bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of tear film thickness in healthy subjects using ultrahigh resolution OCT imaging
Authors: KAYA S , WERKMEISTER R , LEITGEB R , ALEX A , GARHOEFER G , SCHMETTERER L
Published: August 2012

Purpose Dry eye syndrome is a highly prevalent disorder that can lead to severe visual impairment. A major challenge in the management of the disease is that signs and symptoms are poorly correlated. As such there is a major need for new innovative techniques to diagnose the disease.

Methods We have realized a high‐resolution Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for the measurement of tear film thickness. As a light source we used a Ti:Sapphire laser with a bandwidth of more than 150 nm. A total of 26 healthy subjects were studied. Tear film imaging was started immediately after blinking and continued for 20 seconds thereafter.

Results The tear film was on average 4.8 ± 0.9 µm and could be quantified in all subjects. Over the 20seconds time period no significant reduction in tear film thickness was observed. In some subjects, break‐up of the tear film could, however, be observed. The intra‐individual variability from frame‐to‐frame was low and typically below 10%.

Conclusion Our data indicate that the human tear film thickness can be quantified using high‐resolution OCT. The technique may have considerable potential in the management of dry eye patients.
Corneal biomechanics after corneal cross‐linking for keratoconus
Authors: CELLINI M , STROBBE E , GIZZI C , BALDUCCI N , CAMPOS EC
Published: August 2012

Purpose To assess corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) in keratoconic eyes before and after corneal cross‐linking (CXL) with riboflavin/ultraviolet‐A and to evaluate the correlation between these biomechanics values and central corneal thickness (CCT).

Methods 22 eyes of 12 patients (mean age 25.3±5.9) were evaluated before and 1, 6 and 12 months after CXL. At each visit best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), CCT , CH and CRF using ocular response analyzer‐ORA (Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments, Buffalo, NY) were assessed. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Spearman tests.

Results BCVA, expressed in LogMAR, significantly improved 1 year after CXL (0.31±0.05 vs 0.27±0.04, p<0.05). Both CH and CFR significantly improved 1 month after surgery (6.26±0.96 mmHg vs 7.93±1.05 mmHg and 4.70±1.2 mmHg vs 6.90±1.13 mmHg, p<0.0005 and p< 0.0001 respectively), than progressively decreased and at 12th month no difference was found when compared to basal values (6.28±0.48 and 4.74±0.36 respectively). Significantly CCT reduction was found after CXL (472.17±22.59, 459.1±21.68, 465.36±19.59, 465.65±16.47 µm, p<0.001). Significantly direct correlations were found between preoperative CCT and both 1 year postoperative CH and CRF (r=0.85 and 0.86 respectively, p<0.001 for all variables).

Conclusion CH and CRF significantly improved 1 month after CXL but returned to basal values after 1 year, despite a reduced CCT. CXL exerts a transient positive impact on ORA measurements, but further studies are needed to assess why the results is not stable over time. Moreover, preoperative CCT could be a predictive factor for biomechanics values 1 year after CXL.
Ability of keratoconus match index and keratoconus match probability in the differenciation of forme fruste keratoconus and healthy corneas
Authors: DELBARRE M , LUSSATO M , RIGAL‐SASTOURNE JC
Published: August 2012

Purpose To compare Keratoconus Match Index (KMI) and Keratoconus Match Probability (KMP) of the Ocular Response Analyser (ORA) between forme fruste keratoconus and normal corneas and estimate the sensitivity and the specificity of KMI in discriminating forme fruste keratoconus from healthy corneas.

Methods The study population of this retrospective comparative case series was divided into 2 groups: 8 forme fruste keratoconic eyes (FFKCN) and 36 healthy eyes. Every patient underwent a corneal topography, and a biomechanical evaluation with the Ocular Response Analyser. KMI and KMP were compared between the 2 groups. KMI and KMP results from an individual eye are compared to average values from 5 clinically classified populations in a normative database: Normal, Suspect KCN, Mild KCN, Moderate KCN, and Severe KCN. The software determines which population the measurement result best fits.

Results The mean KMI 0.67 for FFKCN and 0.928 for control eyes. There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.05). For a threshold of 0,8, KMI had a sensitivity of 63% with a specificity of 72%. For a threshold of 10,7mmHg, the CH had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 66,7%. According to the KMP, corneas of the control group match best with the normal group in 64% of the cases. According to the KMP, corneas of the FFKCN group match best with the normal group in 34% of the cases, with the suspect group in 35% of the cases, with the mild, moderate or severe group in 31% of the cases.

Conclusion Sensitivity and specificity of the KMI is not greater than those of CH and CRF. The classification proposed by the KMP is not accurate and does not allows the screening of FFKCN.
Interest of endosaver® using on endothelial graft
Authors: GUENOUN S , PROUST H , CONRATH J , RIDINGS B , HOFFART L
Published: August 2012

Purpose To describe characteristics of a delivery device of endothelial graft using in endothelial keratoplasty procedure (Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keraplasty, DSAEK) and to report clinical results.

Methods 20 patients are including in our prospective non‐randomised study. Patients were benefited of a DSAEK by an experienced surgeon. The dissection of the endothelial graft were realised after removal epithelium and cutting a cornea anterior hat of 350μm by a microkeratom (Moria France). Grafts are inserted by the Endosaver® (Ocular System Inc USA) by a 4 mm incision and applied by a buffering of a air bubble in the anterior segment after a peripheral iridotomy. Authors reports experiences with this device and the density of endothelial cells after 6 month.

