bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloud retrievals from satellite data using optimal estimation: evaluation and application to ATSR
Authors: Poulsen C. A. , Siddans R. , Thomas G. E. , Sayer A. M. , Grainger R. G. , Campmany E. , Dean S. M. , Arnold C. , Watts P. D.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Clouds play an important role in balancing the Earth's radiation budget. Hence, it is vital that cloud climatologies are produced that quantify cloud macro and micro physical parameters and the associated uncertainty. In this paper, we present an algorithm ORAC (Oxford-RAL retrieval of Aerosol and Cloud) which is based on fitting a physically consistent cloud model to satellite observations simultaneously from the visible to the mid-infrared, thereby ensuring that the resulting cloud properties provide both a good representation of the short-wave and long-wave radiative effects of the observed cloud. The advantages of the optimal estimation method are that it enables rigorous error propagation and the inclusion of all measurements and any a priori information and associated errors in a rigorous mathematical framework. The algorithm provides a measure of the consistency between retrieval representation of cloud and satellite radiances. The cloud parameters retrieved are the cloud top pressure, cloud optical depth, cloud effective radius, cloud fraction and cloud phase. The algorithm can be applied to most visible/infrared satellite instruments. In this paper, we demonstrate the applicability to the Along-Track Scanning Radiometers ATSR-2 and AATSR. Examples of applying the algorithm to ATSR-2 flight data are presented and the sensitivity of the retrievals assessed, in particular the algorithm is evaluated for a number of simulated single-layer and multi-layer conditions. The algorithm was found to perform well for single-layer cloud except when the cloud was very thin; i.e., less than 1 optical depths. For the multi-layer cloud, the algorithm was robust except when the upper ice cloud layer is less than five optical depths. In these cases the retrieved cloud top pressure and cloud effective radius become a weighted average of the 2 layers. The sum of optical depth of multi-layer cloud is retrieved well until the cloud becomes thick, greater than 50 optical depths, where the cloud begins to saturate. The cost proved a good indicator of multi-layer scenarios. Both the retrieval cost and the error need to be considered together in order to evaluate the quality of the retrieval. This algorithm in the configuration described here has been applied to both ATSR-2 and AATSR visible and infrared measurements in the context of the GRAPE (Global Retrieval and cloud Product Evaluation) project to produce a 14 yr consistent record for climate research.
Spatial linkages between coral proxies of terrestrial runoff across a large embayment in Madagascar
Authors: Grove C. A. , Zinke J. , Scheufen T. , Maina J. , Epping E. , Boer W. , Randriamanantsoa B. , Brummer G.-J. A.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Coral cores provide vital climate reconstructions for site-specific temporal variability in river flow and sediment load. Yet, their ability to record spatial differences across multiple catchments is relatively unknown. Here, we investigate spatial linkages between four coral proxies of terrestrial runoff and their relationships between sites. Coral cores were drilled in and around Antongil Bay, the largest bay in Madagascar, and individually analysed for fifteen years of continuous luminescence (G / B), Ba / Ca, δ18Osw and δ13C data. Each coral core was drilled close to individual river mouths (≥ 7 km), and proxy data were compared to modelled river discharge and sediment runoff data for the three corresponding catchments. A reasonable agreement between terrestrial runoff proxies with modelled river discharge and sediment yield was observed. Some inconsistencies between proxy and modelled data are likely linked to proxy behaviour, watershed size and local environmental physiochemical parameters. In general, the further a coral resided from its river source, the weaker the proxy relationship was with modelled data and other corals, due to mixing gradients and currents. Nevertheless, we demonstrate that two coral Ba / Ca and luminescence (G / B) records influenced by the same watershed are reproducible. Furthermore, a strong Ba / Ca relationship was observed between two cores from distant watersheds, with baseline averages in agreement with modelled sediment runoff data. As humic acids behave conservatively in the water column, luminescence (G / B) data gave the highest regional correlations between cores, and showed the most consistent relationship with site specific modelled discharge. No statistical relationship was observed between cores in terms of interannual δ18Osw and δ13C, meaning corals were recording a localised signal at their respective sites, confounded by vital effects. Comparing proxy baseline averages and mean seasonal cycles provided a good overview of the runoff dynamics of the bay system.
Applying simple water-energy balance frameworks to predict the climate sensitivity of streamflow over the continental United States
Authors: Renner M. , Bernhofer C.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The prediction of climate effects on terrestrial ecosystems and water resources is one of the major research questions in hydrology. Conceptual water-energy balance models can be used to gain a first order estimate of how long-term average streamflow is changing with a change in water and energy supply. A common framework for investigation of this question is based on the Budyko hypothesis, which links hydrological response to aridity. Recently, Renner et al. (2012) introduced the climate change impact hypothesis (CCUW), which is based on the assumption that the total efficiency of the catchment ecosystem to use the available water and energy for actual evapotranspiration remains constant even under climate changes. Here, we confront the climate sensitivity approaches (the Budyko approach of Roderick and Farquhar, 2011, and the CCUW) with data of more than 400 basins distributed over the continental United States. We first estimate the sensitivity of streamflow to changes in precipitation using long-term average data of the period 1949 to 2003. This provides a hydro-climatic status of the respective basins as well as their expected proportional effect to changes in climate. Next, we test the ability of both approaches to predict climate impacts on streamflow by splitting the data into two periods. We (i) analyse the long-term average changes in hydro-climatology and (ii) derive a statistical classification of potential climate and basin change impacts based on the significance of observed changes in runoff, precipitation and potential evapotranspiration. Then we (iii) use the different climate sensitivity methods to predict the change in streamflow given the observed changes in water and energy supply and (iv) evaluate the predictions by (v) using the statistical classification scheme and (vi) a conceptual approach to separate the impacts of changes in climate from basin characteristics change on streamflow. This allows us to evaluate the observed changes in streamflow as well as to assess the impact of basin changes on the validity of climate sensitivity approaches. The apparent increase of streamflow of the majority of basins in the US is dominated by an increase in precipitation. It is further evident that impacts of changes in basin characteristics appear simultaneously with climate changes. There are coherent spatial patterns with catchments where basin changes compensate for climatic changes being dominant in the western and central parts of the US. A hot spot of basin changes leading to excessive runoff is found within the US Midwest. The impact of basin changes on the prediction is large and can be twice as much as the observed change signal. Although the CCUW and the Budyko approach yield similar predictions for most basins, the data of water-limited basins support the Budyko framework rather than the CCUW approach, which is known to be invalid under limiting climatic conditions.
Modifying a dynamic global vegetation model for simulating large spatial scale land surface water balances
Authors: Tang G. , Bartlein P. J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Satellite-based data, such as vegetation type and fractional vegetation cover, are widely used in hydrologic models to prescribe the vegetation state in a study region. Dynamic global vegetation models (DGVM) simulate land surface hydrology. Incorporation of satellite-based data into a DGVM may enhance a model's ability to simulate land surface hydrology by reducing the task of model parameterization and providing distributed information on land characteristics. The objectives of this study are to (i) modify a DGVM for simulating land surface water balances; (ii) evaluate the modified model in simulating actual evapotranspiration (ET), soil moisture, and surface runoff at regional or watershed scales; and (iii) gain insight into the ability of both the original and modified model to simulate large spatial scale land surface hydrology. To achieve these objectives, we introduce the "LPJ-hydrology" (LH) model which incorporates satellite-based data into the Lund-Potsdam-Jena (LPJ) DGVM. To evaluate the model we ran LH using historical (1981–2006) climate data and satellite-based land covers at 2.5 arc-min grid cells for the conterminous US and for the entire world using coarser climate and land cover data. We evaluated the simulated ET, soil moisture, and surface runoff using a set of observed or simulated data at different spatial scales. Our results demonstrate that spatial patterns of LH-simulated annual ET and surface runoff are in accordance with previously published data for the US; LH-modeled monthly stream flow for 12 major rivers in the US was consistent with observed values respectively during the years 1981–2006 (R2 > 0.46, p < 0.01; Nash-Sutcliffe Coefficient > 0.52). The modeled mean annual discharges for 10 major rivers worldwide also agreed well (differences < 15%) with observed values for these rivers. Compared to a degree-day method for snowmelt computation, the addition of the solar radiation effect on snowmelt enabled LH to better simulate monthly stream flow in winter and early spring for rivers located at mid-to-high latitudes. In addition, LH-modeled monthly soil moisture for the state of Illinois (US) agreed well (R2 = 0.79, p < 0.01) with observed data for the years 1984–2001. Overall, this study justifies both the feasibility of incorporating satellite-based land covers into a DGVM and the reliability of LH to simulate land-surface water balances. To better estimate surface/river runoff at mid-to-high latitudes, we recommended that LPJ-DGVM considers the effects of solar radiation on snowmelt.
Effect of Various Nutritional Supplements on Hyaluronic Acid Production
Authors: Aroskar V J , Kamat S D , Kamat D V
Published: August 2012

