bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autologous Transplantation of a Free Tenon's Graft for Repairing Excessive Bleb Leakage after Trabeculectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Kawai Motofumi , Nakabayashi Seigo , Shimizu Kosuke , Hanada Kazuomi , Yoshida Akitoshi
Published: September 2014

Purpose: To report a case of autologous transplantation of a free Tenon's graft to repair excessive bleb leakage after trabeculectomy. Case Report: A 39-year-old Japanese woman presented with severe hypotony in her left eye. She had undergone trabeculectomy with mitomycin C 14 years ago. Slit-lamp examination showed an ischemic and ruptured bleb, excessive bleb leakage, and an extremely shallow anterior chamber. A large scleral defect was vaguely observed through the bleb conjunctiva. The hypotony was attributed to excessive bleb leakage. A surgical revision was required. First, the avascular bleb conjunctiva and the melted scleral flap were excised. A scleral defect was observed. Thick fibrotic tissue, i.e., the autologous Tenon's graft, was separated from the underlying sclera, cut to the desired size to cover the defect, and sutured to the sclera with 10-0 nylon sutures. Irrigation with balanced salt solution through the paracentesis confirmed deepening of the anterior chamber with no bleb leakage. In the current case, a layer of amniotic membrane was applied to cover the largely exposed sclera. Two weeks postoperatively, the surgical site was totally re-epithelialized with no aqueous leakage. Three months postoperatively, vascularization into the surgical site was observed. The intraocular pressure remained within normal levels without recurrent bleb leakage. Conclusions: Autologous transplantation of a free Tenon's graft successfully repaired excessive bleb leakage through a scleral defect after trabeculectomy. This technique is easier, safer, and may be more cost effective for repairing excessive bleb leakage after trabeculectomy than conventional management techniques.
A fibrin antibody binding to fibronectin induces potent inhibition of angiogenesis
Authors: El-Ayoubi Fida , Amiral Jean , Pascaud Juliette , Charrin Stéphanie , Tassel Bénédicte , Gurewich Victor , Uzan Georges
Published: September 2014

Antiserum from rabbits immunised with pure human fibrinogen was affinity purified on immobilised fibrin fragment E (FFE). This FFE antibody (Ab) induced significant growth inhibition of a human cancer xenograft in mice and suppression of tumour angiogenesis, leaving no formed vessels and only CD31-staining endothelial fragments in place. Tubule formation of HUVEC on MatrigelTM was also significantly inhibited by FFE Ab. Since MatrigelTM is fibrin-free, this effect implicated a different FFE Ab binding site than FFE. Flow cytometry of HUVEC showed that FFE Ab bound to HUVEC, but with a broad range of 55–98 %. Immunofluorescent staining of HUVEC explained this range, since FFE Ab was seen not to bind to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) directly but instead to a matrix protein variably adherent to HUVEC. This protein was identified as fibronectin (FN) by appearance, staining with FN Ab, and by a FN knockdown study. Neither HUVEC nor matrix reacted with fibrin D-dimer (DD) Ab. Immunofluorescent stains of HUVEC matrix with FFE and FN Ab’s showed that these Ab’s bound to the same epitopes on FN, as also seen on Western blots of purified FN. These findings indicate the presence of an antigenic determinant in fibrinogen/FFE that is homologous with an epitope(s) in FN recognised by FFE Ab, and critical for angiogenesis in this xenograft. The FN epitope(s) remains to be identified, but the present findings can be used for the selection of the appropriate clones from mice immunised with fibrinogen which can facilitate this identification, and which may also be of clinical use.
Sofrimento psíquico na equipe de transplante de medula óssea - uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Pereira Daphne R. , Cortez Elaine A.
Published: September 2014

Modelo: Revisão integrativa de publicações com modelo descritivo.Objetivo do estudo: Identificar e analisar artigos referentes ao impacto da rotina do transplante sobre a saúde mental da equipe interdisciplinar de transplante de medula óssea.Metodologia: Foram utilizadas as bases de dados LILACS, Embase, ProQuest e Medline, além do Portal da UNIFESP e da Editora Atheneu; com artigos pesquisados nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol, sem limite de data de publicação e cujo foco era o profissional de saúde.Resultados: Observou-se um hiato na produção científica em relação a este viés, pois a maioria dos trabalhos privilegia o desenvolvimento dos aspectos técnicos – tanto do procedimento, quanto da equipe  que realiza o transplante -, em detrimento da atenção aos fatores psíquicos que permeiam a práxis do profissional de saúde.Conclusões: Os achados, apesar de escassos, confirmam a hipótese inicial de que há um sofrimento psíquico na equipe de TCTH e sinalizam a lacuna existente de pesquisas na área. É proposta uma discussão, com diversos referenciais teóricos, para tentar compreender o que subjaz a esta questão.
Perfil antipsicótico do canabidiol
Authors: Pedrazzi João Francisco Cordeiro , Pereira Ana Carolina de Castro Issy , Gomes Felipe Villela , Del Bel Elaine
Published: September 2014

