bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety Analysis of Freeway Segments with Random Parameters
Authors: Mulokozi Eneliko , Teng Hualiang (Harry)
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of geometric features on freeway crashes while accounting for the effect of unobserved factors likely to influence crash occurrence. The investigation was also motivated by the reality of the distribution of crashes in space not being limited to only the influence areas of the divergence and convergence segments and the weaving segments. Areas beyond the influence areas were observed to have crashes, and those areas included, data in the weaving and nonweaving segments can be clustered to quantify the variability of unobserved factors through the variance of random parameters using multilevel count models. The model results indicated that 13.9% of the variation in crash frequency was unaccounted for; this finding indicated the existence of unobserved factors influencing the occurrence of crashes. It was also revealed that weaving segments had the highest between-segment variance compared with nonweaving segments. In addition, it was revealed that more vehicles and short segments increased crash frequency while a wider right shoulder decreased crash frequency. It was also found that weaving segments decreased crash frequency compared with nonweaving segments. These results indicate that by allowing parameters to vary across segments, it is possible to capture and quantify unobserved factors. Ignoring these factors results in biased coefficients in a multilevel setting because the estimate of the standard errors will be incorrect.
Strength of the Variable
Authors: Troyer Derek , Bradbury Kate , Juliano Cindy
Published: December 2015

The AASHTO Highway Safety Manual (HSM) provides methods for departments of transportation (DOTs) and other agencies to incorporate high-quality quantitative safety analyses into project development and decision making. Taking full advantage of the HSM, however, requires states to collect and maintain more detailed and comprehensive data on their roadway systems. Moreover, given that the methods in the HSM were based on research using select state databases, full use of the HSM requires that states calibrate the models to their own databases and systems. Calibration is needed to account for differences in state reporting thresholds, terrain, driver demographics, climate, and other unique crash attributes. This paper outlines the efforts undertaken by the Ohio DOT to implement the HSM through data collection and calibration. Historically, the Ohio DOT has not collected data for all attributes included in the Part C predictive models. During the past 2 years, the Ohio DOT collected additional data elements for its roadway system, including parking, driveways, and roadway curvature. Ohio DOT staff also undertook calibration of the HSM safety performance functions (SPFs) by using the collected data, historical observed crashes, and specialized spreadsheet tools. In some cases, calibration factors could not adequately adjust the HSM models, which might have instead required the development of agency-specific SPFs. Cumulative residual plots were used to evaluate how closely calibrated SPFs predicted crash frequency compared with the observed frequency. The Ohio DOT determined that the calibration factors were currently sufficient to adjust the HSM models and that future development of Ohio-specific SPFs could be prioritized on the basis of calibration evaluations.
Validation Technique Applied to Oregon Safety Performance Function Arterial Segment Models
Authors: Dixon Karen K. , Avelar Raul E.
Published: December 2015

The Oregon Department of Transportation developed segment arterial safety performance functions (SPFs) to help quantify the safety performance of driveways located on state urban and rural arterial highways. The research team determined that the crash reporting indicating that a driveway may have been involved in the crash was not a dependable variable, so the team developed SPFs for all non-intersection-related arterial crashes (many were likely the result of vehicle interactions at driveway locations). The information included in this paper reviews the subsequent validation effort and highlights innovative techniques used for the analysis. A common validation approach is assessing model performance for spatial transferability. For this effort, however, the authors evaluated spatial transferability, spatial–temporal transferability, and individual coefficient stability and significance. These procedures were highlighted and applied to an example urban model. The model performed well with the spatial transferability resulting in statistically equivalent values. The spatial–temporal transferability provided similar values but was not statistically equivalent at the 95% level, and all but one of the model variables were determined to be statistically significant.
Premier bilan jurisprudentiel de l'autorisation délivrée sur le fondement de l'article 10 de la loi sur l'eau
Authors: Gazzaniga Jean-Louis , Larrouy-Castéra Xavier
Published: December 2015

Water is not a resource like any other and its use can no longer be left

uncontrolled or virtually inviolate, as was laid down by some legal judgements during the last century. Nowadays, it is considered necessary to protect not only water resources as such but also the aquatic ecosystem which is heavily dependent on water quantity and quality, in order to protect natural equilibria. Stricter control of uses, works and activities, through the extension of regulatory measures applicable to surface or ground water, should contribute to this objective. Indeed, they form an essential component of measures designed to secure the rational water resource management endorsed by the legislature in 1992.

