bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FEM MODELLING OF LUMBAR VERTEBRA SYSTEM / STUBURO JUOSMENS SLANKSTELIŲ SISTEMOS SKAITINIS TYRIMAS BEM
Authors: Kačianauskas Rimantas , Ardatov Oleg
Published: February 2014

The article presents modeling of human lumbar vertebra and it‘sdeformation analysis using finite elements method. The problemof tissue degradation is raised. Using the computer aided modelingwith SolidWorks software the models of lumbar vertebra(L1) and vertebra system L1-L4 were created. The article containssocial and medical problem analysis, description of modelingmethods and the results of deformation test for one vertebramodel and for model of 4 vertebras (L1-L4).

Santrauka

Straipsnyje aprašomas stuburo juosmeninės dalies slankstelio (L1) bei juosmeninės dalies slankstelių (L1-L4) sistemos modeliavimas ir tyrimas baigtinių elementų metodu (BEM). Sukuriamas erdvinis skaitinis modelis programinės įrangos SolidWorks aplinkoje. Sudaroma vieno ir keturių slankstelių (L1-L4) skaičiuojamosios schemos, modeliams suteikiama gniuždymo apkrova. Nagrinėjamas modelių deformavimas, esant gniuždymo apkrovai, kartu simuliuojant senėjimo procesų ir osteoporozės poveikį, kuris pasireiškia audinio silpnėjimu. Nagrinėjami ir lyginami trys atvejai: sveiko audinio apkrovimas, vidutinio osteoporozės lygio paveiktos slankstelių sistemos apkrovimas ir aukšto osteoporozės lygio paveikto modelio apkrovimas.
El arte de lo oculto: prácticas mágico-esotéricas en Rinconete y Cortadillo
Authors: De Armas Frederick A.
Published: February 2014

Uno de los motivos más frecuentes en el estudio de Rinconete y Cortadillo ha sido su relación con la picaresca y los nuevos elementos que aporta a este género. También se afirma que, siendo cronológicamente una de las primeras novelas que se incluyen en la colección de Novelas ejemplares, se aparta más del romance, estructura utilizada en las novelas posteriores. Este estudio subraya toda una serie de elementos de romance que se encuentran en Rinconete y Cortadillo y que revelan toda una serie de misterios escondidos en la obra. Se analiza, entre otros, el motivo de descenso y la geografía infernal de la novela; la presencia de Mercurio como guía a los infiernos; el ascenso final prometido por Rinconete junto con la oculta onomástica de su nombre; la importancia de la amistad perfecta; el deseo de la libertad y sus implicaciones; y el significado de la alegría entre pícaros y entre los seguidores del «bárbaro» Monipodio.
Función del soneto en el Quijote
Authors: Wiesse Rebagliati Jorge
Published: February 2014

Este artículo estudia la función del soneto en Don Quijote de La Mancha de Miguel de Cervantes. Básicamente, desarrolla la idea de M. Bajtin de que los sonetos del Quijote son paródicos. Encuentra que la parodia incluye no solo al hablante y al lector, sino también a los efectos poéticos (en concreto, los efectos métricos) que caracterizan al soneto como género textual, y hasta al soneto en su totalidad en tanto forma artística. Más aún, los sonetos del Quijote se interpretan también como contrapuntos líricos del texto narrativo y hasta como ejes del discurso metapoético.
Análisis de los archivos audiovisuales en internet de las televisiones autonómicas españolas
Authors: Anton Laura , Guallar Javier
Published: February 2014

El objetivo de este estudio es determinar cuáles son los indicadores fundamentales para el análisis y la evaluación de los archivos audiovisuales de las televisiones en internet y utilizar estos indicadores en una muestra de televisiones autonómicas españolas. Se presenta una relación de veintitrés indicadores agrupados en cinco apartados (aspectos generales, contenidos, sistema de consulta, presentación de resultados y datos del audiovisual), y se muestra el resultado del análisis de las televisiones Televisió de Catalunya (TVC), Euskal Telebista (ETB), Canal Sur, Telemadrid, Televisión de Galicia (TVG) y Canal 9. Los resultados permiten establecer un ranking encabezado por TVC, Canal Sur y ETB y muestran que los archivos audiovisuales en línea se encuentran en un nivel de desarrollo medio en comparación con las hemerotecas digitales de la prensa, presentando carencias importantes en el sistema de consulta y la gestión de los resultados. Las televisiones tienden a dar más importancia a la visualización de los contenidos que a la calidad del sistema de búsqueda. Por último, los indicadores establecidos pueden ser útiles para analizar otros archivos de televisiones.
Análisis de la interdisciplinariedad en la ingeniería química universitaria española
Authors: Lagar-Barbosa María Pilar , Escalona-Fernández María Isabel , Pulgarín Antonio
Published: February 2014