O canabidiol, fitocanabinóide presente na planta Cannabis sativa é desprovido dos efeitos psicotomiméticos característicos do principal composto da Cannabis, o ∆9-tetraidrocanabinol, mais conhecido como delta 9-THC. Um conjunto crescente de evidências sugere que o canabidiol apresente potencial terapêutico para o tratamento dos sintomas de distúrbios psiquiátricos, como a depressão, a ansiedade e as psicoses. A observação em humanos, mas também em modelos animais experimentais da capacidade do canabidiol de antagonizar os efeitos psicotomiméticos do delta 9-THC constitui uma importante evidência de seu potencial para utilização clínica. Embora os efeitos farmacológicos do canabidiol tenham sido investigados em diferentes sistemas biológicos in vitro e in vivo, seu mecanismo de ação ainda não é claro. O delta 9-THC ativa os receptores canabinóides do tipo CB1 e CB2 contudo o canabidiol apresenta uma baixa afinidade por esses receptores. Adicionalmente, o canabidiol tem apresentado boa tolerabilidade em testes com humanos, tornando-o alvo de grande interesse da comunidade científica. O objetivo dessa revisão é apresentar, de forma breve, algumas das principais evidências experimentais e clínicas do provável perfil antipsicótico do canabidiol.
Efeitos da atividade física sobre densidade mineral óssea de mulheres saudáveis na pré-menopausa
Authors: Silva Cristiane F.F. , Rodrigues Elaine S.C. , Natali Antônio J. , Lima Luciana M.
Published: September 2014

Modelo de estudo: Revisão sistemática da literatura.Objetivo: A atividade física representa um importante estímulo ao aumento da densidade mineral óssea (DMO). Como a resistência dos ossos está associada tanto a DMO, quanto a microestrutura e propriedades do material, melhorias na massa óssea são importantes na prevenção de osteoporose na idade mais avançada. Apesar de muitos estudos sobre o tema, não existe consenso sobre qual seria o melhor tipo de atividade física, intensidade e frequência para melhorias na osteogênese e promoção do ganho de DMO. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os tipos de atividades físicas com melhor efeito osteogênico de aumento da DMO em mulheres saudáveis na pré-menopausa.Metodologia: Realizou-se levantamento bibliográfico de artigos científicos nas bases de dados Pubmed e Direct Science publicados nos últimos dez anos. Foram selecionados estudos controlados com exercícios de alto impacto e resistido. Utilizou-se análise sistematizada dos artigos selecionados.Resultados: Foram incluídos 15 artigos nesta revisão, os quais foram separados em dois grupos, conforme o tipo de exercício. Foi realizada análise comparativa de metodologias utilizadas e resultados alcançados. Constatou-se maior eficiência do protocolo de exercício de alto impacto, mesmo em curtoperíodo de execução para aumento da DMO do fêmur proximal (colo femoral e região intertrocantérica). Em menor frequência, foi observado aumento da DMO na coluna lombar quando exercícios resistidos ou de impactos maiores foram usados.Conclusões: A maioria dos artigos executou protocolo experimental em período relativamente curto (6 meses), demonstrando que programas de exercícios simples, de fácil execução, curto período de aplicação e sem uso de aparelhos específicos são suficientes para promover remodelação óssea emsítios específicos com aumento da DMO.
Sistema de oscilometria de impulso em pediatria: revisão de literatura
Authors: Assumpção Maíra S. de , Gonçalves Renata M. , Ferreira Letícia G. , Schivinski Camila I.S.
Published: September 2014

Introdução: a oscilometria de impulso (IOS) é considerado um método de avaliação da mecânica respiratória, e por ser não invasivo, vem sendo crescentemente indicado na assistência e investigação do paciente pediátrico. Estudos tem tido como interesse a determinação de valores de referência e a verificação da relação do IOS com outros métodos de avaliação respiratória. Objetivo: Apresentar uma atualização da literatura quanto ao sistema, critérios técnicos e interpretação de dados, bem como, a relação do sistema com outros métodos de avaliação respiratória e sua aplicabilidade clínica.Método: revisão bibliográfica com consulta nas bases de dados MEDLINE/PubMed e Ebsco, utilizando as palavras-chaves: “impulse oscillometry”, “reference values” e “child”. Considerou-se todo material com informações sobre o equipamento, suas indicações e aplicação como instrumento de avaliação em diferentes situações clínicas.Resultados: foram identificados 45 documentos, sendo 41 ensaios clínicos e 4 revisões, complementados com 20 trabalhos: 1 guideline, 1 manual sobre o equipamento e 18 artigos referentes ao tema. Esse material foi caracterizado por abordar o equipamento, seus parâmetros de avaliação, técnica de execução e posicionamento do paciente durante o exame, critérios de aceitabilidade e reprodutibilidade e interpretação dos dados obtidos. São várias as publicações dessa ferramenta na avaliação da mecânica respiratória de disfunções como asma e fibrose cística e geração de valores de referência em crianças saudáveis.Conclusão: o IOS é um recurso relativamente novo, cuja indicação em pediatriatem sido crescente, mas que ainda carece investigações, tanto técnicas quanto clínicas.
Análise de incidência de infecção de sítio cirúrgico em cirurgias oncológicas do aparelho digestivo no Hospital Geral de Fortaleza
Authors: Feitosa Roney Gonçalves Fechine , Fernandes Francisco André Macedo , Narciso Júnior José , Araújo Júnior Olavo Napoleão de , Costa Francisco de Assis , Cavalcante Luana Duarte Wanderley
Published: September 2014

