bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
System Identification Based Proxy Model of a Reservoir under Water Injection
Authors: Negash Berihun M. , Tufa Lemma D. , Ramasamy M. , Awang Mariyamni Bt.
Published: February 2017

Simulation of numerical reservoir models with thousands and millions of grid blocks may consume a significant amount of time and effort, even when high performance processors are used. In cases where the simulation runs are required for sensitivity analysis, dynamic control, and optimization, the act needs to be repeated several times by continuously changing parameters. This makes it even more time-consuming. Currently, proxy models that are based on response surface are being used to lessen the time required for running simulations during sensitivity analysis and optimization. Proxy models are lighter mathematical models that run faster and perform in place of heavier models that require large computations. Nevertheless, to acquire data for modeling and validation and develop the proxy model itself, hundreds of simulation runs are required. In this paper, a system identification based proxy model that requires only a single simulation run and a properly designed excitation signal was proposed and evaluated using a benchmark case study. The results show that, with proper design of excitation signal and proper selection of model structure, system identification based proxy models are found to be practical and efficient alternatives for mimicking the performance of numerical reservoir models. The resulting proxy models have potential applications for dynamic well control and optimization.
Chronic Hepatitis with Liver Granulomas in a Patient with Granuloma Annulare: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Alsahafi Majid , AlJasser Mohammed I. , Kalia Sunil , Yang H. M. , Ramji Alnoor
Published: February 2017

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a benign granulomatous skin disorder of unknown etiology. GA is rarely associated with liver diseases. We report a unique case of chronic hepatitis with liver granulomas in a patient with GA. Despite an extensive workup, no clear etiology for the hepatitis was found. Based on the possible immune pathophysiology of GA and the presence of liver granulomas, the patient was treated with prednisone and azathioprine which resulted in complete normalization of the liver enzymes and concurrent improvement of GA. The association between liver diseases and GA is reviewed.
Efficacy of Preoperative Administration of Paracetamol-Codeine on Pain following Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: A Randomized, Split-Mouth, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Cristalli Maria Paola , La Monaca Gerardo , De Angelis Chiara , Pranno Nicola , Annibali Susanna
Published: February 2017

Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of preoperative administration of single-dose of paracetamol-codeine, in the relieving of acute postoperative pain after the surgical removal of an impacted mandibular third molar. Materials and Methods. The study cohort consisted of 32 Caucasian outpatients, giving a total of 64 bilateral symmetrical impacted mandibles. Patients were randomized in two experimental groups to receive a preoperative oral dose of paracetamol-codeine (analgesic group) or a placebo (placebo group) at the first and second surgeries. Study participants were asked to record pain intensity scores during the operation and the next 2 days, the time of the first request for rescue analgesic, and the total number of postoperative-supplement paracetamol-codeine tablets. Results. The pain intensity score on the first day was significantly lower in the analgesic group than in the placebo group (p<0.001). The time to using rescue therapy was significantly longer in the analgesic group than in the placebo group (p=0.004). The number of paracetamol-codeine tablets used postoperatively did not differ between the analgesic and placebo groups (p=0.104). Conclusions. Preoperative paracetamol-codeine is effective in providing immediate postoperative pain control after third molar surgery and in delaying the initial onset of pain. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (Registration Number): NCT03049878.
Long‐Term Intake of Uncaria rhynchophylla Reduces S100B and RAGE Protein Levels in Kainic Acid‐Induced Epileptic Seizures Rats
Authors: Tang Nou-Ying , Lin Yi-Wen , Ho Tin-Yun , Cheng Chin-Yi , Chen Chao-Hsiang , Hsieh Ching-Liang
Published: February 2017

Epileptic seizures are crucial clinical manifestations of recurrent neuronal discharges in the brain. An imbalance between the excitatory and inhibitory neuronal discharges causes brain damage and cell loss. Herbal medicines offer alternative treatment options for epilepsy because of their low cost and few side effects. We established a rat epilepsy model by injecting kainic acid (KA, 12 mg/kg, i.p.) and subsequently investigated the effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and its underlying mechanisms. Electroencephalogram and epileptic behaviors revealed that the KA injection induced epileptic seizures. Following KA injection, S100B levels increased in the hippocampus. This phenomenon was attenuated by the oral administration of UR and valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg). Both drugs significantly reversed receptor potentiation for advanced glycation end product proteins. Rats with KA‐induced epilepsy exhibited no increase in the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 3, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and chemokine receptor type 2, which play a role in inflammation. Our results provide novel and detailed mechanisms, explaining the role of UR in KA‐induced epileptic seizures in hippocampal CA1 neurons.
In Vivo Assessment of Stem Cells for Treating Neurodegenerative Disease: Current Approaches and Future Prospects
Authors: Song Byeong-Wook
Published: February 2017

In recent years, stem cell-related therapies have been widely applied for treating neurodegenerative disease. Despite their potential, stem cell tracking and imaging techniques for the evaluation of in vivo proof-of-concept (PoC) therapies have not been sufficiently represented in the research area. This review summarizes the recent approaches that have been used for tracking and imaging engrafted stem cells in vivo. Furthermore, we introduce tissue clearing technology that can be applied to develop three-dimensional in vivo experiments. Monitoring stem cell survival and migration and graft-host relationships is a useful strategy to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of regenerative medicine approaches in neurodegenerative disease.
An Extremely Rare Case of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Floating Benign Mesenchymal Mass in Abdomen
Authors: Kati Bulent , Akin Yigit , Pelit Eyyup Sabri , Yilmaz Mehmet Ogur
Published: February 2017

