = 0.48). Prefatigue versus postfatigue SEBT and TTS differences were greater in previously injured athletes, whereas static sway velocity increased similarly in both groups.

Conclusions:

Fatiguing running significantly affected static and dynamic postural control in participants with a history of ankle sprain. Fatigue-induced alterations of dynamic postural control were greater in athletes with a previous ankle sprain. Thus, even after successful return to competition, ongoing deficits in sensorimotor control may contribute to the enhanced ankle reinjury risk.
Topical Menthol, Ice, Peripheral Blood Flow, and Perceived Discomfort
Authors: Topp Robert , Ledford Elizabeth R. , Jacks Dean E.
Published: March 2013

Context

Injury management commonly includes decreasing arterial blood flow to the affected site in an attempt to reduce microvascular blood flow and edema and limit the induction of inflammation. Applied separately, ice and menthol gel decrease arterial blood flow, but the combined effects of ice and menthol gel on arterial blood flow are unknown.

Objectives

To compare radial artery blood flow, arterial diameter, and perceived discomfort before and after the application of 1 of 4 treatment conditions.

Design

Experimental crossover design.

Setting

Clinical laboratory.

Participants or Other Participants

Ten healthy men, 9 healthy women (mean age = 25.68 years, mean height = 1.73 m, mean weight = 76.73 kg).

Intervention(s)

Four treatment conditions were randomly applied for 20 minutes to the right forearm of participants on 4 different days separated by at least 24 hours: (1) 3.5 mL menthol gel, (2) 0.5 kg of crushed ice, (3) 3.5 mL of menthol gel and 0.5 kg of crushed ice, or (4) no treatment (control).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Using high-resolution ultrasound, we measured right radial artery diameter (cm) and blood flow (mL/min) every 5 minutes for 20 minutes after the treatment was applied. Discomfort with the treatment was documented using a 1-to-10 intensity scale.

Results

Radial artery blood flow decreased (P < .05) from baseline in the ice (−20% to −24%), menthol (−17% to −24%), and ice and menthol (−36% to −39%) treatments but not in the control (3% to 9%) at 5, 10, and 15 minutes. At 20 minutes after baseline, only the ice (−27%) and combined ice and menthol (−38%) treatments exhibited reductions in blood flow (P < .05). Discomfort was less with menthol than with the ice treatment at 5, 10, and 20 minutes after application (P < .05). Arterial diameter and heart rate did not change.

Conclusions

The application of 3.5 mL of menthol was similar to the application of 0.5 kg of crushed ice in reducing peripheral blood flood. Combining crushed ice with menthol appeared to have an additive effect on reducing blood flow.
Pain and Effusion and Quadriceps Activation and Strength
Authors: Palmieri-Smith Riann M. , Villwock Mark , Downie Brian , Hecht Garin , Zernicke Ron
Published: March 2013

Context:

Quadriceps dysfunction is a common consequence of knee joint injury and disease, yet its causes remain elusive.

Objective:

To determine the effects of pain on quadriceps strength and activation and to learn if simultaneous pain and knee joint effusion affect the magnitude of quadriceps dysfunction.

Design:

Crossover study.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Fourteen (8 men, 6 women; age = 23.6 ± 4.8 years, height = 170.3 ± 9.16 cm, mass = 72.9 ± 11.84 kg) healthy volunteers.

Intervention(s):

All participants were tested under 4 randomized conditions: normal knee, effused knee, painful knee, and effused and painful knee.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Quadriceps strength (Nm/kg) and activation (central activation ratio) were assessed after each condition was induced.

Results:

Quadriceps strength and activation were highest under the normal knee condition and differed from the 3 experimental knee conditions (P < .05). No differences were noted among the 3 experimental knee conditions for either variable (P > .05).

