bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracto de Compost como Control del Mildiu Lanoso (Peronospora belbahrii) y Suplemento Nutricional en Albahaca Dulce (Ocimum basilicum)
Authors: Francescangeli Moscoso Olivier , Sierra Agustinus Alejandra , Ramírez Castro Dennis Roberto
Published: August 2015

Existe una fuerte tendencia hacia las alternativas agroecológicas de los fertilizantes y plaguicidas sintéticos debido al impacto que tienen en el medio ambiente y en la sociedad. El té de compost ha probado ser muy efectivo para controlar algunos patógenos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar su efectividad para suprimir la incidencia de Peronospora belbahrii, un oomiceto causante de la principal enfermedad en albahaca orgánica en Zamorano, Honduras. Se fabricó una máquina para elaborar el té y se evaluaron aplicaciones foliares de este y foliares y al suelo junto con Bacillus subtilis, ácido salicílico y ácido peracético en un experimento de ocho semanas. Se inocularon las plantas con el patógeno, se aplicaron los tratamientos y se midió la incidencia semanal de la enfermedad y el rendimiento en las semanas 4 y 8. El té de compost aplicado foliar difirió en una de los ocho semanas con el testigo, el té aplicado foliar y al suelo fue significativo en dos de las ocho semanas con el testigo y el resto de tratamientos no fueron significativos en ninguna semana. En rendimiento, el té de compost foliar + al suelo fue significativamente mayor (48.2 ± 6.2 g/planta) en las primeras cuatro semanas y mayor en la semana 8, aunque sin diferencias estadísticas. Se atribuye la falta de efectividad del té de compost a los niveles altos de aditivos que causaron excesos de microorganismos lo que causó condiciones anaeróbicas que afectaron la calidad final y su habilidad supresora.Ceiba, 2012. Volumen 53(1):17-29
MICROFUNDAMENTOS: HYMAN P. MINSKY E OS MODELOS DE FRAGILIDADE FINANCEIRA
Authors: Marcato Marilia Bassetti
Published: August 2015

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar a ponte de intermédio entre as esferas micro e macroeconômica, sob a perspectiva de Hyman P. Minsky, considerando sua Hipótese de Instabilidade Financeira. Dessa forma, foram analisados os aspectos microeconômicos que fundamentam as interações dinâmicas dos agentes. Para além da análise de suas obras, buscou-se expor algumas contribuições recentes, em especial os modelos de fragilidade financeira de Crotty e Goldstein e de Chiarella e Di Guilmi.
O PROGRAMA BOLSA FAMÍLIA E O MERCADO DE TRABALHO: EVIDÊNCIAS PARA O BRASIL E PARANÁ
Authors: Costa Dryelli Jales , Cunha Marina Silva
Published: August 2015

O Programa Bolsa Família (PBF) afirmou-se no decorrer de uma década como um dos principais programas de transferência de renda condicionada no mundo, tendo como objetivo fundamental o fornecimento de condições para redução da pobreza e desigualdade de renda de curto e longo prazo. Todavia questionamentos quanto à eficácia do programa só podem ser solucionados com mecanismos pertinentes de avaliação. Para tal, utilizou-se amostras da PNAD 2006 para identificar os domicílios que foram beneficiados pelo PBF e também estabelecer diferenciações entre os gêneros de posições domiciliares diversificadas no Paraná e Brasil. Ao utilizar o método de Pareamento pelo Escore de Propensão, o resultado apresentou-se altamente positivo para as mulheres, especialmente para as cônjuges. Desse modo, o PBF não pode ser interpretado como um fator de desestímulo ao trabalho, uma vez que para os grupos analisados a maioria obteve significância estatística.
Making the Case for Tank Asset Management Programs
Authors: Chambers John
Published: August 2015

Asset management and accrual accounting are staple best practices for private business capital planning. Surprising to some, it wasn't always that way for public tangible assets like water infrastructure. Water infrastructure assets require specialized performance and reporting of asset conditions to address critical needs.
Can Business Continuity Planning Strengthen Utilities' Preparedness and Resiliency?
Authors: Flynn Jim , Novick Kate
Published: August 2015

Risks to water utilities from natural disasters and other events are continually changing, which is why utilities need to prioritize risk reduction if they hope to meet their customers' needs. Business continuity planning (BCP) is one critical way to manage and reduce risk occurrence.
Tolerability of Low-Dose Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim for Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia Prophylaxis in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Zmarlicka Monika , Martin Spencer T. , Cardwell Sophia M. , Nailor Michael D.
Published: August 2015

Background—

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is an opportunistic infection seen in immunosuppressed patients, including solid-organ transplant recipients. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SMX/TMP) has long been considered first-line therapy for PCP prophylaxis. Optimal dosing regimens in solid-organ transplant recipients have not been fully defined.

Objective—

To examine the tolerability of a 1-year, 3-times weekly, prophylactic regimen of a single-strength SMX/TMP tablet.

Study Design—

Single-center, retrospective cohort study.

Setting—

A tertiary-care medical center, including inpatient hospitalizations and outpatient transplant clinic visits.

Patients—

Adult patients who received a kidney transplant between December 1, 2010, and November 30, 2012, at Hartford Hospital. Patients receiving a concurrent extrarenal transplant were excluded. Patients' charts were reviewed for up to 1 year after transplant.

