bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experience in dermomyofascial pouch coverage of immediate implants following skin sparing reduction mastectomy
Authors: Chang Ling‐Yun , Hargreaves Warren , Segara Davendra , Moisidis Elias 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundMastectomy for breast cancer treatment and prophylaxis has improved survival for patients. The advantage of implant reconstruction post mastectomy is that it avoids an additional donor site with its associated morbidity, which post‐mastectomy autologous reconstruction necessitates. However, the deficiency of muscle coverage at the lower pole of the implant meant it relied on only skin envelope coverage, and thus has the established complication of implant exposure or infection should the skin break down. In 2006, Nava devised a technique for a single‐stage reconstruction using definitive breast implants with two‐layer coverage of the lower pole with a vascularized dermal layer, as well as the traditional skin envelope, in women with preoperative large ptotic breasts. We present our experience with single‐stage implant breast reconstruction using this technique.MethodA retrospective review of the medical and operative records as well as patients' photographs was undertaken for consecutive patients from November 2009 to April 2011. These patients were selected for the procedure based on set criteria. We describe our surgical technique for this procedure.ResultIn the 18‐month period, 6 patients underwent 11 skin sparing reduction mastectomy (SSRM) implant reconstructions. Follow‐up ranged from 5 to 19 months. The mean length of hospital stay was 7.2 days (range was 2–15 days). One breast out of 11 reconstructions developed an infected seroma 8 months post‐operatively, requiring aspiration and intravenous antibiotics. One breast out of 11 developed T junction skin necrosis and associated cellulitis but the breast implant was protected by a visibly vascularized dermal flap and, thus, was not exposed. One breast developed a minor vertical wound dehiscence.ConclusionIn our initial experience, SSRM is a safe and effective method of immediate implant‐based breast reconstruction.
Near‐infrared fluorescence imaging to facilitate super‐selective arterial clamping during zero‐ischaemia robotic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Borofsky Michael S. , Gill Inderbir S. , Hemal Ashok K. , Marien Tracy P. , Jayaratna Isuru , Krane Louis S. , Stifelman Michael D. 
Published: December 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
There is concern that warm ischaemia time during partial nephrectomy may have an adverse impact on postoperative renal function. As a result, there is increased interest in developing a safe and effective method for performing non‐ischaemic partial nephrectomy. Several novel approaches have recently been described.
We present our initial experience performing zero‐ischaemia partial nephrectomy using near‐infrared fluorescence imaging to facilitate super‐selective arterial clamping. We report the operative and early postoperative outcomes from such cases as compared with a matched cohort of patients undergoing traditional partial nephrectomy with clamping of the main renal artery. We show that this technique is both safe and effective and may lead to improved renal preservation at short‐term follow‐up.
Objective
To describe a novel technique of eliminating renal ischaemia during robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) using near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging.
Patients and Methods
Over an 8‐month period (March 2011 to November 2011), 34 patients were considered for zero‐ischaemia RPN using the da Vinci NIRF system.
Targeted tertiary/higher‐order tumour‐specific branches were controlled with robotic bulldog(s) or neurosurgical aneurysm micro‐bulldog(s). Indocyanine green dye was given, and NIRF imaging used to confirm super‐selective ischaemia, defined as darkened tumour/peri‐tumour area with green fluorescence of remaining kidney.
Matched pair analysis was performed by matching each patient undergoing zero‐ischaemia RPN (n = 27) to a previous conventional RPN (n = 27) performed by the same surgeon.
Results
Of 34 patients, 27 (79.4%) underwent successful zero‐ischaemia RPN; seven (20.6%) required conversion to main renal artery clamping (ischaemia time <30 min) for the following reasons: persistent tumour fluorescence after clamping indicating inadequate tumoral devascularization (n = 5), and parenchymal bleeding during RPN (n = 2).
Matched‐pair analysis showed comparable outcomes between cohorts, except for longer operating time (256 vs 212 min, P = 0.02) and superior kidney function (reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate (−1.8% vs −14.9%, P = 0.03) in the zero‐ischaemia cohort. All surgical margins were negative.
Conclusions
In this pilot study, we show that zero‐ischaemia RPN with NIRF is a safe alternative to conventional RPN with main renal artery clamping.
Eliminating global ischaemia may improve functional outcomes at short‐term follow‐up.
A nomogram predicting severe adverse events after ureteroscopic lithotripsy: 12 372 patients in a Japanese national series
Authors: Sugihara Toru , Yasunaga Hideo , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Nishimatsu Hiroaki , Kume Haruki , Ohe Kazuhiko , Matsuda Shinya , Fushimi Kiyohide , Homma Yukio 
Published: December 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Ureteroscopic lithotripsy sometimes causes severe complications, e.g. septic shock, and the relationship between long operative duration and complication rate has been empirically recognised. But due to the rarity, evidence is limited.