El presente trabajo aborda el estudio de la interdisciplinariedad en el área de ingeniería química (IQ). El análisis incluye una descripción detallada de la ocurrencia de documentos y de revistas en cada categoría del Journal Citation Reports (JCR), con el fin de comprender la estructura de conocimiento de las investigaciones en IQ, observar sus patrones y las tendencias asociadas. Mediante la utilización de los métodos bibliométricos se analiza la multiasignación de artículos y/o de revistas a las distintas categorías del JCR. El total de revistas (598) están distribuidas entre 115 categorías. El 54% de las revistas (324) y el 56% de los documentos estarían asignados a más de una categoría. Para mapear los datos correspondientes al análisis de coocurrencia de las distintas categorías se utilizó la técnica de Visualización de Similaridades (VOS). Con la coocurrencia de las distintas categorías se construyó una gráfica bidimensional de las proximidades entre ellas para formar distintos clusters. El resultado fueron 13 clusters o grupos. Destacan como categorías más centradas y más relacionadas “Engineering, Chemical”, “Chemistry, Physical” y “Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology”. No se ha observado relación entre el índice de coautoría y la multiasignación en categorías. Las 14 categorías seleccionadas como las más productivas presentan, en el año 2006, un 39,7% de revistas en el 1er cuartil del JCR.
La cuarta misión de los hospitales y el papel de los investigadores como promotores de la innovación en el sector sanitario público
Authors: Rey-Rocha Jesús , López-Navarro Irene
Published: February 2014

Se estudia el papel de los investigadores como promotores de la innovación en el sector sanitario público. Se propone el modelo de la Triple Hélice para el estudio del papel de los hospitales en los procesos de innovación. Se identifica la innovación y la contribución al desarrollo económico y social como la ‘cuarta misión’ de los hospitales públicos, adicional a su triple misión asistencial, docente e investigadora. Este enfoque aboga por una evolución desde el modelo asistencial tradicional hacia el modelo del ‘hospital emprendedor’. A través del Programa FIS/Miguel Servet, se investiga en qué medida la incorporación de investigadores contribuye a fomentar la innovación en los centros del Sistema Nacional de Salud español. Los datos proceden de sendas encuestas a los investigadores y a los responsables de los grupos y de los distintos departamentos y centros a los que éstos se incorporaron, así como del análisis de contenido de sus informes anuales.
Análisis de la cobertura del Data Citation Index – Thomson Reuters: disciplinas, tipologías documentales y repositorios
Authors: Torres-Salinas Daniel , Martín-Martín Alberto , Fuente-Gutiérrez Enrique
Published: February 2014

En los últimos años, el movimiento conocido como “data sharing”, es decir compartir lo datos de investigación, está cobrando una gran popularidad. Dentro de este contexto Thomson Reuters lanzó a finales de 2012 un nuevo producto dentro de su plataforma Web of Knowledge: el Data Citation Index. El objetivo de esta nueva base de datos es facilitar el acceso desde un único punto a los datos indexados en diferentes repositorios de datos de todo el mundo. En esta nota se presentan los resultados del análisis del Data Citation Index y más concretamente se analiza la cobertura de este producto atendiendo a las disciplinas, las tipologías documentales indexadas y los repositorios que se encuentran disponibles en el momento de la realización del estudio.
Optimization of Developing Heat Supply System in Competitive Market Environment
Authors: Stennikov V. A. , Khamisov O. V. , Penkovsky A. V.
Published: February 2014

The paper is aimed at working out the mathematical models and methods to solve the problems of operation of developing heat supply systems in a competitive market environment. The formation of new principles of functioning in this field is conditioned by the market mechanisms emerging due to the interaction between different owners of heat economy facilities within the single system. Today heat energy markets are represented by a great number of enterprises with different types of ownership that operate heat energy sources and heat networks. It is obvious that such a situation explicitly causes conflicts of interests among the heat energy market participants and unbalances the responsibility for production reliability, heat energy supply efficiency and its quality among the participants of centralized heat supply (heat sources – heat networks - consumers). A reasonable solution to this problem can make it possible to determine optimal conditions for operation of the developing heat energy market, and their implementation can increase technical, economic and energy efficiency of heat energy. These problems are solved by using the methods of hydraulic circuit theory, nonlinear dynamic programming and two level programming. The studies performed allowed the creation of mathematical models and methods for optimal construction of efficient heat supply systems, organization of their operation that ensure the realization of full energy saving potential in the field of heat supply to consumers, taking into account the interests of all participants of the heat energy market.
Methods for Comprehensive Analysis of Heat Supply Reliability
Authors: Stennikov V. A. , Postnikov I. V.
Published: February 2014

The paper deals with the problem of comprehensive analysis of heat supply reliability for consumers. It implies a quantitative assessment of the impact of all stages of heat energy production and distribution on heat supply reliability for each consumer of the heat supply system. A short review of existing methods for the analysis of fuel and heat supply reliability is presented that substantiates the key approaches to solving the problem of comprehensive analysis of heat supply reliability. A methodological approach is suggested, in which mathematical models and methods for nodal evaluation of heat supply reliability for consumers are developed and the studies on the impact of different elements of fuel and heat supply systems on its level are described. Mathematical modeling is based on the Markov random processes, models of flow distribution in a heat network, deterministic dependences of thermal processes of heat energy consumption and some other models.
Distrust of Employers, Collectivism, and Union Efficacy
Authors: Fiorito Jack , Gallagher Daniel G.
Published: February 2014

