bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thrombi in all four cardiac chambers in a patient with an old anteroseptal myocardial infarction and atrial flutter
Authors: Ida Hanae , Hirata Kazuhito , Takahashi Takanori , Hirosawa Takanobu
Published: November 2014

Cases with thrombi in multiple cardiac chambers are rare. We report an extremely rare case in which thrombi were formed in all four cardiac chambers at the same time. A 55-year-old man presented with biventricular failure and liver dysfunction. A 12-lead ECG and an echocardiogram revealed an old anteroseptal myocardial infarction with aneurysm formation and atrial flutter. A transesophageal echocardiogram and a CT of the chest revealed thrombi in the right and left atrial appendage, right ventricular apex and left ventricular aneurysm. Pulmonary emboli were also identified. Stasis of the blood due to ventricular dysfunction and atrial flutter was considered to be responsible. The patient died of multiorgan failure due to circulatory failure.
Unified Analysis with Mixed Finite Element Formulation for Acoustic-Porous-Structure Multiphysics System
Authors: Yoon Gil Ho
Published: November 2014

This research aims to develop a novel unified analysis method for an acoustic-porous-structure multiphysics interaction system when the porous medium is modeled by the empirical Delany–Bazley formulation. Multiphysics analysis of acoustic structure interaction is commonly performed by solving the linear elasticity and Helmholtz equations separately and enforcing a mutual coupling boundary condition. If the pressure attenuation from a porous material is additionally considered, the multiphysics analysis becomes highly intricate, because three different media (acoustic, porous, and elastic structures) with different governing equations and interaction boundary conditions should be properly formulated. To overcome this difficulty, this paper proposes the application of a novel mixed formulation to consider the mutual coupling effects among the acoustic, fibrous (porous), and elastic structure media. By combining the mixed finite element formulation with the Delany–Bazley formulation, a multiphysics simulation of sound propagation considering the coupling effects among the three media can be easily conducted. To show the validity of the present unified approach, several benchmark problems are considered.
Schreier's extension theory for Lie rings
Authors: Fouladi S. , Jamali A. R. , Orfi R.
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this paper is to develop an analogue to the theory of group extensions for Lie rings. Factor triple of a pair of Lie rings (L, A) is defined and used to construct extensions of A by L. This leads to Schreier's theorem for Lie rings. We also use the notion of factor triples to define the second cohomology group of (L, A) in the case where A is abelian and L acts on A.
The spectrum subgraph of the annihilating-ideal graph of a commutative ring
Authors: Taheri R. , Behboodi M. , Tehranian A.
Published: November 2014

In this paper we introduce and study the spectrum graph of a commutative ring R, denoted by 𝔸𝔾s(R), that is, the graph whose vertices are all non-zero prime ideals of R with non-zero annihilator and two distinct vertices P1, P2 are adjacent if and only if P1P2 = (0). This is an induced subgraph of the annihilating-ideal graph 𝔸𝔾(R) of R. Among other results, we present the structures of all graphs which can be realized as the spectrum graph of a commutative ring. Then we show that for a non-domain Noetherian ring R, 𝔸𝔾s(R), is a connected graph if and only if 𝔸𝔾s(R) is a star graph if and only if 𝔸𝔾s(R) ≅ K1, K2 or K1,∞, where Kn is a complete graph with n vertices and K1,∞ is a star graph with infinite vertices. Also, we completely characterize the spectrum graphs of Artinian rings. Finally, as an application, we present some relationships between the annihilating-ideal graph and its spectrum subgraph.
Endo-principally quasi-Baer modules
Authors: Amirzadeh Dana P. , Moussavi A.
Published: November 2014

Analogous to left p.q.-Baer property of a ring [G. F. Birkenmeier, J. Y. Kim and J. K. Park, Principally quasi-Baer rings, Comm. Algebra29 (2001) 639–660], we say a right R-module M is endo-principallyquasi-Baer (or simply, endo-p.q.-Baer) if for every m ∈ M, lS(Sm) = Se for some e2= e ∈ S = EndR(M). It is shown that every direct summand of an endo-p.q.-Baer module inherits the property that any projective (free) module over a left p.q.-Baer ring is an endo-p.q.-Baer module. In particular, the endomorphism ring of every infinitely generated free right R-module is a left (or right) p.q.-Baer ring if and only if R is quasi-Baer. Furthermore, every principally right ℱℐ-extending right ℱℐ-𝒦-nonsingular ring is left p.q.-Baer and every left p.q.-Baer right ℱℐ-𝒦-cononsingular ring is principally right ℱℐ-extending.
SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS AS A NEW METHODOLOGICAL TOOL TO UNDERSTAND UNIVERSITY–INDUSTRY COOPERATION
Authors: PINHEIRO MIGUEL LINHARES , LUCAS CÂNDIDA , PINHO JOSÉ CARLOS
Published: November 2014

Purpose: This work tests the use of social network analysis (SNA) as a new methodological approach to better understand university–industry (U–I) relationships in the context of research and development (R&D) cooperation networks for innovation.

