bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of body size and prey quality on the reproductive attributes of two aphidophagous Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) species
Authors: Bista Mahadev , Omkar
Published: August 2013

In the present study, effects of body size and prey quality on reproductive attributes and longevity of two aphidophagous Coccinellidae (Coleoptera), Coccinella septempunctata (Linnaeus) and Coccinella transversalis Fabricius, have been investigated in laboratory conditions. Higher fecundity, egg fertility, and longevity were obtained in larger females of C. septempunctata on pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and in C. transversalis on bean aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Males of C. septempunctata survived longer than those of C. transversalis on both prey. Number of clutches was lower and clutch size was higher in early and late reproductive phase; the reverse was observed in the middle of the reproductive phase. Larger females of C. septempunctata and C. transversalis laid higher number of clutches than the smaller ones. Thus, both body size and prey quality affect reproductive performance in Coccinellidae, though size variation did not change the prey preference.
Delimitation and management of emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): case study at an outlier infestation in southwestern New York State, United States of America
Authors: Fierke M.K. , Whitmore M.C. , Foelker C. , Vandenberg J.D. , Carlson J.
Published: August 2013

We present a case study in which we developed an adaptive delimitation technique and implemented and evaluated management of emerald ash borer (EAB),Agrilus planipennisFairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), in the first infestation discovered in New York State, United States of America. Delimitation was accomplished using 106 girdled “sentinel” trees and management included girdling 18 clusters of trees as population “sinks” to attract EAB and concentrate larvae for removal. Weekly monitoring of traps hung in sentinel trees facilitated early detection of EAB on 12 trees and allowed deployment of additional sentinels and sinks. Sentinel trees were felled and debarked; 12 were positive for EAB larvae and the spatial extent of infestation estimated at ∼48 km2. Sinks nearest the infestation core had the highest numbers of larvae. Larval densities were significantly greater in girdled trees than in proximate ungirdled trees suggesting removal of girdled trees prior to the following year's emergence would lower local EAB densities. Sinks deployed in response to an EAB on a sentinel tree purple prism trap more than 0.6 km from the centre of the known infestation were negative for EAB indicating these would not be effective for managing an infestation of similar size and in similar habitats. This case study provides valuable information to land managers to facilitate delimitation and management of newly discovered EAB infestations.
Immunobiology and Conflicting Roles of the Human NKG2D Lymphocyte Receptor and Its Ligands in Cancer
Authors: El-Gazzar Ahmed , Groh Veronika , Spies Thomas
Published: August 2013

Cancers adopt diverse strategies to safeguard their survival, which often involve blinding or incapacitating the immune response, thereby gaining battleground advantage against the host. In immune responses against cancer, an important stimulatory lymphocyte receptor is NKG2D because the tumor-associated expression of its ligands promotes destruction of malignant cells. However, with advanced human cancers profound changes unfold wherein NKG2D and its ligands are targeted or exploited for immune evasion and suppression. This negative imprinting on the immune system may be accompanied by another functional state wherein cancer cells coopt expression of NKG2D to complement the presence of its ligands for self-stimulation of tumor growth and presumably malignant progression. This review emphasizes these conflicting functional dynamics at the immunity–cancer biology interface in humans, within an overview of the immunobiology of NKG2D and mechanisms underlying the regulation of its ligands in cancer, with reference to instructive clinical observations and translational approaches.
What matters for organisational change? Evidence from DEPZ, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Zohurul
Published: August 2013

Orientation: The role of leadership and human resources (HRM) at the managerial level in the economic zones to implement organisational change have been well described in developing countries although they are often not well documented.Research purpose: The purpose of this article is to investigate the relationship between leadership, organisational behaviour and HRM in Dhaka export processing zone (DEPZ) enterprises.Motivation for the study: This study has given a direction for implementing organisational change in DEPZ organisations, where leadership, organisational behaviour and HRM have significant effects on organisational change.Research design, approach and method: The author completed a survey using a structured questionnaire on 53 enterprises in the DEPZ. The sample size was 216. The author tested the research hypotheses by using statistical tools like step-wise multiple regression analysis. The author also used Pearson correlations, a t-test, an ANOVA and a radar diagram in this study.Main findings: The results provide evidence that leadership behaviour, organisational behaviour factors and HRM practices have direct relationships with organisational change. In short, it requires high level of leadership ability, employee motivation and commitment, recruitment, performance appraisal and reward to bring about effective organisational change.Practical/managerial implications: The results show that organisational learning, transformational and transactional leadership, compensation and unionisation practices reinforce organisational change at DEPZ enterprises.Contribution/value-add: The results of this study show that organisational change requires integration with leadership ability, organisational behaviour and HRM practices, which are useful for developing companies, industries and the national economy.
Detection of Different β-Lactamases and their Co-existence by Using Various Discs Combination Methods in Clinical Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp.
Authors: Rawat Vinita , Singhai Monil , Verma Pankaj Kumar
Published: August 2013

Background: Resistance to broad spectrum beta-lactams mediated by extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC, and metallobetalactamase (MBLs) enzymes are an increasing problem worldwide. The study was aimed to detect occurrence rate and to evaluate different substrates and inhibitors by disc combination method for detecting varying degree of β-lactamase enzymes and their co-production.

