bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Antenna Alignment Control in Microwave Air-Bridging for Sky-Net Mobile Communication Using Unmanned Flying Platform
Authors: Lin Chin E. , Huang Ying-Chi
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a preliminary study on establishing a mobile point-to-point (P2P) microwave air-bridging (MAB) between Unmanned Low Altitude Flying Platform (ULAFP) and backhaul telecommunication network. The proposed Sky-Net system relays telecom signal for general mobile cellphone users via ULAFP when natural disaster sweeps off Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs). Unlike the conventional fix point microwave bridging application, the ULAFP is cruising on a predefined mission flight path to cover a wider range of service. The difficulty and challenge fall on how to maintain antenna alignment accurately in order to provide the signal strength for MAB. A dual-axis rotation mechanism with embedded controller is designed and implemented on airborne and ground units for stabilizing airborne antenna and tracking the moving ULAFP. The MAB link is established in flight tests using the proposed antenna stabilizing/tracking mechanism with correlated control method. The result supports backbone technique of the Sky-Net mobile communication and verifies the feasibility of airborne e-Cell BTS.
Ultrafine Resveratrol Particles: Supercritical Antisolvent Preparation and Evaluation In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Wang Kunlun , Zhao Xiuhua , Zu Yuangang , Li Jialei , Zhang Xiaonan , Sun Wei , Yu Xinyang
Published: March 2015

Ultrafine resveratrol (u-Res) particles were prepared through the SAS process. The orthogonal method was used to optimize the factors of the SAS process. The size of u-Res reached 0.68 μm under the optimum conditions. The characterization of the u-Res particles was tested by many analysis methods. The chemical structure of Res was unaffected by the SAS process. The degree of crystallinity of the u-Res particles greatly reduced. The purity of the u-Res particles increased from 98.5% to 99.2% during the SAS process. The u-Res particles had greater saturation solubility and dissolution rate than the raw-Res (r-Res) particles. The radical scavenging activity and bioavailability of the u-Res in vivo were 1.9 times of the r-Res.
Impacts of Abnormal Heating of Tibetan Plateau on Rossby Wave Activity and Hazards Related to Snow and Ice in South China
Authors: Fan Yuyue , Li Guoping , Lu Huiguo
Published: March 2015

In January 2008, extreme freezing rain struck South China. At the same time, the Tibetan Plateau (TP) was experiencing pronounced surface heating. The characteristics of this extreme weather and its linkage to the TP surface heating anomaly were analyzed in this paper. The results show that (1) anomalous heating of the TP helps to form and sustain the Siberian blocking high, which is important for persistent southward flow of dry and cold Siberian air; (2) TP heating helps the moisture flux move more north and strengthens the southerly wind above 850 hPa; (3) there are two Rossby wave trains at 500 hPa and the layers above it (at about 20∘N–40∘N). Correlation analysis reveals that TP heating anomalies are closely associated with these Rossby wave trains; (4) the Rossby wave propagates downstream from the TP to South China in the mid and high layers of the atmosphere when the TP changes swiftly from a heat sink to a heat source. This implies that anomalous heating of the TP may stimulate the Rossby wave train to propagate downward in midlatitudes.
On a Cubically Convergent Iterative Method for Matrix Sign
Authors: Sharifi M. , Karimi Vanani S. , Khaksar Haghani F. , Arab M. , Shateyi S.
Published: March 2015

We propose an iterative method for finding matrix sign function. It is shown that the scheme has global behavior with cubical rate of convergence. Examples are included to show the applicability and efficiency of the proposed scheme and its reciprocal.
Polyphenolic Profile of Maize Seedlings Treated with 24-Epibrassinolide
Authors: Waisi Hadi , Kosović Aleksandra , Krstić Đurđa , Milojković-Opsenica Dušanka , Nikolić Bogdan , Dragičević Vesna , Trifković Jelena
Published: March 2015

High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) combined with image analysis and pattern recognition methods were used for fingerprinting of phenolic compounds present in seedlings of two maize genotypes ZP 434 (new generation hybrid, drought tolerant) and ZP 704 (older generation hybrid, drought sensitive) treated with different concentrations of 24-epibrassinolide. This is the first report of TLC chromatographic profile of phenolics’ mixtures in maize seed extracts influenced by brassinosteroid phytohormones. Nine samples of shoot of seedlings for the whole concentration range of phytohormones (5.2 × 10−7–5.2 × 10−15 M), one sample of root of seedlings treated with 5.2 × 10−15M 24-epibrassinolide, and the control samples of nontreated seedlings, for both genotypes, were analyzed. Phenolic profiles of root extracts indicate the absence of more polar compounds such as phenolic acids and glycosides present in shoot of seedlings. Also, hormones applied in higher concentrations have an inhibiting effect on the content of phenolics in ZP 434. Application of chemometric methods enables characterization of particular genotype of maize according to its phenolic profile.
Clinical Presentation, Long-Term Follow-Up, and Outcomes of 1001 Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy Patients and Family Members
Authors: Groeneweg Judith A. , Bhonsale Aditya , James Cynthia A. , te Riele Anneline S. , Dooijes Dennis , Tichnell Crystal , Murray Brittney , Wiesfeld Ans C.P. , Sawant Abhishek C. , Kassamali Bina , Atsma Douwe E. , Volders Paul G. , de Groot Natasja M. , de Boer Karin , Zimmerman Stefan L. , Kamel Ihab R. , van der Heijden Jeroen F. , Russell Stuart D. , Jan Cramer Maarten , Tedford Ryan J. , Doevendans Pieter A. , van Veen Toon A. , Tandri Harikrishna , Wilde Arthur A. , Judge Daniel P. , van Tintelen J. Peter , Hauer Richard N. , Calkins Hugh
Published: March 2015

