bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Operationalizing the Definition of Forest Degradation for REDD+, with Application to Mexico
Authors: Morales-Barquero Lucia , Skutsch Margaret , Jardel-Peláez Enrique , Ghilardi Adrian , Kleinn Christoph , Healey John
Published: July 2014

The difficulty of defining and quantifying forest degradation is a major constraint in the implementation of the international mitigation mechanism Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). Our aim is to develop an operational framework for defining and quantifying forest degradation at a local level for early REDD+ projects and for national REDD+ programmes, through a ground level approach. We critically review and discuss national and international definitions of forest and of forest degradation, and then analyze the main difficulties in making these operational, evaluating the key elements and threshold values that are used, and contextualizing them using Mexico as a case study. We conclude that, given the lack of historical biomass data and the limited capability for monitoring degradation using remote sensing, forest degradation is best measured against a local benchmark that represents areas of low or no degradation that have comparable biophysical characteristics. Use of benchmarks of this type could offer a quick-start option for local assessment and construction of reference levels for forest degradation. These could be refined as more data become available and could eventually be integrated into national monitoring systems.
Tobacco Smoking Status and Perception of Health among a Sample of Jordanian Students
Authors: Alzyoud Sukaina , Kheirallah Khalid , Weglicki Linda , Ward Kenneth , Al-Khawaldeh Abdallah , Shotar Ali
Published: July 2014

Limited data are available from Jordan examining patterns of tobacco use among adolescents, or how use is related to health perceptions. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of tobacco use and to assess the relationship between use and health-related perceptions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a sample of 11–18 year old school students from a major governorate in Jordan. Using a multistage random sampling 1050 students were selected. Students were categorized as non-smokers, cigarette-only smokers, waterpipe-only smokers, or dual smokers. Rates of waterpipe-only and cigarette-only smoking were 7% and 3%, respectively, and were similar for boys and girls. In contrast, the rate of dual use was much higher than for single product use and was double in girls compared to boys (34% vs. 17%). Dual-smokers were significantly more likely to think that it is safe to smoke as long as the person intends to quit within two years compared to non-smokers, and had lower self-rated health status than other groups. This is the first study among Arab adolescents to document high rates of dual tobacco use, especially pronounced among girls. The study findings have significant implications for designing tobacco smoking prevention programs for school health settings.
Reliability of Urinary Excretion Rate Adjustment in Measurements of Hippuric Acid in Urine
Authors: Nicolli Annamaria , Chiara Federica , Gambalunga Alberto , Carrieri Mariella , Bartolucci Giovanni , Trevisan Andrea
Published: July 2014

The urinary excretion rate is calculated based on short-term, defined time sample collections with a known sample mass, and this measurement can be used to remove the variability in urine concentrations due to urine dilution. Adjustment to the urinary excretion rate of hippuric acid was evaluated in 31 healthy volunteers (14 males and 17 females). Urine was collected as short-term or spot samples and tested for specific gravity, creatinine and hippuric acid. Hippuric acid values were unadjusted or adjusted to measurements of specific gravity, creatinine or urinary excretion rate. Hippuric acid levels were partially independent of urinary volume and urinary flow rate, in contrast to specific gravity and creatinine, which were both highly dependent on the hippuric acid level. Accordingly, hippuric acid was independent on urinary specific gravity and creatinine excretion. Unadjusted and adjusted values for specific gravity or creatinine were generally closely correlated, especially in spot samples. Values adjusted to the urinary excretion rate appeared well correlated to those unadjusted and adjusted to specific gravity or creatinine values. Thus, adjustment of crude hippuric acid values to the urinary excretion rate is a valid procedure but is difficult to apply in the field of occupational medicine and does not improve the information derived from values determined in spot urine samples, either unadjusted or adjusted to specific gravity and creatinine.
Environmental Consequences of Rapid Urbanization in Zhejiang Province, East China
Authors: Yang Xuchao , Yue Wenze , Xu Honghui , Wu Jingsheng , He Yue
Published: July 2014

Since reforms carried out in the late 1970s, China has experienced unprecedented rates of urban growth. Remote sensing data and surface observational data are used to investigate the urbanization process and related environmental consequences, focusing on extreme heat events and air pollution, in Zhejiang Province (ZJP, East China). Examination of satellite-measured nighttime light data indicates rapid urbanization in ZJP during the past decade, initially forming three urban clusters. With rapid urban sprawl, a significant Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect has emerged. During extreme heat events in summer, the UHI effect significantly exacerbates nocturnal heat stress in highly urbanized areas. Taking a long-term view, urbanization also causes additional hot days and hot degree days in urban areas. Urbanization also imposes a heavy burden on local and regional air quality in ZJP. Degraded visibility and an increase in haze days are observed at most meteorological stations, especially in the three urban clusters. The results show that urbanization has led to serious environmental problems in ZJP, not only on the city scale, but also on the regional scale. Maintaining a balance between the continuing process of urbanization and environmental sustainability is a major issue facing the local government.
Oleocanthal, a Phenolic Derived from Virgin Olive Oil: A Review of the Beneficial Effects on Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Parkinson Lisa , Keast Russell
Published: July 2014