Results Any failure of the graft was reported. The diminution of endothelial cells was correlated to the thickness of the graft and situated between 26% and 31% depending on pachymetry (50‐120 μm and 120‐150μm).49% of patients had more than 20/40 at 6 month.

Conclusion our study showed the interest of Endosaver® on endothelial grafts to reduce the incision and the diminution of endothelial cells on DSAEK.
Clinical and therapeutic aspects of vernal kerato conjunctivitis in Algeria
Authors: LAZREG S
Published: August 2012

Purpose To evaluate clinical aspects, specific sensitization, epidemiological and therapeutic characteristics of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC)

Methods Retospective clinical case series included 300 VKC patients,between may 2008 and may 2012, data included patients and family histories,results of ocular surface exams, allergic tests and response to corticosteroids assocated to mast stablizers (NAAGA) treatment.

Results The majority of VKC patients were male(67%), 36% of limbal forms, 56% of corneal complications,15 keratoconus associated, a skin prick tests and specific serum IgE was positive in 58% and 64% of patients respectively. therapeutic results were good in 73% cases, satisfactory with frequent relapses treated with corticosteroids in 21% cases, 5% of steroid dependent and 1% of several unresponsive forms

Conclusion Vernal keratoconjunctivitis,very common in our climate remains a severe form by they corneal complications and diffficult managment.
Cornea innervation: from physiologic to drug‐induced recovery
Authors: ZURRIA M
Published: August 2012

Purpose To review the role of corneal innervation both in normal conditions and pathology and provide update on new therapeutic strategies considering cornea nerve fibers as a pharmacological target.

Methods A review of the available literature has been performed and insights on new drugs summarized.

Results The cornea is the most densely innervated tissue in the human body and the integrity of the nerve fibers is crucial in maintaining its refractive and protective power. A lot of ocular and systemic diseases ‐ as well as ocular surgery ‐ can adversely affect corneal nerves and consequently impair their function, with vision loss as a possible consequence. However, current standard treatment regimens do not consider cornea nerve fiber impairment as a therapeutic target, but the current strategy is to face symptoms. In the recent years, the number of published papers concerning this new therapeutic approach has been growing.

Conclusion This report reviews cornea innervation impairment of any kind and the main attributes of therapeutic agents which could be useful in improving corneal nerve recovery stimulating nerve regeneration.

Commercial interest
Bilateral non‐arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy due to excessive use of transdermal estrogen by transgender patient
Authors: DE ZAEYTIJD J , DE POTTER R , MONSTREY S , LEROY BP , HEYLENS G , WIERICKX K , T'SJOEN G
Published: August 2012

Purpose Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a common, visually disabling disease. It is usually due to a hypotensive perfusion insufficiency leading to infarction of the optic nerve. Only very rarely, NAION has a thromboembolic etiology. A transgender patient with a sequential bilateral NAION related to excessive use of transdermal estrogen is described.

Methods A 44 year‐old male to female transgender patient developed acute painless visual loss in the right eye (RE) followed by the left eye (LE) 2 months later. She underwent a full ophthalmic exam and an extensive etiological work‐up.

Results Visual acuity (VA) dropped to perception of light in the RE and, 2 months later, to 3/10 in the left eye. Fundoscopy showed a swollen disc in both eyes in the acute phase, which evolved into pallor later. CT‐brain revealed old ischemic areas unrelated to VA loss. A diagnosis of bilateral sequential NAION was made. Predisposing risk factors, though both well controlled, were diabetes and arterial hypertension. Thrombophilia screening and cardiac work‐up were negative. When estrogen levels of 60 times the normal value were measured, the patient admitted to overdose with transdermal estrogen to enhance her female characteristics. Such high estrogen levels are very thrombogenic. It is highly likely that it caused the cerebrovascular accidents and also triggered the bilateral sequential NAION.

Conclusion NAION only rarely has a thromboembolic etiology. However, careful history taking is warranted to exclude modifiable risk factors in the poorly treatable NAION to prevent affection of the second eye and/or the central nervous system.
Optical coherence tomography: a window into the brain of schizophrenic patients
Authors: CABEZON L , ASCASO F , RAMIRO P , QUINTANILLA MA , GUTIERREZ L , LOBO A , CRISTOBAL JA
Published: August 2012

Purpose Our study aims to assess peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, macular thickness and volume, and optic nerve head (ONH) measurements in patients affected by schizophrenia

Methods 30 schizophrenic patients (mean age 44.5 +/‐ 10.9 years) were enrolled. They were compared with 30 age‐matched controls. In all subjects, peripapillary RNFL thickness, ONH measurements, macular thickness and volume were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). The eye studied was the right eye

Results Schizophrenic patients showed an statistically significant reduction of the overall peripapillary RNFL thickness (95.1+/‐ 13.4 µm) compared with those values observed in control eyes (103.3+/‐9.0 µm) (p=0.008, Student t test). We also observed reduced peripapillary RNFL thickness in superior quadrant in schizophrenic patients (114.7+/‐18.0 µm) when compared with controls (127.3+/‐ 14.4 µm) (p=0.004, Student t test). Cup/disk area ratio (cases: 0.45 +/‐ 0.31; controls: 0.26 +/‐ 0.27 p=0.002, Mann‐Whitney U test), cup/disk horizontal ratio (cases: 0.67 +/‐ 0.22; controls: 0.48 +/‐ 0.23 p=0.003, Student t test), cup/disk vertical ratio (cases: 0.60 +/‐ 0.24; controls: 0.44 +/‐ 0.23 p=0.003, Mann‐Whitney U test) and cup area (cases: 1.32 +/‐ 1.09; controls: 0.73 +/‐ 0.82 p=0.001, Mann‐Whitney U test) were statistically increased in schizophrenic patients.

