bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mig-6Gene Knockout Induces Neointimal Hyperplasia in the Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell
Authors: Lee Ju Hee , Choung Sorim , Kim Ji Min , Lee Jung Uee , Kim Koon Soon , Kim Hyun Jin , Jeong Jae-Wook , Ku Bon Jeong
Published: December 2014

Although advances in vascular interventions can reduce the mortality associated with cardiovascular disease, neointimal hyperplasia remains a clinically significant obstacle limiting the success of current interventions. Identification of signaling pathways involved in migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is an important approach for the development of modalities to combat this disease. Herein we investigate the role of an immediate early response gene, mitogen-inducible gene-6 (Mig-6), in the development of neointimal hyperplasia using vascular smooth muscle specificMig-6knockout mice. We induced endoluminal injury to one side of femoral artery by balloon dilatation in bothMig-6knockout and control mice. Four weeks following injury, the artery ofMig-6knockout mice demonstrated a 5.3-fold increase in the neointima/media ratio compared with control mice(P=0.04). In addition,Mig-6knockout vascular SMCs displayed an increase in both cell migration and proliferation compared with wild-type SMCs. Taken together, our data suggest thatMig-6plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis. This finding provides new insight into the development of more effective ways to treat and prevent neointimal hyperplasia, particularly in-stent restenosis after percutaneous vascular intervention.
Aspect of Thrombolytic Therapy: A Review
Authors: Ali Md. Ramjan , Salim Hossain Mohammad , Islam Md. Ariful , Saiful Islam Arman Md. , Sarwar Raju Golam , Dasgupta Prianka , Noshin Tasnim Fariha
Published: December 2014

Thrombolytic therapy, also known as clot busting drug, is a breakthrough treatment which has saved untold lives. It has been used in the clinical area to treat venous and arterial thromboembolic complaints which are a foremost cause of death. In 1761, Morgagni lead the way of thrombolytic therapy. Now day’s different types of thrombolytic drugs are currently available in market: alteplase, anistreplase, urokinase, streptokinase, tenecteplase, and so forth. Thrombolytic therapy should be given with maintaining proper care in order to minimize the risk of clinically important bleeding as well as enhance the chances of successfully thrombolysis of clot. These cares include preinfusion care, during the infusion care, and postinfusion care. Besides proper knowledge of contraindication, evolutionary factor, and combination of drug is essential for successful thrombolytic therapy. In these review we discussed about these aspect of thrombolytic therapy.
Augmented Reality Experience: From High-Resolution Acquisition to Real Time Augmented Contents
Authors: Clini Paolo , Frontoni Emanuele , Quattrini Ramona , Pierdicca Roberto
Published: December 2014

This paper presents results of a research project “dUcale” that experiments ICT solutions for the museum of Palazzo Ducale (Urbino). In this project, the famed painting the “Città Ideale” becomes a case to exemplify a specific approach to the digital mediation of cultural heritage. An augmented reality (AR) mobile application, able to enhance the museum visit experience, is presented. The computing technologies involved in the project (websites, desktop and social applications, mobile software, and AR) constitute a persuasive environment for the artwork knowledge. The overall goal of our research is to provide to cultural institutions best practices efficiently on low budgets. Therefore, we present a low cost method for high-resolution acquisition of paintings; the image is used as a base in AR approach. The proposed methodology consists of an improved SIFT extractor for real time image. The other novelty of this work is the multipoint probabilistic layer. Experimental results demonstrated the robustness of the proposed approach with extensive use of the AR application in front of the “Città Ideale” painting. To prove the usability of the application and to ensure a good user experience, we also carried out several users tests in the real scenario.
Interfacial Polycondensation Synthesis of Optically Sensitive Polyurea Microcapsule
Authors: Lai Weidong , Li Xinzheng , Liu Huiqing , Han Lu , Zhao Yajun , Li Xiaowei
Published: December 2014

TMPTA prepolymer resin and photoinitiators of ITX/TPO had been encapsulated in core-shell structured microcapsules as optical responding ingredients based on interfacial polycondensation method, and polyurea structured microcapsule shell had been formed on the sheared O/W interface. The synthesized microcapsule had regular core-shell structure with the diameter of about 0.455 μm and shell thickness of about 40 nm. UV-visible absorption spectra indicated that the encapsulated ITX and TPO photoinitiators could efficiently absorb UV irradiation. Under exposure, the C=C bonds absorbance of the microencapsulated TMPTA decreased rapidly and then nearly unchanged during further exposure after 30 s. This implied that the optical response was achieved by C=C bond cleavage of TMPTA monomer initiated by the photoinitiator radicals, to form network polymers in microcapsules. The relative crosslinking rate was about 50%. Due to core polymer formation, the thermal phase change temperature of exposed microcapsules was narrowed and ranged from 105 to 205°C, compared with that from 125 to 260°C of unexposed microcapsules. Furthermore, the image density decrease at longer irradiation time had also verified the optical responding function of the synthesized microcapsules in macroscopic viewpoint.
Magnifying Endoscopy with Narrow Band Imaging to Determine the Extent of Resection in Transoral Robotic Surgery of Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Tateya Ichiro , Ishikawa Seiji , Morita Shuko , Ito Hiroyuki , Sakamoto Tatsunori , Murayama Toshinori , Kishimoto Yo , Hayashi Tomomasa , Funakoshi Makiko , Hirano Shigeru , Kitamura Morimasa , Morita Mami , Muto Manabu , Ito Juichi
Published: December 2014