A 48-year-old man admitted to the urology outpatient clinic with major symptoms of right-side pain and intermittent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) such as low urine flow rate, dysuria, and frequency. Uroflowmetry showed low urine flow, and laboratory tests revealed no pathology. Ultrasound (US) showed a 7 cm calcific mass above the bladder and a kidney cyst with a diameter of 5.3 cm in the upper pole of the right kidney. Enhanced computed tomography confirmed the US findings. Laparoscopic transperitoneal renal cyst decortication was performed. There was no sign of additional tumors. An independent mass in the abdomen was diagnosed, and the mass was removed. Based on the pathology, the diagnosis was a benign mesenchymal calcific mass. This is the first report of LUTSs due to a free benign mesenchymal mass in the published literature.
Innate Lung Defense during Invasive Aspergillosis: New Mechanisms
Authors: Garth Jaleesa M. , Steele Chad
Published: February 2017

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is one of the most difficult to treat and, consequently, one of the most lethal fungal infections known to man. Continued use of immunosuppressive agents during chemotherapy and organ transplantation often leads to the development of neutropenia, the primary risk factor for IA. However, IA is also becoming more appreciated in chronic diseases associated with corticosteroid therapy. The innate immune response to Aspergillus fumigatus, the primary agent in IA, plays a pivotal role in the recognition and elimination of organisms from the pulmonary system. This review highlights recent findings about innate host defense mechanisms, including novel aspects of innate cellular immunity and pathogen recognition, and the inflammatory mediators that control infection with A. fumigatus.
Biomarkers for Hearing Dysfunction: Facts and Outlook
Authors: Rüttiger Lukas , Zimmermann Ulrike , Knipper Marlies
Published: February 2017

In medicine, biomarkers are a metric for disease state. More generally, a biomarker is anything that can be used as an indicator for a particular disease state or any physiological state of an organism. Here, we introduce functional and molecular biomarkers that are useful for categorizing defined subtypes of hearing disorder, which can help to selectively trace a particular dysfunction of the inner ear and the auditory pathway to disease.
Ultrasound Elastography in Diffuse and Focal Parotid Gland Lesions
Authors: Mansour Naglaa , Hofauer Benedikt , Knopf Andreas
Published: February 2017

In Europe, ultrasound (US) is the diagnostic gold standard for the visualisation of parotid gland disorders. While high-resolution B-mode US reliably visualises focal lesions, its diagnostic capacity to distinguish tumour entities or to characterise diffuse lesions remains poor. Strain elastography (SE) and shear wave elastography (SWE) are novel imaging techniques that provide additional information about tissue elasticity. SE analyses the strain or displacement in response to force or compression and, therefore, shows the relative tissue elasticity within a selected region of interest (ROI). Recent studies suggest that SE might be able to predict parotid gland malignancy. In SWE, push pulses generate localised displacements within an ROI that describes mechanical tissue properties expressed in absolute values. Recent studies indicate that SWE can predict tissue fibrosis in different organs. This review article highlights the current role of SE and SWE modalities in diffuse and focal changes of the parotid gland.
Fiber Connections of the Caudal Corpus Cerebelli, with Special Reference to the Intrinsic Circuitry, in a Teleost (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Imura Kosuke , Yamamoto Naoyuki , Yoshimoto Masami , Endo Masato , Funakoshi Kengo , Ito Hironobu
Published: February 2017

The caudal part of the corpus cerebelli of Nile tilapia can be divided into dorsal and ventral regions. The granule cell layer of the dorsal (dGL) and ventral (vGL) regions of the caudal corpus cerebelli is known to receive indirect inputs from the telencephalon relayed by the nucleus paracommissuralis. The descending pathways are topographically organized, and the dGL and vGL receive inputs from different dorsal telencephalic parts. The caudal corpus cerebelli, in turn, projects extracerebellar efferents. However, it remains unknown how the descending telencephalic inputs are processed within the cerebellum. Therefore, the present study investigated intrinsic connections of the caudal corpus cerebelli by injecting neural tracers into the molecular layer of dorsal and ventral regions. Injections of tracers into the ventral molecular layer resulted in labeled cells in the vGL and the ganglionic layer of the ventral corpus. The axonal trajectories from labeled cells in the ganglionic layer were analyzed in detail via single-axon reconstructions, which suggested that the terminal portions were confined to the ganglionic layer of the dorsal corpus. No labeled terminals were observed outside the caudal corpus cerebelli. Tracer applications to the dorsal molecular layer resulted in labeled cells not only in the ganglionic layer and the granule cell layer of the dorsal corpus but also in the ganglionic layer of the ventral corpus. The latter finding confirms the presence of intrinsic projections from the ventral region to the dorsal region in the caudal corpus cerebelli. We further revealed that the intrinsic projection neurons are Purkinje cells by immunohistochemistry for zebrin II (aldolase C), which is a marker of Purkinje cells, combined with tracer injections into the dorsal corpus. Unlike injections into the ventral corpus, injections into the dorsal corpus resulted in labeled terminals in extracerebellar structures, such as the nucleus of the medial longitudinal fascicle and reticular formation. The present study suggests that indirect inputs from different telencephalic parts received and processed by distinct regions of caudal corpus cerebelli are sent out of the corpus through the efferent neurons in the dorsal corpus.
Molecular Markers Involved in Tumorigenesis of Thyroid Carcinoma: Focus on Aggressive Histotypes
Authors: Penna Gustavo C. , Vaisman Fernanda , Vaisman Mario , Sobrinho-Simões Manuel , Soares Paula
Published: February 2017

