bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Young adults’ perspectives on their psychosocial outcomes 16 years following childhood traumatic brain injury
Authors: Rosema S. , Muscara F. , Anderson V. , Godfrey C. , Eren S. , Catroppa C.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Childhood traumatic brain injury (CTBI) is one of the most common causes of mortality and disability in children and adolescents that impacts on neuropsychological, social and psychological development. A disruption of development in these areas often results in long-term problems with interpersonal relationships, participation in leisure and social activities and employment status. These social and psychological problems appear to persist longer in comparison to other functional consequences, although evidence is scarce. The purpose of this paper is to investigate social and psychological outcomes 15 years post-injury.

Design/methodology/approach

– In all, 36 participants post-CTBI (mean age 21.47 years, SD=2.74), 16 males) and 18 healthy controls (mean age 20.94 years, SD=2.21), 12 males) were recruited from a larger sample of a longitudinal study conducted at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Information about social and psychological functioning was collected via questionnaires completed at 15 years post-injury.

Findings

– Results showed that post-CTBI, adolescents and young adults reported elevated risk of developing psychological problems following their transition into adulthood. CTBI survivors reported greatest problems on internalizing symptoms such as depression, anxiety and withdrawal.

Social implications

– Despite the reported psychological symptoms, the survivors of CTBI did not report more social problems than their peers. Further research is needed to identify long-term social and psychological problems so that optimal intervention may be provided.

Originality/value

– This is the first perspective longitudinal study investigating the young adults perspective of their long-term psychosocial outcomes following CTBI.
The application of causality to construction business ethics
Authors: Gyoo Kang Byung , Edum-Fotwe Francis , Price Andrew , Thorpe Tony
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate two causality concepts, sphere of control (SOC) and agent–action–results (AAR), and their potential applications to construction business ethics. SOC is used in ethics training, and AAR is applied to ethical decision-making (EDM).

Design/methodology/approach

– A framework of ethics training and a framework of EDM for construction companies have been developed. Interviews were conducted with experienced construction engineers and PhD ethicians to test the validity of the EDM framework.

Findings

– Literature review has been conducted in ethical issues, ethics training and EDM, leading to the developments of the frameworks. The framework of ethics training incorporates SOC to reflect the ethicality and personality traits. The framework of EDM is based on AAR, combined with a stakeholder approach and Kohlberg’s cognitive moral development theory, with a review from EDM models in business. Both frameworks include project-level component to reflect the unique feature of the construction industry. The framework of EDM showed a good practicality through the interviews on an ethical dilemma example.

Research limitations/implications

– For the ethics training framework, a long-term observation or survey should be accompanied to evaluate the framework in detail, tracing the improvement of ethicalness of course participants.

Practical implications

– The customized ethics training will be more efficient and effective, as it considers individual ethicality. The scoring system of the EDM framework is simple and practical. This is particularly relevant for construction ethics management, considering that most of construction practitioners are engineers, not philosophers or psychologists.

Originality/value

– Applying causality concepts, SOC and AAR, to construction ethics is a novel approach in construction management. This research has made a good advancement in construction ethics management by providing the right directions to be explored in these new areas.
Perceptions of quality of assurance statements for sustainability reports
Authors: Romero Silvia , Fernandez-Feijoo Belen , Ruiz Silvia
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how users perceive the quality of the assurance statement (AS) for sustainability reports (SR). As a complement, the paper also tests the validity of a previous model by evaluating whether the results of its statement of quality agree with the users’ perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey was conducted among 253 master-level business students and advanced undergraduate accounting students in two countries, Spain and the USA, as a proxy for users of SR. To capture their perceptions of quality, the participants were asked to evaluate a measure of quality based on previous research. A measure of quality developed previously was also tested.

Findings

– An agreement between the students’ perception and the quality measure tested was found. This paper also encounters differences in perception between participants in the two countries studied as well as between accounting and non-accounting students.

Practical implications

– The results have implications for regulators. In fact, the reform of ISAE3000 (IFAC) deals with the reporting quality.

Originality/value

– This paper covers two gaps, quality of AS and business students’ approach toward social responsibility, by looking at how users–students perceive AS quality. The validation of a model to assess the quality of SR adds value to the existing literature in the field.
Psychosocial functioning of drug treatment court clients: a study of the prosecutor's files in Ghent, Belgium
Authors: Wittouck Ciska , Dekkers Anne , Vanderplasschen Wouter , Vander Laenen Freya
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Problem solving courts are a result of the therapeutic jurisprudence movement. Drug treatment courts (DTCs), for instance, aim to divert substance using offenders away from the criminal justice system (CJS) to (drug) treatment services. DTCs are associated with reduced criminal offending and substance use. Psychosocial outcomes of DTCs, such as employment, health and family relations, received only little attention. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper focuses on the outcomes regarding substance use and psychosocial variables of a Belgian DTC situated in the Ghent region, which were investigated by a naturalistic evaluation study with a pre- post-design using judicial files.