Conclusion Schizophrenia patients showed a reduction in peripapillary RNFL thickness evaluated by OCT and an increase in some measurements of ONH. These findings suggest that as previously observed in neurodegenerative disorders, neuronal degeneration could be present in the
Relationship between retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and the duration and severity of parkinson disease
Authors: JIMENEZ DEL RIO B , ASCASO F , CRISTOBAL JA , PEREZ D , CABEZON L , IBANEZ J , DEL BUEY MA , LOPEZ DEL VAL J
Published: August 2012

Purpose To determine in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) the correlation between peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and macular thickness and volume, with the duration and severity of the neurological disorder.

Methods 102 eyes corresponding to patients affected by PD were compared with 97 eyes of age‐matched controls. In all individuals peripapillary RNFL thickness, macular thickness and volume were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results We found statistically significant differences in all parameters of peripapillary RNFL thickness between Parkinson patients and controls. In all quadrants RNFL thickness was significantly lower in PD patients (p = 0.017 in temporal RNFL and p <0.001 in the other quadrants). Nevertheless, macular thickness and volume did not reveal any statistically significant reduction in PD patients when compared with controls (p>0.05). Furthermore, we found a significant inverse correlation between disease duration (years) and disease severity measured by Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale and overall peripapillary RNFL thickness (p=0.002 and p <0.001, respectively), indicating that the more years of illness or greater UPDRS score, the lower peripapillary RNFL thickness.

Conclusion PD patients showed a statistically significant reduction in peripapillary RNFL thickness evaluated by OCT in terms of evolution and severity of PD. That means that the further evolution of PD, the lower average peripapillary RNFL thickness. Our results suggest that RNFL thickness measured by OCT might be used as a biomarker of PD severity progression or even as an indicator of good response to long‐term treatment.
Axonal loss in multiple sclerosis: a morphological and functional analysis of retinal nerve fibbers
Authors: FAVARD A , MAJZOUB S , NOCHEZ Y , PISELLA PJ
Published: August 2012

Purpose The main purpose of this work was to study the retinal nerve fibber layer (RNFL) atrophy by optic coherence tomography in different subtypes of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and to compare these results with electrophysiological examinations.

Methods Fifty eight patients were included, 43 suffered from a relapsing‐remitting MS and 15 suffered from a progressive MS. We studied all eyes according 2 groups, MS eyes with a history of acute optic neuritis (MS‐ON eyes, n=39) and MS eyes without history of optic neuritis (MS‐non ON eyes, n=76). Electrophysiological exams were performed in all MS patients: (1) visual letter acuity (Snellen Charts), (2) visual evoked potentials, (3) pattern electroretinogram and (4) perimetry (Metrovision France). Retinal nerve fibber thickness were measured by Optical coherence tomography (OCT; fast RNFL thickness protocol).

Results The rate of MS‐ON eyes and MS non‐ON eyes were not different between the 2 subtypes of MS (p>0.05, Fisher test). Progressive MS demonstrated a mean value decrease of RNFL thickness particularly in inferior quadrant compared to relapsing‐remitting MS (respectively, 92.9 um and 98.7 um for mean value, p= 0,04; 117.7 um and 127.4 um for inferior RNFL thickness, p=0,05). An increased P100 latency and decreased P50 and N95 amplitude were noted in MS‐non ON eyes compared to MS‐ON eyes (respectively p=0,013; p=0,026 and p=0,003).

Conclusion This study seemed to illustrate a potential axonal loss in MS patients through these structural and functional differences between progressive MS and relapsing‐remitting MS optic nerves. The N95 amplitude of non‐affected eyes measurement appeared to be a new index to diagnose early progressive MS.
An interesting case of Mohr‐Tranebjærg Syndrome
Authors: HALFELD FURTADO DE MENDONCA R , ABBRUZZESE S , FERREIRA EL
Published: August 2012

Purpose To describe an interesting rare case of Mohr‐Tranebjærg Syndrome, a X‐liked recessive syndrome also known as Deafness‐dystonia syndrome.Setting: The severity of the symptoms may vary, but they progress usually to severe deafness and dystonia and sometimes are accompanied by cortical deterioration of vision and mental deterioration.

Methods A 24‐year‐old man with Mohr‐Tranebjærg Syndrome underwent electroretinogram (ERG) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs).

Results Fundus examination showed apparently normal retina with pallor of the optic disc. Pattern reversal VEP and flash VEP responses were non‐recordable. ERG showed amplitude reduction of the fotopic, scotopic and flicker responses.