Modelo do Estudo: Trata-se de um estudo caracterizado como retrospectivo, analítico, com abordagem quantitativa, com delineamento de pesquisa não experimental. Objetivo: Analisar os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia oncológica do aparelho digestivo no Hospital Geral de Fortaleza quanto ao aparecimento de infecção de sítio cirúrgico (ISC) e sugerir medidas de prevenção. Material e Métodos: Foram submetidos à cirurgia oncológica do aparelho digestório 196 indivíduos, no período de 01/10/2011 a 30/09/2012, e, analisados os possíveis fatores de risco, ligados ao paciente, ao procedimento cirúrgico e à incisão. Resultados: evidenciou-se 26 casos de infecção, com uma prevalência global de ISC de 13,26%. As seguintes variáveis apresentaram associação relevante de risco: duração do procedimento, tempo de internação pré-operatório, comorbidades, tabagismo, etilismo, uso de drenos e sondagem vesical. Conclusão: Os fatores de risco apontados neste estudo descrevem um grupo de indivíduos com maior risco de ISC, nos quais os protocolos de prevenção devem ser aplicados rigorosamente.
Relação entre a prática da caminhada não supervisionada e fatores de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares em adultos e idosos
Authors: Trapé Atila A. , Sacardo Ana L. , Cássia Adriele F. , Monteiro Henrique L. , Zago Anderson S.
Published: September 2014

Introdução: A adoção de um estilo de vida ativo através da prática da caminhada é altamente recomendada pelos profissionais de saúde com o intuito de evitar, minimizar ou reverter diversos agravos de saúde que podem comprometer a qualidade de vida da população. Objetivo: Verificar se a prática da caminhada não supervisionada possui estímulo suficiente para a redução de fatores de risco de doenças  cardiovasculares em adultos e idosos. Métodos: Participaram deste estudo 225 homens e mulheres saudáveis que foram divididos em 4 grupos: sedentário (G0), caminhada (G1), caminhada e uma atividade extra (G2) e, caminhada e duas atividades extras (G3). Todos os participantes realizaram as seguintes avaliações: International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) - versão curta, bateria de testes de aptidão física (AAHPERD), pressão arterial, perfil lipídico e composição corporal. Resultados: Os resultados apontaram que a prática da caminhada não supervisionada (G1) promoveu benefícios limitados à saúde quando comparado ao grupo G3 (índice de aptidão funcional geral = 273,4±111 vs 340,6±92; pressão arterial diastólica = 80,0±8 vs 75,4±7 mmHg; HDL colesterol = 44,3±10 vs 50,1±10 mg/dL respectivamente).  Conclusão: Participar de maior número de atividades foi benéfico para diminuir os fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares quando comparados ao grupo sedentário e praticantes apenas de caminhadas.
Determinantes da organização da atenção em diabetes mellitus na satisfação do usuário
Authors: Zacharias Fabiana CM , Gomide Mariana FS , Carneiro Tânia SG , Pinheiro Alba LS , Bulgarelli Alexandre F , Lemos Isabela V , Figueira Brisa PG , Arcêncio Ricardo A. , Pinto Ione C
Published: September 2014

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar os determinantes da satisfação do usuário com Diabetes Mellitus (DM) sobre o atendimento no ambulatório de especialidades de um Centro de Saúde Escola. O estudo transversal com abordagem qualitativa foi desenvolvido no ambulatório de especialidades com 20 usuários com diagnóstico de DM. Foram aplicadas entrevistas semiestruturadas por meio de um roteiro norteador. Utilizou-se software Atlas ti 7.0 para auxílio na codificação das falas e técnica de Análise de Conteúdo para análise dos dados. Como resultado, observou-se que os temas mais evidenciados estão relacionados à acessibilidade organizacional e à relação entre usuário, equipe e serviço na perspectiva da longitudinalidade. Observou-se a identificação do ambulatório de especialidade como fonte regular de cuidado e a insatisfação no que se refere à acessibilidade ao serviço.
Psoríase Eritrodérmica: relato de caso e revisão bibliográfica
Authors: Ferreira Ana Carolina A de F , Anjos Fernanda SA dos , Yoshino Patrícia M , Hal Lívia S , Pinto Simone CC , Lima Ricardo B
Published: September 2014

A eritrodermia é uma síndrome rara, responsável por eritema e descamação difusos, que acometem mais de 80 ou 90% da superfície corporal. É potencialmente grave, devido à associação com distúrbios hidroeletrolíticos e à colonização bacteriana. Entre as causas etiológicas estão presentes: doenças dermatológicas primárias, reação alérgica a certas drogas, doenças sistêmicas, além de neoplasias. No presente relato de caso, ilustramos um exemplo de eritrodermia de instalação grave e aguda, inicialmente tratado com corticoterapia sistêmica. O exame histopatológico da pele indicou o diagnóstico de psoríase eritrodérmica, que respondeu bem ao tratamento com ciclosporina, acitretina e etanercepte. Com base nesse relato, foi realizada uma revisão da literatura sobre as causas de dermatite esfoliativa e discutido o manejo de casos graves de psoríase.
Controle de hiperglicemia intra-hospitalar em pacientes críticos e não-críticos
Authors: Gomes Patricia M. , Foss Milton C. , Foss-Freitas Maria Cristina
Published: September 2014

