bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of air sac volume, lung volume, and lung densities determined by use of computed tomography in conscious and anesthetized Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) positioned in ventral, dorsal, and right lateral recumbency
Authors: Nevitt Benjamin N. , Langan Jennifer N. , Adkesson Michael J. , Mitchell Mark A. , Henzler Margaret , Drees Randi
Published: July 2014

Objective—To determine the effects of recumbency on air sac volume, lung volume, and lung densities in CT images of healthy, conscious and anesthetized spontaneously breathing Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti).

Animals—25 adult (13 male and 12 female) Humboldt penguins.

Procedures—CT images of conscious penguins in ventral recumbency and anesthetized penguins in dorsal, ventral, and right lateral recumbency were obtained. Air sac volume, lung volume, and lung densities in CT images were calculated. A paired samples t test was used to determine whether right and left lung densities differed among recumbencies. Repeated-measures ANOVA (controlled for sex and order of recumbencies during CT) was used to determine whether air sac or lung volumes differed among recumbencies.

Results—Recumbency had a significant effect on air sac volume but not lung volume. Air sac volume was largest in conscious penguins in ventral recumbency (mean ± SD, 347.2 ± 103.1 cm3) and lowest in anesthetized penguins in dorsal recumbency (median, 202.0 cm3; 10th to 90th percentile, 129.2 to 280.3 cm3). Lung densities were highest in anesthetized penguins in dorsal recumbency (right lung median, 0.522 g/cm3; left lung median, 0.511 g/cm3) and lowest in anesthetized penguins in ventral recumbency (right lung median, 0.488 g/cm3; left lung median, 0.482 g/cm3).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that anesthetized Humboldt penguins had the lowest air sac volume and highest lung densities in dorsal recumbency. Therefore, this recumbency may not be recommended. Minimal changes in lung volume were detected among recumbencies or between conscious and anesthetized penguins.
Assimilation Theory, Attention, and Asymmetry in Müller-Lyer Illusions: Quantitative Predictions
Authors: Pressey Alexander W.
Published: July 2014

The manner in which Pressey's assimilation theory of geometric illusions (e.g., Pressey & Pressey, 1992) operates is illustrated by considering the basic question of why shrinkage and expansion forms of Müller-Lyer's illusions differ. The traditional answer is that the differences are due to the fact that the two forms generate “fundamentally different” kinds of illusions. Three experiments, each purporting to support this view, were simulated by the quantitative version of the theory. Because the theory correctly predicted complex means and variances, it was concluded that the traditional position was not valid.
Surveillance for outbreaks of gastroenteritis in elderly long-term care facilities in France, November 2010 to May 2012
Authors: Barret A S , Jourdan-da Silva N , Ambert-Balay K , Delmas G , Bone A , Thiolet J  M , Vaillant V
Published: July 2014

This article describes outbreaks of gastroenteritis in elderly long-term care facilities (LTCF) in France from November 2010 to May 2012 reported through the surveillance system for gastroenteritis outbreaks in LTCF. A total of 1,072 outbreaks were reported, causing 26,551 episodes of illness and 60 deaths. The median attack rate (AR) among residents was 32%. Norovirus and person-to-person transmission were the most frequently reported aetiology and mode of transmission. Control measures were implemented in 1,054 (98%) outbreaks and for 928 outbreaks, the timing of such measures could be inferred. Of these, 799 (86%) had put control measures into effect within three days of the occurrence of the first case. Outbreaks of gastroenteritis in LTCF cause substantial morbidity and mortality among elderly people in France. LTCF are encouraged to develop infection prevention and control plans and to notify any gastroenteritis outbreak to health authorities to ensure rapid control.
Correlation of diffusion tensor tractography and intraoperative macrostimulation during deep brain stimulation for Parkinson disease
Authors: Said Nicholas , Elias W. Jeff , Raghavan Prashant , Cupino Alan , Tustison Nicholas , Frysinger Robert , Patrie James , Xin Wenjun , Wintermark Max
Published: July 2014

Object

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the corticospinal tract (CST) is a reliable surrogate for intraoperative macrostimulation through the deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads. The authors hypothesized that the distance on MRI from the DBS lead to the CST as determined by DTI would correlate with intraoperative motor thresholds from macrostimulations through the same DBS lead.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed pre- and postoperative MRI studies and intraoperative macrostimulation recordings in 17 patients with Parkinson disease (PD) treated by DBS stimulation. Preoperative DTI tractography of the CST was coregistered with postoperative MRI studies showing the position of the DBS leads. The shortest distance and the angle from each contact of each DBS lead to the CST was automatically calculated using software-based analysis. The distance measurements calculated for each contact were evaluated with respect to the intraoperative voltage thresholds that elicited a motor response at each contact.

Results

There was a nonsignificant trend for voltage thresholds to increase when the distances between the DBS leads and the CST increased. There was a significant correlation between the angle and the voltage, but the correlation was weak (coefficient of correlation [R] = 0.36).