In practice, however, the application ofprior authorisation procedures can prove somewhat tricky. Aside from divergences of opinion that have been expressed here and there about interpretation of the list laid down by Decree n° 93-743 of 29 March 1993, most criticism has chiefly focused on the place given to such authorisations in the decision-making process. Unfortunately, when it cornes to complex operations linked to major planning projects, the water resources inquiry is definitely relegated to second place once the project has been held to be in the public interest. This undoubtedly weakens the effectiveness of this procedure and can sometimes strip it of any purpose whatsoever.
La loi dite Verdeille à l'épreuve de la Cour européenne des droits de l'homme : coup de semonce au coup de grâce ? Commentaire de l'arrêt de la CEDH Chassagnou et autres c/ France du 29 avril 1999
Authors: Marguénaud Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2015

L'arrêt Chassagnou constate que la mise en œuvre de la loi du 10 juillet 1964 entraîne des violations du droit au respect des biens, du droit d'association négatif et du principe de non-discrimination affirmés par la CEDH et la jurisprudence européenne. L'arrêt est globalement favorable aux opposants à la chasse dont il prend indirectement mais systématiquement en compte la force des convictions éthiques ; les chasseurs y puiseront cependant un motif de réconfort puisqu'il affirme expressément que la loi dite Verdeille poursuit assurément un but d'intérêt général en cherchant à éviter une pratique anarchique de la chasse et à favoriser une gestion rationnelle du patrimoine cynégétique.

Théoriquement, l'arrêt Chassagnou fourmille d'innovations remarquables dont on peut attendre des répercussions heureuses ou malheureuses dans beaucoup d'autres domaines que le droit de la chasse.

Pratiquement il devrait, comme l'a courageusement reconnu le juge français dissident J.-P. Costa, « obliger le Gouvernement et le Parlement à remettre sur le métier l'ouvrage tissé en 1964 ». Une ambiguïté sur le point de savoir si la Cour de Strasbourg a dénoncé la discrimination qui frappe tous les petits propriétaires terriens ou seulement celle qui s'abat sur ceux d'entre eux qui sont aussi opposants à la chasse laisse cependant en suspens la question suivante : l'indispensable réforme pourra-t-elle s'en tenir à une modification de la loi Verdeille ou devra-t-elle aller jusqu'à l'abrogation ?
Réflexions sur la contribution de la Cour internationale de justice à la protection des ressources naturelles
Authors: Nouzha Christophe
Published: December 2015

Face aux menaces qui pèsent sur l'environnement de la planète, le droit international s'est développé depuis quelques décennies par le biais de traités, conventions et déclarations dont l'un des objets est de protéger les ressources naturelles. La Cour internationale de Justice, organe judiciaire principal des Nations Unies, a été amenée à étudier plusieurs principes issus de ces instruments internationaux lors d'affaires dont elle a été saisie soit par voie contentieuse, soit par voie consultative. Elle s'est ainsi penchée sur l'obligation de prévention des atteintes aux ressources naturelles, confirmant la valeur juridique du principe de prévention sans toutefois prendre position sur le principe de précaution. La Cour a également consacré des principes procéduraux tels que le principe de l'évaluation préalable des incidences d'une activité sur les ressources naturelles ainsi que le principe de coopération. Cependant, malgré d'indéniables avancées, la Cour n'a pas su ou voulu développer une jurisprudence réellement audacieuse dans le domaine de la protection des ressources naturelles.
Droit, économie, écologie et développement durable : des relations nécessairement complémentaires mais inévitablement ambiguës
Authors: Pieratti Gertrude , Prat Jean-Luc
Published: December 2015

La notion de développement durable est une notion juridique floue, ce qui explique pour partie son succès. Elle n'est définie ni en droit international, ni en droit communautaire, ni en droit interne. Sa signification doit donc être déterminée à partir des principes de base qui s'y rapportent (principe de l'équité intergénérationnelle, principe de l'usage durable, principe de l'usage équitable, principe de l'intégration) ainsi qu'à partir des instruments favorisant sa mise en œuvre (principe du pollueur-payeur, principe de précaution...). A priori, les deux éléments centraux du développement durable sont de nature économique - le développement - et de nature écologique - la durabilité. Or si les relations qu'entretiennent le droit, l'économie et l'écologie sont nécessairement complémentaires, elles sont également inévitablement ambiguës. C'est ce qu'entend démontrer cette communication. Elle se propose de vérifier que la notion de développement durable exprime une volonté équivoque de soumettre l'économie à des règles juridiques à vocation écologique. Elle se propose également de réfléchir sur les modalités opératoires permettant - ou non - de soumettre l'économie à des règles juridiques à vocation écologique. De fait, compte tenu de son caractère ambigu, la notion de développement durable peut justifier des pratiques économiques différentes, également légitimées par le droit.
Characterization and multiplexing of 21 microsatellite markers for the herb Noccaea caerulescens (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Mousset Mathilde , Flaven Elodie , Justy Fabienne , Pouzadoux Juliette , Gode Cécile , Pauwels Maxime , Gonneau Cédric
Published: December 2015

Premise of the study:

Multiplexed microsatellite markers were developed for population genetic studies in the pseudometallophyte Noccaea caerulescens (Brassicaceae), a model species to investigate metal tolerance and hyperaccumulation in higher plants.

Methods and Results:

Microsatellite loci were isolated through pyrosequencing of an enriched DNA library. Three multiplexes combining four previously published and 17 newly designed markers were developed. The new markers were screened in metallicolous and nonmetallicolous populations from southern France. The total number of alleles per locus ranged from five to 18. The observed heterozygosity per locus and per population ranged from 0 to 0.83, and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.89.