Background—

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is a progressive cardiomyopathy. We aimed to define long-term outcome in a transatlantic cohort of 1001 individuals.

Methods and Results—

Clinical and genetic characteristics and follow-up data of ARVD/C index-patients (n=439, fulfilling of 2010 criteria in all) and family members (n=562) were assessed. Mutations were identified in 276 index-patients (63%). Index-patients presented predominantly with sustained ventricular arrhythmias (268; 61%). During a median follow-up of 7 years, 301 of the 416 index-patients presenting alive (72%) experienced sustained ventricular arrhythmias. Sudden cardiac death during follow-up occurred more frequently among index-patients without an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (10/63, 16% versus 2/335, 0.6%). Overall, cardiac mortality and the need for cardiac transplantation were low (6% and 4%, respectively). Clinical characteristics and outcomes were similar in index-patients with and without mutations, as well as in those with familial and nonfamilial ARVD/C. ARVD/C was diagnosed in 207 family members (37%). Symptoms at first evaluation correlated with disease expression. Family members with mutations were more likely to meet Task Force Criteria for ARVD/C (40% versus 18%), experience sustained ventricular arrhythmias (11% versus 1%), and die from a cardiac cause (2% versus 0%) than family members without mutations.

Conclusions—

Long-term outcome was favorable in diagnosed and treated ARVD/C index-patients and family members. Outcome in index-patients was modulated by implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation, but not by mutation status and familial background of disease. One third of family members developed ARVD/C. Outcome in family members was determined by symptoms at first evaluation and mutations.
Matrix Metalloproteinase‐2 Negatively Regulates Cardiac Secreted Phospholipase A
2
to Modulate Inflammation and Fever
Authors: Berry Evan , Hernandez‐Anzaldo Samuel , Ghomashchi Farideh , Lehner Richard , Murakami Makoto , Gelb Michael H. , Kassiri Zamaneh , Wang Xiang , Fernandez‐Patron Carlos
Published: March 2015

Background

Matrix metalloproteinase (
MMP
)‐2 deficiency makes humans and mice susceptible to inflammation. Here, we reveal an
MMP
‐2–mediated mechanism that modulates the inflammatory response via secretory phospholipase A
2
(
sPLA
2
), a phospholipid hydrolase that releases fatty acids, including precursors of eicosanoids.

Methods and Results

Mmp2
−/−
(and, to a lesser extent,
Mmp7
−/−
and
Mmp9
−/−
) mice had between 10‐ and 1000‐fold elevated
sPLA
2
activity in plasma and heart, increased eicosanoids and inflammatory markers (both in the liver and heart), and exacerbated lipopolysaccharide‐induced fever, all of which were blunted by adenovirus‐mediated
MMP
‐2 overexpression and varespladib (pharmacological
sPLA
2
inhibitor). Moreover,
Mmp2
deficiency caused
sPLA
2
‐mediated dysregulation of cardiac lipid metabolic gene expression. Compared with liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle, the heart was the single major source of the Ca
2+
‐dependent, ≈20‐
kD
a, varespladib‐inhibitable
sPLA
2
that circulates when
MMP
‐2 is deficient.
PLA
2G5, which is a major cardiac
sPLA
2
isoform, was proinflammatory when
Mmp2
was deficient. Treatment of wild‐type (
Mmp2
+/+
) mice with doxycycline (to inhibit
MMP
‐2) recapitulated the
Mmp2
−/−
phenotype of increased cardiac
sPLA
2
activity, prostaglandin E
2
levels, and inflammatory gene expression. Treatment with either indomethacin (to inhibit cyclooxygenase‐dependent eicosanoid production) or varespladib (which inhibited eicosanoid production) triggered acute hypertension in
Mmp2
−/−
mice, revealing their reliance on eicosanoids for blood pressure homeostasis.