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a less invasive treatment that is becoming popular all over the world. One of the most important factors for achieving success in TORS is the ability to determine the extent of resection during the procedure as the extent of resection in the laryngopharynx not only affects oncological outcomes but also directly affects swallowing and voice functions. Magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging (ME-NBI) is an innovative optical technology that provides high-resolution images and is useful in detecting early superficial pharyngeal cancers, which are difficult to detect by standard endoscopy. A 55-year-old male with superficial oropharyngeal cancer has been successfully treated by combining MB-NBI with TORS and MB-NBI was useful in determining the extent of resection. ME-NBI with TORS will make it possible to achieve a higher ratio of minimally invasive treatment in pharyngeal cancer.
Head and Maxillofacial Injuries in Child and Adolescent Victims of Automotive Accidents
Authors: Cavalcanti Alessandro Leite , Lino Thiago Henrique de Araujo , Oliveira Thaliny Batista Sarmento de , Oliveira Thaisy Sarmento Batista de , Cardoso Andreia Medeiros Rodrigues , Macedo Rodrigo Feliciano de , Padilha Wilton Wilney Nascimento , Xavier Alidianne Fabia Cabral
Published: December 2014

Background. Victims of motor vehicle accidents may suffer multiple lesions, including maxillofacial injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with head, facial, and maxillofacial injuries in child and adolescent victims of automobile accidents. A cross-sectional study was carried out with analysis of forensic medical reports from the Legal Medical Institute of Campina Grande, Brazil, between January 2008 and December 2011. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was conducted using the chi-square test (α = 0.05). From 1613 medical reports analyzed, the sample is composed 232 (14.4%) reports referring to child and adolescent victims of automobile accidents aged 0–19 years of both sexes. Victims were mostly adolescents aged from 15 to 19 years (64.2%), males (73.7%), and motorcyclists (51.3%). More than half of the victims had single lesions (54.3%) located in the head (20.7%) and face (21.6%). Head injuries occurred more frequently in children aged 0–4 years (53.8%, PR = 5.065, 95% CI = 1.617–5.870) and pedestrians (30.4%, PR = 2.039, 95% CI = 1.024–4.061), while facial and maxillofacial injuries occurred in higher proportion among females (31.1%, PR = 0.489, 95% CI = 0.251–0.954). Our findings suggest that accidents involving motorcyclists are the most prevalent, affecting male adolescents aged from 15 to 19 years, resulting in a high frequency of injuries in the head and face regions.
Radiofrequency Ablation in the Management of Advanced Stage Thymomas: A Case Report on a Novel Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Paliogiannis Panagiotis , Pala Carlo , Versace Renato , Pusceddu Claudio
Published: December 2014

We describe in this report a case of successful radiofrequency ablation of an unresectable stage III-type B3 thymoma, and we discuss the role of this novel approach in the management of patients with advanced stage thymoma. The patient, a 59-year-old Caucasian male underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy with only a slight reduction of the mass. Subsequently, an explorative sternotomy and debulking were performed; before closing the thorax, radiofrequency ablation of the residual tumor was carried out and a partial necrosis of the mass was achieved. A further percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was performed subsequently, obtaining complete necrosis of the lesion. Successively, the patient underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. As a result of this multidisciplinary treatment, complete and stable response was obtained. It is hard to say which of the single treatments had the major impact on cure; nevertheless, the results obtained suggest that radiofrequency ablation must be taken into account for the treatment of advanced stage thymomas, and its effectiveness must be further assessed in future studies.
Exponential Convergence for Numerical Solution of Integral Equations Using Radial Basis Functions
Authors: Avazzadeh Zakieh , Heydari Mohammad , Chen Wen , Loghmani G. B.
Published: December 2014

We solve some different type of Urysohn integral equations by using the radial basis functions. These types include the linear and nonlinear Fredholm, Volterra, and mixed Volterra-Fredholm integral equations. Our main aim is to investigate the rate of convergence to solve these equations using the radial basis functions which have normic structure that utilize approximation in higher dimensions. Of course, the use of this method often leads to ill-posed systems. Thus we propose an algorithm to improve the results. Numerical results show that this method leads to the exponential convergence for solving integral equations as it was already confirmed for partial and ordinary differential equations.
Process Evaluation of Workplace Interventions with Physical Exercise to Reduce Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Andersen Lars L. , Zebis Mette K.
Published: December 2014