Hiperglicemia é uma condição frequente encontrada no ambiente intra-hospitalar. Quando presente em pacientes críticos internados pode levar a maior morbi-mortalidade, comprometendo o tratamento da doença de base. Essa revisão tem por objetivo padronizar a conduta terapêutica na hiper e hipoglicemias nos pacientes internados em ambiente hospitalar, de forma a reduzir tempo de internação e mortalidade
Contribuição para o ensino de Ortopedia da primeira liga da especialidade em Rondônia
Authors: Vieira Gabriel de Deus , Quintana Fernando Tiarajú , Mendonça Gabriel Maciel de , Pinto Iasmin Cristini Castiel da Silva , Bezerra Isabele Christina Andrade , Braga João Otávio Salles , Rocha Joshua Werner Bicalho da , Kussler Thalita Iana Alves , Serbino Húnior José Wilson
Published: September 2014

Dentre as diversas formas de ensino médico, a participação em ligas acadêmicas tem grande importância na formação técnica e teórica dos alunos, devido às atividades extracurriculares exercidas pelos membros. Em vista dessa situação, foi criada a primeira liga de ortopedia e traumatologia do estado de Rondônia, com o compromisso de fornecer conhecimento teórico e prático aos seus membros. Com isso, esse artigo tem como objetivo relatar a experiência do ensino da ortopedia através da criação da liga.
Comunicação e educação: um contributo para pensar a questão ambiental.
Authors: Citelli Adilson , Falcão Sandra Pereira
Published: September 2014

Analisamos a interface comunicação-educação como elemento central na construção de sentidos ambientais proativos entre habitantes urbanos. Por meio de lastro teórico multirreferenciado e com apoio em dados de campo, buscamos compreender como a comunicação socioambiental é tratada na dinâmica da urbe. Os achados sinalizam a necessidade de gerar, potencializar e fazer circular/interpretar, em sistema de retroalimentação, elos que facultem aos moradores de conglomerados humanos refletirem e agirem frente às circunstâncias que reduzam a sua qualidade de vida. 
What Is the Optimal Chest Compression Depth During Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation of Adult Patients?
Authors: Stiell Ian G. , Brown Siobhan P. , Nichol Graham , Cheskes Sheldon , Vaillancourt Christian , Callaway Clifton W. , Morrison Laurie J. , Christenson James , Aufderheide Tom P. , Davis Daniel P. , Free Cliff , Hostler Dave , Stouffer John A. , Idris Ahamed H.
Published: September 2014

Background—

The 2010 American Heart Association guidelines suggested an increase in cardiopulmonary resuscitation compression depth with a target >50 mm and no upper limit. This target is based on limited evidence, and we sought to determine the optimal compression depth range.

Methods and Results—

We studied emergency medical services–treated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients from the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Prehospital Resuscitation Impedance Valve and Early Versus Delayed Analysis clinical trial and the Epistry-Cardiac Arrest database. We calculated adjusted odds ratios for survival to hospital discharge, 1-day survival, and any return of circulation. We included 9136 adult patients from 9 US and Canadian cities with a mean age of 67.5 years, mean compression depth of 41.9 mm, and a return of circulation of 31.3%, 1-day survival of 22.8%, and survival to hospital discharge of 7.3%. For survival to discharge, the adjusted odds ratios were 1.04 (95% CI, 1.00–1.08) for each 5-mm increment in compression depth, 1.45 (95% CI, 1.20–1.76) for cases within 2005 depth range (>38 mm), and 1.05 (95% CI, 1.03–1.08) for percentage of minutes in depth range (10% change). Covariate-adjusted spline curves revealed that the maximum survival is at a depth of 45.6 mm (15-mm interval with highest survival between 40.3 and 55.3 mm) with no differences between men and women.

Conclusions—

This large study of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients demonstrated that increased cardiopulmonary resuscitation compression depth is strongly associated with better survival. Our adjusted analyses, however, found that maximum survival was in the depth interval of 40.3 to 55.3 mm (peak, 45.6 mm), suggesting that the 2010 American Heart Association cardiopulmonary resuscitation guideline target may be too high.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00394706.
Stones of Contention?!
Authors: Debel Hans
Published: September 2014

It is widely recognised that the expression ‘gathering stones and throwing them away’ in Qoh 3:5a presents the most enigmatic phrase within Qohelet’s well-known ‘catalogue of times’. This paper presents a brief overview of the divergent solutions that have been offered throughout its exegetical history, and subsequently evaluates in greater detail the suggestion that the ‘stones’ should be considered a sexual euphemism. Observing that all the arguments provided in favour of this interpretation are flawed, it calls for the development of an alternative interpretation.
The Origin and Future of Political Liberalism
Authors: Vallier Kevin
Published: September 2014

This essay reviews Paul Weithman’s new work – Why Political Liberalism? On John Rawls’s Political Turn. Weithman’s book has two aims, first to explain why Rawls recast his political theory and second, to defend a particular interpretation of political liberalism. In contrast to other reviews, this essay addresses the latter aim. I challenge Weithman’s defense of political liberalism on two grounds: (1) that it fails to adequately grapple with pluralism about justice and (2) that it does not provide an adequate model of stability for the right reasons. I conclude that these two weaknesses in an otherwise excellent book suggest a promising future for the political liberal tradition, one that is more comfortable with indeterminacy and less comfortable with deliberative restraint.
Roussoellaceae, a new pleosporalean family to accommodate the genera Neoroussoella gen. nov., Roussoella and Roussoellopsis
Authors: Liu Jian-Kui , PHOOKAMSAK RUNGTIWA , DAI DONG-QIN , TANAKA KAZUAKI , JONES E.B GARETH , XU JIAN-CHU , CHUKEATIROTE EKACHAI , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: September 2014

