bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alexithymia and Burnout in Nursing Students
Authors: Katsifaraki Maria , Tucker Philip
Published: February 2014

Although previous studies have indicated an association between alexithymia and burnout, they have not controlled for well-established organizational factors, depression, and coping mechanisms that could confound the relationship. This study investigated the association between alexithymia and occupational burnout. One hundred eighty-three nursing students were assessed up to 3 months before graduating from their program. Alexithymia was measured with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, occupational burnout was measured with the Maslach Burnout Inventory, work-related factors were measured with the Areas of Worklife Survey, depression was measured with Beck Depression Inventory-II, and coping strategies were measured with the COPE Dispositional Inventory. Hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that externally oriented thinking style was significantly associated with personal accomplishment and depersonalization after adjusting for depression, coping, and work-related factors. The results indicate that only a single aspect of the alexithymia construct serves as a possibly independent predisposing factor for specific burnout dimensions. [
J Nurs Educ.
2013;52(11):627–633.]
Promoting Therapeutic Communication and Patient-Centered Care Using Standardized Patients
Authors: Webster Debra
Published: February 2014

This article describes an assignment designed to incorporate the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competency of patient-centered care into a simulation activity aimed to improve therapeutic communication skills in psychiatric nursing. During this pilot activity, students engaged in an interaction with an actor trained to portray an individual with mental illness. Students viewed their video-recorded interaction to identify communication techniques used and completed a self-evaluation examining their strengths and areas for improvement. Faculty and actors provided feedback to students during a faculty-led debriefing held to discuss the use of therapeutic communication and care focused on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide quality patient-centered care. Desired learning outcomes included the demonstration of therapeutic communication and assessment skills, empathy and caring, and addressing patient values, preferences, and beliefs. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2013;52(11):645–648.]
Laying a Foundation for Evaluating Curricular Performance: Tools of the Trade
Authors: Davis Pamela E. , Grinnell Sandra M. , Niemer Louise M.
Published: February 2014

A proactive and systematic approach to evaluating curriculum success supports the cost-effective use of student and organizational resources by contributing to improved student satisfaction, retention and graduation rates, and high pass rates on the NCLEX
®
—all measures of program quality. This article describes a process and tools for evaluation of baccalaureate prelicensure curricula using HESI
™
standardized testing. The approach is both formative and summative and can be easily adapted for use with other standardized testing products. This evaluation method provides a vehicle to demonstrate achievement of program core concepts and role competencies to internal and external stakeholders, licensing agencies, and accrediting bodies. Curriculum committees are able to proactively evaluate rigor and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. The described process represents a key element of a more comprehensive framework for undergraduate nursing program evaluation. [
J Nurs Educ.
2013;52(12):671–679.]
Nursing Students’ Perceptions Regarding the Amount and Type of Written Feedback Required to Enhance Their Learning
Authors: Giles Tracey M. , Gilbert Sandra , McNeill Liz
Published: February 2014

Effective feedback can enhance student learning, but limited evidence exists on whether nursing students actually use and learn from written feedback. This descriptive survey explored nursing students’ perceptions regarding the amount and type of written feedback required to enhance their learning. In stage one, 362 students completed a 28-item questionnaire regarding feedback experiences and preferences; in stage two, 227 students selected a preferred feedback option for a final topic assignment. Findings revealed that many of the students wished to be engaged with the feedback process and believed effective written feedback can and does enhance their learning. However many students also reported learning barriers—including absent, inadequate, ambiguous, inconsistent, and ineffective feedback—indicating a significant disconnect between desired and actual feedback. Recommendations include a greater focus on engaging nursing students in the feedback process and evaluating the effectiveness of written feedback for individual students. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2014;53(1):23–30.]
Challenges of Assessing Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment in Nurse Practitioner Students
Authors: Gorton Karen L. , Hayes Janice
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a relationship between critical thinking skills and clinical judgment in nurse practitioner students. The study used a convenience, nonprobability sampling technique, engaging participants from across the United States. Correlational analysis demonstrated no statistically significant relationship between critical thinking skills and examination-style questions, critical thinking skills and scores on the evaluation and reevaluation of consequences subscale of the Clinical Decision Making in Nursing Scale, and critical thinking skills and the preceptor evaluation tool. The study found no statistically significant relationships between critical thinking skills and clinical judgment. Educators and practitioners could consider further research in these areas to gain insight into how critical thinking is and could be measured, to gain insight into the clinical decision making skills of nurse practitioner students, and to gain insight into the development and measurement of critical thinking skills in advanced practice educational programs. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2014;53(3, Suppl.):S26–S29.]
Simulation: A Day in the Life of a Pediatric Nurse
Authors: Bishop Samantha , Stewart Patricia
Published: February 2014