Virgin olive oil (VOO) is credited as being one of many healthful components of the Mediterranean diet. Mediterranean populations experience reduced incidence of chronic inflammatory disease states and VOO is readily consumed as part of an everyday dietary pattern. A phenolic compound contained in VOO, named oleocanthal, shares unique perceptual and anti-inflammatory characteristics with Ibuprofen. Over recent years oleocanthal has become a compound of interest in the search for naturally occurring compounds with pharmacological qualities. Subsequent to its discovery and identification, oleocanthal has been reported to exhibit various modes of action in reducing inflammatory related disease, including joint-degenerative disease, neuro-degenerative disease and specific cancers. Therefore, it is postulated that long term consumption of VOO containing oleocanthal may contribute to the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean dietary pattern. The following paper summarizes the current literature on oleocanthal, in terms of its sensory and pharmacological properties, and also discusses the beneficial, health promoting activities of oleocanthal, in the context of the molecular mechanisms within various models of disease.
Endocytic Trafficking of Membrane-Bound Cargo: A Flotillin Point of View
Authors: Meister Melanie , Tikkanen Ritva
Published: July 2014

The ubiquitous and highly conserved flotillin proteins, flotillin-1 and flotillin-2, have been shown to be involved in various cellular processes such as cell adhesion, signal transduction through receptor tyrosine kinases as well as in cellular trafficking pathways. Due to the fact that flotillins are acylated and form hetero-oligomers, they constitutively associate with cholesterol-enriched lipid microdomains. In recent years, such microdomains have been appreciated as platforms that participate in endocytosis and other cellular trafficking steps. This review summarizes the current findings on the role of flotillins in membrane-bound cargo endocytosis and endosomal trafficking events. We will discuss the proposed function of flotillins in endocytosis in the light of recent findings that point towards a role for flotillins in a step that precedes the actual endocytic uptake of cargo molecules. Recent findings have also revealed that flotillins may be important for endosomal sorting and recycling of specific cargo molecules. In addition to these aspects, the cellular trafficking pathway of flotillins themselves as potential cargo in the context of growth factor signaling will be discussed.
Shielding Flowers Developing under Stress: Translating Theory to Field Application
Authors: Chayut Noam , Sobol Shiri , Nave Nahum , Samach Alon
Published: July 2014

Developing reproductive organs within a flower are sensitive to environmental stress. A higher incidence of environmental stress during this stage of a crop plants’ developmental cycle will lead to major breaches in food security. Clearly, we need to understand this sensitivity and try and overcome it, by agricultural practices and/or the breeding of more tolerant cultivars. Although passion fruit vines initiate flowers all year round, flower primordia abort during warm summers. This restricts the season of fruit production in regions with warm summers. Previously, using controlled chambers, stages in flower development that are sensitive to heat were identified. Based on genetic analysis and physiological experiments in controlled environments, gibberellin activity appeared to be a possible point of horticultural intervention. Here, we aimed to shield flowers of a commercial cultivar from end of summer conditions, thus allowing fruit production in new seasons. We conducted experiments over three years in different settings, and our findings consistently show that a single application of an inhibitor of gibberellin biosynthesis to vines in mid-August can cause precocious flowering of ~2–4 weeks, leading to earlier fruit production of ~1 month. In this case, knowledge obtained on phenology, environmental constraints and genetic variation, allowed us to reach a practical solution.
Transitions in Theory and Practice: Managing Metals in the Circular Economy
Authors: Jackson Melissa , Lederwasch Aleta , Giurco Damien
Published: July 2014

Transitioning from current resource management practice dominated by linear economic models of consumption and production, to circular models of resource use, will require insights into the stages and processes associated with socio-technical transitions. This paper is concerned with transitions in practice. It explores two frameworks within the transitions literature—the multi-level perspective and transition management theory—for practical guidance to inform a deliberate transition in practice. The critical futures literature is proposed as a source of tools and methods to be used in conjunction with the transition frameworks to influence and enable transitions in practice. This enhanced practical guidance for initiating action is applied to a specific context—transitioning the Australian metals sector towards a circular economy model. This particular transition case study is relevant because the vision of a circular economy model of resource management is gaining traction internationally, Australia is significant globally as a supplier of finite mineral resources and it will also be used in a collaborative research project on Wealth from Waste to investigate possibilities for the circular economy and metals recycling.
Highly Sensitive Nuclease Assays Based on Chemically Modified DNA or RNA
Authors: Sato Shinobu , Takenaka Shigeori
Published: July 2014

Nucleolytic enzymes are associated with various diseases, and several methods have been developed for their detection. DNase expression is modulated in such diseases as acute myocardial infarction, transient myocardial ischemia, oral cancer, stomach cancer, and malignant lymphoma, and DNase I is used in cystic fibroma therapy. RNase is used to treat mesothelial cancer because of its antiproliferative, cytotoxic, and antineoplastic activities. Angiogenin, an angiogenic factor, is a member of the RNase A family. Angiogenin inhibitors are being developed as anticancer drugs. In this review, we describe fluorometric and electrochemical techniques for detecting DNase and RNase in disease. Oligonucleotides having fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-causing chromophores are non-fluorescent by themselves, yet become fluorescent upon cleavage by DNase or RNase. These oligonucleotides serve as a powerful tool to detect activities of these enzymes and provide a basis for drug discovery. In electrochemical techniques, ferrocenyl oligonucleotides with or without a ribonucleoside unit are used for the detection of RNase or DNase. This technique has been used to monitor blood or serum samples in several diseases associated with DNase and RNase and is unaffected by interferents in these sample types.
Bidirectional and Multi-User Telerehabilitation System: Clinical Effect on Balance, Functional Activity, and Satisfaction in Patients with Chronic Stroke Living in Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Lin Kwan-Hwa , Chen Chin-Hsing , Chen You-Yin , Huang Wen-Tzeng , Lai Jin-Shin , Yu Shang-Ming , Chang Yuan-Jen
Published: July 2014