Effect of various nutritional supplementations on production of hyaluronic acid (HA) using Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus ATCC 39920 was evaluated at shake flask. Among the different carbon sources used, maltodextin showed HA of 0.9 g/L followed by 0.7 g/L for dextrose. L-arginine HCl at 2.0 g/L increased the yield of HA from 0.7 g/L to 0.85 g/L. L-arginine and L-glutamine showed the yield of HA of 0.7 g/L and 1.0 g/L, respectively at 2.0 g/L concentration. L-glutamine (2.0 g/L) and uridine (0.75 g/L) showed HA yield of 0.8 and 1.045 g/L, respectively. Addition of sodium glucuronate at 0.25 g/L concentration at 8 h, the yield of HA was increased from 0.7 g/L to 0.85 g/L. Pantothenic acid at concentration of 8.33 mg/L supplemented to the P10 medium, yield of 0.87 g/L of HA was obtained. Active dry yeast at 5.0 g/L increased yield of HA from 0.7 g/L to 0.85 g/L. Tween 80 at higher concentration reduced HA production. The addition of MgSO4.7H2O at 1.0 g/L improved the production of HA. Other metal ions like manganese, ferrous, copper, and zinc have no significant effect on HA production. Thus, it has been found that various nutritional supplements have effect on production of HA using S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus ATCC 39920
Corneal Biomechanical Properties in Children with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kara Necip , Yildirim Yusuf , Univar Tolga , Kontbay Tugba
Published: August 2012

Purpose.