Roussoella and Roussoellopsis species are mostly known from monocotyledons (large grasses, bamboo and palms). Detailed phylogenies for this group are lacking and thus their family placement and relationships with other genera are unclear. Fresh collections of several Roussoella-like species, including the type species Roussoella nitidula were made from bamboo and palms in Thailand. In order to obtain a phylogenetic understanding of Roussoella-like species within the order Pleosporales, we carried out the phylogenetic analyses of ITS, LSU, TEF1α and RPB2 loci. The 15 target strains formed a well-supported clade (100% BS/1.00 PP) in phylogenetic reconstructions of individual and combined datasets, supporting the introduction of a new family Roussoellaceae. The Roussoellaceae clade can be distinguished into three well-supported sections, namely Roussoella/Roussoellopsis (93% BS/1.00 PP), Roussoella (88% BS/1.00 PP) and Neoroussoella. Based on both morphology and phylogenetic analyses, we introduce Neoroussoella gen. nov., epitypify Roussoella nitidula which is the type species of the genus, and introduce the new species Neoroussoella bambusae, Roussoella chiangraina, R. japanensis, R. neopustulans, R. siamensis, R. thailandica and R. verrucispora.
A new species of Catocala Schrank, 1802 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae (sensu lato): Erebinae) from Kazakhstan
Authors: SALDAITIS AIDAS , KONS HUGO JR. L. , BORTH ROBERT J.
Published: September 2014

Here we describe a new Palearctic species in the noctuid genus Catocala. The new species, C. toropovi sp. n., differs from sympatric and morphologically similar C. repudiata Staudinger, 1888 and C. optima Staudinger, 1888, by wing pattern, male genitalia, and COI 5’ mitochondrial DNA. It is recorded from Kazakhstan, with adults having been collected at ultraviolet lights and baited sugar ropes.
Assessing the Vegetation Condition Impacts of the 2011 Drought across the U.S. Southern Great Plains Using the Vegetation Drought Response Index (VegDRI)
Authors: Tadesse Tsegaye , Wardlow Brian D. , Brown Jesslyn F. , Svoboda Mark D. , Hayes Michael J. , Fuchs Brian , Gutzmer Denise
Published: September 2014

The vegetation drought response index (VegDRI), which combines traditional climate- and satellite-based approaches for assessing vegetation conditions, offers new insights into assessing the impacts of drought from local to regional scales. In 2011, the U.S. southern Great Plains, which includes Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, was plagued by moderate to extreme drought that was intensified by an extended period of record-breaking heat. The 2011 drought presented an ideal case study to evaluate the performance of VegDRI in characterizing developing drought conditions. Assessment of the spatiotemporal drought patterns represented in the VegDRI maps showed that the severity and patterns of the drought across the region corresponded well to the record warm temperatures and much-below-normal precipitation reported by the National Climatic Data Center and the sectoral drought impacts documented by the Drought Impact Reporter (DIR). VegDRI values and maps also showed the evolution of the drought signal before the Las Conchas Fire (the largest fire in New Mexico’s history). Reports in the DIR indicated that the 2011 drought had major adverse impacts on most rangeland and pastures in Texas and Oklahoma, resulting in total direct losses of more than $12 billion associated with crop, livestock, and timber production. These severe impacts on vegetation were depicted by the VegDRI at subcounty, state, and regional levels. This study indicates that the VegDRI maps can be used with traditional drought indicators and other in situ measures to help producers and government officials with various management decisions, such as justifying disaster assistance, assessing fire risk, and identifying locations to move livestock for grazing.
Precipitation Recycling in the Indian Subcontinent during Summer Monsoon
Authors: Pathak Amey , Ghosh Subimal , Kumar Praveen
Published: September 2014

The Indian summer monsoon rainfall is dominated by oceanic sources of moisture. However, land surface processes also have a significant role in the generation of precipitation within the Indian subcontinent. Evapotranspiration over a region supplies moisture to the atmosphere, which may lead to precipitation in the same region. This is known as recycled precipitation. The role of evapotranspiration as an additional source of moisture to precipitation has been investigated in earlier studies at continental scales; however, the amount of monsoon precipitation generated from evapotranspiration has not been quantified at the daily scale for the Indian subcontinent. To examine the role of land surface hydrology in regional precipitation and to quantify recycled precipitation, the dynamic recycling model at a daily scale with NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) data for the period of 1980–2010 is used. A high precipitation recycling ratio, that is, the ratio of recycled precipitation to total precipitation, is found at the end of the monsoon (September). As the monsoon progresses in India, enhanced soil moisture and vegetation cover lead to increased evapotranspiration and recycled precipitation. The recycling ratio is highest (around 25%) in northeastern India, which has high vegetation cover leading to high evapotranspiration. Recycled precipitation over central and northeastern India in September is responsible for delaying the withdrawal of the summer monsoon over these regions. A trend analysis of recycled precipitation shows a statistically significant decreasing trend in northeastern India.
Enthalpy and Momentum Fluxes during Hurricane Earl Relative to Underlying Ocean Features
Authors: Jaimes Benjamin , Shay Lynn K. , Uhlhorn Eric W.
Published: September 2014