Conclusion Full‐field ERG revealed generalized retinal dysfunction with reduction of cone and rod responses. The progressive neurodegeneration can be associated with a retinal degeneration.
The Altyerre Story—‘Suffering Badly by Translation’
Authors: Green Jennifer
Published: August 2012

In culture‐contact situations, it is commonplace for words to be borrowed from other unrelated vernaculars, for their pronunciations to be changed, and their meanings modified to fit new contexts. The Arandic word altyerre is a rather extreme example of this, and at the end of the nineteenth century, the ‘translation’ of the related word Alcheringa as ‘dream‐times’ sparked a debate that, in some forms, continues to this day. In this article, I discuss some of the reasons why this particular word struck such a controversial chord. I give an updated semantic perspective on the word altyerre, drawing on evidence from Arandic languages and from other languages in Central Australia. Then I examine some of the consequences of both religious and secular interpretations of altyerre and show how the popularisation of this word and its translations has impacted on its meanings in current usage.
The intercultural crafting of real Aboriginal country and manhood in Central Australia
Authors: Ottosson Åse
Published: August 2012

This article explores country music as an important means for Aboriginal men in Central Australia to articulate contemporary forms of manhood and indigeneity. These desert men perceive their own music scene as a last stronghold for real country music. The article demonstrates how such notions of real involve the ongoing intercultural mediation of global and local male aesthetic styles and manhood ideals. In making and performing their country music, desert men continue to draw on enduring ancestral regimes for male demeanour that resonate with global country music imagery and practice, as well as with prominent non‐Indigenous models of manhood in the regional settler history.
Embedded in the land: Customary social relations and practices of resilience in an East Timorese community
Authors: Stead Victoria
Published: August 2012

Drawing on a case study of Cacavei, a rural subsistence community in Timor‐Leste, this article explores the mutually constitutive relationship between people and land within customary forms of society. Patterns of land use and connection to land are not simply reflective of genealogical modes of social organisation, but are also enabling of them. Particularly, the embedding of ancestors within the land offers a means of accessing kinship relationships beyond the genealogical present. Embeddedness provides a quality of embodiment that makes ancestors active participants in social life. Constituted in the relational nexus of people and land, forms of social organisation in Cacavei have a mutability which goes some way to explaining the community’s resilience in spite of forced displacement and cultural disruption during the period of Indonesian occupation. This mutability might be considered more broadly as a source of resilience for customary communities grappling with modernising processes of change.
Investigations of the Distribution and Persistence of Salmonella and Ciprofloxacin‐Resistant Escherichia coli in Turkey Hatcheries in the UK
Authors: Mueller‐Doblies D. , Clouting C. , Davies R. H.
Published: August 2012

This study aimed at gaining information on the presence of Salmonella in UK turkey hatcheries and possible epidemiological links between breeding farms, hatcheries and finishing farms. The presence of ciprofloxacin‐resistant E. coli in hatchery samples, as well as in faecal samples from farms, and trends in occurrence of resistance were also investigated. Over a 2 year‐period, four British turkey hatcheries were visited and intensively sampled for the presence of Salmonella and ciprofloxacin‐resistant E. coli. In two hatcheries, a link could be demonstrated between the presence of certain Salmonella serovars in the hatcheries and on breeding and finishing farms. Within the hatcheries, serovars linked to breeding farms were found more frequently in the poult processing and dispatch areas, whereas serovars identified as ‘resident hatchery contaminants’ were predominantly found inside the hatcher cabinets. Ciprofloxacin‐resistant isolates of S. Senftenberg were identified in one hatchery, which coincided with enrofloxacin treatment of some of the breeding flocks. Ciprofloxacin‐resistant E. coli was found in two hatcheries, and the majority of these isolates showed multidrug resistance.
Gamma Radiation‐Induced Changes in Trombay Nuclear Waste Glass Containing Iron
Authors: Mohapatra Manoj , Kadam Ramakant M. , Mishra Raman K. , Kaushik Chetan P. , Tomar Bhupendra S. , Godbole Shrikant V.
Published: August 2012

Alkali‐based barium borosilicate glasses having similar composition to the Trombay nuclear research reactor waste base glass containing iron were prepared and irradiated by gamma rays. The radiation‐induced defect centers were investigated using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique. The results showed the formation of silicon hole centers and electron trap centers apart from boron‐based oxy hole centers in the glass due to the irradiation. The EPR Hamiltonian parameters for these radicals were evaluated by simulation technique using Bruker SIMFONIA computer program. Glasses with varying iron content were irradiated with the same dose to evaluate the effect of iron content on the defect center concentration. A spin counting technique was employed to evaluate the number of defect centers produced in each glass. It was observed that the defect center concentration reduced as a function of increasing iron content. This was attributed to the charge trapping process of ferric ions in the amorphous system.
Diversitree: comparative phylogenetic analyses of diversification in R
Authors: FitzJohn Richard G.
Published: August 2012

1. The R package ‘diversitree’ contains a number of classical and contemporary comparative phylogenetic methods. Key included methods are BiSSE (binary state speciation and extinction), MuSSE (a multistate extension of BiSSE), and QuaSSE (quantitative state speciation and extinction). Diversitree also includes methods for analysing trait evolution and estimating speciation/extinction rates independently.

2. In this note, I describe the features and demonstrate use of the package, using a new method, MuSSE (multistate speciation and extinction), to examine the joint effects of two traits on speciation.