To compare the biomechanical properties of corneas in eyes of children with diabetes mellitus and in eyes of children without diabetes mellitus.

Methods.

In this prospective, comparative, and cross-sectional study, 46 patients with diabetes mellitus (study group) and 50 healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled. The corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were measured in children with and without diabetes using the Ocular Response Analyzer. Differences in the corneal biomechanical properties were determined using an independent-samples t test. Correlations between ocular and diabetic parameters were also evaluated.

Results.

Mean CH was 12.3±1.3 (SD) mmHg and 12.5±1.5 mmHg and the mean CRF was 12.4±1.7 mmHg and 11.9±1.5 mmHg in the diabetic and control groups, respectively (p>0.05). Corneal hysteresis and CRF were not correlated with fasting glucose level, HbA1c, age, or duration of diabetes.

Conclusions.

The findings indicate that diabetes mellitus does not affect corneal biomechanical parameters such as CH and CRF in children. In addition, CH and CRF are not affected by fasting glucose level, HbA1c, age, or duration of diabetes.
Hip Flexion Deformity Improves without Psoas-Lengthening after Surgical Correction of Fixed Knee Flexion Deformity in Spastic Diplegia
Authors: Rutz Erich , Gaston Mark S. , Tirosh Oren , Brunner Reinald
Published: August 2012

Background

It is unclear if psoas lengthening surgery is required in the treatment of patients with cerebral palsy (CP) with hip flexion deformity and previous studies show equivocal results with regard to functional outcome.

Methods

This study retrospectively assessed 12 patients with a diagnosis of spastic diplegia who underwent single event multilevel surgery in order to correct deformities in the sagittal plane distal to the hip. Both clinical and instrument gait analysis results were recorded preoperatively, at one year (short term) and at five years (mid term) postoperatively.

Results

Clinically measured hip and knee movement improved at both short and mid term follow up. Correlations of clinically measured maximum hip and knee extension were significant at all three time points. Angles at terminal stance/toe off for hip and knee from kinematic data also showed significant correlations at all three time points.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that the hip flexion deformities encountered in these patients will improve spontaneously when the distal fixed knee flexion deformity is surgically corrected. Therefore correction at the knee allows the ground reaction force to assume a more normal position resulting in correction at the hip over time. This then removes the need for surgery at the hip level. This fact is especially important when applied to psoas lengthening as this procedure can cause significant reduction in propulsion power.
Surgical Approach and Patient-Reported Outcomes after Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Smith Alison J. , Wylde Vikki , Berstock James R. , Maclean Angus D. , Blom Ashley W.
Published: August 2012

Background

Previous research has mainly focused on how factors such as surgical approach might affect implant survivorship and the incidence of complications. Given the increasing interest in patient-reported outcomes, the purpose of this study is to explore whether surgical approach is associated with patient-reported pain, function, and satisfaction at 1–3 years after primary total hip replacement (THR).

Methods

Details of surgical factors were collated from operation notes for all consecutive patients at our centre from 2004–2006. All patients were mailed a questionnaire 1–3 years following surgery that collected WOMAC pain and function scores and the Self-Administered Patient Satisfaction Scale for Primary Hip and Knee Arthroplasty. Of the eligible 1,315 patients, 911 patients returned a completed questionnaire (69% response rate). Multivariable fractional logit models were used to identify whether surgical approach was associated with outcome scores.

Results

Surgical approach was found to be a significant predictor of patient-reported outcomes at 1–3 years after surgery, even after controlling for patient-specific factors. A posterior approach was associated with better scores on all three outcome measures. On average, predicted outcome scores for a typical patient with a posterior approach were between 3.5 and 7.2 percentage points higher than an equivalent patient with an anterolateral approach.

Interpretation

These findings suggest that clinical decisions concerning surgical approach may have an observable impact on patient-reported levels of pain, function, and satisfaction following THR.
On Vibration and Noise Dissipation in Ship and FPSO Structures with Smart Systems
Authors: Olunloyo Vincent O. S. , Osheku Charles A.
Published: August 2012

Ships and floating structure production systems are widely deployed for deep and ultradeep waters operation. Active vibration reduction and noise control in such structures can significantly improve their hydrodynamic performance and stability during navigation, exploration, and exploitation activities. One way to minimise or reduce the transmission of vibration in these moving offshore structures is to exploit the mechanism of interfacial slip in press fit joints or layered structural laminates in their internal hull configurations to dissipate vibration energy. In this paper, slip damping with heterogeneous sandwich composite viscoelastic beam-plate smart systems as a model for dissipation of vibration and active noise control mechanism in ship and floating structures is investigated. For this problem, a boundary value partial differential equation is formulated for the case of linear and nonlinear hydrodynamic wave loadings. In particular, the effect of pressure distribution variation at the interface of the layered smart system on the energy dissipation, logarithmic damping decrement, and spatial transfer function is analyzed and presented for design application and selection of appropriate stabilizers.
An Approach to Tentative Reference Levels Setting for Nanoparticles in the Workroom Air Based on Comparing Their Toxicity with That of Their Micrometric Counterparts: A Case Study of Iron Oxide Fe3O4
Authors: Katsnelson Boris A. , Privalova Larisa I. , Kuzmin Sergey V. , Gurvich Vladimir B. , Sutunkova Marina P. , Kireyeva Ekaterina P. , Minigalieva Ilzira A.
Published: August 2012