Conclusions:

The investigated loci showed reasonable to high levels of polymorphism at the regional scale. The multiplex set should be helpful in investigating genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic history in N. caerulescens at various spatial scales.
Green and energy-efficient methods for the production of metallic nanoparticles
Authors: Naghdi Mitra , Taheran Mehrdad , Brar Satinder Kaur , Verma M , Surampalli R Y , Valero J R
Published: December 2015

In the last decade, researchers paid great attention to the concept of “Green Chemistry”, which aims at development of efficient methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) in terms of the least possible impact on human life and environment. Generally, several reagents including precursors, reducing agents, stabilizing agents and solvents are used for the production of NPs and in some cases, energy is needed to reach the optimum temperature for reduction. Therefore, to develop a green approach, researchers had the opportunity to investigate eco-friendly reagents and new energy transfer techniques. In order to substitute the harmful reagents with green ones, researchers worked on different types of saccharides, polyols, carboxylic acids, polyoxometalates and extracts of various plants that can play the role of reducers, stabilizers or solvents. Also, there are some reports on using ultraviolet (UV), gamma and microwave irradiation that are capable of reducing and provide uniform heating. According to the literature, it is possible to use green reagents and novel energy transfer techniques for production of NPs. However, these new synthesis routes should be optimized in terms of performance, cost, product quality (shape and size distribution) and scale-up capability. This paper presents a review on most of the employed green reagents and new energy transfer techniques for the production of metallic NPs.
Advancing Associate Degree in Nursing-to-Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Academic Progression: The California Collaborative Model for Nursing Education
Authors: Close Liz , Orlowski Carolyn
Published: December 2015

Background:

In 2004, nurse leaders in California recognized the imminent need to increase the number and educational preparation of the state's nursing workforce. The California Collaborative Model for Nursing Education (CCMNE), a key strategy to meet this goal, was introduced in 2008.

Method:

The CCMNE set a new statewide standard for associate degree in nursing (ADN)-to-baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) progression by defining seamless academic progression parameters. The CCMNE's five core components are dual enrollment, integrated curriculum, shared faculty, BSN within 1 year of ADN conferral, and permanence and sustainability. Flexibility in operationalizing the core components accelerated the development of effective approaches systematically shared across the state to support CCMNE development and implementation.

Results:

Nearly 7% of the current California ADN student population is dually enrolled in a BSN program through 19 university-based CCMNE partnerships with 59 community colleges.

Conclusion:

The CCMNE provides ADN students early access to BSN education, which is promising for increasing the percentage of baccalaureate-educated nurses in the workforce. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(12):683–688.]
Group Empowerment in Nursing Education
Authors: Friend Mary Louanne
Published: December 2015

Background:

Nursing education is experiencing rapid changes, as nurses are expected to transform and lead health care delivery within the United States. The ability to produce exceptional graduates requires faculty who are empowered to achieve goals.

Method:

The
S
ieloff-
K
ing
A
ssessment of
G
roup
E
mpowerment Within
O
rganizations (SKAGEO) was adapted and administered online to a stratified sample of administrators and faculty in American Association of Colleges of Nursing–member schools.

Results:

Participants' scores were within high ranges in both empowerment capacity and capability; however, administrator group scores were higher. Data analyses indicated that administrator leadership competencies were associated with group empowerment.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that empowered faculty and administrator groups anticipate changing health care trends and effect student outcomes and competencies by their interventions. Also, it can be inferred that as a result of administrators' competencies, participants teach in empowered work environments where they can model ideal behaviors. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(12):689–695.]
Culture and Climate: Factors That Influence the Academic Success of African American Students in Prelicensure Nursing Education
Authors: Murray Teri A.
Published: December 2015

Background:

Despite numerous calls to diversify the nursing workforce, little progress has been made in increasing the numbers of African American graduates from prelicensure nursing programs, thus widening the diversity gap in the number of African Americans who enter the RN workforce.

Method:

An integrative literature review was conducted to determine whether, from the students' perspective, the institutional climate and culture influenced their academic success.

Results:

Themes of Alienation and Isolation, Persistent Determination, and Difficulty Seeking Help emerged as having an influence on students' academic success.

Conclusion:

On the basis of this review, professional development programs on topics such as implicit bias, microaggressions, and other unintentional and unconscious behaviors are recommended. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(12):704–707.]
Professional Presentation Skills Development in a Graduate Nursing Program
Authors: Fowler Debra L. , Jones Deborah J.
Published: December 2015

Background:

Expert communication skills are essential for nurse leaders to effectively influence health care. Because effective communication is a learned process, the curriculum should promote the development of presentation skills. An educational strategy was designed to promote the development of effective presentation skills for learners in the Nursing Leadership and Administration (NLA) track of the master's in nursing curriculum.