3. Using simulations, I found that MuSSE could reliably detect that a binary trait that affected speciation rates when simultaneously accounting for additional thats that had no effect on speciation rates.

4. Diversitree is an open source and available on the Comprehensive R Archive Network (cran). A tutorial and worked examples can be downloaded from http://www.zoology.ubc.ca/prog/diversitree.
7-O-Galloyl-d-sedoheptulose ameliorates renal damage triggered by reactive oxygen species-sensitive pathway of inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Park Chan Hum , Noh Jeong Sook , Tanaka Takashi , Yokozawa Takako
Published: August 2012

Objectives

This study was carried out to verify the preventive effects of 7-O-galloyl-d-sedoheptulose (GS), a phenolic compound isolated from Corni Fructus, underlying diabetic renal damage in type 2 diabetes.

Methods

GS was orally administered to db/db mice at doses of 20 and 100 mg/kg body weight per day for six weeks, and its effects were compared with those of the vehicle in db/db and m/m mice.

Key findings

In the serum and kidney, biochemical factors and expression of protein related to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, apoptosis and inflammation were examined. GS treatment attenuated serum and renal oxidative stress through reduction of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation and increase in the ratio of glutathione and its oxidised form. Importantly, GS reduced renal protein expression of Nox-4 and p22phox (one of the subunits of NADPH oxidase), pro-apoptotic factors (such as Bax and cytochrome c) and nuclear factor-kappa B-targeting pro-inflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2.

Conclusions

These renoprotective effects of GS were achieved through attenuation of diabetes-induced oxidative stress and its sensitive protein expression associated with inflammation and apoptosis in db/db mice.
Adult worm‐specific IgE/IgG4 balance is associated with low infection levels of Schistosoma mansoni in an endemic area
Authors: FIGUEIREDO J. P. , OLIVEIRA R. R. , CARDOSO L. S. , BARNES K. C. , GRANT A. V. , CARVALHO E. M. , ARAUJO M. I.
Published: August 2012

Field studies have suggested an immune‐mediated mechanism associated with resistance to Schistosoma mansoni infection. Overall, levels of specific IgE have been correlated with resistance to infection, whereas levels of IgG4 have been associated with susceptibility. This study aimed to evaluate serum levels of soluble adult worm antigen preparation (SWAP)‐specific IgE and IgG4 in relation to current infection in a large casuistic of individuals living in an endemic area of schistosomiasis in Bahia, Brazil. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 37·7% and the mean parasite burden was 55·4 (0–2100) epg/faeces. There was no significant difference in the levels of SWAP‐specific IgE in individuals with different parasite burden, whereas high producers of parasite‐specific IgG4 presented higher parasite burden when compared to low IgG4 producers. Additionally, S. mansoni parasite load was positively correlated with the levels of specific IgG4 or total IgE. No significant correlation was observed between parasite burden and SWAP‐specific IgE. Nevertheless, SWAP‐specific IgE/IgG4 ratio was higher in uninfected or lightly infected individuals (1–99 epg/faeces) than in heavily infected ones (≥400 epg/feces). These findings highlight the important role of IgE/IgG4 ratio in the resistance to infection, which could be useful for further studies in schistosomiasis vaccine candidates.
Computer Modeling of Coal Bed Methane Recovery in Coal Mines
Authors: Stopa Jerzy , Nawrat Stanisław
Published: August 2012

This paper presents an improved reservoir simulation approach to methane production in a longwall mining environment. The coal beds are naturally fractured systems with the gas adsorbed into the coal matrix. Fractures penetrating the coal matrix have limited storage capacity, but they play the role of a gas transportation system. The proposed simulation technique is based on the assumption that a mass of coal removed by mining transfers its gas to adjacent fractures. By using an ECLIPSE coal bed methane simulator, the pore volume of the matrix represents the coal volume of the simulation cell. Consequently, the exploitation of coal can be simulated by modifying the matrix pore volume over time. This paper presents theoretical backgrounds of this approach and investigates numerical effects. A case study of the Moszczenica coal mine in Poland, including computer simulations of methane production, is also reported to show that a long history of the methane and coal recovery can be reproduced using the proposed technique.
A Method for the Design of Ring Dampers for Gears in Aeronautical Applications
Authors: Zucca Stefano , Firrone Christian Maria , Facchini Marco
Published: August 2012

In order to reduce the resonant vibration of thin walled gears used for aeronautical applications, friction ring dampers may be added to the gear. In order to design the damper geometry, engineers must be able to evaluate its effect on the dynamics of the gear. In this paper a method for the calculation of the forced response of gears with friction ring dampers for aeronautical applications is proposed for the first time. The gear and the damper are modeled by means of the finite element method (FEM) and they are coupled by means of contact elements, characterized by tangential and normal contact stiffness. The periodical response of the system is computed in the frequency domain by means of the harmonic balance method. The harmonic excitation is calculated by means of the Fourier analysis of the periodic force profile acting on the gear teeth. The methodology is applied to a case of industrial interest. The effect of the principal design parameters of the ring damper is highlighted.
A Versatile Cam Profile for Controlling Interface Force in Multiple-Dwell Cam-Follower Systems
Authors: Flocker Forrest W.
Published: August 2012

