bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case Study in Modeling Low-Lying Inversions and Stratocumulus Cloud Cover in the Bay of Biscay
Authors: Possner Anna , Zubler Elias , Fuhrer Oliver , Lohmann Ulrike , Schär Christoph
Published: January 2014

Many regional forecasting models struggle to simulate low-lying strong temperature inversions. To understand this apparent deficit for forecast improvements, a case study of a strong inversion occurring in the Bay of Biscay on 27 January 2003 is conducted. The event was characterized by extensive stratocumulus cloud cover beneath an extensive high pressure system in combination with a particularly strong inversion of 10–12 K at an altitude of 500–800 m. Simulations were performed at 2- and 12-km horizontal resolutions, with 60 vertical levels (13 levels within the first 1000 m), and with lead times of 12–72 h. The simulations were validated using in situ radiosonde and satellite data. Besides large-scale subsidence, turbulent vertical mixing is a key dynamical process for the formation of nocturnal inversions. Sensitivities to parameters for vertical mixing (the minimum threshold for eddy diffusivity and the turbulence length scale) are investigated. Results presented herein show the planetary boundary layer (PBL) profiles to be very sensitive to the minimum threshold applied for eddy diffusivity, whereas little sensitivity with respect to the turbulence length-scale parameter was found. PBL moisture and potential temperature θ profiles for hindcasts between 24- and 72-h lead times at both resolutions were adequately simulated. In simulations with an adequate representation of the vertical turbulent exchange, realistic cloud cover was simulated, while too high values of the aforementioned threshold produced a strong underestimation of the cloud cover. These results indicate that a realistic simulation of strong inversions and their associated cloud cover is feasible, provided the vertical turbulent exchange is adequately represented.
Good behaviour bonds and re-offending: The effect of bond length
Authors: Poynton Suzanne , Weatherburn Don , Bartels Lorana
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of good behaviour bonds in reducing re-offending. Data on 19,478 individuals who received a good behaviour bond under section 9 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) for their principal offence were examined. Propensity score matching techniques were used to match offenders who received a bond of less than 24 months with offenders who received a bond of 24 months or more. These two matched groups were then compared on time to first new offence. After matching offenders on a large range of factors, time to reconviction was longer for offenders placed on bonds 24 months or longer compared with offenders placed on shorter bonds. A significant effect of bond length on re-offending was apparent for both supervised and unsupervised orders. The evidence presented here tentatively suggests long bonds are more effective in reducing re-offending than short bonds.
Accuracy of general practitioner unassisted detection of depression
Authors: Carey Mariko , Jones Kim , Meadows Graham , Sanson-Fisher Rob , D’Este Catherine , Inder Kerry , Yoong Sze Lin , Russell Grant
Published: January 2014

Objective:

Primary care is an important setting for the treatment of depression. The aim of the study was to describe the accuracy of unassisted general practitioner judgements of patients’ depression compared to a standardised depression-screening tool delivered via touch-screen computer.

Method:

English-speaking patients, aged 18 or older, completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) when presenting for care to one of 51 general practitioners in Australia. General practitioners were asked whether they thought the patients were clinically depressed. General practitioner judgements of depression status were compared to PHQ-9 results.

Results:

A total of 1558 patients participated. Twenty per cent of patients were identified by the PHQ-9 as being depressed. General practitioners estimated a similar prevalence; however, when compared to the PHQ-9, GP judgement had a sensitivity of 51% (95% CI [32%, 66%]) and a specificity of 87% (95% CI [78%, 93%]).

Conclusions:

General practitioner unassisted judgements of depression in their patients lacked sensitivity when compared to a standardised psychiatric measure used in general practice.
On cleavages, port and dialogues: A rejoinder to Rosamond and Warleigh-Lack
Authors: Jørgensen Knud E , Valbjørn Morten
Published: January 2014

In this rejoinder we appreciate Ben Rosamond and Alex Warleigh-Lack’s addition to our typology of dialogues, yet restate our main reasons to remain sceptical about the outcome of a dialogue between European Studies and New Regionalism.
A Prototype Analysis of the Portuguese Concept of Saudade
Authors: Neto Félix , Mullet Etienne
Published: January 2014

The present research examined the way laypersons in Portugal conceptualize saudade, using Rosch’s Prototype Theory. Study 1 showed that when asked to list prototypic features of saudade, each participant was able to evoke about 7 different features, which resulted in a total list of 182 separate features. Study 2 showed that when asked to rate centrality of features of saudade, each participant was able to rate features as more or less prototypical of the concept, and the range of their ratings considerably varied. It also showed that when asked to rate the affective valence of these features, each participant was able to rate features as more or less positive/negative, and the range of their responses varied from the negative to the positive scale anchors, which attested that they were fully aware of the complexity of the concept. Studies 3 and 4 showed that centrality of feature had an impact on cognition. The prototypical structure of saudade slightly interfered with free recall, more strongly interfered with recognition, and considerably impacted on story writing related with past experiences of saudade.
Democracy and armed conflict
Authors: Hegre Håvard
Published: January 2014