Background: The application of internet technology for telerehabilitation in patients with stroke has developed rapidly. Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of a bidirectional and multi-user telerehabilitation system on balance and satisfaction in patients with chronic stroke living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Method: This pilot study used a multi-site, blocked randomization design. Twenty-four participants from three LTCFs were recruited, and the participants were randomly assigned into the telerehabilitation (Tele) and conventional therapy (Conv) groups within each LTCF. Tele group received telerehabilitation but the Conv group received conventional therapy with two persons in each group for three sessions per week and for four weeks. The outcome measures included Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Barthel Index (BI), and the telerehabilitation satisfaction of the participants. Setting: A telerehabilitation system included “therapist end” in a laboratory, and the “client end” in LTCFs. The conventional therapy was conducted in LTCFs. Results: Training programs conducted for both the Tele and Conv groups showed significant effects within groups on the participant BBS as well as the total and self-care scores of BI. No significant difference between groups could be demonstrated. The satisfaction of participants between the Tele and the Conv groups also did not show significant difference. Conclusions: This pilot study indicated that the multi-user telerehabilitation program is feasible for improving the balance and functional activity similar to conventional therapy in patients with chronic stroke living in LTCFs.
Solution to the SLAM Problem in Low Dynamic Environments Using a Pose Graph and an RGB-D Sensor
Authors: Lee Donghwa , Myung Hyun
Published: July 2014

In this study, we propose a solution to the simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) problem in low dynamic environments by using a pose graph and an RGB-D (red-green-blue depth) sensor. The low dynamic environments refer to situations in which the positions of objects change over long intervals. Therefore, in the low dynamic environments, robots have difficulty recognizing the repositioning of objects unlike in highly dynamic environments in which relatively fast-moving objects can be detected using a variety of moving object detection algorithms. The changes in the environments then cause groups of false loop closing when the same moved objects are observed for a while, which means that conventional SLAM algorithms produce incorrect results. To address this problem, we propose a novel SLAM method that handles low dynamic environments. The proposed method uses a pose graph structure and an RGB-D sensor. First, to prune the falsely grouped constraints efficiently, nodes of the graph, that represent robot poses, are grouped according to the grouping rules with noise covariances. Next, false constraints of the pose graph are pruned according to an error metric based on the grouped nodes. The pose graph structure is reoptimized after eliminating the false information, and the corrected localization and mapping results are obtained. The performance of the method was validated in real experiments using a mobile robot system.
A Study on the Clustering Technology of Underwater Isomorphic Sensor Networks Based on Energy Balance
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Liming , Han Yan , Liu Bin , Wang Jian , Su Xinyan
Published: July 2014

Nowadays, there is a greater need for energy efficient and stable underwater sensor networks (UWSNs). Underwater sensors usually do not have enough power, so the goal of underwater sensor networks is to make the network have a long lifetime. An underwater heterogeneous sensor network (UWHSN) is one way to cluster the sensors, and the application of UWHSNs is simple and fast, but robots, lifetime and energy-partition are all drawbacks of UWHSNs. In this paper we propose the underwater isomorphic sensor network (UWISN) clustering technology. By analyzing the characteristics of UWISNs, we determine that an UWISN has strong expansibility, mobility, energy-efficiency and long lifetime. An UWISN adopts normal sensor nodes to be cluster heads, and these cluster heads communicate with each other. This paper seeks the optimal number of clusters and uses FCM to elect cluster heads and establish the network. In addition, an idea of real cluster heads and the method to elect them have been proposed. Finally, the simulation results show that the solution is effective and UWISNs can improve the energy consumption of an UWSN.
Augmented Switching Linear Dynamical System Model for Gas Concentration Estimation with MOX Sensors in an Open Sampling System
Authors: Di Lello Enrico , Trincavelli Marco , Bruyninckx Herman , De Laet Tinne
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we introduce a Bayesian time series model approach for gas concentration estimation using Metal Oxide (MOX) sensors in Open Sampling System (OSS). Our approach focuses on the compensation of the slow response of MOX sensors, while concurrently solving the problem of estimating the gas concentration in OSS. The proposed Augmented Switching Linear System model allows to include all the sources of uncertainty arising at each step of the problem in a single coherent probabilistic formulation. In particular, the problem of detecting on-line the current sensor dynamical regime and estimating the underlying gas concentration under environmental disturbances and noisy measurements is formulated and solved as a statistical inference problem. Our model improves, with respect to the state of the art, where system modeling approaches have been already introduced, but only provided an indirect relative measures proportional to the gas concentration and the problem of modeling uncertainty was ignored. Our approach is validated experimentally and the performances in terms of speed of and quality of the gas concentration estimation are compared with the ones obtained using a photo-ionization detector.
Comparative Analysis of Monitoring Devices for Particulate Content in Exhaust Gases
Authors: Castellani Beatrice , Morini Elena , Filipponi Mirko , Nicolini Andrea , Palombo Massimo , Cotana Franco , Rossi Federico
Published: July 2014