Methodology: Following a thorough review of the literature on U–I links from the last two decades, focusing on methodologies, SNA was applied to data on work relationships, obtained through a survey of the participants from University and Industry, engaged on a FP7 project.

Findings: SNA is suggested as a useful and relevant tool to understand and examine U–I R&D cooperation at both personal and organizational levels. In support of this statement, several examples and an empirical illustration are provided. The assessment of the processes underlying the establishment and maintenance of U–I relationships within R&D cooperation with SNA suggested that interpersonal relationships are crucial for the establishment of successful cooperative activities. Unlike other tools, SNA allows the recognition of preferential relationships between institutions, and reveals asymmetries from within the U–I R&D network.

Originality/value: This paper addresses the interactional dynamics embedded in U–I links. Most studies regarding U–I links focus on describing the downstream processes associated with technology transfer and commercialization. This study applies SNA to understand the ex ante establishment and maintenance of U–I relationships within R&D cooperation. The high volatility of these relationships, in view of the importance of the expected outcomes, justifies the need to understand the fundamentals of successful cooperation.
Origins of Plant Diversity in the California Floristic Province
Authors: Baldwin Bruce G.
Published: November 2014

Recent biogeographic and evolutionary studies have led to improved understanding of the origins of exceptionally high plant diversity in the California Floristic Province (CA-FP). Spatial analyses of Californian plant diversity and endemism reinforce the importance of geographically isolated areas of high topographic and edaphic complexity as floristic hot spots, in which the relative influence of factors promoting evolutionary divergence and buffering of lineages against extinction has gained increased attention. Molecular phylogenetic studies spanning the flora indicate that immediate sources of CA-FP lineages bearing endemic species diversity have been mostly within North America—especially within the west and southwest—even for groups of north temperate affinity, and that most diversification of extant lineages in the CA-FP has occurred since the mid-Miocene, with the transition toward summer-drying. Process-focused studies continue to implicate environmental heterogeneity at local or broad geographic scales in evolutionary divergence within the CA-FP, often associated with reproductive or life-history shifts or sometimes hybridization.
Correlates and Consequences of Opioid Misuse among High-Risk Young Adults
Authors: Schrager Sheree M. , Kecojevic Aleksandar , Silva Karol , Jackson Bloom Jennifer , Iverson Ellen , Lankenau Stephen E.
Published: November 2014

Background. Prescription opioids are the most frequently misused class of prescription drug among young adults aged 18–25, yet trajectories of opioid misuse and escalation are understudied. We sought to model opioid misuse patterns and relationships between opioid misuse, sociodemographic factors, and other substance uses.Methods. Participants were 575 young adults age 16–25 who had misused opioids in the last 90 days. Latent class analysis was performed with models based on years of misuse, recency of misuse, and alternate modes of administration within the past 12 months, 3 months, and 30 days.Results. Four latent classes emerged that were differentially associated with heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine use, tranquilizer misuse, daily opioid misuse, and opioid withdrawal. Alternate modes of administering opioids were associated with increased risk for these outcomes. Sociodemographic factors, homelessness, prescription history, and history of parental drug use were significantly associated with riskier opioid misuse trajectories.Conclusion. Young adults who reported more debilitating experiences as children and adolescents misused opioids longer and engaged in higher risk alternate modes of administering opioids. Data on decisions both to use and to alter a drug’s form can be combined to describe patterns of misuse over time and predict important risk behaviors.
A Study on the Effect of the Boron Potential on the Mechanical Properties of the Borided Layers Obtained by Boron Diffusion at the Surface of AISI 316L Steel
Authors: Hernández-Sánchez E. , Domínguez-Galicia Y. M. , Orozco-Álvarez C. , Carrera-Espinoza R. , Herrera-Hernández H. , Velázquez J. C.
Published: November 2014

The effect of the boron potential on the thickness and the mechanical properties of borided layers was evaluated. The boron potential was established by means of the available atoms of boron contained in a control volume inside a cylinder. The cylinders were manufactured from AISI 316L steel, and the boriding treatment was performed using the powder pack technique at a temperature of 1273 K over an exposure time of 6 h. Four different internal diameters of the cylinders were evaluated (3.17, 4.76, 6.35, and 7.93 mm). The mechanical properties were evaluated using the Berkovich instrumented indentation technique. The results showed a clear influence of the boron potential on the mechanical properties of the layers. The hardness of the layers was stablished in the range of 16.22 to 21.16 GPa. Young’s modulus values were stablished in the range of 255.96 to 341.37 GPa. Also the fracture toughness and brittleness of the layers reflected the influence of the boron potential supplied during the boriding process. Finally, the influence of the boron potential on the constant of parabolic growth (K) was also established as a function of the inner diameter of the cylinders.
Decreasing the Value of Specified Cost Function by Adaptive Controller Based on Modified ACLF for a Class of Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Okano Keizo , Hagino Kojiro , Oya Hidetoshi
Published: November 2014