Conclusions

Caution needs to be exercised when using DTI tractography information to guide DBS lead placement in patients with PD. Further studies are needed to compare DTI tractography measurements with other approaches such as microelectrode recordings and conventional intraoperative MRI–guided placement of DBS leads.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases: a case-matched study comparing treatment results for patients 80 years of age or older versus patients 65–79 years of age
Authors: Watanabe Shinya , Yamamoto Masaaki , Sato Yasunori , Kawabe Takuya , Higuchi Yoshinori , Kasuya Hidetoshi , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Matsumura Akira , Barfod Bierta E.
Published: July 2014

Object

Recently, an increasing number of patients with brain metastases, even patients over 80 years of age, have been treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). However, there is little information on SRS treatment results for patients with brain metastases 80 years of age and older. The authors undertook this study to reappraise whether SRS treatment results for patients 80 years of age or older differ from those of patients who are 65–79 years old.

Methods

This was an institutional review board–approved, retrospective cohort study. Among 2552 consecutive brain metastasis patients who underwent SRS during the 1998–2011 period, we studied 165 who were 80 years of age or older (Group A) and 1181 who were age 65–79 years old (Group B). Because of the remarkable disproportion in patient numbers between the 2 groups and considerable differences in pre-SRS clinical factors, the authors conducted a case-matched study using the propensity score matching method. Ultimately, 330 patients (165 from each group, A and B) were selected. For time-to-event outcomes, the Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate overall survival and competing risk analysis was used to estimate other study end points, as appropriate.

Results

Although the case-matched study showed that post-SRS median survival time (MST, months) was shorter in Group A patients (5.3 months, 95% CI 3.9–7.0 months) than in Group B patients (6.9 months, 95% CI 5.0–8.1 months), this difference was not statistically significant (HR 1.147, 95% CI 0.921–1.429, p = 0.22). Incidences of neurological death and deterioration were slightly lower in Group A than in Group B patients (6.3% vs 11.8% and 8.5% vs 13.9%), but these differences did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.11 and p = 0.16). Furthermore, competing risk analyses showed that the 2 groups did not differ significantly in cumulative incidence of local recurrence (HR 0.830, 95% CI 0.268–2.573, p = 0.75), rates of repeat SRS (HR 0.738, 95% CI 0.438–1.242, p = 0.25), or incidence of SRS-related complications (HR 0.616, 95% CI 0.152–2.495, p = 0.49). Among the Group A patients, post-SRS MSTs were 11.6 months (95% CI 7.8–19.6 months), 7.9 months (95% CI 5.2–10.9 months), and 2.8 months (95% CI; 2.4–4.6 months) in patients whose disease status was modified–recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) Class(es) I+IIa, IIb, and IIc+III, respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that patients 80 years of age or older are not unfavorable candidates for SRS as compared with those 65–79 years old. Particularly, even among patients 80 years and older, those with modified-RPA Class I+IIa or IIb disease are considered to be favorable candidates for more aggressive treatment of brain metastases.
Patient outcomes and surgical complications in coccidioidomycosis-related hydrocephalus: an institutional review
Authors: Hardesty Douglas A. , Ramey Wyatt , Afrasiabi Mohammad , Beck Brian , Gonzalez Omar , Moran Ana , Nakaji Peter
Published: July 2014

Object

Coccidioidomycosis is a common fungal infection in the southwestern US. Hydrocephalus is a serious complication of cranial coccidioidomycosis, and the surgical management of coccidioidomycosis-related hydrocephalus has unique challenges. The authors reviewed their institutional experience with hydrocephalus in the setting of coccidioidomycosis.

Methods

The authors retrospectively identified 44 patients diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis-related hydrocephalus at their institution since 1990, who underwent a total of 99 shunting procedures. The authors examined patient demographics, type of shunt and valve used, pressure settings, failure rates, medical treatment, ventricular response to shunting, and other variables.

Results

The majority of patients were young (average age 37 years) men (male/female ratio 28:16) with a mean follow-up of 63 months. Patients of Asian and African descent were overrepresented in the cohort compared with regional demographic data. The overall shunt failure rate during follow-up was 50%, and the average number of revisions required if the shunt failed was 2.5 (range 1–8). Low to moderate draining pressures (mean 88 mm H2O) were used in this cohort. Fourteen patients received intrathecal antifungals, and a trend of initiating intrathecal therapy after need for a shunt revision was observed (p = 0.051). The majority of shunt failures (81%) were due to mechanical blockages in the drainage system. Most patients (59%) had at least partial persistent postoperative ventriculomegaly despite successful CSF diversion. Four patients (9%) died due to coccidioidomycosis during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Coccidioidomycosis-related hydrocephalus more often affected young males in the study's cohort, especially those of African and Asian descent. Despite the best medical therapy, there was a high rate of shunt failure due to clogged catheters or valves due to the underlying disease process. Many patients continued to have ventriculomegaly even with adequate CSF diversion. The morbidity and mortality of this chronic disease process must be recognized by the treatment team, and patients should be appropriately counseled.
Recurrence after gross-total resection of low-grade pediatric brain tumors: the frequency and timing of postoperative imaging
Authors: Kim Albert H. , Thompson Elizabeth A. , Governale Lance S. , Santa Catalina , Cahll Kevin , Kieran Mark W. , Chi Susan N. , Ullrich Nicole J. , Scott R. Michael , Goumnerova Liliana C.
Published: July 2014

Object

Low-grade glial and glioneuronal brain tumors are frequently encountered in the pediatric population and can be effectively treated by resection. The authors aimed to use imaging to evaluate how often tumors recurred and to determine if recurrences were associated with any clinical symptoms, along with the financial costs of imaging, in patients with radiographically proven gross-total resection (GTR) at Boston Children's Hospital. These data were assessed to propose guidelines regarding postoperative surveillance.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective cohort analysis of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Program database from 1993 to 2003 to identify patients with glial or glioneuronal tumors initially evaluated at Boston Children's Hospital. Among the 888 patients evaluated for any type of brain tumor during this period, 67 patients had WHO Grade I glial or glioneuronal lesions with radiographically proven GTR and available follow-up data. The frequency and timing of postoperative imaging was compared with the institutional protocol. Recurrence-free survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Financial costs of imaging were available from 2001 to 2009 and were averaged to extrapolate the postoperative surveillance costs.