The article reviews the literature on the relationship between democracy and armed conflict, internal as well as interstate. The review points to several similarities between how democratic institutions affect both conflict types. It summarizes the main empirical findings and discusses the most prominent explanations as well as the most important objections raised to the finding, empirically and theoretically. To a large degree, the empirical finding that pairs of democratic states have a lower risk of interstate conflict than other pairs holds up, as does the conclusion that consolidated democracies have less conflict than semi-democracies. The most critical challenge to both conclusions is the position that both democracy and peace are due to pre-existing socio-economic conditions. I conclude that this objection has considerable leverage, but it also seems clear that economic development is unlikely to bring about lasting peace alone, without the formalization embedded in democratic institutions.
Paediatric day case tonsillectomy: a safe, feasible and an economical way to treat patients – Yorkhill experience
Authors: Elsobky S , Ahmad N , Qureshi M , Izzath W , Sadiq H
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Day case surgery is widely encouraged as it has many benefits. In this study, we evaluate the feasibility of paediatric tonsillectomies as day case surgery procedures in a tertiary paediatric centre.

Methods

The outcome of paediatric tonsillectomy performed as day case procedures was studied for four months. We recorded complication rates in comparison to the standard in-patient practice.

Results

23 paediatric patients were included in this study. The age of the patients ranged from four to 11 years, with mean age of 6.5. No patients suffered post-operative complications within the first 24 h. Two patients were re-admitted due to a post-operative complication (8.6%) and one patient for a non-operative cause (4.3%) beyond the initial 24 h.

Conclusion

Paediatric Day Case Paediatric Tonsillectomy is a safe, feasible and an economical way to manage patients. It should be practised as a day case where appropriate and when criteria are met.
Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole: Which is the forgotten hero of health care and why?
Authors: McDonald L
Published: January 2014

Background and aims

This paper aims at correcting misinformation in circulation portraying Mary Seacole as a nurse, Crimean War heroine, and health care pioneer, even, for some, a replacement for Florence Nightingale, who really was a health care pioneer as well as being the major founder of the modern profession of nursing.

Methods and results

The article focuses on the claims for Seacole made by C. Short in Scottish Medical Journal, 2011. It reports, using primary sources, on what Seacole actually did – running a business for officers, with kind acts on the side – short of constituting heroism, pioneering health care or nursing.

Conclusion

The article concludes with remarks on how Nightingale came to be forgotten as a health care pioneer, with comments on the two major sources that attacked her reputation, F.B. Smith in 1982, and Hugh Small in 1998. Detailed refutations in peer-reviewed sources are referenced. Finally, it is suggested that recent scandals in English hospital care, documented in the Francis Report, may provoke a revival of interest in Nightingale’s principles and methods.
Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma: peritoneal implants are not always metastases in the presence of cancer
Authors: Irwin GW , Ervine A , Kennedy JA
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma is a rare condition that can cause diagnostic uncertainty. Its appearance resembles metastatic deposits and in the presence of a known primary can often be confused for such.

Case presentation

In this case, we present a patient who had WDPM in the presence of gastric cancer and emphasise the difficulties in making the diagnosis.

Conclusion

We highlight the need for a high index of suspicion, biopsies at staging laparoscopy and undertake a review of the literature regarding this uncommon condition.
Diagnosis and treatment of children with severe influenza A from the 2009/2010 pandemic in Tianjin, China
Authors: Ning Jing
Published: January 2014

The clinical characteristics and treatments of severe influenza A (H1N1) in infected children were discussed and analysed. We found that such severe cases predominantly manifested respiratory symptoms; symptoms affecting the nervous system are also rare but dangerous. The clinical data of eight children with severe influenza A (H1N1) were analysed retrospectively. These children generally manifested fever and flu-like symptoms, short-term aggravation with dyspnoea. One case exhibited neurological symptoms. After continuous positive airway pressure and immunological regulation were administered, the clinical symptoms gradually improved. Patients with severe influenza A (H1N1) manifested respiratory tract symptoms. Those exhibiting neurological symptoms were seriously affected. Physical signs were regularly monitored and laboratory examination was conducted in order to determine the causes of severe illness. The treatments were adjusted accordingly.
Enhancing Pool Utilization in Constructing the Multistage Test Using Mixed-Format Tests
Authors: Park Ryoungsun , Kim Jiseon , Chung Hyewon , Dodd Barbara G.
Published: January 2014