Using dropsondes from 27 aircraft flights, in situ observations, and satellite data acquired during Tropical Cyclone Earl (category 4 hurricane), bulk air–sea fluxes of enthalpy and momentum are investigated in relation to intensity change and underlying upper-ocean thermal structure. During Earl’s rapid intensification (RI) period, ocean heat content (OHC) variability relative to the 26°C isotherm exceeded 90 kJ cm−2, and sea surface cooling was less than 0.5°C. Enthalpy fluxes of ~1.1 kW m−2 were estimated for Earl’s peak intensity. Daily sea surface heat losses of , , and kJ cm−2 were estimated for RI, mature, and weakening stages, respectively. A ratio of the exchange coefficients of enthalpy (CK) and momentum (CD) between 0.54 and 0.7 produced reliable estimates for the fluxes relative to OHC changes, even during RI; a ratio overestimated the fluxes.

The most important result is that bulk enthalpy fluxes were controlled by the thermodynamic disequilibrium between the sea surface and the near-surface air, independently of wind speed. This disequilibrium was strongly influenced by underlying warm oceanic features; localized maxima in enthalpy fluxes developed over tight horizontal gradients of moisture disequilibrium over these eddy features. These regions of local buoyant forcing preferentially developed during RI. The overall magnitude of the moisture disequilibrium (Δq = qs − qa) was determined by the saturation specific humidity at sea surface temperature (qs) rather than by the specific humidity of the atmospheric environment (qa). These results support the hypothesis that intense local buoyant forcing by the ocean could be an important intensification mechanism in tropical cyclones over warm oceanic features.
The Quasigeostrophic Omega Equation: Reappraisal, Refinements, and Relevance
Authors: Davies Huw C.
Published: September 2014

A two-component study is undertaken of the classical quasigeostrophic (QG) omega equation. First, a reappraisal is undertaken of extant formulations of the equation’s so-called forcing function. It pinpoints shortcomings of various formulations and prompts consideration of alternative forms. Particular consideration is given to the contribution of flow deformation to the forcing function, and to the role of the advection of the geostrophic flow by the thermal wind (the R vector). The latter is closely related to the Q vector, the horizontal component of the ageostrophic vorticity, and the forcing function itself. The reexamination promotes further examination of the physical interpretation and diagnostic use of the omega equation particularly for assessing richly structured subsynoptic flow features.

Second, consideration is given to the dynamics associated with the equation and its more general utility. It is shown that the R vector is intrinsic to a quasigeostrophic cascade to finer-scaled flow, and that a fundamental feature of the QG omega equation—the in-phase relationship between cloud-diabatic heating and the attendant vertical velocity—has important potential ramifications for the assimilation of data in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. Finally, it is shown that, in the context of considering NWP model output, mild generalizations of the quasigeostrophic R vector retain interpretative value for flow settings beyond geostrophy and warrant consideration when addressing some contemporary NWP challenges.
Wild Actors and Wrathful Deities
Authors: Bond Kevin
Published: September 2014

This paper examines the relationship between the celebrated kabuki guild of Ichikawa Danjūrō actors and the popular Narita Fudō deity cult in the capital of Edo in early modern (seventeenth to nineteenth century) Japan. While the actors’ worship of the cult and their personifications of the deity on-stage have been well documented by scholarship, less known is how this patronage resulted in the transformation of the deity’s character and worship among commoner audiences. By tracing the Danjūrō–Narita Fudō connection among popular media of the day, this paper argues that the guild’s artistic incorporation of the deity did not merely represent a religio-commercial collaboration, but the creation of a uniquely contemporary deity specific to Edo’s theatrical culture.
Religious institutions and sexual scandals: A comparative study of Catholicism in Ireland, South Africa, and the United States
Authors: Conway Brian
Published: September 2014

Using a comparative-historical framework, this article examines how religious organizational responses to a shared stigmatizing scandal, arising from the sexual abuse of children by church personnel, differ across diverse locales – Ireland, South Africa, and the United States – of a single religious tradition, in this case the Roman Catholic Church. Drawing on previous literature, I identify three perspectives related to responses to sexual scandal in organized religious institutions: strategic self-presentation, lay activism, and church–media relations. Focusing on the Catholic episcopal conferences in the three settings and relying on an analysis of national-level bishops’ discourses and practices in the 1988–2013 time span, I find that Catholic legitimations predominate, but appeals to Catholic discourses are more frequent in South Africa than in Ireland and the United States; lay mobilization exerts a partial influence on scandal responses even in contexts providing sociopolitical space for activism from below; and external accountability is influenced by media organizations, but differently so, in all three contexts. Implications for religion and society in general are discussed.
Prevention of Alveolar Bone Loss in an Osteoporotic Animal Model via Interference of Semaphorin 4d
Authors: Zhang Y. , Wei L. , Miron R.J. , Zhang Q. , Bian Z.
Published: September 2014