Results

Among the 67 patients with GTR, 13 recurrences were detected radiographically with a mean time to recurrence of 32.4 months (range 2.9–128.5 months). The mean duration of follow-up after surgery was 6.6 years. The recurrence-free survival at 2 and 5 years after GTR for all low-grade glial and glioneuronal tumors was 0.90 (95% CI 0.82–0.97) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.73–0.92), respectively. No clinical symptoms were associated with any of the recurrences, and no deaths occurred. Under the institutional protocol of surveillance imaging, the estimated cost per recurrence at 5 years was $104,094 per patient. The proposed protocol would reduce the number of MR scans in the first 5 years from 10 to 5, providing a potential cost savings of $52,047 per recurrence.

Conclusions

Given the slow-growing, clinically asymptomatic nature of low-grade glial and glioneuronal tumors coupled with the financial and psychological costs of repeated imaging, the authors propose a postoperative surveillance MRI schedule that is less intensive than current institutional practice.
Pediatric posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome presenting with isolated cerebellar edema and obstructive hydrocephalus
Authors: Ettinger Nicholas , Pearson Matthew , Lamb Fred S. , Wellons John C.
Published: July 2014

In this report, the authors describe the case of a teenage boy who presented with hypertensive emergency, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and hydrocephalus due to fourth ventricle outlet obstruction. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a well-characterized but uncommon syndrome in children that is generally triggered by severe hypertension. The unusual clinical picture of this patient, who had isolated cerebellar edema leading to obstructive hydrocephalus, has been rarely described in children.
Nerve growth factor promotes expression of novel genes in intervertebral disc cells that regulate tissue degradation
Authors: Kao Ting-Hsien , Peng Yi-Jen , Tsou Hsi-Kai , Salter Donald M. , Lee Herng-Sheng
Published: July 2014

Object

Increased neurotrophin activity in degenerative intervertebral discs (IVDs) is one potential cause of chronic low-back pain (LBP). The aim of the study was to assess if nerve growth factor (NGF) might alter gene expression of IVD cells and contribute to disc degeneration by enhancing expression or activity of factors that cause breakdown of IVD matrix.

Methods

Rat-tail IVD cells were stimulated by NGF and subjected to microarray analysis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry of rat and human IVD cells and tissues treated with NGF in vitro in the absence or presence of the NGF inhibitor Ro 08-2750 were used to confirm findings of the microarray studies. Phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was used to identify cell signaling pathways involved in NGF stimulation in the absence or presence of Ro 08-2750.

Results

Microarray analysis demonstrated increased expression of chitinase 3-like 1 (Chi3l1), lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), and matrix metalloproteinase–3 (Mmp3) following NGF stimulation of rat IVD cells in vitro. Increased gene expression was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction with a relative increase in the Mmp/Timp ratio. Increased expression of Chi3l1, Lcn2, and Mmp3 following NGF stimulation was also demonstrated in rat cells and human tissue in vitro. Effects of NGF on protein expression were blocked by an NGF inhibitor and appear to function through the extracellular-regulation kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) MAPK pathway.

Conclusions

Nerve growth factor has potential effects on matrix turnover activity and influences the catabolic/anabolic balance of IVD cells in an adverse way that may potentiate IVD degeneration. Anti-NGF treatment might be beneficial to ameliorate progressive tissue breakdown in IVD degeneration and may lead to pain relief.
Total Environmental Impact of Three Main Dietary Patterns in Relation to the Content of Animal and Plant Food
Authors: Baroni Luciana , Berati Marina , Candilera Maurizio , Tettamanti Massimo
Published: July 2014

Based on a review of the most recent available scientific evidence, the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 (USDA DG) provide information and advice for choosing a healthy diet. To compare the environmental impacts of, respectively, omnivorous (OMN), lacto-ovo-vegetarian (LOV) and vegan (VEG) dietary patterns as suggested in the USDA DG, we analyzed the three patterns by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The presence of animal food in the diet was the main determinant of environmental impact. The major impact always stemmed from land and water use. The second largest impact came from energy use. Emission of toxic inorganic compounds into the atmosphere was the third cause of impact. Climate change and acidification/eutrophication represented other substantial impacts.
6-Chloro-2-hydroxy-2-trifluoromethyl-2H-chromene-3-carboxylic acid (5-allylsulfanyl-[1,3,4]thiadiazol-2-yl)-amide
Authors: Wang Caixia , Xu Cuilian , Yang Guoyu , Fan Sufang , Xin Li , Guo Tingting
Published: July 2014