Method:

Sixteen learners in the NLA cohort were participants in a three-session presentation skills workshop. Following a baseline presentation, participants were taught presentation strategies and skills. Expert evaluators and learner self-assessments rated their presentation skills.

Results:

Analysis of evaluators' ratings showed statistically significant (
p
< .001) increases in learners' presentation effectiveness. Analysis of learner self-ratings showed a statistically significant (
p
= .008) increase in perceived effectiveness of overall presentation skills.

Conclusion:

This unique educational intervention improved nurse leaders' presentation skills. Faculty found that the professional presentation skill workshop was important to learners' success. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(12):708–711.]
A Question About the Safety of Buprenorphine/Naloxone and Benzodiazepine Drugs
Authors: Howland Robert H.
Published: December 2015

Drug overdose is the leading cause of injury death in the United States, and most deaths are related to prescription drugs. A substantial proportion of these deaths involve opioid or benzodiazepine drugs, and many overdoses include a combination of both drug classes. Buprenorphine/naloxone has an unusual pharmacology that distinguishes it from other opioid drugs. Animal and human studies have found that buprenorphine is associated with a ceiling to its cardio-respiratory depressant effect at higher doses, such that it may have a wider safety margin compared to other opioid drugs. Compared to buprenorphine alone, buprenorphine/naloxone is associated with less cardiorespiratory depression. Drug safety data from the National Poison Data System, Drug Abuse Warning Network, and other sources suggest that the safety of buprenorphine/naloxone is favorable compared to the morbidity and mortality associated with other opioid drugs and other classes of psychotropic drugs. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 53
(12), 11–14.]
NSAID Pretreatment Inhibits Prostaglandin Release in Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
Authors: Schultz Tim , Joachim Stephanie C. , Szuler Marek , Stellbogen Mathias , Dick H. Burkhard
Published: December 2015

PURPOSE:

To investigate whether short-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) pretreatment on the day of surgery inhibits prostaglandin release. Previous studies detected elevated prostaglandin levels after femtosecond laser treatment and identified them as a potential mediator for laser-induced miosis.

METHODS:

Patients underwent either image-guided femtosecond laser cataract surgery or conventional cataract surgery (n = 75). Half of the eyes per group received topical NSAID treatment on the day of surgery. Aqueous humor was collected from all patients. ELISA measurements were performed to detect aqueous humor prostaglandin levels.

RESULTS:

Femtosecond laser cataract surgery led to higher prostaglandin levels than conventional cataract surgery (
P
= .007). In both groups, NSAID pretreatment led to reduced prostaglandin release. In the femtosecond laser group, patients pretreated with NSAIDs had significantly lower prostaglandin values (65.3 ± 13.2 pg/mL) than patients not pretreated with NSAIDs (294.4 ± 66.5 pg/mL) (
P
= .0009).

CONCLUSIONS:

The short-term NSAID treatment prevented prostaglandin release in patients treated with image-guided femtosecond laser. Therefore, it has potential to limit intraoperative laser-induced miosis.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(12):791–794.]
Control of Induced Spherical Aberration in Moderate Hyperopic LASIK by Customizing Corneal Asphericity
Authors: Amigó Alfredo , Bonaque-González Sergio , Guerras-Valera Eduardo
Published: December 2015

PURPOSE:

To compare differences in induced aberrations and visual acuity after wavefront-optimized LASIK and aspheric-customized LASIK for the treatment of hyperopia.

METHODS:

Forty consecutive eyes underwent uneventful LASIK for treatment of moderate hyperopia (+3.82 ± 0.63 diopters [D] [+2.75; +5.125]). A standard procedure was performed in the wavefront-optimized LASIK group (n = 24), whereas a postoperative Q-factor equal to zero was scheduled in the aspheric-customized LASIK group (n = 16).

RESULTS:

At 6 months, mean spherical aberration for a 6-mm pupil diameter was −0.39 ± 0.23
µ
m (range: −0.76 to 0.01
µ
m) and Q-factor was −0.52 ± 0.22 (range: −1.00 to −0.12
µ
m) in the wavefront-optimized group and 0.04 ± 0.18
µ
m (range: −0.34 to 0.29
µ
m) and −0.04 ± 0.25 (range: −0.64 to 0.40
µ
m) in the aspheric-customized LASIK group (
P
≤ .05). All remaining outcomes showed no significant differences between groups. UDVA was 20/18.69 ± 0.15 (range: 0.80 to 1.20) in the wavefront-optimized LASIK group and 20/20 ± 0.17 (range: 0.50 to 1.20) in the aspheric-customized LASIK group. One patient in the wavefront-optimized LASIK group lost two or more lines of CDVA and no lines were lost in the aspheric-customized LASIK group.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results in this small cases series suggest that using an aspheric-customized ablation profile with a target Q-factor equal to 0 in moderate hyperopic LASIK is statistically compatible with a diminishing induced spherical aberration without altering procedural safety when the WaveLight Allegretto 400-Hz excimer laser platform (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX) is used.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(12):802–806.]
Recalcitrant Epithelial Ingrowth After SMILE Treated With a Hydrogel Ocular Sealant
Authors: Thulasi Praneetha , Kim Sang Woo , Shetty Rohit , Randleman J. Bradley
Published: December 2015

PURPOSE:

To report a case of recalcitrant epithelial ingrowth after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) treated successfully with a novel hydrogel ocular sealant.