Process evaluation is important to explain success or failure of workplace interventions. This study performs a summative process evaluation of workplace interventions with physical exercise. As part of a randomized controlled trial 132 office workers with neck and shoulder pain were to participate in 10 weeks of elastic resistance training five times a week at the workplace; the 2 min group performed a single set of lateral raise to failure, and the 12 min group performed 5-6 sets with 8–12 repetitions. Participants received a single instructional session together with a training diary and manual at baseline (100% dose delivered and 100% dose received), and 59 and 57 participants, respectively, replied to the process evaluation questionnaire at 10-week follow-up. Results showed that in the 2 and 12 min groups, respectively, 82% and 81% of the participants completed more than 30 training sessions. However, two-thirds of the participants would have preferred more than a single exercise to vary between. In the 12 versus 2 min group more participants experienced the training sessions as too long (30% versus 5%). Most participants (67–92%) found the training diary and manual helpful, adequacy in a single instructional session, and satisfaction with the type of training. Among those with low adherence, lack of time (51%) and difficulties in starting exercising after illness (26%) were common barriers for regular training. Among those with low adherence, 52% felt that five training sessions per week were too much, and 29% would rather have trained a completely different kind of exercise. In conclusion, resistance training at the workplace is generally well received among office workers with neck-shoulder pain, but a one-size-fits-all approach is not feasible for all employees.
Antioxidant and Antiadipogenic Activities of Galkeun‐Tang, a Traditional Korean Herbal Formula
Authors: Jeong Soo-Jin , Yoo Sae-Rom , Kim Ohn-Soon , Seo Chang-Seob , Shin Hyeun-Kyoo
Published: December 2014

Galkeun‐tang (GKT; Galgen-tang in Chinese and Kakkon-to in Japanese), a traditional herbal formula, has been used for treatment of the common cold. Here, we report in vitro antioxidant and antiadipogenic effects of GKT. GKT increased the activities of scavenging 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. GKT also significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) generation during low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and the electrophoretic mobility of oxidized LDL, indicating inhibitory effects of GKT on Cu2+‐mediated oxidation of LDL. Regarding antiadipogenic activity, GKT treatment significantly suppressed lipid accumulation, triglyceride production, and glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Consistent with this, GKT significantly reduced the secretion of leptin, a major adipokine, in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Overall, our findings suggest that GKT has the potential for antioxidative and antiadipogenic properties.
Treatment for Intramuscular Lipoma Frequently Confused with Sarcoma: A 6-Year Restrospective Study and Literature Review
Authors: Han Hyun Ho , Choi Jong Yun , Seo Bommie F. , Moon Suk-Ho , Oh Deuk Young , Ahn Sang Tae , Rhie Jong Won
Published: December 2014

Introduction.Intramuscular lipoma is a very rare form of lipoma, known to be categorized as an infiltrating lipoma due to its tendencies to infiltrate the muscle or the synovium. Contrary to other subcutaneous lipomas, even after surgical removal, the rate of local recurrence ranges at a high rate from 50∼80% and differential diagnosis with liposarcoma is very difficult.Patients and Methods.A retrospective chart review was conducted for a total of 27 patients. Before performing a surgery based on the types of mass, a radiologic imaging study was performed. An intraoperative frozen biopsy was performed on every patient and the results were compared. The progress was monitored every 3 to 6 months for recurrence or struggles with rehabilitation.Results.There were 13 male and 14 female patients with an average age of 54.6. The average tumor size was 8.2 cm (1.1 cm∼31.6 cm). Excision was performed using a wide excision. All 27 individuals were initially diagnosed as intramuscular lipoma; however, 1 of the patients was rediagnosed as liposarcoma in the final checkup. The patients had an average of 3 years and 1 month of follow-up and did not suffer recurrences.Conclusion.Thus, it is essential that a frozen biopsy is performed during the surgery in order to identify its malignancy. And a wide excision like malignant tumor operation is a principle of treatment.
Theory Analysis and Experiment Research of the Leg Mechanism for the Human-Carrying Walking Chair Robot
Authors: Sang Lingfeng , Wang Hongbo , Wang Shuaishuai , Chen Na , Wen Yuehua
Published: December 2014

For the high carrying capacity of the human-carrying walking chair robot, in this paper, 2-UPS+UP parallel mechanism is selected as the leg mechanism; then kinematics, workspace, control, and experiment of the leg mechanism are researched in detail. Firstly, design of the whole mechanism is described and degrees of freedom of the leg mechanism are analyzed. Second, the forward position, inverse position, and velocity of leg mechanism are studied. Third, based on the kinematics analysis and the structural constraints, the reachable workspace of 2-UPS+UP parallel mechanism is solved, and then the optimal motion workspace is searched in the reachable workspace by choosing the condition number as the evaluation index. Fourth, according to the theory analysis of the parallel leg mechanism, its control system is designed and the compound position control strategy is studied. Finally, in optimal motion workspace, the compound position control strategy is verified by using circular track with the radius 100 mm; the experiment results show that the leg mechanism moves smoothly and does not tremble obviously. Theory analysis and experiment research of the single leg mechanism provide a theoretical foundation for the control of the quadruped human-carrying walking chair robot.
Effects of Underground Cavities on the Frequency Spectrum of Seismic Shear Waves
Authors: Lancioni G. , Bernetti R. , Quagliarini E. , Tonti L.
Published: December 2014