This study examines relations between indicators of knowledge work and worker attitudes toward employers, collective action, and union efficacy. Previous writing on these relations are used to develop hypotheses. Data are drawn from the 2009 Young Workers Survey. Results fail to show any statistically significant main effect relations between knowledge work indicators and the worker attitudes examined, despite a sample size sufficient to detect at least medium effect sizes. Further, there is very limited support for moderator effects. A discussion section discusses limitations, implications, and issues for future research.
Did capitation payment reform make a difference in Chinese rural primary health care?
Authors: Sun Jing , Kang Jun , Qu Qian , Zhang Weibin , Tan Yongqian , Xiang Wenxian
Published: February 2014

This paper evaluated the effect of capitation payment reform in New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme designating primary facilities in Qianjiang 2007-2009. Retrospective administrative claims were analyzed. Intercepts changes of cost per visit in facilities started the reform in different stages and of overall Qianjiang were compared. Referral rate, prescribing indicators, hospitalization rate, income of facility and individuals were compared pre- and post- the reform. Growth rate of cost per visit in health centers was contained in 2008, kept unchanged in 2009. Cost containment effect on village clinics was observed in each starting stage of reforms, but vanished later on. Except for the fact the proportion of essential medicines used in health centers significantly increased (X2 test, P<0.05), prescription indicators were not improved significantly in all facilities. After a slight increase in 2007, the hospitalization rate continuously dropped. The monthly income and outpatient revenue continuously increased in 2006-2009. Cost containment objective of the capitation reform was achieved immediately following the reform, but was not sustainable. Provider behaviors were partially improved with limited effects on prescriptions behaviors. The reform brought no financial loss to both the facilities and individuals.
Tacrolimus Associated Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome – A Case Series and Review
Authors: Apuri Susmitha , Carlin Kristin , Bass Edward , Nguyen Phuong Thuy , Greene John Norman
Published: February 2014

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug mainly used to lower the risk of transplant rejection in individuals who are post solid organ or hematopoietic transplantation. It is a macrolide which reduces peptidyl-propyl isomerase activity and inhibits calcineurin, thus inhibiting T-lymphocyte signal transduction and interleukin-2 (IL-2) transcription. It has been associated with Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES), a disease of sudden onset that can present as a host of different symptoms, depending on the affected area of the brain. While infectious causes of encephalopathy must always be entertained, the differential diagnosis should also include PRES in the appropriate context. We report three cases of PRES in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) placed on tacrolimus after receiving a bone marrow transplant (BMT). The focus of this review is to enhance clinical recognition of PRES as it is related to an adverse effect of Tacrolimus in the setting of hematopoietic transplantation.
ASSOCIATION OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS LINEAGES WITH IFN-Γ AND TNF-Α GENE POLYMORPHISMS AMONG PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS PATIENT
Authors: Varahram Mohammad , Farnia Parissa , Nasiri Mohammad Javad , Afraei Karahrudi Mona , Kazampour Mehdi , Velayati Ali Akbar
Published: February 2014

The six major lineages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis [MTB] are found to be strongly associated with specific geographical outbreaks. But whether these bacterial lineages influence the host genetic polymorphism is uncertain. The present study was designed to evaluate the relevance of strain diversity and host genetic polymorphisms in susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis [PTB]. For this reason, single –nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs] in interferon- γ [IFN-γ] receptor-1[G-611A], IFNG [G+ 2109A] and tumor necrosis factors [TNF-α] genes [at -238, 308,-857position] in patients [n=151] were analyzed and compared with controls [n=83]. The genetic diversity of M. tuberculosis isolates were performed using spacer oligonucleotide typing. Thereafter, the profile of IFN-γ and TNF-α allele frequency were investigated in each subtype of M .tuberculosis. The results showed C allele of TNF 857 and A allele of TNF 238 were more frequent in PTB cases [[TNF 857 C allele OR [CI95%] 0.6[0.4-0.9], p= 0.02] for TNF 238 A allele OR [CI95%] 5.5[3.4-9.0], p= 0.00]]. Similarly, G allele in IFNG+ 2109 A/G polymorphism were significantly more in patients than control subject[OR[CI95%] 0.3; p< 0.05]. The major identified clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis were EAI[42; 27.8% ], Haarlem[ 31; 20.5% ], CAS [ 23;15.2% ], Beijing[14; 9.2%], and T [11; 7.2%  ] lineages. No correction was observed between strains diversity and frequency of SNPs in studied PTB cases. In conclusions, we exclude the possibility of genetic mutation in IFN-γ and TNF-α gene by different subtypes of M .tuberculosis. Although, our results supports a positive correlation between host SNPs and susceptibility to PTB.
Corporate social responsibility and financial performance: Fact or fiction? A look at Ghanaian banks
Authors: Ofori Daniel F. , Nyuur Richard B. , S-Darko Mildred D.
Published: February 2014