A new nonlinear adaptive control law for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems is proposed. The proposed control law is designed by a modified adaptive control Lyapunov function (ACLF) which satisfies a Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation. The modified ACLF is derived from transformation of an ACLF. The proposed control law is different from the inverse optimal one in decreasing the value of a cost function specified by a designer. In this paper, we show a transformation coefficient for an ACLF and a design method of a nonlinear adaptive controller. Finally, it is shown by a numerical simulation that the proposed control law decreases the value of a given cost function and achieves the desirable trajectory.
Calcific Tendonitis of the Longus Colli Muscle: A Noninfectious Cause of Retropharyngeal Fluid Collection
Authors: Rahmanian Ronak , Diamond Chris
Published: November 2014

Calcific tendonitis of the longus colli (CTLC) muscle is an underrecognized cause of spontaneous acute or subacute neck pain, dysphagia, or odynophagia. Imaging may reveal a retropharyngeal fluid collection leading to the presumed diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess. Recognition of this uncommon presentation is important to prevent unnecessary surgical incision and drainage. A 44-year-old otherwise healthy male presented with a 2-week history of progressive neck pain, stiffness, and odynophagia. A noncontrast CT scan of the cervical spine revealed a retropharyngeal fluid collection with a small area of calcification anterior to C2. There was a presumed diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess. The patient was afebrile with normal vital signs. Flexible nasolaryngoscopy was unremarkable. C-reactive protein was elevated but all other bloodwork was normal with no evidence of an infective process. A CT scan was repeated with IV contrast showing no enhancement around the fluid collection. A diagnosis of CTLC was made. The patient was successfully managed with a short course of intravenous steroids and oral NSAIDs with complete resolution of symptoms. Clinically CTLC can mimic more serious disease processes. Identifying pathognomonic imaging findings often confirms the diagnosis. Awareness of this condition by the otolaryngologist will ensure proper patient management and avoidance of unnecessary procedures.
Laparoscopic Nephrectomy,Ex VivoPartial Nephrectomy, and Autotransplantation for the Treatment of Complex Renal Masses
Authors: Nayak Jasmir Gopal , Koulack Joshua , McGregor Thomas Brian
Published: November 2014

In the contemporary era of minimally invasive surgery, very few T1/T2 renal lesions are not amenable to nephron-sparing surgery. However, centrally located lesions continue to pose a clinical dilemma. We sought to describe our local experience with three cases of laparoscopic nephrectomy,ex vivopartial nephrectomy, and autotransplantation. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy was performed followed by immediate renal cooling and perfusion with isotonic solution. Back-table partial nephrectomy, renorrhaphy, and autotransplantation were then performed. Mean warm ischemia (WIT) and cold ischemic times (CIT) were 2 and 39 minutes, respectively. Average blood loss was 267 mL. All patients preserved their renal function postoperatively. Final pathology confirmed pT1, clear cell renal cell carcinoma with negative margins in all. All are disease free at up to 39 months follow-up with stable renal function. In conclusion, the described approach remains a viable option for the treatment of complex renal masses preserving oncological control and renal function.
Dyeing of Polyester and Polyamide Synthetic Fabrics with Natural Dyes Using Ecofriendly Technique
Authors: Elnagar Khaled , Abou Elmaaty Tarek , Raouf Sally
Published: November 2014

This work presents an ecofriendly method for dyeing synthetic fabrics with natural dyes using UV/ozone pretreatment to activate fiber and improve dyeability of polyester and nylon. Fabrics are pretreated with UV/ozone for different periods of time ranged from 5 min to 120 min. Effect of pretreatment on surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mechanical behavior was studied by testing tensile strength and elongation percentage. Chemical modification of the surface was studied using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (ATR-FTIR). Dyeability of the treated samples was investigated in terms of their colour strength expressed as K/s in addition to fastness to washing and light. This research showed the increment of the affinity of the studied synthetic fabrics towards curcumin and saffron natural dyes using ecofriendly technique.
Preparation and Characterization of Cetyl Trimethylammonium Intercalated Sericite
Authors: Ding Hao , Wang Yuebo , Liang Yu , Qin Faxiang
Published: November 2014

Intercalated sericite was prepared by intercalation of cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) into activated sericite through ion exchange with the following two steps: the activation of sericite by thermal modification, acid activation and sodium modification; the ion exchange intercalation of CTA+into activated sericite. Effects of reaction time, reaction temperature, CTAB quantity, kinds of medium, and aqueous pH on the intercalation of activated sericite were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicated that the CTA+entered sericite interlayers and anchored in the aluminosilicate interlayers through strong electrostatic attraction. The arrangement of CTA+in sericite interlayers was that alkyl chain of CTA+mainly tilted at an angle about 60° (paraffin-type bilayer) and 38° (paraffin-type monolayer) with aluminosilicate layers. The largest interlayer space was enlarged from 0.9 nm to 5.2 nm. The intercalated sericite could be used as an excellent layer silicate to prepare clay-polymer nanocomposites.
Rescue ALPPS: Intraoperative Conversion to ALPPS during Synchronous Resection of Rectal Cancer and Liver Metastasis
Authors: Jackson Terence , Siegel Kelly A. , Siegel Christopher T.
Published: November 2014