A numerical method is proposed to study the scattering of seismic shear waves induced by the presence of underground cavities in homogeneous soils. The method is based on the superposition of two solutions: the solution of the free-wave propagation problem in a uniform half-space, easily determined analytically, and the solution of the wave scattering problem due to the cave presence, evaluated numerically by means of an ad hoc code implemented by using the ANSYS Parametric Design Language. In the two-dimensional setting, this technique is applied to the case of a single cave, placed at a certain depth from the ground level. The frequency spectrum of the seismic shear oscillation on the ground surface is determined for different dimensions and depths of the cave and compared with the spectrum registered without caves. The influence of the cave dimensions and depth on the spectrum amplification is analyzed and discussed.
Self-Consistent Density Estimation in the Presence of Errors-in-Variables
Authors: Zhang Junhua , Hu Yuping , Feng Sanying
Published: December 2014

This paper considers the estimation of the common probability density of independent and identically distributed variables observed with additive measurement errors. The self-consistent estimator of the density function is constructed when the error distribution is known, and a modification of the self-consistent estimation is proposed when the error distribution is unknown. The consistency properties of the proposed estimators and the upper bounds of the mean square error and mean integrated square error are investigated under some suitable conditions. Simulation studies are carried out to assess the performance of our proposed method and compare with the usual deconvolution kernel method. Two real datasets are analyzed for further illustration.
Selection of Vendor Based on Intuitionistic Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process
Authors: Kaur Prabjot
Published: December 2014

Business environment is characterized by greater domestic and international competitive position in the global market. Vendors play a key role in achieving the so-called corporate competition. It is not easy however to identify good vendors because evaluation is based on multiple criteria. In practice, for VSP most of the input information about the criteria is not known precisely. Intuitionistic fuzzy set is an extension of the classical fuzzy set theory (FST), which is a suitable way to deal with impreciseness. In other words, the application of intuitionistic fuzzy sets instead of fuzzy sets means the introduction of another degree of freedom called nonmembership function into the set description. In this paper, we proposed a triangular intuitionistic fuzzy number based approach for the vendor selection problem using analytical hierarchy process. The crisp data of the vendors is represented in the form of triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. By applying AHP which involves decomposition, pairwise comparison, and deriving priorities for the various levels of the hierarchy, an overall crisp priority is obtained for ranking the best vendor. A numerical example illustrates our method. Lastly a sensitivity analysis is performed to find the most critical criterion on the basis of which vendor is selected.
Patients with Cardiorenal Syndrome Revealed Increased Neurohormonal Activity, Tubular and Myocardial Damage Compared to Heart Failure Patients with Preserved Renal Function
Authors: Palazzuoli Alberto , Ruocco Gaetano , Pellegrini Marco , Martini Simona , Del Castillo Gabriele , Beltrami Matteo , Franci Beatrice , Lucani Barbara , Nuti Ranuccio
Published: December 2014

Background: Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; still, its biomarker pattern has been poorly evaluated so far. The aim of this study was to measure the inflammatory activation, neurohormonal status and kidney and myocardial damage in patients with CRS compared to patients with heart failure (HF) without renal impairment (RI). Methods: We analyzed 246 patients on the basis of renal function (group 1: 120 HF patients without RI; group 2: 126 CRS patients). In each group, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-E, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), troponin T (TnT), osteoprotegerin and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. The diagnostic power of all laboratory parameters to detect CRS was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression analysis. Results: A significant increase in BNP [626.4 pg/ml, confidence interval (CI) 518-749 vs. 487.8 pg/ml, CI 411-578; p < 0.05], NGAL (156 ng/ml, CI 129-186 vs. 89.1 ng/ml, CI 72-109; p < 0.0001), BUN (108.9 mg/dl, CI 98-120 vs. 51 mg/dl, CI 46-55; p < 0,0001) and TnT (0.62 ng/ml, CI 0.51-0.75 vs. 0.21 ng/ml, CI 0.15-0.28; p < 0.001) was seen in CRS patients compared to HF patients without RI. ROC curve analysis showed that only NGAL, BUN, BUN/creatinine ratio and TnT can discriminate patients with CRS from patients without RI. Conclusions: In CRS patients, renal tubular damage and neurohormonal and cardiac injury activation are increased compared to patients without RI. The current biomarker pattern could be used for an early diagnosis of RI in acute and chronic HF. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Changes in Perinatal Care and Outcomes in Newborns at the Limit of Viability in Spain: The EPI-SEN Study
Authors: García-Muñoz Rodrigo Fermín , Díez Recinos Ana Lucía , García-Alix Pérez Afredo , Figueras Aloy Josep , Vento Torres Máximo ,   and the SEN1500 Network of the Spanish Neonatal Society (Sociedad Española de Neonatología)
Published: December 2014