Orientation: With banks faced with fulfilling the increasing demands of diverse stakeholders, this study sought to explore the views and motives for corporate social responsibility practices in the Ghanaian banking sector and also to investigate any possible relationship between these practices and financial performance.Research purpose: This article examined the impact of corporate social responsibility on financial performance using empirical evidence from the Ghanaian banking sector.Motivation for the study: Although corporate social responsibility is a hot topic in Ghana and banks do practise it, no detailed study has been conducted to ascertain whether banks derive any benefits therefrom.Research design, approach and method: A sample size of 22 banks was involved. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain primary data whilst archival records were used to gather the secondary data.Main findings: The findings revealed that banks in Ghana view corporate social responsibility practices to be a strategic tool; banks are motivated to practise corporate social responsibility by legitimate reasons as much as they are motivated by profitability and sustainability reasons. Also, although there is a positive relationship between corporate social responsibility practices and financial performance, the financial performance of banks in Ghana does not depend significantly on their corporate social responsibility practices but rather on other control variables, such as growth, origin, debt ratio, and size.Practical implications: Properly adopted and implemented, corporate social responsibility can pay its way by contributing toward firm performance.Contribution: There is a positive but currently insignificant relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance amongst Ghanaian banks. However, given the numerous benefits of corporate social responsibility, it is recommended that firms continue to give priority to this practice.
Latest findings in the genetic architecture of schizophrenia: The contribution of genetic studies among Afrikaners
Authors: Roos Johannes L.
Published: February 2014

A genetic component of schizophrenia has been acknowledged for a long time. The underlying architecture of the genetic risk remains a contentious issue. Early linkage and candidate association studies led to largely inconclusive results. More recently powerful technologies became available. This aspect coupled with samples of sufficient sizes, and genome-wide panels of genetic markers facilitated systematic and agnostic scans throughout the genome for either common or rare disease risk variants of small or large effect size, respectively. Although the former had limited success, the role of rare genetic events, such as copy-number variants (CNVs) or rare point mutations, has become increasingly important in gene discovery for schizophrenia. Recent research done among Afrikaner patients with schizophrenia, building upon earlier findings of de novo recurrent CNVs at the 22q11.2 locus, has highlighted a de novo mutational paradigm as a major component of the genetic architecture of schizophrenia. Recent progress in this regard will be reviewed.
Reporting quality of multivariable logistic regression in selected Indian medical journals
Authors: Kumar R , Indrayan A , Chhabra P
Published: February 2014

Background:

Use of multivariable logistic regression (MLR) modeling has steeply increased in the medical literature over the past few years. Testing of model assumptions and adequate reporting of MLR allow the reader to interpret results more accurately.

Aims:

To review the fulfillment of assumptions and reporting quality of MLR in selected Indian medical journals using established criteria.

Setting and Design:

Analysis of published literature.

Materials and Methods:

Medknow.com publishes 68 Indian medical journals with open access. Eight of these journals had at least five articles using MLR between the years 1994 to 2008. Articles from each of these journals were evaluated according to the previously established 10-point quality criteria for reporting and to test the MLR model assumptions.

Statistical Analysis:

SPSS 17 software and non-parametric test (Kruskal-Wallis H, Mann Whitney U, Spearman Correlation).

Results:

One hundred and nine articles were finally found using MLR for analyzing the data in the selected eight journals. The number of such articles gradually increased after year 2003, but quality score remained almost similar over time. P value, odds ratio, and 95% confidence interval for coefficients in MLR was reported in 75.2% and sufficient cases (>10) per covariate of limiting sample size were reported in the 58.7% of the articles. No article reported the test for conformity of linear gradient for continuous covariates. Total score was not significantly different across the journals. However, involvement of statistician or epidemiologist as a co-author improved the average quality score significantly (P=0.014).

Conclusions:

Reporting of MLR in many Indian journals is incomplete. Only one article managed to score 8 out of 10 among 109 articles under review. All others scored less. Appropriate guidelines in instructions to authors, and pre-publication review of articles using MLR by a qualified statistician may improve quality of reporting.
Evaluation of Endometrium for Chronic Endometritis by Using Syndecan-1 in Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Authors: Kannar Vidyavathi , Lingaiah Harendra Kumar Malligere , Sunita Venigalla
Published: February 2014

Context: Chronic endometritis is a condition observed in 3-10% of women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Diagnosis depends upon the histological detection of plasma cells within the inflammatory infiltrate in the endometrium. Plasma cells on H and E may be obscured by a mononuclear infiltrate, plasmacytoid stromal cells, abundant stromal mitosis, a pronounced predecidual reaction, menstrual features or secondary changes due to exogenous progesterone treatment prior to biopsy.

Aims: The objective of this study was to determine utility of syndecan-1 in diagnosis of chronic endometritis in patients with AUB, and to see if any of the secondary histologic features in endometrial biopsy, correlated with the presence of plasma cells on immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Materials and Methods: Fifty endometrial biopsies with a clinical diagnosis of AUB were taken. Endometrium in proliferative phase, secretory phase, endometrial polyps, and disordered proliferative endometrium were studied for the presence of plasma cells. IHC was done using syndecan-1. The secondary histologic features of chronic endometritis like gland architectural irregularity, spindled stroma, stromal edema and hemorrhage with the presence of plasma cells was statistically analysed. Values of P < 0.05 were considered as significant.

Results: Plasma cells were seen in 11 (69%) of DPE, 8 (66%) of PEB, and 1 (7%) of normal proliferative endometrium and in 2 (40%) of secretory endometrium. Presence of stromal breakdown showed a significant association with plasma cells (P = 0.02) whereas gland architecture irregularity (P = 0.28), stromal edema (P = 0.71) and spindled stromal (P = 0.72) did not show a significant association.