We analysed 12372 cases and showed that the complication rate increased according to operative duration, especially for operations taking >90 min. Also, we found that high‐volume centres had lower complication rates.
Objective
To develop a nomogram to predict severe adverse events (AEs) after ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) including the effects of operative duration and hospital volume.
Patients and Methods
We identified patients undergoing URSL from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database between 2007 and 2010, and defined severe adverse events as (i) in‐hospital mortality; (ii) postoperative medication including catecholamine, γ globulin, protease inhibitors, medications for disseminated intravascular coagulation and transfusion; and (iii) postoperative interventions including percutaneous nephrostomy, central vein catheterisation, intensive care unit, dialysis, mechanical cardiopulmonary support.
Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models addressed the occurrence of severe AEs.
Results
Of 12 372 patients, 296 patients (2.39%) had severe AEs. Multivariate analysis showed a positive linear trend of operative duration and severe AEs (odds ratio [OR] 1.58 in 90–119 min to OR 4.28 in ≥210 min compared with ≤ 59 min; each P < 0.05) and an inverse relationship between hospital volume and severe AEs (OR 0.64 in ≥39 URSLs/year compared with ≤ 15 URSLs/year; P = 0.004) with adjustment for other significant factors including sex, age, Charlson comorbidity index, type of anaesthesia and type of admission.
A nomogram and a calibration plot based on these results were well‐fitted to predict a probability between 0.01 and 0.10 (concordance index 0.677).
Conclusion
Severe AEs after URSL were associated with longer operative duration and lower hospital volume, and were accurately predicted using the present nomogram.
A Bayesian Approach to Modelling Reticulation Events with Application to the Ribosomal Protein Generps11of Flowering Plants
Authors: Radice Rosalba 
Published: December 2012

SummaryTraditional phylogenetic inference assumes that the history of a set of taxa can be explained by a tree. This assumption is often violated as some biological entities can exchange genetic material giving rise to non‐treelike events often called reticulations. Failure to consider these events might result in incorrectly inferred phylogenies. Phylogenetic networks provide a flexible tool which allows researchers to model the evolutionary history of a set of organisms in the presence of reticulation events. In recent years, a number of methods addressing phylogenetic network parameter estimation have been introduced. Some of them are based on the idea that a phylogenetic network can be defined as a directed acyclic graph. Based on this definition, we propose a Bayesian approach to the estimation of phylogenetic network parameters which allows for different phylogenies to be inferred at different parts of a multiple DNA alignment. The algorithm is tested on simulated data and applied to the ribosomal protein generps11 data from five flowering plants, where reticulation events are suspected to be present. The proposed approach can be applied to a wide variety of problems which aim at exploring the possibility of reticulation events in the history of a set of taxa.
Testing Semiparametric Hypotheses in Locally Stationary Processes
Authors: PREUSS PHILIP , VETTER MATHIAS , DETTE HOLGER 
Published: December 2012

Abstract.In this paper, we investigate the problem of testing semiparametric hypotheses in locally stationary processes. The proposed method is based on an empirical version of theL2‐distance between the true time varying spectral density and its best approximation under the null hypothesis. As this approach only requires estimation of integrals of the time varying spectral density and its square, we do not have to choose a smoothing bandwidth for the local estimation of the spectral density – in contrast to most other procedures discussed in the literature. Asymptotic normality of the test statistic is derived both under the null hypothesis and the alternative. We also propose a bootstrap procedure to obtain critical values in the case of small sample sizes. Additionally, we investigate the finite sample properties of the new method and compare it with the currently available procedures by means of a simulation study. Finally, we illustrate the performance of the new test in two data examples, one regarding log returns of the S&P 500 and the other a well‐known series of weekly egg prices.
Withering Government Spending Multipliers
Authors: CANZONERI MATTHEW , COLLARD FABRICE , DELLAS HARRIS , DIBA BEHZAD 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTThe empirical literature has documented a weakening of the consumption and output responses to an increase in government spending during the last 30 years. We show that a New Keynesian model in which real government spending is observed with measurement errors can account for the reduction in the size of government spending multipliers. The model implies—consistent with empirical evidence presented by Ilzetzki, Mendoza, and Vegh (2010)—that the evolution of monetary policy and greater globalization (increasing international trade and decreasing capital controls) are key factors in this development.