Results—

A total of 88 patients were included in the analysis. Sixty-seven patients finished a full year of SMX/TMP after transplant, 10 patients discontinued SMX/TMP less than 1 year after transplant, and 11 patients started taking atovaquone instead of SMX/TMP after transplant. Documented reasons for discontinuation included hyperkalemia, leukopenia, diarrhea, and simplification of medication regimen. Patients without a documented reason for discontinuation did not have any obvious anomalies in laboratory values that would account for the discontinuation. Patients who received atovaquone for PCP prophylaxis had higher rates of recurrent urinary tract infections than did patients who received SMX/TMP for prophylaxis (33% vs 7%, P = .02). A longer postoperative stay (median [interquartile range, IQR] 13 [8.25–26] days vs 7 [6-9.5] days, P = .02), higher rates of delayed graft function (50% vs 10%, P = .004), as well as higher serum creatinine levels on postoperative day 7 (6.25 [2.4–10.1] mg/dL vs 1.8 [1.2–4.2] mg/dL, P = .01), postoperative month 1 (1.9 [0.8] mg/dL vs 1.4 [0.5] mg/dL, P = .002), and postoperative month 12 (1.6 [0.5] mg/dL vs 1.3 [0.3] mg/dL, P = .04) were associated with early SMX/TMP discontinuation.

Conclusion—

A low-dose prophylactic SMX/TMP regimen of 1 single-strength tablet 3 times weekly is well tolerated. Discontinuation rates were lower than other rates reported for higher-dose regimens.
Burnout in Transplant Nurses
Authors: Jesse Michelle T. , Abouljoud Marwan S. , Hogan Kathy , Eshelman Anne
Published: August 2015

Context—

Burnout is a response to chronic strain within the workplace and is common across nursing professions. Little has been published about burnout in organ transplant nurses.

Objective—

To report the prevalence of the 3 main components of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment) in organ transplant nurses and to examine factors that contribute to the development of burnout in transplant nurses.

Design—

Cross-sectional survey of transplant nurses (recruited via listservs) on professional and personal demographics, decisional authority, psychological job demands, supervisor and coworker support, frequency and comfort with difficult patient interactions, and burnout.

Participants—

369 transplant nurses.

Results—

About half reported high levels of emotional exhaustion, 15.7% reported high levels of depersonalization, and 51.8% reported low levels of personal accomplishment. Working more hours per week, lower decisional authority, greater psychological job demands, lower perceived supervisor support, and greater frequency and discomfort with difficult patient interactions were significant predictors of emotional exhaustion. Greater frequency and discomfort with difficult patient interactions were significant predictors of depersonalization. Younger age, lower decisional authority, and greater discomfort with difficult patient interactions were predictors of low personal accomplishment.

Conclusions—

The study provides strong evidence of the presence of burnout in transplant nurses and opportunities for focused and potentially very effective interventions aimed at reducing burnout.
Hyperuricemia and Gout in Solid-Organ Transplant: Update in Pharmacological Management
Authors: Sullivan Peter M. , William Asch , Tichy Eric M.
Published: August 2015

Hyperuricemia is a common comorbid condition experienced by up to 28% of kidney transplant recipients. These patients are at elevated risk of acute flare-ups of gout because of transplant-specific risk factors such as impaired renal function, chronic contributing pharmacotherapy (eg, calcineurin inhibitors, diuretics), and associated comorbid conditions. After transplant, treatment is often complicated by drug-drug interactions, renal impairment, and toxic effects of drugs with the use of first-line recommended agents. A number of therapeutic options remain available for transplant recipients, including dose modifications of historic agents and newer pharmacotherapeutic options. Notably, the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines address the management of hyperuricemia and gout, but these guidelines were last published in 2009, and new data and treatment options have emerged since then. The management of hyperuricemia and acute and chronic gout is described, including the use of novel agents including urate oxidases, interleukin 1 inhibitors, and human urate transporter 1 inhibitors and alternative immunosuppressive therapy strategies.
Can Transition to Adult Care for Transplant Recipients Be Improved by Intensified Services While Patients are Still in Pediatrics?
Authors: Annunziato Rachel A. , Parbhakar Meera , Kapoor Kathryn , Matloff Robyn , Casey Nicole , Benchimol Corinne , Hotchkiss Hilary , Nair Vinay , Saland Jeffrey
Published: August 2015

Context—

Transferring out of pediatrics is a vulnerable time for transplant recipients. Use of a transition coordinator before and after transfer improves outcomes, although it is unclear whether placing a transition coordinator in pediatrics alone is beneficial.

Objective—

To determine if incorporating a transition coordinator in pediatrics only is associated with stable outcomes for kidney transplant recipients.

Design—

A retrospective chart review was conducted on outcomes for kidney transplant recipients who shifted service location between 2008 and 2012.

Setting—

A pediatric and adult transplant unit.

Patients—

Twenty-two patients transferred during the study period.

Intervention—

Twelve patients received more intensified preparation from the team's social worker, whose role was aligned with a transition coordinator position; 10 patients received standard care.

Main Outcome Measures—

The primary outcome was medication adherence, using a validated measure, standard deviations of tacrolimus blood levels. A standard deviation greater than 2.5 has been established as a threshold associated with poor outcomes such as rejection. Standard deviation of tacrolimus levels was compared for 1 year before and 1 year after transfer.

