bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogel-Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites as Electrochemical Platform to Simultaneously Determine Dopamine in Presence of Ascorbic Acid Using an Unmodified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Pereyra Jésica , Martinez María V. , Barbero Cesar , Bruno Mariano , Acevedo Diego
Published: December 2018

The detection of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, is relevant because low levels of dopamine can cause brain disorders. Here, a novel electrochemical platform made of a hydrogel–graphene oxide nanocomposite was employed to electrochemically determine simultaneously dopamine (DA) and ascorbic acid (AA). Unlike previous work, where the base electrode is modified, the active material (graphene oxide, GO) was dispersed in the hydrogel matrix, making an active nanocomposite where the electrochemical detection occurs. The GO, hydrogel and nanocomposite synthesis is described. Dynamic Light Scattering, UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopies showed that the synthesized GO nanoparticles present 480 nm of diagonal size and a few sheets in height. Moreover, the polymer swelling, the adsorption capacity and the release kinetic of DA and AA were evaluated. The nanocomposite showed lower swelling capacity, higher DA partition coefficient and faster DA release rate than in the hydrogel. The electrochemical measurement proved that both materials can be employed to determine DA and AA. Additionally, the nanocomposite platform allowed the simultaneous determination of both molecules showing two well separated anodic peaks. This result demonstrates the importance of the incorporation of the nanomaterial inside of the hydrogel and proves that the nanocomposite can be used as a platform in an electrochemical device to determinate DA using an unmodified glassy carbon electrode.
Recent Trends in Compressive Raman Spectroscopy Using DMD-Based Binary Detection
Authors: Cebeci Derya , Mankani Bharat R. , Ben-Amotz Dor
Published: December 2018

The collection of high-dimensional hyperspectral data is often the slowest step in the process of hyperspectral Raman imaging. With the conventional array-based Raman spectroscopy acquiring of chemical images could take hours to even days. To increase the Raman collection speeds, a number of compressive detection (CD) strategies, which simultaneously sense and compress the spectral signal, have recently been demonstrated. As opposed to conventional hyperspectral imaging, where full spectra are measured prior to post-processing and imaging CD increases the speed of data collection by making measurements in a low-dimensional space containing only the information of interest, thus enabling real-time imaging. The use of single channel detectors gives the key advantage to CD strategy using optical filter functions to obtain component intensities. In other words, the filter functions are simply the optimized patterns of wavelength combinations characteristic of component in the sample, and the intensity transmitted through each filter represents a direct measure of the associated score values. Essentially, compressive hyperspectral images consist of ‘score’ pixels (instead of ‘spectral’ pixels). This paper presents an overview of recent advances in compressive Raman detection designs and performance validations using a DMD based binary detection strategy.
Candida auris Dry Surface Biofilm (DSB) for Disinfectant Efficacy Testing
Authors: Ledwoch Katarzyna , Maillard Jean-Yves
Published: December 2018

Candida auris is an emerging pathogen that needs to be controlled effectively due to its association with a high mortality rate. The presence of biofilms on dry surfaces has been shown to be widespread in healthcare settings. We produced a C. auris dry surface biofilm (DSB) on stainless steel surfaces following sequential hydration and desiccation cycles for 12 days. The ASTM2967-15 was used to measure the reduction in viability of 12 commercially wipe-based disinfectants and sodium hypochlorite (1000 ppm) against C. auris DSB. We also evaluated C. auris transferability and biofilm regrowth post-treatment. A peracetic acid (3500 ppm) product and two chlorine-based products (1000 ppm available chlorine) were successful in reducing C. auris viability and delaying DSB regrowth. However, 50% of the products tested failed to decrease C. auris viability, 58% failed to prevent its transferability, and 75% did not delay biofilm regrowth. Using three different parameters to measure product efficacy provided a practical evaluation of product effectiveness against C. auris DSB. Although log10 reduction in viability is traditionally measured, transferability is an important factor to consider from an infection control and prevention point of view as it allows for determination of whether the surface is safe to touch by patients and hospital staff post-treatment.
The Influence of Inter-Cooling and Electromagnetic Stirring above Liquidus on the Formation of Primary Al3Zr and Grain Refinement in an Al-0.2%Zr Alloy
Authors: Guan Tianyang , Zhang Zhifeng , Bai Yuelong , He Min , Zheng Hansen , Zhao Haodong , Li Xiaopeng , Wang Ping
Published: December 2018

The nucleation and grain growth that occur during solidification have been extensively examined, but insight into the influence of an external field on the formation of heterogeneous crystal nuclei above the liquidus remains unclear in the peritectic refinement mechanism. In this work, we studied the effect of cooling rate above the liquidus on the formation of primary Al3Zr and grain refinement in Al-0.2%Zr alloys with inter-cooling annular electromagnetic stirring (IC-AEMS). The results show that the size and distribution of primary Al3Zr are greatly improved, and the morphology transformed from large plate/blocky shapes without IC-AEMS to small blocks with IC-AEMS. Meanwhile, above the liquidus, the addition of an Al-Zr master alloy to pure Al alone did little to enhance the refinement, but after IC-AEMS, the grains were refined dramatically. The refinement result seems to be explained by two hypotheses of pre-nucleation and explosive nucleation.
Paving with Precast Concrete Made with Recycled Mixed Ceramic Aggregates: A Viable Technical Option for the Valorization of Construction and Demolition Wastes (CDW)
Authors: Juan-Valdés Andrés , García-González Julia , Rodríguez-Robles Desirée , Guerra-Romero Manuel Ignacio , López Gayarre Fernando , De Belie Nele , Morán-del Pozo Julia M.
Published: December 2018