Conclusions

A heart‐centric
MMP
‐2/
sPLA
2
axis may modulate blood pressure homeostasis, inflammatory and metabolic gene expression, and the severity of fever. This discovery helps researchers to understand the cardiovascular and systemic effects of
MMP
‐2 inhibitors and suggests a disease mechanism for human
MMP
‐2 gene deficiency.
A General Theory for Our Times: On Piketty
Authors: Mann Geoff
Published: March 2015

Thomas Piketty has offered, and many have desperately snatched at,The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Moneyof our epoch. Piketty’s affinity with John Maynard Keynes and his groundbreaking 1936 landmark is largely unreflexive. But the ties that bind him to Keynes are powerful, and manifest themselves at many levels inCapital in the Twenty-First Century. The epistemology, the political stance, the methodological commitments, and the politics resonate in imperfect but remarkable harmony. This is no accident, because the world in which Piketty’s book appeared is saturated with the specifically capitalist form of anxiety that Keynes sought to diagnose, and fix, the last time it made the richest economies in the world tremble.
Inside Latinamericanism
Authors: Castagno Pablo
Published: March 2015

This review-essay analyses John Beverley’s post-subalternist perspective on the intertwinement of theoretical discourse and politics – so-called Latinamericanism – in the Latin American context. This conjuncture is characterised by themarea rosada, or pink tide, of moderate leftist governments. I contend that Beverley grasps the change introduced by this trend and lucidly criticises the neoconservative, moderate, and deficient political implications of different theoretical views. This contribution notwithstanding, I argue that Beverley’s theoretical project fails effectively to conceptualise this political tide as an object of theoretical inquiry: namely, to grapple with themarea rosada’s Latinamericanism as a populist political logic that simultaneously neutralises and drives socialist transformation.
Nuova Panda schiavi in mano
Authors: Monaco Lorenza
Published: March 2015

As the result of an interesting experiment in co-research, the crs1 group provides us with a short but pointed political pamphlet that is worth reading for several of its aspects. First, by explicitly adopting a labour perspective, it helps us to unravel the highly ideological design which lies behind the recent ‘politics of production’2 of the Italian fiat.3 Second, by trying to connect a theoretical analysis of the transformations undergone by labour under neoliberalism with the need for renewed and more effective labour organisation, it gives us the opportunity to rethink the relationship between theory and praxis, as originally envisaged by the Italian workerists.4 From this unique political and cultural background, and from Tronti’s theses in particular,5 the research derives not only its basic methodological tools, but also its overall interpretative key. Finally, at a broader level, the book can offer us a useful contribution to the current debate in Marxist political economy, by shedding light on issues concerning capital – labour relations, corporate strategies and resistance practices that are now globally characterising the production realm. The present article aims to highlight the relevance of the conflict lately emerged within the fiat plant under analysis, the possibility of reconsidering a workerist view, and the still strong need for antagonist positions to counter global capital strategies.
Capital (It Fails Us Now)
Authors: Toscano Alberto
Published: March 2015

This introduction to Historical Materialism’s mini-symposium on Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century places the three contributions by Husson, Mann and Roberts in the context of an exploration of the link between methodology and politics in Piketty’s economic history of inequality. Touching on the role of time and literature in Piketty’s argument, as well as on his difficulty in accounting for the relations of capital – especially ones originating in colonialism and empire – it approaches Piketty’s book, and its success, in terms of its concerted effort to produce a cognitive mapping of contemporary capitalism that can serve as a prelude to its democratic reform.
Far-Infrared Radiative Properties of Water Vapor and Clouds in Antarctica
Authors: Palchetti Luca , Bianchini Giovanni , Di Natale Gianluca , Del Guasta Massimo
Published: March 2015

Water vapor and clouds are among the most important greenhouse components whose radiative features cover all the broad spectral range of the thermal emission of the atmosphere. Typically more than 40% of the total thermal emission of Earth occurs in the far-infrared (FIR) spectral region from 100 to 667 cm−1 (wavelengths from 100 to 15 µm). Nevertheless, this spectral region has not ever been fully covered down to 100 cm−1 by space missions, and only a few ground-based experiments exist because of the difficulty of performing measurements from high altitude and very dry locations where the atmosphere is sufficiently transparent to observe the FIR emission features. To cover this lack of observations, the Italian experiment “Radiative Properties of Water Vapor and Clouds in Antarctica” has collected a 2-yr dataset of spectral measurements of the radiance emitted by the atmosphere and by clouds, such as cirrus and polar stratospheric clouds, from 100 to 1,400 cm−1 (100–7 µm of wavelength), including the underexplored FIR region, along with polarization-sensitive lidar observations, daily radiosondes, and other ancillary information to characterize the atmosphere above the site. Measurements have been performed almost continuously with a duty cycle of 6 out of 9 h, from the Italian–French base of Concordia at Dome C over the Antarctic Plateau at 3,230 m MSL, in all-sky conditions since 2012. Because of the uniqueness of the observations, this dataset will be extremely valuable for evaluating the accuracy of atmospheric absorption models (both gas and clouds) in the underexplored FIR and to detect possible daily, seasonal, and annual climate signatures.
Quantifying Diurnal Cloud Radiative Effects by Cloud Type in the Tropical Western Pacific
Authors: Burleyson Casey D. , Long Charles N. , Comstock Jennifer M.
Published: March 2015