Due to the increasing number of students in nursing programs and the decreasing number of available pediatric hospital clinical sites, many academic institutions have expanded their simulation experiences to supplement the pediatric clinical experience. This article provides a synopsis of the creativity used to construct a 6- to 7-hour clinical day within a children’s hospital simulation at a small rural college in the southeastern United States. From the beginning of the creation of a historic building to the finalization of a true simulation laboratory in a new state-of-the-art facility, this synopsis discusses the trials and tribulations encountered in providing students with an experience that will assist them to utilize critical thinking and maximize clinical competence in the health care setting. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(3):174–176.]
Case Study: Student Perceptions of Video Streaming Nursing Class Sessions
Authors: Wall Parilo Denise M. , Parsh Bridget
Published: February 2014

Due to space constraints, students in their pediatric and obstetrical nursing courses received lecture in two formats: live lecture and video-streamed lecture. Live lecture is the traditional classroom format of live, in-person lecture without recording archives, whereas video streaming is live (synchronous) online lecture, also recorded for digital archive (asynchronous viewing). At the end of the semester, students (
N
= 53) responded to a survey about what they liked about both methods of instruction. Results reveal strengths of both methods and suggest ways to make both methods more effective. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2014;53(3):161–163.]
Amblyopia Treatment Strategies and New Drug Therapies
Authors: Pescosolido Nicola , Stefanucci Alessio , Buomprisco Giuseppe , Fazio Stefano
Published: February 2014

Amblyopia is a unilateral or bilateral reduction of visual acuity secondary to abnormal visual experience during early childhood. It is one of the most common causes of vision loss and monocular blindness and is commonly associated with strabismus, anisometropia, and visual deprivation (in particular congenital cataract and ptosis). It is clinically defined as a two-line difference of best-corrected visual acuity between the eyes. The purpose of this study was to understand the neural mechanisms of amblyopia and summarize the current therapeutic strategies. In particular, the authors focused on the concept of brain plasticity and its implication for new treatment strategies for children and adults with amblyopia.
[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(2):78–86.]
Long-Term Results of Deeper Muscle Fibers Recession of an Inferior Rectus Operation
Authors: Gokyigit Birsen , Akar Serpil , Kaynak Pelin , Demirok Ahmet , Yilmaz Omer Faruk
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

To report the efficacy in preventing lower eyelid retraction and long-term results of a new technique of inferior rectus (IR) recession for vertical strabismus and compare this method with the results obtained by a conventional IR recession operation.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 35 patients who underwent a new IR recession method (study group) and 22 patients who underwent the conventional IR recession (control group) for vertical strabismus. In the study group, an IR recession was applied to the deeper fibers and included approximately 90% of the IR muscle thickness. This group was divided into two subgroups: small IR recessions (4 to 6 mm) and large IR recessions (7 to 8 mm). In the control group, an IR recession of the entire muscle was applied without exceeding 6 mm. The photographs were analyzed for lower eyelid position. Digital image analysis was used to standardize each patient’s preoperative and postoperative photographs at final follow-up examination. The main outcome measures were the margin-to-reflex distance, lower eyelid retraction, and vertical deviation angles (at near and distance fixation).

Results:

The mean change in margin-to-reflex distance after surgery was 0.03 mm in the small IR recessions group, 0.1 mm in the large IR recessions group, and 2.04 mm in the control group. Postoperatively, the lower eyelid retraction in the study group, which occurred after both small and large IR recessions, was significantly less than that in the control group (
P
< .001). There was no significant difference between the study and control groups in improvements in near and distance vertical deviations and success ratios (
P
> .05).

Conclusions:

At long-term follow-up, recession of the deeper fibers layer, including approximately 90% of the IR muscle thickness, was a procedure that minimized or eliminated the possibility of lower eyelid retraction and did not limit the success of strabismus surgery.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(1):17–26.]
Diode Laser Photocoagulation for Retinopathy of Prematurity: Outcomes After 7 Years of Treatment
Authors: Nicoara Simona-Delia , Cristian Cristina , Irimescu Iulian , Stefanut Anne-Claudia , Zaharie Gabriela
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of transpupillary diode laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) at one institution in Romania.

Methods:

This retrospective case series included all infants who received indirect diode laser photocoagulation for ROP between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2012.

Results:

The 160 eyes of 83 infants were classified into two categories: 136 eyes (85%) with classic disease (stage III ROP in zones 1 or 2) and 24 eyes (15%) with aggressive posterior ROP (AP-ROP). ROP regressed in 141 eyes (88.12%). The success rate was significantly better in the classic ROP group (94.11%) compared to the AP-ROP group (54.16%) (
P
< .001).