This study investigated a new pool utilization method of constructing multistage tests (MST) using the mixed-format test based on the generalized partial credit model (GPCM). MST simulations of a classification test were performed to evaluate the MST design. A linear programming (LP) model was applied to perform MST reassemblies based on the initial MST construction. Three subsequent MST reassemblies were performed. For each reassembly, three test unit replacement ratios (TRRs; 0.22, 0.44, and 0.66) were investigated. The conditions of the three passing rates (30%, 50%, and 70%) were also considered in the classification testing. The results demonstrated that various MST reassembly conditions increased the overall pool utilization rates, while maintaining the desired MST construction. All MST testing conditions performed equally well in terms of the precision of the classification decision.
Selective narrowing of social networks across adulthood is associated with improved emotional experience in daily life
Authors: English Tammy , Carstensen Laura L.
Published: January 2014

Past research has documented age differences in the size and composition of social networks that suggest that networks grow smaller with age and include an increasingly greater proportion of well-known social partners. According to socioemotional selectivity theory, such changes in social network composition serve an antecedent emotion regulatory function that supports an age-related increase in the priority that people place on emotional well-being. The present study employed a longitudinal design with a sample that spanned the full adult age range to examine whether there is evidence of within-individual (developmental) change in social networks and whether the characteristics of relationships predict emotional experiences in daily life. Using growth curve analyses, social networks were found to increase in size in young adulthood and then decline steadily throughout later life. As postulated by socioemotional selectivity theory, reductions were observed primarily in the number of peripheral partners; the number of close partners was relatively stable over time. In addition, cross-sectional analyses revealed that older adults reported that social network members elicited less negative emotion and more positive emotion. The emotional tone of social networks, particularly when negative emotions were associated with network members, predicted daily emotional experience. These findings were robust after taking into account demographic variables and physical health. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of socioemotional selectivity theory and related theoretical models.
Children’s perceptions of the effectiveness of strategies for regulating anger and sadness
Authors: Waters Sara F. , Thompson Ross A.
Published: January 2014

Children may be capable of understanding the value of emotion regulation strategies before they can enlist these strategies in emotion-evoking situations. This study was designed to extend understanding of children’s judgment of the efficacy of alternative emotion regulation strategies. Children aged six and nine ( N = 97) were presented with illustrated storyboards of anger- and sadness-evoking situations and rated the effectiveness of eight emotion regulation strategies. Children endorsed some strategies on an emotion-specific basis: they rated problem-solving as more effective for anger, and seeking adult support and venting emotion as more effective for sadness. Younger children rated cognitively sophisticated emotion regulatory strategies comparably to older children, but they endorsed relatively ineffective strategies as more effective. Early evidence of gender differences was also apparent as girls reported emotion-focused strategies as more effective than boys did. These findings contribute to understanding children’s nuanced estimates of the value of alternative strategies of emotion regulation based on emotion context, age, and gender.
Individualized Clinical Practice Guidelines: The Next Step in the Evidence‐based Health Care Evolution?
Authors: Brietzke Scott E.
Published: January 2014

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are playing an increasing role in the evolution of evidence‐based health care. CPGs involve a process in which the best evidence in translated into best practice principles that are then applied on a wide range of patients. Although there are clear benefits in terms of simplicity, applying broad recommendations on a diverse group of patients can lead to wide variations in outcomes on an individual patient level. The individualized guideline (IG) is an approach that builds on the concept of the CPG by specifying treatment recommendation based on important individual baseline characteristics. The IG approach could potentially lead to superior outcomes but necessitates a substantial increase in complexity to the CPG development process.
High‐Resolution Microendoscope Images of Middle Ear Cholesteatoma and Surrounding Tissue: Evaluation of Interobserver Concordance
Authors: Bradley James , Jiang Nancy , Levy Lauren , Richards‐Kortum Rebecca , Sikora Andrew , Smouha Eric
Published: January 2014

Objective

Investigate how accurately otolaryngologists could differentiate between images obtained with high‐resolution microendoscopy (HRME) of ex vivo cholesteatoma specimens and surrounding middle ear epithelium.

Study Design

HRME images of surgically resected cholesteatoma and middle ear epithelium were obtained and otolaryngologists classified these images.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Resected cholesteatoma and middle ear epithelium were stained with a contrast agent, proflavine, and HRME images were captured. Specimens were sent for standard histopathology and compared with HRME images. Quality‐controlled images were used to assemble a training set. After viewing training images, otolaryngologists without prior cholesteatoma HRME experience reviewed and classified test images.

Results

Ten cholesteatoma and 9 middle ear specimens were collected, of which 17 representative cholesteatoma and 19 middle ear epithelium images were extracted for a testing set. Qualitative analysis for concordance between HRME images and histological images yielded a strong correlation between modalities. The mean accuracy of all reviewers in correctly identifying images was 95% (95% confidence interval [CI], 92%‐98%). The sensitivity to correctly detect cholesteatoma images was 98% (95% CI, 93%‐100%), and the specificity was 92% (95% CI, 87%‐97%). The Fleiss kappa interrater reliability score was 0.83, (95% CI, 0.77‐0.89).