Cam follower systems are widely used in manufacturing because of their precise motion and ability to easily dwell. The cam typically drives a follower in some precise motion needed to accomplish a manufacturing task. Presented in this paper is a closed-form modified trapezoidal cam motion function with adjustable positive and negative acceleration. The profile is suitable for multiple-dwell cam and follower applications. The profile is particularly applicable to high-speed cams in which the follower acceleration is a primary design objective. The main benefit of the profile is that it allows cam designers to easily set limits on the positive and negative acceleration to achieve design objectives. Additional benefits are that the cycle jerk is continuous and that the cam designer can control the maximum magnitude of jerk. The motion program is presented in closed-form for easy implementation in standard equation-solver or spreadsheet software. Dynamic and harmonic analyses are presented to illustrate the benefits of the profile.
Aligning Regulations and Ethics in Human Research
Authors: Dresser Rebecca
Published: August 2012

New U.S. rules should ensure assessment of subjects' understanding, compensation for injury, and standards of study quality.
The Formation and Evolution of Massive Black Holes
Authors: Volonteri M.
Published: August 2012

The past 10 years have witnessed a change of perspective in the way astrophysicists think about massive black holes (MBHs), which are now considered to have a major role in the evolution of galaxies. This appreciation was driven by the realization that black holes of millions of solar masses and above reside in the center of most galaxies, including the Milky Way. MBHs also powered active galactic nuclei known to exist just a few hundred million years after the Big Bang. Here, I summarize the current ideas on the evolution of MBHs through cosmic history, from their formation about 13 billion years ago to their growth within their host galaxies.
Approaching Asymmetry and Versatility in Polymer Assembly
Authors: Pochan Darrin J.
Published: August 2012

Multistep solution processes can create polymeric nanoparticles that are asymmetrical and that have complex internal structures.
Ice Age Tools Hint at 40,000 Years of Bushman Culture
Authors: Balter Michael
Published: August 2012

Archaeologists studying a South African cave say they have found 44,000-year-old artifacts—including bone tools and poisoned arrowheads—nearly identical to those still in use by hunter-gatherers.
The Polio Emergency
Authors: Roberts Leslie
Published: August 2012

Can a tough new taskmaster and ramped-up program finally push the global eradication initiative over the finish line?
Genome Sequence of the Oleaginous Red Yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides MTCC 457
Authors: Kumar Shailesh , Kushwaha Hariom , Bachhawat Anand Kumar , Raghava Gajendra Pal Singh , Ganesan Kaliannan
Published: August 2012

We report the
de novo
assembled 20.05-Mb draft genome of the red yeast
Rhodosporidium toruloides
MTCC 457, predicted to encode 5,993 proteins, 4 rRNAs, and 125 tRNAs. Proteins known to be unique to oleaginous fungi are present among the predicted proteins. The genome sequence will be valuable for molecular genetic analysis and manipulation of lipid accumulation in this yeast and for developing it as a potential host for biofuel production.
Development of a Real-Time Quantitative PCR for Detecting Duck Hepatitis A Virus Genotype C
Authors: Huang Qiuxue , Yue Hua , Zhang Bin , Nie Peiting , Tang Cheng
Published: August 2012

Recently, duck hepatitis A virus genotype C (DHAV-C), a causative agent of duck viral hepatitis, has been responsible for increasing economic losses in the duck industry in China and South Korea. In this study, a real-time PCR assay targeting the 2C gene for detecting DHAV-C was developed. The assay was confirmed to be specific and sensitive, and the minimum detection limit was 3.36 × 10
3
copies per reaction, making this assay suitable for rapid diagnosis of DHAV-C infection from clinical samples. In addition, the dynamics of the viral loads in tissues of specific-pathogen-free (SPF) ducklings infected with DHAV-C were investigated using this method. The DHAV-C could be detected earliest in the liver within 12 h postinfection. Moreover, high viral loads were identified in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, bursa of Fabricius, thymus, pancreas, brain, and small intestine after 24 h postinfection. Taking the data collectively, the study described in this report is the first to have developed a real-time PCR method for detection of DHAV-C and thus contributes to pathogenicity research.
Complex regional pain syndrome following immunisation
Authors: Richards Stephanie , Chalkiadis George , Lakshman Raman , Buttery Jim P , Crawford Nigel W
Published: August 2012

Complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1) is a clinical syndrome that affects one or more extremities and is characterised by persistent pain disproportionate to any inciting event, and at least one sign of autonomic dysfunction in the affected limb(s). The pathogenesis of this syndrome is poorly understood, but its onset is often precipitated by a physical injury, such as minor trauma, fracture, infection or a surgical procedure. In the literature, there are reports of CRPS-1 following immunisation with rubella and hepatitis B vaccines. Here we present a case series of CRPS-1 following immunisation in adolescents, with either diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (1 case), or human papillomavirus vaccines (4 cases). Enhanced awareness of this syndrome and its potential to occur following immunisation in the paediatric population is vital to the prompt and effective management of this condition.
STATIC CYLINDRICALLY SYMMETRIC INTERIOR SOLUTIONS IN f(R) GRAVITY
Authors: SHARIF M. , ARIF SADIA
Published: August 2012

We investigate some exact static cylindrically symmetric solutions for a perfect fluid in the metric f(R) theory of gravity. For this purpose, three different families of solutions are explored. We evaluate energy density, pressure, Ricci scalar and functional form of f(R). It is interesting to mention here that two new exact solutions are found from the last approach, one is in particular form and the other is in the general form. The general form gives a complete description of a cylindrical star in f(R) gravity.
ABSOLUTE NEUTRINO MASSES
Authors: SCHECHTER JOSEPH , NAEEM SHAHID M.
Published: August 2012