Conclusions:

The ROP regression rate after the laser treatment was 88% in this series.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(1):39–45.]
Self-Management of Unpleasant Auditory Hallucinations: A Tested Practice Model
Authors: Buccheri Robin Kay , Trygstad Louise Nigh , Buffum Martha D. , Birmingham Patricia , Dowling Glenna A.
Published: February 2014

Individuals who experience auditory hallucinations (AH) frequently report hearing unpleasant voices saying disturbing things to them, making derogatory remarks about them, or commanding them to do something, including harming themselves or someone else. The Self-Management of Unpleasant Auditory Hallucinations Practice Model was developed to help psychiatric-mental health nurses in both inpatient and outpatient settings implement evidence-based nursing care for voice hearers who are distressed by unpleasant voices. The model’s utility extends to nursing education, administration, and research. The model is comprised of three parts: (a)
Assessment of Voice Hearer’s Experience
, (b)
Nursing Interventions
, and (c)
Voice Hearer’s Expected Positive Outcomes
. These three parts of the model describe nursing assessments conducted with an interview guide and two self-report tools, nursing interventions that teach strategies to manage unpleasant AH in a 10-session course or individually, and evaluation of voice hearer outcomes with two self-report tools. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 51
(11), 26–34.]
Patient-Centered Medical Homes: Presenting a Role for the Advanced Practice Mental Health Nurse
Authors: Jordow Rechele L.
Published: February 2014

As the burden of mental illness grows in the United States, recent data show that many in need of behavioral health services are not currently receiving them. Recent passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has presented an opportunity to change the delivery of behavioral health care to a consumer-driven, evidence-based model geared toward the coordination of care within the primary care setting. Psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist/nurse practitioners are in an ideal position to deliver cost-effective behavioral health care in collaboration with primary care providers under the new patient-centered medical home model of care. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 52
(3), 26–32.]
Pupil Size and LASIK: A Review
Authors: Myung David , Schallhorn Steven , Manche Edward E.
Published: February 2014

PURPOSE:

To provide a literature review on the evidence both for and against pupil size as an independent predictor of adverse visual outcomes after LASIK.

METHODS:

Peer-reviewed publications on the effect of pupil size on LASIK outcomes since 2002 are reviewed. Particular attention was paid to the following attributes of each publication: type of study, number of patients or eyes, mean age, mean level of myopia, mean pupil size, testing conditions, ablation zone diameter, presence or absence of blend zones, and mean follow-up period.

RESULTS:

Among the 19 studies examined, none correlates a persistent relationship between pupil size and night vision complaints (NVCs) beyond 3 months when LASIK was performed with a 6.0-mm optical zone or larger ablation. The studies that did explicitly determine a correlation either included some or all patients with ablation zones smaller than 6.0 mm or did not specify ablation diameter at all. Among the studies that had drawn more mixed conclusions, the studies either covered short follow-up intervals (1 to 3 months) or showed a progressive improvement in NVCs over time in a relatively small patient cohort.

CONCLUSIONS:

As keratorefractive technology continues to evolve, the role of pupil size warrants further investigation; however, based on the literature reviewed herein, modern LASIK has negated the role of the low light pupil in predicting adverse visual outcomes after LASIK outside of the early postoperative period.

[
J Refract Surg.
2013;29(11):734–741.]
Keratoconus Management: Long-Term Stability of Topography-Guided Normalization Combined With High-Fluence CXL Stabilization (The Athens Protocol)
Authors: Kanellopoulos Anastasios John , Asimellis George
Published: February 2014

PURPOSE:

To investigate refractive, topometric, pachymetric, and visual rehabilitation changes induced by anterior surface normalization for keratoconus by partial topography-guided excimer laser ablation in conjunction with accelerated, high-fluence cross-linking.

METHODS:

Two hundred thirty-one keratoconic cases subjected to the Athens Protocol procedure were studied for visual acuity, keratometry, pachymetry, and anterior surface irregularity indices up to 3 years postoperatively by Scheimpflug imaging (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany).

RESULTS:

Mean visual acuity changes at 3 years postoperatively were +0.38 ± 0.31 (range: −0.34 to +1.10) for uncorrected distance visual acuity and +0.20 ± 0.21 (range: −0.32 to +0.90) for corrected distance visual acuity. Mean K1 (flat meridian) keratometric values were 46.56 ± 3.83 diopters (D) (range: 39.75 to 58.30 D) preoperatively, 44.44 ± 3.97 D (range: 36.10 to 55.50 D) 1 month postoperatively, and 43.22 ± 3.80 D (range: 36.00 to 53.70 D) up to 3 years postoperatively. The average Index of Surface Variance was 98.48 ± 43.47 (range: 17 to 208) pre-operatively and 76.80 ± 38.41 (range: 7 to 190) up to 3 years postoperatively. The average Index of Height Decentration was 0.091 ± 0.053
μ
m (range: 0.006 to 0.275
μ
m) preoperatively and 0.057 ± 0.040
μ
m (range: 0.001 to 0.208
μ
m) up to 3 years postoperatively. Mean thinnest corneal thickness was 451.91 ± 40.02
μ
m (range: 297 to 547
μ
m) preoperatively, 353.95 ± 53.90
μ
m (range: 196 to 480
μ
m) 1 month postoperatively, and 370.52 ± 58.21
μ
m (range: 218 to 500
μ
m) up to 3 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The Athens Protocol to arrest keratectasia progression and improve corneal regularity demonstrates safe and effective results as a keratoconus management option. Progressive potential for long-term flattening validates using caution in the surface normalization to avoid overcorrection.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(2):88–92.]
Epithelial and Stromal Remodeling After Corneal Collagen Cross-linking Evaluated by Spectral-Domain OCT
Authors: Rocha Karoline Maia , Perez-Straziota Claudia E. , Stulting R. Doyle , Randleman J. Bradley
Published: February 2014