Findings

– The results show that Ghent DTC clients were diverted to drug treatment and financial counselling services. Next the Ghent DTC produced beneficial outcomes regarding employment. Contrary to criminal offending (De Keulenaer and Thomaes, 2013), substance use was not significantly reduced in the Ghent DTC sample. Yet more compliance with opioid maintenance treatment was observed. Information on more client centred outcomes such as health and social relations was lacking, precluding a full outcome measurement of psychosocial variables.

Research limitations/implications

– Future DTC studies should address more client centreed outcomes by gathering information through DTC clients and treatment services instead of solely relying on judicial data sources. In addition, DTCs should develop a clear and uniform registration system regarding these outcomes.

Originality/value

– Since the therapeutic jurisprudence movement continues to expand, discussion regarding the roles and tasks of the CJS as well as treatment and counselling services is vital. Each actor should maintain its own role and task, regarding monitoring and substantive work, to insure a “problem solving approach” that is in line with the recovery philosophy.
The Good Lives Model and therapeutic environments in forensic settings
Authors: Fortune Clare-Ann , Ward Tony , L.L. Polaschek Devon
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– There is increasing interest in applying strength-based approaches to offender rehabilitation. The purpose of this paper is to use the Good Lives Model (GLM) as an example to illustrate the fit that exists between strength-based approaches to offender rehabilitation and therapeutic communities.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors briefly describe the GLM before discussing the key themes that link the two perspectives; the authors argue they naturally fit together in a number of areas.

Findings

– Both perspectives emphasise the importance of creating a safe and trusting therapeutic environment in which capacities (e.g. skills) can be developed that assist individuals to go on to live lives which are personally meaningful, and in which all their needs are met, enabling them to live offence free. Both also place importance on the role of personal responsibility.

Originality/value

– The authors conclude the GLM could usefully contribute to improving outcomes for those transitioning into the community after leaving a Therapeutic Community, through developing clear life goals that are personally meaningful, and identifying practical steps for achieving these goals.
Local stakeholders’ views about destination management: who are leading tourism development?
Authors: Tuohino Anja , Konu Henna
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to study how the local stakeholders of three different tourism destinations consider who is responsible for the development of a tourism destination (if identifiable) and why.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes a multiple case study approach. Three different destinations are compared. A qualitative research method was chosen. The data are based on the interviews of tourism and wellbeing professionals (tourism entrepreneurs, experts and regional developers).

Findings

The interview results suggest that destination leadership seems to be context-dependent. Competition, co-operation and coopetition all occur in different forms in different regions. Various kinds of co-operation are distinguishable between stakeholders of case regions, and the level of leadership among actors varies in the regions; one region is strongly managed by marketing company, while on other the co-operative store chain is apparently dominant. The roles of local educational institutes also varied depending on the case area. In addition, some entry barriers were identified.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected three to four years ago, so some changes in the areas and in the roles and relationships of diverse stakeholders may have occurred.

Practical implications

By identifying challenges faced in diverse regions diverse destination managers can identify challenges likely to occur at destinations with similar management structures.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the challenges and roles of diverse stakeholders in destination management by using empirical cases.
Economic crisis and the image of Portugal as a tourist destination: the restaurants’ perspective
Authors: Esteves José Manuel
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the effects of the international financial crisis on the food and beverage sector in Portugal, and the impact of a steep increase in the tax burden on this sector’s activity, together with the wider effects on the economy, enterprises and tourism in Portugal.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses information drawn from official national information sources, together with other empirical data.

Findings

– The international financial crisis has caused severe damage to the food and beverage sector in Portugal. Since 2008, it has recorded successive reductions in key indicators: number of enterprises, employed persons and turnover. Besides this effect, the sharp rise in the tax burden has caused serious damage to the sector, leading to the closure of thousands of businesses, and the loss of thousands of jobs. The conjugation of these two factors, the economic and financial crisis and the increase in taxes caused serious disruption in the operation of businesses and the market as a whole.

Practical implications

– It is hoped that this analysis (among others) will lead to a reduction in the tax burden on the food and beverage sector of the tourism industry. It is argued that this is an impediment to progress.