This research aimed to prove the feasibility of producing two types of precast elements widely used in construction, such as curbstones and paving blocks, using recycled concrete made with a 50% substitution of the natural gravel by recycled mixed aggregates with a significant ceramic content (>30%). In order to prove the quality of such mass concrete recycled precast elements, two different mixes were used: the first one was a conventional concrete mix provided by Prefabricados de Hormigón Pavimentos Páramo S.L., one of the collaborating companies in this study, and the other was a mixture in which wt 50% of the natural coarse aggregates were substituted for recycled mixed aggregates ceramic (RMAc). This recycled aggregate is a heterogeneous mixture of unbound aggregates, concrete, ceramic, etc., used as a secondary recycled aggregate and commonly produced in a lot of recycling plants in many European countries. This material was supplied by Tecnología y Reciclado S.L., the other collaborating company. Both mixtures were representative in order to establish the comparative behavior between them, taking into account that smaller percentages of replacement of the natural with recycled aggregates will also produce good results. This percentage of substitution represents a high saving of natural resources (gravel) and maintains a balanced behavior of the recycled concrete, so this new material can be considered to be a viable and reliable option for precast mass concrete paving elements. The characterization of the recycled precast elements, covering mechanical, microstructural, and durability properties, showed mostly similar behavior when compared to the analogous industrially-produced pieces made with conventional concrete.
Photothermal Ablation of Cancer Cells by Albumin-Modified Gold Nanorods and Activation of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Wang Xiuhui , Li Jingchao , Kawazoe Naoki , Chen Guoping
Published: December 2018

Nanoparticle-mediated photothermal therapy has been widely studied for cancer treatment. It is important to disclose how photothermally ablated tumor cells trigger immune responses. In this study, bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated gold nanorods (BSA-coated AuNRs) were prepared and used for photothermal ablation of breast tumor cells. The BSA-coated AuNRs showed high photothermal conversion efficiency and good photothermal ablation effect towards tumor cells. The ablated tumor cells were co-cultured with immature dendritic cells (DCs) through a direct cell contacting model and diffusion model to confirm the stimulatory effects of cell–cell interaction and soluble factors released from ablated tumor cells. The results indicated that photothermally ablated tumor cells induced immune-stimulatory responses of DCs through both cell–cell interaction and soluble factors. The results should be useful for synergistic photothermal-immunotherapy of primary and metastatic cancer.
Anti-Thrombin, Anti-Adhesive, Anti-Migratory, and Anti-Proliferative Activities of Sulfated Galactans from the Tropical Green Seaweed, Udotea flabellum
Authors: Mendes Marques Maxsuell Lucas , Presa Fernando Bastos , Viana Rony Lucas Silva , Costa Mariana Santana Santos Pereira , Amorim Monica Oliveira Rocha , Bellan Daniel Lima , Alves Monique Gabriela Chagas Faustino , Costa Leandro Silva , Trindade Edvaldo Silva , Rocha Hugo Alexandre Oliveira
Published: December 2018

In this study, sulfated polysaccharide-rich extracts were isolated from 22 tropical seaweeds (4 red, 11 brown, and 7 green) found in northeastern Brazil, and evaluated for the role of anticoagulant agents. Fifteen of the extracts showed anticoagulant activity, including all the extracts from green seaweeds. Udotea flabellum (a green seaweed) extract was the most potent, requiring an amount of only 3 µg to double the plasma coagulation time in the activated partial thromboplastin time test. A similar result was obtained with 1 µg of heparin. Two sulfated homogalactans with anticoagulant activity, F-I (130 kDa) and F-II (75 kDa), were isolated from this extract using several bio-guided purification steps. Their anticoagulant activity, as well as properties related to antitumor activity (anti-proliferative, anti-adhesive, and anti-migratory), were accessed. Their anticoagulant activities were close to that of heparin. We found that F-I and F-II (0.5–10 μg/mL) were not able to directly inhibit thrombin. In the presence of anti-thrombin, F-I (0.5 μg/mL) was more effective than heparin (0.5 μg/mL) in inhibiting thrombin, while F-II showed similar effects as heparin. F-I and F-II also inhibited B16-F10 (murine melanoma cells) adhesion, migration, and proliferation on a fibronectin-coated surface, but not on laminin- or collagen I-coated surfaces. Except for the antiproliferative activity, the other effects of F-I and F-II were eliminated upon their desulfation (~50%), indicating that the degree of sulfation is not as important for F-I and F-II anti-proliferative activity as the sulfation position. Taken together, the results provide strong evidence for the potential utility of sulfated galactans from U. flabellum, making these compounds an interesting option for future investigations that aim to design new anticoagulant/antitumor agents.
Phase Field Simulations of Microstructure Evolution in IN718 Using a Surrogate Ni–Fe–Nb Alloy during Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Radhakrishnan Balasubramaniam , Gorti Sarma B. , Turner John A. , Acharya Ranadip , Sharon John A. , Staroselsky Alexander , El-Wardany Tahany
Published: December 2018