We overview the state of the art in the field of safe exposure levels setting for nanomaterials together with the previously published results of our experimental investigations characterizing comparative toxicity of the iron oxide (magnetite) in the form of microparticles and nanoparticles of different size and comparative activity of the defensive alveolar phagocytosis response to their pulmonary deposition. An approach to the substantiation of acceptable workplace exposure limits of metallic nanoparticles is discussed and, specifically, the tentative reference level for magnetite nanoparticles is recommended.
African Americans and Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Review Article
Authors: Ghidei Winta , Collins Tracie C.
Published: August 2012

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)—atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta and arteries of the lower extremities—affects 12 million Americans. African Americans (AAs) are more than twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to suffer from PAD. When compared to non-Hispanic whites with PAD, AAs with PAD have more severe disease and a greater reduction in walking distance, speed, and/or stair climbing. AAs with PAD are at increased risk for disease progression and worsening lower limb function. Reasons for the higher risk for disease progression have not been defined. One potential modifiable risk is a lower level of physical activity. Lower levels of physical activity are more common among African American seniors. Walking is a common type of physical activity. The benefits of walking therapy are only realized if the patient adheres to such therapy. Efforts are needed to increase walking in AAs with PAD. Additionally, risk factor management is key to reducing adverse events in AAs with PAD-yet few studies have targeted this high-risk group. In this paper, we discuss the management of PAD in AAs. Identifying current gaps will help to inform clinicians, researchers, and policy makers on next steps in identifying innovative approaches to increase home-based walking and reduce walking impairment in AAs with PAD.
Two Different Classes of Wronskian Conditions to a (3 + 1)-Dimensional Generalized Shallow Water Equation
Authors: Tang Yaning , Su Pengpeng
Published: August 2012

Based on the Hirota bilinear method and Wronskian technique, two different classes of sufficient conditions consisting of linear partial differential equations system are presented, which guarantee that the Wronskian determinant is a solution to the corresponding Hirota bilinear equation of a (3+1)-dimensional generalized shallow water equation. Our results show that the nonlinear equation possesses rich and diverse exact solutions such as rational solutions, solitons, negatons, and positons.
Comparison between Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Cohort Study
Authors: Sakhel Khaled , Kirakosyan Armen , Chauhan Suneet , Lukban James , Hines James
Published: August 2012

Objective. To compare the operative outcomes in patients who underwent robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy (RLH) versus total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). Study Design. Retrospective chart review. All women who underwent RLH in hospital A and TLH in hospital B by a single surgeon were included. Results. 136 patients were included (73 in the RLH group and 63 in the TLH group). There were no conversions to laparotomy in the RLH group versus 7 (11.1%) in the TLH group (). The mean induction time was significantly greater (by 6 minutes) for RLH, independent of docking time, as compared to TLH (). Total procedure time was significantly less in the RLH group (82 minutes) as compared to TLH (108 minutes) (). Mean blood loss was less for RLH (46 mL) as compared to TLH (114 mL) (). A greater number of patients who underwent RLH were discharged on postoperative day 0 as compared to those receiving TLH (). Conclusion. RLH is a safe alternative to TLH and may offer some operative advantages, including fewer conversions to laparotomy, reduced procedure time, less blood loss, and earlier discharge.
Extension of Zhou's Method to Neutral Functional-Differential Equation with Proportional Delays
Authors: Widatalla Sabir
Published: August 2012

The differential transform method (DTM) is a reliable method applied by providing new theorems to develop exact and approximate solutions of neutral functional-differential equation (NFDE) with proportional delays. The results obtained with the proposed methods are in good agreement with one obtained by other methods. The advantages of this technique are illustrated. It is easy to see that the DTM is very accurate and easy to implement in finding analytical solutions of wide classes of linear and nonlinear NFDEs.
A Gelfand Model for Weyl Groups of Type D2n
Authors: Araujo José O. , Maiarú Luis C. , Natale Mauro
Published: August 2012

A Gelfand model for a finite group G is a complex representation of G, which is isomorphic to the direct sum of all irreducible representations of G. When G is isomorphic to a subgroup of GLn(ℂ), where ℂ is the field of complex numbers, it has been proved that each G-module over ℂ is isomorphic to a G-submodule in the polynomial ring ℂ[x1,…,xn], and taking the space of zeros of certain G-invariant operators in the Weyl algebra, a finite-dimensional G-space 𝒩G in ℂ[x1,…,xn] can be obtained, which contains all the simple G-modules over ℂ. This type of representation has been named polynomial model. It has been proved that when G is a Coxeter group, the polynomial model is a Gelfand model for G if, and only if, G has not an irreducible factor of type D2n, E7, or E8. This paper presents a model of Gelfand for a Weyl group of type D2n whose construction is based on the same principles as the polynomial model.
Game Theoretic Modeling of NGANs: Impact of Retail and Wholesale Services Price Variation
Authors: Pereira João Paulo R. , Ferreira Pedro
Published: August 2012