Materials and Methods: A disc panel containing imipenem (IMP), IMP/EDTA, ceftazidime (CA), ceftazidime-tazobactum (CAT), CAT/cloxacillin (CLOX), ceftazidime-clavulanic acid (CAC), CAC/CLOX, cefoxitin (CN), and CN/CLOX in a single plate was used to detect presence of ESBLs, AmpC, and MBLs and/or their co-existence in 184 consecutive, nonrepetitive, clinical isolates of Enterobacteriace (n = 96) and Pseudomonas spp. (n = 88) from pus samples of hospitalized patients, resistant to 3rd generation cephalosporins.

Results: Out of a total of 96 clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae, 18.7, 20.8, and 27% were pure ESBL, AmpC, and MBL producers, respectively. ESBL and AmpC were co-produced by 25% isolates. Among 88 Pseudomonas spp. 38.6, 13, and 6% were pure MBL, ESBL, and AmpC producers, respectively. ESBL/AmpC and MBL/AmpC co-production was seen in 20% and 18% isolates, respectively. Among ESBL and AmpC co-producers, CA/CAC/CLOX disc combination (DC) missed 7 of the 24 ESBL producers in Enterobacteriace and 4 of the 18 ESBL in Pseudomonas spp., which were detected by CA/CAT/CLOX DC. No mechanism was detected among 8.3% Enterobacteriaceae and 2.3% Pseudomonas isolates.

Conclusion: Diagnostic problems posed by co-existence of different classes of β-lactamases in a single isolate could be solved by disc combination method by using simple panel of discs containing CA, CAT, CAT/CLOX, IMP, and IMP/EDTA.
Thyroid Hormone Levels in Apparently Euthyroid Subjects with Essential Hypertension in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Emokpae Abiodun Mathias , Abdu Aliyu , Osadolor Humphrey Benedo
Published: August 2013

Background: High blood pressure (BP) is a major health problem in Nigeria and the involvement of thyroid hormones in this condition has not been evaluated in this center.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the proportion of patients with an essential hypertension who had abnormal thyroid hormone levels and the type of thyroid disorders commonly observed in this group of patients.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 94 patients (30 males, aged 30.4 ± 2 years and 64 females, aged 43.4 ± 1.3 years) with essential hypertension was carried out between January 2005 and December 2007. Demographic and other medical information were obtained from the health records. Analysis of laboratory results of triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were made.

Results: Of the 94 patients evaluated, 26 (27.7%) had abnormal thyroid hormone levels, with 23.4% having hyperthyroidism, 4.3% had sub-clinical hypothyroidism and none had overt hypothyroidism. Of the 26 subjects with abnormal thyroid hormone levels, 18 (69.2%) were females while 8 (30.8%) were males. Out of the 18 female subjects with abnormal thyroid hormone levels, 16 had hyperthyroid levels while 2 had sub-clinical hypothyroid levels. Out of the 8 male patients, 6 had hyperthyroid hormone levels while 2 had sub-clinical hypothyroid levels.

Conclusion: Thyroid hormone abnormalities are common in patients with essential hypertension. Hyperthyroidism was the most common thyroid disorder observed. Young patients presenting with essential hypertension should be screened for thyroid hormone abnormalities since they can best be managed by treating the underlying causes.
Animal Cancer Models of Skeletal Metastasis
Authors: Hibberd Catherine , Cossigny Davina A.F. , Quan Gerald M.Y.
Published: August 2013

The bony skeleton is one of the most common sites of metastatic spread of cancer and is a significant source of morbidity in cancer patients, causing pain and pathologic fracture, impaired ambulatory ability, and poorer quality of life. Animal cancer models of skeletal metastases are essential for better understanding of the molecular pathways behind metastatic spread and local growth and invasion of bone, to enable analysis of host-tumor cell interactions, identify barriers to the metastatic process, and to provide platforms to develop and test novel therapies prior to clinical application in human patients. Thus, the ideal model should be clinically relevant, reproducible and representative of the human condition. This review summarizes the current in vivo animal models used in the study of cancer metastases of the skeleton.
Solutions of Fractional Partial Differential Equations of Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Purohit S. D.
Published: August 2013