The solidification microstructure in IN718 during additive manufacturing was modeled using phase field simulations. The novelty of the research includes the use of a surrogate Ni–Fe–Nb alloy that has the same equilibrium solidification range as IN718 as the model system for phase field simulations, the integration of the model alloy thermodynamics with the phase field simulations, and the use of high-performance computing tools to perform the simulations with a high enough spatial resolution for realistically capturing the dendrite morphology and the level of microsegregation seen under additive manufacturing conditions. Heat transfer and fluid flow models were used to compute the steady state temperature gradient and an average value of the solid-liquid (s-l) interface velocity that were used as input for the phase field simulations. The simulations show that the solidification morphology is sensitive to the spacing between the columnar structures. Spacing narrower than a critical value results in continued growth of a columnar microstructure, while above a critical value the columnar structure evolves into a columnar dendritic structure through the formation of secondary arms. These results are discussed in terms of the existing columnar to dendritic transition (CDT) theories. The measured interdendritic Nb concentration, the primary and secondary arm spacing is in reasonable agreement with experimental measurements performed on the nickel-base superalloy IN718.
The Coming Emptiness: On the Meaning of the Emptiness of the Universe in Natural Philosophy
Authors: Schiemann Gregor
Published: December 2018

The cosmological relevance of emptiness—that is, space without bodies—is not yet sufficiently appreciated in natural philosophy. This paper addresses two aspects of cosmic emptiness from the perspective of natural philosophy: the distances to the stars in the closer cosmic environment and the expansion of space as a result of the accelerated expansion of the universe. Both aspects will be discussed from both a historical and a systematic perspective. Emptiness can be interpreted as “coming” in a two-fold sense: whereas in the past, knowledge of emptiness, as it were, came to human beings, in the future, it is coming, insofar as its relevance in the cosmos will increase. The longer and more closely emptiness was studied since the beginning of modernity, the larger became the spaces over which it was found to extend. From a systematic perspective, I will show with regard to the closer cosmic environment that the Earth may be separated from the perhaps habitable planets of other stars by an emptiness that is inimical to life and cannot be traversed by humans. This assumption is a result of the discussion of the constraints and possibilities of interstellar space travel as defined by the known natural laws and technical means. With the accelerated expansion of the universe, the distances to other galaxies (outside of the so-called Local Group) are increasing. According to the current standard model of cosmology and assuming that the acceleration will remain constant, in the distant future, this expansion will lead first to a substantial change in the epistemic conditions of cosmological knowledge and finally to the completion of the cosmic emptiness and of its relevance, respectively. Imagining the postulated completely empty last state leads human thought to the very limits of what is conceivable.
Effective Construction of a High-Capacity Boronic Acid Layer on a Quartz Crystal Microbalance Chip for High-Density Antibody Immobilization
Authors: Lin Pei-Heng , Huang Sheng-Cih , Chen Kuang-Po , Li Bor-Ran , Li Yaw-Kuen
Published: December 2018

Boronic acids (BAs) provide strong potential in orientation immobilization of antibody and the modification method is crucial for efficiency optimization. A highly effective method has been developed for rapid antibody immobilization on gold electrodes through the electrodeposition of a BA–containing linker in this study. Aniline-based BA forms a condense layer while antibody could automatically immobilize on the surface of the electrode. Compare to traditional self-assembled monolayer method, the electrodeposition process dramatically reduces the modification time from days to seconds. It also enhances the immobilized efficiency from 95 to 408 (ng/cm2) with a strong preference being exhibited for shorter aniline-based linkers.
WaterSpy: A High Sensitivity, Portable Photonic Device for Pervasive Water Quality Analysis
Authors: Doulamis Nikolaos , Voulodimos Athanasios , Doulamis Anastasios , Bimpas Matthaios , Angeli Aikaterini , Bakalos Nikolaos , Giusti Alessandro , Philimis Panayiotis , Varriale Antonio , Ausili Alessio , D’Auria Sabato , Lampropoulos George , Baer Matthias , Schmauss Bernhard , Freitag Stephan , Lendl Bernhard , Młynarczyk Krzysztof , Sosna-Głębska Aleksandra , Trajnerowicz Artur , Pawluczyk Jarosław , Żbik Mateusz , Kułakowski Jacek , Georgiadis Panagiotis , Blaser Stéphane , Bazzurro Nicola
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we present WaterSpy, a project developing an innovative, compact, cost-effective photonic device for pervasive water quality sensing, operating in the mid-IR spectral range. The approach combines the use of advanced Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) employing the Vernier effect, used as light source, with novel, fibre-coupled, fast and sensitive Higher Operation Temperature (HOT) photodetectors, used as sensors. These will be complemented by optimised laser driving and detector electronics, laser modulation and signal conditioning technologies. The paper presents the WaterSpy concept, the requirements elicited, the preliminary architecture design of the device, the use cases in which it will be validated, while highlighting the innovative technologies that contribute to the advancement of the current state of the art.
A MULTICRITERIA MODEL FOR SELECTING ELIGIBLE BUYERS FOR LAND CONSOLIDATION
Authors: Scarelli Antonino , Venzi Lorenzo
Published: December 2018