Background: Advances in perinatal care can influence morbidity and mortality in newborns at the limit of viability. Knowledge of these changes over time may help improve clinical decision making, optimize resource allocation and increase quality of care. Objectives: To evaluate the influence on morbidity and mortality of changes introduced in the perinatal care of preterm infants (22-26 weeks' gestational age, GA) in Spain between two consecutive periods (2002-2006 and 2007-2011). Methods: An analysis of prospectively collected data in a national database network (SEN1500) was performed. All live newborn infants of 22-26 weeks' GA born in or transferred to referral centers of the SEN1500 network in the first 28 days of life were included. Perinatal interventions, clinical management, neonatal morbidity, and survival until hospital discharge were retrieved. Results: A total of 5,470 newborns were included (2,533 and 2,937 in each period, respectively). The major changes introduced during the second period were as follows: (1) lower proportion of extramural births (11.0 vs. 8.9%, p = 0.01), (2) increase in antenatal steroids (69.5 vs. 80.8%, p < 0.001), (3) delivery by C-section (41.8 vs. 48.3%, p < 0.001) and (4) use of CPAP during resuscitation (7.8 vs. 20.7%, p < 0.001). Death in the delivery room decreased from 5.1 to 3.2% (p < 0.001). Survival increased from 49.9 to 57.9% (p < 0.001), and survival without major morbidity increased from 18.1 to 21.2% (p = 0.006). Conclusions: During the second period, a greater attachment to practices proven to have a beneficial impact on survival and reduction of morbidity in the extremely preterm infant was noted, and survival and survival without major morbidity increased. A more conservative approach was detected for newborns of 22 weeks' GA.
Sepsis in Poland: Why Do We Die?
Authors: Rorat Marta , Jurek Tomasz
Published: December 2014

Objective: To investigate the adverse events and potential risk factors in patients who develop sepsis. Subjects and Methods: Fifty-five medico-legal opinion forms relating to sepsis cases issued by the Department of Forensic Medicine, Wroclaw, Poland, between 2004 and 2013 were analyzed for medical errors and risk factors for adverse events. Results: The most common causes of medical errors were a lack of knowledge in recognition, diagnosis and therapy as well as ignorance of risk. The common risk factors for adverse events were deferral of a diagnostic or therapeutic decision, high-level anxiety of patients or their families about the patient's health and actively seeking for help. The most significant risk factors were communication errors, not enough medical staff, stereotype-based thinking about diseases and providing easy explanations for serious symptoms. Conclusion: The most common cause of adverse events related to sepsis in the Polish health-care system was a lack of knowledge about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment as well as the ignoring of danger. A possible means of improving safety might be through spreading knowledge and creating medical management algorithms for all health-care workers, especially physicians.
Intravitreal Ranibizumab versus Isovolemic Hemodilution in the Treatment of Macular Edema Secondary to Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: Twelve-Month Results of a Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Trial
Authors: Kreutzer Thomas C. , Wolf Armin , Dirisamer Martin , Strauss Rupert W. , Foerster Paul , Feltgen Nicolas , Pielen Amelie , Hattenbach Lars-Olof , Kampik Anselm , Priglinger Siegfried G. ,   RAVO Study Group
Published: December 2014

Purpose: This is a prospective, randomized, multicenter, investigator-initiated trial to evaluate the 12-month effectiveness of isovolemic hemodilution (IH) with prompt versus deferred intravitreal injections (IVI) of ranibizumab 0.5 mg for the treatment of macular edema secondary to early central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods: Eyes with macular edema due to CRVO having occurred not more than 8 weeks previously received either monthly ranibizumab IVI in combination with IH (group I, n = 28) or IH alone (group II, n = 30). From month 2 to 12, the patients in both groups could be treated with monthly intravitreal ranibizumab. The main outcome variables were gain of visual acuity and the course of central retinal thickness as measured with optical coherence tomography. Results: At 12 months, eyes in group I on average gained +28.1 (±19.3) letters compared to +25.2 (±20.9) letters in group II (p = 0.326). This result was achieved with significantly fewer injections in group II. Additionally, 30% of the eyes in group II did not need ranibizumab IVI during the 12 months of the trial. Conclusion: Ranibizumab IVI in addition to IH proved to be highly effective in increasing visual acuity and reducing macular edema secondary to CRVO. Initial IH in early CRVO may be a first treatment option in patients anxious about IVI.
Conjunctival Follicular Lymphoma after Treatment for Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Pires da Cunha Laura , Nadai Barros Jeison , Motono Marcia , D'Almeida Costa Felipe , Carvalho da Cunha Marcelo , Motono Chojniak Martha
Published: December 2014

