bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Regional Shadow Prices of CO2 in China: A Directional Environmental Production Frontier Approach
Authors: Wu Qunli , Lin Huaxing
Published: January 2019

Shadow price of carbon dioxide (CO2) plays a fundamental role in evaluating CO2 abatement cost and formulating regional environmental policies. In this study, CO2 shadow prices are estimated in 29 provinces of China from 2006 to 2015. Directional Environmental Production Frontier Function (DEPFF) measures the distance between actual production points and the effective production frontier surface, which yields the shadow prices of CO2 emission. With the relationship between CO2 emission and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth which is encapsulated in the shadow price, the provinces are classified into three groups: acceleration zone, buffer zone, and deceleration zone. The acceleration zone is characterized by a smaller emission growth driving a greater economic growth, and the provincial average price of CO2 is 184.16 US$/ton. In the buffer zone, a significant emission increase brings about less economic growth with the average shadow price at 86.57 US$/ton. In the deceleration zone, a high growth rate of CO2 emissions is accompanied with an economic output decrease, which implies that the shadow price of CO2 should be negative, and the mean value is −200.7 US$/ton. As the CO2 abatement potential differs significantly across provinces, the environmental policy and CO2 reduction targets should be region-specific.
Determinants of the Price of Housing in the Province of Alicante (Spain): Analysis Using Quantile Regression
Authors: Mora-Garcia Raul-Tomas , Cespedes-Lopez Maria-Francisca , Perez-Sanchez V. Raul , Marti Pablo , Perez-Sanchez Juan-Carlos
Published: January 2019

After almost a decade of crisis, the housing market in Spain shows significant signs of recovery, with increases in both the average price and the number of sales transactions. Housing is the main asset for the majority of households, and it also has the most resources devoted to it, thus, when it comes to buying a residence, people do not only look at the asset’s intrinsic characteristics, but also consider other particularities such as the neighbourhood, accessibility to services, availability of public transport or adequate funding. The study aimed to analyse and quantify the relationship that exists between the asking price of second-hand housing on the market in Alicante and the attributes that characterise them. This was done using a multivariate analysis to estimate a hedonic pricing model by ordinary least squares and a quantile regression to analyse the impact of the characteristics in different price ranges. The results show the segmentation of the prices in the Alicante market, with higher prices in the northern coastal area over the southern and inland comarcas.
A Case of ‘Muddling Through’? The Politics of Renewing Glyphosate Authorization in the European Union
Authors: Tosun Jale , Lelieveldt Herman , Wing Trevelyan
Published: January 2019

Between 2012 and 2017, the European Commission struggled to achieve the renewal of glyphosate, an active ingredient of some broad-spectrum herbicides. As indicated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the chemical kills or suppresses all plant types; when applied at lower rates, it is a plant-growth regulator and desiccant. Glyphosate is used worldwide for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes. Once uncontroversial, new scientific evidence concerning the potential hazards of the substance has sparked a considerable debate in public and political spheres. In light of this sustained controversy, it came as a surprise when a qualified majority of European Union member states voted in favor of the Commission’s proposal to renew the approval of glyphosate for another five years. How was this outcome reached after many ‘no opinion’ votes? How are the member states dealing with the authorization’s renewal? Relying on document analyses and process tracing, we show in this study that the aforementioned renewal was attained due to a change in position on the part of German delegates, who voted in favor of the proposal instead of abstaining. By examining how the member states are addressing the renewal of the authorization, we found that both the countries that opposed renewal and those that supported it are now taking steps to reduce the use—or preparing the phaseout—of glyphosate. Due to domestic political considerations, however, the realization of these steps has so far proven to be difficult.
Conceptualization of an Indicator System for Assessing the Sustainability of the Bioeconomy
Authors: Egenolf Vincent , Bringezu Stefan
Published: January 2019

The increased use of biogenic resources is linked to expectations of “green” economic growth, innovation spurts through biotechnology, development options for rural areas, and an increasingly regenerative resource base that is also climate-neutral. However, for several years the signs for unintentional and unwanted side effects have been increasing. In 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was published at the international level in order to address this problem and deliver a starting point for a comprehensive sustainability criteria evaluation catalogue. Impact indicators to quantify the environmental burden induced by national activities in foreign countries are especially lacking. In this article a comprehensive framework for the evaluation of the sustainability of the bioeconomy, considering key objectives and relevant criteria for environmental, economic, and social sustainability is developed. A special focus is set to the intersection area of the three pillars of sustainability, where the particularly important integrative key objectives and the indicators assigned to them (e.g., resource footprints) apply. This indicator set can be used as a basis for bio-economy monitoring, which uses and produces differently aggregated information on different levels of action, with a focus at the national level but also including global impacts of domestic production and consumption.
Autophagy and Apoptosis Interact to Modulate T-2 Toxin-Induced Toxicity in Liver Cells
Authors: Wu Jing , Zhou Yu , Yuan Zhihang , Yi Jine , Chen Jingshu , Wang Naidong , Tian Yanan
Published: January 2019