PURPOSE:

To evaluate changes in corneal epithelial and stromal thickness after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in eyes with keratoconus and postoperative corneal ectasia using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

METHODS:

Anterior segment SD-OCT (RTVue-100; Optovue, Inc., Fremont, CA) was used to compare regional corneal epithelial and stromal thickness in eyes with keratoconus and ectasia before CXL and 1 and 3 months after CXL. The anterior surface of the cornea, epithelium–Bowman’s layer interface, and posterior reflective surface were used as anatomical landmarks to measure epithelial and stromal thickness, respectively. Regional thickness was assessed centrally and at 21 points 0.5 mm apart across the central 6 mm of the corneal vertex in the horizontal and vertical meridians.

RESULTS:

Thirty-one eyes from 30 patients were evaluated, including 17 eyes (17 patients) with keratoconus and 14 eyes (13 patients) with ectasia. Preoperatively, a highly irregular epithelial thickness profile and distribution was observed in both groups. After CXL, epithelial thickness was significantly thinner 2.5 and 2 mm below and 1.5 mm above the corneal apex (49.26 ± 5.69
μ
m; range: 43 to 62
μ
m), and 2.5 and 1 mm nasal and 2 mm temporal to the corneal apex (46.66 ± 4.53
μ
m; range: 39 to 57
μ
m) compared to preoperative values (
P
< .05 for all measurements). Epithelial thickness standard deviations were significantly lower (by 3 to 6
μ
m) 3 months after CXL, compared to ranges before CXL in both the vertical and horizontal meridians for keratoconus and ectasia (
P
= .048). No significant differences were found between epithelial remodeling in keratoconus and corneal ectasia (
P
= .98). No significant or consistent stromal changes were found for either group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Significant epithelial remodeling occurs after CXL in eyes with keratoconus and corneal ectasia, creating a similar, more regularized thickness profile in all meridians in the early postoperative period. This pattern of remodeling may facilitate interpretation of corneal curvature and thickness changes after CXL and may be related to visual acuity after CXL.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(2):122–127.]
Nerve Growth Factor Expression and Nerve Regeneration in Monkey Corneas After LASIK
Authors: Chen Luxia , Wei Rui Hua , Tan Donald T. H. , Beuerman Roger W. , Li Wenbo , Zhao Shaozhen
Published: February 2014

PURPOSE:

To determine whether changes in cornea nerve growth factor (NGF) protein and gene expression correlate with corneal nerve regeneration after LASIK in rhesus monkeys.

METHODS:

Ten rhesus monkeys underwent randomly assigned LASIK procedures to correct −8.0 diopters of myopia in both eyes and two additional monkeys (with no surgery) served as controls. The central corneas of the experimental animals were excised 3 and 7 days and 1, 3, and 6 months after the surgery. Nerve regeneration, NGF mRNA, and protein expression were analyzed by gold chloride staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay analysis, respectively.

RESULTS:

Compared to controls, the LASIK-treated animals had a significantly diminished nerve plexus in the sub-basal region of the cornea at all times after the surgery (
P
< .001). NGF protein levels decreased significantly on days 3 and 7 after LASIK (
P
< .001), but returned to control levels 1 month later. NGF mRNA levels increased 5.4-fold on day 3 after the surgery (
P
< .001), then reduced to two-fold (
P
< .05) above control levels on day 7 and were back to normal at 3 months and beyond. After LASIK, the changes of early NGF protein and NGF mRNA levels correlated with the density of the corneal nerve plexuses.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results showed that the LASIK procedure in non-human primates was associated with changes in NGF protein and mRNA levels in the cornea. Such changes may be related to the initiation of nerve regeneration and the final recovery of nerve plexuses in the cornea.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(2):134–139.]
A Prospective Longitudinal Study Testing Relationships between Meaningful Activities, Basic Psychological Needs Fulfillment, and Meaning in Life
Authors: Eakman Aaron M.
Published: February 2014

The current study used a prospective longitudinal design to determine whether change in meaningful activity over an 11-month period could help explain change in meaning in life in a sample of 174 undergraduate and graduate students. The Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey, Basic Psychological Needs Scales (i.e., autonomy, competence, relatedness), and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire were used as indicators of the constructs of meaningful activity, basic psychological needs fulfillment, and meaning and purpose in life. The findings were in support of the study hypotheses and indicated that change in meaningful activity explained both change in basic psychological needs fulfillment (i.e., autonomy, competence, relatedness) and change in meaning in life. Further, this study reports findings consistent with results from cross-sectional studies in support of the hypothesis that change in meaningful activity may influence change in meaning in life through two pathways: a direct path of influence from meaningful activity to meaning in life and an indirect path through change in basic psychological needs fulfillment. The current study contributes to a growing literature implicating subjective evaluations of day-to-day action (or meaningful activity) as a fruitful means for exploring relationships between occupation and well-being.
The Effect of In-Home Cognitive Training on Functional Performance of Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tappen Ruth M. , Hain Debra
Published: February 2014