A new chromene containing 1,3,4-thiadiazole and trifluoromethyl(CF3), 6-chloro-2-hydroxy-2-trifluoromethyl-2H-chromene-3-carboxylic acid (5-allylsulfanyl-[1,3,4]thiadiazol-2-yl)-amide was synthesized and its structure was characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 19F-NMR and HRMS.
Nonlinear Modeling of E-Type Ferrite Inductors Using Finite Element Analysis in 2D
Authors: Salas Rosa , Pleite Jorge
Published: July 2014

We present here a modeling procedure for inductors with an E-shaped ferrite core valid for calculating the inductance of an equivalent circuit from the linear operating region to the saturation region. The procedure was developed using Finite Elements in 2D. We demonstrate that using a 2D section of the real core the results obtained are similar to the real ones, which solves the problem of convergence that appeared when E type cores were simulated in 3D, while also saving computational cost. We also discuss the effect of the gap-thickness on the magnetic properties. The data obtained by simulation are compared with experimental results.
Impact of Pharmacist Facilitated Discharge Medication Reconciliation
Authors: Super Todd , Phillips Shaun , Coffey Robert , Patterson Sean
Published: July 2014

Preventable adverse drug events occur frequently at transitions in care and are a problem for many patients following hospital discharge. Many of these problems can be attributed to poor medication reconciliation. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact that direct pharmacist involvement in the discharge medication reconciliation process had on medication discrepancies, patient outcomes, and satisfaction. A cohort study of 70 patients was designed to assess the impact of pharmacist facilitated discharge medication reconciliation at a 204-bed community hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan, USA. Discharge summaries were analyzed to compare patients who received standard discharge without pharmacist involvement to those having pharmacist involvement. The total number of discrepancies in the group without pharmacist involvement was significantly higher than that of the pharmacist facilitated group.
Spaceborne Mine Waste Mineralogy Monitoring in South Africa, Applications for Modern Push-Broom Missions: Hyperion/OLI and EnMAP/Sentinel-2
Authors: Mielke Christian , Boesche Nina , Rogass Christian , Kaufmann Hermann , Gauert Christoph , De Wit Maarten
Published: July 2014

Remote sensing analysis is a crucial tool for monitoring the extent of mine waste surfaces and their mineralogy in countries with a long mining history, such as South Africa, where gold and platinum have been produced for over 90 years. These mine waste sites have the potential to contain problematic trace element species (e.g., U, Pb, Cr). In our research, we aim to combine the mapping and monitoring capacities of multispectral and hyperspectral spaceborne sensors. This is done to assess the potential of existing multispectral and hyperspectral spaceborne sensors (OLI and Hyperion) and future missions, such as Sentinel-2 and EnMAP (Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program), for mapping the spatial extent of these mine waste surfaces. For this task we propose a new index, termed the iron feature depth (IFD), derived from Landsat-8 OLI data to map the 900-nm absorption feature as a potential proxy for monitoring the spatial extent of mine waste. OLI was chosen, because it represents the most suitable sensor to map the IFD over large areas in a multi-temporal manner due to its spectral band layout; its (183 km × 170 km) scene size and its revisiting time of 16 days. The IFD is in good agreement with primary and secondary iron-bearing minerals mapped by the Material Identification and Characterization Algorithm (MICA) from EO-1 Hyperion data and illustrates that a combination of hyperspectral data (EnMAP) for mineral identification with multispectral data (Sentinel-2) for repetitive area-wide mapping and monitoring of the IFD as mine waste proxy is a promising application for future spaceborne sensors. A maximum, absolute model error is used to assess the ability of existing and future multispectral sensors to characterize mine waste via its 900-nm iron absorption feature. The following sensor-signal similarity ranking can be established for spectra from gold mining material: EnMAP 100% similarity to the reference, ALI 97.5%, Sentinel-2 97%, OLI and ASTER 95% and ETM+ 91% similarity.
Application of DMSP/OLS Nighttime Light Images: A Meta-Analysis and a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Huang Qingxu , Yang Xi , Gao Bin , Yang Yang , Zhao Yuanyuan
Published: July 2014

Since the release of the digital archives of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Operational Line Scanner (DMSP/OLS) nighttime light data in 1992, a variety of datasets based on this database have been produced and applied to monitor and analyze human activities and natural phenomena. However, differences among these datasets and how they have been applied may potentially confuse researchers working with these data. In this paper, we review the ways in which data from DMSP/OLS nighttime light images have been applied over the past two decades, focusing on differences in data processing, research trends, and the methods used among the different application areas. Five main datasets extracted from this database have led to many studies in various research areas over the last 20 years, and each dataset has its own strengths and limitations. The number of publications based on this database and the diversity of authors and institutions involved have shown promising growth. In addition, researchers have accumulated vast experience retrieving data on the spatial and temporal dynamics of settlement, demographics, and socioeconomic parameters, which are “hotspot” applications in this field. Researchers continue to develop novel ways to extract more information from the DMSP/OLS database and apply the data to interdisciplinary research topics. We believe that DMSP/OLS nighttime light data will play an important role in monitoring and analyzing human activities and natural phenomena from space in the future, particularly over the long term. A transparent platform that encourages data sharing, communication, and discussion of extraction methods and synthesis activities will benefit researchers as well as public and political stakeholders.
Assessing Long-Term Changes in the Beach Width of Reef Islands Based on Temporally Fragmented Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Mann Thomas , Westphal Hildegard
Published: July 2014