Originality/value

– This article concludes that the current tax burden is undermining one of the main sectors of the Portuguese economy, which is vital to the country’s recovery. If it remains, there will be serious consequences for the image of Portugal, in terms of its tourism offer, its gastronomy and the excellence of service that is provided.
Hunting genes, hunting endophenotypes
Authors: Miller Gregory A. , Clayson Peter E. , Yee Cindy M.
Published: November 2014

Identifying specific genetic contributions to psychopathology has proved to be much more difficult than anticipated. In pursuit of this goal, Iacono and colleagues provide a remarkable set of studies that are important for the methods showcased as well as the findings reported. The immediate yield of positive findings is somewhat limited, but such an outcome is in fact quite informative. These papers will inspire further innovation and ambition in efforts to identify causal pathways to psychopathology and, more specifically, will increase emphasis on endophenotypes, a perspective highly compatible with the NIMH Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative.
The missing heritability of behavior: The search continues
Authors: Goldman David
Published: November 2014

Genetic variation altering behavior is elusive. This commentary discusses implications for the search for “missing heritability” posed by a unified series of studies from the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research. Endophenotypes are measured in a longitudinal cohort including twins, analyzed for heritability and genetically mapped via genome‐wide association and genome sequencing. The genes identified account for a fraction of the heritability, but the manner in which the studies were conducted points to explanations other than methodology. The MCTFR data are an unprecedented addition to the research information commons. Other gene discoveries will follow when they are analyzed in new ways and in combination with other studies. Even larger samples may be needed. Alternatively or in addition, locus identification, especially rare alleles, may require the study of families and population isolates with founder characteristics.
A Rare Presentation ofIn SituMantle Cell Lymphoma and Follicular Lymphoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Taverna Josephine , Nair Anju , Yun Seongseok , Paulson Spencer , Schatz Jonathan H. , Persky Daniel , Fuchs Deborah , Puvvada Soham
Published: November 2014

A 65-year-old gentleman presented with left groin swelling over the course of two months. Physical exam revealed nontender left inguinal adenopathy, and computed tomography scans detected multiple lymph nodes in the mesenteric, aortocaval, and right common iliac regions. An excisional lymph node biopsy was performed. Pathologic evaluation demonstrated follicular center site which stained positive for PAX5, CD20, CD10, Bcl-2, Bcl-6, and mantle zone cells. These findings demonstrated CCND1 and CD5 positivity, suggesting composite lymphoma comprising follicular lymphoma (FL) within situmantle cell lymphoma (MCLIS). FL is known as indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma; however, the clinical significance of a coexisting MCLIS continues to be elusive, and optimal management of these patients remains largely unknown. This case illustrates the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of composite lymphomas. This paper also discusses advances in molecular pathogenesis and lymphoma genomics which offer novel insights into these rare diseases.
A Rare Case of Central Nervous System Tuberculosis
Authors: Parekh Ravish , Haftka Alexis , Porter Ashleigh
Published: November 2014

Intracranial abscess is an extremely rare form of central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis (TB). We describe a case of central nervous system tuberculous abscess in absence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. A 82-year-old Middle Eastern male from Yemen was initially brought to the emergency room due to altered mental status and acute renal failure. Cross-sectional imaging revealed multiple ring enhancing lesions located in the left cerebellum and in bilateral frontal lobe as well as in the inferior parietal lobe on the left. The patient was placed on an empiric antibiotic regimen. Preliminary testing for infectious causes was negative. Chest radiography and CT of chest showed no positive findings. He was not on any immunosuppressive medications and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test was negative. A subsequent MRI one month later showed profound worsening of the lesions with increasing vasogenic edema and newly found mass effect impinging on the fourth ventricle. Brain biopsy showed focal exudative cerebellitis and inflamed granulation tissue consistent with formation of abscesses. The diagnosis of CNS TB was finally confirmed by positive acid-fast bacilli (AFB) cultures. The patient was started on standard tuberculosis therapy but expired due to renal failure and cardiac arrest.
Action of Chicory Fructooligosaccharides on Biomimetic Membranes
Authors: Barbosa A. F. , Henrique R. S. , Lucho A. S. , Paffaro V. , Schneedorf J. M.
Published: November 2014

Fructooligosaccharides from chicory (FOSC) are functional prebiotic foods recognized to exert several well-being effects in human health and animal production, as decreasing blood lipids, modulating the gut immune system, enhancing mineral bioavailability, and inhibiting microbial growth, among others. Mechanisms of actions directly on cell metabolism and structure are however little known. In this sense this work was targeted to investigate the interaction of FOSC with biomimetic membranes (liposomes and supported bilayer membrane; s-BLM) through cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, spectrofluorimetry, and microscopy. FOSC was able to disrupt the membrane structure of liposomes and s-BLM from the onset of molecular pores induced on it. The mechanism of interaction of fructans with biomimetic membranes suggests hydrogen bonding between the polyhydroxylated structure of the oligosaccharides and the negative polar group of L-α-phosphatidylcholine (PC) present in both liposomes and s-BLM.
Interval Estimation of Stress-Strength Reliability Based on Lower Record Values from Inverse Rayleigh Distribution
Authors: Tarvirdizade Bahman , Kazemzadeh Garehchobogh Hossein
Published: November 2014