The problem of land consolidation is very relevant and Agricultural Policy has ruled particular conditions in the sales of farms. The adjacent neighbours must be involved (pre‐emption right) and in the case of more than one available for the stated price, the choice of the candidate having priority is not an easy task. It has, then, to be considered not only the subjective ability of the farmer, but also the nature, productivity, endowments of his farm with respect to the adjacent one in sale. The adopted procedure takes into account all the attributes related to the farm on sale, to the prospective buyers and their farms. The acquired information are evaluated by an entropy decisional process. The best solution is gained with respect to an ideal point, representing the perfect decision and having minimum entropy.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE FROM OPERATIONAL CORPORATE REAL ESTATE DISPOSALS
Authors: Louko Antti
Published: December 2018

The large‐scale operational corporate real estate disposals, which have lately become more and more common in Europe, can create many benefits to corporations. Firstly, the corporations can get an immediate capital injection without additional external financing to support growth or to better capital structure. Secondly, corporations can in the best case obtain more property industry knowledge, economies of scale, tax advantages and increased flexibility through property disposals. However, it is also important to notice that sometimes the best expert is an internal property manager and that large corporate real estate deals can be slow and costly to structure. Furthermore, if the outsourcing is not planned well, agency problems and inflexibility could arise. In addition, off‐balance sheet financing is becoming more difficult due to changes in accounting rules. In all, it is crucial to have a solid property strategy that supports the overall business goal before structuring large‐scale disposals.
Contribution of the Core to the Thermal Evolution of Sub-Neptunes
Authors: Vazan A. , Ormel C. W. , Noack L. , Dominik C.
Published: December 2018

Sub-Neptune planets are a very common type of planet. They are inferred to harbor a primordial (H/He) envelope on top of a (rocky) core, which dominates the mass. Here, we investigate the long-term consequences of the core properties on the planet mass–radius relation. We consider the role of various core energy sources resulting from core formation, its differentiation, its solidification (latent heat), core contraction, and radioactive decay. We divide the evolution of the rocky core into three phases: the formation phase, which sets the initial conditions, the magma ocean phase, characterized by rapid heat transport, and the solid-state phase, where cooling is inefficient. We find that for typical sub-Neptune planets of ∼2–10 M
⊕ and envelope mass fractions of 0.5%–10%, the magma ocean phase lasts several gigayears, much longer than for terrestrial planets. The magma ocean phase effectively erases any signs of the initial core thermodynamic state. After solidification, the reduced heat flux from the rocky core causes a significant drop in the rocky core surface temperature, but its effect on the planet radius is limited. In the long run, radioactive heating is the most significant core energy source in our model. Overall, the long-term radius uncertainty by core thermal effects is up to 15%.
Maternal antibiotic prophylaxis affects Bifidobacterium spp. counts in the human milk, during the first week after delivery
Authors: Padilha M. , Iaucci J.M. , Cabral V.P. , Diniz E.M.A. , Taddei C.R. , Saad S.M.I.
Published: December 2018

Human milk is an important source of microorganisms for infant gut colonisation. Although the maternal antibiotic prophylaxis is an important strategy to prevent maternal/neonatal sepsis, it has to be investigated how it may affect the human milk microbiota, especially the genus Bifidobacterium, which has been associated to health benefits. Here, we investigated the impact of the maternal antibiotic prophylaxis on the human milk Bifidobacterium spp. and total bacteria counts, in the first week (short-term) and first month (medium-term) after delivery. Human milk samples were collected from 55 healthy lactating women recruited from the University Hospital of the University of São Paulo at days 7±3 and 30±4 after vaginal delivery. Twenty one volunteers had received maternal antibiotic prophylaxis (MAP group) and 34 had not received MAP (no-MAP group) during or after labour. Total DNA was isolated from milk samples, and the bacterial counts were estimated by quantitative PCR (qPCR). We found lower levels of Bifidobacterium in the MAP group in the first week after delivery (median = 2.1 vs 2.4 log of equivalent cells/ml of human milk, for MAP and no-MAP groups, respectively; P=0.01), although there were no statistical differences in total bacteria count. However, no differences were found in Bifidobacterium counts between the groups at day 30±4 (median = 2.5 vs 2.2 log of equivalent cells/ml of human milk, for MAP and no-MAP groups, respectively; P=0.50). Our results suggest that MAP has a significant impact on Bifidobacterium counts in human milk, reducing this population in the first week after delivery. However, throughout the first month after delivery, the Bifidobacterium counts tend to recover, reaching similar counts to those found in no-MAP group at day 30±4 after delivery.
TINEL'S SIGN AND PHALEN'S TEST IN CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Authors: Kuschner Stuart H , Ebramzadeh Edward , Johnson Darren , Brien William W , Sherman Randy
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

Tinel's sign and Phalen's test are two provocative tests used in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. A review of the literature reveals a wide range of sensitivity for these tests. Analyzing the historical data and comparing these to the Tinel's sign and Phalen's test results of 100 individuals without carpal tunnel syndrome (200 wrists), we conclude that the Tinel's sign is not useful in the evaluation of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, whereas Phalen's test, which has a greater sensitivity and specificity, can be of use.
The Effect of Phenylephrine and Cyclopentolate on Objective Wavefront Measurements
Authors: Jankov Mirko R , Iseli Hans Peter , Bueeler Michael , Schor Paulo , Seiler Theo , Mrochen Michael
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of phenylephrine and cyclopentolate on wavefront refraction and fourth order spherical aberration C
12
.