The increasing demand for broadband access leads operators to upgrade the existing access infrastructures (or building new access network). Broadband access networks require higher investments (especially passive infrastructures such as trenches/ducts and base station towers/masts), and before making any decision it is important to analyze all solutions. The selection of the best solution requires understanding the technical possibilities and limitations of the different access technologies, as well as understanding the costs of building and operating the networks. This study analyzes the effect of asymmetric retail and wholesale prices on operators’ NPV, profit, consumer surplus, welfare, retail market, wholesale market, and so on. For that, we propose a techno-economic model complemented by a theoretic-game model. This tool identifies all the essential costs of building (and operating) access networks and performs a detailed analysis and comparison of the different solutions in various scenarios. Communities, operators/service providers, and regulators can use this tool to compare different technological solutions, forecast deployment costs, compare different scenarios, and so on, and help them in making deployment (or regulatory) decisions. The game-theory analyses give a better understanding of the competition and its effect on the business case scenarios’ economic results.
Fertility Desires and Intentions and the Relationship to Consistent Condom Use and Provider Communication regarding Childbearing among HIV Clients in Uganda
Authors: Wagner Glenn J. , Wanyenze Rhoda
Published: August 2012

Family planning services emphasize prevention of unplanned pregnancies, but rarely account for the childbearing desires of HIV clients. We examined the correlates of fertility desires and intentions among 767 HIV clients (34% male) starting antiretrovirals in Uganda. Half of participants had a primary sex partner. Among those with a desire (31%) or intention (24%) for having a child in the near future, 60% had not discussed this with providers. Over one quarter (27%) were told by their provider that they should not bear a child because of their HIV status. In regression analysis, male gender, younger age, higher CD4, having fewer children, and having a primary partner were associated with fertility desires and intentions; having been told by provider not to have a child was associated with intentions but not desires. Among participants with a primary partner, consistent condom use was greater among those with no fertility intentions, as was receipt of advise about family planning, while HIV disclosure to partner was greater among those with intentions. Partner HIV status was not associated with fertility desires or intentions. These findings highlight the need for reproductive health programs for HIV clients to incorporate safer conception counseling and improve communication regarding childbearing.
Combined intravitreal ranibizumab and verteporfin photodynamic therapy versus ranibizumab alone for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Giustolisi Rosalia , Fantozzi Nicoletta , Staltari Mariateresa , Marchiori Jessica , Mastrangelo Olga , Marcucci Roberta , Mirra Federica , Mazzotta Paola , Gabrieli Corrado Balacco , The Luce Study Group
Published: August 2012

PurposeTo compare same-day combined therapy of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (PDT-V) and intravitreal ranibizumab versus monotherapy with ranibizumab for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization.

MethodsIn this prospective study, the total number of eyes were randomized into two groups: in the first, treatment consisted of a combined therapy of PDT-V and ranibizumab 0.5 mg on the same day; in the second, ranibizumab 0.5 mg in 3 monthly injections. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) were recorded before and 6 months after treatment.

ResultsA total of 47 eyes of 47 subjects were enrolled in the study. In the combined-therapy group (group 1), the mean baseline BCVA ± standard deviation (SD) was 32.65 ± 11.09 letters (Snellen equivalent, 20/59); in the ranibizumab-alone group (group 2), 29.13 ± 9.03 letters (20/70). At 6 months’ follow-up, in group 1 the mean baseline BCVA was 39.06 ± 10.12 letters (20/42); in group 2, 33.87 ± 12.06 letters (20/57). Improvement was significant in both group 1 (P = 0.03) and group 2 (P = 0.002). In group 1, the mean CMT at baseline ± SD was 315 ± 95.49 μm; in group 2, 306.33 ± 71.61 μm. At 6 months’ follow-up, in group 1 it was 202 ± 52.02 μm; in group 2, 226 ± 65.58 μm. Reduction was significant in both group 1 (P = 0.0007) and group 2 (P = 0.00001). After 6-months, the rate of retreated eyes was 29.4% in group 1 and 43.3% in group 2. The need for retreatment did not depend on the treatment protocol (P = 0.34).

ConclusionsFrom a functional and anatomic point of view, the two treatments showed equivalent efficacy, with fewer retreatments in group 1. No serious adverse events, such as retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, or ocular hypertension occurred in either group.
Acute systemic histoplasmosis associated with chorioretinitis in an immunocompetent adolescent
Authors: Fowler Brian , Shen Christopher , Mastellone Joseph , Chaum Edward
Published: August 2012

Histoplasmosis is an endemic, systemic mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. A minority of patients develop asymptomatic chorioretinitis known as presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS), which is typically associated with chorioretinal scarring and peripapillary atrophy and occasionally with choroidal neovascularization secondary to maculopathy. We report a case of acute severe bilateral chorioretinitis associated with disseminated H. capsulatum in an immunocompetent adolescent boy living in an endemic area. The chorioretinitis did not respond to systemic antifungal therapy, but both his systemic illness and ocular lesions resolved with the addition of systemic steroids.
Concurrence of retinitis pigmentosa and central serous retinopathy
Authors: Rootman Dan B. , Mandelcorn Efrem , Dracopoulos Aphrodite , Boyd Shelly , Mandelcorn Mark S.
Published: August 2012