We consider the estimation of stress-strength reliability based on lower record values whenXandYare independently but not identically inverse Rayleigh distributed random variables. The maximum likelihood, Bayes, and empirical Bayes estimators ofRare obtained and their properties are studied. Confidence intervals, exact and approximate, as well as the Bayesian credible sets forRare obtained. A real example is presented in order to illustrate the inferences discussed in the previous sections. A simulation study is conducted to investigate and compare the performance of the intervals presented in this paper and some bootstrap intervals.
RHOMutations (p.W126L and p.A346P) in Two Japanese Families with Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Katagiri Satoshi , Hayashi Takaaki , Akahori Masakazu , Itabashi Takeshi , Nishino Jo , Yoshitake Kazutoshi , Furuno Masaaki , Ikeo Kazuho , Okada Tetsuji , Tsuneoka Hiroshi , Iwata Takeshi
Published: November 2014

Purpose. To investigate genetic and clinical features of patients with rhodopsin (RHO) mutations in two Japanese families with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP).Methods. Whole-exome sequence analysis was performed in ten adRP families. IdentifiedRHOmutations for the cosegregation analysis were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Ophthalmic examinations were performed to evaluate the RP phenotypes. The impact of theRHOmutation on the rhodopsin conformation was examined by molecular modeling analysis.Results. In two adRP families, we identified twoRHOmutations (c.377G>T (p.W126L) and c.1036G>C (p.A346P)), one of which was novel. Complete cosegregation was confirmed for each mutation exhibiting the RP phenotype in both families. Molecular modeling predicted that the novel mutation (p.W126L) might impair rhodopsin function by affecting its conformational transition in the light-adapted form. Clinical phenotypes showed that patients with p.W126L exhibited sector RP, whereas patients with p.A346P exhibited classic RP.Conclusions. Our findings demonstrated that the novel mutation (p.W126L) may be associated with the phenotype of sector RP. Identification ofRHOmutations is a very useful tool for predicting disease severity and providing precise genetic counseling.
Paraoxonase1 Genetic Polymorphisms in a Mixed Ancestry African Population
Authors: Macharia M. , Kengne A. P. , Blackhurst D. M. , Erasmus R. T. , Matsha T. E.
Published: November 2014

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity is markedly influenced by coding polymorphisms, Q/R at position 192 and M/L at position 55 of the PON1 gene. We investigated the frequencies of these polymorphisms and their effects on PON1 and antioxidant activities in 844 South African mixed ancestry individuals. Genotyping was done using allele-specific TaqMan technology, PON1 activities were measured using paraoxon and phenylacetate, oxidative status was determined by measuring the antioxidant activities of ferric reducing antioxidant power and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxidation markers included malondialdehyde and oxidized LDL. The frequencies of Q192R and L55M were 47.6% and 28.8%, respectively, and the most common corresponding alleles were 192R (60.4%) and 55M (82.6%). TheQ192was significantly associated with 5.8 units’ increase in PON1 concentration and 15.4 units’ decrease in PONase activity after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and diabetes, with suggestion of differential effects by diabetes status. The PON1L55variant was associated with none of the measured indices. In conclusion, we have shown that the Q192R polymorphism is a determinant of both PON1 concentration and activity and this association appeared to be enhanced in subjects with diabetes.
Modeling, Parameters Identification, and Control of High Pressure Fuel Cell Back‐Pressure Valve
Authors: Chen Fengxiang , Liu Ling , Liu Shiguang , Zhang Tong
Published: November 2014

The reactant pressure is crucial to the efficiency and lifespan of a high pressure PEMFC engine. This paper analyses a regulated back‐pressure valve (BPV) for the cathode outlet flow in a high pressure PEMFC engine, which can achieve precisely pressure control. The modeling, parameters identification, and nonlinear controller design of a BPV system are considered. The identified parameters are used in designing active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC). Simulations and extensive experiments are conducted with the xPC Target and show that the proposed controller can not only achieve good dynamic and static performance but also have strong robustness against parameters’ disturbance and external disturbance.
An Enhanced Erasure Code‐Based Security Mechanism for Cloud Storage
Authors: Wang Wenfeng , Li Peiwu , Han Longzhe , Huang Shuqiang , Xu Kefu , Yu Changgui , Lei Jin’e
Published: November 2014

Cloud computing offers a wide range of luxuries, such as high performance, rapid elasticity, on‐demand self‐service, and low cost. However, data security continues to be a significant impediment in the promotion and popularization of cloud computing. To address the problem of data leakage caused by unreliable service providers and external cyber attacks, an enhanced erasure code‐based security mechanism is proposed and elaborated in terms of four aspects: data encoding, data transmission, data placement, and data reconstruction, which ensure data security throughout the whole traversing into cloud storage. Based on the mechanism, we implement a secure cloud storage system (SCSS). The key design issues, including data division, construction of generator matrix, data encoding, fragment naming, and data decoding, are also described in detail. Finally, we conduct an analysis of data availability and security and performance evaluation. Experimental results and analysis demonstrate that SCSS achieves high availability, strong security, and excellent performance.
Beneficial Effects of Maprotiline in a Murine Model of Colitis in Normal and Reserpinised Depressed Rats
Authors: Minaiyan Mohsen , Hajhashemi Valiollah , Rabbani Mohammad , Fattahian Ehsan , Mahzouni Parvin
Published: November 2014