METHODS: This cohort study comprised 151 eyes with sphere up to -10.00 diopters (D) and cylinder -3.75 D. Aberrometry was performed using the ALLEGRO WAVE (WaveLight Laser Technologies AG, Erlangen, Germany) after instillation of phenylephrine 5% yielding objective phenylephrine refraction in accommodated steady-state, as well as after cyclopentolate 0.5% providing objective cyclopentolate refraction in non-accommodated state. Accommodation target fogging was turned off. Wavefront aberrations were expressed by Zernike expansion up to the sixth order, and paraxial curvature matching with Taylor series was used to calculate objective wavefront sphere.

RESULTS: Objective wavefront sphere was not influenced by pupil size. Eyes showed substantial accommodation after phenylephrine with a myopic shift of -0.66 D comparing objective to subjective manifest sphere (r=0.942, P<.001). Cycloplegic eyes behaved like a model eye, with a difference of -0.08 D between objective and subjective cycloplegic sphere (r= 0.976, P<.001). C
12
increased ten-fold from 4.0- to 7.0-mm pupil size, keeping the same sign. Comparing cyclopentolate with phenylephrine, the sign of C
12
changed in a positive direction by an average +0.124±0.109 µm (range: -0.052 to +0.632 µm) at 7.0 mm, whereas the total higher order aberrations changed very little. A good correlation was found between C
12
and the change in objective wavefront sphere between cyclopentolate and phenylephrine (r=0.75f P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Fogging of the accommodation target should be used for wavefront measurements. Weaker cycloplegic agents, such as tropicamide, may be used to ensure relaxed but not completely paralyzed accommodation, which would yield "manifest" aberration values close to the natural resting state. [J Refract Surg. 2006;22:472-481.]
Corneal and Epithelial Thickness in Keratoconus: A Comparison of Ultrasonic Pachymetry, Orbscan II, and Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Haque Sameena , Simpson Trefford , Jones Lyndon
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare corneal thickness measurements in individuals with keratoconus using optical coherence tomography (OCT), Orbscan II, and ultrasonic pachymetry and to measure epithelial and stromal thickness in these individuals using OCT.

METHODS: Twenty individuals with keratoconus and 20 controls (without keratoconus) were enrolled. The Orbscan II was used to locate the steepest area of the cornea, which was taken to represent the cone apex. Each instrument was used to obtain four total corneal thickness measurements-from the cone apex, corneal center, mid-nasal, and mid-temporal cornea. Optical coherence tomography scans were analyzed to provide epithelial and stromal thickness readings.

RESULTS: In individuals with keratoconus, mean central corneal thickness (CCT) measured by ultrasonic pachymetry, Orbscan, and OCT was 494.2±50.0 µm, 438.6±47.7 µm, and 433.5±39.7 µm, respectively. The central keratoconic cornea was 57.7 µm thinner than the normal cornea (post-hoc P<.001). The cone apex was thinner than the central cornea (P<.001). Keratoconic epithelium was 48.2±5.5 µm centrally and 42.1±4.5 µm at the apex. Central keratoconic epithelium was 4.7 µm thinner and central keratoconic stroma was 57.8 µm thinner than the normal cornea (P<.001, respectively). Comparing instruments, Orbscan and OCT correlated in CCT measurement (r=0.890) and apical thickness (r=0.846). All instruments produced similar readings for mid-nasal and mid-temporal corneal thickness in participants with keratoconus (P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonic pachymetry produced the highest corneal thickness readings in the center and apex, compared to Orbscan II and OCT. Centrally, the total cornea, epithelium, and stroma were thinner in individuals with keratoconus than in normal individuals. [J Refract Surg. 2006;22:486-493.]
The Effect of Scleral Buckling Surgery on Corneal Astigmatism, Corneal Thickness, and Anterior Chamber Depth
Authors: Cetin Ebru , Ozbek Zeynep , Saatci Ali Osman , Durak Ismet
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of scleral buckling surgery on corneal topography, corneal thickness, and anterior chamber depth.

METHODS: Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients who underwent encircling buckling surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were included in the study. Fellow eyes comprised the control group. Orbscan II topography system was used to determine the changes in corneal topography, corneal thickness, and anterior chamber depth before surgery and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. Statistical analyses used in the study were independent t test, paired t test, one way analysis of variance, and correlation analyses.

RESULTS: Postoperatively, mean central corneal astigmatism at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months was 4.3±2.0 diopters (D), 3.3±1.6 D, and 3.1±1.0 D, respectively. The change between 1 week and 3 months was statistically significant. Central cornea was thickened at the first postoperative week. The thickness gradually decreased to the preoperative levels at 3 months. Anterior chamber depth decreased, and the anterior chamber remained shallow after the surgery. The comparison between preoperative (2.94±0.6 mm) and postoperative anterior chamber depth was statistically significant at 1 week (2.57±0.7 mm), 1 month (2.83±0.7 mm), and 3 months (2.73±0.6 mm).