Conclusions

Medical professionals can quickly be trained to accurately distinguish between HRME images of cholesteatoma and normal middle ear epithelium, both of which have distinct imaging characteristics. Real‐time HRME optical imaging can potentially improve the results of otologic surgery by allowing for extirpation of cholesteatomas while eliminating residual disease.
A New Computed Tomography Method to Identify Meningitis‐Related Cochlear Ossification and Fibrosis before Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Ichikawa Kazunori , Kashio Akinori , Mori Harushi , Ochi Atushi , Karino Shotaro , Sakamoto Takashi , Kakigi Akinobu , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: January 2014

Objective

To develop a new method to determine the presence of intracochlear ossification and/or fibrosis in cochlear implantation candidates with bilateral profound deafness following meningitis.

Study Design

Diagnostic test assessment.

Setting

A university hospital.

Subjects and Methods

This study involved 15 ears from 13 patients with profound deafness following meningitis who underwent cochlear implantation. These ears showed normal structures, soft tissue, partial bony occlusion, and complete bony occlusion in 4, 3, 2, and 6 ears, respectively. We measured radiodensity in Hounsfield units (HU) using 0.5‐mm‐thick axial high‐resolution computed tomography image slices at 3 different levels in the basal turn, the fenestration, and inferior and ascending segment sites, located along the electrode‐insertion path. Pixel‐level analysis on the DICOM viewer yielded actual computed tomography values of intracochlear soft tissues by eliminating the partial volume effect. The values were compared with the intraoperative findings.

Results

Values for ossification (n = 12) ranged from +547 HU to +1137 HU; for fibrosis (n = 11), from +154 HU to +574 HU; and for fluid (n = 22), from −49 HU to +255 HU. From these values, we developed 2 presets of window width (WW) and window level (WL): (1) WW: 1800, WL: 1100 (200 HU to 2000 HU) and (2) WW: 1500, WL: 1250 (500 HU to 2000 HU). The results using these 2 presets corresponded well to the intraoperative findings.

Conclusion

Our new method is easy and feasible for preoperative determination of the presence of cochlear ossification and/or fibrosis that develops following meningitis.
Seeking interpersonal information over the Internet
Authors: Tokunaga Robert S. , Gustafson Abel
Published: January 2014

Online information-seeking strategies are well understood in the context of health information acquisition but less is known about the information management of interpersonal information gathered over the Internet. One way to understand this nascent method for information seeking is to examine the motives that underlie one’s intent to seek online information about others. The present study applies theory of motivated information management (TMIM) to online information seeking. The first goal of the study is to examine whether the processes predictive of offline interpersonal information seeking, articulated in TMIM, apply to mediated contexts. The second goal is to investigate whether predictions of TMIM are consistent across various relationship types. A survey design was employed to collect data from college students and nonstudent adults. The results of the study demonstrate strong support for the application of TMIM to information seeking over the Internet. The findings also indicate support for the model across various relationships except best friendships. Implications to research and theory on interpersonal information management over the Internet are discussed.
By-gender risk paths of parental psychological control effects on emerging adult overt and relational aggression
Authors: Little Michelle , Seay Danielle
Published: January 2014

We modeled by-gender risk paths of maternal, paternal, and parental psychological control effects on emerging adult overt and peer relational aggression using structural equation models. The effect of adolescent conduct problems on emerging adults’ (aged 18–24) aggression was examined through its effect on parents’ psychological control. Additionally, a social–cognitive mediation model of aggression was tested linking conduct problems and parents’ psychological control with hostility and low guilt and concern for harming others. Results highlighted the salience of the social–cognitive model for female emerging adults’ aggression risk. For example, maternal/paternal psychological control and hostility mediated effects of conduct problems on female aggression types. Additionally, combined parental psychological control and hostility mediated effects of conduct problems on female aggression types.
A latent change score model of conflict resolution in couples
Authors: Sanford Keith
Published: January 2014

This study used latent change score models to examine how couples make progress toward resolution when they experience conflicts. It examined why negative conflict engagement might sometimes predict increased resolution, and how this process might be moderated by relationship satisfaction. A sample of 734 people in heterosexual marriages or cohabitation relationships were asked to identify an episode of relationship conflict and complete a questionnaire measuring types of negative behavior, attributions, anger, and soft emotion as well as measures of current discord, peak discord, positive behavior, and types of conflict disengagement. Negative engagement predicted peak levels of conflict discord, but for people in satisfying relationships, this effect was benign because large conflicts predicted large resolutions regardless of negative engagement levels.
Anatomy of the veno-muscular pumps of the lower limb
Authors: Uhl Jean-François , Gillot Claude
Published: January 2014

Objective

To study the anatomy of the veno-muscular pumps of the lower limb, particularly the calf pump, the most powerful of the lower limb, and to confirm its crucial importance in venous return.