Cloud radiative effects are examined using long-term datasets collected at the U.S. Department of Energy’s three Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program Climate Research Facilities in the tropical western Pacific Ocean. The surface radiation budget, cloud populations, and cloud radiative effects are quantified by partitioning the data by cloud type, time of day, and large-scale modes of variability such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phase and wet/dry seasons at Darwin, Australia. The novel aspect of this analysis is the breakdown of aggregate cloud radiative effects by cloud type across the diurnal cycle. The Nauru Island (Republic of Nauru) cloud populations and subsequently the surface radiation budget are strongly impacted by ENSO variability, whereas the cloud populations over Manus Island (Papua New Guinea) shift only slightly in response to changes in ENSO phase. The Darwin site exhibits large seasonal monsoon-related variations. When present, deeper convective clouds have a strong influence on the amount of radiation that reaches the surface. Their limited frequency reduces their aggregate radiative impact, however. The largest source of shortwave cloud radiative effects at all three sites comes from low clouds. The observations are used to demonstrate that potential model biases in the amplitude of the diurnal cycle and mean cloud frequency would lead to larger errors in the surface energy budget when compared with biases in the timing of the diurnal cycle of cloud frequency. These results provide solid benchmarks to evaluate model simulations of cloud radiative effects in the tropics.
North Atlantic Eddy-Driven Jet in Interglacial and Glacial Winter Climates
Authors: Merz Niklaus , Raible Christoph C. , Woollings Tim
Published: March 2015

The atmospheric westerly flow in the North Atlantic (NA) sector is dominated by atmospheric waves or eddies generating via momentum flux convergence, the so-called eddy-driven jet. The position of this jet is variable and shows for the present-day winter climate three preferred latitudinal states: a northern, central, and southern position in the NA. Here, the authors analyze the behavior of the eddy-driven jet under different glacial and interglacial boundary conditions using atmosphere–land-only simulations with the CCSM4 climate model. As state-of-the-art climate models tend to underestimate the trimodality of the jet latitude, the authors apply a bias correction and successfully extract the trimodal behavior of the jet within CCSM4. The analysis shows that during interglacial times (i.e., the early Holocene and the Eemian) the preferred jet positions are rather stable and the observed multimodality is the typical interglacial character of the jet. During glacial times, the jet is strongly enhanced, its position is shifted southward, and the trimodal behavior vanishes. This is mainly due to the presence of the Laurentide ice sheet (LIS). The LIS enhances stationary waves downstream, thereby accelerating and displacing the NA eddy-driven jet by anomalous stationary momentum flux convergence. Additionally, changes in the transient eddy activity caused by topography changes as well as other glacial boundary conditions lead to an acceleration of the westerly winds over the southern NA at the expense of more northern areas. Consequently, both stationary and transient eddies foster the southward shift of the NA eddy-driven jet during glacial winter times.
Assimilation of Dual-Polarization Radar Observations in Mixed- and Ice-Phase Regions of Convective Storms: Information Content and Forward Model Errors
Authors: Posselt Derek J. , Li Xuanli , Tushaus Samantha A. , Mecikalski John R.
Published: March 2015

Dual-polarization Doppler radar has proven useful for the estimation of hydrometeor content and the classification of hydrometeor type. Recent studies have leveraged dual-polarization-specific information to produce improved assimilated cloud and precipitation fields from the warm rain (above freezing) portion of deep convective storms. While the strengths of dual-polarization radar observations have been conclusively shown for rain and hail hydrometeors, it is less clear how much information is provided in mixed-phase and ice-only regions.

In this paper, a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm is used to examine the information content of dual-polarization-specific variables in the ice-phase region of a convective storm. Results are used to quantify how much information is added by specific differential phase and radar correlation coefficient, as well as how this information is degraded when the assumed particle size distribution and particle density are allowed to vary. It is found that dual-polarization-specific observations (Kdp and ρhv) provide significant information on rimed ice content, and moderate information on pristine ice, especially where snow mass is more than 10% of the total volume hydrometeor mass. There is a significant reduction in information content for rain and a near-complete loss of information for graupel–hail and snow when the particle size distribution and ice particle densities are not well known, and there are systematic changes in radar information gain and loss with changes in hydrometeor mass. The results highlight the need for a thorough exploration of forward model sensitivities prior to performing radar data assimilation.
Pediatric Head and Neck Malignancies
Authors: Schwartz Isaac , Hughes Charlotte , Brigger Matthew T.
Published: March 2015

Objective

Determine the current epidemiology of head and neck (H&N) cancer in the US pediatric population.

Study Design

Analysis of national tumor registries comparing childhood H&N cancer trends to overall childhood cancer trends.

Subjects and Methods

The SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database was accessed to gather epidemiologic data regarding pediatric H&N cancer between 1973 and 2010. Specific trends related to demographic background, histologic diagnosis, tumor location, and incidence, as well as general trends of all pediatric cancers, were extracted.