Conclusions:

Both pain and effusion led to quadriceps dysfunction, but the interaction of the 2 stimuli did not increase the magnitude of the strength or activation deficits. Therefore, pain and effusion can be considered equally potent in eliciting quadriceps inhibition. Given that pain and effusion accompany numerous knee conditions, the prevalence of quadriceps dysfunction is likely high.
Ministering effectively in the context of Pentecostalism in Africa: A reformed missional reflection
Authors: Mashau T. Derrick
Published: March 2013

Pentecostalism is a global phenomenon with a large following in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and other parts of the world. The rise, growth and influence of Pentecostalism in Africa are enormous and have, without fear of contradiction, become one of the dominant expressions of Christianity on the continent. A contextual analysis of Christianity in Africa showed that the African soil is more fertile for this movement. Its manifestation ranges from classical Pentecostalism (first wave), to the charismatic movement (second wave) and the charismatic renewal movements (third wave). Its growth in Africa came with a fair number of missiological challenges to evangelical reformed churches, and therefore this article sought to sketch this movement by providing a historical perspective on Pentecostalism, a contextual analysis of Pentecostalism in Africa, issues and challenges in Pentecostalism, and concludes by looking closely at a reformed missional reflection, thereby providing some nuances as to how best one can minister effectively in the context of Pentecostalism. This article called for evangelical reformed churches to exercise the spirit of discernment whilst dealing with the influence of Pentecostalism, but at the same time to learn from this movement the zeal for mission and the role of the Holy Spirit in mission.Reformatoriese missionale nadenke oor effektiewe bediening in the konteks van Afrika Pentekostalisme. Pentekostalisme is 'n globale fenomeen met ‘n groot aanhang in Noord-Amerika, Latyns Amerika, Asië, Afrika en ander wêrelddele. Die opkoms, groei en invloed van Pentekostalisme in Afrika was geweldig en het een van die dominante gedaantes van Christenskap op die kontinent geword. ‘n Kontekstuele analise van Christenskap in Afrika wys dat Afrika meer vatbaar was vir hierdie tendens. Die manifestasie daarvan reik van klassieke Pentekostalisme (eerste golf), tot die charismatiese beweging (tweede golf) en die charismatiese herlewingsbewegings (derde golf). Die groei hiervan het ’n goeie aantal missiologiese uitdagings meegebring vir evangeliese gereformeerde kerke. Gevolglik het hierdie artikel gepoog om die tendens uit te wys deur ’n historiese perspektief op Pentekostalisme te bied, gevolg deur ’n kontekstuele analise van Pentekostalisme in Afrika, ’n bespreking van vraagstukke en uitdagings binne Pentekostalisme, en ter afsluiting ’n gereformeerde missiologiese oorweging hiervan, met klem op hoe bediening die beste kan plaasvind binne die konteks van Pentekostalisme. Die artikel het evangeliese gereformeerdes opgeroep om ’n gees van onderskeiding te openbaar wanneer hulle te doen kry met Pentekostalisme terwyl hulle terselfdertyd uit hierdie groep se ywer met sending en die rol van die Heilige Gees daarin geleer het.
Diagnosing and managing cardiopulmonary diseases in small animals
Authors: Schoeman Johan P.
Published: March 2013

How to cite this book review: Schoeman, J.P., 2013, ‘Diagnosing and managing cardiopulmonary diseases in small animals’, Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 84(1), Art. #954, 1 page. http://dx.doi. org/10.4102/jsava.v84i1.954
Effects of a seed treatment with a neonicotinoid insecticide on germination and freezing tolerance of spring wheat seedlings
Authors: Larsen R. James , Falk Duane E.
Published: March 2013

Larsen, R. J. and Falk, D. E. 2013. Effects of a seed treatment with a neonicotinoid insecticide on germination and freezing tolerance of spring wheat seedlings. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 535–540. Spring wheat is a major crop in Canada, and in the western and northern regions of the production area early planting is required to ensure high yield, and high grain quality. This puts the crop at risk for exposure to early season cold or freezing temperatures. This study examined whether germination and freezing tolerance of seedlings of 11 spring wheat cultivars is affected by a seed treatment containing a neonicotinoid insecticide. As a result of the seed treatment, the number of germinating seeds was significantly higher for treated than untreated seed lots. There was also a slight (5.7%), but significant increase in freezing tolerance of treated plants based on the vigour of regrowth of seedlings exposed to −4°C in controlled freezing tests performed indoors. Differences in the response to the neonicotinoid insecticide treatment were observed between varieties. These preliminary results indicate that the seed treatment may be effective in improving germination and freezing tolerance of spring wheat as assessed in indoor screening tests. Further testing will be required to establish whether a positive effect can be confirmed in more variable outdoor environments and in other cereal crop types.
Measuring Activity and Participation Outcomes for Children and Youth with Acquired Brain Injury: An Occupational Therapy Perspective
Authors: Dunford Carolyn , Bannigan Katrina , Wales Lorna
Published: March 2013