Thyroid cancer derived from follicular cells (TCDFC) comprises well-differentiated (papillary and follicular) carcinoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma, and anaplastic carcinoma. Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common endocrine cancer, and its incidence is steadily increasing. Lethality and aggressiveness of TCDFC is inversely correlated with differentiation degree. In this review, an emphasis has been put on molecular markers involved in tumorigenesis of thyroid carcinoma with a focus on aggressive histotypes and the role of such biomarkers in predicting thyroid cancer outcome. Genetic rearrangements in TCDFC (RET/PTC, PAX8/PPARG) and mutations in RAS, BRAF, TERT promoter (TERTp), TP53, PIK3CA, and AKT1 are discussed. The majority of the studies to date indicate that TERTp mutations can serve as a marker of more aggressive disease in all the subtypes of thyroid carcinoma, being the best current marker of poor prognosis, due to its independent association with distant metastases and increased disease-specific mortality. Some studies suggested that a more accurate prediction of thyroid cancer outcome may be possible through a more extensive genetic analysis. The same is true concerning the identification of other mutations that are only relatively frequent in advanced tumors (e.g., TP53, PIK3CA, or AKT1). A better understanding of the prognostic role of TERTp mutation (together with additional ones like BRAF, RAS, PIK3CA, AKT1, or TP53) and the clarification of their putative role in fine-needle aspiration biopsies are likely to allow, in the future, an early refinement of the stratification risk in patients with well-differentiated carcinomas. It is worth noting that, as with any categorical staging system, the risk evaluation within each category (low, intermediate, and high) varies depending on the specific clinicopathologic features of individual patients and the specific biological behavior of the tumor. Finally, besides the diagnostic and/or prognostic significance of the above-mentioned mutations, it is crucial to understand that the molecular pathways and epigenetic alterations will likely turn into interesting targets for new therapies.
HIV-Associated Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Jensen Björn E.-O. , Oette Mark , Haes Johannes , Häussinger Dieter
Published: February 2017

People living nowadays with HIV and AIDS may be treated effectively regarding virus replication and immunology. However, non-AIDS-defining cancer is of growing relevance due to high incidence and unfavorable outcome. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoma. Although literature on GI cancer is rare, an increased incidence of esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, hepatocellular, and colorectal carcinoma has been demonstrated. However, there are only few reports on therapy strategies and outcome, so that, despite increased occurrence of many GI carcinomas, only little is known about individualized treatment options and outcome in HIV-positive patients. More efforts have to be undertaken to close this gap.
Hypoxia Pathway Mutations in Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas
Authors: Amorim-Pires Diana , Peixoto Joana , Lima Jorge
Published: February 2017

Pheochromocytomas (PCC) and sympathetic paragangliomas (PGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors, which derive from chromaffin cells occurring in the adrenal medulla and extra-adrenal sympathetic paraganglia. PCC and PGL are often benign, catecholamine-producing tumors, responsible for a myriad of symptoms that may be potentially hazardous to the patient. In contrast, nonsecreting parasympathetic PGL, derived from chief cells, develop mainly in the head and neck region. Although PCC/PGL are more commonly sporadic tumors, germline mutations are present in up to 40% of the patients, ranking these tumors among those with the highest degree of heritability. PCC/PGL are associated with a variety of hereditary syndromes, comprising genetic alterations in RET, NF1, VHL, and SDHx genes, the last 2 being involved in regulating the hypoxia pathway. Additional hypoxia pathway-related genes have been recently associated with PCC/PGL development, namely EGLN1 and EPAS1. Thus, dysregulation of the hypoxia pathway seems to play a major role in PCC/PGL development, in particular through the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factors and the appearance of a pseudohypoxia signature. This article is focused on reviewing the tumorigenic mechanisms resultant from VHL, SDHx, EGLN1, and EPAS1 mutations, as well as the associated tumors, namely PCC/PGL, and extra manifestations such as polycythemia. In the light of the recent discoveries, hypoxia pathway molecules appear as key players in PCC/PGL development.
One-Year Outcomes of 1 + pro re nata versus 3 + pro re nata Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Takayama Kei , Kaneko Hiroki , Sugita Tadasu , Maruko Ruka , Hattori Kyoko , Ra Eimei , Kawano Kenichi , Kataoka Keiko , Ito Yasuki , Terasaki Hiroko
Published: February 2017