We discuss the possibility of using experiments timing the propagation of neutrino beams over large distances to help determine the absolute masses of the three neutrinos.
JOINING GÖDEL AND ZADEH FUZZY LOGICS IN FUZZY DESCRIPTION LOGICS
Authors: BOBILLO FERNANDO , DELGADO MIGUEL , GÓMEZ-ROMERO JUAN , STRACCIA UMBERTO
Published: August 2012

Ontologies have succeeded as a knowledge representation formalism in many domains of application. Nevertheless, they are not suitable to represent vague or imprecise information. To overcome this limitation, several extensions to classical ontologies based on fuzzy logic have been proposed. Even though different fuzzy logics lead to fuzzy ontologies with very different logical properties, the combined use of different fuzzy logics has received little attention to date. This paper proposes a fuzzy extension of the Description Logic [Formula: see text] — the logic behind the ontology language OWL 2 — that joins Gödel and Zadeh fuzzy logics. We analyze the properties of the new fuzzy Description Logic in order to provide guidelines to ontology developers to exploit the best features of each fuzzy logic. The proposal also considers degrees of truth belonging to a finite set of linguistic terms rather than numerical values, thus being closer to real experts' reasonings. We prove the decidability of the combined logic by presenting a reasoning preserving procedure to obtain a crisp representation for it. This result is generalized to offer a similar reduction that can be applied when any other finite t -norms, t -conorms, negations or implications are considered in the logic.
MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING METHOD BASED ON INDUCED INTUITIONISTIC NORMAL FUZZY RELATED AGGREGATION OPERATORS
Authors: WANG JIAN-QIANG , LI KANG-JIAN , ZHANG HONG-YU
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we first defined intuitionistic normal fuzzy numbers as well as their operational laws and score function. Next, we proposed some aggregation operators including ordered intuitionistic normal ordered fuzzy weighted averaging operator, intuitionistic normal fuzzy ordered weighted geometric averaging operator, intuitionistic normal fuzzy related ordered weighted averaging operator, intuitionistic normal fuzzy related ordered weighted geometric averaging operator, induced intuitionistic normal fuzzy related ordered weighted averaging operator and induced intuitionistic normal fuzzy related ordered weighted geometric averaging operator. After that, similarity measure between two intuitionistic normal fuzzy numbers is defined. For multi-criteria decision making problems, in which the criteria are interactive and the criteria values are intuitionistic normal fuzzy numbers, an approach based on induced intuitionistic normal fuzzy related aggregation operators is proposed. And the comprehensive evaluation values of all alternatives can be derived by applying induced intuitionistic normal fuzzy related aggregation operators. Finally, the ranking of the whole alternatives set can be obtained by comparing the relative closeness of alternatives to the ideal solution. In the end, an example is given to show the validity and the feasibility of the method.
STEINER POLYNOMIALS VIA ULTRA-LOGCONCAVE SEQUENCES
Authors: HENK MARTIN , HERNÁNDEZ CIFRE MARÍA A. , SAORÍN EUGENIA
Published: August 2012

We investigate structural properties of the cone of roots of relative Steiner polynomials of convex bodies. We prove that they are closed, monotonous with respect to the dimension, and that they cover the whole upper half-plane, except the positive real axis, when the dimension tends to infinity. In particular, it turns out that relative Steiner polynomials are stable polynomials if and only if the dimension is ≤ 9. Moreover, pairs of convex bodies whose relative Steiner polynomial has a complex root on the boundary of such a cone have to satisfy some Aleksandrov–Fenchel inequality with equality. An essential tool for the proofs of the results is the characterization of Steiner polynomials via ultra-logconcave sequences.
NON-INVASIVE ESTIMATION OF DIABETES RELATED FEATURES FROM ECG USING GRAPHICAL PROGRAMAMING LANGUAGE AND MATLAB
Authors: KALPANA V. , HAMDE S. T. , WAGHMARE L. M.
Published: August 2012

Electrocardiography deals with the electrical activity of the heart. The condition of cardiac health is given by the electrocardiogram (ECG). ECG analysis is one of the most important aspects of research in the field of biomedical sciences and healthcare. The precision in the identification of various parameters in the ECG is of great importance for the reliability of an automated ECG analyzing system and diagnosis of cardiac diseases. Many algorithms have been developed in the last few years, each with their own advantages and limitations. In this work, we have developed an algorithm for 12-lead ECG parameter detection which works in three steps. Initially, the signal is denoised by the wavelet transform approach using a graphical programming language called LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench). Next, primary features are detected from the denoised ECG signal using Matlab, and lastly, the secondary features related to diabetes are estimated from the detected primary features. Diabetes mellitus (DM), which is characterized by raised blood glucose levels in an individual, affects an estimated 2–4% of the world's population, making it one of the major chronic illnesses prevailing today. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the study of relationship between diabetes and cardiac health. Thus, in this work, we estimate diabetic-related secondary ECG features like corrected QT interval (QTc), QT dispersion (QTd), P wave dispersion (PD), and ST depression (STd). Our software performance is evaluated using CSE DS-3 multi-lead data base and the data acquired at SGGS IE & T, Nanded, MS, which contains 5000 samples recorded at a sampling frequency of 500 HZ. The proposed algorithm gives a sensitivity of 99.75% and a specificity of 99.83%.
THE ANALYSIS OF UPPER LIMB MOVEMENT AND EMG ACTIVATION DURING THE SNATCH UNDER VARIOUS LOADING CONDITIONS
Authors: CHEN SHEN-KAI , WU MING-TUNG , HUANG CHUN-HAO , WU JIA-HROUNG , GUO LAN-YUEN , WU WEN-LAN
Published: August 2012