Results

The total burden and incidence rates of pediatric cancer as well as H&N cancer continue to rise. Cancer was diagnosed in children <15 years old at a rate of 12.5 cases (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.9‐13.1) per 100,000 from 1973 to 1975 and 17.3 (95% CI, 16.7‐17.9) from 2007 to 2009, an increase of 38%. H&N cancers in the same age group increased from 1.1 (95% CI, 0.9‐1.2) in 1973‐1975 to 1.6 (95% CI, 1.4‐1.8) in 2007‐2009, an increase of 45%. Despite this apparent increased incidence, the proportion of H&N cancers to all cancers in the pediatric population has remained stable.

Conclusion

As with all pediatric cancer, the public health burden of pediatric H&N cancer continues to rise. The proportion of H&N malignancy to all pediatric cancer is stable. With the incidence increasing, however, work to identify treatment strategies remains crucial.
The Effect of Tonsillectomy Alone in Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Senchak Andrew J. , McKinlay Alex J. , Acevedo Jason , Swain Brenda , Tiu Maitram Christine , Chen Brian S. , Robitschek Jon , Ruhl Douglas S. , Williams Lawrence L. , Camacho Macario , Frey William C. , O’Connor Peter D.
Published: March 2015

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of tonsillectomy as a single procedure in the treatment of adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study Design

Prospective multi‐institutional study evaluating adults with tonsillar hypertrophy scheduled to undergo tonsillectomy as an isolated surgery.

Setting

Tertiary care medical centers within the US Department of Defense.

Subjects and Methods

Adult subjects with tonsillar hypertrophy who were already scheduled for tonsillectomy were enrolled from October 2010 to July 2013. Subjects underwent physical examination, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Berlin Questionnaire, and polysomnogram before surgery and after. Collected data included demographics, questionnaire scores, apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), and lowest saturation of oxygen.

Results

A total of 202 consecutive subjects undergoing tonsillectomy were enrolled. The final analysis included 19 subjects testing positive for OSA. The mean age was 27.9 years; mean body mass index, 29.6; median tonsil size, 3; and most frequent Friedman stage, 1. The AHI before surgery ranged from 5.4 to 56.4 events per hour. The mean AHI decreased from 18.0 to 3.2 events per hour after surgery, a reduction of 82%. The responder rate—with subjects achieving at least a 50% reduction of AHI to a value <15—was 94.7%. Following tonsillectomy, there were statistically significant reductions in median lowest saturation of oxygen level and Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Berlin scores.

Conclusions

Adult tonsillectomy alone has beneficial effect in OSA management, particularly in young overweight men with large tonsils, moderate OSA, and low Friedman stage.
Objective Vestibular Testing of Children with Dizziness and Balance Complaints Following Sports‐Related Concussions
Authors: Zhou Guangwei , Brodsky Jacob R.
Published: March 2015

Objective

To conduct objective assessment of children with balance and vestibular complaints following sports‐related concussions and identify the underlying deficits by analyzing laboratory test outcomes.

Study Designs

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Pediatric tertiary care facility.

Subjects and Methods

Medical records were reviewed of 42 pediatric patients with balance and/or vestibular complaints following sports‐related concussions who underwent comprehensive laboratory testing on their balance and vestibular function. Patients’ characteristics were summarized and results analyzed.

Results

More than 90% of the children with protracted dizziness or imbalance following sports‐related concussion had at least 1 abnormal finding from the comprehensive balance and vestibular evaluation. The most frequent deficit was found in dynamic visual acuity test, followed by Sensory Organization Test and rotational test. Patient’s balance problem associated with concussion seemed to be primarily instigated by vestibular dysfunction. Furthermore, semicircular canal dysfunction was involved more often than dysfunction of otolith organs. Yet, <10% of the children experienced a hearing loss following sports‐related concussion.

Conclusions

Vestibular impairment is common among children with protracted dizziness or imbalance following sports‐related concussion. Our study demonstrated that proper and thorough evaluation is imperative to identify these underlying deficits and laboratory tests were helpful in the diagnosis and recommendation of following rehabilitations.
Myringotomy and Ventilation Tube Insertion with Endoscopic or Microscopic Technique in Adults
Authors: Martellucci Salvatore , Pagliuca Giulio , de Vincentiis Marco , De Virgilio Armando , Fusconi Massimo , Gallipoli Camilla , Rosato Chiara , Gallo Andrea
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of endoscopic‐assisted myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion in adults affected by chronic otitis media with effusion, comparing the outcomes of this approach with those obtained with the traditional microscopic technique. Twenty‐four patients were enrolled in this trial and alternately assigned to 2 groups of 12 subjects each. In group A, patients underwent myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion under endoscopic view, whereas in group B, the same procedure was performed traditionally using a microscope. All cases were evaluated 1 week after surgery and then monthly until tube extrusion. Type A tympanogram was achieved in 10 of 13 ears in both groups (76.92%). No significant difference in operative times or complication rates was observed (P >. 05). Endoscopic technique could be a viable alternative to the microscopic approach for myringotomy and ventilation tube positioning in adults affected by chronic otitis media with effusion.
Airway Management in Severe Combat Maxillofacial Trauma
Authors: Keller Matthew W. , Han Peggy P. , Galarneau Michael R. , Brigger Matthew T.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Airway stabilization is critical in combat maxillofacial injury as normal anatomical landmarks can be obscured. The study objective was to characterize the epidemiology of airway management in maxillofacial trauma.