Purpose: We compared 1-year outcomes of 1 + pro re nata (PRN) versus 3 + PRN of intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Forty-two eyes with naïve AMD received 3 + PRN IAI treatment and 47 eyes with naïve AMD received 1 + PRN IAI treatment. Visual acuity (VA), central retinal thickness (CRT), and central choroidal thickness (CCT) and number of administered IAIs during 12 months were compared. Results: VAs improved, and CRTs reduced significantly at any given month from baseline in both groups (p < 0.01, respectively). CCT reduced significantly at 3 months in the 3 + PRN group (p = 0.024) but not in the 1 + PRN group. The 1 + PRN group received fewer injections than the 3 + PRN group (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Aflibercept leads to equivalent VA and morphologic retinal improvement without administering 3 injections.
The Basilar Artery on Computed Tomography Angiography Prognostic Score for Basilar Artery Occlusion
Authors: Alemseged Fana , Shah Darshan G. , Diomedi Marina , Sallustio Fabrizio , Bivard Andrew , Sharma Gagan , Mitchell Peter J. , Dowling Richard J. , Bush Steven , Yan Bernard , Caltagirone Carlo , Floris Roberto , Parsons Mark W. , Levi Christopher R. , Davis Stephen M. , Campbell Bruce C.V.
Published: February 2017

Background and Purpose—

Basilar artery occlusion is associated with high risk of disability and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of a new radiological score: the Basilar Artery on Computed Tomography Angiography (BATMAN) score.

Methods—

A retrospective analysis of consecutive stroke patients with basilar artery occlusion diagnosed on computed tomographic angiography was performed. BATMAN score is a 10-point computed tomographic angiography–based grading system which incorporates thrombus burden and the presence of collaterals. Reliability was assessed with intraclass coefficient correlation. Good outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score of ≤3 at 3 months and successful reperfusion as thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b-3. BATMAN score was externally validated and compared with the Posterior Circulation Collateral score.

Results—

The derivation cohort included 83 patients with 41 in the validation cohort. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, BATMAN score had an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7–0.9) in derivation cohort and an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.74 (95% CI, 0.6–0.9) in validation cohort. In logistic regression adjusted for age and clinical severity, BATMAN score of <7 was associated with poor outcome in derivation cohort (odds ratio, 5.5; 95% CI, 1.4–21;
P
=0.01), in validation cohort (odds ratio, 6.9; 95% CI, 1.4–33;
P
=0.01), and in endovascular patients, after adjustment for recanalization and time to treatment (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.2–18;
P
=0.01). BATMAN score of <7 was not associated with recanalization. Interrater agreement was substantial (intraclass coefficient correlation, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.8–0.9). BATMAN score had greater accuracy compared with Posterior Circulation Collateral score (
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

The addition of collateral quality to clot burden in BATMAN score seems to improve prognostic accuracy in basilar artery occlusion patients.
Risk of Pulmonary Embolism After Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Liberman Ava L. , Merkler Alexander E. , Gialdini Gino , Messé Steven R. , Lerario Michael P. , Murthy Santosh B. , Kamel Hooman , Navi Babak B.
Published: February 2017

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) is a type of venous thromboembolism. Whether the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) after CVT is similar to the risk after deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is unknown.

Methods—

We performed a retrospective cohort study using administrative data from all emergency department visits and hospitalizations in California, New York, and Florida from 2005 to 2013. We identified patients with CVT or DVT and the outcome of PE using previously validated
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
codes. Kaplan–Meier survival statistics and Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the risk of PE after CVT versus PE after DVT.

Results—

We identified 4754 patients with CVT and 241 276 with DVT. During a mean follow-up of 3.4 (±2.4) years, 138 patients with CVT and 23 063 with DVT developed PE. CVT patients were younger, more often female, and had fewer risk factors for thromboembolism than patients with DVT. During the index hospitalization, the rate of PE was 1.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1%–1.8%) in patients with CVT and 6.6% (95% CI, 6.5%–6.7%) in patients with DVT. By 5 years, the cumulative rate of PE after CVT was 3.4% (95% CI, 2.9%–4.0%) compared with 10.9% (95% CI, 10.8%–11.0%;
P
<0.001) after DVT. CVT was associated with a lower adjusted hazard of PE than DVT (hazard ratio, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.22–0.31).

Conclusion—

The risk of PE after CVT was significantly lower than the risk after DVT. Among patients with CVT, the greatest risk for PE was during the index hospitalization.
Lectotypification of the name Alnus brembana (Betulaceae), a controversial Alpine endemic species
Authors: Ardenghi Nicola M.G. , Galasso Gabriele
Published: February 2017

Alnus brembana Rota (1853: 102, 79) (Betulaceae) was described by Italian botanist Lorenzo Rota (1819−1855) within his flora of the province of Bergamo (Rota 1853). Since its publication, the treatment of this taxon as an autonomous species did not reach a general agreement among botanists, as it was often recongnized at different taxonomic ranks, e.g. a variety or a subspecies (see e.g., Regel 1865, Parlatore 1868, Cesati et al. 1872, Arcangeli 1882, Fiori 1923, Schmidt 1996), or a synonym of A. alnobetula (Ehrhart 1783: 193) Koch (1872: 625). Some contemporary authors (Landolt 1993, 2010, Martini et al. 2012) still recognize the species as a local endemic to the southern Alps. Most current European floras and checklists  (see e.g., Ball 1964, Pignatti 1982, Greuter et al. 1984, Ball 1993, Aeschimann et al. 2004, Conti et al. 2005, Euro+Med 2006 onwards) do however list it as a synonym of A. alnobetula subsp. alnobetula or its synonym A. viridis (Chaix 1785: 70) Candolle in Candolle & Lamarck (1805: 304). Its separation from A. alnobetula is questionable, since, as stated by Landolt (1993) himself, transitional forms occur within their alleged distribution areas.
Taxonomic review of the genus Atlantodesmus Hoffman, 2000 (Polydesmida: Chelodesmidae)
Authors: BOUZAN RODRIGO SALVADOR , PENA-BARBOSA JOÃO PAULO P. , BRESCOVIT ANTONIO DOMINGOS
Published: February 2017