METHODS:

Case report and literature review.

RESULTS:

A 32-year-old man who underwent small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) complicated by difficult lenticule extraction developed visually significant epithelial ingrowth. He then underwent two flap lifts and epithelial scrapings and flap edge suturing with recurrence of epithelial ingrowth despite these interventions. He subsequently underwent repeat scraping, followed by hydrogel ocular sealant placement (ReSure Sealant; Ocular Therapeutix, Inc., Bedford, MA), which prevented recurrence of epithelial ingrowth and reduced corneal haze. The patient was also found to have undiagnosed diabetes, suggesting that just as in LASIK, diabetes may be a risk factor for epithelial ingrowth after SMILE.

CONCLUSIONS:

Interface epithelial ingrowth is a potential complication after SMILE and diabetes may be a risk factor for this complication. Hydrogel ocular sealant may be effective after SMILE to prevent epithelial ingrowth into the interface.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(12):847–850.]
Punctate Hyperfluorescent Spots Associated With Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy on Indocyanine Green Angiography
Authors: Kim Hyesun , Lee Ji Hwan , Kwon Kye Yoon , Byeon Suk Ho , Lee Sung Chul , Lee Christopher Seungkyu
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate punctate hyperfluorescent spots on indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Retrospective observation case series of 88 eyes of 81 patients (63 men and 18 women) analyzing fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, ICGA, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings at baseline.

RESULTS:

Seven patients (9%) had bilateral PCV lesions. Mean age was 68.44 ± 5.94 years (range: 45 to 86 years). Macular-type PCV was found in 72 eyes (81.8%), peripapillary-type PCV in 12 eyes (13.6%), and combined-type PCV in four eyes (4.5%). Choroidal vascular hyperpermeability was observed in 38 eyes (43.2%), and punctate hyperfluorescent spots on ICGA in 47 eyes (53.4%). ICGA of unaffected fellow eyes of 74 patients with unilateral PCV revealed choroidal hyperpermeability in 23 eyes (31.1%) and punctate hyperfluorescent spots in 38 eyes (51.4%). Presence of punctate hyperfluorescent spots was significantly associated with choroidal vascular hyperpermeability (
P
< .001).

CONCLUSION:

Punctate hyperfluorescent spots were frequently observed in eyes with PCV in late-phase ICGA, as previously described in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy, which may represent leakage from punctate hyperpermeable inner choroid spots or late staining of forme fruste drusen or drusen-like subretinal pigment epithelium deposits associated with choroidal hyperpermeability.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:423–427.]
Oral Eplerenone for Treatment of Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Case Series
Authors: Salz David A. , Pitcher John D. , Hsu Jason , Regillo Carl D. , Fineman Mitchell S. , Elliott Kevin S. , Vander James F. , Fischer David H. , Spirn Marc J.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effect of oral eplerenone on subretinal fluid, visual acuity, and choroidal thickness in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Retrospective review of all patients (14 eyes of 14 patients) monitored for a minimum of 3 months with chronic CSCR who were treated with oral eplerenone in a single multi-physician retina practice. Visual acuity, dilated funduscopic examination, and spectral-domain ocular coherence tomography (OCT) with enhanced depth imaging (EDI) were obtained at each visit. Measurement of subfoveal fluid (SFF) height and choroidal thickness were performed. Two-tailed paired
t
test was used to calculate statistical significance of pre- and post-treatment variables.

RESULTS:

At 1 month, 10 of 14 eyes had decreased SFF height on OCT and two eyes had complete resolution of SFF. Mean SFF height decreased from 13 0µm to 62 µm (
P
= .05). Mean choroidal thickness decreased from 315 µm to 282 µm (
P
= .07). Mean visual acuity improved from logMAR 0.41 to 0.40. At 3 months, 13 of 14 (93%) had decreased SFF on OCT, and nine eyes (64%) had complete resolution of SFF. Mean SFF height decreased to 21 µm (
P
= .004). Mean choroidal thickness decreased to 253 µm (
P
= .10). Mean visual acuity improved to logMAR 0.28 (
P
= .02).

CONCLUSION:

Oral eplerenone may be effective in treating patients with chronic CSCR.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:439–444.]
Intravenous Catheter-Assisted Scleral Fixation of an Intraocular Lens in Eyes Without Adequate Capsular Support
Authors: Benevento Joseph , Song Jane , Tongbai Ron
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Sutureless scleral fixation is an effective technique for placement of a secondary intraocular lens. The authors propose a modification that may simplify intraoperative technical challenges.

STUDY DESIGN:

Description of surgical technique.

RESULTS:

Successful placement of stable secondary intraocular lens.