Background. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities have been reported for maprotiline, a strong norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. In addition, some other antidepressant drugs have shown beneficial effects in experimental colitis. Methods. All the animals were divided into normal and depressed groups. In normal rats colitis was induced by instillation of 2 mL of 4% acetic acid and after 2 hours, maprotiline (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered. In reserpinised depressed rats, depression was induced by injection of reserpine (6 mg/kg, i.p.), 1 h prior to colitis induction, and then treated with maprotiline (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg). Treatment continued daily for four days. Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was given as a reference drug. On day five following colitis induction, animals were euthanized and distal colons were assessed macroscopically, histologically, and biochemically (assessment of myeloperoxidase activity). Results. Maprotiline significantly improved macroscopic and histologic scores and diminished myeloperoxidase activity in both normal and depressed rats while reserpine exacerbated the colonic damage. Conclusion. Our data suggests that the salutary effects of maprotiline on acetic acid colitis are probably mediated first through depressive behavioral changes that could be mediated through the brain-gut axis and second for the anti-inflammatory effect of the drug.
Progression of Gene Expression Changes following a Mechanical Injury to Articular Cartilage as a Model of Early Stage Osteoarthritis
Authors: McCulloch R. S. , Ashwell M. S. , Maltecca C. , O'Nan A. T. , Mente P. L.
Published: November 2014

An impact injury model of early stage osteoarthritis (OA) progression was developed using a mechanical insult to an articular cartilage surface to evaluate differential gene expression changes over time and treatment. Porcine patellae with intact cartilage surfaces were randomized to one of three treatments: nonimpacted control, axial impaction (2000 N), or a shear impaction (500 N axial, with tangential displacement to induce shear forces). After impact, the patellae were returned to culture for 0, 3, 7, or 14 days. At the appropriate time point, RNA was extracted from full-thickness cartilage slices at the impact site. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to evaluate differential gene expression for 18 OA related genes from four categories: cartilage matrix, degradative enzymes and inhibitors, inflammatory response and signaling, and cell apoptosis. The shear impacted specimens were compared to the axial impacted specimens and showed that shear specimens more highly expressed type I collagen (Col1a1) at the early time points. In addition, there was generally elevated expression of degradative enzymes, inflammatory response genes, and apoptosis markers at the early time points. These changes suggest that the more physiologically relevant shear loading may initially be more damaging to the cartilage and induces more repair efforts after loading.
On the Barycentric Labeling of Certain Graphs
Authors: Alikhani Saeid , Amirzadeh Zeynab
Published: November 2014

Let A be an abelian group. A graph G is called A-magic if there exists edge labeling l:E(G)→A∖{0} such that the induced vertex set labeling l+:V(G)→A, defined by l+(v)=∑uv∈E(G)‍l(uv), where the sum is over all edges in E(G), is a constant map. A graph G is A-barycentric-magic (or has A-barycentric labeling) if G is A-magic and also satisfies l+(v)=deg(v)l(uvv) for all v∈V and for some vertex uv adjacent to v. In this paper we consider some graphs G and characterize all m∈N for which G is Zm-barycentric-magic.
Traumatic Fracture in a Patient with Osteopoikilosis
Authors: Du Mortier Adeline , Docquier Pierre-Louis
Published: November 2014

We report a case of traumatic humeral neck fracture occurring in a patient with osteopoikilosis after a motorcycle accident. The radiograph revealed the fracture but also multiple bone lesions. A few years before, the patient had been operated for a maldiagnosed chondrosarcoma of the humeral head. Osteopoikilosis is a rare benign hereditary bone disease, whose mode of inheritance is autosomal dominant. It is usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on radiograph that shows the presence of multiple osteoblastic lesions. It can mimic other bone pathologies, in particular osteoblastic metastases. Osteopoikilosis is a diagnosis that should be kept in mind to avoid misdiagnosis, particularly with regard to cancer metastasis. This disorder does not require any treatment and complications are rare. However, there may be associated anomalies that require follow-up.
Effect of PAH Specific Therapy on Pulmonary Hemodynamics and Six-Minute Walk Distance in Portopulmonary Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Faisal Muhammad , Siddiqi Furqan , Alkaddour Ahmad , Bajwa Abubakr A. , Shujaat Adil
Published: November 2014