Introduction:

Intervention outcomes for children and youth with acquired brain injuries should be measured in terms of participation in activities. The aim of this study was to explore the occupational therapy outcome measures used with this group.

Method:

One cycle of an action research study, which focused specifically on occupational therapists, is reported. Ten occupational therapists working with children and youth with acquired brain injuries collated the outcome measures they used and mapped their frequently used measures onto the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health — Children and Youth, using established linking rules.

Findings:

Forty-two outcome measures and assessments were identified. Of these, 19 were used frequently and 15 were used as outcome measures. All activity and participation domains were represented, with learning and applying knowledge, mobility, communication and self-care (except looking after one's health) particularly well covered.

Conclusion:

Occupational therapists are using measures that reflect the domains of activity and participation, unlike those previously identified which were linked predominantly to body functions. The importance of occupational therapists working in rehabilitation teams is reiterated in that some of the domains that are not covered by occupational therapists impact on participation, for example, pain.
Teaching Participation in Occupations to First Year Occupational Therapy Students: An Action Research Study
Authors: Ghul Rayya , Marsh Ian
Published: March 2013

Introduction:

This article describes the development of a first year occupational therapy module, ‘Participation in Occupations’, and the design and development of a mediating tool, Contexts of Participation: the Critical Thinking Tool, in a British university.

Method:

Using an action research process, the module content, learning and teaching strategy and new conceptual tools were designed to promote an enhanced understanding of the central importance of occupation to occupational therapy and, in particular, the role of participation in occupations in forming and reforming an individual within unique contextual situations. The inclusion of theory from disability studies and the use of a transformative approach to higher education were also investigated.

Findings and discussion:

The study spans 16 cohorts of students and reflects on the findings, which include increased client-centredness and greater appreciation of the complex nature of participation and its role in health and wellbeing.
Hematologic features of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hrycaj Paweł , Cieślak Dorota
Published: March 2013

Zmiany w układzie krwiotwórczym należą do charakterystycznych ob-jawów tocznia rumieniowatego układowego (TRU). Niedokrwistość typu choroby przewlekłej jest najczęstsza, rzadziej występują niedokrwistość autoimmunohemolityczna, niedokrwistość związana z niedoborem żelaza lub niewydolnością nerek oraz niedokrwistości jatrogenne, związane ze stosowaniem leków cytotoksycznych. Leukopenia, limfopenia oraz małopłytkowość to inne typowe objawy TRU. Przyczyny zaburzeń hematologicznych u chorych na TRU są złożone i obejmują m.in. autoimmunologiczne uszkodzenie szpiku kostnego i krwinek obwodowych, niedobór erytropoetyny, zakażenia, zaburzenia indukowane lekami, zwłóknienie szpiku kostnego i hipersplenizm. W leczeniu cytopenii w przebiegu TRU stosuje się glikokortykosteroidy i leki cytotoksyczne (azatiopryna, cyklosporyna A, mykofenolan mofetylu). Wysokie dawki dożylne immunoglobulin i danazol są skuteczne w leczeniu małopłytkowości. Cyklofosfamid przynosi korzyści w przypadku ciężkich i opornych na leczenie małopłytkowości. W takich przypadkach zaleca się także splenektomię i rozważenie wskazań do przeszczepu szpiku kostnego.
Lyme arthritis – symptoms and treatment
Authors: Parada-Turska Jolanta
Published: March 2013