CONCLUSION:

This modified technique has the potential to reduce intraoperative complications. Studies including more patients with longer follow-up are needed to test the viability.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:475–476.]
Self-Induced Laser Maculopathy in an Adolescent Boy Utilizing a Mirror
Authors: Weng Christina Y. , Baumal Caroline R. , Albini Thomas A. , Berrocal Audina M.
Published: December 2015

Laser maculopathy is a rare complication that can occur when a beam of laser light is focused directly on the macula. This report describes the first published case of self-induced laser pointer maculopathy that was secondary to laser beam reflection from a mirror. The patient demonstrated both visual and anatomic recovery during the follow-up period. In addition, the issue of discrepancy between the labeled and actual power of laser pointers is addressed.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:485–488.]
Oswaldo Costa, Antropofagia, y la crítica caníbal de la modernidad colonial
Authors: Jáuregui Carlos A.
Published: December 2015

Oswaldo Costa was a key member of the Brazilian modernist Antropofagia (Anthropophagy) movement of the late 1920s, yet he has been largely forgotten by critics and marginalized from national cultural history. Costa articulated —as no other member of the movement did, including his famous leader Oswald de Andrade— an Antropofagia intellectually engaged in what we call a cannibal critique of colonial modernity and Occidentalism. Costa’s Antropofagia cannibalized the historical archive, reading against the grain of a triumphant Western imperial history. Throughout his contributions to the Revista de Antropofagia, he questioned Brazil’s cultural allegiance to Europe, pointed out the existence of asynchronous temporalities within Brazil, and defied Eurocentric notions of civilization and progress that ideologically structure Brazilian nationalism in the ninetieth and twentieth centuries. He also enacted an anthropophagous re-reading of Brazilian historiography against its celebration of colonialism and proposed the necessity of a cultural decolonization. This article analyzes Costa’s principal contributions to Antropofagia and rescues his hitherto overlooked countercolonial thought from the oblivion of collective forgetting. Moreover, it examines Costa’s significant view of Brazilian modernity as a perfidious armistice with other barbarous temporalities, and of the Westernization of Brazil as a deceptive appearance that hides ever-present colonial antagonisms.
Target Madrid: plans for occupation and design of public order during the Spanish Civil War
Authors: Pérez-Olivares García Alejandro
Published: December 2015

This article looks at Spanish Civil War and violence in those days from a different point of view. On the one hand, I try to explain the military coup of July 1936 as a reaction against the experience of Modernity in the spanish cities, focusing on Madrid. On the other, I try to go in depth into the functional logic of violence instead of the hegemonic historiographical proposals. It is necessary to explain the sequence 2nd Republic-Coup-War in the mid-long range to understand the significance of Francoist Public Order model. Using the occupation plan for Madrid by Franco’s Headquarters and Servicio de Recuperación de Documentos paperwork, this article attempts to get the Dictatorship’s view about public space and sociocultural transformations in the early decades of XXth Century.
Linen, Silver, Slaves, and Coffee: A Spatial Approach to Central Europe’s Entanglements with the Atlantic Economy
Authors: Weber Klaus
Published: December 2015

In German scholarship of the post-war period, the category of space was regarded as discredited, because of its abuse during the Nazi period. This applies in particular to the 1970s and 80s, when novel approaches in social and economic history were developed. Research on proto-industrialisation, broadly examining its internal structures, did not take into account the export orientation of Central Europe’s early modern commodity production. At the same time, the expanding research on Europe’s Atlantic empires, including the trans-Atlantic slave trade, did hardly take notice of the manufactures from the Holy Roman Empire, distributed all around the Atlantic basin. This paper examines those conditions favouring German proto-industries which are relevant for a ‘spatial approach’ to the phenomenon. It also covers the late medieval beginnings of this process, in order to demonstrate the continuity of Central Europe’s entanglement with the Atlantic world. The paper further emphasises that any future research using spatial categories must be aware of the ideological contamination of the German term ‘Raum’ during the 19th and 20th century. The interlace of economic and social history with historiography demands a compilation from current and older research literature, some of it on different regions and subjects
‘Spanish Atlanteans’: Crisis of Empire and reconstruction of Spanish Monarchy (1672-1740)
Authors: Fernández Albaladejo Pablo
Published: December 2015

As a result of a internal crisis, the Spanish Monarchy underwent a process of redefinition between the end of the seventeenth century and the decade of the 1740s. By synthesizing traditional Spanish historiography with the insights of an incipient brand of European modernity, Spanish authors crafted a peculiar account of the “unknown past” of their body politic. The Spanish atlántidas rose to become creators of a great empire and protagonists in the founding of European culture. A new national imaginary emerged that legitimized the task of redefinition. With variations, this concern with origins dominated Spain’s introspection in the eighteenth century.
Les Villes imaginaires de Préfète Duffaut
Authors: Legagneur Jean-Herald
Published: December 2015