Acute Marchiafava‐Bignami Disease with Extensive Diffusion Restriction and Early Recovery: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wenz Holger , Eisele Philipp , Artemis Dimitrios , Förster Alex , Brockmann Marc A. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTMarchiafava‐Bignami disease (MBD) is a neurological disorder that has been found to be associated with chronic alcoholism and malnutrition. MBD classically results in acute edema and demyelination of the corpus callosum. Edema of the complete corpus callosum has been described to be an unfavorable prognostic factor. We present an acute onset of MBD with diffusion restriction of the complete corpus callosum and symmetric bilateral extension into the semioval center, that almost completely resolved clinically as well as in MRI only 3 days later. With early detection and treatment, the prognosis of MBD may be good even in cases with severe diffusion restriction of the complete corpus callosum.
Correlation of Sonographic and Electrophysiological Findings in a Patient with Multifocal Motor Neuropathy
Authors: Kerasnoudis Antonios 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEMultifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is an acquired, immune mediated, and commonly associated with antiganglioside antibodies against GM1 lower motor neuropathy, with an incidence of 1 per 100,000. The usual age of onset is between 20 and 50 years and men appear to be more often affected than women. Patients usually present with multifocal weakness that can be localized to named nerve distributions.METHODSThe gold standard for the diagnosis is the electrophysiological detection of focal, partial conduction block of motor fibers without involvement of sensory fibers, at sites that are uncommon areas of compression. The diagnostic sonography of the peripheral nervous system is a rapidly evolving and constantly expanding imaging field in the last years, especially in patients presenting with signs of polyneuropathy.RESULTSWe report for the first time a correlation of the sonographic and electrophysiological findings in a patient with MMN.CONCLUSIONWe draw the attention on the usefulness of ultrasonography for detecting and diagnosing segmental lesions of the peripheral nerves in MMN and other immune mediated neuropathies, especially in cases where a nervous segment cannot be easily explored in terms of inching technique.
Are functional traits and litter decomposability coordinated across leaves, twigs and wood? A test using temperate rainforest tree species
Authors: Jackson Benjamin G. , Peltzer Duane A. , Wardle David A. 
Published: December 2012

SynthesisThis study compared the decomposability of leaf, twig and wood litter from 27 co‐occurring temperate rainforest tree species in New Zealand. We found that interspecific variation in decomposition was not coordinated across the three litter types. Analysis of the relationships between functional traits and decomposition revealed that traits predictive of wood decomposition varied among the species independently from traits predictive of the decomposition of leaf and twig litter. We conclude that efforts to understand how tree species influence C, N and P dynamics in forested ecosystems through the decomposition pathway need to consider the functional traits of multiple plant structures.Plant functional traits are increasingly used to evaluate changes in ecological and ecosystem processes. However our understanding of how functional traits coordinate across different plant structures, and the implications for trait‐driven processes such as litter decomposition, remains limited. We compared the functional traits of green leaves and leaf, twig and wood litter among 27 co‐occurring tree species from New Zealand, and quantified the loss of mass, N and P from the three litter types during decomposition. We hypothesised that: a) the functional traits of green leaves, and leaf, twig and wood litter are co‐ordinated so that species which produce high quality leaves and leaf litter will also produce high quality twig and wood litter, and b) the decomposability of leaf, twig and wood litter is coordinated because breakdown of all three litter types is driven by similar combinations of traits. Trait variation across species was co‐ordinated between leaves, twigs and wood when angiosperm and gymnosperm species were considered in combination, or when angiosperms were considered separately, but trait coordination was poor for gymnosperms. There was little coordination among the three litter types in their decomposability, especially when angiosperms and gymnosperms were considered separately; this was caused by the decomposability of each of the three litter types, at least partially, being driven by different functional traits or trait combinations. Our findings indicate that although interspecific variation in the functional traits of trees can be coordinated among leaves, twigs and wood, different or unrelated traits predict the decomposition of these different structures. Furthermore, leaf‐level analyses of functional traits are not satisfactory proxies for function of whole trees and related ecological processes. As such, efforts to understand how tree species influence C, N and P dynamics in forested ecosystems through the decomposition pathway need to consider functional traits of other plant structures.