T-2 toxin is a mycotoxin generated by Fusarium species which has been shown to be highly toxic to human and animals. T-2 toxin induces apoptosis in various tissues/organs. Apoptosis and autophagy are two closely interconnected processes, which are important for maintaining physiological homeostasis as well as pathogenesis. Here, for the first time, we demonstrated that T-2 toxins induce autophagy in human liver cells (L02). We demonstrated that T-2 toxin induce acidic vesicular organelles formation, concomitant with the alterations in p62/SQSTM1 and LC3-phosphatidylethanolamine conjugate (LC3-II) and the enhancement of the autophagic flux. Using mRFP-GFP-LC3 by lentiviral transduction, we showed T-2 toxin-mediated lysosomal fusion and the formation of autophagosomes in L02 cells. The formation of autophagosomes was further confirmed by transmission electron microcopy. While T-2 toxin induced both autophagy and apoptosis, autophagy appears to be a leading event in the response to T-2 toxin treatment, reflecting its protective role in cells against cellular damage. Activating autophagy by rapamycin (RAPA) inhibited apoptosis, while suppressing autophagy by chloroquine greatly enhanced the T-2 toxin-induced apoptosis, suggesting the crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis. Taken together, these results indicate that autophagy plays a role in protecting cells from T-2 toxin-induced apoptosis suggesting that autophagy may be manipulated for the alleviation of toxic responses induced by T-2 toxin.
Differential Role of Anti-Viral Sensing Pathway for the Production of Type I Interferon β in Dendritic Cells and Macrophages Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus A2 Strain Infection
Authors: Oh Dong Sun , Kim Tae Hoon , Lee Heung Kyu
Published: January 2019

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory infectious disease in infants and young children. Dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages (MACs) are known to play important roles in RSV recognition, and in the production of type I interferons (IFNs) and pro-inflammatory cytokine in RSV infection. Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), and mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS) are known to be important for the RSV sensing pathway in DCs and MACs. However, despite the critical roles of type I IFNs in the anti-RSV immune response, the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that are required for RSV sensing in DCs and MACs remain unclear. Here, we investigate the pathway activated by RSV A2 strain infection using an IFN-β/YFP reporter mouse model to visualize IFN-β-producing cells and in vitro RSV infection in bone marrow-derived DCs (BM-DCs) and macrophages (BM-DMs). We present our finding that MyD88, but not TLR7, are important for RSV recognition and type I IFN and pro-inflammatory production in DCs and MACs. MAVS-deficient BM-DCs and BM-DMs show impaired induction of IFN-β production upon RSV stimulation, and this effect is RSV replication-dependent. Our study provides information on cell type-specific PRR requirements in innate immune responses against RSV infection.
Neuroinflammation, Microglia, and Cell-Association during Prion Disease
Authors: Carroll James A. , Chesebro Bruce
Published: January 2019

Prion disorders are transmissible diseases caused by a proteinaceous infectious agent that can infect the lymphatic and nervous systems. The clinical features of prion diseases can vary, but common hallmarks in the central nervous system (CNS) are deposition of abnormally folded protease-resistant prion protein (PrPres or PrPSc), astrogliosis, microgliosis, and neurodegeneration. Numerous proinflammatory effectors expressed by astrocytes and microglia are increased in the brain during prion infection, with many of them potentially damaging to neurons when chronically upregulated. Microglia are important first responders to foreign agents and damaged cells in the CNS, but these immune-like cells also serve many essential functions in the healthy CNS. Our current understanding is that microglia are beneficial during prion infection and critical to host defense against prion disease. Studies indicate that reduction of the microglial population accelerates disease and increases PrPSc burden in the CNS. Thus, microglia are unlikely to be a foci of prion propagation in the brain. In contrast, neurons and astrocytes are known to be involved in prion replication and spread. Moreover, certain astrocytes, such as A1 reactive astrocytes, have proven neurotoxic in other neurodegenerative diseases, and thus might also influence the progression of prion-associated neurodegeneration.
Expanding Repertoire of Plant Positive-Strand RNA Virus Proteases
Authors: Mann Krin S. , Sanfaçon Hélène
Published: January 2019