The aim of this article is to investigate the solutions of generalized fractional partial differential equations involving Hilfer time fractional derivative and the space fractional generalized Laplace operators, occurring in quantum mechanics. The solutions of these equations are obtained by employing the joint Laplace and Fourier transforms, in terms of the Fox’sH-function. Several special cases as solutions of one dimensional non-homogeneous fractional equations occurring in the quantum mechanics are presented. The results given earlier by Saxena et al. [Fract. Calc. Appl. Anal., 13(2) (2010), pp. 177–190] and Purohit and Kalla [J. Phys. A Math. Theor., 44 (4) (2011), 045202] follow as special cases of our findings.
A decadal satellite analysis of the origins and impacts of smoke in Colorado
Authors: Val Martin M. , Heald C. L. , Ford B. , Prenni A. J. , Wiedinmyer C.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. We analyze the record of aerosol optical depth (AOD) measured by the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Terra satellite in combination with surface PM2.5 to investigate the impact of fires on aerosol loading and air quality over Colorado from 2000 to 2012, and to evaluate the contribution of local versus transported smoke. Fire smoke contributed significantly to the AOD levels observed over Colorado. During the worst fire seasons of 2002 and 2012, average MODIS AOD over the Colorado Front Range corridor were 20–50% larger than the other 11 yr studied. Surface PM2.5 was also unusually elevated during fire events and concentrations were in many occasions above the daily National Ambient Air Quality Standard (35 μg m−3) and even reached locally unhealthy levels (> 100 μg m−3) over populated areas during the 2012 High Park fire and the 2002 Hayman fire. Over the 13 yr examined, long-range transport of smoke from northwestern US and even California (> 1500 km distance) occurred often and affected AOD and surface PM2.5. During most of the transport events, MODIS AOD and surface PM2.5 were reasonable correlated (r2 = 0.2–0.9), indicating that smoke subsided into the Colorado boundary layer and reached surface levels. However, that is not always the case since at least one event of AOD enhancement was disconnected from the surface (r2<0.01 and low PM2.5 levels). Observed plume heights from the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) satellite instrument and vertical aerosol profiles measured by the space-based Cloud-Aerosol LIdar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) showed a complex vertical distribution of smoke emitted by the High Park fire in 2012. Smoke was detected from a range of 1.5 to 7.5 km altitude at the fire origin and from ground levels to 12.3 km altitude far away from the source. The variability of smoke altitude as well as the local meteorology were key in determining the aerosol loading and air quality over the Colorado Front Range region. Our results underline the importance of accurate characterization of the vertical distribution of smoke for estimating the air quality degradation associated with fire activity and its link to human health.
The thermodynamic state of the Arctic atmosphere observed by AIRS: comparisons during the record minimum sea ice extents of 2007 and 2012
Authors: Devasthale A. , Sedlar J. , Koenigk T. , Fetzer E. J.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The record sea ice minimum (SIM) extents observed during the summers of 2007 and 2012 in the Arctic are stark evidence of accelerated sea ice loss during the last decade. Improving our understanding of the Arctic atmosphere and accurate quantification of its characteristics becomes ever more crucial, not least to improve predictions of such extreme events in the future. In this context, the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument onboard NASA's Aqua satellite provides crucial insights due to its ability to provide 3-D information on atmospheric thermodynamics. Here, we facilitate comparisons in the evolution of the thermodynamic state of the Arctic atmosphere during these two SIM events using a decade-long AIRS observational record (2003–2012). It is shown that the meteorological conditions during 2012 were not extreme, but three factors of preconditioning from winter through early summer played an important role in accelerating sea ice melt. First, the marginal sea ice zones along the central Eurasian and North Atlantic sectors remained warm throughout winter and early spring in 2012 preventing thicker ice build-up. Second, the circulation pattern favoured efficient sea ice transport out of the Arctic in the Atlantic sector during late spring and early summer in 2012 compared to 2007. Third, additional warming over the Canadian archipelago and southeast Beaufort Sea from May onward further contributed to accelerated sea ice melt. All these factors may have lead the already thin and declining sea ice cover to pass below the previous sea ice extent minimum of 2007. In sharp contrast to 2007, negative surface temperature anomalies and increased cloudiness were observed over the East Siberian and Chukchi seas in the summer of 2012. The results suggest that satellite-based monitoring of atmospheric preconditioning could be a critical source of information in predicting extreme sea ice melting events in the Arctic.
The impact of the chemical production of methyl nitrate from the NO + CH3O2 reaction on the global distributions of alkyl nitrates, nitrogen oxides and tropospheric ozone: a global modeling study
Authors: Williams J. E. , Le Bras G. , Kukui A. , Ziereis H. , Brenninkmeijer C. A. M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The formation, abundance and distribution of organic nitrates are relevant for determining the production efficiency and resident mixing ratios of tropospheric ozone (O3) at both regional and global scales. Here we investigate the effect of applying the recently measured direct chemical production of methyl nitrate (CH3ONO2) during NOx recycling involving the methyl-peroxy radical on the global tropospheric distribution of CH3ONO2 and the perturbations introduced towards tropospheric NOx and O3 using the TM5 global chemistry transport model. By comparing against numerous observations we show that the global surface distribution of CH3ONO2 can be largely explained by introducing the chemical production mechanism using a branching ratio of 0.3%, when assuming a direct oceanic emission source of ~0.29 Tg N yr−1. The resident mixing ratios are found to be highly sensitive towards the dry deposition velocity of CH3ONO2 that is prescribed, where more than 50% of the direct oceanic emission of CH3ONO2 is lost near the source regions thereby mitigating subsequent effects on tropospheric composition due to long range and convective transport. For the higher alkyl nitrates (C2 and above) we find improvements in their simulated distribution in the tropics in TM5 improves when introducing direct oceanic emissions of ~0.17 Tg N yr−1. For the tropical upper troposphere (UT) a significant low model bias for all alkly nitrates occurs due to either missing transport pathways or chemical precursors, although measurements show significant variability in resident mixing ratios at high altitudes with respect to both latitude and longitude. For total reactive nitrogen (NOy) ~20% originates from alkyl nitrates in the tropical and extra-tropical UT, where the introduction of both direct oceanic emission sources and the chemical production of CH3ONO2 only increases NOy by ~5% when compared with aircraft observations. We find that the increases in tropospheric O3 due to direct oceanic emissions are mitigated by introducing the direct chemical production of CH3ONO2 resulting in rather moderate effects on nitrogen oxides and tropospheric O3.
