bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perilla frutescens Sprout Extract Protect Renal Mesangial Cell Dysfunction against High Glucose by Modulating AMPK and NADPH Oxidase Signaling
Authors: Kim Ha-Rim , Kim Seon-Young
Published: February 2019

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. var. japonica (Hassk.) Hara (PF), is a medical herb of the Lamiaceae family. We have previously reported that the PF sprout extract (PFSE) is effective in treating hyperglycemia. However, the role of PFSE on glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) proliferation and the extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in a diabetic condition are still unclear. Therefore, in this study, we have investigated the role of PFSE on cell proliferation and ECM accumulation in murine glomerular MCs (MMCs), cultured under a high glucose (HG) condition. PFSE treatment attenuated HG-induced MMCs proliferation and hypertrophy. Moreover, the HG-induced ECM protein, collagen IV and fibronectin, overexpression was abolished by the PFFSE treatment. In addition, PFSE inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and NOX2 and NOX4 expression in MMCs under a HG condition. Our data further revealed the involvement of mesangial cell damage in AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) activation. PFSE strongly activated AMPK in MMCs under hyperglycemic conditions. These results suggest that PFSE inhibits HG-medicated MC fibrosis through suppressing the activation of NOX2/4 and the AMPK activation mechanism. PFSE may be useful for the prevention or treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
A Protein-Based Material from a New Approach Using Whole Defatted Larvae, and Its Interaction with Moisture
Authors: Alipour Nazanin , Vinnerås Björn , Gouanvé Fabrice , Espuche Eliane , Hedenqvist Mikael S.
Published: February 2019

A protein-based material created from a new approach using whole defatted larvae of the Black Soldier fly is presented. The larvae turn organic waste into their own biomass with high content of protein and lipids, which can be used as animal feed or for material production. After removing the larva lipid and adding a plasticizer, the ground material was compression molded into plates/films. The lipid, rich in saturated fatty acids, can be used in applications such as lubricants. The amino acids present in the greatest amounts were the essential amino acids aspartic acid/asparagine and glutamic acid/glutamine. Infrared spectroscopy revealed that the protein material had a high amount of strongly hydrogen-bonded β-sheets, indicative of a highly aggregated protein. To assess the moisture–protein material interactions, the moisture uptake was investigated. The moisture uptake followed a BET type III moisture sorption isotherm, which could be fitted to the Guggenheim, Anderson and de Boer (GAB) equation. GAB, in combination with cluster size analysis, revealed that the water clustered in the material already at a low moisture content and the cluster increased in size with increasing relative humidity. The clustering also led to a peak in moisture diffusivity at an intermediate moisture uptake.
Life Cycle Assessment and Economic Analysis of an Innovative Biogas Membrane Reformer for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Di Marcoberardino Gioele , Liao Xun , Dauriat Arnaud , Binotti Marco , Manzolini Giampaolo
Published: February 2019

This work investigates the environmental and economic performances of a membrane reactor for hydrogen production from raw biogas. Potential benefits of the innovative technology are compared against reference hydrogen production processes based on steam (or autothermal) reforming, water gas shift reactors and a pressure swing adsorption unit. Both biogas produced by landfill and anaerobic digestion are considered to evaluate the impact of biogas composition. Starting from the thermodynamic results, the environmental analysis is carried out using environmental Life cycle assessment (LCA). Results show that the adoption of the membrane reactor increases the system efficiency by more than 20 percentage points with respect to the reference cases. LCA analysis shows that the innovative BIONICO system performs better than reference systems when biogas becomes a limiting factor for hydrogen production to satisfy market demand, as a higher biogas conversion efficiency can potentially substitute more hydrogen produced by fossil fuels (natural gas). However, when biogas is not a limiting factor for hydrogen production, the innovative system can perform either similar or worse than reference systems, as in this case impacts are largely dominated by grid electric energy demand and component use rather than conversion efficiency. Focusing on the economic results, hydrogen production cost shows lower value with respect to the reference cases (4 €/kgH2 vs 4.2 €/kgH2) at the same hydrogen delivery pressure of 20 bar. Between landfill and anaerobic digestion cases, the latter has the lower costs as a consequence of the higher methane content.
Dramatic Loss of Agricultural Land Due to Urban Expansion Threatens Food Security in the Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Radwan Taher M. , Blackburn G. Alan , Whyatt J. Duncan , Atkinson Peter M.
Published: February 2019