Many plant viruses express their proteins through a polyprotein strategy, requiring the acquisition of protease domains to regulate the release of functional mature proteins and/or intermediate polyproteins. Positive-strand RNA viruses constitute the vast majority of plant viruses and they are diverse in their genomic organization and protein expression strategies. Until recently, proteases encoded by positive-strand RNA viruses were described as belonging to two categories: (1) chymotrypsin-like cysteine and serine proteases and (2) papain-like cysteine protease. However, the functional characterization of plant virus cysteine and serine proteases has highlighted their diversity in terms of biological activities, cleavage site specificities, regulatory mechanisms, and three-dimensional structures. The recent discovery of a plant picorna-like virus glutamic protease with possible structural similarities with fungal and bacterial glutamic proteases also revealed new unexpected sources of protease domains. We discuss the variety of plant positive-strand RNA virus protease domains. We also highlight possible evolution scenarios of these viral proteases, including evidence for the exchange of protease domains amongst unrelated viruses.
Uncovering Flavivirus Host Dependency Factors through a Genome-Wide Gain-of-Function Screen
Authors: Petrova Evgeniya , Gracias Ségolène , Beauclair Guillaume , Tangy Frédéric , Jouvenet Nolwenn
Published: January 2019

Flaviviruses, such as dengue (DENV), West Nile (WNV), yellow fever (YFV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses, are mosquito-borne pathogens that present a major risk to global public health. To identify host factors that promote flavivirus replication, we performed a genome-wide gain-of-function cDNA screen for human genes that enhance the replication of flavivirus reporter particles in human cells. The screen recovered seventeen potential host proteins that promote viral replication, including the previously known dolichyl-diphosphooligosaccharide--protein glycosyltransferase non-catalytic subunit (DDOST). Using silencing approaches, we validated the role of four candidates in YFV and WNV replication: ribosomal protein L19 (RPL19), ribosomal protein S3 (RPS3), DDOST and importin 9 (IPO9). Applying a panel of virological, biochemical and microscopic methods, we validated further the role of RPL19 and DDOST as host factors required for optimal replication of YFV, WNV and ZIKV. The genome-wide gain-of-function screen is thus a valid approach to advance our understanding of flavivirus replication.
A Rapid Method for Sequencing Double-Stranded RNAs Purified from Yeasts and the Identification of a Potent K1 Killer Toxin Isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Crabtree Angela M. , Kizer Emily A. , Hunter Samuel S. , Van Leuven James T. , New Daniel D. , Fagnan Matthew W. , Rowley Paul A.
Published: January 2019

Mycoviruses infect a large number of diverse fungal species, but considering their prevalence, relatively few high-quality genome sequences have been determined. Many mycoviruses have linear double-stranded RNA genomes, which makes it technically challenging to ascertain their nucleotide sequence using conventional sequencing methods. Different specialist methodologies have been developed for the extraction of double-stranded RNAs from fungi and the subsequent synthesis of cDNAs for cloning and sequencing. However, these methods are often labor-intensive, time-consuming, and can require several days to produce cDNAs from double-stranded RNAs. Here, we describe a comprehensive method for the rapid extraction and sequencing of dsRNAs derived from yeasts, using short-read next generation sequencing. This method optimizes the extraction of high-quality double-stranded RNAs from yeasts and 3′ polyadenylation for the initiation of cDNA synthesis for next-generation sequencing. We have used this method to determine the sequence of two mycoviruses and a double-stranded RNA satellite present within a single strain of the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The quality and depth of coverage was sufficient to detect fixed and polymorphic mutations within viral populations extracted from a clonal yeast population. This method was also able to identify two fixed mutations within the alpha-domain of a variant K1 killer toxin encoded on a satellite double-stranded RNA. Relative to the canonical K1 toxin, these newly reported mutations increased the cytotoxicity of the K1 toxin against a specific species of yeast.
Time-Averaged Turbulent Velocity Flow Field through the Various Bridge Contractions during Large Flooding
Authors: Yoon Kwang Seok , Lee Seung Oh , Hong Seung Ho
Published: January 2019