Cet article se propose de montrer comment Préfète Duffaut s’est distingué parmi les peintres naïfs haïtiens. Alors même qu’il se situe au même plan que ses homologues en matière de visées esthétiques et de préoccupations idéologiques, il semble vouloir aller plus loin qu'eux en proposant ses Villes imaginaires (socle de son écriture picturale) comme solution au problème de chaos urbanistique dont souffre Haïti. Il s'agit de déterminer les rouages de cet urbanisme imaginaire et de faire ressortir les éléments qui se trouvent aux soubassements de l'esthétique qu'il entend dégager.
Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Promote Th Polarization, whereas Conventional Dendritic Cells Promote Th Proliferation
Authors: Chow Kevin V. , Lew Andrew M. , Sutherland Robyn M. , Zhan Yifan
Published: December 2015

Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) dramatically increase in numbers upon infection and inflammation; accordingly, we found that this also occurs during allogeneic responses. Despite their prominence, how emergent moDCs and resident conventional DCs (cDCs) divide their labor as APCs remain undefined. Hence, we compared both direct and indirect presentation by murine moDCs versus cDCs. We found that, despite having equivalent MHC class II expression and in vitro survival, moDCs were 20-fold less efficient than cDCs at inducing CD4+ T cell proliferation through both direct and indirect Ag presentation. Despite this, moDCs were more potent at inducing Th1 and Th17 differentiation (e.g., 8-fold higher IFN-γ and 2-fold higher IL-17A in T cell cocultures), whereas cDCs induced 10-fold higher IL-2 production. Intriguingly, moDCs potently reduced the ability of cDCs to stimulate T cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, partially through NO production. We surmise that such division of labor between moDCs and cDCs has implications for their respective roles in the immune response.
Reliability analysis of GEM® Premier™ technology: a multicenter study
Authors: Faggiano Francesco , Franchin Tiziana , Ritrovato Matteo , Derrico Pietro
Published: December 2015

This paper describes how specific blood gas analyzer characteristics can support the emerging clinical and organizational user’s needs while ensuring patient safety. A oneyear data set from two Italian hospitals was analyzed from 10 different blood gas analyzers. Performance measurements in terms of mean down time (MDT) were calculated to show how technical characteristics declared by the manufacturer compare to the analyzer availability in real clinical settings. Results show a high level of reliability for the analyzed technology, associated with very low MDT of each sensor integrated in the cartridge. Moreover, results show a high level of efficiency in cartridge usage. Such results are consistent with the specification of the GEM® Premier™ maintenance- free technology and are particularly relevant in the point-of-care testing setting.
Nurses and advanced airway management: the experience of the Piacenza ambulance service
Authors: Mozzarelli Fabio , Vigevani Kezia , Nani Stefano , Vercelli Andrea , Rossi Enrica
Published: December 2015

The study examined the intubation manoeuvres performed by Piacenza local health authority ambulance service nurses in patients with sudden cardiac arrest of nontraumatic origin. The study has a retrospective observational design and analyzes all the intubation manoeuvres performed by ambulance service nurses in patients with non-traumatic cardiac arrest between January 2010 and December 2013. The success of the procedure with subglottic tubes was 97.7% (P>0.60), while it was 100% (P>0.50) with supraglottic devices. The success rate of the procedures is encouraging and the statistical analysis showed that there are no significant differences between literature data and the experience of Piacenza ambulance system crews. An increase in the use of supraglottic devices was also observed. The results show that the Piacenza ambulance service nursing staff has a good level of skills and competence in advanced airway management. A future development of this ability could involve intubation also in situations other than cardiac arrest using specific medication.
Acute heart failure in an adult with unrecognized congenital heart disease
Authors: Correale Michele , Lopizzo Agostino , Santoro Francesco , Ruggero Antonio , Cuculo Andrea , Leva Riccardo , Di Biase Matteo
Published: December 2015

We report a case of 46 year-old man, admitted to our Department for a possible massive pulmonary embolism. Instead, diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot was established by echocardiography and cardiac catetherization.
From myocardium to the atherosclerotic plaque: new perspectives in cardiologic imaging
Authors: Gargiulo Paola , D’Amore Carmen , Dellegrottaglie Santo , Leosco Dario , Rengo Giuseppe , Musella Francesca , Pirozzi Elisabetta , Mosca Susanna , Casaretti Laura , Formisano Roberto , Bologna Ada , Parente Antonio , Conte Sirio , Perrone-Filardi Pasquale
Published: December 2015

Molecular imaging is an innovative and promising approach in cardiology for functional characterization of atherosclerosis. Nuclear, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging have been used for assessment of atherosclerosis of large and small arteries in several clinical and experimental studies. Positron Emission Tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose can measure metabolic activity and vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques, identifying individuals at risk of future cardiovascular events. Magnetic resonance imaging can quantify carotid artery inflammation using iron oxide nanoparticles as contrast agent. In addition, macrophage accumulation of iron particles in atherosclerotic plaques may allow monitoring of inflammation during drug therapy, whereas contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging may detect plaque neovascularization. Currently, technical factors, including cardiac and diaphragmatic motion and small size of coronary vessels, limit routine application of these techniques for coronary imaging. Purpose of this review is to describe state of the art and potential areas of clinical applications of molecular imaging of atherosclerosis.
An atypical assessment of Ebstein’s anomaly in an 86-year-old man
Authors: D’Andrea Antonello , Scognamiglio Giancarlo , Giordano Franco , Cuomo Sergio , Russo Maria Giovanna , Rinaldi Genny , Calabrò Raffaele
Published: December 2015