Egypt has one of the largest and fastest growing populations in the world. However, nearly 96% of the total land area is uninhabited desert and 96% of the population is concentrated around the River Nile valley and the Delta. This unbalanced distribution and dramatically rising population have caused severe socio-economic problems. In this research, 24 land use/land cover (LULC) maps from 1992 to 2015 were used to monitor LULC changes in the Nile Delta and quantify the rates and types of LULC transitions. The results show that 74,600 hectares of fertile agricultural land in the Nile Delta (Old Lands) was lost to urban expansion over the 24 year period at an average rate of 3108 ha year−1, whilst 206,100 hectares of bare land was converted to agricultural land (New Lands) at an average rate of 8588 ha year−1. A Cellular Automata-Markov (CA-Markov) integrated model was used to simulate future alternative LULC change scenarios. Under a Business as Usual scenario, 87,000 hectares of land transitioned from agricultural land to urban areas by 2030, posing a threat to the agricultural sector sustainability and food security in Egypt. Three alternative future scenarios were developed to promote urban development elsewhere, hence, with potential to preserve the fertile soils of the Nile Delta. A scenario which permitted urban expansion into the desert only preserved the largest amount of agricultural land in the Nile Delta. However, a scenario that encouraged urban expansion into the desert and adjacent to areas of existing high population density resulted in almost the same area of agricultural land being preserved. The alternative future scenarios are valuable for supporting policy development and planning decisions in Egypt and demonstrating that continued urban development is possible while minimising the threats to environmental sustainability and national food security.
An Automatic Morphological Attribute Building Extraction Approach for Satellite High Spatial Resolution Imagery
Authors: Ma Weixuan , Wan Youchuan , Li Jiayi , Zhu Sa , Wang Mingwei
Published: February 2019

A new morphological attribute building index (MABI) and shadow index (MASI) are proposed here for automatically extracting building features from very high-resolution (VHR) remote sensing satellite images. By investigating the associated attributes in morphological attribute filters (AFs), the proposed method establishes a relationship between AFs and the characteristics of buildings/shadows in VHR images (e.g., high local contrast, internal homogeneity, shape, and size). In the pre-processing step of the proposed work, attribute filtering was conducted on the original VHR spectral reflectance data to obtain the input, which has a high homogeneity, and to suppress elongated objects (potential non-buildings). Then, the MABI and MASI were calculated by taking the obtained input as a base image. The dark buildings were considered separately in the MABI to reduce the omission of the dark roofs. To better detect buildings from the MABI feature image, an object-oriented analysis and building-shadow concurrence relationships were utilized to further filter out non-building land covers, such as roads and bare ground, that are confused for buildings. Three VHR datasets from two satellite sensors, i.e., Worldview-2 and QuickBird, were tested to determine the detection performance. In view of both the visual inspection and quantitative assessment, the results of the proposed work are superior to recent automatic building index and supervised binary classification approach results.
Robust Two-Dimensional Spatial-Variant Map-Drift Algorithm for UAV SAR Autofocusing
Authors: Wang Guanyong , Zhang Man , Huang Yan , Zhang Lei , Wang Fengfei
Published: February 2019

Autofocus has attracted wide attention for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems, because autofocus process is crucial and difficult when the phase error is spatially dependent on both range and azimuth directions. In this paper, a novel two-dimensional spatial-variant map-drift algorithm (2D-SVMDA) is developed to provide robust autofocusing performance for UAV SAR imagery. This proposed algorithm combines two enhanced map-drift kernels. On the one hand, based on the azimuth-dependent phase correction, a novel azimuth-variant map-drift algorithm (AVMDA) is established to model the residual phase error as a linear function in the azimuth direction. Then the model coefficients are efficiently estimated by a quadratic Newton optimization with modified maximum cross-correlation. On the other hand, by concatenating the existing range-dependent map-drift algorithm (RDMDA) and the proposed AVMDA in this paper, a phase autofocus procedure of 2D-SVMDA is finally established. The proposed 2D-SVMDA can handle spatial-variance problems induced by strong phase errors. Simulated and real measured data are employed to demonstrate that the proposed algorithm compensates both the range- and azimuth-variant phase errors effectively.
Environmental Performance Evaluation of the Korean Manufacturing Industry Based on Sequential DEA
Authors: Lee Hyoung Seok , Choi Yongrok
Published: February 2019

This study’s aim is to examine the environmental performance of the South Korean manufacturing industry and suggest performance-oriented policies. The manufacturing industry is classified into seven sub-sectors based on individual sectoral differences among firms. For this purpose, a sequential generalized directional distance function and the Sequential Malmquist-Luenburger (SML) index are used with the assumption of no deterioration in technology over time. The SML is decomposed into two indices: efficiency change (EC) and technical change (TC). The empirical results showed an average increase of 0.3% in environmental productivity measured by the SML over the whole period. Although the overall average value is low, it showed a 0.8% increase after 2015, implying that ETS policy has enhanced environmental productivity. From the decomposition of the SML, it was also found that the EC index (−1.1%) was comparatively lower than the TC index (1.5%) over seven years, implying that the innovation effect leads the environmental productivity of the Korean manufacturing industry. With regard to individual sectors, the seven sub-sectors showed quite different patterns in their performance. Therefore, not only should firms in each sector make an effort to enhance their performance, but the government also needs to support specialized measures to enhance firms’ overall competitiveness.
Properties of Cement Mortar Using Limestone Sludge Powder Modified with Recycled Acetic Acid
Authors: Ryu Hwa-Sung , Kim Deuck-Mo , Shin Sang-Heon , Kim Wan-Ki , Lim Seung-Min , Park Won-Jun
Published: February 2019