Background. Little is known about the effect of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) specific therapy on pulmonary hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) because such patients are usually excluded from randomized clinical trials (RCT) of such therapy.Methods. We searched PUBMED using the terms “(Therapy/Broad (filter)) AND (portopulmonary hypertension).” We included studies that met the following criteria: ≥5 patients, AND PoPH confirmed by right heart catheterization (RHC), AND follow-up RHC data, AND/OR baseline and follow-up 6MWD available.Results. 12 studies met our inclusion criteria. None was a RCT. The baseline mPAP was 48.6 ± 4.4 mmHg, cardiac output (CO) 5.6 ± 0.9 L/min, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 668.6 ± 219.1 dynes.sec/cm5. The baseline 6MWD was 348.2 ± 35.6 meters. The use of PAH specific therapy improved mPAP by 7.54 mmHg (95% CI 10.2 to 4.9), CO by 1.77 L/min (95% CI 1.1 to 2.4), and PVR by 253 dynes.sec/cm5(95% CI 291.4 to 214.6) (n=135) and 6MWD by 61.8 meters (95% CI 47.5 to 76) (n=122).Conclusions. The use of PAH specific therapy in PoPH results in significant improvement in both pulmonary hemodynamics and 6MWD.
A Note on the Distribution of Multivariate Brownian Extrema
Authors: Escobar Marcos , Hernandez Julio
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a closed-form solution for the joint probability of the endpoints and minimums of a multidimensional Wiener process for some correlation matrices. This is the only explicit expressions found in the literature for this joint probability. The analysis can only be carried out for special correlation structures as it is related to the fundamentals regions of irreducible spherical simplexes generated by
reflections and the link to the method of images. This joint distribution can be used in financial mathematics to obtain prices of credit or market related products in high dimension. The solution could be generalized to account for stochastic volatility and other stylized features of the financial markets.
Optimal Hierarchical Decision‐Making for Heat Source Selection of District Heating Systems
Authors: Fang Fang , Wang Nan
Published: November 2014

With the rapid development of China’s urbanization, the proportion between the heating consumption and the energy consumption of the whole society keeps rising in recent years. For a district heating system, the selection of the heat source makes significant impact on the energy efficiency and the pollutant emissions. By integrating the methods of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE), a multiple‐attribute decision‐making scheme for the heat source selection of district heating systems is proposed in this paper. As a core part of this scheme, a comprehensive benefit index with hierarchical parallel structure is constructed. The economic benefit, environment benefit, and technical benefit can be reflected with a certain percentage in the comprehensive benefit index. To test the efficiency of the proposed scheme, a case study for a large‐scale district heating system in Beijing is carried out, where five kinds of heat sources (water source heat pump, ground source heat pump, gas‐fired boiler, coal‐fired boiler, and oil‐fired boiler) are taken into account. The analysis and instructions for the final sorting result are also demonstrated.
Safety Evaluation of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. Rhizome Extract: Acute and Chronic Toxicity Studies in Rats
Authors: Koontongkaew Sittichai , Poachanukoon Orapan , Sireeratawong Seewaboon , Dechatiwongse Na Ayudhya Thaweephol , Khonsung Parirat , Jaijoy Kanjana , Soawakontha Ruedee , Chanchai Monraudee
Published: November 2014

Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. has been used for traditional medicine, but few studies have described its potential toxicity. In this study, the acute and chronic oral toxicity of Z. cassumunar extract granules were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats. The extract at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight did not produce treatment related signs of toxicity or mortality in any of the animals tested during the 14-day observation period. However, a decrease in body weights was observed in treated males (P<0.05). The weights of lung and kidney of treated females were increased (P<0.05). Treated males were increased in spleen and epididymis weights (P<0.05). In repeated dose 270-day oral toxicity study, the administration of the extracts at concentrations of 0.3, 3, 30, 11.25, 112.5, and 1,125 mg/kg body weight/day revealed no-treatment toxicity. Although certain endpoints among those monitored (i.e., organ weight, hematological parameters, and clinical chemistry) exhibited statistically significant effects, none was adverse. Gross and histological observations revealed no toxicity. Our findings suggest that the Z. cassumunar extract granules are well tolerated for both single and chronic administration. The oral no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for the extract was 1,125 mg/kg body weight/day for males and females.
Association of Copy Number Variations in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sener Elif Funda
Published: November 2014