Facilitation of holm oak recruitment through two contrasted shrubs species in Mediterranean grazed woodlands
Authors: Rolo Víctor , Plieninger Tobias , Moreno Gerardo 
Published: December 2012

AbstractQuestionRegeneration failure and gradual tree dieback are major threats for the persistence of savanna‐like grazed oak woodlands. Current research has argued that the scarcity of ‘safe sites’, in particular shrubs, is the main cause of the lack of effective tree recruitment. But can different shrub species be considered as safe sites generally? Do two distinct shrub species, with contrasted life strategies, affect several life stages of tree regeneration in similar ways or do they specifically influence the recruitment process?LocationHolm oak woodlands of SW Iberian Peninsula (40°02′ N, 06°06′ W).MethodsWe surveyed densities of recently emerged and surviving seedlings as well as small and large saplings over two consecutive years in 40 sites that were independently managed, comparing plots encroached by either Cistus ladanifer (a shallow‐rooted shrub, forming dense populations, with reported allelopathic compounds) or Retama sphaerocarpa (a N2‐fixing, deep‐rooted shrub that forms scattered populations) vs their respective control plots (without shrubs). To assess the effect of mature trees and both shrub species on the performance and survival of recently emerged oak seedlings, we established an acorn sowing experiment in the same surveyed microhabitats (open spaces, shrub, tree and tree–shrub).ResultsThe survey showed that both shrubs species had a positive effect at early recruitment stages. At later life stages, this effect weakened under Cistus whereas it strengthened under Retama. The acorn sowing experiment showed that both shrub species buffered abiotic conditions and enhanced seedling functioning similarly, but Retama enhanced seedling survival to a higher extent than Cistus.ConclusionsThe two shrub species impose a specific template that is able to affect the long‐term dynamics of Mediterranean oak woodlands. Cistus shrubs are effective in protecting seedlings physically against herbivores and facilitate early survival, but may compete with older stages of oak regeneration. In contrast, Retama shrubs exert stronger biological facilitation and guarantee long‐term persistence of surviving seedlings. We argue that improved understanding of the effectiveness of different nurse plants and their contrasting factors is of major interest for the conservation and restoration of degraded oak woodlands.
Forestry as imperial careering: New Zealand as the end and edge of empire in the 1920s–1940s
Authors: Roche Michael 
Published: December 2012

AbstractForestry is interestingly situated within British imperial networks of the 19th and early 20th centuries whereby India was arguably the main node. Drawing on Lambert and Lester's concept of ‘imperial careering’ as a way of exploring imperial networks, this paper further extends its application to foresters as a group of middle‐level technical experts as well as carrying it into the 20th century when the British Empire was by some measures at its zenith. The forestry careers of Owen Jones and Hugh Corbin, principally in Australia and New Zealand, are used to illustrate the discussion which concludes with some more general observations about imperial careerists.
Placing geography in the New Zealand Curriculum
Authors: Baldwin Suzanne 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe design of a school‐based geography curriculum presents opportunities and challenges for teachers in New Zealand secondary schools. This article discussed the considerations that teachers need to make when developing a school‐based curriculum that is suited to the needs and interests of the students in their school and community. An example of a programme that has been developed to meet the needs and interests of students in a particular secondary school in Christchurch, New Zealand, was outlined.
River Dog: Re‐imagining and re‐representing the environment and de‐idealising the rural in New Zealand film
Authors: Muir James Allan , Rock Jenny 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe depiction of pristine countryside in New Zealand film has engendered a cultural disconnection with the environmental stories within the landscape. In this essay, we briefly examined the meaning of rural New Zealand landscape and its role in film. This research was done in part by making a short documentary, River Dog, a film about the rural New Zealand landscape. The character, plot and underlying message of River Dog were framed within visually relevant archetypes to form a constructive environmental message. Here, we examined River Dog's use of empathetic storytelling, an approach used to communicate an environmental issue without promulgating science or politics.
School Sport and Academic Achievement
Authors: Bradley John , Keane Francis , Crawford Susan 
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND: Physical Education and School Sport (PESS) is an integral part of the school curriculum in Ireland. Historically the “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” philosophy has promoted the inclusion of PESS alongside more cognitive school subjects. Research suggests that PESS can promote cognitive function and provide educational benefits. However, there is little research on how the choice of school sport influences academic achievement. This study investigated how participation in school sport influences the Leaving Certificate points score in an Irish secondary school. In particular, the study will investigate how the particular sport chosen by students participating in school sport during their Leaving Certificate years influences their Leaving Certificate results.METHODS: We recorded the Leaving Certificate scores and sports participation from 402 boys graduating from a secondary school in the Ireland during 2008‐2011. Sports participation was assigned 1 of 4 categories: rugby, rowing, soccer, and no sport.RESULTS: Participation in sports during the Leaving Certificate years conferred a 25.4‐point benefit to the final Leaving Certificate score. However, participation in rowing, the only individual sport available in the study, resulted in significantly higher Leaving Certificate scores than rugby, soccer and no sport (p < .05), conferring an additional 73.4‐point benefit over the next highest group, rugby.CONCLUSION: Promoting participation in school sport and providing access to a range of team and individual sports throughout the secondary school years may be a beneficial way to improve students' Leaving Certificate results.