Methods

In all, 400 cadaveric limbs were injected with green Neoprene latex followed by an anatomical dissection.

Results

The foot pump is the starter of the venous return. The calf pump can be divided into two anatomical parts: the leg pump located in the veins of the soleus muscle and the popliteal pump ending in the popliteal vein with the unique above-knee collector of the medial gastrocnemial veins. At the leg level, the lateral veins of the soleus are the bigger ones. They drain vertically into the fibular veins. The medial veins of the soleus, smaller, join the posterior tibial veins horizontally. At the popliteal level, medial gastrocnemial veins are the largest veins, which end uniquely as a large collector into the popliteal vein above the knee joint. This explains the power of the gastrocnemial pump: during walking, the high speed of the blood ejection during each muscular systole acts like a nozzle creating a powerful jet into the popliteal vein. This also explains the aspiration (Venturi) effect on the deep veins below. Finally, the thigh pump of the semimembranosus muscles pushes the blood of the deep femoral vein together with the quadriceps veins into the common femoral vein.

Conclusion

The veno-muscular pumps of the lower limb create a chain of events by their successive activation during walking. They play the role of a peripheral heart, which combined with venous valves serve to avoid gravitational reflux during muscular diastole. A stiffness of the ankle or/and the dispersion of the collectors inside the gastrocnemius could impair this powerful pump and so worsen venous return, causing development of severe chronic venous insufficiency.
Genetic predictors of antidepressant side effects: A grouped candidate gene approach in the Genome-Based Therapeutic Drugs for Depression (GENDEP) study
Authors: Hodgson Karen , Uher Rudolf , Crawford Andrew A , Lewis Glyn , O’Donovan Michael C , Keers Robert , Dernovšek Mojca Z , Mors Ole , Hauser Joanna , Souery Daniel , Maier Wolfgang , Henigsberg Neven , Rietschel Marcella , Placentino Anna , Aitchison Katherine , Farmer Anne , Davis Oliver , McGuffin Peter
Published: January 2014

Background:

The unwanted side effects associated with antidepressants are key determinants of treatment adherence in depression; propensity to experience these adverse drug reactions (ADRs) may be influenced by genetic variation. However, previous work attempting to ascertain the genetic variants involved has had limited success, in part due to the range of ADRs reported with antidepressants.

Method:

ADRs reported with antidepressant treatment were categorised using their likely pharmacological basis; adrenergic, cholinergic, serotonergic and histaminergic. To identify genetic predictors of susceptibility to each group of ADRs, a candidate gene analysis was performed with data from 431 depressed patients (from a total sample size of 811 patients) enrolled in the Genome-Based Therapeutic Drugs for Depression (GENDEP) project, who were randomly allocated to receive treatment with escitalopram or nortriptyline. Data from 474 patients treated with citalopram or reboxetine in the GenPod project (total sample of 601 patients) were used for replication of significant findings.

Results:

We found no significant predictors of presumed adrenergic, cholinergic and histaminergic ADRs. Putative serotonergic ADRs were significantly associated with variation in the gene encoding the serotonin 2C receptor ( HTR2C, rs6644093, odds ratio (OR)=1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.31−2.25, p=7.43×10−5) in GENDEP. However, this finding was not replicated in GenPod.

Conclusions:

The association between serotonergic side effects and variation in the HTR2C gene in the GENDEP sample supports the hypothesis that serotonin receptor-mediated mechanisms underlie these adverse reactions, however this finding was not replicated in GenPod.
Pain control in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated by percutaneous radiofrequency ablation: comparison of the efficacy of one-shot and continuous intravenous fentanyl delivery
Authors: Yokoyama Koichi , Ikeda Osamu , Kawanaka Koichi , Nakasone Yutaka , Inoue Seijiro , Tamura Yoshitaka , Yamashita Yasuyuki
Published: January 2014

Background

Hepatic percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is usually performed with the patient under deep intravenous (i.v.) sedation or general anesthesia. Nonetheless, many patients report pain during and/or after the procedure.

Purpose

To perform a prospective study of pain control obtained by the i.v. one-shot delivery and the continuous i.v. infusion of fentanyl in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated by RFA.

Material and Methods

Between April 2007 and March 2010, 83 patients with 106 HCCs underwent percutaneous RFA. All HCCs were addressed by computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous RFA performed within 5 h of embolization of the tumor vessels with iodized oil and gelatin sponges. Standard anesthesia consisted of 10 mL of 1% lidocaine injected locally. For conscious sedation, group one patients ( n = 41) were injected i.v. with 100 µg of fentanyl before and 100 µg of fentanyl 30 min after percutaneous RFA. In group two ( n = 42) we delivered fentanyl by continuous i.v. infusion at 100 µg/h during RFA. Upon request, patients in both groups also received 5 mg of diazepam i.v. for pain during the RFA procedure. The severity of pain experienced by all patients was evaluated on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and complications elicited by the anesthesia regimens were recorded. We also assessed the effectiveness of the treatment on sequential follow-up CT and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3-month intervals.