One of the various methods of manufacturing low-carbon cement is substituting limestone powder as a raw material or admixture. Limestone sludge powder (LSSP) has the same composition as that of limestone powder. The surface characteristics of LSSP powder modified with recycled acetic acid (RAA) and the characteristics of cement using this modified LSSP as a substitute were investigated in this study. The surface of LSSP modified with RAA was converted into calcium acetate and had a large grain size. When conventional LSSP was used as a substitute for cement, the initial strength increased owing to improved pore filling; however, the strength after 28 days of aging was lower than that of non-substituted cement. In the case of modified LSSP being replaced with cement at up to 10% of the cement weight, however, the calcium acetate on its surface increased the amount of hydration products in the cement, thereby increasing both the initial and the long-term strength.
The Method and Model of Ecological Technology Evaluation
Authors: Hu Xiaoning , Si Meizi , Luo Han , Guo Mancai , Wang Jijun
Published: February 2019

In order to evaluate ecological technology scientifically, we constructed a modular “three-stage evaluation method” based on qualitative evaluation, semiquantitative evaluation and quantitative evaluation, and established the theoretical models of the four kinds of ecotechnology, such as soil and water conservation technology, desertification governance technology, rocky desertification governance technology and ecological restoration technology. We gave the quantification criteria of the first-level and second-level index commonly shared by four kinds of ecotechnology and defined the quantification criteria of the third-level index of reflecting the heterogeneity of soil and water conservation technology. An ecotechnology evaluation model combining Analytic Hierarchy Process and Logistic regression was established based on soil and water conservation technology. The rationality of the evaluation method and model were verified by field investigation data of soil and water conservation technology in Gaoxigou. The evaluation method and model could provide scientific basis for the effective introduction and popularization of ecotechnology.
Divergent Evolution of E1A CR3 in Human Adenovirus Species D
Authors: Singh Gurdeep , Ismail Ashrafali M. , Lee Jeong Yoon , Ramke Mirja , Lee Ji Sun , Dyer David W. , Seto Donald , Rajaiya Jaya , Chodosh James
Published: February 2019

Adenovirus E1A is the first viral protein expressed during infection. E1A controls critical aspects of downstream viral gene expression and cell cycle deregulation, and its function is thought to be highly conserved among adenoviruses. Various bioinformatics analyses of E1A from 38 human adenoviruses of species D (HAdV-D), including likelihood clade model partitioning, provided highly significant evidence of divergence of HAdV-Ds into two distinct groups for the conserved region 3 (CR3), present only in the E1A 13S isoform. This variance within E1A 13S of HAdV-Ds was not found in any other human adenovirus (HAdV) species. By protein sequence and structural analysis, the zinc finger motif of E1A CR3, previously shown as critical for transcriptional activation, showed the greatest differences. Subsequent codon usage bias analysis revealed substantial divergence in E1A 13S between the two groups of HAdV-Ds, suggesting that these two sub-groups of HAdV-D evolved under different cellular conditions. Hence, HAdV-D E1A embodies a previously unappreciated evolutionary divergence among HAdVs.
Clinical Value of Screening Peritoneal Dialysis Patients for Bacterial Colonization or Contamination
Authors: Parthasarathy Rajeevalochana , Kashem Tasnuva , NicFhogartaigh Caoimhe , Melzer Mark , Fan Stanley L.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

The adoption of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis guideline of using mupirocin ointment has been limited by fear of developing mupirocin-resistant organisms. We performed a surveillance program of a large peritoneal dialysis (PD) unit.

Methods

We performed 1,175 surveillance swabs from anterior nares, PD catheter exit site, groin, and axilla, from 240 patients. The mean interval between swabs was 3.3 months.

Results

Colonization by Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus) or Pseudomonas species was 9.5% and 10.9%, respectively. Despite adopting a universal policy of applying mupirocin to PD catheter exit sites in 2001, no instances of mupirocin-resistant S. aureus were identified. Moreover, patients who grew S. aureus from surveillance swabs did not experience higher peritonitis rates than those with “no growth.” This was in contrast to patients who grew Pseudomonas or enteric organisms. There were no differences in patient demographics for those who grew S. aureus, Pseudomonas, or enteric organisms (compared with “no-growth” patients).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the application of mupirocin ointment appeared to minimize peritonitis of patients colonized with S. aureus. The use of mupirocin in this patient cohort has not led to mupirocin resistance. The increased peritonitis rate of patients who grew Pseudomonas or enteric organisms is of interest. We propose that greater attention to hygiene and catheter care in these patients is warranted. The increasing use of paid healthcare workers attending patients daily to help perform PD (assisted PD) gives an opportunity for us to address these wider issues.
Mental health how (re)constitutive tool in ways of living of visually impaired persons
Authors: Amorim Érico Gurgel , Guimarães Jacileide , Neta Olivia Morais de Medeiros , Amorim Ingrid Gurgel , Morais Rafael Otávio Bezerra de
Published: February 2019