The installation and operation of continuous particulate emission monitors in industrial processes has become well developed and common practice in industrial stacks and ducts over the past 30 years, reflecting regulatory monitoring requirements. Continuous emissions monitoring equipment is installed not only for regulatory compliance, but also for the monitoring of plant performance, calculation of emissions inventories and compilation of environmental impact assessments. Particulate matter (PM) entrained in flue gases is produced by the combustion of fuels or wastes. The size and quantity of particles released depends on the type of fuel and the design of the plant. The present work provides an overview of the main industrial emission sources, a description of the main types of monitoring systems offered by manufacturers and a comparative analysis of the currently available technologies for measuring dust releases to atmosphere.
Contributing role of extracellular vesicles on vascular endothelium haemostatic balance in cancer
Authors: Bouvy Céline , Gheldof Damien , Chatelain Christian , Mullier François , Dogné Jean‐Michel
Published: July 2014

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) generated during tumourigenesis are thought to play a major role in the hypercoagulant state observed in cancer patients. They exhibit negatively charged phospholipids and tissue factor (TF) that promote coagulation cascade activation. In addition, they contain surface proteins and cytoplasmic molecules, both originating from the producing cell that can impact target cells’ expression. By targeting endothelial cells of blood vessels, these EVs could disturb the physiological anticoagulant properties of these cells and be partly responsible for the vascular endothelium activation observed in cancer patients. Indeed, vascular endothelium naturally exhibits heparin‐like proteoglycan, TF pathway inhibitor and protein C anticoagulant pathway that prevent thrombosis in physiological condition. An overexpression of TF and a decreased expression of coagulation cascade inhibitors have been reported after EVs’ treatment of endothelial cells. The induction of apoptosis and an increased expression of platelet adhesion molecules have also been highlighted. These events may promote thrombus formation in cancer. The aim of this paper is to provide a targeted review on the current evidence and knowledge of roles and impact of EVs on endothelial surface anticoagulant and procoagulant factors and cellular adhesion molecules expression.
DFT study of binding and electron transfer from colorless aromatic pollutants to a TiO2 nanocluster: Application to photocatalytic degradation under visible light irradiation
Authors: Oprea Corneliu I , Panait Petre , Gîrţu Mihai A
Published: July 2014

We report results of density functional theory (DFT) calculations on some colorless aromatic systems adsorbed on a TiO2 nanocluster, in order to explain experimental results regarding the photocatalytic degradation of these pollutants under visible light irradiation. Based on our modeling, we are able to clarify why transparent pollutants can degrade under visible light in the presence of a catalyst that absorbs only in the UV, to explain experimental data regarding differences in the efficiency of the degradation process, and to state the key requirements for effective water-cleaning. For that purpose, we analyze the absorption spectrum of the free and adsorbed molecules, the binding configurations, the matching of the energy levels with the oxide catalyst and the likelihood of the charge-transfer to the substrate. The comparison between several colorless aniline and phenolic systems allows a correlation between the chemical structure and the degradation rate of these pollutants.
Influence of perylenediimide–pyrene supramolecular interactions on the stability of DNA-based hybrids: Importance of electrostatic complementarity
Authors: Winiger Christian B , Langenegger Simon M , Khorev Oleg , Häner Robert
Published: July 2014

Aromatic π–π stacking interactions are ubiquitous in nature, medicinal chemistry and materials sciences. They play a crucial role in the stacking of nucleobases, thus stabilising the DNA double helix. The following paper describes a series of chimeric DNA–polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) hybrids. The PAH building blocks are electron-rich pyrene and electron-poor perylenediimide (PDI), and were incorporated into complementary DNA strands. The hybrids contain different numbers of pyrene–PDI interactions that were found to directly influence duplex stability. As the pyrene–PDI ratio approaches 1:1, the stability of the duplexes increases with an average value of 7.5 °C per pyrene–PDI supramolecular interaction indicating the importance of electrostatic complementarity for aromatic π–π stacking interactions.
Manger la mariée
Authors: Puccio Deborah
Published: July 2014

L’analyse de la préparation rituelle d’une tarte nuptiale dans un village des Hautes Pyrénées Espagnoles, San Juan de Plan, amène l’auteur à révéler l’association établie localement entre le gâteau des noces et le corps de la mariée. Leur équivalence permet de manipuler le second par le truchement du premier et de lui faire subir une série de transformations qui rendent la jeune fille socialement mariable et sexuellement « consommable ». Ce qui ne va pas sans véhiculer un sens de mort. Toutefois, dans cette société « traditionnelle », le vécu individuel fait place à une théâtralisation collective du deuil qui accompagne le mariage et sa consommation.
Souffrance et créativité des femmes migrantes
Authors: Cattaneo Maria Luisa , Dal Verme Sabina
Published: July 2014