Semaphorin 4d (Sema4d) has been proposed as a novel target gene for the treatment of osteoporosis. Recently, we fabricated a site-specific bone-targeting system from polymeric nanoparticles that demonstrates an ability to prevent bone loss in an osteoporotic model by interfering with Sema4d gene expression using small interference RNA (siRNA) molecules. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the effects of this targeting system on the periodontium, an area of high bone turnover. We demonstrated, by single photon emission computed tomography, that intravenous injection of this molecule in ovariectomized Balb/C mice is able to target alveolar bone peaking 4 hr post-injection. We then compared, by histological analysis, the bone volume/total volume (BV/TV), alveolar bone height loss, immunohistochemical expression of Sema4d, and total number of osteoclasts in mandibular alveolar bone. Four treatment modalities were compared as follows: (1) sham-operated, (2) OVX-operated, (3) OVX+estrogen replacement therapy, and (4) OVX+siRNA-Sema4d animals. The results from the present study demonstrate that an osteoporotic condition significantly increases alveolar bone height loss, and that the therapeutic effects via bone-targeting systems featuring interference of Sema4d are able to partly counteract alveolar bone loss caused by osteoporosis. While the future therapeutic demand for the large number of patients suffering from osteoporosis faces many challenges, we demonstrate within the present study an effective drug-delivery moiety with anabolic effects on the bone remodeling cycle able to locate and target alveolar bone regeneration.
Structural Power and Bank Bailouts in the United Kingdom and the United States
Authors: Culpepper Pepper D. , Reinke Raphael
Published: September 2014

The 2008 bailout is often taken as evidence of the domination of the US political system by large financial institutions. In fact, the bailout demonstrated the vulnerability of US banks to government pressure. Large banks in the United States could not defy regulators, because their future income depended on the US market. In Britain, by contrast, one bank succeeded in scuttling the preferred governmental solution of an industry-wide recapitalization, because most of its revenue came from outside the United Kingdom. This was an exercise of structural power, but one that most contemporary scholarship on business power ignores or misclassifies, since it limits structural power to the automatic adjustment of policy to the possibility of disinvestment. We show that structural power can be exercised strategically, that it is distinct from instrumental power based on lobbying, and that it explains consequential variations in bailout design in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and Germany.
Information Is Bliss
Authors: Yettick Holly
Published: September 2014

If school choice programs are to provide any degree of equitable access to educational opportunities, then useful information about academic quality needs to be available to all participants, not just those who hob knob with the school board members or chat with the superintendent over the backyard fence. This study draws upon a unique data set to identify two information sources (parent websites and school choice enrollment guides) associated with low-income and minority families’ selection of higher quality schools in Denver. The study also highlights two types of information lacked by low-income and minority families who ended up selecting lower quality schools.
The Discontinuity of Offending Among African American Youth in the Juvenile Justice System
Authors: Williams Abigail B. , Ryan Joseph P. , Davis-Kean Pamela E. , McLoyd Vonnie C. , Schulenberg John E.
Published: September 2014

Little is known about what factors contribute to African American youth desisting from offending. Participants were 3,230 moderate- to high-risk adolescents from Washington State who completed a statewide risk assessment to assess the likelihood of recidivism. Participants were screened by juvenile probation officers between 2003 and 2010. Researchers investigated whether youth possessed protective factors and whether developmental change took place after contact with the juvenile justice system. It was hypothesized that having protective factors would decrease the likelihood of recidivism and the impact of each factor would differ by gender. Findings indicate African American youth have protective factors across a range of domains. However, little developmental change occurs after contact with the juvenile justice system. Impulse control, parental supervision, and pro-social peers were important for reducing recidivism. Problem solving was more influential for African American males, while impulse control and parental supervision were more influential for African American females. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.
Malaria prevention and treatment in pregnancy: Survey of current practice among private medical practitioners in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Rabiu Kabiru Afolarin , Davies Nosimot Omolola , Nzeribe-Abangwu Ugochi O , Adewunmi Adeniyi Abiodun , Akinlusi Fatimat Motunrayo , Akinola Oluwarotimi Ireti , Ogundele Sunday O
Published: September 2014

We studied the practice of malaria prevention and treatment in pregnancy of 394 private medical practitioners in Lagos State, Nigeria using a self-administered pre-tested structured questionnaire.

Only 39 (9.9%) respondents had correct knowledge of the World Health Organization (WHO) strategies. Malaria prophylaxis in pregnancy was offered by 336 (85.3%), but only 98 (24.9%) had correct knowledge of recommended chemoprophylaxis. Of these, 68 (17.3%) had correct knowledge of first trimester treatment, while only 41 (10.4%) had knowledge of second and third trimester treatment. Only 64 (16.2%) of respondents routinely recommended use of insecticide-treated bed nets. The most common anti-malarial drug prescribed for chemoprophylaxis was pyrimethamine (43.7%); chloroquine was the most common anti-malarial prescribed for both first trimester treatment (81.5%) and second and third trimester treatment (55.3%). The study showed that private medical practitioners have poor knowledge of malaria prophylaxis and treatment in pregnancy, and the practice of most do not conform to recommended guidelines.
Chosen to fulfill the Great Commission? Biblical and theological reflections on the Back to Jerusalem Vision of Chinese churches
Authors: Park James Sung-Hwan
Published: September 2014