We describe a patient with concurrent retinitis pigmentosa and central serous chorioretinopathy. Both conditions involve dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium and evince distinct clinical, angiographic, and electrophysiologic features. Potential pathophysiologic connections are explored.
Bilateral persistent pupillary membranes associated with cataract
Authors: Ahmad Syed Shoeb , Binson Caroline , Lung Chong Ka , Ghani Shuaibah Abdul
Published: August 2012

Exuberant persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) are rare in adult eyes. We report the case of a 53-year-old man diagnosed with bilateral, profuse, persistent pupillary membranes and unilateral cataract.
Concurrent endophthalmitis and orbital cellulitis in a child with congenital glaucoma and a glaucoma drainage device
Authors: Kassam Faazil , Lee Bonita E. , Damji Karim F.
Published: August 2012

A 3-year-old monocular boy with a history of congenital glaucoma and aqueous shunt implantation presented with periorbital swelling, erythema, and purulent discharge in his seeing right eye. Examination revealed an extensive hypopyon. Computed tomography (CT) showed right-sided proptosis, and a displaced aqueous shunt device deep in the orbit. Significant purulent fluid was encountered when the device was removed; vitreous and orbital cultures revealed Streptococcus pneumoniae. The patient received intravitreal, topical, intravenous, and oral antibiotics as well as intraocular tissue plasminogen activator and topical steroid. Orbital and intraocular inflammation decreased significantly but he developed a cataract, further complicated by a retinal detachment.
A failed corneal graft as a support for the Boston Keratoprosthesis type 1
Authors: Kyrillos Ralph , Harissi-Dagher Mona
Published: August 2012

The implantation of the Boston Keratoprosthesis (KPro) requires a corneal button, which is usually taken from a donor. Scarcity of donor tissue has been a major limiting factor in transplant surgery. Recently, autologous recipient cornea has been reported as support for the KPro. We report the successful use of an ipsilateral failed corneal graft as the carrier tissue for a patient requiring combined pars plana vitrectomy and KPro implantation.
Pilot Plant Study to Utilize Waste Brine Generated by Salt Industries
Authors: Farhan Ullah Khan  , Majid Mumtaz  , Tehseen Ahmed
Published: August 2012

Since early 80s, people of Pakistan have been enjoying good quality of salt known as refined salt. Mechanical salt washing is used in many countries to upgrade salt quality. The counter current washing at multiple stages and dewatering by centrifuge improves salt quality. During this process almost 10 to 15% of salt is converted into saturated brine solution containing high amount of sodium chloride, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphate. In the current practice most of the salt processers, this brine waste solution is drained. In the present study, a method is modified to utilize this waste brine solution. Brine was treated with calcium oxide and iron chloride to remove some soluble and insoluble impurities. The treated brine is evaporated in a specially constructed jacketed crystallizer connected with a hot water geyser. Heat is transferred through bottom by counter current flow. The temperature is maintained between 55 to 65oC at pH 3-4. The applied study yield the well shaped pyramidal crystals of salt known as Fluer de sel (flower of salt), that are world famous and used in gourmet foods with a growing market. Fleur de Sel has unique morphology, lower bulk density, large surface area, improved taste and rapid dissolution as compared to the common cubic salt
Función, forma y significado: la mezcla de criterios en los análisis sintácticos
Authors: Rodríguez-Muñoz Francisco-J. , Ridao Rodrigo Susana
Published: August 2012

En la práctica del análisis sintáctico, es un hecho generalizado que un buen número de oraciones admitan diversas interpretaciones. Con frecuencia, estas arbitrariedades están justificadas por la mezcla de criterios que atienden a tres componentes del lenguaje: función, forma y significado. Las distintas clasificaciones que los gramáticos han ofrecido sobre las oraciones compuestas y complejas en español representan el ejemplo más significativo de esta indistinción en los criterios aplicados. En este trabajo se discute el papel que han desempeñado la morfología, la sintaxis y la semántica en el análisis oracional. Finalmente, se priman los criterios de tipo morfosintáctico frente a los semánticos.
The effect of genre on reporting speech: conversations and newspaper articles
Authors: Van der Houwen Fleur
Published: August 2012

This study focuses on reported speech in two different genres: spoken conversation and newspaper articles. There are two basic structures that allow language users to report formerly uttered words: direct and indirect speech. Both structures serve to integrate former discourse into the ongoing discourse. In different genres, however, language users draw upon different language tools to meet their communicative aims. This study examines how this might affect the distribution of direct and indirect reports across conversations and newspaper articles. Two of various hypotheses that have been suggested for the different uses of direct and indirect reported speech are examined using qualitative and quantitative analyses: 1) that direct speech would be a ‘less complex' strategy than indirect speech, in the sense that the reporter does not need to make deictic adaptations if we take the ‘original' words as our starting point, and 2) that direct speech is a more involving strategy than indirect speech. While the statistical results confirm both hypotheses, the confirmation of the complexity hypothesis differs for the two genres studied and needs some refinement as will be show with further qualitative analyses.
Aspectual composition in "ser/estar + adjective" structures: adjectival scalarity and verbal aspect in copular constructions
Authors: Gumiel Silvia , Pérez-Jiménez Isabel
Published: August 2012