Conclusions: Plasma cells were significantly present in AUB patients. Syndecan-1 maybe helpful in unusual cases, where chronic endometritis is suspected as the cause of clinically significant ongoing abnormal bleeding.
Is Infant Immunity Actively Suppressed or Immature?
Authors: Gervassi Ana L. , Horton Helen
Published: February 2014

Almost 7 million children under the age 5 die each year, and most of these deaths are attributable to vaccine-preventable infections. Young infants respond poorly to infections and vaccines. In particular, dendritic cells secrete less IL-12 and IL-18, CD8pos T cells and NK cells have defective cytolysis and cytokine production, and CD4pos T cell responses tend to bias towards a Th2 phenotype and promotion of regulatory T cells (Tregs). The basis for these differences is not well understood and may be in part explained by epigenetic differences, as well as immaturity of the infant's immune system. Here we present a third possibility, which involves active suppression by immune regulatory cells and place in context the immune suppressive pathways of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), CD5pos B cells, and Tregs. The immune pathways that these immune regulatory cells inhibit are similar to those that are defective in the infant. Therefore, the immune deficiencies seen in infants could be explained, in part, by active suppressive cells, indicating potential new avenues for intervention.
Orbits of Geometric Descent
Authors: Daniilidis A. , Drusvyatskiy, D. , Lewis A. S.
Published: February 2014

We prove that quasiconvex functions always admit descent trajectories bypassing all nonminimizing critical points.
Anatomical Variations of Infraorbital Foramen in Dry Human Adult Egyptian Skulls, Anthropometric Measurements and Surgical Relevance
Authors: Elsheikh Ezzeddin , Nasr Wail Fayez , Ibrahim Amal Al Shahat
Published: February 2014

Objectives

Evidence supports a clear racial variation in the position of the infraorbital foramen (IOF). Therefore detailed knowledge of the population specific data on biometric features of (IOF) will facilitate therapeutic, diagnostic and surgical manipulations in the maxillofacial region. The goal of this study was to elucidate the morphological features and precise anatomical position of the (IOF) with reference to surrounding anatomical landmarks in an adult Egyptian population.

Materials and methods

Fifty-nine adult dry Egyptian skulls (32 males and 27 females) were assessed to determine the number, shape, orientation, vertical and transverse diameters of the IOF, transverse distance from the IOF to the maxillary midline, the zygomaticomaxillary suture and the vertical distance from the IOF to the infraorbital rim and accessory infraorbital foramen using a metal casting digital vernier caliper. The position of the IOF was determined in relation to the maxillary teeth. The findings indicated that the size of the IOF and the mean distances from the IOF to the maxillary midline, infraorbital rim and foramen was significantly larger in males than in females.

Results

The majority of IOF among the skulls were semilunarshaped in 59.4% in male skulls and 48.1% in female skulls. The majority were directed inferomedially in 88.9% in female skulls and 78.1 % in male skulls. Accessory foramina were found in 21.87% of male skulls and 18.5% of female skulls. All had bilateral double foramina except for one male skull and one female skull.

Conclusion

The racial and gender differences of the IOF emphasize the need for meticulous preoperative evaluation of the IOF in patients who are candidates for maxillofacial surgeries and regional block anesthesia.

How to cite this article

Elsheikh E, Nasr WF, Ibrahim AAS. Anatomical Variations of infraorbital Foramen in Dry Human Adult Egyptian Skulls; Anthropometric Measurements and Surgical Relevance. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2013;5(3):125-129.
Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of Head and Neck Region: Report of Six Cases with Different Localizations
Authors: Öztürk Kerem , Şahin Mustafa , Midilli Raşit , Gürsan Gülce , Özsan Nazan , Savaş Recep
Published: February 2014

Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rarely seen neoplasm of plasma cells which may be locally destructive by involving submucosal soft tissues of upper respiratory tract but without systemic dissemination. It comprises less than 1% of head and neck malignities. Clinical presentation depends on tumor's effect and its involvement site. Diagnosis is made with histopathologic examination of tissue biopsy. Responses to its treatment with local radiotherapy and surgery are similar. In this article; it is intended to update our knowledge regarding EMP and remind this rarely encountered disease by presenting various cases detected in nasopharynx, tonsil, buccal mucosa, larynx, mastoid cavity and sphenoid sinus, with literature line.

How to cite this article

Öztürk K, Şahin M, Midilli R, Gürsan G, Özsan N, Savaş R. Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of Head and Neck Region: Report of Six Cases with Different Localizations. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2013;5(3):157-163.
Isolated IgG4-related Disease of Sphenoid Sinus Manifesting as Blindness
Authors: Mathew Vivek , Chandrasekharan Ramanathan , Ashish Gaurav , Tyagi Amit Kumar , Job Anand Kamalam
Published: February 2014

Introduction

IgG4 related disease is a rare entity which can affect almost all parts of the body. The available literature of this entity related to paranasal sinuses is very limited.

Presentation of case

We present a case of isolated sphenoid sinus affliction by IgG4 related sclerosing disease manifesting as blindness, which recovered fully with pulsed steroid therapy.