Extreme rainfall events, larger than 500-year floods, have produced a large number of flooding events in the land and also close to the shore, and have resulted in massive destruction of hydraulic infrastructures because of scour. In light of climate change, this trend is likely to continue in the future and thus, resilience, security and sustainability of hydraulic infrastructures has become an interesting topic for hydraulic engineering stakeholders. In this study, a physical model experiment with a geometric similarity of the bridge embankments, abutments, and bridge deck as well as river bathymetry was conducted in a laboratory flume. Flow conditions were utilized to get submerged orifice flow and overtopping flow in the bridge section in order to simulate extreme hydrologic flow conditions. Point velocities of the bridge section were measured in sufficient details and the time-averaged velocity flow field were plotted to obtain better understandings of scour and sediment transport under high flow conditions. The laboratory study concluded that existing lateral flow contraction as well as vertical flow contraction resulted in a unique flow field through the bridge and the shape of velocity profile being “fuller”, thereby increasing the velocity gradients close to the bed and subsequently resulting in a higher rate of bed sediment transport. The relationships between the velocity gradients measured close to the bed and the degree of flow contraction through the bridge are suggested. Furthermore, based on the location of maximum scour corresponding to the measured velocity flow field, the classification of scour conditions, long setback abutment scour and short setback abutment scour, are also suggested.
AGILE Detection of Gamma-Ray Sources Coincident with Cosmic Neutrino Events
Authors: Lucarelli F. , Tavani M. , Piano G. , Bulgarelli A. , Donnarumma I. , Verrecchia F. , Pittori C. , Antonelli L. A. , Argan A. , Barbiellini G. , Caraveo P. , Cardillo M. , Cattaneo P. W. , Chen A. , Colafrancesco S. , Costa E. , Monte E. Del , Cocco G. Di , Ferrari A. , Fioretti V. , Galli M. , Giommi P. , Giuliani A. , Lipari P. , Longo F. , Mereghetti S. , Morselli A. , Paoletti F. , Parmiggiani N. , Pellizzoni A. , Picozza P. , Pilia M. , Rappoldi A. , Trois A. , Ursi A. , Vercellone S. , Vittorini V. ,   (The AGILE Team)
Published: January 2019