This intervention study compared an in-home cognitive training program to life story interview in 68 individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Family caregivers participated in sessions and reinforced learning between sessions. Analyses of covariance controlling for baseline levels were conducted. In comparison with the life story group, participants in the cognitive training group demonstrated significant improvement in all face-name association measures, several of the money-related tasks, and one of two event-related memory tasks. There were no differences in language outcomes or caregiver ratings of functional tasks except shopping. Caregivers in the life story group reported higher perceived satisfaction from being a caregiver. Comparison with earlier studies suggests in-home training is modestly more effective than office-based intervention. Results suggest that improvements are related to specific training and do not generalize to other tasks. Focusing on tasks of critical significance to participant and caregiver is recommended.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2014;7(1):14–24.]
Correlation of Choroidal Thickness With Outer and Inner Retinal Layers
Authors: Karahan Eyyup , Zengin Mehmet Ozgur , Tuncer Ibrahim
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the correlation of choroidal thickness with the outer and inner retinal layers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A retrospective OCT scan review was conducted for healthy patients. Choroidal, outer retinal layer, and inner retinal layer thicknesses were measured at the fovea and 500 μm, 1,000 μm, and 1,500 μm temporal and nasal to the fovea. Retinal thickness was also measured at the foveal center. Choroidal thickness (CT) was compared at different locations, and correlation of CT with the outer and inner retinal layers was examined.

RESULTS:

Mean CT was thinnest nasally, thicker in the subfoveal region, and then thinner again temporally. Correlations found between CT and outer retinal layer thicknesses at temporal points to the fovea were slightly higher than correlations between CT and inner layer thicknesses.

CONCLUSION:

The correlation between choroidal thickness and the outer retinal layer was very weak. Similar prospective trials are needed to assess the correlation of CT with retinal layers.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2013;44:544–548.]
Management of Suprachoroidal 5,000-Centistoke Silicone Oil: Two Contrasting Approaches
Authors: Chang Jonathan S. , Parke D. Wilkin , Flynn Harry W. , Pathengay Avinash , Albini Thomas
Published: February 2014

Two patients experienced unplanned infusion of suprachoroidal 5,000-centistoke silicone oil during vitrectomy surgery. In one patient the oil was surgically removed using an internal incision in the pars plana choroid after external aspiration failed. The oil was expressed from the suprachoroidal space through this opening into the vitreous cavity. Perfluorocarbon liquid was injected over the posterior pole to displace residual suprachoroidal oil into the vitreous cavity, and the oil was then removed via the existing sclerotomy. In the second patient, the oil was observed, and the patient had a stable visual and anatomic outcome at 1-year follow-up.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2013;44:610–612.]
Intraretinal and Intra-optic Nerve Head Silicone Oil Vacuoles Using Adaptive Optics
Authors: Mrejen Sarah , Sato Taku , Fisher Yale , Spaide Richard F.
Published: February 2014

The authors report the in vivo visualization through multimodal imaging of silicone oil in the vitreous cavity, optic nerve, and retina of a patient 11 years after surgical removal of the main tamponade. Contact B-scan ultrasonography revealed countless small echogenic particles in the vitreous cavity and a hyperreflective structure within the optic nerve head. Swept-source optical coherence tomography showed multiple round hyporeflective spaces within the substance of the prelaminar optic nerve head. Adaptive optics imaging revealed numerous particles in the optic nerve head and within the retina in the same plane as the photoreceptors, with similar size and shape to the silicone oil droplets in the vitreous cavity. The authors hypothesize that in this case, the silicone oil droplets in the retina and optic nerve head may be associated with the patient’s otherwise unexplained progressive visual loss.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:71–73.]
Parry-Romberg Syndrome Studied by Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Raina Usha K. , Seth Anisha , Gupta Rajat , Goel Neha , Gupta Anika , Ghosh Basudeb
Published: February 2014

Parry-Romberg syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by progressive hemifacial atrophy. Ophthalmic findings are characterized by enophthalmos, strabismus, nerve palsies, anisometropia, glaucoma, and angle abnormalities. Vision loss has also been reported due to retinal changes such as venous dilatation, disc edema, retinal edema, and retinal folds. The authors describe a case of Parry-Romberg syndrome with retinal alterations but a normal macula on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:E1–E4.]
Stanford University Network for Diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity (SUNDROP): Five Years of Screening With Telemedicine
Authors: Fijalkowski Natalia , Zheng Luo Luo , Henderson Michael T. , Wang Sean K. , Wallenstein Matthew B. , Leng Theodore , Moshfeghi Darius M.
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To report the 5-year results of the Stanford University Network for Diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity (SUNDROP) telemedicine initiative.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Infants requiring retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening at six neonatal intensive care units from December 1, 2005, to November 30, 2010, were evaluated with remote retinal photography by an ROP specialist. Every infant received outpatient binocular indirect ophthalmoscope examinations until termination criteria were achieved or until treatment. Outcomes were treatment-warranted ROP (TW-ROP, ETROP type 1) and adverse anatomical events.