Backgrounds/Aims: The authors describe the case of a 79-year-old Caucasian woman who presented an ocular adnexal lesion as the first clinical manifestation of a systemic follicular lymphoma, highlighting the clinicopathological features of this rare entity and its potential to be misdiagnosed as marginal zone lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. Methods: Conjunctival impression cytology was performed for a rapid initial diagnosis of lymphoma, and subsequent histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were carried out for its confirmation and to identify the best therapeutic regimen. Results: After the initial presentation and diagnosis, she was submitted to complete clinical evaluation; confluent retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy was detected through abdominal computed tomography, characterizing clinical stage III. Conclusion: Awareness of this lymphoma is important when making a diagnosis of ocular adnexal lymphoid neoplasms for its appropriate evaluation and management.
Bilateral Traumatic Globe Luxation with Optic Nerve Transection
Authors: Tok Levent , Tok Ozlem Yalcin , Argun Tugba Cakmak , Yilmaz Omer , Gunes Alime , Unlu Elif Nisa , Sezer Sezgin , Ibisoglu Seda , Argun Mehmet
Published: December 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document clinical findings and management of a patient with bilateral globe luxation and optic nerve transection. Materials and Methods: A 25-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department with bilateral traumatic globe luxation following a motor vehicle accident. Results: Visual acuity testing showed no light perception. The right pupil was dilated and bilaterally did not react to light. The globes were bilaterally intact. A computed tomography scan revealed Le Fort type II fractures, bilateral optic nerve transection and disruption of all extraocular muscles. The globes of the patient were bilaterally reduced into the orbit. However, the patient developed phthisis bulbi in the right eye at month 3. Conclusion: Globe luxation presents a dramatic clinical picture, and may lead to the development of severe complications due to the concomitance of complete optic nerve dissection and multiple traumas. Even if the luxated globe is repositioned into the orbit, there is still an increased risk of the development of phthisis due to ischemia.
The Data Extraction and Longitudinal Trend Analysis Network Study of Distributed Automated Postmarket Cardiovascular Device Safety Surveillance
Authors: Kumar Amit , Matheny Michael E. , Ho Kalon K.L. , Yeh Robert W. , Piemonte Thomas C. , Waldman Howard , Shah Pinak B. , Cope Richard , Normand Sharon-Lise T. , Donnelly Sharon , Robbins Susan , Resnic Frederic S.
Published: December 2014

Background—

Current approaches for postmarket medical device safety surveillance are limited in their ability to produce timely and accurate assessments of adverse event rates.

Methods and Results—

The Data Extraction and Longitudinal Trend Analysis (DELTA) network study was a multicenter prospective observational study designed to evaluate the safety of devices used during percutaneous coronary interventions. All adult patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention from January 2008 to December 2012 at 5 participating Massachusetts sites were included. A safety alert was triggered if the cumulative observed adverse event rates for the study device exceeded the upper 95% confidence interval of the event rates of propensity-matched control cohort. Prespecified sensitivity analyses were developed to validate any identified safety signal. A total of 23 805 consecutive percutaneous coronary intervention procedures were evaluated. Two of 24 safety analyses triggered safety alerts. Patients receiving Perclose vascular closure device experienced an increased risk of minor vascular complications (relative risk, 4.14;
P
<0.01) and any vascular complication (relative risk, 2.06;
P
=0.01) when compared with propensity-matched patients receiving alternative vascular closure device, a result primarily driven by relatively high event rates at 1 participating center. Sensitivity analyses based on alternative risk adjustment methods confirmed a pattern of increased rate of complications at 1 of the 5 participating sites in their use of Perclose vascular closure device.

Conclusions—

The DELTA network study demonstrates that distributed automated prospective safety surveillance has the potential of providing near real-time assessment of safety risks of newly approved medical devices.
African Children’s Right to Participate in their Own Protection
Authors: Ensor Marisa O. , Reinke Amanda J.
Published: December 2014

The protection of children confronting adversity has become one of the central priorities of humanitarian interventions worldwide. The array of child-focused rights and protections established by international, regional and national frameworks provides a normative foundation guiding efforts to facilitate the (re)establishment of more secure conditions. Despite a rhetorical acknowledgement of participation as enhancing children’s provision and protection rights, much of children’s rights activism in Africa continues to emphasise a protectionist approach over an empowering one. Furthermore, actualising children’s rights constitutes a formidable challenge in fragile countries like South Sudan where difficult post-war conditions are compounded by significant discrepancies regarding the treatment of children in the various applicable legal systems. Advancing the view of children’s rights as a living practice moulded by children’s everyday realities, this paper discusses the situation of South Sudan as illustrative of the dilemmas of upholding the right of conflict-affected children in Africa to participate in their own protection.
The Role of National Courts in Promoting Children’s Rights
Authors: Sandberg Kirsten
Published: December 2014

National courts have a central role to play in the implementation of children’s rights. In this article, decisions of the Norwegian Supreme court in criminal cases and immigration cases are discussed. They shed interesting light on issues under article 3, such as whether the courts should base their judgment on the present facts, the balancing of the child’s best interests against other considerations, and whether article 3 is self-executing and justiciable. The consequences of a child not being heard are considered. Criminal and immigration cases both contain strong societal interests, but the willingness to give priority to children’s rights seems to differ in the two areas.
Saying and Doing
Authors: Bessant Judith , Broadley Karen
Published: December 2014

Modern policy-making communities repeatedly proclaim the idea and value of participation and ‘listening to children and young people’. We note the growing official recognition of children and young people’s right to participation in policies relating to child protection and out-of-home care. Indeed, taking their views into account is mandated in many countries with domestic and international legal requirements accompanying the policy commitments to its value.