Objective: to analyze mental health in the face of visual impairment, identifying the stages of psychological distress in the encounter with the not seeing. Method: This is an exploratory study with a qualitative approach. Fifteen adults with visual impairment attended at a specialized ophthalmology ambulatory in a university hospital in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil were studied, from June to August 2015, through a semistructured interview. The speeches were analyzed based on the theory of mourning. Results: the results showed that the mental health of the visually impaired person is structured through a normative apparatus constituted of individual and social attributes dynamically constructed. These attributes are related to the constitution of stages of mourning, characterized by shock, denial, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The mental health of the visually impaired person contemplates the phases of normal mourning, established before the condition of visual loss, as structuring mode in a process of personal reconstruction, reflected in the ways of walking the life, proper from each one. Conclusion: With this study, it was possible to understand the ways of constitution and reconstitution of people in dealing with a new condition, the one of visual impairment, providing caregivers, family, and society with an ethical spirit and solidarity, more compliant and humane in the to deal with people with disabilities.
Interpreting the Star Formation–Extinction Relation with MaNGA
Authors: Li Huan , Wuyts Stijn , Lei Hao , Lin Lin , Lam Man I , Boquien Médéric , Andrews Brett H. , Schneider Donald P.
Published: February 2019

We investigate the resolved relation between local extinction and star formation surface density within nearby star-forming galaxies selected from the MaNGA survey. Balmer decrement measurements imply an extinction of the Hα line emission that scales approximately linearly with the logarithm of the star formation surface density:

. Secondary dependencies are observed such that, at a given ΣSFR, regions of lower metallicity and/or enhanced Hα equivalent width (EW) suffer less obscuration than regions of higher metallicity and/or lower Hα EW. Spaxels lying above the mean relation also tend to belong to galaxies that are more massive, larger, and viewed under higher inclination than average. We present a simple model in which the observed trends can be accounted for by a metallicity-dependent scaling between ΣSFR and Σdust via a superlinear Kennicutt–Schmidt relation (n
KS ∼ 1.47) and a dust-to-gas ratio that scales linearly with metallicity (DGR(Z
⊙) = 0.01). The relation between the resulting total dust column and observed effective extinction toward nebular regions requires a geometry for the relative distribution of Hα-emitting regions and dust that deviates from a uniform foreground screen and also from an entirely homogeneous mixture of dust and emitting sources. The best-fit model features an Hα EW and galactocentric-distance-dependent fraction of the dust mass in a clumpy foreground screen in front of a homogeneous mixture.
Provincial and National Prevalence Estimates of Transmitted HIV-1 drug Resistance in South Africa Measured using two WHO-recommended Methods
Authors: Hunt Gillian M , Ledwaba Johanna , Kalimashe Monalisa , Salimo Anna , Cibane Siyabonga , Singh Beverly , Puren Adrian , Dean Natalie Exner , Morris Lynn , Jordan Michael R
Published: February 2019

Background

Sentinel surveillance of transmitted HIV drug resistance (TDR) among recently infected populations within a country was recommended by the World Health Organization from 2004 to 2015.

Methods

Serum specimens collected as part of the 2010, 2011 and 2012 National Antenatal Sentinel HIV Prevalence Surveys were used to estimate provincial and national TDR prevalence in South Africa.

Results

Moderate (5–15%) levels of transmitted non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) drug class resistance were detected in three of five provinces surveyed in 2010 and 2011 (Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal). Inclusion of all nine of South Africa's provinces in the 2012 survey enabled calculation of a national TDR point prevalence estimate: TDR to the NNRTI drug class was 5.4% (95% CI 3.7, 7.8%), with K103N and V106M being the most frequently detected mutations. TDR estimates for the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) drug class were 1.1% (95% CI 0.5, 2.4%) and 0.6% (95% CI 0.1, 1.6%) for protease inhibitors (PI).

Conclusions

These data provide national TDR estimates for South Africa in 2012 and indicate that levels of TDR were low to moderate for the NNRTI drug class and low for NRTIs and PIs in the population surveyed.
Lambdacism, Rhotacism and Sigmatism in Preschool Children: Frequency and Distribution
Authors: Georgievska-Jancheska Tatjana
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND: Speech sound appears first in the childâ€™s speech development and is the primary means of expression. Articulation disorders can hinder the comprehensibility of childrenâ€™s speech. The speech, in turn, can limit the childâ€™s inclusion in the social and educational environment.
AIM: To establish frequency and distribution of lambdacism, rhotacism and sigmatism or their combination in preschool children and the frequency and distribution of these articulation disorders among boys and girls.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data from preventive examination for early diagnosis of impairments of hearing, speech and sounds in preschool children has been carried out. In the selected sample, only the data for children diagnosed with lambdacism, rhotacism, sigmatism or their combination are analysed. The data is statistically examined, represented in tables and figures and analysed descriptively.
RESULTS: In the analysed sample, the greater presence of lambdacism was observed before rhotacism and sigmatism. Most commonly, these three types of articulation disorder appear alone, as isolated cases, instead of a combination of two out of the three impairments. They are more common in boys than in girls.
CONCLUSION: Timely diagnosis and rehabilitation of lambdacism, rhotacism and sigmatism or their combination in preschool children will enable easier and faster integration of the children in the social and educational environment without leaving lasting consequences
LASIK in Children With Hyperopic Anisometropic Amblyopia
Authors: Utine Canan Asli , Cakir Hanefi , Egemenoglu Abdulkadir , Perente Irfan
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the results of LASIK for hyperopia in pediatric eyes with amblyopia resulting from anisometropia.