Future liver remnant (FLR) is the most important deciding factor in planning for liver resection. Portal vein embolization (PVE) was first introduced in the 1980s to induce liver hypertrophy, enabling removal of multiple/bilobar tumors. PVE was later combined with sequential hepatectomies with the aim of allowing the liver remnant to hypertrophy (15–20%) between procedures. However, the interval between the two procedures (3–8 weeks) put patients at risk for disease progression. With portal vein ligation alone or when combined with sequential hepatectomy, there is also a risk for inadequate liver hypertrophy because of intrahepatic portal collaterals leading to a high (19–30%) dropout rate. The ALPPS procedure (associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy) was recently developed as a feasible means to perform extensive/bilobar liver resections. It produces rapid, enormous hypertrophy of the remnant, making previously unresectable lesions resectable. Indications for ALPPS include any extensive liver resection with inadequate FLR. Here we present a novel indication for ALPPS as a rescue when inadequate FLR was faced intraoperatively, during a simultaneous resection of rectal primary and liver metastasis.
Coapplication of Lidocaine and Membrane-Impermeable Lidocaine Derivative QX-222 Produces Divergent Effects on Evoked and Spontaneous Nociceptive Behaviors in Mice
Authors: Hu Si-Ping , Zhao Jing-Jing , Wang Wei-Xing , Liu Yang , Wu He-Fen , Chen Chao , Yu Liang , Gui Jing-Bing
Published: November 2014

The present study was aimed at investigating the analgesic properties of a combination of lidocaine and QX-222 and its effects on evoked pain behavior (complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia in inflammatory condition) and spontaneous pain behavior (formalin-induced acute pain) in mice. Drugs were injected adjacent to sciatic nerve or into plantar. Motor function, thermal withdrawal latency, mechanical withdrawal threshold, and licking/biting were evaluated by behavioral tests. A combination of lidocaine and QX-222 adjacent sciatic nerve injection produced the long-lasting sensory-specific nerve block, and intraplantar injection inhibited spontaneous pain in the formalin-treated mice but did not detectably attenuated hyperalgesia and allodynia in the complete Freund’s adjuvant- (CFA-) treated mice. Our results suggest that a combination of lidocaine and QX-222 achieves a long-lasting differential block (sensory selective) and produces divergent effects on evoked and spontaneous pain behaviors in mice.
Changes in Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and Sclerostin following a Loading Dose of Vitamin D2(300,000 IU)
Authors: Sankaralingam A. , Roplekar R. , Turner C. , Dalton R. N. , Hampson G.
Published: November 2014

Background. Vitamin D is important for bone health, although high loading doses have been associated with an increase in fracture risk. The mechanisms remain uncertain.Aim. We hypothesize that supraphysiological concentrations of 1,25 (OH)2vitamin D may inhibit formation by increasing the production of Wnt inhibitors: sclerostin andDKK1.Subjects and Methods. We measured serum sclerostin andDKK1in 34 patients (21 F, 13 M) aged mean (SD) 61.3 (15.6) years with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency treated with a loading dose of vitamin D2(300,000 IU) intramuscularly. Blood samples were taken at baseline and serially up to 3 months.Results. Serum 1,25 (OH)2vitamin D increased markedly at 3 months (mean (SD) baseline 116 (63), 3 months : 229 (142) pmol/L,P<0.001). There was a significant correlation between sclerostin andDKK1at baseline (r=0.504, P=0.002) and at 3 months (r=0.42, P=0.013). A significant inverse correlation was observed between sclerostin and eGFR at 3 months (r=-0.494, P=0.007). Sclerostin increased significantly at 3 months (P=0.033). In a multilinear regression analysis with % change in sclerostin andDKK1as dependent variable, a positive significant association was observed with % change in 1,25 (OH)2vitamin D (P=0.038), independent of changes in PTH and following correction for confounders such as age, gender, BMI, BMD and eGFR.Conclusions. Supraphysiological concentration in 1,25 (OH)2vitamin D achieved following a loading dose of vitamin D increases sclerostin and may inhibit Wnt signalling. This may have detrimental effects on bone.
Performance Analysis of a Modified SC-FDMA-DSCDMA Technique for 4G Wireless Communication
Authors: Kedia Deepak , Modi Arti
Published: November 2014

Single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) is becoming more and more popular in multiuser communication because of its lower PAPR value. Apart from this, many other hybrid access techniques have also been explored in the literature for application to 4G wireless mobile communication. Still there is a need to explore newer techniques which could further reduce the PAPR value without any degradation in system BER. Keeping this in view, a modified hybrid technique SC-FDMA-DSCDMA has been proposed in this paper and it is found to provide significantly lower PAPR than SC-FDMA system with no degradation in BER performance. This paper extensively compares the BER and PAPR performance of various other multicarrier techniques for 4G wireless communications such as OFDMA, MC-DS-CDMA, and SC-FDMA with proposed SC-FDMA-DSCDMA scheme. Simulation results show that SC-FDMA-DSCDMA technique performs better than any other OFDM-CDMA based system for wireless communication.
Chemical Evolution of Strongly Interacting Quark-Gluon Plasma
Authors: Pan Ying-Hua , Zhang Wei-Ning
Published: November 2014