Results—

Medication adherence worsened from 1 year before (2.03 [SD, 0.75]) to 1 year after transfer (2.95 [SD, 1.38]; t = −3.07, P = .007). A repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated that this pattern was the same for patients who did and patients who did not receive intensified services in pediatrics ( F1,16 = 1.07, P = .32).
Self-Reports on Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse: Liver Transplant Patients versus Rehabilitation Therapy Patients
Authors: Schieber Katharina , Lindner Marion , Sowa Jan-Peter , Gerken Guido , Scherbaum Norbert , Kahraman Alisan , Canbay Ali , Erim Yesim
Published: August 2015

Context—

Self-report measures often underestimate the severity of symptoms of alcohol abuse. It is generally supposed that patients who abuse alcohol tend to minimize their drinking behavior. However, the validity of self-reports also can be influenced by external factors such as the setting.

Objective—

To investigate how the setting influences self-reporting on symptoms of alcohol abuse in patients with alcoholic liver disease.

Design, Setting and Participants—

Cross-sectional study in patients before liver transplant (n = 40) and patients in rehabilitation therapy (n = 44).

Main Outcome Measure—

Scores on the Munich Alcoholism Test, which consists of a self-report-scale and an expert-rating scale.

Results—

The discrepancy in scores on the self-report scale and the expert-rating scale differed significantly between patients before liver transplant and patients in rehabilitation therapy. Furthermore, patients in the rehabilitation therapy group reported higher alcoholism scores on the self-report questionnaire than did patients before liver transplant, but the groups did not differ in the expert evaluation value.

Conclusion—

The transplant setting seems to evoke minimizing in self-reports in patients with alcohol abuse. Minimizing or denying symptoms of alcohol abuse does not seem to be a specific characteristic of persons with alcohol abuse, as it is also caused by the circumstances. In the transplant setting, more attention should be given to the psychologically difficult situation for patients with potential alcohol abuse. Implementation of psychoeducational interventions in the treatment process before transplant could be a first step toward reaching this goal.
Racial Disparity Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Hepatectomy: Is Baseline Kidney Function a Potential Explanation?
Authors: Palanisamy Arun P. , Dowden Jacob E. , Manasra Abdel Rahman Al , Rohan Vinayak S. , Bratton Charles F. , McGillicuddy John W. , Baliga Prabakar K. , Chavin Kenneth D. , Taber David J.
Published: August 2015

Background—

Reasons underlying disparities in outcomes in liver resections between patients who are African American and patients who are not are poorly understood.

Methods—

An observational longitudinal cohort study was performed. Clinical data were collected from medical records of 166 patients (59 African American, 107 not) undergoing partial hepatectomy between 2004 and 2012. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results—

African Americans patients undergoing partial hepatectomy were more likely to be female, heavier, have hemangiomas or adenomas, and have hepatic steatosis on explant. Intraoperatively, African Americans had longer surgical times, higher estimated blood loss, and greater use of blood products. Major postoperative complications were significantly more common in African Americans. Multivariable modeling demonstrated that race, history of hepatitis C, and estimated blood loss were the only variables that were independently associated with a major complication; however, baseline serum creatinine level was the only variable that significantly modified the effect of race on complications.

Conclusions—

African Americans with normal serum creatinine levels had a similar rate of complication to patients who were not African American, but as the baseline serum level of creatinine increased, the odds ratio for a complication developing increased dramatically in the African American patients, suggesting that the disparities seen are predominantly driven by a subset of African American patients who have preexisting renal insufficiency.
Update on Liver Transplants in Lebanon
Authors: Faraj Walid , Haydar Ali , Nounou Ghina El , Naaj Abdallah Abou El , Khoury Ghattas , Jabbour Samar , Khalife Mohamed
Published: August 2015

Objective—

To review all liver transplants performed at the American University of Beirut Medical Center from 1998 to present.

Materials and Methods—

From 1998 to present, 21 liver transplants (15 into adults and 6 into children) were performed at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. Of the 21 transplants, 5 were living related liver transplants.

Results—

Patient survival was 76% at 1, 5, and 10 years. Five recipients died at a median of 9 (range, 1–56) days after transplant. Causes of death included 1 case of severe cellular rejection, 1 case of portal and hepatic artery thrombosis, 1 case of intraoperative cardiac arrest, and 2 cases of primary nonfunction. Two biliary complications and 2 major vascular complications also occurred. All 16 survivors are well, with normal findings on liver function tests at a median follow-up time of 93 (range, 10–185) months after transplant.

Conclusions—

Although our numbers are small, the 10-year survival rate is comparable to reported rates for other series around the world. Deceased organ donations must be encouraged so that we can perform more transplants. As a source of organs, living related liver transplant is important; however, it cannot replace deceased donation.
What are Patients Saying about Sex after a Kidney or Simultaneous Kidney/Pancreas Transplant?
Authors: Martell Jessica , Rice Elizabeth I. , Crooks Natasha K. , Ko Dami , Muehrer Rebecca J.
Published: August 2015

Context—

Chronic illnesses such as kidney failure and diabetes and their treatments can affect people's identity, including their sexual identity. Little is known about patients' perspective on the effect of transplant on their sexual identity.