Methods

Thirty-two children with anisometropic amblyopia in whom conventional therapy was unsuccessful underwent unilateral LASIK between 1999 and 2005. Mean patient age was 10.3±3.1 years (range: 4 to 15 years), and mean follow-up was 20.1±15.1 months (range: 12 to 60 months). At the last follow-up examination, spherical equivalent refraction, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and complications were recorded.

Results

Mean preoperative and postoperative manifest spherical equivalent refraction of the treated eyes was 5.17±1.65 and 1.39±1.21 diopters (D), respectively (
P
<.01). Mean UCVA was 0.06±0.09 (range: 0.01 to 0.5) preoperatively and 0.27±0.23 (range: 0.05 to 0.8) postoperatively (
P
<.01). Mean BSCVA was 0.20±0.17 (range: 0.01 to 0.8) preoperatively and 0.35±0.25 (range: 0.1 to 1.0) postoperatively (
P
<.01). Six eyes gained ⩾4 lines of BSCVA, 4 eyes gained 2 to 3 lines, 12 eyes gained 1 line, and 9 eyes were unchanged; only 1 eye lost 1 line of BSCVA due to haze in the flap-stroma interface. None of the patients reported halos or glare. There were no intraoperative or postoperative flap complications.

Conclusions

LASIK seems to be an effective and safe procedure for the management of hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia in select cases. Visual acuity improved in the amblyopic eyes and was associated with decreased anisometropia. The refractive response to hyperopic LASIK in children appears to be similar to that of adults with comparable refractive errors. [
J Refract Surg.
2008;24:464–472.]
Custom-designed Toric Phakic Intraocular Lenses to Correct High Corneal Astigmatism
Authors: Mertens Erik L. , Sanders Donald R. , Vitale Pauline N.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To analyze the results of a custom-designed posterior chamber toric phakic intraocular lens (PIOL).

Methods

A 40-year-old woman with high astigmatism and thin corneas underwent bilateral PIOL implantation with the toric Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) custom-designed and manufactured by STAAR Surgical. The appropriate toric ICL power was calculated to be −8.00 +8.00 × 96° for the right eye and −8.50 +7.50 × 86° for the left eye. Optical zone was 5.5 mm and 6.875 mm at the corneal plane.

Results

At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) of both eyes had improved to 20/20 and 20/16, respectively. At 19 months, UCVA was 20/20 and 20/16 in the right and left eyes, respectively, and BSCVA had improved to 20/16 and 20/10, respectively. The subjective refraction was stable, with a change of −0.37±0.17 D from preoperative to 19 months postoperatively. Throughout the postoperative period, iridotomies remained patent and the corneas were clear.

Conclusions

Bilateral implantation of the custom-designed toric ICL successfully corrected the patient's high astigmatism. Preoperative subjective refractive cylinder of −5.25 × 6° in the right eye and −5 × 176° in the left eye changed to −0.5 × 77° and −0.5 × 115°, respectively, after toric IOL implantation. There was almost no change in corneal astigmatism. This customized approach led to UCVA of 20/20 in the right eye and 20/16 in the left eye, and BSCVA of 20/16 in the right eye and 20/10 in the left eye. This is the first report of a toric PIOL being specifically manufactured to meet the refractive cylinder requirements of a specific patient. [
J Refract Surg
. 2008;24:501–506.]
Phakic Refractive Lens: Two-year Results
Authors: Koivula Annemari , Taube Mikaela , Zetterström Charlotta
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the surgical outcome and adverse events associated with correction of myopia and hyperopia with a phakic refractive lens (PRL), and to determine the random errors of the analytical methods used in the trial.

Methods

In this prospective clinical study, 14 myopic and 6 hyperopic PRLs were implanted in 20 eyes of 20 patients from April to November 2002. Follow-up included evaluation of the PRL rotation with retroillumination photography, the distance between the PRL and crystalline lens with Scheimpflug images, laser flare meter, endothelial cell count, uncorrected (UCVA) and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refraction, intraocular pressure, and induced cataract. The random errors of the measurements with laser flare meter were 17%, with Scheimpflug images 10%, and with endothelial cell count 2.8%.

Results

Postoperatively, 25% of eyes gained 2 or more lines and no eye lost 2 or more lines of BSCVA. Mean UCVA was 0.89±0.34. Laser flare values returned to baseline at 3 months and had no changes at 1 or 2 years (
P
>.05). The PRL rotated less during the second year than the first year. The distance between the PRL and crystalline lens was less at 1 year than at baseline (
P
<.05) but had no change during the second year. No statistically significant endothelial cell loss was noted between 1 week and 1 or 2 years postoperatively (
P
>.05). Two (10%) eyes developed pupillary block, one (5%) hyperopic eye showed unexpected postoperative myopia, and in another hyperopic eye (5%) the horizontal iris transillumination defects were noticed at 1 year combined with slight pupil ovalization at 2 years. No induced cataract, glaucoma, or inflammation was observed.