The distribution of the Spanish copulas ser and estar (‘be’) (specifically in the syntactic context <ser/estar + A>) has been generally accounted for in the literature in aspectual terms, more explicitly, in terms of the distinction between individual-level and stage-level predicates. Our claim is that the distributional properties of adjectives in the <ser/estar + A> structure can be better described if the scalar properties of the adjectives are taken into account, crucially those properties related to the relative vs. absolute distinction (in the sense of Kennedy & McNally 2005): relative adjectives combine with ser, absolute adjectives combine with estar. From this hypothesis, a better theory arises about aspectual composition in the domain of stative predications (in the line of Husband 2010, 2012).
First archaeal rDNA sequences from Argentine coastal waters: Unexpected PCR characterization using eukaryotic primers
Authors: Covacevich F , Silva RI , Cumino AC , Caló G , Negri RM , Salerno GL
Published: August 2012

Many members of Archaea, a group of prokaryotes recognized three decades ago, colonize extreme environments; however, new research has shown that Archaeans are also abundant components of plankton in the open sea, where they play a key role in the biogeochemical cycles. Although the widespread distribution of Archaea in the marine environment is well documented there are no reports on the detection of Archaea in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. During the search for picophytoplankton sequences using eukaryotic universal primers, we retrieved archaeal rDNA sequences from surface samples collected during the spring at a fixed monitoring station (EPEA) in the Argentine Sea. From environmental DNA and using PCR methodology, two DNA fragments of about 1700 and 1450 bp were visualized after electrophoresis in agarose gels, and separately purified, cloned, and sequenced. BLAST analysis showed that sequences of the highest size corresponded to eukaryotic organisms and, unexpectedly, those of about 1460 bp corresponded to archaeal organisms. Phylogenetic analysis showed that archaeal sequences belong to Euryarchaeota of marine group II, characterized as a methanogenic lineage. This is the first report on the presence of group II Euryarchaeota sequences in environmental water samples of the Argentine Sea. The fact that Archaea sequences were amplified with primers non-specific for this group may suggest an unexpected abundance of these organisms in the early spring in the Argentine Sea.
Breeding behavior and sex ratio variation of Pleuroncodes monodon (Crustacea: Galatheidae) off the Peruvian coast
Authors: Franco-Meléndez MT
Published: August 2012

The breeding behavior and sex ratio variation of the carrot squat lobster Pleuroncodes monodon were analyzed. Specimens were collected from experimental hauls in three acoustic pelagic resource assessment surveys during 2001 off the Peruvian coast. A total of 8517 individuals were differentiated according to sex. Males showed clear sexual dimorphism, while females were divided into ovigerous or nonovigerous individuals. Size did not differ significantly between sexes (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, P > 0.05); average sizes were smaller than 20 mm cephalothoraxic length. The sex ratio indicated that in winter males were more predominant than females (χ2 test, P < 0.05). Ovigerous females were observed during all the period of study, with major activity in spring, and population dispersion occurred during the breeding season.
Juvenile megamouth shark, Megachasma pelagios, caught off the Pacific coast of Mexico, and its significance to chondrichthyan diversity in Mexico
Authors: Castillo-Géniz JL , Ocampo-Torres AI , Shimada K , Rigsby CK , Nicholas AC
Published: August 2012

On 16 November 2006, a female juvenile megamouth shark, Megachasma pelagios, was caught off the coast of Mexico in the Pacific Ocean, near Sebastián Vizcaíno Bay. This specimen, that has informally been referred to as “Megamouth No. 38”, measured 2265 mm in total length. It represents the third smallest female recorded for this taxon and the first report of M. pelagios off the Pacific coast of Mexico. The specimen is formally described here with basic anatomical data, and some aspects of this megamouth shark are compared with those of previously reported M. pelagios specimens. The occurrence near Sebastián Vizcaíno Bay is significant because it further emphasizes the high elasmobranch diversity in the area that should be regarded as a key region for shark conservation.
Dopaminergic Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Cells
Authors: Boyer Leah F. , Campbell Benjamin , Larkin Samantha , Mu Yanling , Gage Fred H.
Published: August 2012

Here we describe protocols for the dopaminergic differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. We have optimized and compared two distinct protocols, both of which are chemically defined and applicable to both embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. First, we present a five‐step method based on rosette formation (Basic Protocol 1); then we describe a monolayer paradigm based on inhibition of alternate developmental pathways (Basic Protocol 2). Directed differentiation of pluripotent cells into specific cell types is a crucial step towards understanding human development and realizing the biomedical relevance of these cells, whether for replacement therapy or disease modeling. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 22:1H.6.1‐1H.6.11. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Scalable Production of Transplantable Dopaminergic Neurons from hESCs and iPSCs in Xeno‐Free Defined Conditions
Authors: Swistowski Andrzej , Zeng Xianmin
Published: August 2012