Study Design

Retrospective database analysis.

Setting

Military treatment facilities in Iraq and Afghanistan and stateside tertiary care centers.

Subjects

In total, 1345 military personnel with combat‐related maxillofacial injuries sustained March 2004 to August 2010 were identified from the Expeditionary Medical Encounter Database using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes.

Methods

Descriptive statistics, including basic demographics, injury severity, associated injuries, and airway interventions, were collected. A logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with the need for tracheostomy.

Results

A total of 239 severe maxillofacial injuries were identified. The most common mechanism of injury was improvised explosive devices (66%), followed by gunshot wounds (8%), mortars (5%), and landmines (4%). Of the subjects, 51.4% required intubation on their initial presentation. Of tracheostomies, 30.4% were performed on initial presentation. Of those who underwent bronchoscopy, 65.2% had airway inhalation injury. There was a significant relationship between the presence of head and neck burn and association with airway inhalation injury (P <. 0001). There was also a significant relationship between the severity of facial injury and the need for intubation (P =. 002), as well as the presence of maxillofacial fracture and the need for tracheostomy (P =. 0001).

Conclusions

There is a high incidence of airway injury in combat maxillofacial trauma, which may be underestimated. Airway management in this population requires a high degree of suspicion and low threshold for airway stabilization.
Corticosteroid Use Does Not Alter Nasal Mucus Glucose in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hatten Kyle M. , Palmer James N. , Lee Robert J. , Adappa Nithin D. , Kennedy David W. , Cohen Noam A.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To evaluate nasal mucus glucose concentrations in patients with and without chronic rhinosinusitis and determine if corticosteroid therapy alters mucus glucose.

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Single tertiary care center.

Subjects

Ninety‐five patients presenting to an otolaryngology clinic.

Methods

Participants completed questionnaires that included a history of medical and surgical therapies as well as sinusitis‐specific quality‐of‐life measurements. Nasal mucus was collected in an outpatient clinic using an open cell foam technique. The nasal mucus glucose concentrations of patients with and without chronic rhinosinusitis were compared to the use of systemic and topical glucocorticoid treatment.

Results

A statistically significant difference was measured between mean nasal glucose secretions of control patients, 10.2 mg/dL, compared with patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis, 18.4 mg/dL (P <. 0001). Use of corticosteroids, both topical and systemic, did not correlate with nasal glucose concentrations.

Conclusion

Patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis have elevated nasal glucose concentrations compared with control patients, and this elevated nasal glucose level was independent of corticosteroid use. Nasal glucose may independently contribute to the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis.
Eosinophilic Laryngitis in Children with Aerodigestive Dysfunction
Authors: Yawn Robert J. , Acra Sari , Goudy Steven L. , Flores Raina , Wootten Christopher T.
Published: March 2015

Objective

To describe the presence of laryngeal eosinophils and associated symptomatology in patients with aerodigestive dysfunction.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Single tertiary pediatric referral center.

Subjects

Eighty‐one consecutive pediatric patients referred to a multidisciplinary aerodigestive clinic with upper airway concerns.

Methods

Microlaryngoscopy and posterior arytenoid biopsy, flexible bronchoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and esophageal biopsy, and impedance probe testing were performed as indicated by clinical symptoms. Positive versus negative posterior arytenoid biopsy for eosinophils and the presence or absence of concomitant histopathological laryngitis and/or esophagitis were measured.

Results

Nine of 81 (11%) patients had positive laryngeal biopsy for eosinophils (range, 1‐29 eosinophils/high‐powered field [HPF]). Three of these 9 patients also had concurrent biopsy‐proven eosinophilic esophagitis, while 8 of 81 total patients had biopsy‐proven eosinophilic esophagitis. The frequency of biopsy‐proven eosinophilic esophagitis was higher in patients with posterior arytenoid eosinophils versus patients without laryngeal eosinophils (33% versus 6.9%, P =. 0408).

Conclusions

Eosinophilic inflammation in the larynx has not been described in children with complex aerodigestive complaints. Posterior arytenoid eosinophils may serve as a marker of chronic laryngeal inflammation in children with aerodigestive dysfunction, although their exact role in this inflammation remains unclear. In our population, >15 eosinophils/HPF within posterior arytenoid biopsies was associated with concomitant eosinophilic esophagitis.
Unexpected Detection of Parotid Gland Malignancy during Primary Extracapsular Dissection
Authors: Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Velegrakis Stylianos , Iro Heinrich
Published: March 2015

Objective

To evaluate the oncologic and functional outcome in cases in which a false preoperative working hypothesis “benign parotid tumor” led to a primary extracapsular dissection being performed rather than a traditional, more radical surgical modality.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Academic tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

The records of all patients treated for malignant tumors of the parotid gland between 2006 and 2012 were retrospectively studied. Patients were excluded from our study sample for insufficient data or if their histories indicated manifestation of malignant tumors without primary parotid origin (squamous cell carcinomas, lymphomas, melanomas), revision surgery, as well as concomitant or past malignant tumors. Consequently, a total of 29 patients with 30 primary malignant tumors of the parotid gland formed our study sample (14 men, 15 women; male:female ratio, 0.93:1; mean age, 55.4 years; range, 14‐85 years).