This article provides a theological analysis of the Back to Jerusalem Movement (BTJM) in China. It explores the core motivating belief of the BTJM (a salvation-historical self-understanding of China as God’s appointed means for ushering in the millennium) and identifies three underlying ideas—the westward expansion of Christianity, China’s uniquely blessed status, and the importance of persecution and suffering in the last days—that are used to support this claim. It offers biblical and theological reflections on these three ideas and assesses the central BTJM belief that China has been uniquely chosen by God to fulfill the Great Commission.
Globalization and contextualization: Reframing the task of contextualization in the twenty-first century
Authors: Ott Craig
Published: September 2014

In the face of globalization, approaches to contextualization developed in the late 20th century must be expanded upon. Two main developments of globalization are examined and implications for contextualization are drawn. First, the increased interconnectivity of the global church and the McDonaldization of ministry imply that the focus of contextualization must be increasingly upon processing, evaluating, and rejecting or assimilating these global Christian influences. Second, globalization had led to the hybridization of cultures from which four implications are drawn. Contextualization must be focused more on understanding and responding appropriately to rapid social change now, and less on preserving or transforming the “traditional culture” of the past. Contextualization must be more radically rooted in biblical truth and identity. Contextualization must reevaluate the place of the catholicity of the church in relation to theological and ecclesial traditions. Finally, contextualization might be reconceived as a process of hybridization as opposed to homogenization or fragmentation.
Centralized predictive controller design based on an uncertain neural network for multivariable non-linear systems
Authors: Mnasser Ahmed , Bouani Faouzi
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we propose a feedforward neural networks-based robust predictive controller for a class of multi-input–multi-output non-linear systems. Using the structured uncertainties of the output layer’s weights of the neural networks model, the non-linear model of the real system is determined at each operating point. The control law is formulated as a minimax problem, which is solved online. The non-convex optimization is developed by minimizing the worst case of the objective cost function, taking into account the uncertainties of the non-linear model and the input control signal constraints. The efficiency of the proposed neural predictive controller is illustrated, in simulation, with a multivariable system example.
Telemedicine for Reach, Education, Access, and Treatment (TREAT)
Authors: Siminerio Linda , Ruppert Kristine , Huber Kimberly , Toledo Fredrico G. S.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine diabetes-related behavioral and psychosocial outcomes as well as patient satisfaction with the Telemedicine for Reach, Education, Access, and Treatment (TREAT) model.

Methods

TREAT employs telemedicine services provided by an endocrinologist at an urban area in partnership with a diabetes educator in a rural area, working together with patients and primary care providers (PCPs). Thirty-five patients with type 2 diabetes were referred by PCPs and received glycemic management and education in the TREAT model. A diabetes educator operated the videoconferencing equipment, remained with the patient to receive and review plan communicated by the endocrinologist during the visit, coordinated services, administered surveys, and provided self-management education and support. Empowerment, self-care, diabetes distress, adherence to monitoring, and patient satisfaction were assessed by survey at baseline and follow-up.

Results

There was significant improvement in empowerment, self-care (adherence to diet and monitoring), and reduction in diabetes distress. Patients reported high levels of satisfaction.

Conclusions

In rural areas, the TREAT model delivers improvements in behavioral and psychosocial outcomes and high patient satisfaction. The TREAT model may be a viable option for rural communities that suffer from a shortage of team-based diabetes specialist and self-management support services.
Who Accepts Responsibility for Their Transgressions?
Authors: Schumann Karina , Dweck Carol S.
Published: September 2014

After committing an offense, transgressors can optimize their chances of reconciling with the victim by accepting responsibility. However, transgressors may be motivated to avoid admitting fault because it can feel threatening to accept blame for harmful behavior. Who, then, is likely to accept responsibility for a transgression? We examined how implicit theories of personality—whether people see personality as malleable (incremental theory) or fixed (entity theory)—influence transgressors’ likelihood of accepting responsibility. We argue that incremental theorists may feel less threatened by accepting responsibility because they are more likely to view the situation as an opportunity for them to grow as a person and develop their relationship with the victim. We found support for our predictions across four studies using a combination of real-world and hypothetical offenses, and correlational and experimental methods. These studies therefore identify an important individual difference factor that can lead to more effective responses from transgressors.
Back-Propagation Beamformer Design for Motion Estimation in Echocardiography
Authors: Guo Xinxin , Liebgott Hervé , Friboulet Denis
Published: September 2014

Transverse oscillation (TO) techniques have shown their potential for improving the accuracy of local motion estimation in the transverse direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the beam axis). The conventional design of TOs in linear geometry, which is based on the Fraunhofer approximation, relates point spread function (PSF) and apodization function through a Fourier transform. Motivated by the adaptation of TOs in echocardiography, we propose a specific beamforming approach based on back-propagation (BP) to build TOs in sector-shaped geometry. Numerical simulations and experimental data give a comparison between proposed and conventional beamforming for TOs. The accuracy is first quantified by comparing the generated and theoretical PSF using the root mean square error (RMSE) and shows that BP-based beamforming approximates the desired TOs more closely than the conventional approach. Motion estimation is then evaluated. The axial and lateral displacements are within the range [0-0.6] mm and [0°-6.4°], respectively, which correspond to 0.8 times the axial (0.73 mm) and lateral (8°) wavelengths. The result shows that the proposed method yields a clear improvement for lateral displacements, by reducing the error by 28.6% compared with Fourier transform–based beamforming, while maintaining the same error for axial motion estimation. Experimental measurements are discussed to complete this study and confirm that BP-based beamforming leads to better controlled TO images than conventional Fourier-based beamforming.