The chelodesmid genus Atlantodesmus Hoffman, 2000 is revised and considered a senior synonym of Iemanja Hoffman, 2000. Currently the genus contains five species, all of them are herein redescribed: Atlantodesmus eimeri (Attems, 1898), Atlantodesmus itapurensis (Schubart, 1943), Atlantodesmus pickeli (Schubart, 1946), Atlantodesmus pintoi (Schubart, 1946), and the transferred species from Iemanja, Atlantodesmus teresa (Hoffman, 2000), new combination. The female of Atlantodesmus teresa is described for the first time. Examination of the type material of Leptodesmus buecherli Schubart, 1955 revealed that this species is a junior synonym of A. itapurensis. A key to males and a distribution map of all species are included.
Importance of the Vertical Resolution in Simulating SST Diurnal and Intraseasonal Variability in an Oceanic General Circulation Model
Authors: Ge Xuyang , Wang Wanqiu , Kumar Arun , Zhang Ying
Published: February 2017

In this paper, the influence of high vertical resolution near the surface in an oceanic general circulation model in simulating the observed sea surface temperature (SST) variability is investigated. In situ observations of vertical temperature profiles are first used to quantify temperature variability with depth near the ocean surface. The analysis shows that there is a sharp vertical temperature gradient within the top 10 m of the ocean. Both diurnal and intraseasonal variabilities of the ocean temperatures are largest near the surface and decrease with the ocean depth. Numerical experiments with an oceanic general circulation model are next carried out with 1- and 10-m vertical resolutions for the upper ocean to study the dependence of the simulated SST and vertical temperature structure on the vertical resolution. It is found that the simulated diurnal and intraseasonal variabilities, as well as the associated vertical temperature gradient near the surface, are strongly influenced by the oceanic vertical resolution, with the 1-m vertical resolution producing a stronger vertical temperature gradient and temporal variability than the 10-m vertical resolution. These results suggest that a realistic representation of SST variability with a high vertical resolution in the upper ocean is required for a coupled atmosphere–ocean model to correctly simulate the observed tropical intraseasonal oscillations, including the Madden–Julian oscillation and the boreal summer monsoon intraseasonal oscillation, which are strongly linked with the underlying SST.
Initial Results of a New Composite-Weighted Algorithm for Dual-Polarized X-Band Rainfall Estimation
Authors: Thurai Merhala , Mishra Kumar Vijay , Bringi V. N. , Krajewski Witold F.
Published: February 2017

Data analyses for the mobile Iowa X-band polarimetric (XPOL) radar from a long-duration rain event that occurred during the NASA Iowa Flood Studies (IFloodS) field campaign are presented. A network of six 2D video disdrometers (2DVDs) is used to derive four rain-rate estimators for the XPOL-5 radar. The rain accumulation validations with a collocated network of twin and triple tipping-bucket rain gauges have highlighted the need for combined algorithms because no single estimator was found to be sufficient for all cases considered. A combined version of weighted and composite algorithms is introduced, including a new R(Ah, Zdr) rainfall estimator for X band, where Ah is the specific attenuation for horizontal polarization and Zdr is the differential reflectivity. Based on measurement and algorithm errors, the weights are derived to be as piecewise constant functions over reflectivity values. The weights are later turned into continuous functions using smoothing splines. A methodology to derive the weights in near–real time is proposed for the composite-weighted algorithm. Comparisons of 2-h accumulations and 8-h event totals obtained from the XPOL-5 with 12 rain gauges have shown 10%–40% improvement in normalized bias over individual rainfall estimators. The analyses have enabled the development of rain-rate estimators for the Iowa XPOL.
Emotions in performance: Poetry and preaching
Authors: Petievich Carla , Stille Max
Published: February 2017

Emotions are largely interpersonal and inextricably intertwined with communication; public performances evoke collective emotions. This article brings together considerations of poetic assemblies known as ‘mushāʿira’ in Pakistan with reflections on sermon congregations known as ‘waʿz mahfil’ in Bangladesh. The public performance spaces and protocols, decisive for building up collective emotions, exhibit many parallels between both genres. The cultural history of the mushāʿira shows how an elite cultural tradition has been popularised in service to the modern nation state. A close reading of the changing forms of reader address shows how the modern nazm genre has been deployed for exhorting the collective, much-expanded Urdu public sphere. Emphasising the sensory aspects of performance, the analysis of contemporary waʿz mahfils focuses on the employment of particular chanting techniques. These relate to both the transcultural Islamic soundsphere and Bengali narrative traditions, and are decisive for the synchronisation of listeners’ experience and a dramaticisation of the preachers’ narratives. Music-rhetorical analysis furthermore shows how the chanting can evoke heightened emotional experiences of utopian Islamic ideology. While the scrutinised performance traditions vary in their respective emphasis on poetry and narrative, they exhibit increasingly common patterns of collective reception. It seems that emotions evoked in public performances cut across ‘religious’, ‘political’, and ‘poetic’ realms—and thereby build on and build up interlinkages between religious, aesthetic and political collectives.
Feeling anger, compassion and community in popular Telugu cinema
Authors: Rajamani Imke
Published: February 2017