In-situ physical and chemical characterization of the Eyjafjallajökull aerosol plume in the free troposphere over Italy
Authors: Sandrini S. , Giulianelli L. , Decesari S. , Facchini M. C. , Fuzzi S. , Cristofanelli P. , Marinoni A. , Bonasoni P. , Chiari M. , Calzolai G. , Canepari S. , Perrino C.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Continuous measurements of physical and chemical properties at the Mt. Cimone GAW-WMO Global Station (2165 m a.s.l.) allowed the detection of the volcanic aerosol plume resulting from the Eyjafjallajökull eruption of spring 2010. The event affected the site after a transport over a distance of more than 3000 km. Two main transport episodes were detected during the eruption period, showing a volcanic fingerprint discernible against the free tropospheric background conditions typical of the site, the first from 19 to 21 April and the second from 18 to 20 May 2010. The paper reports the modification of aerosol characteristics observed during the two episodes, both characterized by an abrupt increase in fine and, especially, coarse mode particle number. Analysis of major, minor and trace elements by different analytical techniques (Ionic Chromatography, PIXE-PIGE and ICP-MS) were performed on aerosols collected by ground level discrete sampling. The resulting database allows the characterization of aerosol chemical composition during the volcanic plume transport and in background conditions. During the passage of the volcanic plume, the fine fraction was dominated by sulphates, denoting the secondary origin of this mode, mainly resulting from in-plume oxidation of volcanic SO2. By contrast, the coarse fraction was characterized by increased concentration of numerous elements of crustal origin, such as Fe, Ti, Mn, Ca, Na, and Mg, which enter the composition of silicate minerals. Data analysis of selected elements (Ti, Al, Fe, Mn) allowed the estimation of the volcanic plume's contribution to total PM10, resulting in a local enhancement of up to 9.5 μg m-3, i.e. 40% of total PM10, on 18 May, which was the most intense of the two episodes. These results appear significant, especially in the light of the huge distance of Mt. Cimone from the source, confirming the widespread diffusion of the Eyjafjallajokull ashes over Europe.
Different seasonality of pelagic and benthic Thaumarchaeota in the North Sea
Authors: Bale N. J. , Villanueva L. , Hopmans E. C. , Schouten S. , Sinninghe Damsté J. S.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. We have examined the spatial and seasonal distribution of Thaumarchaeota in the water column and sediment of the southern North Sea using the specific intact polar lipid (IPL) hexose, phosphohexose (HPH) crenarchaeol, as well as thaumarchaeotal 16S rRNA gene abundances and expression. In the water column, a higher abundance of Thaumarchaeota was observed in the winter season than in the summer, which is in agreement with previous studies, but this was not the case in the sediment where Thaumarchaeota were most abundant in spring and summer. This observation corresponds well with the idea that ammonia availability is a key factor in thaumarchaeotal niche determination. In the surface waters of the southern North Sea, we observed a spatial variability in HPH crenarchaeol, thaumarchaeotal 16S rRNA gene abundance and transcriptional activity that corresponded well with the different water masses present. In bottom waters, a clear differentiation based on water masses was not observed; instead, we suggest that observed differences in thaumarchaeotal abundance with depth may be related to resuspension from the sediment. This could be due to suspension of benthic Thaumarchaeota to the water column or due to delivery of e.g. resuspended sediment or ammonium to the water column, which could be utilized by pelagic Thaumarchaeota. This study has shown that the seasonality of Thaumarchaeota in water and sediment is different and highlights the importance of water masses, currents and sedimentary processes in determining the spatial abundance of Thaumarchaeota in the southern North Sea.
The last interglacial (Eemian) climate simulated by LOVECLIM and CCSM3
Authors: Nikolova I. , Yin Q. , Berger A. , Singh U. K. , Karami M. P.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the climate of the last interglacial simulated by two climate models of different complexities, CCSM3 (Community Climate System Model 3) and LOVECLIM (LOch-Vecode-Ecbilt-CLio-agIsm Model). The simulated surface temperature, hydrological cycle, vegetation and ENSO variability during the last interglacial are analyzed through the comparison with the simulated pre-industrial (PI) climate. In both models, the last interglacial period is characterized by a significant warming (cooling) over almost all the continents during boreal summer (winter) leading to a largely increased (reduced) seasonal contrast in the Northern (Southern) Hemisphere. This is mainly due to the much higher (lower) insolation received by the whole Earth in boreal summer (winter) during this interglacial. The Arctic is warmer than PI through the whole year, resulting from its much higher summer insolation, its remnant effect in the following fall-winter through the interactions between atmosphere, ocean and sea ice and feedbacks from sea ice and snow cover. Discrepancies exist in the sea-ice formation zones between the two models. Cooling is simulated by CCSM3 in the Greenland and Norwegian seas and near the shelves of Antarctica during DJF but not in LOVECLIM as a result of excessive sea-ice formation. Intensified African monsoon is responsible for the cooling during summer in northern Africa and on the Arabian Peninsula. Over India, the precipitation maximum is found further west, while in Africa the precipitation maximum migrates further north. Trees and grassland expand north in Sahel/Sahara, more clearly seen in LOVECLIM than in CCSM3 results. A mix of forest and grassland occupies continents and expands deep into the high northern latitudes. Desert areas reduce significantly in the Northern Hemisphere, but increase in northern Australia. The interannual SST variability of the tropical Pacific (El-Niño Southern Oscillation) of the last interglacial simulated by CCSM3 shows slightly larger variability and magnitude compared to the PI. However, the SST variability in our LOVECLIM simulations is particularly small due to the overestimated thermocline's depth.
The sensitivity of the modeled energy budget and hydrological cycle to CO2 and solar forcing