Atoll islands are subject to a variety of processes that influence their geomorphological development. Analysis of historical shoreline changes using remotely sensed images has become an efficient approach to both quantify past changes and estimate future island response. However, the detection of long-term changes in beach width is challenging mainly for two reasons: first, data availability is limited for many remote Pacific islands. Second, beach environments are highly dynamic and strongly influenced by seasonal or episodic shoreline oscillations. Consequently, remote-sensing studies on beach morphodynamics of atoll islands deal with dynamic features covered by a low sampling frequency. Here we present a study of beach dynamics for nine islands on Takú Atoll, Papua New Guinea, over a seven-decade period. A considerable chronological gap between aerial photographs and satellite images was addressed by applying a new method that reweighted positions of the beach limit by identifying “outlier” shoreline positions. On top of natural beach variability observed along the reweighted beach sections, we found that one third of the analyzed islands show a statistically significant decrease in reweighted beach width since 1943. The total loss of beach area for all islands corresponds to 44% of the initial beach area. Variable shoreline trajectories suggest that changes in beach width on Takú Atoll are dependent on local control (that is, human activity and longshore sediment transport). Our results show that remote imagery with a low sampling frequency may be sufficient to characterize prominent morphological changes in planform beach configuration of reef islands.
Near Infrared Spectroscopy Calibration for Wood Chemistry: Which Chemometric Technique Is Best for Prediction and Interpretation?
Authors: Via Brian , Zhou Chengfeng , Acquah Gifty , Jiang Wei , Eckhardt Lori
Published: July 2014

This paper addresses the precision in factor loadings during partial least squares (PLS) and principal components regression (PCR) of wood chemistry content from near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectra. The precision of the loadings is considered important because these estimates are often utilized to interpret chemometric models or selection of meaningful wavenumbers. Standard laboratory chemistry methods were employed on a mixed genus/species hardwood sample set. PLS and PCR, before and after 1st derivative pretreatment, was utilized for model building and loadings investigation. As demonstrated by others, PLS was found to provide better predictive diagnostics. However, PCR exhibited a more precise estimate of loading peaks which makes PCR better for interpretation. Application of the 1st derivative appeared to assist in improving both PCR and PLS loading precision, but due to the small sample size, the two chemometric methods could not be compared statistically. This work is important because to date most research works have committed to PLS because it yields better predictive performance. But this research suggests there is a tradeoff between better prediction and model interpretation. Future work is needed to compare PLS and PCR for a suite of spectral pretreatment techniques.
Spatio-Temporal Patterns and Policy Implications of Urban Land Expansion in Metropolitan Areas: A Case Study of Wuhan Urban Agglomeration, Central China
Authors: Lu Shasha , Guan Xingliang , He Chao , Zhang Jiali
Published: July 2014

Relatively little attention has been paid to examining the spatial expansion features of cities at various tiers at the regional level in China, especially those located in central and western regions of the country. Based on Landsat satellite imagery from four years—1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010, this paper investigates the spatio-temporal pattern of urban land expansion and its influencing factors in the Wuhan Urban Agglomeration (WUA) in central China. The research found that the total area of urban land expanded from 203.66 km2 in 1980 to 1370.07 km2 in 2010, and that urban land areas increased by 423.82, 167.42, and 574.93 km2 in the periods 1980–1990, 1990–2000, and 2000–2010 respectively, exhibiting significant fluctuation between the different periods studied. Geographically, this spatial expansion pattern was characterised by conspicuous concentrations and regional imbalances across the overall study period. Whilst these spatio-temporal differences were found to be closely related to industrialisation, urban population growth, land-use policies, urbanisation guidelines (governmental plans and regulations addressing urbanisation), and national development strategy, the dominant mechanisms driving those differences varied over time. In response, the paper presents an urban-rural and regional integration strategy, with the aim of avoiding economic gaps and the inefficient utilisation of various resources in the urban agglomeration areas.
Cancer Cell Growth Inhibitory Effect of Bee Venom via Increase of Death Receptor 3 Expression and Inactivation of NF-kappa B in NSCLC Cells
Authors: Choi Kyung , Hwang Chul , Gu Sun , Park Mi , Kim Joo , Park Joo , Ahn Young , Kim Ji , Song Min , Song Ho , Han Sang-Bae , Hong Jin
Published: July 2014

Our previous findings have demonstrated that bee venom (BV) has anti-cancer activity in several cancer cells. However, the effects of BV on lung cancer cell growth have not been reported. Cell viability was determined with trypan blue uptake, soft agar formation as well as DAPI and TUNEL assay. Cell death related protein expression was determined with Western blotting. An EMSA was used for nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) activity assay. BV (1–5 μg/mL) inhibited growth of lung cancer cells by induction of apoptosis in a dose dependent manner in lung cancer cell lines A549 and NCI-H460. Consistent with apoptotic cell death, expression of DR3 and DR6 was significantly increased. However, deletion of DRs by small interfering RNA significantly reversed BV induced cell growth inhibitory effects. Expression of pro-apoptotic proteins (caspase-3 and Bax) was concomitantly increased, but the NF-κB activity and expression of Bcl-2 were inhibited. A combination treatment of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, docetaxel and cisplatin, with BV synergistically inhibited both A549 and NCI-H460 lung cancer cell growth with further down regulation of NF-κB activity. These results show that BV induces apoptotic cell death in lung cancer cells through the enhancement of DR3 expression and inhibition of NF-κB pathway.
Piped-Water Supplies in Rural Areas of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam: Water Quality and Household Perceptions
Authors: Wilbers Gert-Jan , Sebesvari Zita , Renaud Fabrice
Published: July 2014