Conclusions

Safety and efficacy indexes were high at 2-year follow-up. The distance between the PRL and crystalline lens decreased by 59% during the first year but seemed to stabilize thereafter. The PRL rotated in only a few eyes after the first year. [
J Refract Surg
. 2008;24:507–515.]
Effect of Flap Thickness on Higher Order Wavefront Aberrations Induced by LASIK: A Bilateral Study
Authors: Cheng Zhen-Ying , He Ji C. , Zhou Xing-Tao , Chu Ren-Yuan
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To investigate the effect of flap thickness on wavefront aberrations induced by LASIK.

Methods

LASIK was performed on 56 eyes of 28 patients with refraction errors that were well matched between the right and left eyes. For each patient, a planned 160-µm flap was created for one randomly selected eye using the Moria M2 microkeratome (130-µm head; thick flap group), and a 110-µm flap was created for the contralateral eye with the same microkeratome (90-µm head; thin flap group). Flap thickness was measured using ultrasonic pachymetry. Wavefront aberrations were measured in the anterior cornea using the Orbscan II (Bausch & Lomb) and in the whole eye using the Wavefront Supported Custom Ablation (WASCA) aberrometer (Carl Zeiss Meditec) preoperatively and at 1 month and 1 year postoperatively.

Results

Mean flap thickness was 155±13 µm in the thick flap group and 112±11 µm in the thin flap group. Mean root-mean-square of higher order wavefront aberrations were changed for the different test times in the cornea (
F
=29.9,
P
<.0001) and the whole eye (
F
=48.0,
P
<.0001). There was no significant difference between the two flap groups for the cornea (
F
=0.76) or for the whole eye (
F
=0.07). Similar results were observed for higher order Zernike aberrations such as spherical aberration and comas.

Conclusions

The results suggest higher order wavefront aberrations induced by LASIK are independent of flap thickness. Complications in visual outcome for patients with different flap thickness should be attributed to factors other than aberrations. [
J Refract Surg
. 2008;24:524–529.]
Pupil Center Shift Relative to the Coaxially Sighted Corneal Light Reflex Under Natural and Pharmacologically Dilated Conditions
Authors: Erdem Uzeyir , Muftuoglu Orkun , Gundogan Fatih Çakir , Sobaci Gungor , Bayer Atilla
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the location and shift of the pupil center relative to the coaxially sighted corneal reflex on horizontal and vertical planes under natural and pharmacologically dilated conditions.

Methods

Ninety-four (64 myopic and 30 hyperopic) eyes of 47 patients underwent pupillometry with the NIDEK OPD-Scan under photopic and mesopic conditions before and after instillation of cyclopentolate 1%. Horizontal, vertical, and vectorial shift of the pupil center were calculated between each condition.

Results

The pupil center was located temporally to the coaxially sighted corneal reflex a mean distance of 0.336±0.181, 0.345±0.195, and 0.339±0.170 mm under photopic, mesopic, and pharmacologically dilated conditions, respectively. The pupil center shifted primarily inferotemporally (44%), followed by inferonasally (22%), superotemporally (19%), and superonasally (15%) from photopic to pharmacologic dilation. Mean magnitude of pupil shift was 0.084±0.069 mm (range: 0.010 to 0.385 mm) from mesopic to photopic, 0.149±0.080 mm (range: 0.013 to 0.384 mm) from photopic to pharmacologic dilation, and 0.102±0.104 mm (range: 0 to 0.530 mm) from mesopic to pharmacologic dilation. Mean distance between the pupil center and the coaxially sighted corneal reflex was greater in hyperopes than in myopes (
P
<.05), but no significant difference was observed in pupil center shifts between myopes and hyperopes under all three conditions (
P
>.05).

Conclusions

The pupil center is located temporally and shifts in every direction, primarily inferotemporally, relative to the coaxially sighted corneal reflex with natural and pharmacologic dilation. The horizontal distance between the pupil center and the coaxially sighted corneal reflex was significantly higher in hyperopes than in myopes. [
J Refract Surg.
2008;24:530–538.]
Comprehensive Comparison of Axial Length Measurement With Three Swept-Source OCT-Based Biometers and Partial Coherence Interferometry
Authors: Huang Jinhai , Chen Hao , Li Yue , Chen Zhongxing , Gao Rongrong , Yu Jinjin , Zhao Yune , Lu Weicong , McAlinden Colm , Wang Qinmei
Published: February 2019

PURPOSE:

To compare axial length measurements (and failure rate) of three swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT)–based biometers: IOLMaster 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany), OA-2000 (Tomey, Nagoya, Japan), and Argos (Movu Inc., Komaki, Japan) to those provided by a partial coherence interferometry (PCI)–based optical biometer (IOLMaster v5.4 [Carl Zeiss Meditec]).

METHODS:

A total of 119 patients (171 eyes) undergoing cataract surgery were enrolled. Axial length was measured with the four biometers in a random order. Chi-square analysis was used to determine whether statistically significant differences in success rates were found between biometers. Within-subject standard deviation (S
w
), test–retest repeatability (TRT), coefficient of variation (CoV), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to analyze the intraobserver repeatability. Bland–Altman plots were used for agreement assessment.