Results

Percutaneous RFA was technically successful in all 83 patients. Two patients in group one (4.8%) and one patient in group two (2.4%) manifested residual enhancement 3 months post RFA. There was no significant difference in the local recurrence rate between the two groups. At 4.0 ± 1.8 for group one and 3.4 ± 1.9 for group two, the VAS score was not significantly different. Major fentanyl or diazepam toxicity was recorded in 11 patients (24.4%) in group one and two patients (4.8%) in group two; the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The continuous infusion of fentanyl provided effective and safe analgesia in HCC patients undergoing percutaneous RFA.
Flow artifact in the anterior communicating artery resembling aneurysm on the time of flight MR angiogram
Authors: Takhtani Deepak , Dundamadappa Sathish , Puri Ajit S , Wakhloo Ajay
Published: January 2014

Background

Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) of the brain is a widely employed non-invasive test to diagnose aneurysms. However, its overall accuracy is less than digital subtraction angiography and is prone to give false-positive or false-negative results. False-negative results can be seen with hemorrhage, lipoma, dermoid, posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, and the flow artifacts.

Purpose

To describe the findings associated with false aneurysms in the anterior communicating artery on the time of flight MRA and review the physical principles behind this artifact.

Material and Methods

This short series comprises of four patients whose MRA showed suspicious aneurysms in the region of the anterior communicating artery (ACOM) on time of flight MRA.

Results

Two patients underwent catheter angiogram and the other two patients had computed tomography angiogram. None of these cases proved to have aneurysms and normal anterior communicating arteries were seen in all the patients. The findings on the MR angiograms were considered artifacts. All of the pseudoaneurysm had tapered appearance.

Conclusion

MR angiogram can result in artifacts at ACOM which may be mistaken for aneurysm. Such pseudoaneurysms have characteristic appearance and should be followed up with non-invasive tests.
Hepatoprotective effect of Caesalpinia gilliesii and Cajanus cajan proteins against acetoaminophen overdose-induced hepatic damage
Authors: Rizk Maha Z , Aly Hanan F , Abo-Elmatty Dina M , Desoky MM , Ibrahim N , Younis Eman A
Published: January 2014

This study aims to evaluate two proteins derived from the seeds of the plants Cajanus cajan (Leguminosae) and Caesalpinia gilliesii (Leguminosae) for their abilities to ameliorate the toxic effects of chronic doses of acetoaminphen (APAP) through the determination of certain biochemical parameters including liver marker enzymes: alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin. Also, total protein content and hepatic marker enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase were studied. Moreover, liver antioxidants, glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide, and lipid peroxides were determined in this study. Hepatic adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), adenylate energy charge (ATP, adenosine diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate, and inorganic phosphate), and phosphate potential, serum interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and myeloperoxidase were also examined in the present study. On the other hand, histopathological examination of intoxicated and liver treated with both proteins was taken into consideration. The present results show disturbances in all biochemical parameters and hepatic toxicity signs including mild vascular congestion, moderate inflammatory changes with moderate congested sinusoids, moderate nuclear changes (pyknosis), moderate centrilobular necrosis, fatty changes, nuclear pyknosis vascular congestion, and change in fatty centrilobular necrosis liver. Improvement in all biochemical parameters studied was noticed as a result of treatment intoxicated liver with C. gilliesii and C. cajan proteins either paracetamol with or post paracetamol treatment. These results were documented by the amelioration signs in rat's hepatic architecture. Thus, both plant protein extracts can upregulate and counteract the inflammatory process, minimize damage of the liver, delay disease progression, and reduce its complications.
Clinical, Pathological, and Neuroimaging Analyses of Two Cases of Leigh Syndrome in a Chinese Family
Authors: Jin Taoran , Shen Hongrui , Zhao Zhe , Hu Jing
Published: January 2014

In this study, the authors examined the clinical manifestations, skeletal muscle pathological characteristics, and neuroimaging results of 2 cases of Leigh syndrome in a Chinese family. The 2 patients presented with general weakness, and 1 of them presented with an impairment of vision. Skeletal muscle biopsies showed a deficiency in cytochrome c oxidase levels. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed increased T1 and T2 signal intensities in the centrum ovale and dentate nucleus. Diffusion-weighted imaging showed a high-intensity signal. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed elevated levels of lactic acid in lesions. The examination of 1 patient at disease onset and during disease remission showed that the lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging, and the peak for lactic acid detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, decreased during remission. These data suggest that changes in the imaging results of patients with Leigh syndrome correlate with disease course and pathogenetic condition.
Pre- and Perinatal Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder in a New Jersey Cohort
Authors: Maramara Lauren A. , He Wenzhuan , Ming Xue
Published: January 2014