In the Mekong Delta (MD) in Vietnam, piped-water supply stations are being intensively built to reach the millennium development goal (MDG) to provide safe and clean drinking water resources to communities. However, studies focusing on the effectiveness of supply stations in reaching these goals are scarce to date. Water samples from 41 water supply stations in the MD were collected between June and October 2012. Water samples were analyzed for general parameters, salinity, nutrients, metal(loid)s and microbial indicator bacteria and compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and Vietnamese drinking water guidelines. In addition, 542 household interviews were conducted to investigate the connection rate to piped-water and people’s perceptions regarding piped-water supplies. The results show that water guidelines were exceeded for pH (min. 6.2), turbidity (max. 10 FTU), Cl (max. 1,576 mg·L−1), NH4 (max. 7.92 mg·L−1), Fe (431.1 µg·L−1), Hg (11.9 µg·L−1), and microbial indicator bacteria (max. total coliform 50,000 CFU 100 mL−1). Moreover, more than half of the interviewed households with access to a piped-water supply did not use this supply as a source of drinking water due to (i) high connection fees; (ii) preference for other water sources; and (iii) perceived poor quality/quantity. Our study shows that the maintenance and distribution of water supply stations should significantly improve in order for piped-water to become a reliable drinking water source. Additionally, alternatives, such as rainwater harvesting and decentralized treatment facilities, should also be considered.
Non-Invasive Quick Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Problems from Visible and Invisible Abnormal Changes with Increased Cardiac Troponin I Appearing On Cardiovascular Representation Areas of the Eyebrows, Left Upper Lip, etc. of the Face & Hands: Beneficial Manual Stimulation of Hands
for Acute Anginal Chest Pain, and Important Factors in Safe, Effective Treatment
Authors: Omura Yoshiaki , Jones Marilyn K , Duvvi Harsha , Ohki Motomu , Rodriques Aaron
Published: July 2014

Our previous study indicated that there are at least 7 cardiovascular representation areas on the face, including the "Eyebrows", both sides of the "Nose", "Left Upper Lip" and the "Outside of the corner of both sides of the mouth," in addition
to 2 areas in each hand. When there are cardiovascular problems, some of the heart representation areas of these areas often show the following changes: 1) Most distinctive visible changes such as the initial whitening with or without long white hair, then hair loss and complete disappearance
of the hairs of the heart representation area of "Eyebrows" 2) Invisible biochemical changes that happen in heart representation areas at the "Left Upper Lips", 3) "Nose" below eye level as well as 4) "3rd segment of Middle Finger of Hands." Most distinctive
visible & invisible changes are found in heart representation areas on the "Eyebrow", located nearest to the midline of face, where the color of the hairs becomes white compared with the rest of the Eyebrow. Then the cardiovascular problem advances, and hair starts disappearing.
When there are no hairs at the heart representation areas of the Eyebrow, usually Cardiac Troponin I is increased to a very serious, abnormal high value. Most of the cardiovascular representation areas of the face show, regardless of presence or absence of visible change. When there is a cardiovascular
problem, not only simple Bi-Digital O-Ring Test can detect without using any instrument in several minutes but also, corresponding biochemical changes of abnormally increased Cardiac Troponin I level can often be detected non-invasively from these Organ Representation Areas of Face & Hands,
although changes in Eyebrows, L-Upper Lip & 3rd segment of middle fingers are clinically the most reliable changes & easy to identify the locations. Manual Stimulation of Hand's heart representation areas often eliminated acute anginal chest pain before medical help became available.
Important factors for safe, effective treatment of heart disease & cancer were also presented. Significant beneficial effect of optimal dose of Vitamin D3 400 I.U. for average adult on heart, brain and cancer, and harmful effect of widely used 2000 I.U., was emphasized.
Power Spectral Differences of Electrophysiological Signals Detected at Acupuncture Points and Non-Acupuncture Points
Authors: Zhou Quan , Gai Shuping , Lin Nansen , Zhang Jingjing , Zhang Lu , Yu Renhuan , Liu Juntao , Cai Xinxia
Published: July 2014