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by language impairments, social deficits, and repetitive behaviors. The onset of symptoms occurs by the age of 3 and shows a lifelong persistence. Genetics plays a major role in the etiology of ASD. Except genetics, several potential risk factors (environmental factors and epigenetics) may contribute to ASD. Copy number variations (CNVs) are the most widespread structural variations in the human genome. These variations can alter the genome structure either by deletion or by duplication. CNVs can be de novo or inherited. Chromosomal rearrangements have been detected in 5–10% of the patients with ASD and recently copy number changes ranging from a few kilobases (kb) to several megabases (Mb) in size have been reported. Recent data have also revealed that submicroscopic CNVs can have a role in ASD, and de novo CNVs seem to be a more common risk factor in sporadic compared with inherited forms of ASD. CNVs are being implicated as a contributor to the pathophysiology of complex neurodevelopmental disorders and they can affect a wide range of human phenotypes including mental retardation (MR), autism, neuropsychiatric disorders, and susceptibility to other complex traits such as HIV, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis. This review emphasizes the major CNVs reported to date in ASD.
Fault Diagnosis of Oil‐Immersed Transformers Using Self‐Organization Antibody Network and Immune Operator
Authors: Zhang Liwei
Published: November 2014

There are some drawbacks when diagnosis techniques based on one intelligent method are applied to identify incipient faults in power transformers. In this paper, a hybrid immune algorithm is proposed to improve the reliability of fault diagnosis. The proposed algorithm is a hybridization of self‐organization antibody network (soAbNet) and immune operator. There are two phases in immune operator. One is vaccination, and the other is immune selection. In the process of vaccination, vaccines were obtained from training dataset by using consistency‐preserving K‐means algorithm (K‐means‐CP algorithm) and were taken as the initial antibodies for soAbNet. After the soAbNet was trained, immune selection was applied to optimize the memory antibodies in the trained soAbNet. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified using benchmark classification dataset and real‐world transformer fault dataset. For comparison purpose, three transformer diagnosis methods such as the IEC criteria, back propagation neural network (BPNN), and soAbNet are utilized. The experimental results indicate that the proposed approach can extract the dataset characteristics efficiently and the diagnostic accuracy is higher than that obtained with other individual methods.
Clinical Lessons to Be Learned from Patients Developing Chronic Myeloid Leukemia While on Immunosuppressive Therapy after Solid Organ Transplantation: Yet Another Case after Orthotopic Heart Transplantation
Authors: Oberender Christian , Kleeberg Lorenz , Nienhues Nicola , Gresse Martin , Dörken Bernd , Riess Hanno , le Coutre Philipp
Published: November 2014

Chronic myeloid leukemia developing after transplantation of solid organs and concomitant immunosuppression is a rare but still significant clinical phenomenon. We here describe an additional case of a 62-year-old male patient developing CML after orthotopic heart transplantation and medication with cyclosporine A, mofetil-mycophenolate, and steroids. Initial antileukemic therapy was imatinib at a standard dose and within 15 months of therapy a complete cytogenetic response was noted. In this report we discuss the clinical implications of these rare but biologically important cases.
Improved Survival After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and Use of Automated External Defibrillators
Authors: Blom Marieke T. , Beesems Stefanie G. , Homma Petronella C.M. , Zijlstra Jolande A. , Hulleman Michiel , van Hoeijen Daniel A. , Bardai Abdennasser , Tijssen Jan G.P. , Tan Hanno L. , Koster Rudolph W.
Published: November 2014

Background—

In recent years, a wider use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to treat out-of-hospital cardiac arrest was advocated in The Netherlands. We aimed to establish whether survival with favorable neurologic outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has significantly increased, and, if so, whether this is attributable to AED use.

Methods and Results—

We performed a population-based cohort study, including patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from cardiac causes between 2006 and 2012, excluding emergency medical service–witnessed arrests. We determined survival status at each stage (to emergency department, to admission, and to discharge) and examined temporal trends using logistic regression analysis with year of resuscitation as an independent variable. By adding each covariable subsequently to the regression model, we investigated their impact on the odds ratio of year of resuscitation. Analyses were performed according to initial rhythm (shockable versus nonshockable) and AED use. Rates of survival with favorable neurologic outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest increased significantly (N=6133, 16.2% to 19.7%;
P
for trend=0.021), although solely in patients presenting with a shockable initial rhythm (N=2823; 29.1% to 41.4%;
P
for trend<0.001). In this group, survival increased at each stage but was strongest in the prehospital phase (odds ratio, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.06–1.16]). Rates of AED use almost tripled during the study period (21.4% to 59.3%;
P
for trend <0.001), thereby decreasing time from emergency call to defibrillation-device connection (median, 9.9 to 8.0 minutes;
P
<0.001). AED use statistically explained increased survival with favorable neurologic outcome by decreasing the odds ratio of year of resuscitation to a nonsignificant 1.04.