Authors: Schaller N. , Cermak J. , Wild M. , Knutti R.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The transient responses of the energy budget and the hydrological cycle to CO2 and solar forcings of the same magnitude in a global climate model are quantified in this study. Idealized simulations are designed to test the assumption that the responses to forcings are linearly additive, i.e. whether the response to individual forcings can be added to estimate the responses to the combined forcing, and to understand the physical processes occurring as a response to a surface warming caused by CO2 or solar forcing increases of the same magnitude. For the global climate model considered, the responses of most variables of the energy budget and hydrological cycle, including surface temperature, do not add linearly. A separation of the response into a forcing and a feedback term shows that for precipitation, this non-linearity arises from the feedback term, i.e. from the non-linearity of the temperature response and the changes in the water cycle resulting from it. Further, changes in the energy budget show that less energy is available at the surface for global annual mean latent heat flux, and hence global annual mean precipitation, in simulations of transient CO2 concentration increase compared to simulations with an equivalent transient increase in the solar constant. On the other hand, lower tropospheric water vapor increase is similar between simulations with CO2 and solar forcing increase of the same magnitude. The response in precipitation is therefore more muted compared to the response in water vapor in CO2 forcing simulations, leading to a larger increase in residence time of water vapor in the atmosphere compared to solar forcing simulations. Finally, energy budget calculations show that poleward atmospheric energy transport increases more in solar forcing compared to equivalent CO2 forcing simulations, which is in line with the identified strong increase in large-scale precipitation in solar forcing scenarios.
Evaluation of WRF-SFIRE performance with field observations from the FireFlux experiment
Authors: Kochanski A. K. , Jenkins M. A. , Mandel J. , Beezley J. D. , Clements C. B. , Krueger S.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. This study uses in situ measurements collected during the FireFlux field experiment to evaluate and improve the performance of the coupled atmosphere–fire model WRF-SFIRE. The simulation by WRF-SFIRE of the experimental burn shows that WRF-SFIRE is capable of providing realistic head-fire rate of spread and vertical temperature structure of the fire plume, and fire-induced surface flow and vertical velocities within the plume up to 10 m above ground level. The simulation captured the changes in wind speed and direction before, during, and after fire front passage, along with the arrival times of wind speed, temperature, and updraft maxima, at the two instrumented flux towers used in FireFlux. The model overestimated vertical wind speeds and underestimated horizontal wind speeds measured at tower heights above 10 m. It is hypothesized that the limited model spatial resolution led to overestimates of the fire front depth, heat release rate, and updraft speed. However, on the whole, WRF-SFIRE simulated fire plume behavior that is consistent with FireFlux observations. The study suggests optimal experimental pre-planning, design, and execution strategies for future field campaigns that are intended to evaluate and develop further coupled atmosphere–fire models.
Inundation risk for embanked rivers
Authors: Strupczewski W. G. , Kochanek K. , Bogdanowicz E. , Markiewicz I.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The Flood Frequency Analysis (FFA) concentrates on probability distribution of peak flows of flood hydrographs. However, examination of floods that haunted and devastated the large parts of Poland lead us to revision of the views on the assessment of flood risk of Polish rivers. It turned out that flooding is caused not only by the overflow of the levee crest but also due to the prolonged exposure to high water on levees structure causing dangerous leaks and breaches that threaten their total destruction. This is because the levees are weakened by long-lasting water pressure and as a matter of fact their damage usually occurs after the culmination has passed the affected location. The probability of inundation is the total of probabilities of exceeding embankment crest by flood peak and the probability of washout of levees. Therefore, in addition to the maximum flow one should also consider the duration of high waters in a river channel. In the paper the new two-component model of flood dynamics: "Duration of high waters–Discharge Threshold–Probability of non-exceedance" (DqF), with the methodology of its parameter estimation was proposed as a completion to the classical FFA methods. Such a model can estimate the duration of stages (flows) of an assumed magnitude with a given probability of exceedance. The model combined with the technical evaluation of the probability of levee breaches due to the duration (d) of flow above alarm stage gives the annual probability of inundation caused by the embankment breaking. The results of theoretical investigation were illustrated by a practical example of the model implementation to the series of daily flow of the Vistula River at Szczucin. Regardless of promising results, the method of risk assessment due to prolonged exposure of levees to high water is still in its infancy despite its great cognitive potential and practical importance. Therefore, we would like to point out the need for and usefulness of the DqF model as complementary to the analysis of the flood peak flows, as in classical FFA. The presented two-component model combined with the routine flood frequency model constitutes a new direction in FFA for embanked rivers
Rapid and sudden advection of warm and dry air in the Mediterranean basin
Authors: Mazon J. , Pino D. , Barriendos M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Rapid advection of extremely warm and dry air is studied during two events in the Mediterranean basin. On 27 August 2010 a rapid advection of extremely warm and dry air affected the northeast Iberian Peninsula during few hours. At the Barcelona city center, the temperature reached 39.3 °C, which is the maximum temperature value recorded during 230 yr of daily data series. On 23 March 2008 a similar synoptic situation was the cause of a rapid increase of temperature and drop of relative humidity recorded for few hours in Heraklion (Crete). During the morning on that day the recorded temperature reaches 34 °C for several hours in the north coastline of this island. According to the World Meteorological Organization none of these events can be classified as a heat wave, which requires at least two days of abnormally high temperatures; or as a heat burst as defined by the American Meteorological Society, where abnormal temperatures take place over a few minutes. For this reason, we suggest naming this type of event flash heat. By using data from automatic weather stations in the Barcelona and Heraklion area and WRF mesoscale numerical simulations, these events are analyzed. Additionally, the primary risks and possible impacts on several fields are presented.
Review on the Worldwide Epidemiology of Uveitis
Authors: Miserocchi Elisabetta , Fogliato Giovanni , Modorati Giulio , Bandello Francesco
Published: August 2013