RESULTS:

Axial length measurements were successfully measured in 166 eyes (97.08%) with the IOLMaster 700, 166 eyes (97.08%) with the OA-2000, 170 eyes (99.42%) with the Argos, and 138 eyes (80.70%) with the IOLMaster v5.4. Chi-square analysis indicated a significant difference in the failure rate between PCI- and SS-OCT–based biometers (
P
< .001). Intraobserver repeatability for the IOLMaster 700, OA-2000, and Argos showed excellent repeatability with low TRT (0.03, 0.06, and 0.05 mm, respectively), low CoV (0.04%, 0.10%, 0.07%, respectively), and high ICC (1.000, 0.999, and 1.000, respectively). The Bland–Altman 95% limits of agreement were as narrow as 0.09 mm, indicating excellent agreement among the three SS-OCT biometers and the PCI biometer.

CONCLUSIONS:

The three SS-OCT biometers showed a significantly higher success rate for axial length measurement than the IOLMaster v5.4 in various lens opacities. These SS-OCT biometers are likely to become the gold standard for axial measurement.

[
J Refract Surg.
2019;35(2):115–120.]
Haze and Visual Acuity Loss After Sequential Photorefractive Keratectomy and Corneal Cross-linking for Keratoconus
Authors: Moraes Renata L. B. , Ghanem Ramon C. , Ghanem Vinicius C. , Santhiago Marcony R.
Published: February 2019

PURPOSE:

To investigate the results after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) followed immediately by standard 30-minute corneal cross-linking (CXL) for keratoconus.

METHODS:

This retrospective study included 26 eyes of 16 patients with keratoconus. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent (SE) and cylinder, apical keratometry, corneal higher order aberrations (HOAs), and corneal haze were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Mean follow-up was 32 ± 8 months (range: 19 to 50 months) and mean patient age was 31 ± 5 years (range: 24 to 40 years). Mean UDVA improved significantly from 0.80 ± 0.39 to 0.32 ± 0.36 logMAR after surgery (
P
< .001), but the mean CDVA worsened significantly from 0.07 ± 0.09 to 0.15 ± 0.14 logMAR after surgery (
P
= .006). Thirteen eyes (50%) lost at least one line of CDVA, 3 eyes (12%) lost two lines, and 4 eyes (15%) lost three lines. SE, cylinder, and apical keratometry decreased significantly. Corneal haze grade 1 was found in 15 eyes (57.7%), grade 2 in 6 eyes (23.1%), and grade 3 in 1 eye (3.8%). A significant correlation was seen between postoperative CDVA loss and corneal haze (
P
= .001) and history of atopy (
P
< .01), but not with corneal HOA change.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite an improvement in UDVA and topographic values, the loss of CDVA, explained by postoperative haze, demonstrates that this procedure should be approached with caution, may not be as safe as initially thought, especially in patients with atopy and can cause severe visual acuity loss.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2019;35(2):109–114.]
The Playful Citizen
Authors: Glas René , Lammes Sybille , Lange Michiel , Raessens Joost , Vries Imar , Jansz Jeroen , Neys Joyce , Werning Stefan , Uricchio William , Raessens Joost , Schleiner Anne-Marie , Hoofd Ingrid , Barry Liz , Blair Don , Breen Jessica , Dosemagen Shannon , Gabrys Jennifer , de Stephanie , Glas René , Lammes Sybille , Harmsen Daniel , Schouten Ben , van der Erik , Dippel Anne , Fizek Sonia , Bunz Mercedes , Hind Sam , Gordon Eric , Walter Stephen , Rushkoff Douglas , de Michiel , Deuze Mark , Ems Lindsay , Gekker Alex , Vries Imar
Published: February 2019