At very initial stage of relativistic heavy ion collisions a wave of quark-gluon matter is produced from the break-up of the strong color electric field and then thermalizes at a short time scale (~1 fm/c). However, the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) system is far out of chemical equilibrium, especially for the heavy quarks which are supposed to reach chemical equilibrium much late. In this paper a continuing quark production picture for strongly interacting QGP system is derived, using the quark number susceptibilities and the equation of state; both of them are from the results calculated by the Wuppertal-Budapest lattice QCD collaboration. We find that the densities of light quarks increase by 75% from the temperatureT=400 MeV toT=150 MeV, while the density of strange quark annihilates by 18% in the temperature region. We also offer a discussion on how this late production of quarks affects the final charge-charge correlations.
Coefficient Bounds for Some Families of Starlike and Convex Functions of Reciprocal Order
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Darus Maslina , Raza Mohsan , Khan Qaiser
Published: November 2014

The aim of the present paper is to investigate coefficient estimates, Fekete-Szegő inequality, and upper bound of third Hankel determinant for some families of starlike and convex functions of reciprocal order.
A Comparison of the Efficacy of Two Doses of Letrozole Alone or with Continuous Recombinant Follicle-Stimulating Hormone for Ovulation Induction in Anovulatory Women
Authors: Wang Hai-Yan , Zheng Peng-Sheng
Published: November 2014

Aims: To determine the efficacy of letrozole alone or with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) for ovarian induction in anovulatory women. Methods: A total of 322 patients undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) were included in this retrospective study. Letrozole (2.5 or 5.0 mg) was administered from days 5 to 9 of menses, alone or followed with rFSH started on day 9 until the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration. A single IUI was performed 24 h after ovulation. Results: The number of follicles, endometrial thickness and serum estradiol levels were significantly higher in the letrozole + rFSH groups than in the letrozole-alone groups (p < 0.05), but no significant difference was found between the two doses of letrozole, whether alone or with rFSH. Women treated with 5.0 mg/day of letrozole + rFSH required a total dose of rFSH similar to women treated with 2.5 mg/day of letrozole + rFSH (230.77 ± 118.29 vs. 258.55 ± 130.13 IU, respectively; p = 0.205). There was no significant difference in pregnancy rates between the two doses of letrozole, whether alone or with rFSH. Conclusion: Treatment with letrozole + rFSH was more efficacious than letrozole alone for pregnancy in the IUI program; however, the effect of 5.0 mg/day of letrozole versus 2.5 mg/day of letrozole on ovulation was equivalent, regardless of whether rFSH was used.
Is Binge Drinking in Young Adults Associated with an Alcohol-Specific Impairment of Response Inhibition?
Authors: Czapla Marta , Simon Joe J. , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Herpertz Sabine C. , Zimmermann Peter , Loeber Sabine
Published: November 2014

Background/Aims: Little is known about the association of binge drinking with impulsivity related to trait- or state-like aspects of behavior. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate whether binge drinkers show an impairment of inhibitory control in comparison to non-binge drinkers when confronted with alcohol-associated or control stimuli, and whether this is reflected in self-reported impulsivity. Methods: A go/no-go task with pictures of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages as well as control stimuli was administered to binge drinkers and a gender-matched group of non-binge drinkers. All participants also completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Results: We found an alcohol-specific impairment of response inhibition for binge drinkers only, while the groups did not differ with regard to overall response inhibition to the experimental stimuli or self-reported impulsiveness (BIS-11). In addition, the number of commission errors in response to alcohol-associated stimuli was the only significant predictor of binge drinking. Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that when young adults have established binge drinking as a common drinking pattern, impairment of inhibition in response to alcoholic stimuli is the only significant predictor of binge drinking, but not general impulsive behavior. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Differential Expression of Melatonin Receptor Subtypes MelIa, MelIb and MelIc in Relation to Melatonin Binding in the Male Songbird Brain
Authors: Fusani Leonida , Gahr Manfred
Published: November 2014

Previous autoradiography studies illustrated that several areas of the avian brain can bind the pineal hormone melatonin. In birds, there are three melatonin receptor (MelR) subtypes: MelIa, MelIb and MelIc. To date, their brain distribution has not been studied in any passerine bird. Therefore, we investigated mRNA distribution of MelR subtypes in adjacent sections of the brain of two songbirds, the blackcap and the zebra finch, in parallel with that of 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin (IMEL) binding sites in the same brains. The general pattern of receptor expression shown by in situ hybridization of species-specific probes matched well with that of IMEL binding. However, the expression of the three subtypes was area specific with similar patterns in the two species. Some brain areas expressed only one receptor subtype, most brain regions co-expressed either MelIa with MelIb or MelIa with MelIc, whereas few areas expressed MelIb and MelIc or all three receptor subtypes. Since many sensory areas, most thalamic areas and subareas of the neopallium, a cortex analogue, express MelR, it is likely that most sensory motor integration functions are melatonin sensitive. Further, the area-specific expression patterns suggest that the regulatory role of melatonin differs among different brain areas. Since subareas of well-defined neural circuits, such as the visual system or the song control system, are equipped with different receptor types, we hypothesize a diversity of functions for melatonin in the control of sensory integration and behavior.
Safety and Postoperative Outcomes of Regional versus Global Ischemia for Partial Nephrectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Yiduo , Qu Huan , Zhang Lei , Chen Shuqiu , Xu Bin , Lu Kai , Liu Chunhui , Tao Tao , Yang Yu , Chen Ming
Published: November 2014