Purpose

We describe the worldwide epidemiology of uveitis through a systematic literature review.

Methods

Data obtained from the most relevant studies published until November 2012 were reported.

Results

Results of our research were structured in sections about the epidemiology of uveitis by anatomical location of inflammation (anterior, intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis), type of inflammation (infectious and noninfectious), and by age (children and elderly). Difficulties encountered analyzing the different epidemiologic studies were discussed in a dedicated section.

Conclusions

Limited information is available regarding the epidemiology of uveitis. Worldwide epidemiologic studies may help the clinician in the management of patients with inflammatory ocular diseases, enabling the comparison of different uveitis entities.
Association between Retinal Neovascularization and Serial Weight Measurements in Murine and Human Newborns
Authors: Vanhaesebrouck Sophie , Daniëls Hans , Allegaert Karel , Vanhole Christine , Naulaers Gunnar , Casteels Ingele , De Zegher Francis
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of preventable blindness throughout the world. Several risk factors have been studied, but most studies remain inconclusive. Evidence is accumulating that one of the strongest predictors of ROP, in addition to oxygen use and low gestational age, is poor weight gain during the first postnatal weeks.

Methods

In a prospective study, we sought to determine the importance of serial weight measurements to help predict neovascularization (NV). In a first stage, a summary of the response in each case is identified and calculated as area under the curve (AUC). In a second stage, these different AUCs are analyzed by nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. For the murine study, pups were redistributed in smaller and larger litters. On postnatal day (P)7–12, the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model was applied. Body weight was measured on P7, P14, and P17. Retinal NV was assessed on P17. For the human study, the subjects were part of the control arm of the NIRTURE trial. Ophthalmologists screened for ROP. Birthweight was recorded. Weekly weight measurements were performed for the first 4 weeks.

Results

The AUC of serial weight (gain) measurements was significantly lower in murine (14 vs 17 g; p = 0.01) and human (140 g/wk vs 240 g/wk; p = 0.0001) newborns developing retinal NV.

Conclusions

This prospective study supports previous findings, using a new way of statistical analysis, that early postnatal weight gain is an important indicator in the development of neovascular disease.
Biofeedback Rehabilitation of Eccentric Fixation in Patients with Stargardt Disease
Authors: Verdina Tommaso , Giacomelli Giovanni , Sodi Andrea , Pennino Monica , Paggini Chiara , Murro Vittoria , Virgili Gianni , Menchini Ugo
Published: August 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback (BF) microperimetric rehabilitation in patients with Stargardt disease (STGD).

Methods

Eighteen patients with STGD with unstable fixation located in the superior retina and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between 20/100 and 20/320 in the better eye were recruited. All the patients underwent Nidek MP-1 microperimetry and fixation analysis. Twelve patients underwent 8 consecutive BF training sessions of 10 minutes each, performed once a week in the better eye. Six patients did not receive any training and were used as controls. In both groups, BCVA, reading speed, contrast sensitivity, bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA), and retinal sensitivity were evaluated in the better eye at baseline and after 10 weeks. Paired and unpaired t tests were used as appropriate.