L’objectif des auteurs est d’aborder la dimension de genre dans la souffrance des femmes migrantes. L’hypothèse est que le malaise sur le plan psychologique et somatique des femmes migrantes est lié au trauma migratoire, mais aussi au conflit entre les représentations, nombreuses et opposées, qu’elles ont d’elles-mêmes en tant que femmes. Le désir de s’émanciper de leur condition de soumission commence au pays. Cependant la migration rend plus complexe la redéfinition des rapports entre les sexes et la recherche d’une nouvelle identité. L’histoire d’une femme dont le noyau de souffrance se situe dans son statut de femme est présentée comme exemple de nouvelles modalités d’écoute et de soins qui prennent en considération la dimension de genre des femmes migrantes.
Un cauchemar dans la trousse d'urgence
Authors: Pierre Danièle
Published: July 2014

A travers trois exemples cliniques, l’auteur montre que les concepts d’efficacité symbolique (Lévi-Strauss), d‘élaboration secondaire (Freud) ou l’étiologie traditionnelle de la frayeur constituent, parce qu’ils permettent de mobiliser les ressources que sont les représentations culturelles des patients, des instruments adéquats dans le soin des réfugiés victimes de traumatisme.
Le concept de culture à la lumière de la psychologie historico-culturelle
Authors: Yvon Frédéric
Published: July 2014

Ce texte propose une ré-interprétation du concept de culture à partir de travaux réalisés dans des milieux professionnels. Il s’appuie plus spécifiquement sur une intervention réalisée par des psychologues du travail dans une entreprise ferroviaire auprès d’agents commerciaux. La contribution présente dans un premier temps les fondements théoriques et conceptuels de l’intervention, puis s’efforce, au moyen d’un extrait des protocoles méthodologiques, d’illustrer l’idée d’un développement de la culture professionnelle par l’activité individuelle et inversement, le développement de l’activité individuelle par la culture professionnelle de référence.
Comparison of the Visual Results After SMILE and Femtosecond Laser-Assisted LASIK for Myopia
Authors: Lin Fangyu , Xu Yesheng , Yang Yabo
Published: July 2014

PURPOSE:

To perform a comparative clinical analysis of the safety, efficacy, and predictability of two surgical procedures (ie, small incision lenticule extraction [SMILE] and femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK [FS-LASIK]) to correct myopia.

METHODS:

Sixty eyes of 31 patients with a mean spherical equivalent of −5.13 ± 1.75 diopters underwent myopia correction with the SMILE procedure. Fifty-one eyes of 27 patients with a mean spherical equivalent of −5.58 ± 2.41 diopters were treated with the FS-LASIK procedure. Postoperative uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, and higher-order aberrations were analyzed statistically at 1 and 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS:

No statistically significant differences were found at 1 and 3 months in parameters that included the percentage of eyes with an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better (
P
= .556, .920) and mean spherical equivalent refraction (
P
= .055, .335). At 1 month, 4 SMILE-treated eyes and 1 FS-LASIK–treated eye lost one or more line of visual acuity (
P
= .214, chi-square test). At 3 months, 2 SMILE-treated eyes lost one or more line of visual acuity, whereas all FS-LASIK–treated eyes had an unchanged or corrected distance visual acuity. Higher-order aberrations and spherical aberration were significantly lower in the SMILE group than the FS-LASIK group at 1 (
P
= .007, .000) and 3 (
P
= .006, .000) months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS:

SMILE and FS-LASIK are safe, effective, and predictable surgical procedures to treat myopia. SMILE has a lower induction rate of higher-order aberrations and spherical aberration than the FS-LASIK procedure.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(4):248–254.]
Non-topography–guided Photorefractive Keratectomy for the Correction of Residual Mild Refractive Errors After ICRS Implantation and CXL in Keratoconus
Authors: Dirani Ali , Fadlallah Ali , Syed Zeba A. , Chelala Elias , Khoueir Ziad , Cherfan George , Jarade Elias
Published: July 2014

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of non-topography–guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for the treatment of residual mild refractive errors 6 months after sequential intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation and corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in stable keratoconus.

METHODS:

This retrospective study included 17 eyes of 14 patients with mild to moderate keratoconus. The ICRS implantation and CXL were performed sequentially with a 4-week interval and non-topography–guided PRK was performed at least 6 months after CXL. Data were collected preoperatively and at the 6-month follow-up visits.