CONCLUSIONS: Corneal changes after scleral buckling surgery were mild to moderate and the cornea almost resumed its preoperative parameters in 3 months' time. However, the anterior chamber remained shallow during 3 months of follow-up. [J Refract Surg. 2006;22:494-499.]
Wavefront-supported Photorefractive Keratectomy With the Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix in Patients With Myopic Astigmatism and Suspected Keratoconus
Authors: Bahar Irit , Levinger Shmuel , Kremer Israel
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and visual outcome of wavefront-supported photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism in patients with suspected keratoconus.

METHODS: Forty eyes of 20 patients with myopia -4.0 to -8.0 diopters (D) (mean: -6.25±1.04 D), cylinder -1.0 to -2.50 D (mean: -1.61±0.71 D), and corneal thickness 440 to 488 µm were treated with wavefront-supported PRK. Corneal topography evaluation revealed a significantly irregular cylinder (inferior-superior difference >1.5 D) with possible mild or forme fruste keratoconus. Aberrometry was performed with the Hartmann-Shack aberrometer, and corneal data were evaluated with the Orbscan system. Eyes were treated with the Technolas 217z Bausch & Lomb excimer laser and followed for a minimum of 40 months.

RESULTS: Following surgery, mean spherical equivalent refraction was +0.33±0.8 D. It was within ±0.5 D of the intended refraction in 95% of eyes and within ±1.0 D in 100% of eyes. Mean uncorrected visual acuity improved from 20/400 preoperatively to 20/25 postoperatively. Mean best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) remained unchanged (20/20) or improved to 20/20 in 92.5% of eyes and to 20/25 in 7.5% of eyes. Individually, BSCVA did not change in 28 (70%) eyes and increased by ≥2 Snellen lines in 9 (22.5%) eyes; 3 (7.5%) eyes lost 1 Snellen line because of corneal haze. Laser treatment induced a significant flattening of the preoperative inferior corneal steepness in all eyes. Wavefront analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in high order aberrations (total root-mean-square and coma).

CONCLUSIONS: Wavefront-supported PRK appears to be effective for the treatment of myopia and astigmatism in patients with suspected keratoconus and thin, irregular corneas. Longer follow-up is needed to prove the safety of the procedure in this patient population. [J Refract Surg. 2006;22:533-538.]
Reproducibility of Flap Thickness With IntraLase FS and Moria LSK-1 and M2 Microkeratomes
Authors: Talamo Jonathan H , Meltzer Jeremy , Gardner John
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare flap thickness reproducibility of the femtosecond laser and two mechanical microkeratomes.

METHODS: Flap thickness for all eyes was measured as the difference between the preoperative (day of surgery) full corneal thickness and post-flap creation central stromal bed thickness using ultrasonic pachymetry. Flap thickness values produced by three different microkeratome systems were compared for accuracy and reproducibility.

RESULTS: For 99 flaps created using the IntraLase FS laser with an intended thickness of 110 µm, the mean achieved thickness was 119±12 µm (range: 82 to 149 µm). In 100 eyes treated with the Moria LSK-1 microkeratome with an intended flap thickness of 160 µm, the mean achieved thickness was 130 ±19 µm (range: 71 to 186 µm). In 135 eyes treated with the Moria M2 microkeratome with an intended flap thickness of 130 µm, mean thickness was 142 ±24 µm (range: 84 to 203 µm). The standard deviation and range of corneal flap thickness created with the IntraLase FS laser was significantly smaller than either mechanical microkeratome (P<.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: When compared to two commonly used mechanical microkeratomes, mean achieved flap thickness was more reproducible with the IntraLase FS laser, reducing the comparative risk of overly thick flaps. [J Refract Surg. 2006;22:556-561.]
Bilateral Comparison of Conventional Versus Topographic-guided Customized Ablation for Myopic LASIK With the NIDEK EC-5000
Authors: Du Chi-xin , Yang Ya-bo , Shen Ye , Wang Yang , Dougherty Paul J
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare visual acuity and higher order aberrations before and after myopic LASIK using conventional versus customized ablation.

METHODS: This prospective, randomized study included 54 myopic eyes in 27 patients who underwent bilateral LASIK using the NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser system (NIDEK Technologies, Gamagori, Japan). Customized aspheric treatment zone (CATz) treatment was used in one eye (CATz group) and conventional ablation (conventional group) was used in the fellow eye. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and higher order aberrations (root-mean-square [RMS] in 4-mm and 6-mm zones) of both groups were observed with the NIDEK OPD-Scan aberrometer before and 3 months after LASIK. Preoperative mean refractive error was similar for both eyes of each patient (P>.05).

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were noted in preoperative higher order aberrations (RMS in 4-mm and 6-mm zones) between groups (P>.05). No statistically significant difference was noted between pre- and postoperative higher order aberrations in the CATz group (P>.05). However, a highly statistically significant increase in higher order aberrations was observed after conventional ablation (P<.001). There was a statistically significant higher increase of higher order aberrations after LASIK in the conventional group than the CATz group (P<.05). Postoperative UCVA with both conventional and customized ablation was not significantly different (P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS: LASIK with conventional ablation and CATz ablation resulted in the same UCVA. The increase in higher order aberrations after CATz ablation was less than after conventional ablation. [J Refract Surg. 2006;22:642-646.]
Binocular Visual Performance After LASIK
Authors: Jiménez José Ramón , Villa Cesar , Anera Rosario González , Gutiérrez Ramón , del Barco Luis Jiménez
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To analyze binocular visual function after LASIK.