Results

Of 30 cases, 22 had low‐grade tumors. Further tumor cells were detected in only the histology specimens of the parotid in 3 of the 25 cases treated subsequently with completion parotidectomy. Five patients received adjuvant radiation. Five‐year disease‐specific survival was 100%; local disease control was 96.6%. Of 30 cases, 28 had House‐Brackmann I after tumor treatment; the other 2 cases had a slight paralysis (House‐Brackmann II).

Conclusion

Beginning with the “false” working hypothesis and performing an extracapsular dissection in unsuspected cases seems to have no adverse impact on patients’ survival and postoperative quality of life in cases in which definitive histology reveals malignancy.
Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Genotypes in Pediatric Migraine Patients
Authors: Saygi Semra , Erol İlknur , Alehan Füsun , Yalçın Yaprak Yılmaz , Kubat Gözde , Ataç Fatma Belgin
Published: March 2015

This study compared superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) alleles in 97 consecutive children and adolescents with migraine to 96 healthy children and adolescents. Isolated genomic DNA was used as a template for SOD1 (35 A/C), SOD2 16 C/T, and CAT2 [(–262 C/T) and (–21 A/T)] allele genotyping. The SOD2 16 C/T genotype and C allele frequency differed significantly between controls and migraine ( P = .047; P = .038). CAT –21 AA genotype and A allele frequency were significantly higher in both migraine with aura patients ( P = .013; P = .004) and migraine without aura patients ( P = .003; P = .001) compared to controls. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of differences in SOD and CAT genotypes between pediatric migraine patients and age-matched controls. Further studies on the functional implications of these genetic variants on neural antioxidant capacity and the use of antioxidant modulators for migraine treatment are warranted.
Education and Psychological Distress of Older Chinese
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chen Huashuai , Feng Qiushi
Published: March 2015

Objective: The goal of this study is to examine whether and how education predicts distress for older Chinese and whether this association varies by age, gender, and rural/urban residence. Method: The random-effect panel model and Heckman selection model were used to analyze four waves of data with a total sample size of 54,405 from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Results: We found the following: (a) There is a persistent and negative association between education and distress among older Chinese; (b) education predicts lower levels of distress over time and this is particularly true for males, urban residents, and the young-old; and (c) the effect of education on distress is largely explained by physical health, economic conditions, and a three-dimensional framework of leisure-time activities.Discussion: Our findings strengthen the external validity of the relationship between education and health and suggest the dynamic patterns on the subgroup variations within the association in China.
Lack of Benefit of Ischemic Postconditioning After Routine Thrombus Aspiration During Reperfusion
Authors: Luz André , Santos Mário , Magalhães Rui , Silveira João , Cabral Sofia , Dias Vasco , Oliveira Filomena , Pereira Sousa , Leite-Moreira Adelino , Carvalho Henrique , Torres Severo
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

The underutilization of manual thrombus aspiration (MTA) may have reduced the benefits of ischemic postconditioning (PostCon), as it reduces thrombus embolization. We aimed to assess the benefits of PostCon in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after the systematic utilization of MTA.

Methods:

A total of 87 patients were enrolled in a prospective, randomized trial (43 PostCon and 44 controls). After MTA, PostCon was performed on the treatment group by applying 4 cycles of alternate reperfusion and reocclusion (60 seconds each) using the angioplasty balloon. The primary end point was infarct size assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) of troponin T (TnT) activity. The secondary end points were left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and major cardiac events (new myocardial infarction or cardiac death) both at discharge and at follow-up.

Results:

The AUC for TnT was no different with respect to study arms (median [interquartile range]): PostCon = 8.9 (10.6) versus control = 8.2 (10.6), P = .68. Left ventricle ejection fraction improved from in-hospital to follow-up (9 ± 3 months) for the entire cohort (46.3% ± 7.3% vs 52.2% ± 10.7%, P < .001), with no differences between PostCon and controls (51.6% ± 9.5% vs 52.7% ± 11.9%, P = .89); major cardiac events at 14 ± 4 months of follow-up were also no different (PostCon = 1.0 (2.3%) vs control = 0, P = .49).