RESULTS:

Five hundred eleven infants (1,022 eyes) were screened. Fifteen infants had TW-ROP and underwent laser photocoagulation. The TW-ROP cohort had significantly lower birth weight and gestational age (both
P
< .001). No patient progressed to adverse anatomical outcomes and no case of TW-ROP was missed. Tele-medicine had 100% sensitivity, 99.8% specificity, 93.8% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value for detection of TW-ROP.

CONCLUSION:

Telemedicine demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy for detection of TW-ROP and can complement ROP screening.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:106–113.]
Efecto de la concentración de poliacrilamida sobre la calidad del depósito de cobre obtenido por refino electrolítico
Authors: Aragón J. , Ipinza J. , Camus J. , Vargas A. , Saavedra R.
Published: February 2014

El efecto del aditivo poliacrilamida no iónica (PAM), se estudió a nivel de laboratorio, como afinador de grano cristalino en el refino electrolítico del cobre. Se realizaron experimentos de electrólisis de 24 h, utilizando un electrolito de sulfato de cobre ácido, con 0,5 a 10 mgl-1 de poliacrilamida, a 55 °C y una densidad de corriente de 260 Am-2. La efectividad de este aditivo orgánico en la refinación electrolítica del cobre fue determinada mediante la medida de la rugosidad de la superficie del depósito de cobre y contrastada con los resultados de otras técnicas instrumentales (MEB y análisis metalográfico). Los resultados obtenidos del análisis MEB, análisis metalográfico y medición de la rugosidad superficial del depósito de cobre, muestran que a concentraciones tan bajas como 0,5 mgl-1 de este aditivo, se manifiesta su propiedad de afinador de grano. Sin embargo, en el rango de 7 a 10 mgl-1 de poliacrilamida, se alcanza un tamaño de grano óptimo para el depósito de cobre en el cátodo.
The Stochastic Evolutionary Game for a Population of Biological Networks under Natural Selection
Authors: Chen Bor-Sen , Ho Shih-Ju
Published: February 2014

In this study, a population of evolutionary biological networks is described by a stochastic dynamic system with intrinsic random parameter fluctuations due to genetic variations and external disturbances caused by environmental changes in the evolutionary process. Since information on environmental changes is unavailable and their occurrence is unpredictable, they can be considered as a game player with the potential to destroy phenotypic stability. The biological network needs to develop an evolutionary strategy to improve phenotypic stability as much as possible, so it can be considered as another game player in the evolutionary process, ie, a stochastic Nash game of minimizing the maximum network evolution level caused by the worst environmental disturbances. Based on the nonlinear stochastic evolutionary game strategy, we find that some genetic variations can be used in natural selection to construct negative feedback loops, efficiently improving network robustness. This provides larger genetic robustness as a buffer against neutral genetic variations, as well as larger environmental robustness to resist environmental disturbances and maintain a network phenotypic traits in the evolutionary process. In this situation, the robust phenotypic traits of stochastic biological networks can be more frequently selected by natural selection in evolution. However, if the harbored neutral genetic variations are accumulated to a sufficiently large degree, and environmental disturbances are strong enough that the network robustness can no longer confer enough genetic robustness and environmental robustness, then the phenotype robustness might break down. In this case, a network phenotypic trait may be pushed from one equilibrium point to another, changing the phenotypic trait and starting a new phase of network evolution through the hidden neutral genetic variations harbored in network robustness by adaptive evolution. Further, the proposed evolutionary game is extended to an n-tuple evolutionary game of stochastic biological networks with m players (competitive populations) and k environmental dynamics.
Quasi-16-day periodic meridional movement of the equatorial ionization anomaly
Authors: Mo X. H. , Zhang D. H. , Goncharenko L. P. , Hao Y. Q. , Xiao Z.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Based on the daytime location of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crest derived from GPS observations at low latitude over China during the 2005–2006 stratospheric sudden warming (SSW), a quasi-16-day periodic meridional movement of EIA crest with the maximum amplitude of about 2 degrees relative to the average location of EIA crest has been revealed. In addition, periodic variations that are in phase with the meridional EIA movement are also revealed in the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) and F2 layer peak height (hmF2) over Chinese ionosonde stations Haikou and Chongqing. The quasi-16-day periodic component in Dst index is weak, and the 16-day periodic component does not exist in F10.7 index. Such large-scale periodic meridional movement of EIA crest is likely related to the globally enhanced stratospheric planetary waves coupled with anomalous stratospheric zonal wind connected with SSW. In addition, such large-scale periodic movement of EIA should be global, and can affect the ionospheric morphology around the low-latitude belt near the EIA region. Further case analysis, simulation and theoretical studies must proceed in order to understand the periodic movements of EIA connected with the different periodic atmospheric variations.
Climate variability and relationship with ocean fertility during the Aptian Stage
Authors: Bottini C. , Erba E. , Tiraboschi D. , Jenkyns H. C. , Schouten S. , Sinninghe Damsté J. S.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Several studies have been conducted to reconstruct temperature variations across the Aptian Stage, particularly during the Early Aptian Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE)1a. There is a general consensus that a major warming characterized the OAE 1a, although some studies have provided evidence for transient "cold snaps" or cooler intervals during the event. The climatic conditions for the middle–late Aptian are less constrained, and a complete record through the Aptian is not available. Here we present a reconstruction of surface-water palaeotemperature and fertility based on calcareous nannofossil records from the Cismon and Piobbico cores (Tethys) and DSDP Site 463 (Pacific Ocean). The data, integrated with oxygen-isotope and TEX86 records, provide a detailed picture of climatic and ocean fertility changes during the Aptian Stage, which are discussed in relation to the direct/indirect role of volcanism. Warm temperatures characterized the pre-OAE 1a interval followed by a maximum warming (of ~2–3 °C) during the early phase of anoxia under intense volcanic activity of the Ontong Java Plateau (OJP). A short-lived (~35 ky) cooling episode interrupted the major warming, following a rapid increase of weathering rates. Nannofossils indicate that eutrophic conditions were reached when temperatures were at their highest and OJP volcanism most intense, thus suggesting that continental runoff, together with increased input of hydrothermal metals, increased nutrient supply to the oceans. The latter part of OAE 1a was characterized by cooling events, probably promoted by CO2 sequestration during burial of organic matter. In this phase, high productivity was probably maintained by N2-fixing cyanobacteria while nannofossil taxa indicating high fertility were rare. The end of anoxia coincided with the cessation of volcanism and a pronounced cooling. The mid-Aptian was characterized by high surface-water fertility and progressively decreasing temperatures, probably resulting from intense continental weathering drawing down pCO2. The lowest temperatures, combined with low fertility, were reached in the middle–late Aptian across the interval characterized by blooming of Nannoconus truittii. The data presented suggest that OJP activity played a direct role in inducing global warming during the early Aptian, whereas other mechanisms (weathering, deposition of organic matter) acted as feedback processes, favouring temporary cooler interludes.
Cover Story:
Authors: Dean Gabrielle
Published: February 2014