RESULTS:

ICRS implantation and CXL induced a significant decrease in keratometry and refraction and an increase in visual acuity. At the 6-month follow-up after ICRS implantation and CXL, uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA) significantly improved from 1.17 ± 0.38 and 0.44 ± 0.09 logMAR preoperatively to 0.45 ± 0.11 and 0.17 ± 0.08 logMAR (
P
= .001) postoperatively, respectively. The mean spherical error decreased from −5.45 ± 1.64 to −2.57 ± 1.15 D (
P
= .01) and the mean cylinder from 3.86 ± 1.15 to 2.13 ± 1.11 D (
P
= .01). At the 6-month follow-up after PRK, UDVA significantly improved to 0.18 ± 0.06 logMAR and CDVA was 0.15 ± 0.05 logMAR. The mean spherical error and mean cylinder significantly decreased to −1.10 ± 0.41 D (
P
= .02) and 0.98 ± 0.37 D (
P
= .046), respectively. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS:

At the 6-month follow-up, non-topography–guided PRK after ICRS implantation and CXL was found to be an effective and safe option for correcting residual refractive error and improving visual acuity in patients with moderate keratoconus.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(4):266–271.]
Simultaneous Conventional Photorefractive Keratectomy and Corneal Collagen Cross-linking for Pellucid Marginal Corneal Degeneration
Authors: Kymionis George D. , Grentzelos Michael A. , Plaka Argyro D. , Tsoulnaras Konstantinos I. , Kankariya Vardhaman P. , Shehadeh Mohammad M. , Pallikaris Ioannis G.
Published: July 2014

PURPOSE:

To present the results after simultaneous conventional photorefractive keratectomy combined with corneal collagen cross-linking for pellucid marginal corneal degeneration.

METHODS:

In this prospective, interventional case series, 6 patients (8 eyes) with pellucid marginal corneal degeneration were enrolled. All patients underwent simultaneous conventional photorefractive keratectomy combined with corneal collagen cross-linking; corneal epithelium was removed by transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy during treatment (Cretan protocol plus conventional photorefractive keratectomy). Visual and refractive outcomes were evaluated along with endothelial cell density preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS:

No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed in any of the patients. LogMAR mean uncorrected distance visual acuity improved significantly from 1.05 ± 0.33 preoperatively to 0.41 ± 0.27 (
P
= .018) at 12 months postoperatively. Mean corrected distance visual acuity did not change significantly (
P
> .05) postoperatively. Mean spherical equivalent improved significantly from −3.52 ± 2.29 diopters preoperatively to −1.57 ± 1.76 diopters (
P
= .028) at last follow-up. Mean corneal astigmatism was significantly reduced from −6.83 ± 2.33 diopters preoperatively to −4.71 ± 1.89 diopters (
P
= .018) at the last follow-up. No endothelial cell density alterations were observed throughout the follow-up period (
P
> .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Simultaneous conventional photorefractive keratectomy combined with corneal collagen cross-linking seems to be an effective, safe, and promising treatment for the management of pellucid marginal corneal degeneration.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(4):272–276.]
Femtosecond Laser-Induced Macular Changes and Anterior Segment Inflammation in Cataract Surgery
Authors: Conrad-Hengerer Ina , Hengerer Fritz H. , Juburi Mayss Al , Schultz Tim , Dick H. Burkhard
Published: July 2014

PURPOSE:

To compare femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with standard phacoemulsification concerning the incidence of postoperative clinical or subclinical macular edema and the correlation between macular thickness and postoperative intraocular inflammation values.

METHODS:

One hundred four eyes of 104 patients were treated by laser-assisted cataract surgery and the fellow 104 eyes underwent phacoemulsification using pulsed ultrasound energy and intraocular lens implantation in this prospective randomized study. Laser flare photometry was measured preoperatively and at 2 hours, 3 to 4 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Retinal thickness was measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS:

Two hundred two eyes (97%) were included and analyzed at 6 months postoperatively. The mean center thickness in the laser group was 210 ± 24
μ
m at 4 days postoperatively, 214 ± 22
μ
m at 1 month postoperatively, 219 ± 20
μ
m at 3 months postoperatively, and 215 ± 22
μ
m at 6 months postoperatively. The mean center thickness in the standard group was 211 ± 32
μ
m at 4 days postoperatively, 210 ± 34
μ
m at 1 month postoperatively, 217 ± 29
μ
m at 3 months postoperatively, and 209 ± 30
μ
m at 6 months postoperatively. Laser flare photometry showed higher levels in the standard group at the first postoperative visit 2 hours after surgery compared with the laser group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery did not obviously influence the incidence of postoperative macular edema.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(4):222–226.]
Notation und Identität: Bemerkungen zur gegenseitigen Durchdringung der typologischen Strukturen der Notationssysteme vom Gebiet der Slowakei
Authors: Veselovská Eva
Published: July 2014

This study of medieval notated liturgical manuscripts from Slovakia documents, analyzes, and evaluates the oldest written sources of musical culture from the end of the eleventh century to the early sixteenth century. The typological structures of notational systems in liturgical codices reflect their historical, cultural, and religious processes and stimuli. The paper offers a comprehensive view of the penetration of fundamental structures of the Slovak medieval notational system into the European context and presents some of the most interesting examples. The latest findings are available from a new database of medieval notated historical pieces from Slovakia (Cantus Planus in Slovacia, http://cantus.sk).
Eine liturgische Handschrift mit Tonar der Zagreber Diözese aus dem 17. Jahrhundert
Authors: Papp Ágnes
Published: July 2014

The study deals with a thus far little considered compilation of rituals. It emerged in a corner of southern Hungary saved from the Ottoman occupation where no liturgical chant book sources from the Middle Ages survive. The clerical copyist must have been familiar not only with Péter Pázmány’s Rituale Strigoniense of 1625, which came into being after the Council of Trent, but also with some of the ritual editions printed after 1500 that preserved the old Gregorian liturgical usage. The musical examples of the tonary, chosen in an unusual manner, point to the fact that for this scribe the local, ingrained medieval Gregorian tradition was a living treasury as late as around 1650.
Liturgical and Musical Properization of Mode 2 Invitatories in the Autumn Matins
Authors: Gilányi Gabriella
Published: July 2014