Objective—

To explore the sexual concerns of kidney and simultaneous pancreas/kidney transplant recipients.

Design—

Descriptive, qualitative.

Setting—

Major Midwestern university hospital.

Patients—

143 kidney and 70 pancreas/kidney transplant recipients; most were male (63.0%), married (64.7%), and white (83.7%), and the mean age was 49 years.

Intervention—

The qualitative data reported in this manuscript are derived from 2 larger quantitative studies of sexuality and quality of life in kidney and pancreas/kidney transplant recipients. The questionnaire in those studies included 2 open-ended questions that allowed participants to share their experiences as transplant recipients.

Main Outcome Measure—

Two faculty and 3 students did a conventional content analysis on patients' responses to the open-ended questions. Codes were extracted from the responses and then themes were created that best represented the codes.

Results—

Participants shared how sexual concerns affected their identity as sexual beings after transplant. Based on the responses to these open-ended questions, 4 themes were identified: sexual functioning, health care concerns, relationship with partner, and appearance changes. The study results indicate the need for improved education and provider-initiated dialogue related to sexuality after transplant.
Shopping to save the world? Reclaiming global citizenship within Irish universities
Authors: Gaynor Niamh
Published: August 2015

Patterns and causes of poverty and underdevelopment have shifted considerably over the last two decades. Growing global inequality within and between nations is now inextricably linked to both the exigencies and impacts of the global economy. In this article I argue that our universities, while developing students’ core skills and competencies to work within this global economy, fall short in providing them with the contextual competencies to critically engage with the multi-faceted challenges posed by it. In other words, our universities are failing to produce critically engaged global citizens. As universities opt to leave this contextual educational component to NGOs within the development sector – a sector with its own challenges and limitations – I go on to argue that global citizenship education as popularly promoted within this sector is also limited. In equating global citizenship and activism with consumerism, it depoliticises and individualises acts of engagement, thereby eroding the potential for collective, transformative action. I conclude by urging that, as teachers, mentors and public sociologists, we reclaim global citizenship as a collective project engaged in the political struggle for meaning and ‘truth’ within our classrooms and institutions.
Teaching sociology in an age of teaching ‘excellence’
Authors: O'Sullivan Sara
Published: August 2015

In 2004 Wright et al. issued a challenge to sociologists, to examine ‘the effect of the structure of the academy on teaching and learning outcomes’ (2004: 155). In this paper I take up this challenge, beginning with a short overview of the changing Irish higher education context, highlighting three macro level changes that currently impact on teaching sociology in Ireland. I argue that such a structural lens is essential to our understanding of the meso (institutional and disciplinary) levels of teaching sociology. I argue a nascent ‘teaching and learning movement’ in Irish sociology may be emerging. A number of factors that have facilitated this are identified. However even a quick glance at Irish higher education also reveals contradictions and conflicts which threaten this movement before it is even established, including worsening staff-student ratios, increased casualisation of teaching and the neo-liberal turn. The paper concludes with a call for more sociologically informed work both on teaching and learning in Irish higher education, and on teaching sociology. This would enable more informed involvement in critical debates around teaching excellence at the national and institutional levels. It would also make public pedagogies currently in use for teaching sociology in Ireland.
Consequences of bias-motivated victimisation among Swedish university students with an immigrant or minority background
Authors: Andersson Mika , Mellgren Caroline
Published: August 2015

The present article examines the impact of racist and xenophobic victimisation among students with a minority and/or immigrant background in a Swedish context. We examine if racist and/or xenophobic victimisation result in 1) behavioral strategies applied to reduce victimisation risk, 2) a heightened level of fear and 3) if the motive in itself has an independent effect on the level of fear among victims. The study design combines survey data with interviews. The findings suggest that experiences of racist and/or xenophobic victimisation lead to higher levels of fear and that the motive in itself influences this relationship independently. We also found that certain behavioural strategies are developed in order to avoid victimisation.
Acquisition of Basic Science Process Skills among Malaysian Upper Primary Students
Authors: Ong Eng Tek , Ramiah Puspa , Ruthven Kenneth , Salleh Sabri Mohd , Yusuff Nik Azmah Nik , Mokhsein Siti Eshah
Published: August 2015

This study aims to determine whether there are significant differences in the acquisition of basic science process skills by gender, school location and by grade levels among upper primary school students. Using an established 36-item Basic Science Process Skills test that assesses the skills of observing, communicating, classifying, measuring, predicting and inferring with appropriate reliability and validity, the instrument was administered to 220 respondents - 80, 80 and 60 in Years 4, 5 and 6 respectively, drawn from two urban and two rural national primary schools in Perak. The data were analysed by gender and by location using an independent samples t-test, and by grade level using one-way ANOVA. The findings indicated that while there was no gender difference, significant differences in the basic science process skills were found between rural and urban students, favouring the latter, in terms of observing, communicating, classifying and inferring. The significant grade level differences were only observed between Year 4 and Year 6 students, favouring the latter, in terms of measuring, predicting and inferring. Possible reasons for the differences observed are discussed.
Diagnostic Efficacy and Safety of Endobronchial Ultrasound‐Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration in Intrathoracic Tuberculosis
Authors: Ye Wu , Zhang Ruifeng , Xu Xiaoling , Liu Yanru , Ying Kejing
Published: August 2015

Objectives

Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) is a minimally invasive technique. A meta‐analysis was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of EBUS‐TBNA in intrathoracic tuberculosis (TB).