Discussion

We present this case in view of developing insights toward diagnosis and management of IgG4 related sclerosing disease in paranasal sinuses, specifically the sphenoid sinus.

Conclusion

IgG4 disease involving paranasal sinuses (PNS) is rare entity and is managed with pulse methylprednisolone and immunomodulator drugs. Considering the limit of understanding of etiopathogenesis of this disease, surgeon needs to keep this differential diagnosis in mind. It may present atypically like isolated sinus involvement and optic neuritis.

How to cite this article

Chandrasekharan R, Mathew V, Ashish G, Tyagi AK, Job AK. Isolated IgG4-related Disease of Sphenoid Sinus Manifesting as Blindness. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2013;5(3):178-181.
Evaluation of Visual Acuity, Pachymetry and Anterior-Surface Irregularity in Keratoconus and Crosslinking Intervention Follow-up in 737 Cases
Authors: Kanellopoulos Anastasios John , Moustou Vasiliki , Asimellis George
Published: February 2014

Purpose

To investigate visual acuity, corneal pachymetry, and anterior-surface irregularity indices correlation with keratoconus severity in a very large pool of clinically-diagnosed untreated keratoconic eyes, and in keratoconic eyes subjected to crosslinking intervention.

Materials and methods

Total of 737 keratoconic (KCN) cases were evaluated. Group A was formed from 362 untreated keratoconic eyes, and group B from 375 keratoconic eyes subjected to partial normalization via topography-guided excimer laser ablation and high-fluence collagen crosslinking. A control group C of 145 healthy eyes was employed for comparison. We investigated distance visual acuity, uncorrected (UDVA), best-spectacle corrected (CDVA), and Scheimpflug-derived keratometry, pachymetry (central corneal thickness, CCT and thinnest, TCT), and two anterior-surface irregularity indices, the index of surface variance (ISV) and the index of height decentration (IHD). The correlations between these parameters vs topographic keratoconus classification (TKC) were investigated.

Results

Keratometry for group A was K1 (flat) 46.67 ± 3.80 D and K2 (steep) 50.76 ± 5.02 D; for group B K1 44.03 ± 3.64 D and K2 46.87 ± 4.61 D; for group C, K1 42.89 ± 1.45 D and K2 44.18 ± 1.88 D. Visual acuity for group A was UDVA 0.12 ± 0.18 and CDVA 0.59 ± 0.25 (decimal), for group B, 0.51 ± 0.28 and 0.77 ± 0.22, and for group C, 0.81 ± 0.31 and 0.87 ± 0.12.

Correlation between ISV and TKC (r2) was for group A 0.853, and for group-B 0.886. Correlation between IHD and TKC was for group A r2 = 0.731, and for group B 0.701. The ROC analysis ‘area under the curve’ was for CDVA 0.550, TCT 0.596, ISV 0.876 and IHD 0.887.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that the traditionally employed metrics of visual acuity and corneal thickness may not be robust indicators nor provide accurate assessment on either keratoconus severity or postoperative evaluation. Two anterior surface irregularity indices, derived by Scheimpflug-imaging, ISV and IHD, may be more sensitive and specific tools.

Précis

Visual acuity, Scheimpflug-derived pachymetry and anterior-surface irregularity correlation to keratoconus severity in untreated cases (A), treated with crosslinking (B), and in a control group (C) reveals that visual acuity and pachymetry do not correlate well with keratoconus severity.

How to cite this article

Kanellopoulos AJ, Moustou V, Asimellis G. Evaluation of Visual Acuity, Pachymetry and Anterior-Surface Irregularity in Keratoconus and Crosslinking Intervention Follow-up in 737 Cases. J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2013;2(3):95-103.
Uterine Inversion in Postmenopausal Woman: A Rare Entity
Authors: Ashraf Tasneem , Haroon Samia
Published: February 2014

Uterine inversion in old age is a rare complication. Submucosal fibroid or polyp is mostly the cause of nonpuerperal inversion. Diagnosis can be made on physical examination but it may be difficult. Management consists of manual reposition of uterus or surgery either through abdominal or vaginal route.

We report a case of nonpuerperal uterine inversion in an unmarried nulliparous postmenopausal Baloch woman having lemon size submucosal fibroid and presented with complete prolapsed inversion. Diagnosis was made clinically and confirmed at laparotomy. At laparotomy inversion was corrected first then total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingooophorectomy was carried out.

How to cite this article

Ashraf T, Haroon S. Uterine Inversion in Postmenopausal Woman: A Rare Entity. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2013;1(2):88-90.
Imaging Congenital Heart Disease in the Perioperative Period using Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Navaratham Manchula , Punn Rajesh , Tacy Theresa A
Published: February 2014

Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for pediatric congenital heart disease has become a standard of care in most institutions in the USA and across Europe. Advances in technology have facilitated the safe use of this tool in patients as small as 2.5 kg and have proved invaluable in guiding surgical repair of congenital cardiac lesions as well as guiding anesthesia management for cardiac and noncardiac procedures. This article describes a systematic approach to image acquisition in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Specific congenital heart lesions are also described with an emphasis on intraoperative TEE data acquisition and analysis.