An examination of two unique invitatory antiphons (Laudabilem virum, Adaperiat Dominus cor) in the autumn per annum office reveals a special set of mode 2 invitatories, which also adapt proper (scriptural) texts. These appear as geographically scattered instances in various medieval rites. This study sets out to collect individual related pieces and find relationships among their uses by clarifying the circumstances of this remarkable musical and liturgical properization, which creates coherence between the autumn Temporale and Sanctorale office cycles.
Mitteleuropäische Offizien zum Fest Beatae Mariae Virginis de Nive
Authors: Czagány Zsuzsa
Published: July 2014

The paper gives an overview of the Offices (historiae) for the feast Beatae Mariae Virginis ad Nives (Mary of the Snows) that were being used in Passau, Aquileia, Bohemia, and Hungary during the Middle Ages. Special attention is given to the rhymed proper office (historia propria) Ab aeterno ordinata, present in a large number of Hungarian sources, with four different melodic versions of the same text.
High Order Difference Schemes for a Time Fractional Differential Equation with Neumann Boundary Conditions
Authors: Vong Seakweng , Wang Zhibo
Published: July 2014

A compact finite difference scheme is derived for a time fractional differential equation subject to Neumann boundary conditions. The proposed scheme is second-order accurate in time and fourth-order accurate in space. In addition, a high order alternating direction implicit (ADI) scheme is also constructed for the two-dimensional case. The stability and convergence of the schemes are analysed using their matrix forms.
‘A Special Zone for Confucianism’? Theses of the Academician Zhang Xianglong on Traditional Chinese Culture”
Authors: GÄNßBAUER Monika
Published: July 2014

This article introduces the work of the academician Zhang Xianglong (b. 1949), focussing on his idea of establishing a “special zone for Confucianism” in China. Zhang argues that special protection is needed for Confucian traditions which he perceives as the leading culture of China. Confucian culture should find its way out of the museum, says Zhang. He also refers to the political concept of “one country, two systems” that was implemented when Hongkong was restored to Chinese rule. Zhang applies this to his idea of a “special zone for Confucianism”, suggesting that this political concept could be extended to “one country, three systems”. In my view Zhang is developing new, creative ideas for possible experimental fields dealing with Confucianism in the context of the People’s Republic of China. In the end it is my argument that it would be helpful to conduct in-depth research on the possible role of Confucianism in today’s China.
Faith and Politics: (New) Confucianism as Civil Religion
Authors: DESSEIN Bart
Published: July 2014

This paper discusses how, in contemporary China, politico-religious narratives that reiterate the country’s Confucian tradition serve to create a sense of belonging and sharedness in a community, and provide a way to interpret this community and the contemporary Chinese nation as having a divine mission. As these Chinese foundational myths combine elements of Confucianism with patriotism and nationalism, they can be interpreted as a constitutive element of a “civil religion with Chinese characteristics”, and as providing arguments for a “religious” legitimation of the CCP as organization that has to lead the nation on this mission.
The Philosophical Sinification of Modernity and the Modern Confucian Paradigm of Immanent Transcendence (內在超越性)
Authors: ROŠKER Jana S.
Published: July 2014

As a major source of social values, Modern Confucian theory assumes essential significance amidst the proliferation of instrumental rationality in contemporary China. This current is distinguished by a multifaceted attempt to revitalize traditional thought by means of new influences borrowed or derived from Western systems. It defines itself with a search for a synthesis between “Western” and traditional Chinese thought, aiming to elaborate a new system of ideas and values, suitable for the modern, globalized society. The present contribution examines the ways in which 3rd generation of Modern Confucian philosophers changed the framework within which traditional Chinese philosophical inquiry has been carried out, exposing the importance of immanent transcendence.
當代新儒家「儒學開出民主論」的理論意涵與現實意義
Authors: LEE Ming Huei
Published: July 2014