The origin of cosmic neutrinos is still largely unknown. Using data obtained by the gamma-ray imager on board the Astro-rivelatore Gamma a Immagini Leggero (AGILE) satellite, we systematically searched for transient gamma-ray sources above 100 MeV that are temporally and spatially coincident with 10 recent high-energy neutrino IceCube events. We found three AGILE candidate sources that can be considered possible counterparts to neutrino events. Detecting three gamma-ray/neutrino associations out of 10 IceCube events is shown to be unlikely due to a chance coincidence. One of the sources is related to the BL Lac source TXS 0506+056. For the other two AGILE gamma-ray sources there are no obvious known counterparts, and both Galactic and extragalactic origin should be considered.
Balinese Cultivar of Purple Sweet Potato Improved Neurological Score and BDNF and Reduced Caspase-Independent Apoptosis among Wistar Rats with Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Adnyana I Made Oka , Sudewi Raka , Samatra Purwa , Suprapta Suprapta
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke occurs due to the abrupt occlusion in the brain which leads to neuronal death. Neuronal death in ischemic stroke is due to increase production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Neuronal death occurs via necrosis and apoptosis mechanisms. Apoptosis can either occur via extrinsic or intrinsic pathway. Meanwhile, the intrinsic pathway can be caspase-dependent or independent. Anthocyanin is a natural pigment with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective properties. Balinese cultivate of purple potato extract contains a high level of anthocyanin and has been proven for its antioxidant activity.
AIM: Antioxidant effect of Balinese cultivates purple potato extract has not been studied on an animal model with ischemic stroke. Accordingly, we would like to study the effect of antioxidant properties from Balinese cultivate of purple potato extract by assessing the neurological score, BNDF concentration, and caspase-independent apoptosis by measuring AIF concentration on Wistar rats with ischemic stroke.
METHODS: This was an experimental study using male Wistar rats age between 12-14 weeks weigh between 200 to 250 g.
RESULTS: This study demonstrated a significant difference of neurological score on day 3 among control versus treatment groups. Balinese cultivate of purple potato extract markedly reduced AIF, increased BDNF, and suppressed apoptosis among treatment group when compared with the control group.
CONCLUSION: We have proven the efficacy of antioxidant activity of anthocyanin derived from Balinese cultivar of purple sweet potato by elevated AIF levels, lower apoptosis rate, improved neurological score on day-3 to day-7 post-stroke, as well as increased BDNF levels.
Knowledge and Interest in Treating Gingival Recession among Dental Practitioners in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bhat Mohammad , AlQahtani Nabeeh , Khader Mohasin , Javali Mukhatar , AlQahtani Ali
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND: Gingival recession is an enigma among clinicians due to multiple etiological factors and various treatment modalities.
AIM: Objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and interest among dental practitioners regarding the treatment of gingival recession.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey was conducted to assess knowledge of gingival recession and interest and satisfaction of dental practitioners in periodontics. This survey was circulated among 250 dental practitioners throughout four months. The structured questionnaire consisted of 9 questions assessing the knowledge and interest of dental practitioners in periodontics; gingival recession per se.
RESULTS: Majority of the participants were general dentists. Among them, 46.23% had a habit of reading dental journals. Most of the participants had an opinion that improper tooth brushing (42.71%) is an important cause of the gingival recession. Only 34.17% had information about Miller's classification of gingival recession. Regarding general indication of root coverage procedures, 28.64% answered aesthetics was the most common indication. 39.7% mentioned that traumatic occlusion was a risk factor for gingival recession. A group of 29.65% mentioned that accidental toothbrush trauma leads to gingival recession.
CONCLUSION: The knowledge of gingival recession among the study participants was adequate. More specifically, the interest of participants in periodontics was 5.39 and satisfaction in treating periodontal cases was 5.47.
The Relationship between the Duration of Playing Gadget and Mental Emotional State of Elementary School Students
Authors: Wahyuni Arlinda Sari , Siahaan Ferdinan Benito , Arfa Mudia , Alona Ivana , Nerdy Nerdy
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND: Technology has provided a type of facility in the world that currently makes the world like a virtual globe. One of the technologies currently used by humans is gadgets. Generally, children and adolescents nowadays often use gadget excessively. They use it excessively which may affect their social and emotional functions.
AIM: This study aims to determine the relationship between the duration of playing gadget and mental-emotional state of elementary school students.
METHODS: This study uses Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) which contains 25 questions that can be used for children aged 8 to 16 years. This research was conducted in August 2018 with fourth-grade students of Public Elementary School and Private Elementary School Medan as respondents. This study uses a cross-sectional study method with the chi-square test as a statistical hypothesis test. The number of respondents in this study was 103 students consist of 73 students of Public Elementary School and 30 students of Private Elementary School Medan.
RESULTS: The results of this study found a relationship between the duration of playing gadgets on mental-emotional at elementary school students with a probability value of 0.0001 (p < 0.05) and the relationship between the frequency of using gadgets and mental-emotional with a probability value of 0.001 (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant relationship between mental emotional and the duration of playing gadgets and the frequency of using gadgets elementary school students.
Characteristics and Factors Associated with Medical Waste Management Behaviour in Private Dental Health Services in Pekanbaru City, Indonesia
Authors: Dewi Oktavia , Ikhwan Yusni , Nazriati Elda , Sukendi Sukendi
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND: Medical waste is a problem when its amount is accumulated as well as the way the private dental healthcare still manages improperly.
AIM: This study aims to define types and the number of medical wastes, also to analyse behaviour toward waste management and its associated factors.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research used a quantitative analytic approach and cross-sectional design with 149 private dental practice populations in total. There were 60 dentists obtained using systematic random sampling in Pekanbaru. Data processed by conducting summation medical waste and counting the percentage of behaviourâ€™s variables. Data collected within 20 days were processed with dental waste laboratory tests and chi-square analysis.
RESULTS: The result showed that dental, medical wastes average was 0.3 Â± 0.07 kg/day which is 69% infectious, 27% toxic, and 4% radioactive. Overall results showed associated factors related to waste management behaviour were knowledge, training attainment, availability of facilities, and the use of personal protective equipment.
CONCLUSION: The numbers of medical waste from dental health services in Pekanbaru were still low. More than half the Dentist had poor behaviour in dental, medical waste management. It is recommended to the dental profession organisation to cooperate with City Health Office to hold management training on medical waste in dental health care to educate and raise dentistsâ€™ awareness to be able to manage the waste of dental health services properly and by the regulations.
Scales for measuring UAV micro-motor static thrust
Authors: Zabunov Svetoslav , Mardirossian Garo
Published: January 2019

With the advent of micro-sized unmanned helicopters and airplanes weighing under 250 g certain needs for measurement instruments and setups are emerging. The authors have identified the lack of micro-motor measurement instruments and more specifically a static thrust gauge device. For this reason, scales to measure static motor thrust was advised and further developed as a laboratory setup.