METHODS: Eye aberrometry and corneal topography was obtained for both eyes in 68 patients (136 eyes). To evaluate visual performance, monocular and binocular contrast sensitivity function and disturbance index for quantifying halos were measured. Tests were performed under mesopic conditions.

RESULTS: Binocular summation and disturbance index diminished significantly (P<.0001) after LASIK with increasing interocular differences in corneal and eye aberrations. Binocular visual deterioration was greater than monocular deterioration for contrast sensitivity function and disturbance index.

CONCLUSIONS: Binocular function deteriorates more than monocular function after LASIK. This deterioration increases as the interocular differences in aberrations and corneal shape increase. Improvements in ablation algorithms should minimize these interocular differences. [J Refract Surg. 2006;22:679-688.]
Wavefront Analyzers Induce Instrument Myopia
Authors: Cervino Alejandro , Hosking Sarah L , Rai Gurjeet K , Naroo Shezhad A , Gilmartin Bernard
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of three wavefront analyzers versus a validated binocular open-view autorefractor in determining refractive error in non-cycloplegic eyes.

METHODS: Eighty eyes were examined using the SRW-5000 open-view infrared autorefractor and, in randomized sequence, three wavefront analyzers: 1) OPD-Scan (NIDEK, Gamagori, Japan), 2) WASCA (Zeiss/Med itec, Jena, Germany), and 3) Allegretto (WaveLight Laser Technologies AG, Erlangen, Germany). Subjects were healthy adults (19 men and 21 women; mean age: 20.8±2.5 years). Refractive errors ranged from +1.5 to -9.75 diopters (D) (mean: +1.83±2.74 D) with up to 1.75 D cylinder (mean: 0.58±0.53 D). Three readings were collected per instrument by one examiner without anticholinergic agents. Refraction values were decomposed into vector components for analysis, resulting in mean spherical equivalent refraction (M) and J0 and J45 being vectors of cylindrical power at 0° and 45°, respectively.

RESULTS: Positive correlation was observed between wavefront analyzers and the SRW-5000 for spherical equivalent refraction (OPD-Scan, r=0.959, P<.001; WASCA, r=0.981, P<.001; Allegretto, r=0.942, P<.001). Mean differences and limits of agreement showed more negative spherical equivalent refraction with wavefront analyzers (OPD-Scan, 0.406+0.768 D [range: 0.235 to 0.580 D] [P<.001]; WASCA, 0.511±0.550 D [range: 0.390 to 0.634 D] [P<.001]; and Allegretto, 0.434±0.904 D [range: 0.233 to 0.635 D] [P<.001]). A second analysis eliminating outliers showed the same trend but lower differences: OPD-Scan (n=75), 0.24±0.41 D (range: 0.15 to 0.34 D) (P<.001); WASCA (n=78), 0.46+0.47 D (range: 0.36 to 0.57 D) (P<.001); and Allegretto (n=77), 0.30+0.62 D (range: 0.16 to 0.44 D) (P<.001). No statistically significant differences were noted for J
p 0
and J
45
.

CONCLUSIONS: Wavefront analyzer refraction resulted in 0.30 D more myopia compared to SRW-5000 refraction in eyes without cycloplegia. This is the result of the accommodation excess attributable to instrument myopia. For the relatively low degrees of astigmatism in this study (<2.0 D), good agreement was noted between wavefront analyzers and the SRW-5000. [J Refract Surg. 2006;22:795-803.]
Late Onset Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis as a Result of the Toxic Effect of Ecballium Elaterium Herb
Authors: Koçak Ibrahim , Karabela Yunus , Karaman Mehmet , Kaya Faruk
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case of late onset diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) 11 months after LASIK due to Ecballium elaterium exposure.

METHODS: A 25-year-old man underwent bilateral LASIK. No complications were observed during the early postoperative period.

RESULTS: Eleven months after LASIK surgery, grade Il DLK was diagnosed after an Ecballium elaterium herb seed burst and splashed into the patient's left eye. Topical steroid treatment was administered and DLK healed in 2 weeks without complication.

CONCLUSIONS: Although DLK typically develops in the early postoperative period, it could occur months after surgery. Treatment should begin as soon as DLK is diagnosed. [J Refract Surg. 2006;22:826-827.]
A Research Roadmap to Advance Data Collaboratives Practice as a Novel Research Direction
Authors: Susha Iryna , Pardo Theresa A. , Janssen Marijn , Adler Natalia , Verhulst Stefaan G. , Harbour Todd
Published: December 2018