摘要1950年代，港臺新儒家曾提出「儒學開出民主論」。在他們與臺灣自由主義者的辯論之中，此說也成為雙方爭論的焦點之一。對筆者而言，此說的意涵並不複雜難解，但奇怪的是：它卻不斷引起誤解與質疑。多年來，筆者曾針對這些誤解撰寫了一系列的論文，故本文不再重述相關的細節，而是從宏觀的角度申論一些未盡之意。關鍵詞: 台灣新儒家, 儒學開出民主論, 自由主義, 政治思想, 良知的自我坎陷AbstractIn the 1950s, Contemporary Modern Confucians of Hong Kong and Taiwan have exposed the theory of the “Development of Democracy from Confucianism”. In their controversies with the Taiwanese liberals, this theory also became one of the main points of debate. The author of the present article believes that the contents of this theory are not too complicated to understand; however, it nevertheless often became subject of various misunderstandings and questionings. During the past years, the author has written several studies on this topic, aiming to clarify such misunderstandings and to responding to such questionings. Therefore, the present article does not restate the details of this theory, but rather aims to provide further explanations of its essential meaning.
Ambient aromatic hydrocarbon measurements at Welgegund, South Africa
Authors: Jaars K. , Beukes J. P. , van Zyl P. G. , Venter A. D. , Josipovic M. , Pienaar J. J. , Vakkari V. , Aaltonen H. , Laakso H. , Kulmala M. , Tiitta P. , Guenther A. , Hellén H. , Laakso L. , Hakola H.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Aromatic hydrocarbons are associated with direct adverse human health effects and can have negative impacts on ecosystems due to their toxicity, as well as indirect negative effects through the formation of tropospheric ozone and secondary organic aerosol, which affect human health, crop production and regional climate. Measurements of aromatic hydrocarbons were conducted at the Welgegund measurement station (South Africa), which is considered to be a regionally representative background site. However, the site is occasionally impacted by plumes from major anthropogenic source regions in the interior of South Africa, which include the western Bushveld Igneous Complex (e.g. platinum, base metal and ferrochrome smelters), the eastern Bushveld Igneous Complex (platinum and ferrochrome smelters), the Johannesburg–Pretoria metropolitan conurbation (> 10 million people), the Vaal Triangle (e.g. petrochemical and pyrometallurgical industries), the Mpumalanga Highveld (e.g. coal-fired power plants and petrochemical industry) and also a region of anticyclonic recirculation of air mass over the interior of South Africa. The aromatic hydrocarbon measurements were conducted with an automated sampler on Tenax-TA and Carbopack-B adsorbent tubes with heated inlet for 1 year. Samples were collected twice a week for 2 h during daytime and 2 h during night-time. A thermal desorption unit, connected to a gas chromatograph and a mass selective detector was used for sample preparation and analysis. Results indicated that the monthly median (mean) total aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations ranged between 0.01 (0.011) and 3.1 (3.2) ppb. Benzene levels did not exceed the local air quality standard limit, i.e. annual mean of 1.6 ppb. Toluene was the most abundant compound, with an annual median (mean) concentration of 0.63 (0.89) ppb. No statistically significant differences in the concentrations measured during daytime and night-time were found, and no distinct seasonal patterns were observed. Air mass back trajectory analysis indicated that the lack of seasonal cycles could be attributed to patterns determining the origin of the air masses sampled. Aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations were in general significantly higher in air masses that passed over anthropogenically impacted regions. Inter-compound correlations and ratios gave some indications of the possible sources of the different aromatic hydrocarbons in the source regions defined in the paper. The highest contribution of aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations to ozone formation potential was also observed in plumes passing over anthropogenically impacted regions.
Fast transport from Southeast Asia boundary layer sources to Northern Europe: rapid uplift in typhoons and eastward eddy shedding of the Asian monsoon anticyclone
Authors: Vogel B. , Günther G. , Müller R. , Grooß J.-U. , Hoor P. , Krämer M. , Müller S. , Zahn A. , Riese M.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. During the TACTS aircraft campaign enhanced tropospheric trace gases such as CO, CH4, and H2O and reduced stratospheric O3 were measured in situ in the lowermost stratosphere over Northern Europe on 26 September 2012. The measurements indicate that these air masses differ from the stratospheric background. The calculation of 40 day backward trajectories with the trajectory module of the CLaMS model shows that these air masses are affected by the Asian monsoon anticyclone. Some air masses originate from the boundary layer in Southeast Asia/West Pacific and are rapidly lifted (1–2 days) within a typhoon. Afterwards they are injected directly into the anticyclonic circulation of the Asian monsoon. The subsequent long-range transport (8–14 days) of enhanced water vapour and pollutants to the lowermost stratosphere in Northern Europe is driven by eastward transport of tropospheric air from the Asian monsoon anticyclone caused by an eddy shedding event. We find that the combination of rapid uplift by a typhoon and eastward eddy shedding from the Asian monsoon anticyclone is an additional fast transport pathway that, in this study, carries boundary emissions from Southeast Asia/West Pacific within approximately 5 weeks to the lowermost stratosphere in Northern Europe.
An initial investigation of the long-term trends in the fluxgate magnetometer (FGM) calibration parameters on the four Cluster spacecraft
Authors: Alconcel L. N. S. , Fox P. , Brown P. , Oddy T. M. , Lucek E. L. , Carr C. M.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Over the course of more than 10 years in operation, the calibration parameters of the outboard fluxgate magnetometer (FGM) sensors on the four Cluster spacecraft are shown to be remarkably stable. The parameters are refined on the ground during the rigorous FGM calibration process performed for the Cluster Active Archive (CAA). Fluctuations in some parameters show some correlation with trends in the sensor temperature (orbit position). The parameters, particularly the offsets, of the spacecraft 1 (C1) sensor have undergone more long-term drift than those of the other spacecraft (C2, C3 and C4) sensors. Some potentially anomalous calibration parameters have been identified and will require further investigation in future. However, the observed long-term stability demonstrated in this initial study gives confidence in the accuracy of the Cluster magnetic field data. For the most sensitive ranges of the FGM instrument, the offset drift is typically 0.2 nT per year in each sensor on C1 and negligible on C2, C3 and C4.