Objective: To analyze current evidence comparing the safety and outcomes of regional and global ischemia for partial nephrectomy (PN). Materials and Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted in May 2014 to identify studies comparing the safety and outcomes of regional and global ischemia for PN. A systematic review and meta-analysis was also performed. Results: Six retrospective observational studies were selected for the analysis, including 363 patients who underwent PN (162 regional ischemia and 201 global ischemia cases). Operation times were not statistically different [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 20.35 min, 95% CI: -0.28-40.97, p = 0.05], but estimated blood loss was significantly higher in the regional ischemia group (WMD = 52.04 ml, 95% CI: 14.30-89.78, p = 0.007) than in the global ischemia group. Complication rates [odds ratio (OR) = 1.16; 95% CI: 0.63-2.15, p = 0.63] and blood transfusion rates (OR = 1.85; 95% CI: 0.86-4.01, p = 0.12) of the two groups were not significantly different. The regional ischemia group showed better postoperative renal function (WMD = 4.23 ml/min, 95% CI: 2.61-5.85, p < 0.00001) than the global ischemia group, and all cases in the regional ischemia group showed negative margins. Conclusions: Regional ischemia is as safe to perform as global ischemia, and the former leads to better postoperative renal functions than the latter. These findings support the application of regional ischemia for PN.
Recent Progress in Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ikeda Kenji , Osaki Yukio , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Nasu Akihiro , Kawamura Yusuke , Jyoko Koji , Sano Takatomo , Sunagozaka Hajime , Uchino Koji , Minami Yasunori , Saito Yu , Nagai Kazumasa , Inokuchi Ryosuke , Kokubu Shigehiro , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: November 2014

In order to attain better ablation and more effective management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), new approaches and devices in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy were presented and discussed in a workshop at the 50th Annual Meeting of the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan. A novel bipolar RFA apparatus was introduced in Japan in January 2013. Hundreds of subjects with HCC were treated with multipolar RFA with varied devices and plans. Among these, no-touch ablation was one of the most useful procedures in the treatment of HCC with the apparatus. In RFA therapy, a few assisting devices and techniques were applied for convenience and improvement of the thermal ablation procedure. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and three-dimensional fusion imaging technique using volume data of CT or MRI could improve exact targeting and shorten the treatment time for RFA procedures under ultrasonographic guidance. A more complicated method using a workstation was also reported as being helpful in planning the ablated shape and volume in multineedle RFA. The effective use of sedatives and antianalgesics as well as a novel microwave apparatus with a cooled-tip electrode was also discussed.
Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Child-Pugh C Cirrhosis
Authors: Nouso Kazuhiro , Kokudo Norihiro , Tanaka Masatoshi , Kuromatsu Ryoko , Nishikawa Hiroki , Toyoda Hidenori , Oishi Naoki , Kuwaki Kenji , Kusanaga Masashi , Sakaguchi Takuki , Morise Zenichi , Kitai Satoshi , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: November 2014

Background: In most guidelines, no other interventional therapy but liver transplantation is recommended for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with Child-Pugh C cirrhosis (CP-C). However, in Japan, patients were sometimes treated with expectation of benefit. Summary: A workshop was conducted to explore the state of treatments for CP-C HCC in Japan. After the workshop, a questionnaire on therapies was given to the panelists. Clinical data of 769 patients with CP-C HCC from 8 hospitals as well as analyses of data collected by the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan (LCSGJ) consisting of 1,344 CP-C HCC cases were presented. Patients who underwent liver transplantation were excluded. In total, 424 out of the 769 patients (55.1%) from the 8 hospitals and 537 out of 828 CP-C HCC cases (64.8%) from the LCSGJ data received interventional therapies, such as local ablation and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. All panelists agreed that there was a subgroup of CP-C patients who benefitted from the locoregional therapies. The major goals for the therapies were to prevent HCC rupture and avoid obstruction of major vessels by tumor growth, which can lead to a sudden deterioration of the patients' condition. Patient liver function and tumor stage are both important factors for the decision to undergo treatment; however, the inclusion criteria for the treatments varied among the centers. Key Message: There exists a subgroup of CP-C patients who benefit from interventions for HCC.
Severe Unsuspected Maternal Hypothyroidism Discovered after the Diagnosis of Thyrotropin Receptor-Blocking Antibody-Induced Congenital Hypothyroidism in the Neonate: Failure to Recognize and Implications to the Fetus
Authors: Brown Rosalind S. , Alter Craig A. , Sadeghi-Nejad Ab
Published: November 2014