In this study, we chose 10 acupoints and non-acupuncture point control groups to see if there are electrical differences between acupoints and non-acupoints. 4 adjacent non-acupoints around each acupoint were chosen as a control group in 400 trials on 10 volunteers aged 23-30 years
to characterize the Power Spectral Density of acupoint electrophysiological signals, which means the differences of power and its distribution in frequency. The electrophysiological signals of acupoints and control groups were recorded simultaneously. The results show that acupoint electrophysiological
signals have higher Power Spectral Density and power than nearby non-acupoint areas. Integrating the entire data, power of acupoint electrical signals are about 14.7% higher than nearby non-acupoint electrical signals, and most of the higher power is distributed from 0 to 10 Hz and 0-2 Hz
is the highest. The maximum power difference between acupoints and non-acupoint is 61.5% appeared in LI 11. From physiological view, the percentage is high enough to show the electrical specificity of acupoint, which is strong proof of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and one of the bases
for further research. As acupoint electrophysiological signals are driven by internal organs, they can reflect the health condition of internal organs effectively, and so analysis of acupoint electrophysiological signals may be a new way to diagnose organ diseases instead of with the experience
of doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Tumorigenicity Testing in Athymic Mice of Cultured Human Melanocytes for Transplantation in Engineered Skin Substitutes
Authors: Boyce Steven T. , Zimmerman Rachel L. , Supp Dorothy M.
Published: July 2014

Autologous engineered skin substitutes (ESS) have been shown to close excised, full-thickness burns, but are consistently hypopigmented due to depletion of human melanocytes (hM) during culture of keratinocytes. Hypothetically, addition of hM to ESS may restore uniform pigmentation, but may also promote neoplasia and tumor formation. To evaluate this risk, 16 strains of hM were isolated and propagated in selective culture medium, then injected subcutaneously into athymic mice (1 χ 107 hM/animal; n = 6/strain) and followed for 24 weeks. Human melanoma cells (SK-Mel-2, SK-Mel-5) served as positive controls. No detectable tumors formed from hM strains derived from normal skin. In contrast, SK-Mel-2 formed tumors in 50% of mice, and SK-Mel-5 formed tumors in 83% of mice. Histopathology confirmed the tumorigenic anatomy of the controls and the presence of hM that were not tumorigenic in the test groups. These results support the safety of cultured hM for transplantation to restore uniform skin pigmentation in wounds closed with ESS.
Template-directed synthesis and characterization of microstructured ceramic Ce/ZrO2@SiO2 composite tubes
Authors: Schneider Jörg J , Naumann Meike
Published: July 2014

An exo-templating synthesis process using polymeric fibers and inorganic sol particles deposited onto structured one-dimensional objects is presented. In particular, CeO2/ZrO2@SiO2 composite tubes were synthesized in a two-step procedure by using electrospun polystyrene fibers as fiber template. First, a sol–gel approach based on an exo-templating technique was employed to obtain polystyrene(PS)/SiO2 composite fibers. These composite fibers were subsequently covered by spray-coating with ceria and zirconia sol solutions. After drying and final calcination of the green body composites, the PS polymer template was removed, and composite tubes of the composition CeO2/ZrO2@SiO2 were obtained. The SiO2/ZrO2/CeO2 microtubes, which consist of interconnected silica particles, are held together by ceria and zirconia deposits formed during the thermal treatment process. These microtubes are mainly located in the pendentive connecting the individual spherical silica particles and glue them together. The composition and crystallinity of this material connecting the individual silica particles contains the elements Ce and Zr and O as mixed oxide solid solution identified by XRD, Raman and high-resolution TEM and EFTEM. High-resolution microscopy techniques allowed for an elemental mapping on the surface of the silica host structure and determination of the O, Zr and Ce elemental distribution with nm precision.
Williams Syndrome: Ophthalmological Examination and Review of Systemic Manifestations
Authors: Weber Sarah L. P. , Souza Rodrigo B. , Ribeiro Lorena G. , Tavares Marcela F. , Goldchmit Mauro
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To evaluate the frequency and severity of ophthalmic manifestations and associated diseases, as well as the epidemiological data in patients with Williams syndrome.

Methods:

The authors prospectively studied 30 patients clinically diagnosed as having Williams syndrome as confirmed by the fluorescence in situ hybridization test. Patient history included gender, age, race, education level, previous illnesses, and surgeries. The ophthalmologic examination included best-corrected visual acuity, dynamic and static refraction, extraocular motility test, stereopsis test (Titmus and Lang), and direct and indirect funduscopy.

Results:

Thirty patients were included in this study. The mean age was 14.5 ± 1.38 years (range: 7 to 26 years). Fifty percent of the patients were male and 50% were female. Among the children examined, 77% had a refractive error. Hyperopia and astigmatism were noted in 67% and 20% of the patients, respectively, and myopia in 7%. Only one case of amblyopia was noted. On external examination, 23% of children had epicanthus; via biomicroscopy, 3 children with stellate patterns of the irides were observed. Eleven patients (36.6%) had measurable strabismus, 9 (82%) had esotropia, and 2 (18%) had exotropia. Binocular vision was abnormal in 43% of patients. Diffuse arteriovenous tortuosity on funduscopy was observed in 27% of patients.

Conclusions:

Williams syndrome is rare and is associated with multiple phenotypes and diseases that are susceptible to treatment. Multidisciplinary clinical management is critical and, in some cases, surgical intervention is required.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(4):209–213.]
Ophthalmologic Features of Vici Syndrome
Authors: Filloux Francis M. , Hoffman Robert O. , Viskochil David H. , Jungbluth Heinz , Creel Donnell J.
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To report and compile the ophthalmological features critical to diagnosis of Vici syndrome, a rare congenital disorder characterized principally by agenesis of the corpus callosum, cataracts, cardiomyopathy, immune defects, and hypopigmentation.