In this article we explore the disparity or tensions between the ‘espoused theory’ and the ‘theory-in-use’ within child protection. We observe a gap between what policy-makers and practitioners say is the practice and what is actually done, and consider whether there is an effective commitment to the participation of children in child protection. While we rely primarily on Australian and English material, we suggest the arguments and findings presented here have a general international relevance.
A new genus, Rubroboletus, to accommodate Boletus sinicus and its allies
Authors: Zhao Kuan , Wu Gang , Yang ZhuLiang
Published: December 2014

Rubroboletus is erected as a new genus to accommodate Boletus sinicus and its allies based on morphological and molecular evidence. Morphologically, Rubroboletus differs from the remaining genera in Boletaceae by the combination of a reddish pileal surface, an orange-red to blood red surface of the hymenophore, yellow tubes, pink to red reticula or spots on the yellow background of the stipe, a bluish color-change when injured, a non-amyloid context, smooth spores which are olive-brown in deposit, and an interwoven trichodermal pileipellis. Our phylogenetic analyses based on five gene markers (ITS, nrLSU, tef1-α, rpb1 and rpb2) recognized eight species in the genus, including one new species and seven new combinations. A key to the eight species is provided.
Challenges Associated with Adaptation to Future Urban Expansion
Authors: Georgescu M.
Published: December 2014

The most populated state in the United States, California, is projected to add millions of new inhabitants through the end of the current century, requiring considerable landscape conversion to the built environment. A suite of continuous multiyear, medium-range resolution (20-km grid spacing), ensemble-based simulations is examined to assess urban expansion climate effects on California in 2100, and potential strategies to alleviate them. Summertime [June–August (JJA)] warming due to urban expansion of 1°–2°C is greater relative to any other season, and is completely offset by a range of adaptation strategies: green roofs (highly transpiring), cool roofs (highly reflective), and hybrid roofs (with combined biophysical properties of green and cool roofs). After offsetting of urban-induced warming, cool and hybrid roofs lead to a further 1°–2°C reduction in JJA 2-m temperature, highlighting enhanced efficacy of these adaptation strategies. Guided by medium-range-resolution results, additional high-resolution (2-km grid spacing) experiments are conducted for a subset of the JJA periods conducted on a coarser scale. Urban-induced 1°–2°C warming (local maximum warming exceeds 4°C) is simulated, and is offset by cool and green roof deployment. In agreement with coarser-resolution results, maximum near-surface cooling is greater for cool roofs relative to green roofs. Reduced daytime warming associated with both cool and green roofs also modifies the convective mixed layer, reducing turbulent kinetic energy and planetary boundary layer height, although this impact is less for green roofs than for cool roofs. The results presented here demonstrate the importance of future urban expansion in California and illustrate climatic consequences with implications for regional air quality.
The Convolution of Dynamics and Moisture with the Presence of Shortwave Absorbing Aerosols over the Southeast Atlantic
Authors: Adebiyi Adeyemi A. , Zuidema Paquita , Abel Steven J.
Published: December 2014

Biomass burning aerosols seasonally overlie the subtropical southeast Atlantic stratocumulus deck. Previous modeling and observational studies have postulated a semidirect effect whereby shortwave absorption by the aerosol warms and stabilizes the lower troposphere, thickening the low-level clouds. The focus herein is on the dynamical and moisture effects that may be convoluted with the semidirect effect. Almost-daily radiosonde data from remote St. Helena Island (15.9°S, 5.6°W), covering September–October 2000–11, are combined with daily spatial averages (encompassing the island) of the MODIS clear-sky fine-mode aerosol optical depth (). Increases in are associated with increases in 750–500-hPa moisture content. The net maximum longwave cooling by moisture of almost 0.45 K day−1 reduces the aerosol layer warming from shortwave absorption. ERA-Interim spatial composites show that polluted conditions are associated with a strengthening of a deep land-based anticyclone over southern Africa, facilitating the westward offshore transport of both smoke and moisture at 600 hPa. The shallower surface-based South Atlantic anticyclone exhibits a less pronounced shift to the northeast, strengthening the low-level coastal jet exiting into the stratocumulus deck and cooling 1000-hPa potential temperatures. Warm continental outflow further increases the 800-hPa potential temperatures (), reinforcing the lower tropospheric stability () over the stratocumulus deck. Enhanced southerly dry air advection also strengthens the cloud-top humidity inversion. The increased stability helps explain an observed decrease in cloud-top heights despite an anomalous reduction in subsidence. The changes to the horizontal dynamics enhance low-level cloudiness. These are separate but not necessarily distinct from an aerosol semidirect effect, encouraging care in attribution studies.
Dynamical Precipitation Downscaling for Hydrologic Applications Using WRF 4D-Var Data Assimilation: Implications for GPM Era
Authors: Lin Liao-Fan , Ebtehaj Ardeshir M. , Bras Rafael L. , Flores Alejandro N. , Wang Jingfeng
Published: December 2014