Background: Whereas most adequately treated children with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) do well neurodevelopmentally, when both the maternal and fetal thyroid glands are compromised, significant cognitive delay can occur despite early and aggressive postnatal therapy. Maternal thyrotropin-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR)-blocking antibodies (Abs) can be transmitted to the fetus and cause combined maternal-fetal hypothyroidism. Current guidelines recommend their measurement only if mothers have known autoimmune thyroid disease, there is a history of a previously affected sibling, or when transient CH is suspected. Results: We report 3 infants in whom the diagnosis of maternal hypothyroidism was not known and was identified only after CH was diagnosed in their babies. One of these infants had developmental delay despite rapid normalization of thyroid function postnatally. All 3 mothers had potent TSHR Abs in serum, but thyroid peroxidase Abs and thyroglobulin Abs were detectable in only 2 of them. Conclusions: TSHR-blocking Ab-induced CH should be suspected in any baby with CH irrespective of the known family history, especially if the hypothyroidism is severe and a eutopic thyroid gland is demonstrated on imaging. Measurement of TSHR Abs is necessary to establish the diagnosis; the presence of other thyroid Abs is insufficiently sensitive and may miss some cases.
Intractable Facial Pain and Numb Chin due to Metastatic Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Elahi Foad , Luke Whitney , Elahi Fazel
Published: November 2014

The etiologies of facial pain are innumerable, thus facial pain misdiagnosis and resultant mismanagement is common. Numb chin syndrome presents with hypoesthesia and/or anesthesia in the dermatomal distribution of the inferior alveolar or the mental nerve. In this case report, we will discuss a case of intractable facial pain in a 57-year-old male with a history of esophageal adenocarcinoma who was initially misdiagnosed and treated as trigeminal neuralgia. During clinical examination, the loss of sensation in the inferior alveolar nerve distribution was identified and led to the diagnosis of mandibular metastasis. The details of the clinical presentation will be discussed in the context of accurate identification and diagnosis. Focal radiation to the metastatic location along with sphenopalatine ganglion radiofrequency ablation and medication management provided significant pain relief. This case report provides additional information to the current medical knowledge and it enhances the clinical vigilance of the clinicians when they encounter similar cases. We concluded that patients with a history of neoplasms who present with atypical symptoms of facial pain should undergo further investigation with advanced imaging. Targeted treatment based on an accurate diagnosis is the foundation of pain management.
Incidence, Predictors, and Procedural Results of Upgrade to Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Essebag Vidal , Joza Jacqueline , Birnie David H. , Sapp John L. , Sterns Laurence D. , Philippon Francois , Yee Raymond , Crystal Eugene , Kus Teresa , Rinne Claus , Healey Jeffrey S. , Sami Magdi , Thibault Bernard , Exner Derek V. , Coutu Benoit , Simpson Chris S. , Wulffhart Zaev , Yetisir Elizabeth , Wells George , Tang Anthony S.L.
Published: November 2014

Background—

The resynchronization-defibrillation for ambulatory heart failure trial (RAFT) study demonstrated that adding cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in selected patients requiring de novo implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD) reduced mortality as compared with ICD therapy alone, despite an increase in procedure-related adverse events. Data are lacking regarding the management of patients with ICD therapy who develop an indication for CRT upgrade.

Methods and Results—

Participating RAFT centers provided data regarding de novo CRT-D (CRT with ICD) implant, upgrade to CRT-D during RAFT (study upgrade), and upgrade within 6 months after presentation of study results (substudy). Substudy centers enrolled 1346 (74.9%) patients in RAFT, including 644 de novo, 80 study upgrade, and 60 substudy CRT attempts. The success rate (initial plus repeat attempts) was 95.2% for de novo versus 96.3% for study upgrade and 90.0% for substudy CRT attempts (
P
=0.402). Acute complications occurred among 26.2% of de novo versus 18.8% of study upgrade and 3.4% of substudy CRT implantation attempts (
P
<0.001). The most common complication was left ventricular lead dislodgement. The principal reasons for not yet attempting upgrade in the substudy were patient preference (31.9%), New York Heart Association Class I (17.0%), and a QRS <150 ms (13.1%).

Conclusions—

Among a broad group of implant physicians, CRT upgrades were performed in patients with an ICD in situ with no difference in implant success rate and a reduced acute complication rate as compared with a de novo CRT implant. Decisions to upgrade were influenced by predictors of benefit in subgroup analyses of the RAFT study and other trials.
At the Crossroads of Narratives
Authors: Aycock Jennifer L. , Korver-Glenn Elizabeth , Ramer Heidi
Published: November 2014

Realities and narratives which shape the identity ofMaghrébinwomen living in ormigrating to France have been minimally explored for purposes of informing missiontheory and practice in this religiously plural yet secularized nation. This paper offers anexploration of lived realities and ideological narratives thatMaghrébinwomen maneuverin the contested nexus of secular French life and ethno-religious identity. The paperaccomplishes this by examining how gendered, migrant, ethno-religious, and racializedencounters shapeMaghrébinwomen. The paper then demonstrates how French nationalismandla laïcitéactively inform lived realities ofMaghrébinwomen. The paper thenpresents the French national education system as a case study indicating how Frenchnationalism is codified and perpetuated so thatMaghrébinwomen are excluded frompublic space. The paper then provides reflection on Christian mission theory in light ofMaghrébinwomen’s oft-contested identities in the hope of invoking more substantialreflection on Christian mission and witness in contemporary France and other centersof migration.
Contextualization of hiv Prevention Initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa, with Special Reference to Gender Issues in Contexts of Human Dislocation and Migration
Authors: Stewart Gordon J.
Published: November 2014