An increasing number of initiatives have emerged around the world to help facilitate data sharing and collaborations to leverage different sources of data to address societal problems. They are called “data collaboratives”. Data collaboratives are seen as a novel way to match real life problems with relevant expertise and data from across the sectors. Despite its significance and growing experimentation by practitioners, there has been limited research in this field. In this article, the authors report on the outcomes of a panel discussing critical issues facing data collaboratives and develop a research and development agenda. The panel included participants from the government, academics, and practitioners and was held in June 2017 during the 18th International Conference on Digital Government Research at City University of New York (Staten Island, New York, USA). The article begins by discussing the concept of data collaboratives. Then the authors formulate research questions and topics for the research roadmap based on the panel discussions. The research roadmap poses questions across nine different topics: conceptualizing data collaboratives, value of data, matching data to problems, impact analysis, incentives, capabilities, governance, data management, and interoperability. Finally, the authors discuss how digital government research can contribute to answering some of the identified research questions.
Smart City as an Upshot of Bureaucratic Reform in Indonesia
Authors: Purwanto Erwan Agus
Published: December 2018

The implementation of e-government in Indonesia is not only limited to efforts to improve the efficiency of bureaucracy, but also achieve more comprehensive goals of increased efficiency of entire communities with the ultimate objective to boost productivity and competitiveness in facing global challenges. At the local government level, efforts to enhance overall efficiency is implementing smart city program. This article proposes a smart city program implemented in several cities in Indonesia. The main questions are: Is the smart city program able to bring about change to the lives of Indonesian citizens? What are the problems encountered by municipalities in implementing the smart city program? The research found that smart city development in a number of municipalities was aimed at two main sectors, which were governance and public services. The governance sector covered planning, regional finance management, and personnel system.
Activate Climate of Change to Motivate Users Toward Using Innovative Public E-Services
Authors: Alsultanny Yas A.
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this article is to assess the factors that motivate users toward using innovative public e-services that provided by e-government, to enhance services and reduce costs. The effect of users' demographic characteristics on motivation factors were examined as well. A questionnaire survey was conducted on a sample of 676 users of public e-services, and the research hypotheses were tested using variance analysis. The results showed that the benefits, cost, risk, and opportunity have a positive significant relationship toward motivate users to use innovative public e-services. The demographic characteristics education, age, and job type have no statistically significant differences on using innovative public e-services, except gender have statistically significant differences on risk and opportunity. This article extends previous research that was investigated impact of e-recruitment as one of the online services. Innovative public e-services are important to any organization in doing services online with shortest time and less cost.
A Fuzzy ANP-Based GRA Approach to Evaluate ERP Packages
Authors: Ayağ Zeki , Yücekaya Ahmet
Published: December 2018

One of the major problems that most companies face with during the implementation of an ERP system is to determine the best satisfying ERP software based on their needs and expectations. Because an improperly selected ERP software might lead to time loss and increased costs, and in the long run, a loss of market share. Therefore, the ERP evaluation process for companies becomes to a vital point. On the other hand, evaluating ERP software alternatives under a set of criteria leads us to a multiple-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem, and needs to use proper MCDM methods. In the current literature, a number of the MCDM methods have been proposed to solve these kinds of problems, both of which are the analytic network process (ANP) of Saaty, and grey relational analysis (GRA) which has been widely used in solving MCDM selection problems in various fields. Moreover, in this article, the authors used the fuzzy extension of the ANP method to reflect the uncertainty and ambiguity of decision maker(s) into problem in order to reach more reliable solution. As the fuzzy ANP method was used to calculate the priority weights of the evaluation criteria, the GRA method with fuzzy interval-values was employed to rank a set of the possible ERP software alternatives. The proposed approach was also validated in a case study to show its applicability to potential readers and practitioners.
A Metric-Based Approach for Quality Evaluation in Distributed Networking Systems
Authors: Farid Farnaz , Shahrestani Seyed , Ruan Chun
Published: December 2018

The distributed networking system is a dominant paradigm in the industry. In today's network industry, security and Quality of service (QoS) are two key services. The distributed network deals with an entire range of parameters coming from different applications. Therefore, it is of great significance to determine a set of key parameters and draw meaningful evaluation outcomes. On the other hand, security mechanisms provide user identification, authentication, consistency and information protection over the distributed environment. This research presents some analyses which draw connections between QoS and security of distributed networks. Then, a metric-based quantifying methodology is presented which quantifies network quality using QoS and security metrics. The QoS quantifying method is then further elaborated. The efficiency of this method is investigated using a range of simulation studies. The simulation analysis and results indicate that the proposed approach facilitates better QoS management and monitoring of the distributed networking systems.
Towards Risk Based Effort Estimation
Authors: Chandani Priyanka , Gupta Chetna
Published: December 2018

Power consumption mainly takes place in three stages: processing the data, receiving the data, and transmitting the data. Power consumption in data transmitting is one of the most important phenomena in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this article, authors analyze the power transmission in three scenarios with 100 and 500 nodes for 100 and 1000 sq. meters of area respectively and design a network which should be more efficient in power saving. Results analysis section presents different data aggregation techniques and their impact on the power transmission in WSNs. Three different scenarios have been used during simulation of network in Matlab. After that, the authors find that the proposed approach has outperformed in the first two scenarios. However, in the third scenario, results are partially better as compared to the existing approaches (tree-based, cluster-based, chain-based, and grid-based). The proposed approach, PLBDA, is 10.30%, 18.55%, 37.11%, and 55.67% better for transmission power save in comparison to tree-based, cluster-based, grid-based, and chain-based approaches respectively.