Methods

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science for suitable studies. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios (LRs), and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated. A summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to calculate the area under the summary ROC curve and Qpoint value (Q*).

Results

A total of 8 studies with 809 patients were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of EBUS‐TBNA for diagnosis of intrathoracic TB were 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74–0.85) and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.99–1.00), respectively. The positive LR was 38.25 (95% CI, 13.59–107.65); the negative LR was 0.24 (95% CI, 0.17–0.33); and the diagnostic odds ratio was 186.35 (95% CI, 63.57–546.28). The area under the summary ROC curve was 0.935, and the Q*was 0.871. The pooled sensitivity of EBUS‐TBNA for diagnosis of intrathoracic tuberculous lymphadenopathy was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.80–0.95). Only 1 serious complication was reported.

Conclusions

Endobronchial US‐guided TBNA is an effective and safe diagnostic tool for intrathoracic TB, especially intrathoracic tuberculous lymphadenopathy.
In Search of the Optimal Heart Perfusion Ultrasound Imaging Platform
Authors: Grishenkov Dmitry , Gonon Adrian , Janerot-Sjoberg Birgitta
Published: August 2015

Objectives

Quantification of myocardial perfusion by contrast echocardiography remains a challenge. Existing imaging phantoms used to evaluate the performance of ultrasound scanners do not comply with perfusion basics in the myocardium, where perfusion and motion are inherently coupled. To contribute toward an improvement, we developed a contrast echocardiographic perfusion imaging platform based on an isolated rat heart coupled to an ultrasound scanner.

Methods

Perfusion was assessed by using 3 different types of contrast agents: dextran‐based Promiten (Meda AB, Solna, Sweden), phospholipid‐shelled SonoVue (Bracco Diagnostics, Inc, Princeton, NJ), and polymer‐shelled MB‐pH5‐RT, developed in‐house. The myocardial video intensity was monitored over time from contrast agent administration to peak, and 2 characteristic constants were calculated by using an exponential fit: A, representing capillary volume; and β, representing inflow velocity.

Results

Acquired experimental evidence demonstrates that the application of all 3 contrast agents allows sonographic estimation of myocardial perfusion in the isolated rat heart. Video intensity maps show that an increase in contrast concentration increases the late‐plateau values, A, mimicking increased capillary volume. Estimated values of the flow, proportional to A × β, increase when the pressure of the perfusate column increases from 80 to 110 cm of water. This finding is in agreement with the true values of the coronary flow increase measured by a flowmeter attached to the aortic cannula.

Conclusions

The contrast echocardiographic perfusion imaging platform described holds promise for standardized evaluation and optimization of contrast perfusion ultrasound imaging in which real‐time inflow curves at low acoustic power semiquantitatively reflect coronary flow.
Intrathyroidal Ectopic Thymus in Children
Authors: Yildiz Adalet Elcin , Ceyhan Koray , Sıklar Zeynep , Bilir Pelin , Yağmurlu Emin Aydın , Berberoğlu Merih , Fitoz Suat
Published: August 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to define grayscale and color Doppler sonographic features of an ectopic intrathyroidal thymus and to differentiate it from other thyroid nodule etiologies.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed imaging findings from 30 children who had a diagnosis of an ectopic intrathyroidal thymus from November 2005 to January 2013. Nodular thyroid lesions that were enclosed by the thyroid parenchyma and showed a typical echo pattern consistent with the thymus were accepted as the enclosed form of an intrathyroidal ectopic thymus. Eleven of these 30 children had an intrathyroidal ectopic thymus enclosed by the thyroid parenchyma, and they were enrolled in the study. The recorded sonograms were reviewed according to side, location, size, shape, echo pattern, internal content, and vascularization.

Results

The enclosed forms of ectopic intrathyroidal thymuses were unilateral in all children and located in the mid portion (n = 10) or lower portion (n = 1). All lesions were well demarcated, and the most common shape was fusiform (n = 8). Nine lesions showed a typical hypoechoic echo pattern with internal linear and punctate echoes resembling a mediastinal thymus. On color Doppler imaging, 6 lesions showed hypovascularity compared to the thyroid parenchyma, and 5 lesions showed internal vascularity.

Conclusions

Unique sonographic features of the enclosed form of an ectopic intrathyroidal thymus, including a hypoechoic echo pattern with multiple linear and punctate echoes, a fusiform shape, a well‐demarcated contour, and a mid‐ or low‐lying location with hypovascularity or internal vascularity, can help radiologists differentiate it from other thyroid nodule etiologies.
B‐Lines in Assessment of Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients With Interstitial Lung Diseases
Authors: Zheng Xiao-Zhi , Zheng Quan , Zhou Jing , Yang Bin
Published: August 2015

Objectives

This study was conducted to evaluate the value of sonographic B‐lines (previously called “comet tail artifacts”) in assessment of pulmonary hypertension in patients with interstitial lung diseases.

Methods

One hundred thirty‐four patients with clinically diagnosed interstitial lung diseases complicated by pulmonary hypertension underwent transthoracic lung sonography and Doppler echocardiography for assessment of the presence of B‐lines, the distance between them, and the pulmonary artery (PA) systolic pressure. A correlation analysis and a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed.