This study evaluated the prevalence of pre- and perinatal risk factors in a cohort of children with autism spectrum disorders compared with the New Jersey population. Our cohort included 268 individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. Birth histories were obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. The autism spectrum disorders cohort rates of 7 perinatal risk factors were significantly higher than New Jersey state rates: mother’s age 35 years or older, low birth weight, multiple gestation, prematurity, vaginal bleeding, prolonged labor, and hypoxia. Analysis of clustering of risk factors in the cohort showed no significant differences across maternal and paternal age groups. Older mothers in the cohort had a higher risk of infant hypoxia. Multiple risk factors during pregnancy appear to be associated with a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders in offspring, supporting the hypothesis that environmental influences in conjunction with genetics contribute to the causes of autism spectrum disorders.
Outcome of Children With Acute Encephalitis and Refractory Status Epilepticus
Authors: Sasaki Jun , Chegondi Madhurandhar , Raszynski Andre , Totapally Balagangadhar R.
Published: January 2014

Acute encephalitis in children is a life-threatening neurological emergency. However, little is reported about the outcome of this devastating illness in the United States. The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients admitted to a regional pediatric intensive care unit with the diagnosis of acute encephalitis between 2006 and 2011. In 41 cases that met the inclusion criteria, the most common presenting symptoms were fever (65.9%), altered mental status (61%), and seizures (58.5%). Eight patients (19.5%) who presented with refractory status epilepticus had a longer median length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit (46 vs 4 days; P < .0001) and a significant worsening of Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category score on discharge by 2 or more points (odds ratio 20.38; 95% confidence interval, 2.89-143.52). All children survived to hospital discharge. In conclusion, children with acute encephalitis who present with refractory status epilepticus have a worse neurological outcome and a longer stay in the pediatric intensive care unit.
A green route for the synthesis of novel optically active poly(amide–imide) nanocomposites containing N-trimellitylimido-l-phenylalanine segments and modified alumina nanoparticles
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Khadem Elham
Published: January 2014

In the present study, novel optically active poly(amide–imide)/alumina nanocomposites (PAI/Al2O3 NCs) containing different amounts of modified α-Al2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using the ultrasonic-assisted technique. To improve NPs dispersion and increase the possible interaction between NPs and PAI matrix, the surface of α-Al2O3 NP was modified with bioactive diacid coupling agent. The PAI chains were formed from the polycondensation of N-trimellitylimido-l-phenylalanine diacid with 1,5-diamino naphthalene under green conditions. The obtained polymer and inorganic metal oxide NPs were used to prepare chiral PAI/Al2O3 NCs through the ultrasonic irradiation. PAI/Al2O3 NCs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra, x-ray diffraction patterns, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis). TGA results confirmed that the heat stability of the prepared NP-reinforced composites was improved compared with the pure polymer. In addition, TEM and FESEM images showed that NPs were dispersed into the polymer matrix at nanoscale.
On the equivalent systems for concurrent springs and dampers – Part 1: Small in-plane oscillations
Authors: Radomirovic Dragi , Kovacic Ivana
Published: January 2014

In this work, concurrent linear springs placed in the system that performs small in-plane oscillations around the stable equilibrium position are considered. New theorems defining how they can be replaced by two mutually orthogonal springs are provided. The same concept is applied to find two mutually orthogonal linear viscous dampers that can replace a system of concurrent linear viscous dampers. The directions of such springs and dampers correspond to the principal stiffness and damping axes, respectively. So far unknown invariants related to the sum of stiffness coefficients and damping coefficient of the original and equivalent systems are presented. A few examples are given to illustrate the use and benefits of this approach. In addition, it is shown how the concept of two mutually orthogonal springs can be beneficially used for analysing problems concerned with oscillations of a particle on elastic frames.
On the equivalent systems for concurrent springs and dampers – Part 2: Small out-of-plane oscillations
Authors: Radomirovic Dragi , Kovacic Ivana
Published: January 2014

Concurrent linear springs belonging to systems that perform small out-of-plane oscillations around a stable equilibrium position are considered with a view to obtaining equivalent systems of three mutually orthogonal linear springs. Theorems defining their stiffness coefficients as well as their position, i.e. the position of the principal stiffness axes for which the potential energy does not contain mixed terms, are stated and proven. So far unknown invariants related to the sum of original and new stiffness coefficients are provided. In addition, the equivalent system of three mutually orthogonal dampers is obtained for any system of out-of-plane concurrent linear viscous. The theorem defining their damping coefficients and their directions, collinear with the principal damping axes for which the dissipative function does not contain mixed terms, is provided. The corresponding invariant for damping coefficients is presented, too. An ellipsoid of displacement and an ellipsoid of stiffness are discussed. Three illustrated examples are given.
Experimental studies of polydispersed wet steam flows in a turbine blade cascade
Authors: Filippov Gennadiy , Gribin Vladimir , Tischenko Aleksandr , Gavrilov Ilya , Tischenko Victor
Published: January 2014