The subject ofhiv/aidsprevention in public discourse in sub-Saharan Africa is often focused, and not without good reason, on modification of sexual behavior, exemplified in the well-knownabcstrategy – Abstain, Be faithful, wear a Condom. It is here suggested that this narrowing of focus onto sexuality, in contexts where traditionally public discourse on the subject is taboo, could result unhelpfully in significant stereotyping and stigmatization of People Living withhiv&aids, especially women. Furthermore, other factors which serve as potential “drivers” of the epidemics are often omitted from prevention initiatives. These include etiologies of sickness especially as they relate tohivinfection, socio-cultural and economic factors, as well as religious and theological perspectives. These have potential impact on both men and women, but in many instances have even more serious consequences for girls and women. Considering the conditions of people subject to displacement within or forced migration from their countries, the negative impacts of these “drivers” of the epidemics are enhanced even further. Women in particular are most vulnerable to abuse and victimization. In this light, it is recommended that a more nuanced and more contextualized understanding of the epidemics be pursued, one which does not overlook biomedically important issues (including sexuality) but addresses a range of other negative perspectives and practices which result in stigmatization and victimization of women and girls, increasing their vulnerability to abuse and consequently ofhivinfection. In focusing onhivprevention in terms of gender inequities in sub-Saharan society in general and among internally displaced and forced migrant populations in particular, it is important to identify missiological insights that have significance for the missional challenges.
Capping Power? Clothing and the Female Body in African Methodist Episcopal Mission Photographs
Authors: Cooke Claire
Published: November 2014

In this article, I argue that the introduction of a uniform for female converts was a crucial factor in maintaining power dynamics in African Methodist Episcopal missionary work conducted in South Africa between 1900 and 1940. This relationship, I suggest, is epitomized in photographs from the mission field. Through studying the ways missionaries photographed women, I am able to critique how clothing expressed inherent, imbalanced power relations between missionaries and converts. I thus build on existing literature concerning the relationship between clothing and the indigenous female body, through an examination of clothing as a marker of status within the patriarchal mission family construct.
How Do Atmospheric Rivers Form?
Authors: Dacre H. F. , Clark P. A. , Martinez-Alvarado O. , Stringer M. A. , Lavers D. A.
Published: November 2014

The term “atmospheric river” is used to describe corridors of strong water vapor transport in the troposphere. Filaments of enhanced water vapor, commonly observed in satellite imagery extending from the subtropics to the extratropics, are routinely used as a proxy for identifying these regions of strong water vapor transport. The precipitation associated with these filaments of enhanced water vapor can lead to high-impact flooding events. However, there remains some debate as to how these filaments form. In this paper, the authors analyze the transport of water vapor within a climatology of wintertime North Atlantic extratropical cyclones. Results show that atmospheric rivers are formed by the cold front that sweeps up water vapor in the warm sector as it catches up with the warm front. This causes a narrow band of high water vapor content to form ahead of the cold front at the base of the warm conveyor belt airflow. Thus, water vapor in the cyclone’s warm sector, not long-distance transport of water vapor from the subtropics, is responsible for the generation of filaments of high water vapor content. A continuous cycle of evaporation and moisture convergence within the cyclone replenishes water vapor lost via precipitation. Thus, rather than representing a direct and continuous feed of moist air from the subtropics into the center of a cyclone (as suggested by the term “atmospheric river”), these filaments are, in fact, the result of water vapor exported from the cyclone, and thus they represent the footprints left behind as cyclones travel poleward from the subtropics.
Ingestion of Simulated SMAP L3 Soil Moisture Data into Military Maneuver Planning
Authors: Frankenstein Susan , Stevens Maria , Scott Constance
Published: November 2014

This paper uses simulated SMAP level-3 (L3) soil moisture data to calculate soil strength directly and compares the results against the current Noah Land Information System–based climatology approach. Based on the availability of data, three sites were chosen for the study: Cheorwon, South Korea; Laboue, Lebanon; and Asham, Nigeria. The simulated SMAP satellite data are representative of May conditions. For all three regions, this is best represented by the “average” soil moisture used in the current climatology approach. The cumulative distribution frequency of the two soil moisture sources indicates good agreement at Asham, Nigeria; mixed agreement at Cheorwon, South Korea; and no agreement at Laboue, Lebanon. Soil strengths and resulting vehicle speeds for a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) M1097 were calculated based on the Harmonized World Soil Database soil types used by the two soil moisture sources, as well as with a finer-resolution National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency product. Better agreement was found in soil strengths using the finer-resolution soil product. Finally, fairly large differences in soil moisture become muted in the speed calculations even when all factors except soil strength, slope, and vehicle performance are neglected. It is expected that the 0.04 volumetric uncertainty in the final SMAP L3 soil moisture product will have the greatest effect at low vehicle speeds. Field measurements of soil moisture and strength as well as soil type are needed to verify the results.