Conclusions—

Increased AED use is associated with increased survival in patients with a shockable initial rhythm. We recommend continuous efforts to introduce or extend AED programs.
A review of paediatric telehealth for pre- and post-operative surgical patients
Authors: Smith Anthony C , Garner Lisa , Caffery Liam J , McBride Craig A
Published: November 2014

The Queensland Telepaediatric Service (QTS) was established in the year 2000 to deliver a broad range of paediatric specialist health services from the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Brisbane, mainly via videoconference. During a 13-year study period, the QTS facilitated 18,949 video consultations, comprising Mental Health (42%), Medicine (30%), Surgery (21%) and Other (8%). We reviewed the surgical services provided through the QTS. There were 3880 video consultations with a paediatric surgeon. Most of these (91%) used fixed videoconferencing units, 8% were delivered via mobile units (robots) and 1% were delivered using Skype. Surgical consultations were provided by telehealth to 106 sites: 89% in Queensland and the rest to other states. The main surgical specialties were burns (50%), ear, nose and throat (19%), general surgery (21%), orthopaedics (9%) and vascular anomalies (2%). During a 12-month audit period, there were 224 teleconsultations in general surgery; the most common reason for referral was for undescended testes (17%). During the study period there was a significant growth in all surgical telehealth activity: linear regression showed an annual increase of 17 cases per year ( P < 0.02). In the last four years of the study, there was a substantial growth in the general surgical component, although there was also a reduction in the burns component. Telehealth has potential for other specialist consultations which require periodic assessment and review.
Data review of an ongoing telehealth programme in a tertiary paediatric hospital
Authors: Jury Susan C , Kornberg Andrew J
Published: November 2014

The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne has been providing teleconsultations since 2011 using web-based videoconferencing. We reviewed telehealth activity over the first 30 months of the programme. The average consultation rate was 14 per month in 2012, 39 in 2013 and 49 per month in the first half of 2014. One-third of all activity (265 out of 852 consultations) was provided by only two departments: neurology and respiratory medicine. By June 2014, 92% of departments (n = 34) had provided one or more video-consultations. Most telehealth activity was provided by just a few clinicians. A review of actual and billed activity between July 2013 and April 2014 showed that 36% of booked telehealth appointments (n = 144 of 395) were not billed to Medicare; financial and other processes have since been streamlined. A snapshot of telehealth activity over a two-month period was used to estimate the revenue from telehealth. Approximately 65 billed telehealth appointments per month would be required to fund a 0.6 FTE coordinator's post. Overall, the findings have been valuable in planning the future expansion of telehealth at the RCH.
Clinical applications of videoconferencing: a scoping review of the literature for the period 2002–2012
Authors: Fatehi Farhad , Armfield Nigel R , Dimitrijevic Mila , Gray Leonard C
Published: November 2014

We conducted a scoping review of the literature on the clinical applications of videoconferencing. Electronic searches were performed using the PubMed, Embase and CINHAL databases to retrieve papers published from 2002 to 2012 that described clinical applications of videoconferencing. The initial search yielded 4923 records and after removing the duplicates and screening at title/abstract level, 505 articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed at full-text level. The countries with the highest number of papers were the US, Australia and Canada. Most studies were non-randomised controlled trials. The discipline with highest number of published studies (39%) was mental health, followed by surgery (7%) and general medicine (6%). The type of care delivered via video comprised acute, sub-acute and chronic care, but in 44% of the papers, the intervention was used for a combination of these purposes. Videoconferencing was used for all age groups but more frequently for adults (20%). Most of the papers (91%) reported using videoconferencing for several clinical purposes including management, diagnosis, counselling and monitoring. The review showed that videoconferencing has been used in a wide range of disciplines and settings for different clinical purposes. The practical value of published papers would be improved by following standard guidelines for reporting research projects and clinical trials.
A review of the efficacy and effectiveness of using telehealth for paediatric speech and language assessment
Authors: Taylor Olivia D , Armfield Nigel R , Dodrill Pamela , Smith Anthony C
Published: November 2014

We reviewed the literature relating to the use of telehealth for paediatric speech and language assessment. Four databases, and relevant reference lists, were searched for articles published between January 2004 and July 2014. A total of 180 articles were identified, of which only five were relevant. All studies assessed efficacy using method comparison techniques; no studies assessed effectiveness. The method comparison studies investigated the validity and/or reliability of speech and language assessment via telehealth, when compared with face-to-face assessment. Studies varied in terms of participant group, assessment tools, statistical analysis and telehealth equipment. The papers reviewed presented some evidence that telehealth can be used to make valid assessments of oromotor function, speech intelligibility and language. Articulation screening via telehealth was found to be valid, but there was conflicting evidence about full articulation assessment. Intra- and inter-rater reliability was good for all speech and language tasks, with the exception of oromotor assessment, which also had reduced reliability when assessed face-to-face. There were discrepancies between the two modalities for individual oromotor tasks, judgement of individual speech sounds, detection of pluralisation, and discriminating between similar sounding words; these have the potential to be clinically important. Evidence regarding satisfaction was extremely limited, with only one study reporting parental satisfaction, and no studies reporting child or clinician satisfaction. Although there is limited evidence to support the validity and reliability of speech and language assessment via telehealth, it is probably not yet sufficient to influence clinical practice or policy development.