How to cite this article

Navaratham M, Punn R, Tacy TA. Imaging Congenital Heart Disease in the Perioperative Period using Transesophageal Echocardiography. J Perioper Echocardiogr 2014;2(1):10-28.
Vehicle emissions of greenhouse gases and related tracers from a tunnel study: CO : CO2, N2O : CO2, CH4 : CO2, O2 : CO2 ratios, and the stable isotopes 13C and 18O in CO2 and CO
Authors: Popa M. E. , Vollmer M. K. , Jordan A. , Brand W. A. , Pathirana S. L. , Rothe M. , Röckmann T.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Measurements of CO2, CO, N2O and CH4 mole fractions, O2 / N2 ratios and the stable isotopes 13C and 18O in CO2 and CO have been performed in air samples from the Islisberg highway tunnel (Switzerland). The molar CO : CO2 ratios, with an average of (4.15 ± 0.34) ppb:ppm, are lower than reported in previous studies, pointing to a reduction in CO emissions from traffic. The 13C in CO2 reflects the isotopic composition of the fuel. 18O in CO2 is slightly depleted compared to the 18O in atmospheric O2, and shows significant variability. In contrast, the δ13C values of CO show that significant fractionation takes place during CO destruction in the catalytic converter. 13C in CO is enriched by 3‰ compared to the 13C in the fuel burnt, while the 18O content is similar to that of atmospheric O2. We compute a fractionation constant of (−2.7 ± 0.7)‰ for 13C during CO destruction. The N2O : CO2 average ratio of (1.8 ± 0.2) × 10−2 ppb:ppm is significantly lower than in past studies, showing a reduction in N2O emissions likely related to improvements in the catalytic converter technology. We also observed small CH4 emissions, with an average CH4 : CO2 ratio of (4.6 ± 0.2) × 10−2 ppb:ppm. The O2 : CO2 ratios of (−1.47 ± 0.01) ppm:ppm are very close to the expected, theoretically calculated values of O2 depletion per CO2 enhancement.
Land surface spinup for episodic modeling
Authors: Angevine W. M. , Bazile E. , Legain D. , Pino D.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Soil moisture strongly controls the surface fluxes in mesoscale numerical models, and thereby influences the boundary layer structure. Proper initialization of soil moisture is therefore critical for faithful simulations. In many applications, such as air quality or process studies, the model is run for short, discrete periods (a day to a month). This paper describes one method for soil initialization in these cases, self-spinup. In self-spinup, the model is initialized with a coarse-resolution operational model or reanalysis output, and run for a month, cycling its own soil variables. This allows the soil variables to develop appropriate spatial variability, and may improve the actual values. The month (or other period) can be run more than once if needed. The case shown is for the Boundary Layer Late Afternoon and Sunset Turbulence experiment, conducted in France in 2011. Self-spinup adds spatial variability, which improves the representation of soil moisture patterns around the experiment location, which is quite near the Pyrenees Mountains. The self-spinup also corrects a wet bias in the large-scale analysis. The overall result is a much-improved simulation of boundary layer structure, evaluated by comparison with soundings from the field site. Self-spinup is not recommended as a substitute for multi-year spinup with an offline land data assimilation system in circumstances where the data sets required for such spinup are available at the required resolution. Self-spinup may fail if the modeled precipitation is poorly simulated. It is an expedient for cases when resources are not available to allow a better method to be used.
High spectral resolution ozone absorption cross-sections – Part 1: Measurements, data analysis and comparison with previous measurements around 293 K
Authors: Gorshelev V. , Serdyuchenko A. , Weber M. , Chehade W. , Burrows J. P.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. In this paper we discuss the methodology of taking broadband relative and absolute measurements of ozone cross-sections including uncertainty budget, experimental set-ups, and methods for data analysis. We report on new ozone absorption cross-section measurements in the solar spectral region using a combination of Fourier transform and echelle spectrometers. The new cross-sections cover the spectral range 213–1100 nm at a spectral resolution of 0.02–0.06 nm in the UV–visible and 0.12–0.24 nm in the IR at eleven temperatures from 193 to 293 K in steps of 10 K. The absolute accuracy is better than three percent for most parts of the spectral region and wavelength calibration accuracy is better than 0.005 nm. The new room temperature cross-section data are compared in detail with previously available literature data. The temperature dependence of our cross-sections is described in a companion paper (Serdyuchenko et al., 2014).
The structure of strongly tilted current sheets in the Earth magnetotail
Authors: Vasko I. Y. , Artemyev A. V. , Petrukovich A. A. , Nakamura R. , Zelenyi L. M.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. We investigate strongly tilted (in the y–z GSM plane) current sheets (CSs) in the Earth magnetotail using data from the Cluster mission. We analyze 29 CS crossings observed in 2001–2004. The characteristic current density, magnetic field at the CS boundary and the CS thickness of strongly tilted CSs are similar to those reported previously for horizontal (not tilted) CSs. We confirm that strongly tilted CSs are generally characterized by a rather large northward component of the magnetic field. The field-aligned current in strongly tilted CSs is on average two times larger than the transverse current. The proton adiabaticity parameter, κp, is larger than 0.5 in 85% of strongly tilted CSs due to the large northward magnetic field. Thus, the proton dynamics is stochastic for 18 current sheets with 0.5 < κp < 3 and protons are magnetized for 6 sheets with κp > 3, whereas electrons are magnetized for all observed current sheets. Strongly tilted CSs provide a unique opportunity to measure the electric field component perpendicular to the CS plane. We find that most of the electric field perpendicular to the CS plane is due to the decoupling of electron and ion motions (plasma polarization). For 27 CSs we determine profiles of the electrostatic potential, which is due to the plasma polarization. Drops in the potential between the neutral plane and the CS boundary are within the range of 200 V to 12 kV, while maximal values of the electric field are within the range of 0.2 mV m−1 to 8 mV m−1. For 16 CSs the observed potentials are in accordance with Ohm's law, if the electron current density is assumed to be comparable to the total current density. In 15 of these CSs the profile of the polarization potential is approximately symmetric with respect to the neutral plane and has minimum therein.