Results

In the control group, after the follow-up period, fixation pattern did not show any modification and the other parameters worsened or remained unchanged. On the contrary, the BF group showed significantly improved stabilization of fixation (mean BCEA 68.2% from 5.63°2 to 1.58°2), improved mean BCVA (from 34.00 to 37.67 letters), higher mean reading speed (from 66.67 to 84.00 words/min), higher contrast sensitivity (from 16.33 to 18.75 letters), and improved retinal sensitivity (from 10.68 to 12.29 dB). The comparison of the results obtained in the 2 groups was statistically significant for all the considered parameters except for retinal sensitivity.

Conclusions

Biofeedback rehabilitation with the MP-1 increases quality of vision in patients with STGD, leading to a stabilization of fixation and a consequent improvement of patients’ visual function and reading abilities.
Bilateral Retinal Vasculopathy Associated with Autosomal Dominant Dyskeratosis Congenita
Authors: Vaz-Pereira Sara , Pacheco Patricio A. , Gandhi Shreyans , Kulasekararaj Austin G. , Marsh Judith C. , Pal Bishwanath , Mufti Ghulam J.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

To report a case of autosomal dominant dyskeratosis congenita (AD-DC) complicated by bilateral retinal vasculopathy and proliferative retinopathy with vitreous hemorrhage in the right eye, in the absence of pancytopenia.

Methods

We report a 32-year-old woman who presented with floaters in her right eye. She underwent complete ophthalmic examination and fundus fluorescein angiography.

Results

Funduscopic examination revealed vascular sheathing in the temporal periphery of both eyes and a vitreous hemorrhage in the right eye. Fluorescein angiography showed retinal neovascularization in the right eye and bilateral temporal peripheral capillary nonperfusion. Treatment consisted of laser photocoagulation directed to the areas of capillary nonperfusion in both eyes. A point mutation in the TERC gene confirmed the diagnosis of AD-DC.

Conclusions

Autosomal dominant dyskeratosis congenita is a rare form of inherited bone marrow failure and its presentation is milder than seen in patients with X-linked and autosomal recessive mutations. These patients may lack the classic clinical triad, so it is important to have a high index of suspicion and to be aware of retinal vasculopathy as a complication of dyskeratosis congenita as it may severely compromise vision. Appropriate treatment includes prompt laser photocoagulation to areas of retinal nonperfusion.
Surgical Treatment of Total Bilateral Ankyloblepharon in a Child: Unusual Case Report
Authors: Fasciani Romina , Giannico Maria Ilaria , Savino Gustavo , Balestrazzi Emilio
Published: August 2013

Purpose

To report on the efficacy of surgical management of total bilateral ankyloblepharon in a child.

Methods

An 8-year-old African girl from Burundi presented with complete lid-corneo-conjunctival adhesion in both eyes, dating back 6 years. Preoperative ultrasound evaluation of anterior and posterior segment was detected. Electrophysiologic examinations showed low responses. Surgery was performed with scarring tissue removal through manual cleavage in order to separate tarsal conjunctiva and corneal stroma, followed by multiple human amniotic membrane grafts on the cornea, the entire bulbar surface, and fornices.

Results

Ankyloblepharon removal, excellent width of fornices, and lid motility recovery were obtained. Nevertheless, corneal stroma remained cloudy. The patient's visual acuity reached hand movements perception at 6 months follow-up.

Conclusions

Even in the presence of deep deprivation amblyopia, total ankyloblepharon surgical removal and anatomic restoration of ocular surface is mandatory in children. Subsequent surgery including corneal keratoplasty or keratoprosthesis implant should be taken into consideration after an accurate evaluation of the cost/benefit ratio. Furthermore, these young patients could be enrolled in specific visual rehabilitation programs to enhance residual visual abilities.
Reliability of Automatic Biometric Iris Recognition after Phacoemulsification or Drug-Induced Pupil Dilation
Authors: Seyeddain Orang , Kraker Hannes , Redlberger Andreas , Dexl Alois K. , Grabner Günther , Emesz Martin
Published: August 2013

Purpose

To investigate the reliability of a biometric iris recognition system for personal authentication after cataract surgery or iatrogenic pupil dilation.

Methods

This was a prospective, nonrandomized, single-center, cohort study for evaluating the performance of an iris recognition system 2–24 hours after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (group 1) and before and after iatrogenic pupil dilation (group 2).

Results

Of the 173 eyes that could be enrolled before cataract surgery, 164 (94.8%) were easily recognized postoperatively, whereas in 9 (5.2%) this was not possible. However, these 9 eyes could be reenrolled and afterwards recognized successfully. In group 2, of a total of 184 eyes that were enrolled in miosis, a total of 22 (11.9%) could not be recognized in mydriasis and therefore needed reenrollment. No single case of false-positive acceptance occurred in either group.