This study investigates upper limb movement and electromyography (EMG) signals during snatch under various loading conditions and discusses results from six lifting phases. Qualisys motion analysis and Noraxon EMG systems were used to record upper limb movement and muscle activity. When lifting heavy weights, the maximum shoulder flexion angle exceeded 180° in the rise phase and thus, was higher than when lifting lower weight categories. The deltoid and biceps muscles exhibited higher activity during this phase when lifting heavy weights. It can be inferred that the deltoid muscle is activated in this phase in order to maintain the shoulder in an abducted position, and to maintain hyperflexion of the biceps. Muscle activity of the deltoid and biceps in the second pull phase also increased significantly during heavy weight lifting. We infer that the effective use of these two muscles in the second pull phase would produce higher peak barbell vertical velocity, increasing the amount of weight can be lifted. Muscle activity for the latissimus dorsi during first pull showed a statistically significant increase when lifting heavy weights. This ability by the latissimus dorsi to generate higher velocities early in the concentric phase (downswing) possibly contributed to the improved final performance during heavy weight lifting.
AXIAL SUPERRESOLUTION BY PHASE FILTER IN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: DING ZHIHUA , NI YANG , MENG JIE
Published: August 2012

Axial superresolution in optical coherence tomography (OCT) by a three-zone annular phase filter is demonstrated. In the proposed probe of a spectral domain OCT system, the width of the central lobe of the axial intensity point spread function is apodized by the filter to be within the coherence gate determined by the light source, while its sidelobes are lying outside the coherence gate without contributing to the coherence imaging. By measurement of the depth response of the OCT system before and after inserting the filter, an improvement of about 20% in axial resolution is confirmed. OCT imaging on biological sample of orange fresh is also conducted, demonstrating increased depth discrimination without the negative contribution from sidelobes realized by the phase filter in combination with the coherence gate intrinsic to OCT. It comes to a conclusion that we can obtain axial superresolution by filter in OCT system without the degrading influence of large sidelobes.
QUANTIFYING NANOPARTICLE TRANSPORTIN VIVOUSING HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING WITH A DORSAL SKINFOLD WINDOW CHAMBER
Authors: MCKEE TREVOR D. , CHEN JUAN , CORBIN IAN , ZHENG GANG , KHOKHA RAMA
Published: August 2012

We have developed a noninvasive imaging method to quantify in vivo drug delivery pharmacokinetics without the need for blood or tissue collection to determine drug concentration. By combining the techniques of hyperspectral imaging and a dorsal skinfold window chamber, this method enabled the real-time monitoring of vascular transport and tissue deposition of nanoparticles labeled with near-infrared (NIR) dye. Using this imaging method, we quantified the delivery pharmacokinetics of the native high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted HDL nanoparticles and demonstrated these HDLs had long circulation time in blood stream (half-life >12 h). These HDL nanoparticles could efficiently carry cargo DiR-BOA to extravasate from blood vessels, diffuse through extracellular matrix, and penetrate and be retained in the tumor site. The EGFR targeting specificity of EGFR-targeted HDL (EGFR-specific peptide conjugated HDL) was also visualized in vivo by competitive inhibition with excess EGFR-specific peptide. In summary, this imaging technology may help point the way toward the development of novel imaging-based pharmacokinetic assays for preclinical drugs and evaluation of drug delivery efficiency, providing a dynamic window into the development and application of novel drug delivery systems.
SOME CONSTRUCTIONS OF MUTUALLY ORTHOGONAL LATIN SQUARES AND SUPERIMPOSED CODES
Authors: SEBERRY JENNIFER , TONIEN DONGVU
Published: August 2012

Superimposed codes is a special combinatorial structure that has many applications in information theory, data communication and cryptography. On the other hand, mutually orthogonal latin squares is a beautiful combinatorial object that has deep connection with design theory. In this paper, we draw a connection between these two structures. We give explicit construction of mutually orthogonal latin squares and we show a method of generating new larger superimposed codes from an existing one by using mutually orthogonal latin squares. If n denotes the number of codewords in the existing code then the new code contains n2codewords. Recursively, using this method, we can construct a very large superimposed code from a small simple code. Well-known constructions of superimposed codes are based on algebraic Reed–Solomon codes and our new construction gives a combinatorial alternative approach.
THE GUTMAN INDEX OF UNICYCLIC GRAPHS
Authors: FENG LIHUA
Published: August 2012

Let G be a connected graph with vertex set V(G). The Gutman index of G is defined as S(G) = ∑{u, v}⊆V(G) d(u)d(v)d(u, v), where d(u) is the degree of vertex u, and d(u, v) denotes the distance between u and v. In this paper, we characterize n-vertex unicyclic graphs with girth k, having minimal Gutman index.