Conclusion:

In patients with STEMI treated with MTA, PostCon offered no benefits to infarct size, LVEF, or major cardiac events.
Dietary and exercise change following acute cardiac syndrome onset: A latent class growth modelling analysis
Authors: Bennett Paul , Gruszczynska Ewa , Marke Victoria
Published: March 2015

The present study aim determine sub-group trajectories of change on measures of diet and exercise following acute coronary syndrome. 150 participants were assessed in hospital, 1 month and 6 months subsequently on measures including physical activity, diet, illness beliefs, coping and mood. Change trajectories were measured using latent class growth modelling. Multinomial logistic regression was used to predict class membership. These analyses revealed changes in exercise were confined to a sub-group of participants already reporting relatively high exercise levels; those eating less healthily evidenced modest dietary improvements. Coping, gender, depression and perceived control predicted group membership to a modest degree.
Barriers and facilitators for implementation of a return-to-work intervention for sickness absence beneficiaries with mental health problems: Results from three Danish municipalities
Authors: Martin Marie H.T. , Moefelt Louise , Nielsen Maj Britt Dahl , Rugulies Reiner
Published: March 2015

Aims: Evidence for the effectiveness of return-to-work (RTW) interventions aimed at sickness absence beneficiaries with mental health problems (MHPs) is still relatively sparse and mostly inconclusive. This may in part reflect the varying settings and inconsistent implementations associated with the interventions. The aim of this paper is to identify barriers and facilitators for the implementation of a coordinated and tailored RTW-intervention implemented at three different sites. Methods: We used qualitative and quantitative data to assess the implementation according to process evaluation guidelines. Data sources were individual and group interviews, observations, national registers, and documents used in the intervention. Results: The quality of the implementation varied greatly across the three settings. Barriers included lack of skills to assess MHPs according to the inclusion criteria, different interpretations of sickness absence legislation among stakeholders, competing rehabilitation alternatives, and lack of managerial support for the intervention. An important facilitator was the motivation and availability of resources to solve disagreements through extensive communication. Conclusions: The different settings presented various barriers and facilitators, which resulted in different versions of the intervention. A higher degree of user involvement in the design and development phase is likely to improve the implementation quality of future interventions.
Which substance is most dangerous? Perceived harm ratings among students in urban and rural Norway
Authors: Pedersen Willy , Von Soest Tilmann
Published: March 2015

Background: Recent studies have challenged the idea that illegal substances are necessarily associated with more harm than those that are legal. This study investigates perceived drug harm among students at the University of Oslo (UO) and at a smaller university located on Norway’s coast in a more conservative and religious region, called ‘Coastal University’ (CU). Methods: This study consisted of surveys ( n=458) about perceived physical harm, mental health conditions, dependence, injuries and social consequences that may be associated with the use of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis. Information about substance use was also collected. Analyses of variance and multiple regression analyses were used to examine whether harm ratings differed for different drugs, whether drug type, gender and university site interacted in predicting harm ratings, and what role the participants’ own substance use played in their harm ratings. Results: UO students rated cannabis as overall less harmful than alcohol, while the opposite was true for CU students. Tobacco received the highest physical harm score. Alcohol was rated as most harmful with regard to injuries; cannabis was rated as most harmful with regard to mental health consequences. Use of the substance in question was associated with a reduced harm rating. This was particularly true for cannabis. Conclusions: Norwegian students rate the harm of substances differently from previous reports from the Norwegian general population. Most importantly, their relative ratings of cannabis harm were lower. However, the pattern was most evident among students from the urban Oslo area.
Framing the 2014 Elections
Authors: Mudgal Vipul
Published: March 2015

This content analysis of prime-time news bulletins during India’s election campaign 2014 in seven mainstream TV channels in Hindi and English studied the construction of development, deprivation, inequality, and governance by main political parties and their leaders. The author counters a popular impression that development was a central theme of campaign coverage. The TV channels accorded more importance to star campaigners and to “ticket” distribution rather than to policies concerning development. Sectarian politics and hate speeches invariably got more coverage on TV rather than social sector issues. Hunger, poverty, inequality, discrimination, and displacement were nowhere in the debate. Political parties and politicians, including Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Narendra Modi who got more coverage than all rivals, also avoided defining “development” in precise terms almost as a deliberate choice. Brand Modi seems to have been treated as a proxy for development and good governance. Corruption and inflation came across as non-issues on TV.
Allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells regenerate bone in a critical-sized ulna segmental defect
Authors: Wen Congji , Yan Hai , Fu Shibo , Qian Yunliang , Wang Danru , Wang Chen
Published: March 2015

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) with multilineage potential can be induced into osteoblasts, adipocytes and chondrocytes. ASCs as seed cell are widely used in the field of tissue engineering, but most studies either use autologous cells as the source or an immunodeficient animal as the host. In our present study, we explored the feasibility of applying allogeneic ASCs and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) scaffolds for repairing tubular bone defects without using immunosuppressive therapy. Allogeneic ASCs were expanded and seeded on DBM scaffolds and induced to differentiate along the osteogenic lineage. Eight Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were used in this study and bilateral critical-sized defects (8 mm) of the ulna were created and divided into two groups: with ASC-DBM constructs or DBM alone. The systemic immune response and the extent of bone healing were evaluated post-operatively. Twenty-four weeks after implantation, digital radiography (DR) testing showed that new bones had formed in the experimental group. By contrast, no bone tissue formation was observed in the control group. This study demonstrated that allogeneic ASCs could promote bone regeneration and repair tubular bone defects combined with DBM by histologically typical bone without systemic immune response