An analysis of The Smart Set's cover designs, with a focus on the years 1908 to 1923, reveals the extent to which the cover was responsible for conveying the magazine's attitude of cleverness. Three iconographic trends prevailed during this period. The changes in the cover program are related to The Smart Set's publishing history and conditions, its ties to other magazines in its publishing “family,” and its relationship to advertising imagery. The cover trends point to an ongoing experiment in packaging intended to align the magazine in readers' eyes with an evolving attitude of cleverness.
Light and Silence in Matisse’s Art: Listening to the Spirit
Authors: Caranfa Angelo
Published: February 2014

Expression or representation of light and of silence is central to the art and thought of Henri Matisse (1869-1954), and he intended that both light and silence are linked to the life of the spirit in us. Listening to the spirit as it speaks to us in Matisse’s art and the implications of the spirit for students of art and of the humanities are, thus, the primary concerns of this essay.
A rare case of Raynaud’s vasculitis secondary to Hepatitis B vaccination: The induced auto-immune attack syndrome
Authors: Selvaraj Vijairam , Ogunneye Owolabi , Lagu Tara , Ryzewicz Stephen
Published: February 2014

Raynaud’s syndrome is a cutaneous vasculitis associated with a variety of underlying conditions such as connective tissue disorders, occupational exposures, drugs and very rarely vaccines. We report a case of Hepatitis B vaccination-induced Raynaud’s vasculitis in a previously healthy 46-year-old male. The sequence of events along with acute onset of symptoms with confirmation of small vessel vasculitis by CT angiogram and exclusion of other recognized etiologies was consistent with vaccine-induced vasculitis. Although extremely rare, physicians must be made aware of instances of vaccination-induced vasculitis (small and medium vessel) in a patient presenting with vasculitic symptoms.
Role of the Physical Elicitors in Enhancing Postharvest Antioxidant Capacity of Table Grape cv Redglobe (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Crupi Pasquale , Pichierri Arianna , Milella Rosa Anna , Perniola Rocco , Antonacci Donato
Published: February 2014

Polyphenols, such as anthocyanins, are secondary metabolites produced in plants which can play an important health-promoting role considering their strong correlation with antioxidant capacity. The biosynthesis of these compounds generally increases as a response to biotic or abiotic stress, therefore, in order to achieve as high phenolic accumulation as possible, the interactive effects of storage conditions (temperature and time) and postharvest ultraviolet irradiation (UV-C) on total polyphenols (TPP) and total anthocyanins (TA) content, as well as oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC), in postharvest “Redglobe” table grape variety were investigated in 2011 vintage. Gathered findings showed that UV-C exposure ranging from 1 to 3 min (0.8-2.4 KJ m-2) positively influence the TA level (with an increase almost twice higher than the control) during a storage time longer than 48 h, independently from the storage temperature; while, with regard to TPP and ORAC, a progressive increment of their values (roughly from 2 to 4 folds higher than the control) up to 120 h of storage was observed, in particular in Redglobe grapes irradiated for 1 min and stored at 4 °C. Responding to the rising consumers needs to have foods that support and promote health, this research demonstrated that the postharvest simultaneous application of physical elicitors can lead to grapes with enhanced antioxidant properties, within normal conditions of market commercialization. The practical relevance of this finding is evident considering that grapes are economically the most important fruit species in the world and approximately 30% of its production is used as fresh fruit.
Enhancing Cabbage (Brassica oleraceae Var capitata) Yields and Quality Through Microclimate Modification and Physiological Improvement Using Agronet Covers
Authors: Muleke Everlyne M. , Saidi Mwanarusi , Itulya Francis M. , Martin Thibaud , Ngouajio Mathieu
Published: February 2014