Conclusions

The results of this trial indicate that standard cataract surgery seems not to be a limiting factor for iris recognition in the large majority of cases. Some patients (5.2% in this study) might need “reenrollment” after cataract surgery. Iris recognition was primarily successful in eyes with medically dilated pupils in nearly 9 out of 10 eyes. No single case of false-positive acceptance occurred in either group in this trial. It seems therefore that iris recognition is a valid biometric method in the majority of cases after cataract surgery or after pupil dilation.
Consecutive Exotropia: Risk Factor Analysis and Management Outcomes
Authors: Ceylan Osman Melih , Gokce Gokcen , Mutlu Fatih Mehmet , Uludag Huseyin Avni , Turk Adem , Altinsoy Halil Ibrahim
Published: August 2013

Purpose:

To report the frequency of risk factors and outcomes of consecutive exotropia (XT) following bimedial rectus recession (BMR) for the treatment of childhood esotropia (ET).

Methods:

Ninety-eight patients with ET, who underwent only BMR between 1996 and 2007, were included in this study. Predictors of the development of consecutive XT and treatment outcomes were compared between groups (group 1, cases with consecutive XT; group 2, cases without consecutive XT).

Results:

Mean follow-up time after BMR surgery was 7.23 ± 3.62 years. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, preoperative angle of near deviation, follow-up time, or refraction for both eyes (p>0.05 for all). The differences regarding preoperative angle of distance deviation (p = 0.009), presence of inferior oblique overaction (p = 0.023), amount of BMR (p = 0.028), and postoperative adduction limitation (p<0.0001) between the groups were statistically significant. However, only preoperative angle of distance deviation and presence of postoperative adduction limitation were independent risk factors for the development of consecutive XT (p = 0.043, p = 0.007, respectively).

Conclusions:

Postoperative adduction limitation should alert physicians to the increased risk of developing consecutive XT in the long-term follow-up after BMR for the treatment of childhood ET.
Nutrition in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Veroux Massimiliano , Corona Daniela , Sinagra Nunziata , Tallarita Tiziano , Ekser Burcin , Giaquinta Alessia , Zerbo Domenico , Veroux Pierfrancesco
Published: August 2013

Organ transplantation has progressively established itself as the preferred therapy for many end-stage organ failures. However, many of these chronic diseases and their treatments can negatively affect nutritional status, leading to malnutrition and mineral deficiencies.

Nutritional status is an important determinant of the clinical outcome of kidney transplant recipients. Malnutrition and obesity may represent a contraindication to transplantation in many cases and may increase the risk of postoperative complications after the transplantation. Nutritional support in kidney transplant recipients is challenging, since it must take into account the pre-transplant nutritional status, the side effects of immunosuppression, the function of the transplanted graft, the presence of infection, and the general status of the patient at the time of the transplantation.

With these considerations in mind, we reviewed current literature on the impact of nutritional status on the outcome of kidney transplantation.
Effects of Mechanical and Chemical Stimuli on Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells into Endothelial Cells
Authors: Shojaei Shahrokh , Tafazzoli-Shahdpour Mohamad , Shokrgozar Mohamad Ali , Haghighipour Nooshin
Published: August 2013

It has been hypothesized that application of the micromechanical environment that target cells experience in vivo enhances functionality of differentiated cells. Vascular endothelial cells, functioning at the interface of the blood-vessel wall, are vital to the performance of the cardiovascular system. They are subject to shear and tensile stresses induced by blood flow and pressure, respectively.

This study investigated effects of shear/tensile stresses on endothelial differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) utilizing a custom-made bioreactor capable of applying both shear and tensile stresses. The loading values of 10% cyclic stretch, 0-2.5 dyn/cm2 cyclic shear stress, and combined loadings were used. To examine the extent of mechanical and chemical stimuli in acquisition of endothelial characteristics by ASCs, the expression of three major endothelial genes were quantified when ASCs were treated by three loading regimes and endothelial growth factor for three different durations (1, 2, and 7 days). In general, cyclic stretch decreased expression of FLK-1 and vWF, while cyclic shear elevated expression levels. The combined loading regime had minor effects on the expression of the two markers. All types of loadings significantly enhanced the expression level of VE-cadherin with the most prominent increase by combined loading. It was concluded that applying different loading regimes assists in adjusting the expression level of endothelial markers to achieve functional endothelial cells for cardiovascular engineering.
Novel Approach for Bacteremia Detection in Patients with End-Stage Renal Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Otto Gordon P. , Kropf Madien , Rödel Jürgen , Lösche Wolfgang , Rüster Christiane , Claus Ralf A. , Sossdorf Maik , Busch Martin
Published: August 2013

Severe systemic infections are one of the leading causes of death in patients with end-stage renal disease and are often associated with hospitalization. Since bacteria can be identified in used hemo-filters in an ICU setting, it was investigated whether this method might be useful in patients undergoing regular intermittent hemodialysis. By analyzing used hemodialyzers in (n = 13) patients, we identified systemic bacteremia in two patients (15.4%) while corresponding blood cultures were negative. In two further patients, positive microbiological findings from hemodialyzers appeared to be of unclear clinical relevance. Cultures from hemodialyzers might be an add-on approach for the identification of bacteria in the blood stream of patients undergoing regular intermittent hemodialysis.