Results

All patients had diffuse bilateral B‐lines. The maximum number of B‐lines seen in any positive zone (not a summation) was significantly correlated with the severity of PA systolic pressure (r= 0.812; P< .0001), and a linear regression equation could be demonstrated: that is, y = 6.06 x + 17.57, where x and y represent the number of B‐lines and PA systolic pressure, respectively. A cutoff of more than 4 B‐lines seen in any positive zone had 89.5% sensitivity, 85.0% specificity, and 87.2% accuracy in predicting elevated PA pressure (>30 mm Hg).

Conclusions

The number of B‐lines is useful in assessment of pulmonary hypertension, especially when tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary valve regurgitation do not exist or cannot be satisfactorily measured by Doppler echocardiography.
Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Increase on Ascent to High Altitude
Authors: Kanaan Nicholas C. , Lipman Grant S. , Constance Benjamin B , Holck Peter S. , Preuss James F. , Williams Sarah R. ,   PAINS Group
Published: August 2015

Objectives

Elevated optic nerve sheath diameter on sonography is known to correlate with increased intracranial pressure and is observed in acute mountain sickness. This study aimed to determine whether optic nerve sheath diameter changes on ascent to high altitude are associated with acute mountain sickness incidence.

Methods

Eighty‐six healthy adults enrolled at 1240 m (4100 ft), drove to 3545 m (11,700 ft) and then hiked to and slept at 3810 m (12,500 ft). Lake Louise Questionnaire scores and optic nerve sheath diameter measurements were taken before, the evening of, and the morning after ascent.

Results

The incidence of acute mountain sickness was 55.8%, with a mean Lake Louise Questionnaire score ± SD of 3.81 ± 2.5. The mean maximum optic nerve sheath diameter increased on ascent from 5.58 ± 0.79 to 6.13 ± 0.73 mm, a difference of 0.91 ± 0.55 mm (P = .09). Optic nerve sheath diameter increased at high altitude regardless of acute mountain sickness diagnosis; however, compared to baseline values, we observed a significant increase in diameter only in those with a diagnosis of acute mountain sickness (0.57 ± 0.77 versus 0.21 ± 0.76 mm; P = .04). This change from baseline, or Δ optic nerve sheath diameter, was associated with twice the odds of developing acute mountain sickness (95% confidence interval, 1.08–3.93).

Conclusions

The mean optic nerve sheath diameter increased on ascent to high altitude compared to baseline values, but not to a statistically significant degree. The magnitude of the observed Δ optic nerve sheath diameter was positively associated with acute mountain sickness diagnosis. No such significant association was found between acute mountain sickness and diameter elevation above standard cutoff values, limiting the utility of sonography as a diagnostic tool.
Are stress drop and rupture velocity of earthquakes independent? Insight from observed ground motion variability
Authors: Causse Mathieu , Song Seok Goo
Published: August 2015

We demonstrate that the variability of the peak ground acceleration (PGA) generated by earthquakes can be simply related to the variability of stress drop (Δτ), rupture velocity (Vr) and their correlation. By compiling recent observations of variability of ΔτandVr, we show that the hypothesis of independence between ΔτandVrleads to an overestimation of the PGA variability. We suggest that ΔτandVrmust be anticorrelated so as to match recent observations of PGA variability.
An empirical study of the distribution of earthquakes with respect to rock type and depth
Authors: Tal Yuval , Hager Bradford H.
Published: August 2015

Whether fault slip occurs seismically or aseismically depends on the frictional properties of the fault, which might be expected to depend on rock type and depth, as well as other factors. To examine the effect of rock type and depth on the distribution of earthquakes, we compare geologic models of the San Francisco Bay and the Southern California regions to the distribution of seismicity. We normalize the number of earthquakes within each rock type and depth interval by the corresponding volume to determine the earthquake density. Earthquake density is determined primarily by depth, while whether the rock is sedimentary or basement has only a secondary, depth‐dependent effect on the earthquake density. At very shallow depths, there is no difference in earthquake density between sedimentary and basement rocks. The earthquake density of basement rocks increases with depth more rapidly than that of sedimentary rocks to a similar but shallower maximum.
An extensive survey of dayside diffuse aurora based on optical observations at Yellow River Station
Authors: Han De‐Sheng , Chen Xiang‐Cai , Liu Jian‐Jun , Qiu Qi , Keika K. , Hu Ze‐Jun , Liu Jun‐Ming , Hu Hong‐Qiao , Yang Hui‐Gen
Published: August 2015