The objective of this study is to develop a framework for dynamically downscaling spaceborne precipitation products using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model with four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4D-Var). Numerical experiments have been conducted to 1) understand the sensitivity of precipitation downscaling through point-scale precipitation data assimilation and 2) investigate the impact of seasonality and associated changes in precipitation-generating mechanisms on the quality of spatiotemporal downscaling of precipitation. The point-scale experiment suggests that assimilating precipitation can significantly affect the precipitation analysis, forecast, and downscaling. Because of occasional overestimation or underestimation of small-scale summertime precipitation extremes, the numerical experiments presented here demonstrate that the wintertime assimilation produces downscaled precipitation estimates that are in closer agreement with the reference National Centers for Environmental Prediction stage IV dataset than similar summertime experiments. This study concludes that the WRF 4D-Var system is able to effectively downscale a 6-h precipitation product with a spatial resolution of 20 km to hourly precipitation with a spatial resolution of less than 10 km in grid spacing—relevant to finescale hydrologic applications for the era of the Global Precipitation Measurement mission.
Assimilation of Freeze–Thaw Observations into the NASA Catchment Land Surface Model
Authors: Farhadi Leila , Reichle Rolf H. , De Lannoy Gabriëlle J. M. , Kimball John S.
Published: December 2014

The land surface freeze–thaw (F/T) state plays a key role in the hydrological and carbon cycles and thus affects water and energy exchanges and vegetation productivity at the land surface. In this study, an F/T assimilation algorithm was developed for the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System, version 5 (GEOS-5), modeling and assimilation framework. The algorithm includes a newly developed observation operator that diagnoses the landscape F/T state in the GEOS-5 Catchment land surface model. The F/T analysis is a rule-based approach that adjusts Catchment model state variables in response to binary F/T observations, while also considering forecast and observation errors. A regional observing system simulation experiment was conducted using synthetically generated F/T observations. The assimilation of perfect (error free) F/T observations reduced the root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) of surface temperature and soil temperature by 0.206° and 0.061°C, respectively, when compared to model estimates (equivalent to a relative RMSE reduction of 6.7% and 3.1%, respectively). For a maximum classification error CEmax of 10% in the synthetic F/T observations, the F/T assimilation reduced the RMSE of surface temperature and soil temperature by 0.178° and 0.036°C, respectively. For CEmax = 20%, the F/T assimilation still reduces the RMSE of model surface temperature estimates by 0.149°C but yields no improvement over the model soil temperature estimates. The F/T assimilation scheme is being developed to exploit planned F/T products from the NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission.
Improving access to primary mental healthcare for Indigenous Australians
Authors: Reifels Lennart , Bassilios Bridget , Nicholas Angela , Fletcher Justine , King Kylie , Ewen Shaun , Pirkis Jane
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To examine the uptake, population reach and outcomes of primary mental healthcare services provided to Indigenous Australians via the Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) program between 2003 and 2013, with particular reference to enhanced Indigenous ATAPS services introduced from 2010.

Method:

Utilising ATAPS program data from a national minimum data set and comparative population data, we conducted descriptive analyses, regression analyses and t-tests to examine the uptake of ATAPS services, provider agency level predictors of service reach, and preliminary outcome data on consumer level outcomes.

Results:

Between 2003 and 2013, 15,450 Indigenous client referrals were made that resulted in 55,134 ATAPS sessions. National Indigenous service volume more than doubled between 2010 and 2012, following the introduction of enhanced Indigenous ATAPS services. Non-Indigenous ATAPS service volume of primary care agencies was uniquely predictive of Indigenous service reach. Preliminary analysis of limited consumer outcome data indicated positive treatment gains and the need to enhance future outcome data collection.

Conclusions:

Concerted national efforts to enhance mainstream primary mental healthcare programs can result in significant gains in access to mental healthcare for Indigenous populations.
Adolescent nicknaming as a rich linguistic and pedagogical resource for teachers
Authors: Taylor-Leech Kerry , Starks Donna , Willoughby Louisa
Published: December 2014

Despite an increasing international trend towards integrating linguistics into the mainstream English curriculum, many teachers struggle to find exciting and relevant ways to cover this material with their students. In this article, we describe how nicknames collected as part of a research study of Australian secondary students can be used as a pedagogical resource for Year 9 students. We argue that the linguistic analysis of nicknaming provides an ideal opportunity for teachers to introduce linguistic concepts to a teenage audience that is age appropriate, relevant and meaningful. Based on a survey of 642 Australian high school students, we present some common features of nicknames and provide suggestions for how teachers could use this as a platform for exploring language issues with their students. We also show how the study of the forms and functions of nicknames fits into the Australian national curriculum for English at the junior secondary school level.
Waiting, Hope, Democracy, and Space: How Expectations and Socio-economic Rights Shape Two South African Urban Informal Communities
Authors: Kornienko Kristen
Published: December 2014

This paper draws from two case study informal settlements and their recent Constitutional Court litigation to explore the connection between informal living spaces, democracy, and housing. The temporal element of this development dynamic is examined through the erosion and building of hope resulting from the political actions of the state and the political agency of the poor. This engagement of time as an element of space is considered through residents’ expectations manifested in social processes reflecting either the criticality of hope as a catalyst for bottom-up developmental agency or waiting as a fortification of the top-down status quo.