In 2008, actor Chiranjeevi founded the political party Praja Rajyam (People’s Rule) and carried the emotional style of the compassionate angry man from the silver screen onto the electoral platform of the South Indian state Andhra Pradesh. Although Chiranjeevi had secured his place as the most successful star of popular Telugu cinema through the genre of the mass film in the 1980s, the ‘Megastar’ failed to mobilise a majority of his fans to become his voters. The article addresses the tensions between the politics of representation on the screen and on the campaign trail by focusing on the image of Chiranjeevi as a leader figure and the feeling community that complemented his emotional style. It suggests that when the star suddenly transformed his image from an angry rebel to that of a compassionate patron, his emotional style stopped resonating with the feeling community his own films had created.
Investigating the use of concealable and disguised knives
Authors: Mahoney P F , Godhania K , Carr D J
Published: February 2017

Knife-carrying and knife crime is a significant issue in many countries. There are a number of knives available for purchase that are designed to be concealable, or that are disguised as everyday objects e.g. combs, pens and belts. In addition, an experienced knife-user will be able to conceal knives around their person. The aim of the work summarised in this paper was to study the concealment and deployment of a range of such weapons and to raise awareness of such threats to the blue-light community (police, ambulance, firefighters and other first responders); allow comment to be made on the effectiveness of various scenarios that a knife-carrier might use to carry and deploy a disguised or concealed knife; and measure the time to deployment of a disguised or concealed knife from different locations on an assailant’s body so that suitable defensive responses can be designed and assessed. High-speed video was used to assist in studying attack sequences and allowed assessment of the speed of attack; this typically varied from 0.5 seconds to 2.3 seconds.
Minimal Enteral Nutrition to Improve Adaptation After Intestinal Resection in Piglets and Infants
Authors: Aunsholt Lise , Qvist Niels , Sangild Per T. , Vegge Andreas , Stoll Barbara , Burrin Douglas G. , Jeppesen Palle Bekker , Eriksen Thomas , Husby Steffen , Thymann Thomas
Published: February 2017

Background: Minimal enteral nutrition (MEN) may induce a diet‐dependent stimulation of gut adaptation following intestinal resection. Bovine colostrum is rich in growth factors, and we hypothesized that MEN with colostrum would stimulate intestinal adaptation, compared with formula, and would be well tolerated in patients with short bowel syndrome. Methods: In experiment 1, 3‐day‐old piglets with 50% distal small intestinal resection were fed parenteral nutrition (PN, n = 10) or PN plus MEN given as either colostrum (PN‐COL, n = 5) or formula (PN‐FORM, n = 9) for 7 days. Intestinal nutrient absorption and histomorphometry were performed. In experiment 2, tolerance and feasibility of colostrum supplementation were tested in a pilot study on 5 infants who had undergone intestinal resection, and they were compared with 5 resected infants who served as controls. Results: In experiment 1, relative wet‐weight absorption and intestinal villus height were higher in PN‐COL vs PN (53% vs 23% and 362 ± 13 vs 329 ± 7 µm, P < .05). Crypt depth and tissue protein synthesis were higher in PN‐COL (233 ± 7 µm, 22%/d) and PN‐FORM (262 ± 13 µm, 22%/d) vs PN (190 ± 4 µm, 9%/d, both P < .05). In experiment 2, enteral colostrum supplementation was well tolerated, and no infants developed clinical signs of cow’s milk allergy. Conclusion: Minimal enteral nutrition feeding with bovine colostrum and formula induced similar intestinal adaptation after resection in piglets. Colostrum was well tolerated by newly resected infants, but the clinical indication for colostrum supplementation to infants subjected to intestinal resection remains to be determined.
Nutrition Deficiencies in Children With Intestinal Failure Receiving Chronic Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Namjoshi Shweta S. , Muradian Sarah , Bechtold Hannah , Reyen Laurie , Venick Robert S. , Marcus Elizabeth A. , Vargas Jorge H. , Wozniak Laura J.
Published: February 2017