By using 7 years optical auroral observations obtained at Yellow River Station (magnetic latitude 76.24°N) at Ny‐Alesund, Svalbard, we performed the first extensive survey for the dayside diffuse auroras (DDAs) and acquired observational results as follows. (1) The DDAs can be classified into two broad categories, i.e., unstructured and structured DDAs. The unstructured DDAs are mainly distributed in morning and afternoon, but the structured DDAs predominantly occurred around the magnetic local noon (MLN). (2) The unstructured DDAs observed in morning and afternoon present obviously different properties. The afternoon ones are much stable and seldom show pulsating property. (3) The DDAs are more easily observed under geomagnetically quiet times. (4) The structured DDAs mainly show patchy, stripy, and irregular forms and are often pulsating and drifting. The drifting directions are mostly westward (with speed ~5 km/s), but there are cases showing eastward or poleward drifting. (5) The stripy DDAs are exclusively observed near the MLN and, most importantly, their alignments are confirmed to be consistent with the direction of ionospheric convection near the MLN. (6) A new auroral form, called throat aurora, is found to be developed from the stripy DDAs. Based on the observational results and previous studies, we proposed our explanations to the DDAs. We suggest that the unstructured DDAs observed in the morning are extensions of the nightside diffuse aurora to the dayside, but that observed in the afternoon are predominantly caused by proton precipitations. The structured DDAs occurred near the MLN are caused by interactions of cold plasma structures, which are supposed to be originated from the ionospheric outflows or plasmaspheric drainage plumes, with hot electrons from the plasma sheet. We suppose that the cold plasma structures for producing the patchy DDAs are in lumpy and are more likely from the plasmaspheric drainage plumes. The cold plasma structure for producing the stripy DDAs should be in wedge like and is generated by conveying the cold plasmas from lower L‐shell toward higher L‐shell with magnetospheric convection, and that for producing the irregular DDAs is resulted from deforming the wedge‐like structure by disturbance. The throat aurora is supposed to be projection of a newly opened flux of reconnection. In addition, we also found that structured DDAs correspond to structured electron precipitations in the ionosphere, which implies that the cold plasma structures in the magnetosphere are magnetically mapped to the ionosphere and act as a duct for producing the structured DDAs. We argue that we have presented some new observational results about DDA in this paper, which will be useful for fully understanding the DDAs.
Sedimentation from flocculated suspensions in the presence of settling‐driven gravitational interface instabilities
Authors: Rouhnia Mohamad , Strom Kyle
Published: August 2015

We experimentally examine sedimentation from a freshwater suspension of clay flocs overlying saltwater in the presence of gravitational instabilities. The study seeks to determine: (1) if flocculation hampers or alters interface instability formation; (2) how the removal rates of sediment from the buoyant layer compare to those predicted by individual floc settling; and (3) whether or not it is possible to develop a model for effective settling velocity. The experiments were conducted in a tank at isothermal conditions. All experiments were initially stably stratified but later developed instabilities near the interface that grew into downward convecting plumes of fluid and sediment. Throughout, we measured sediment concentration in the upper and lower layers, floc size, and plume descent rates. The data showed that flocculation modifies the mixture settling velocity, and therefore shifts the mode of interface instability from double‐diffusive (what one would expect from unflocculated clay) to settling‐driven leaking and Rayleigh‐Taylor instability formation. Removal rates of sediment from the upper layer in the presence of these instabilities were on the same order of magnitude as those predicted by individual floc settling. However, removal rates were found to better correlate with the speed of the interface plumes. A simple force‐balance model was found to be capable of reasonably describing plume velocity based on concentration in the buoyant layer. This relation, coupled with a critical Grashof number and geometry relations, allowed us to develop a model for the effective settling velocity of the mixture based solely on integral values of the upper layer.
Extreme waves seasonality analysis: An application in theMediterraneanSea
Authors: Sartini L. , Cassola F. , Besio G.
Published: August 2015

A nonstationary model based on a time‐dependent version of the Generalized Pareto Distribution (GPD)‐Poisson point process model has been implemented and applied to model extreme wave heights in the Mediterranean basin. Thirty‐two years of wave hindcast data have been provided by a forecast/hindcast numerical chain model operational at the University of Genoa (www.dicca.unige.it/meteocean). The nonstationary behavior of wave height maxima prompted the modeling of GEV parameters with harmonic functions. Harmonics have been introduced to model seasonal cycles within a year, also taking into account long‐term trend and covariates effects. The model has been applied on eight locations corresponding to buoys belonging to the RON (Rete Ondametrica Nazionale), chosen in order to represent best the main features and variability of waves along the Italian coast. The best performing model is chosen among a large set of possible candidates identified by different combinations of wave heights maxima and model parameters. Direct comparison with stationary results has been performed; furthermore, the model has demonstrated a good performance in gathering different seasonal behaviors related to the main meteorological forcing standing on the Mediterranean Sea. Trends related to extreme significant wave heights have also been evaluated in order to offer some insight into decadal‐scale wave climate. Results achieved show how the use of a nonstationary statistical model together with the analysis of the main meteorological forcings characterizing the area could prove useful in understanding wave climate related to atmospheric dynamics.
Elastoplastic Inverse Opals as Power‐Free Mechanochromic Sensors for Force Recording
Authors: Cho Younghyun , Lee Su Yeon , Ellerthorpe Lindsay , Feng Gang , Lin Gaojian , Wu Gaoxiang , Yin Jie , Yang Shu
Published: August 2015