Borelioza z Lyme jest przewlekłą, wieloukładową chorobą zapalną wywołaną przez krętki z gatunku Borrelia. Jednym z częstych objawów klinicznych boreliozy jest zajęcie układu kostno-stawowego, a głównym czynnikiem etiologicznym w tej postaci choroby jest krętek Borrelia burgdorferi. Objawy reumatologiczne cechuje różnorodna, często niecharakterystyczna symptomatologia i różnie nasilony przebieg. Mogą one przybierać postać od niewielkich, przemijających dolegliwości bólowych ze strony układu kostno-stawowo-mięśniowego, przez objawy ostrego zapalenia stawów z wysiękiem, aż po rzadko występujące po-stacie przewlekłego zapalenia stawów z destrukcją kostno-stawową (ok. 10% przypadków). Rozpoznanie boreliozowego zapalenia stawów zazwyczaj nie jest łatwe i powinno się opierać na obrazie klinicznym, uzupełnionym szczegółowym wywiadem i badaniami immunoserologicznymi. Rokowanie odległe u większości chorych jest dobre, ponieważ zastosowanie antybiotyków, niezależnie od stadium zakażenia, prowadzi do ustąpienia zapalenia stawów.
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wielosz Ewa , Majdan Maria , Jeleniewicz Radosław , Biskup Małgorzata
Published: March 2013

W pracy przedstawiono dwa przypadki prawdopodobnego katastroficznego zespołu antyfosfolipidowego (KZA) w przebiegu tocznia rumieniowatego układowego (TRU) poprzedzonych infekcją przewodu pokarmowego.

Przypadek 1. Chory w wieku 53 lat, u którego KZA rozpoznano na podstawie zakrzepicy wielonarządowej (zatorowość płucna, zawał mięś­nia sercowego, ostra niewydolność nerek) oraz wysokiego miana wszystkich markerowych przeciwciał antyfosfolipidowych. Chory spełniał również kryteria rozpoznania TRU. Objawy chorobowe wystąpiły po infekcji przewodu pokarmowego. Przypadek 2. Chora, lat 48, z wieloletnim wywiadem TRU i ZA, której stan zdrowia pogorszył się po przebytej infekcji przewodu pokarmowego. Rozpoznano KZA na podstawie: mikrozatorowości płucnej, zakrzepicy żył układu wrotnego i żył głębokich kończyn dolnych oraz ostrej niewydolności nerek.

W obu przypadkach w leczeniu zastosowano systemową antykoagulację, terapię pulsacyjną steroidami, cyklofosfamidem, wlewy immunoglobulin, uzyskując ustąpienie objawów.
Pregnancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Case reports
Authors: Targońska-Stępniak Bożena , Przygoda-Dreher Agnieszka , Majdan Maria
Published: March 2013

W pracy opisano dwa przypadki chorych na toczeń rumieniowaty układowy (TRU) z zajęciem nerek, które w różnym okresie choroby zaszły w ciążę. Pierwsza chora zaszła w ciążę po wieloletnim przebiegu TRU, z zaostrzeniami toczniowego zapalenia nerek (TZN) oraz nieodwracalnymi zmianami w stawach biodrowych. W okresie okołokoncepcyjnym TRU i TZN pozostawały w remisji, podczas ciąży nie doszło do zaostrzenia choroby. Ciąża zakończyła się cięciem cesarskim i urodzeniem zdrowego dziecka. U drugiej chorej rozpoznanie TRU ustalono w czasie ciąży, w fazie aktywnej choroby nerek z zespołem nerczycowym, co było powodem intensywnego leczenia immunosupresyjnego. Ciąża zakończyła się przedwcześnie, w 28. tygodniu, urodzeniem dziecka o masie ciała 480 g. Po zakończeniu ciąży uzyskano remisję TZN.
Selected problems of biologic therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients – inefficacy of several biologic therapies. Case reports
Authors: Jeleniewicz Radosław , Majdan Maria , Targońska-Stępniak Bożena , Wielosz Ewa
Published: March 2013

Przełomem w terapii reumatoidalnego zapalenia stawów (RZS) było zastosowanie biologicznych leków modyfikujących przebieg choroby (LMPCh). Istotnym praktycznym problemem jest pierwotna lub wtórna nieskuteczność terapii biologicznych. W pracy przedstawiono dwa przypadki chorych na RZS leczonych wieloma lekami biologicznymi z powodu ich nieskuteczności.