We present the echocardiographic analysis of an 86- year-old man affected by Ebstein’s anomaly. In the natural history of this congenital disease only 5% of patients survive beyond the fifth decade. The patient presented severe right atrial dilatation and right heart failure, and he was referred to our institution for supraventricular tachycardia.
Breast Volume Asymmetry Value, Ratio, and Cancer Risk
Authors: Kayar Ragip , Çilengiroğlu Özgül V.
Published: December 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the criteria for determining the cancer risk of the breast asymmetry by comparing breast volume asymmetry levels between healthy women and women with cancer.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and one women with breast cancer (group 1) were compared with 446 healthy women (group 2) who had no pathologic findings in breast sonography and mammograpy repeated with one-year interval. Data were evaluated retrospectively. Each breast volume was measured twice by Grossman-Roudner Discs. The mean value has been recorded. The amounts of volume difference between two breasts (asymmetry value) and the rates of the volume difference to the breast volume of the smaller side (asymmetry ratio) were compared in both groups.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference between two groups with regard to average age and body mass index ( P < 0.01). This significance was decreased but not disappeared, when the comparison was made within the 40–69 age group ( P > 0.01). The rate of cases with asymmetry value over 50 mL was significantly higher in the cancer group ( P = 0.029). Unfortunately, it disappeared in the 40–69 age group ( P = 0.201). The breast volume asymmetry ratio over 20% was significantly higher in the cancer group both in all ages and in the 40–69 age group ( P < 0.01). Odds ratio was 2.18 in the entire (all) series and 2.01 in the 40–69 age group. Moreover, there was no significant difference with regard to the rate of tumor location between the smaller or larger side of breast.

Conclusion

Our data show that there is a positive correlation between breast asymmetry ratio over 20% and breast cancer risk. These results need to be confirmed by prospective randomized controlled trials.
The Impact of Age and Sex in DLBCL: Systems Biology Analyses Identify Distinct Molecular Changes and Signaling Networks
Authors: Beheshti Afshin , Neuberg Donna , Mcdonald J. Tyson , Vanderburg Charles R. , Evens Andrew M.
Published: December 2015

Potential molecular alterations based on age and sex are not well defined in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We examined global transcriptome DLBCL data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) via a systems biology approach to determine the molecular differences associated with age and sex. Collectively, sex and age revealed striking transcriptional differences with older age associated with decreased metabolism and telomere functions and female sex was associated with decreased interferon signaling, transcription, cell cycle, and PD-1 signaling. We discovered that the key genes for most groups strongly regulated immune function activity. Furthermore, older females were predicted to have less DLBCL progression versus older males and young females. Finally, analyses in systems biology revealed that JUN and CYCS signaling were the most critical factors associated with tumor progression in older and male patients. We identified important molecular perturbations in DLBCL that were strongly associated with age and sex and were predicted to strongly influence tumor progression.
Sustained Decrease of Early-Phase Insulin Secretion in Japanese Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus who Developed Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Impaired Fasting Glucose Postpartum
Authors: Katayama Hiroko , Tachibana Daisuke , Hamuro Akihiro , Misugi Takuya , Motoyama Koka , Morioka Tomoaki , Fukumoto Shinya , Emoto Masanori , Inaba Masaaki , Koyama Masayasu
Published: December 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare glucose intolerance in the antenatal and the postpartum periods using a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in the Japanese women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) using a retrospective design.

Patients and Methods

Data were obtained from 85 Japanese women with GDM who delivered from April 2011 through April 2015 and who underwent an OGTT 6–14 weeks postpartum. The women were divided into two groups based on the results of the postpartum OGTT: one group with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and the other with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) as well as impaired fasting glucose (IFG). We analyzed the associations between postpartum IGT–IFG and various factors.

Results

Antenatally, a significant difference was observed between the groups only in the 1-hour plasma glucose level of the 75-g OGTT. Postpartum results of plasma glucose level were significantly higher at 0.5, 1, and 2 hours in the IGT–IFG group than those in the NGT group. Moreover, a significant decrease in the levels of 0.5-hour immunoreactive insulin and insulinogenic index was observed in the IGT–IFG group compared to those in the NGT group. Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance and homeostasis model assessment β-cell function of both groups were found to significantly decrease in the postpartum period; however, there was no significant change in the insulinogenic index of either group.

Conclusions

Our study clearly showed that the postpartum IGT and IFG levels of Japanese women with GDM are affected by impaired early-phase insulin secretion; however, insulin resistance promptly improves.