Background: Home parenteral nutrition (PN) is a lifesaving therapy for children with intestinal failure (IF). Our aims were to describe the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, zinc, copper, iron, selenium) in a diverse population of children with IF receiving PN and to identify and characterize risk factors associated with micronutrient deficiencies, including hematologic abnormalities. Methods: Data were collected on 60 eligible patients through retrospective chart review between May 2012 and February 2015. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, medians, interquartile ranges (IQRs), and odds ratios (ORs). Statistical analyses included χ2, Fisher’s exact, t tests, and logistic, univariate, and multivariate regressions. Results: Patients were primarily young (median age, 3.3 years; IQR, 0.7–8.4), Latino (62%), and male (56%), with short bowel syndrome (70%). Of 60 study patients, 88% had ≥1 deficiency and 90% were anemic for age. Of 51 patients who had all 5 markers checked, 59% had multiple deficiencies (defined as ≥3). Multivariate analysis shows multiple deficiencies were associated with nonwhite race (OR, 9.4; P = .012) and higher body mass index z score (OR, 2.2; P = .016). Children with severe anemia (hemoglobin <8.5 g/dL) made up 50% of the cohort. Nonwhite race (OR, 6.6; P = .037) and zinc deficiency (OR, 11; P = .003) were multivariate predictors of severe anemia. Conclusions: Micronutrient deficiency and anemia are overwhelmingly prevalent in children with IF using chronic PN. This emphasizes the importance of universal surveillance and supplementation to potentially improve quality of life and developmental outcomes. Future research should investigate how racial disparities might contribute to nutrition outcomes for children using chronic PN.
Trajectories of problem behaviors from 4 to 23 years in former preterm infants
Authors: Scott Allie , Winchester Suzy Barcelos , Sullivan Mary C.
Published: February 2017

Premature infants have significant risk for later behavior problems. This study examined growth trajectories of three problem behaviors across five developmental age points from preschool to early adulthood in a well-characterized sample of premature infants. The effects of neonatal risk, gender, and socioeconomic context were modeled on these trajectories. The longitudinal sample was comprised of preterm infants ( N = 160) with full variation of neonatal morbidity and birth weight (640–1,950 g). Trajectories of externalizing, internalizing and attention problem behaviors from 4 to 23 years, measured by the Child Behavior Checklist, were tested using latent growth curve modeling. The results indicate individual variation in the number of externalizing and internalizing problems over time. Externalizing problems were not significantly different for males and females, but male scores were consistently higher. Neonatal risk was significantly associated with higher internalizing problems at age 4, but was not predictive at school age and beyond. Attention-problem scores increased from early preschool through adolescence for males, but females had little change over the same ages. SES was not predictive of any problem behavior trajectories and no significant two-way interactions were found. The results advance understanding of stability and change of three important problem behaviors through preschool, childhood, and adolescence to young adulthood in prematurely born infants in order to inform clinicians about timely assessment and the refinement of effective interventions.
Rapid detection of snakes modulates spatial orienting in infancy
Authors: Bertels Julie , Bayard Clémence , Floccia Caroline , Destrebecqz Arnaud
Published: February 2017

Recent evidence for an evolved fear module in the brain comes from studies showing that adults, children and infants detect evolutionarily threatening stimuli such as snakes faster than non-threatening ones. A decisive argument for a threat detection system efficient early in life would come from data showing, in young infants, a functional threat-detection mechanism in terms of “what” and “where” visual pathways. The present study used a variant of Posner’s cuing paradigm, adapted to 7–11-month-olds. On each trial, a threat-irrelevant or a threat-relevant cue was presented (a flower or a snake, i.e., “what”). We measured how fast infants detected these cues and the extent to which they further influenced the spatial allocation of attention (“where”). In line with previous findings, we observed that infants oriented faster towards snake than flower cues. Importantly, a facilitation effect was found at the cued location for flowers but not for snakes, suggesting that these latter cues elicit a broadening of attention and arguing in favour of sophisticated “what–where” connections. These results strongly support the claim that humans have an early propensity to detect evolutionarily threat-relevant stimuli.
N-butyl-2 cyanoacrylate (NBCA) embolus in the graft portal vein after portosystemic collateral embolization in liver transplantation recipient: what is the clinical significance?
Authors: Jang Hye Young , Kim Kyoung Won , Kwon Jae Hyun , Kwon Heon-Ju , Kim Bohyun , Seo Nieun , Lee Jeongjin , Song Gi-Won , Lee Sung-Gyu
Published: February 2017

Background

An N-butyl-2 cyanoacrylate (NBCA) embolus in the graft portal vein was frequently observed after an intraoperative embolization of portosystemic collaterals performed to prevent portal steal in liver transplant (LT) recipients. The radiological and clinical features of NBCA emboli have not yet been described.

Purpose

To describe radiological and clinical features of NBCA embolus in graft portal vein after portosystemic collateral embolization in LT recipients.

Material and Methods

A total of 165 consecutive LT recipients who had undergone intraoperative NBCA embolization of varix were found in single institution’s computerized databases of a clinical cohort of LT. Patients were evaluated for NBCA emboli (categorized into major and minor emboli according to location) on first postoperative computed tomography (CT). All electronic medical records and radiologic studies including follow-up was evaluated to determine any radiological and clinical abnormality associated with NBCA embolus.

Results

NBCA emboli were found in 24% (39/165) of recipients. Although most patients had minor emboli (77%, 30/39) without remarkable ultrasonography (US) abnormalities, seven (78%) of nine recipients with major emboli showed intraluminal echogenic lesions in graft portal vein on grayscale US, and five of them (71%) showed partial portal flow obstruction, although none exhibited any abnormality on contrast-enhanced US. Recipients with NBCA portal emboli showed no significant clinical abnormalities and were discharged safely. NBCA embolus eventually disappeared mostly within six months (82%, 32/39).