Light‐weight, power‐free mechanochromic sensors that can change and record the reflective color depending on the magnitude and rate of the applied force are fabricated from inverse opals by infiltrating the colloidal crystals of silica particles with uncrosslinked SU‐8, followed by removal of the colloidal templates. The mechanical sensing range of the materials is high, 17.6–20.4 MPa. Due to elastoplastic deformation of the SU‐8 films, the deformed structures and thus colors can be locked after the removal of the load, therefore establishing a quantitative relationship between the mechanical force and optical responses. In comparison, mechanochromic photonic gels reported in the literature typically detect force in the range of 10–100 kPa; once the load is removed, the structure and color return back to the original ones. The mechanochromic sensors are highly sensitive: the ratio of shift in the stopband wavelength to the change in applied strain is up to 5.7 nm per percent, the highest among literature. Comparison of finite element simulations with experiments confirms the elastoplastic deformation of the films and highlights that reconfiguration of pore shape under compression plays a key role in the mechanochromic response.
Planar Photonic Crystal Biosensor for Quantitative Label‐Free Cell Attachment Microscopy
Authors: Chen Weili , Long Kenneth D. , Kurniawan Jonas , Hung Margaret , Yu Hojeong , Harley Brendan A. , Cunningham Brian T.
Published: August 2015

In this study, a planar‐surface photonic crystal (PC) biosensor for quantitative, kinetic, label‐free imaging of cell–surface interactions is demonstrated. The planar biosensor surface eliminates external stimuli to the cells caused by substrate topography to more accurately reflect smooth surface environment encountered by many cell types in vitro. Here, a fabrication approach that combines nanoreplica molding and a horizontal dipping process is used to planarize the surface of the PC biosensor. The planar PC biosensor maintains a high detection sensitivity that enables the monitoring of live cell–substrate interactions with spatial resolution sufficient for observing intracellular attachment strength gradients and the extensions of filopodia from the cell body. The evolution of cell morphology during the attachment and spreading process of 3T3 fibroblast cells is compared between planar and grating‐structured PC biosensors. The planar surface effectively eliminates the directionally biased cellular attachment behaviors that are observed on the grating‐structured surface. This work represents an important step forward in the development of label‐free techniques for observing cellular processes without unintended external environmental modulation.
Redox‐Neutral Rhodium‐Catalyzed CH Functionalization of Arylamine N‐Oxides with Diazo Compounds: Primary C(sp3)H/C(sp2)H Activation and Oxygen‐Atom Transfer
Authors: Zhou Bing , Chen Zhaoqiang , Yang Yaxi , Ai Wen , Tang Huanyu , Wu Yunxiang , Zhu Weiliang , Li Yuanchao
Published: August 2015

An unprecedented rhodium(III)‐catalyzed regioselective redox‐neutral annulation reaction of 1‐naphthylamine N‐oxides with diazo compounds was developed to afford various biologically important 1H‐benzo[g]indolines. This coupling reaction proceeds under mild reaction conditions and does not require external oxidants. The only by‐products are dinitrogen and water. More significantly, this reaction represents the first example of dual functiaonalization of unactivated a primary C(sp3)H bond and C(sp2)H bond with diazocarbonyl compounds. DFT calculations revealed that an intermediate iminium is most likely involved in the catalytic cycle. Moreover, a rhodium(III)‐catalyzed coupling of readily available tertiary aniline N‐oxides with α‐diazomalonates was also developed under external oxidant‐free conditions to access various aminomandelic acid derivatives by an O‐atom‐transfer reaction.
Synthese, Struktur und Eigenschaften von SrC(NH)3, einem stickstoffbasierten Carbonatanalogon mit Trinacriamotiv
Authors: Missong Ronja , George Janine , Houben Andreas , Hoelzel Markus , Dronskowski Richard
Published: August 2015

Strontiumguanidinat, SrC(NH)3, die erste Verbindung mit zweifach deprotonierter Guanidineinheit, wurde aus Strontium und Guanidin in flüssigem Ammoniak synthetisiert und mittels Röntgen‐ und Neutronenpulverdiffraktion, IR‐Spektroskopie und Dichtefunktionaltheorie inklusive harmonischer Phononenrechnungen charakterisiert. Die in der hexagonalen Raumgruppe P63 /m kristallisierende Verbindung ist das Stickstoffanalogon des Strontiumcarbonats, SrCO3, und dem Motiv nach schichtartig aus Sr2+‐Ionen und komplexen Anionen des Typs C(NH)32− aufgebaut; letztere nehmen die eigentümliche Trinacriagestalt an. Der Vergleich theoretischer Phononenrechnungen mit experimentellen IR‐Banden sowie quantenchemische Bindungsanalysen erlauben einen ersten Einblick in die Bindungs‐ und Packungsverhältnisse des bisher unbekannten Anions im Kristall.
B(C6F5)3‐Catalyzed Transfer of Dihydrogen from One Unsaturated Hydrocarbon to Another
Authors: Chatterjee Indranil , Qu Zheng‐Wang , Grimme Stefan , Oestreich Martin
Published: August 2015

A transition‐metal‐free transfer hydrogenation of 1,1‐disubstituted alkenes with cyclohexa‐1,4‐dienes as the formal source of dihydrogen is reported. The process is initiated by B(C6F5)3‐mediated hydride abstraction from the dihydrogen surrogate, forming a Brønsted acidic Wheland complex and [HB(C6F5)3]−. A sequence of proton and hydride transfers onto the alkene substrate then yields the alkane. Although several carbenium ion intermediates are involved, competing reaction channels, such as dihydrogen release and cationic dimerization of reactants, are largely suppressed by the use of a cyclohexa‐1,4‐diene with methyl groups at the C1 and C5 as well as at the C3 position, the site of hydride abstraction. The alkene concentration is another crucial factor. The various reaction pathways were computationally analyzed, leading to a mechanistic picture that is in full agreement with the experimental observations.