The paper describes experimental studies of water droplet motion in turbine cascades using laser diagnostic techniques (particle image velocimetry/particle tracking velocimetry). The investigations were performed at the experimental installation Wet Steam Circuit – 2 (WSC-2) at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute. The facility allows the study of the flow of superheated, saturated and wet steam over a broad range of velocities. The effect of the steam initial conditions on the behaviour of the coarse droplets downstream of a nozzle blade cascade has been studied for subsonic and supersonic flow. The variation of the average droplet velocities and angles across the blade pitch, and the droplet trajectories have been obtained. The relationship between the slip coefficients of droplets having minimal velocities in the blade trailing-edge plane, the initial steam wetness, and the axial distance downstream of the nozzle blade are suggested as the criteria characterising the coarse droplet motion downstream of the cascade.
Holocene lake-level changes of Hurleg Lake on northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and possible forcing mechanism
Authors: Fan QiShun , Ma HaiZhou , Wei HaiCheng , An FuYuan
Published: January 2014

The palaeoshorelines of a lake are the direct geomorphic evidences to reflect past water levels and record information on palaeoclimatic changes. Previous research indicates that the timing and forcing mechanisms of climatic change on the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (NE QTP) are still controversial. Here, we report quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages for beach deposits and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C age for plant remains, shoreline features and geomorphic exposures that contribute to a reconstruction of the lake-level history of Hurleg Lake on the NE QTP. The results imply that (1) three high lake levels are dated to 6.8–6.4, 5.0–4.7 and 2.2–1.4 kyr, corresponding to relatively wet and stable climate from pollen records of sediment core in this lake during mid–late Holocene; (2) the highest lake-level period occurred at 5.0–4.7 kyr, which is almost synchronous with the highest effective moisture phase from synthesized lake records influenced by the Westerlies and (3) no beach deposits around Hurleg Lake and lower lacustrine deposits in Toson Lake were found during early Holocene, suggesting lower lake level of Hurleg Lake in this period. These results might imply that the Westerlies and local topography rather than Asian summer monsoon dominate the moisture availability in this region during the Holocene.
Use of grey relational analysis for multi-objective optimisation of NiTiCu shape memory alloy produced by powder metallurgy process
Authors: Sadeghi Alireza , Babakhani Abolfazl , Zebarjad Seyed Mojtaba , Mostajabodaveh Hassan
Published: January 2014

Powder metallurgy process was used in this work to produce NiTi specimens. Uniaxial compression, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry were used for characterising the produced samples. L9 orthogonal arrays were chosen based on the Taguchi method for conducting the experiments. In order to optimise the processing parameters and also to determine the level of importance of each parameter, experiments were performed based on grey relational method. Our goal was to optimise recoverable strain ( ε) and the finishing temperature of austenitic transformation ( Af). Sintering time, compaction pressure, milling time and the atomic percentage of Cu were all selected as controllable parameters. Our results reveal that the sintering time and the atomic percentage of Cu are the most significant parameters. The findings were verified through a confirmatory test.
Terminally Ill African American Elders’ Access to and Use of Hospice Care
Authors: Noh Hyunjin , Schroepfer Tracy A.
Published: January 2014

The underuse of hospice care by terminally ill African American elders suggests they are suffering when hospice care could offer quality end of life care. Guided by the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations, this study sought understanding of structural barriers faced when seeking access to hospice care and reasons for using it when access is possible. Data was collected through interviews with 28 African American hospice patients. Themes from directed content analysis provide insights into strategies used to overcome access barriers posed by income, health insurance and administrative procedure, as well as the role religion, family, information and health beliefs played in using it. Distributing educational materials and addressing spiritual/religious concerns in choosing hospice care are key in promoting African Americans’ use of hospice care.
Pedagogical Approaches to Develop Critical Thinking and Crisis Leadership
Authors: Powley Edward H. , Taylor Scott N.
Published: January 2014

Management schools must be prepared to aid leaders and managers to succeed in uncertain environments. We offer two approaches, each designed for critical thinking skill development, to teach graduate management students about leading in and through potential disruption to organizational life. First, we present a personalized case method that relies on a critical incident approach to examine crises students personally experienced at work. We provide a description of the student assignment and a process for student analysis. Second, we present a group project involving a poster session in which students collaboratively work on complex crisis leadership challenges and present their analysis to their peers. We describe how these two approaches develop the critical skills effective crisis leaders possess.