In the last decade, digital media technologies and developments have given rise to exciting new forms of ludic, or playful, engagements of citizens in cultural and societal issues. From the Occupy movement to playful city-making to the gameful designs of the Obama 2008 and Trump 2016 presidential campaigns, and the rise of citizen science and ecological games, this book shows how play is a key theoretical, methodological, and practical principle for comprehending such new forms of civic engagement in a mediatized culture. The Playful Citizen explores how and through what media we are becoming more playful as citizens and how this manifests itself in our ways of doing, living, and thinking. We offer a pluralistic answer to such questions by bringing together scholars from different fields such as game and play studies, social sciences, and media and culture studies.
The influence of transformed Reynolds number suppression on gas transfer parameterizations and global DMS and CO2 fluxes
Authors: Zavarsky Alexander , Marandino Christa A.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Eddy covariance measurements show gas transfer velocity suppression at medium to high wind speed. A
wind–wave interaction described by the transformed Reynolds number is used to
characterize environmental conditions favoring this suppression. We take the transformed
Reynolds number parameterization to review the two most cited wind speed gas transfer
velocity parameterizations: Nightingale et al. (2000) and Wanninkhof (1992, 2014). We propose an algorithm
to adjust k values for the effect of gas transfer suppression and validate it with two
directly measured dimethyl sulfide (DMS) gas transfer velocity data sets that experienced
gas transfer suppression. We also show that the data set used in the Nightingale 2000
parameterization experienced gas transfer suppression. A compensation of the suppression
effect leads to an average increase of 22 % in the k vs. u relationship. Performing
the same correction for Wanninkhof 2014 leads to an increase of 9.85 %. Additionally,
we applied our gas transfer suppression algorithm to global air–sea flux climatologies
of CO2 and DMS. The global application of gas transfer suppression leads to a
decrease of 11 % in DMS outgassing. We expect the magnitude of Reynolds suppression on
any global air–sea gas exchange to be about 10 %.
Synthesis and Characterization of Erbium Trioxide Nanoparticles as Photo-Catalytic for Degradation of Methyl Orange Dye
Authors: Dakhil Rifat Mohammed , Gaaz Tayser Sumer , Al-Amiery Ahmed , Takriff Mohd S. , Kadhum Abdul Amir H.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The present work focuses on the photo-catalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) on Erbium trioxide nanoparticles Er2O3 NPs. In this study, Er2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized and fully characterized via various techniques including; XRD diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy and SEM techniques. The results revealed that, the photo-catalytic activity of the prepared Er2O3 NPs towards methyl orange (MB) photo-degradation was manifested. The optimum efficiency obtained was 16 %.
Incorporating Wind Sheltering and Sediment Heat Flux into 1-D Models of
Small Boreal Lakes: A Case Study with the Canadian Small Lake Model V2.0
Authors: MacKay Murray D.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Lake models are increasingly being incorporated into global and regional climate and numerical weather prediction systems. Lakes interact with their surroundings through flux exchange at their bottom sediments and with the atmosphere at the surface, and these linkages must be well represented in fully coupled prognostic systems in order to completely elucidate the role of lakes in the climate system. In this study schemes for the inclusion of wind sheltering and sediment heat flux simple enough to be included in any one dimensional lake model are presented. Example simulations with the Canadian Small Lake Model show improvements in surface wind driven mixing and temperature in summer, and a reduction of the bias in the change in heat content under ice compared with a published simulation based on an earlier version of the model.
The impact of topography on seismic amplification during the 2005
Kashmir Earthquake
Authors: Khan Saad , van der Meijde Mark , van der Werff Harald , Shafique Muhammad
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Ground surface topography influence the spatial distribution of earthquake induced ground shaking. This study shows the influence of topography on seismic amplification during the 2005 Kashmir earthquake. Earth surface topography scatters and reflects seismic waves, which causes spatial variation in seismic response. We perform a 3D simulation of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake in Muzaffarabad with spectral finite element method. The moment tensor solution of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake is used as the seismic source. Our results show amplification of seismic response on ridges and de-amplification in valleys. It is found that slopes facing away from the source receive an amplified seismic response, and that 98 % of the highly damaged areas are located in the topographically amplified seismic response zone.
Apparent discrepancy of Tibetan ice core δ18O records may be attributed to misinterpretation of chronology
Authors: Hou Shugui , Zhang Wangbin , Pang Hongxi , Wu Shuangye , Jenk Theo M. , Schwikowski Margit
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Ice cores from the Tibetan Plateau (TP) are widely used for reconstructing past climatic and environmental conditions that extend beyond the instrumental period. However, challenges in dating and interpreting ice core records often lead to inconsistent results. The Guliya ice core drilled from the northwestern TP suggested a cooling trend during the mid-Holocene based on its decreasing δ18O values, which is not observed in other Tibetan ice cores. Here we present a new high-resolution δ18O record of the Chongce ice cores drilled to bedrock ~ 30 km away from the Guliya ice cap. Our record shows a warming trend during the mid-Holocene. Based on our results as well as previously published ice core data, we suggest that the apparent discrepancy between the Holocene δ18O records of the Guliya and the Chongce ice cores may be attributed to a possible misinterpretation of the Guliya ice core chronology.
Protecting the (Tax) Base: Anti–Base Erosion Provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Authors: Bauer Michael
Published: February 2019

Protecting the (Tax) Base: Anti–Base Erosion Provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
COMMUNICATION AS A DEVELOPMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Huete Flores Eduard José
Published: February 2019

Knowledge management plays a transcendental role in the knowledge economies, being through methodological processes the insertion of the organizations to a new productive stage, which is not only measured by its infrastructure or the financial resource available, if not, considering their human resources and their individual knowledge as the most important factor to enter a new evolutionary era. The research is descriptive, which illustrates the process that companies must incorporate into their organizational cultures to start in knowledge management.
Attitude of Male and Female Students Towards Computer Assisted Language Learning at Intermediate Level
Authors: Lodhi Muhammad Arfan , Fatima Ayesha , Ismail Farzana , Amin Nadia , Khalid Faiza , Siddiqa Ayesha
Published: February 2019

Today’s world is the era of technology and it is playing a dominant role in the field of education. The current research work is quantitative in nature. It aims to investigate students’ attitudes, their interests and difficulties regarding the concept of computer assisted language learning at intermediate level. A self reported questionnaire (SRQ) was designed and administered to obtain the objectives of the current study. The sampling statistic comprised of 300 students with equal gender from public and private colleges. The collected data was statistically analyzed by running descriptive statistic technique. The findings revealed that male students had more positive attitude towards CALL as compared to their female counterparts. However, it was also revealed that male students found CALL interesting for the development of language proficiency while female students faced more difficulties in using computer technology for English Language learning. The results provide ideas, paths and suggestions to the future researchers to undergo further investigations in developing computer mediating language learning programs for the benefits of learners and learning.