Conclusion

NBCA emboli are frequently observed after portosystemic collateral embolization in LT recipients and are not associated with poor clinical outcome. They may mimic ordinary thromboemboli on US.
Wrongful Acquittals of Sexual Abuse
Authors: Lyon Thomas D. , Stolzenberg Stacia N. , McWilliams Kelly
Published: February 2017

Ross Cheit’s book The Witch-Hunt Narrative highlights the difficulties of prosecuting child sexual abuse. Drawing examples from a single case, Alex A., we examine the ways in which false acquittals of sexual abuse are likely to occur. First, prosecutors tend to question children in ways that undermine their productivity and credibility. Second, prosecutors have difficulty in explaining to juries the dynamics of sexual abuse and disclosure, making children’s acquiescence to abuse and their failure to disclose when abuse first occurs incredible. Third, attorneys undermine children’s credibility by pushing them to provide difficult to estimate temporal and numerical information. A post-script to the Alex A. case illustrates the costs of wrongful acquittals.
A Response to “The Legacy of the Witch-Hunt Narrative”
Authors: Friend Colleen , Snyder Susan M.
Published: February 2017

The article provides an overview of and commentary on the last chapter of Cheit’s book, The Witch-Hunt Narrative: Politics, Psychology and the Sexual Abuse of Children. The chapter is divided into two sections called “Recent Developments” and “The Legacy of the Witch-Hunt Narrative.” We respond to the key assertions in each of those sections, providing discussion points of agreement and disagreement with Cheit, and note some areas Cheit does not cover, including important advances in the aftermath of the witch-hunt narrative (WHN). The article takes the position that there is cause for optimism with these advances in systems responses, child forensic interviewing research, and multidisciplinary team and training approaches; some of these advances are related to the WHN. The conclusion warns of the need to be vigilant about continuing Cheit’s work, we suggest this could take place in six key areas: (a) enhanced teacher training, (b) improved court responses to child sexual abuse (CSA) victims, (c) expanded use of Extended Forensic Interviews so that the complex cases (children with disabilities, children from multi problem households) might be thoroughly considered for prosecution, (d) broadened focus on CSA validation, recovery, and prevention, (e) engaged multistate research on the actual occurrence of day care CSA allegations, and (f) expanded efforts to educate the public and potential jury pools about the nuances of CSA prosecution, and the illusion of toughness in how we respond to convicted offenders. Cheit’s detailed research enables us to see where we came from, and what else needs to be done to understand the legacy of the WHN.
A Response to Articles and Commentaries on The Witch-Hunt Narrative
Authors: Cheit Ross E.
Published: February 2017

The articles and comments in this issue bear out the enduring impact of The Witchhunt Narrative. There is not sufficient space to acknowledge or respond to most of this feedback. This response corrects an error that was identified by one commenter and it responds to questions raised by another commenter about my analysis of the “Concerned Scientists” brief. This response also documents how Wood, Nathan, and others have misapplied the term ritual abuse, misstated the facts of many cases, and promoted “mythical numbers” that significantly exaggerate the number of false convictions. These critics are wrong about the only three cases they discuss in detail. The McMartin Preschool case began with credible evidence of child sexual abuse that continues to be distorted by critics. The Keller case began with even stronger medical evidence that is not diminished by the dubious and incomplete “retraction” of the Emeregency Room doctor. The Fuster case involved overwhelming evidence of abuse, medical and testimonial, that continues to be distored or overlooked by critics. Those who promote the witchhunt narrative rely on selective use of evidence to reach an apparently predetermined result. That is politics and advocacy, not scholarship. This dismissive approach to children’s testimony has caused documented harm to children.
Analysis of the effect of repair welding/grinding on the performance of railway crossings using field measurements and finite element modeling
Authors: Xin Lizuo , Markine Valeri , Shevtsov Ivan
Published: February 2017

In this paper, the effects of repair welding and grinding, which are currently the main components used in the maintenance of crossings, on the performance of crossings are analyzed. It has been observed that sometimes the welding and grinding activities that directly affect the geometry of the crossings and/or material properties can have negative effects on the performance and ultimately on the service life of the crossings. In this paper, the effect of the changes of geometry has been studied experimentally, while the effect of the changes in the material properties has been analyzed using a numerical model. When grinding the shape of the crossing nose, the resulting profile can deviate from the original one. To analyze the geometry-related effects of welding and grinding, the geometry of crossings (cross-sectional profiles) as well as the corresponding dynamic accelerations due to passing trains are measured before and after the welding and grinding activities. Based on the comparison of the measured accelerations, the performance of the measured crossings has been assessed. Also, a welding repair that is not properly performed can lead to undesirable changes in the material properties of the rails, resulting in defects in rails. The material-related effects of the welding and grinding are studied using the three-dimensional explicit finite element model wherein a wheelset moves over a railway crossing. To understand the microstructure of the welding defect and provide an input for the numerical model, the results of ultrasonic and microscopic analyses of some welded crossings are presented first. Then, a number of the numerical simulations of the crossing with the welding defect are performed to investigate the failure mechanism of the crossing. Furthermore, assessment using the fatigue model (coupled with the finite element model) that accounts for the ratcheting behavior of material by calculating a number of the load cycles to the crack initiation is performed. Finally, conclusions on the effects of changes in geometry and material of the crossings due to repair welding and grinding are given.