Modelling microbial exchanges between forms of soil nitrogen in contrasting ecosystems
Authors: Pansu M. , Machado D. , Bottner P. , Sarmiento L.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Although nitrogen (N) is often combined with carbon (C) in organic molecules, C passes from the air to the soil through plant photosynthesis, whereas N passes from the soil to plants through a chain of microbial conversions. However, dynamic models do not fully consider the microorganisms at the centre of exchange processes between organic and mineral forms of N. This study monitored the transfer of 14C and 15N between plant materials, microorganisms, humified compartments, and inorganic forms in six very different ecosystems along an altitudinal transect. The microbial conversions of the 15N forms appear to be strongly linked to the previously modelled C cycle, and the same equations and parameters can be used to model both C and N cycles. The only difference is in the modelling of the flows between microbial and inorganic forms. The processes of mineralization and immobilization of N appear to be regulated by a two-way microbial exchange depending on the C : N ratios of microorganisms and available substrates. The MOMOS (Modelling of Organic Matter of Soils) model has already been validated for the C cycle and also appears to be valid for the prediction of microbial transformations of N forms. This study shows that the hypothesis of microbial homeostasis can give robust predictions at global scale. However, the microbial populations did not appear to always be independent of the external constraints. At some altitudes their C : N ratio could be better modelled as decreasing during incubation and increasing with increasing C storage in cold conditions. The ratio of potentially mineralizable-15N/inorganic-15N and the 15N stock in the plant debris and the microorganisms was modelled as increasing with altitude, whereas the 15N storage in stable humus was modelled as decreasing with altitude. This predicts that there is a risk that mineralization of organic reserves in cold areas may increase global warming.
Relative roles of endolithic algae and carbonate chemistry variability in the skeletal dissolution of crustose coralline algae
Authors: Reyes-Nivia C. , Diaz-Pulido G. , Dove S.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The susceptibility of crustose coralline algae (CCA) skeletons to dissolution is predicted to increase as oceans warm and acidify. Skeletal dissolution is caused by bioerosion from endolithic microorganisms and by chemical processes associated with undersaturation of carbonate minerals in seawater. Yet, the relative contribution of algal microborers and seawater carbonate chemistry to the dissolution of organisms that cement reefs under projected CO2 and temperature (CO2-T) scenarios have not been quantified. We exposed CCA skeletons (Porolithon onkodes) to four CO2-T treatments (pre-industrial, present-day, SRES-B1 reduced CO2 emission scenario, SRES-A1FI business-as-usual CO2 emission scenario) under natural light cycles vs. constant dark conditions for 8 weeks. Dissolution rates of skeletons without photo-endoliths were dramatically higher (200%) than those colonized by endolithic algae across all CO2-T scenarios. This suggests that daytime photosynthesis by microborers counteract dissolution by reduced saturation states resulting in lower net erosion rates over day-night cycles. Regardless of the presence or absence of phototrophic microborers, skeletal dissolution increased significantly under the spring A1FI "business-as-usual" scenario, confirming the CCA sensitivity to future oceans. Projected ocean acidity and temperature may significantly disturb the stability of reef frameworks cemented by CCA, but surficial substrates harboring photosynthetic microborers will be less impacted than those without algal endoliths.
New features in WRF-SFIRE and the wildfire forecasting and danger system in Israel
Authors: Mandel J. , Amram S. , Beezley J. D. , Kelman G. , Kochanski A. K. , Kondratenko V. Y. , Lynn B. H. , Regev B. , Vejmelka M.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Recent advances in computational capabilities of computer clusters made operational deployments of coupled atmosphere-fire models feasible, as the weather and fire spread forecast can be nowadays generated faster than real time. This paper presents new developments in the coupled WRF-SFIRE model and related software in past two years, being a response to the needs of the community interested in operational testing of WRF-SFIRE. We describe a new concept of the fireline intensity intended to better inform about the local fire front properties and fire danger. We present a fuel moisture model and a fuel moisture data assimilation system based on the Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) observations, allowing for fire simulations across landscapes and time scales of varying fuel moisture conditions. The paper also describes the implementation of a coupling with the atmospheric chemistry and aerosol schemes in WRF-Chem allowing for simulation of smoke dispersion and effects of fires on air quality, as well as a data assimilation method allowing for starting the fire simulations from an observed fire perimeters instead of ignition points. Finally, an example of an operational deployment and new visualization and the data management tools are presented.