Adverse environmental conditions have contributed to perpetual poor cabbage (Brassica oleraceae var. capitata) yields in sub-Saharan Africa. Elsewhere, net covers have been reported to provide a low-cost technology with the potential of modifying the microclimate around a crop for better performance. Two experiments were therefore conducted over a span of two seasons to determine the effects of agronet covers on microclimate modification and subsequent cabbage yield and quality. The treatments comprised cabbage plants grown under either fine mesh (0.4 mm pore diameter) or large mesh (0.9 mm pore diameter) agronet covers maintained permanently closed, or opened thrice weekly from 9 am to 3 pm and a control treatment where cabbage was grown in the open field. Net covering generally modified the microclimate by raising temperatures, relative humidity and volumetric water content but lowering photosynthetic active radiation and diurnal temperature range compared to control. The use of agronet covers resulted in better cabbage performance. The large mesh (0.9 mm) enhanced leaf stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content, and improved fresh and dry weight as well as head quality. Results of this study present the use of agronet covers as a potentially effective technology for use by small-scale farmers in protected cabbage culture in sub-Saharan Africa.
FORESTRY AS AN AID TO RE-ESTABLISHMENT AFTER THE WAR
Authors: Breckon J. L.
Published: February 2014

"Forestry as an Aid to Re-establishment After the War" was prepared as a paper for the April meeting of the Northern Ontario Section of the Society. Its purpose was to open a discussion of possibilities for creating employment through forestry work in the post-war period.Much of the article deals with the accomplishments of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the United States. This enterprise was emphasized not only because it may serve as a guide to a future program but also because it shows that concrete results have been obtained in the use of forestry as an aid in reducing unemployment.The importance of indirect uses of the forests, such as tourist attraction and wild life conservation, has been stressed both because of their economic soundness and their value as a selling feature for a program of re-establishment.
AN EFFECTIVE AND ECONOMICAL METHOD TO PREVENT SNOW DRIFTING ON ROADS
Authors: Marritt I. C.
Published: February 2014

Hedges and trees will eliminate snow drifting on roads. Car owners are demanding that roads be kept open and this entails large expenditures in snow fences, snow ploughs and wages for men to dig out the worst locations.Board fences have been erected by the railway companies and townships and counties at places that drift badly. A row of evergreens at the same locations is better and the cost over a period of years would be much less. The Canadian Pacific Railway have hedges of spruce and Scotch pine on most of their lines in Ontario.
THE CO-APPLICATION OF WOOD AND PLASTICS
Authors: Williams Edwin T.
Published: February 2014

A consideration of new applications of an old material, made possible through the use of plastics. The history of plywood is reviewed; the types of glues are enumerated; the theory of adhesion is presented; and the application of plywood to aircraft manufacture is discussed.
Response of Breeding Songbirds to Vegetation Management in Conifer Plantations Established in Boreal Mixedwoods
Authors: Zimmerman Gregory , Bell F. Wayne , Woodcock John , Palmer Aaron , Paloniemi Jorma
Published: February 2014

We examined the response of breeding songbird communities 11 years after four vegetation management treatments were applied. Post-treatment vegetation was characterized by manually interpreting large-scale aerial photography and estimating proportional cover of eight vegetation classes. Songbird abundance was assessed by territory mapping. Using GIS layers, number of registrations and average vegetation proportions were compared among treatments. Ordination of the relative abundance of the 11 most frequent bird species suggested differences between Vision® and untreated areas. These results show that effects of vegetation management on songbirds may be more persistent than previous studies suggest and that monitoring should continue.
Beware paradigm creep and buzzword mutation
Authors: Park Andrew
Published: February 2014

The world of forest management is awash in buzzwords and acronyms—ecosystem-based management, adaptive management, Triad, emulation of natural disturbance (END), and latterly—resilience. Resilience is the concept du jour, and is increasingly employed as a catch-all term for a variety of management goals. There is peril in making excessive use of buzzwords as stand-ins for the complex goals that are the real target of forest management. In this paper, I explore the consequences of buzzword mutation, which leads to paradigm creep—the use of buzzwords far beyond their original sphere of application. Such inappropriate use threatens to dilute the meaning of the original metaphor and makes talking clearly about the legitimate targets of forest management more difficult. I use “sustainable development” as an exemplar of a buzzword that has mutated into uselessness. I then compare the descent of sustainable development with current trends in the use of “resilience”, and offer some guidelines for rescuing this term from a similar fate.