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are potentially an unlimited cell source for cell replacement therapy and personalized medicine. Before hESC‐ and iPSC‐based therapy can be moved from bench to bedside, however, it is essential to establish protocols for generating therapeutically relevant cells, like dopaminergic neurons in defined conditions that are suitable for scalable good manufacturing practice (GMP)‐compliant protocols. Here, the derivation and differentiation of functional dopaminergic neurons from hESCs and iPSCs under xeno‐free defined conditions are described. These protocols have been validated in multiple hESC and iPSC lines. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 22:2D.12.1‐2D.12.20. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dependence of GFA and Crystallization Behaviors of Al86Ni9La5 Metallic Glass on Its Original Liquid State
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Zhi , Zu Fang‐Qiu , Zhang Zhang , Cui Xiao , Wang Li‐Fang , Sun Guo‐Dong
Published: August 2012

During the heating process the temperature‐induced liquid–liquid structure transition (LLST) of Al86Ni9La5 melt from 1320 to 1490 K was identified by both electrical resistivity and differential thermal analysis measurement. The effects of liquid structural change on the crystallization behavior and glass forming ability (GFA) of Al86Ni9La5 alloy were investigated. The amorphous samples prepared at different melt temperatures according to the liquid states were obtained. The results showed that the formation of intermetallic compounds during the crystallization process of the samples prepared below and within the LLST temperature range was earlier than that prepared above the LLST temperature range. The sample prepared above the LLST temperature range had the lowest GFA.
Liquid Metal Marbles
Authors: Sivan Vijay , Tang Shi‐Yang , O'Mullane Anthony P. , Petersen Phred , Eshtiaghi Nicky , Kalantar‐zadeh Kourosh , Mitchell Arnan
Published: August 2012

Liquid metal marbles that are droplets of liquid metal encapsulated by micro‐ or nanoparticles are introduced. Droplets of galinstan liquid metal are coated with insulators (including Teflon and silica) and semiconductors (including WO3, TiO2, MoO3, In2O3 and carbon nanotubes) by rolling over a powder bed and also by submerging in colloidal suspensions. It is shown that these marbles can be split and merged, can be suspended on water, and are even stable when moving under the force of gravity and impacting a flat solid surface. Furthermore, the marble coating can operate as an active electronic junction and the nanomaterial coated liquid metal marble can act as a highly sensitive electrochemical based heavy metal ion sensor. This new element thus represents a significant platform for the advancement of research into soft electronics.
Hyperbranched Polyglycerol‐Grafted Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Functionalization, Size Separation, Magnetic Properties, and Biological Applications
Authors: Zhao Li , Chano Tokuhiro , Morikawa Shigehiro , Saito Yukie , Shiino Akihiko , Shimizu Sawako , Maeda Takuro , Irie Takayoshi , Aonuma Shuji , Okabe Hidetoshi , Kimura Takahide , Inubushi Toshiro , Komatsu Naoki
Published: August 2012

For biomedical application of nanoparticles, the surface chemical functionality is very important to impart additional functions, such as solubility and stability in a physiological environment, and targeting specificity as an imaging probe and a drug carrier. Although polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been used extensively, here, it is proposed that hyperbranched polyglycerol (PG) is a good or even better alternative to PEG. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) prepared using a polyol method are directly functionalized with PG through ring‐opening polymerization of glycidol. The resulting SPION‐PG is highly soluble in pure water (>40 mg mL−1) and in a phosphate buffer solution (>25 mg mL−1). Such high solubility enables separation of SPION‐PG according to size using size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The size‐separated SPION‐PG shows a gradual increase in transverse relaxivity (r2) with increasing particle size. For biological application, SPION‐PG is functionalized through multistep organic transformations (–OH → –OTs (tosylate) → –N3 → –RGD) including click chemistry as a key step to impart targeting specificity by immobilization of cyclic RGD peptide (Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐D‐Tyr‐Lys) on the surface. The targeting effect is demonstrated by the cell experiments; SPION‐PG‐RGD is taken up by the cells overexpressing αvβ3‐integrin such as U87MG and A549.
A Highly Emissive Conjugated Polyelectrolyte Vector for Gene Delivery and Transfection
Authors: Feng Xuli , Lv Fengting , Liu Libing , Yang Qiong , Wang Shu , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: August 2012

An intrinsically fluorescent cationic polyfluorene (CCP) has been designed, synthesized, characterized, and examined as a plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery vector. This material facilitates nucleic acid binding, encapsulation and efficient cellular uptake. CCP can effectively protect pDNA against nuclease degradation, which is necessary for gene carriers. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression experiments reveal that CCP can achieve efficient delivery and transfection of pDNA encoding GFP gene with 92% efficiency, which surpasses that of commercial transfection agents, lipofectamine 2000 (Lipo) and polyethylenimine (PEI). CCP is also highly fluorescent, with 43% quantum yield in water, and exhibits excellent photostability, which allows for real‐time tracking the location of gene delivery and transfection. These features and capabilities represent a major step toward designing and applying conjugated polymers that function in both imaging and therapeutic applications.