Methods:

A child with Vici syndrome (OMIM 242840) is reported with emphasis on the ophthalmologic evaluation. Ophthalmologic assessments including fundus examination, visual evoked potentials (VEPs), and ocular coherence tomography are presented. These findings are compared with those identified in other published cases of children with Vici syndrome.

Results:

Ophthalmologic findings included bilateral nuclear and anterior polar cataracts, bilateral optic nerve atrophy, and mild fundus hypopigmentation. Evoked potentials recorded across the mid-occipital scalp demonstrated misrouting of optic pathways typical of albinism. Optical coherence tomography exhibited a poorly defined fovea demonstrating a lesser degree of foveal depression also consistent with ocular albinism. Review of reported children with Vici syndrome identifies bilateral cataracts, nystagmus, fundus hypopigmentation, visual impairment, and optic nerve hypoplasia as common ophthalmologic features.

Conclusions:

Ophthalmologic findings are critical to the diagnosis of Vici syndrome. Most common are bilateral cataracts and relative fundus hypopigmentation. VEPs can identify misrouting of optic pathways typical of ocular albinism, thereby establishing the diagnosis in challenging cases.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(4):214–220.]
Scheimpflug Imaging for Long-Term Evaluation of Optical Components in Hungarian Children With a History of Preterm Birth
Authors: Ecsedy Mónika , Kovacs Illes , Mihaltz Kata , Recsan Zsuzsa , Szigeti Andrea , Juhasz Eva , Nemeth Janos , Nagy Zoltan Z.
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To determine ocular geometry and refraction in children with a history of preterm birth, and compare them to age-matched full-term children.

Methods:

In a prospective case–control study, 50 eyes of 27 premature patients 7 to 14 years of age were evaluated with Scheimpflug camera after cycloplegia. Age-matched full-term children comprised the control group (68 eyes of 34 children). All of the eligible eyes had a normal-appearing posterior pole. Anterior segment parameters such as keratometry, anterior chamber volume or thickness, and lens thickness were measured. Corneal thickness, lower- and higher-order aberrations refractive errors of the cornea (root mean square of lower- and higher-order aberrations: RMS LOA, RMS HOA) were also assessed and exported for further analysis.

Results:

In the premature eyes, anterior chamber depth was marginally smaller (
P
= .06), the lens was significantly thicker (
P
= .03), and axial length was significantly shorter (
P
< .001). Scheimpflug imaging showed a significant difference in corneal RMS (
P
= .03) and an increase in corneal RMS HOA (
P
= .002) in the premature group. Preterm birth showed significant impact on axial length (
P
< .01) and lens thickness (
P
= .05); at the same time, anterior chamber depth was more influenced by retinopathy of prematurity stage (
P
= .01). Laser treatment showed marginally significant impact (
P
= .06) on anterior chamber depth.

Conclusions:

In premature eyes with or without mild retinopathy of prematurity, anterior segment anatomy is slightly different and they have more higher-order corneal aberrations compared to the eyes of term-born children.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(4):235–241.]
Static and kinetic friction coefficients of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), parallel and perpendicular to grain direction
Authors: Aira J. R. , Arriaga F. , Íñiguez-González G. , Crespo J.
Published: July 2014

In this study the static (µe) and kinetic (µd) coefficients of friction were obtained for Pinus sylvestis L. sawn timber of Spanish origin. Friction between transverse surfaces sliding perpendicular to the grain (tangential direction) and radial surfaces sliding parallel to the grain was analyzed. A specifically designed device was used for tests, which makes it possible to apply contact pressure and measure displacements and applied loads simultaneously. Coefficients of friction between transverse surfaces (µe = 0,24; µd = 0,17) were about twice of the coefficients of friction between radial surfaces (µe = 0,12; µd = 0,08). Furthermore, these values are located within normal values of those commonly reported for softwood. The results are considered preliminary due to the small number of specimens.
Mass coral bleaching in the northern Persian Gulf, 2012
Authors: Kavousi Javid , Tavakoli-Kolour Parviz , Mohammadizadeh Maria , Bahrami Arezoo , Barkhordari Abbas
Published: July 2014

Coral bleaching events due to elevated temperatures are increasing in both frequency and magnitude worldwide. Mass bleaching was recorded at five sites in the northern Persian Gulf during August and September 2012. Based on available seawater temperature data from field, satellite and previous studies, we suggest that the coral bleaching threshold temperature in the northern Persian Gulf is between 33.5 and 34°C, which is about 1.5 to 2.5°C lower than that in the southern part. To assess the bleaching effects, coral genera counted during 60-minute dives were categorized into four groups including healthy, slightly bleached (< 50% bleached tissue), mostly bleached ( > 50% bleached tissue) and fully bleached colonies. The anomalously high sea surface temperature resulted in massive coral bleaching (~84% coral colonies affected). Acropora spp. colonies, which are known as the most vulnerable corals to thermal stress, were less affected by the bleaching than massive corals, such as Porites, which are among the most thermo-tolerant corals. Turbid waters, suggested as coral refugia against global warming, did not protect corals in this study since most affected corals were found in the most turbid waters. The 2012 bleaching in the northern Persian Gulf was relatively strong from the viewpoint of coral bleaching severity. Long-term monitoring is needed to understand the actual consequences of the bleaching event on the coral reefs and communities.