The motors that are subject to testing with the described instrument are the brushed micro-sized coreless electric motors, well suited for micro-drones with total weight under 250 g. The scale is fitting different sizes of micro-motors and appropriate control of the input voltage is provided. The instrument is measuring simultaneously the applied voltage to the motor and the current it consumes, along with the static thrust the motor generates. The scale is versatile – it measures both pusher and tractor propeller configurations. Pusher propellers in micro-drones are gaining significant attention lately due to their better efficiency characteristics.
Argon Laser Peripheral Iridoplasty in the Management of Phacomorphic Glaucoma
Authors: Yip Pian P W , Leung Wai-yee , Hon Ching-yu , Ho Chi-kin
Published: January 2019

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To document the efficacy and safety of argon laser peripheral iridoplasty (ALPI) as a temporizing measure in the treatment of phacomorphic glaucoma and to evaluate the mid-term visual outcomes.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical records of all patients with phacomorphic glaucoma treated with ALPI from December 1999 to December 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome measure was the rate of successful control of intraocular pressure. Successful cases with at least 12 months of follow-up were further analyzed regarding their outcomes after cataract surgery, including visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and angle status.

* RESULTS: ALPI was performed as an initial step in the management of phacomorphic glaucoma in 21 eyes of 21 patients. IOP was successfully controlled in 17 eyes (80.75%), with a statistically significant decrease at 2 and 24 hours postoperatively (P < .0001). Elective cataract surgery was performed in 16 of the 17 successful cases and 12 of these patients completed at least 12 months of follow-up. After a mean follow-up period of 25.58 months, IOP was normal without medications in 1 1 eyes and only 1 patient required antiglaucoma eye drops to control IOP. All patients achieved a visual acuity of at least 1/60 and 8 (66.67%) of them achieved a visual acuity of 6/21 or better. All patients maintained an open angle without further surgical intervention. No complication was noted direcdy attributable to ALPI.

* CONCLUSION: ALPI is a safe and efficacious measure for the initial management of phacomorphic glaucoma, simultaneously obviating the need to operate in highly inflamed eyes in an emergency setting and achieving satisfactory mid-term visual outcome.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2005,36:286291.1]
Optical Coherence Tomography Findings After an Intravitreal Injection of Bevacizumab (Avastin®) for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Rosenfeld Philip J , Moshfeghi Andrew A , Puliafito Carmen A
Published: January 2019

Abstract. To determine whether intravitreal bevacizumab could improve optical coherence tomography and visual acuity outcomes in a patient with neovascular age-related macular degeneration who was responding poorly to pegaptanib therapy, an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (1.0 mg) was given. Within 1 week, optical coherence tomography revealed resolution of the subretinal fluid, resulting in a normal-appearing macular contour. The improved macular appearance was maintained for at least 4 weeks, and visual acuity remained stable. No inflammation was observed. An intravitreal injection of bevacizumab may provide an effective, safe, and inexpensive option for patients with age-related macular degeneration who are losing vision secondary to macular neovascularization. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2005;36:331-335.]
Outcomes of Surgery for Idiopathic Macular Hole: A Case-Control Study Comparing Silicone Oil With Gas Tamponade
Authors: Couvillion Stephen S , Smiddy William E , Flynn Harry W , Eifrig Charles W G , Gregori Giovanni
Published: January 2019

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of macular hole surgery using silicone oil with C
3
F
8
gas tamponade.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study of patients who underwent macular hole surgery for stage 2, 3, or 4 macular holes.

* RESULTS: Forty-six eyes of 44 patients underwent macular hole surgery involving injection of silicone oil (23 cases) or gas tamponade (23 controls). Anatomic closure occurred in 19 (82.6%) cases and 20 (86.9%) controls. Visual acuity improved to 20/70 or better in 4 (17.3%) of the cases and in 17 (73%) of the controls.

* CONCLUSION: In the current study of macular hole surgery, outcomes were better among patients with gas tamponade.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2005;36:365-371.]
Preparation of Donor Lamellar Tissue for Deep Lamellar Endothelial Keratoplasty Using a Microkeratome and Artificial Anterior Chamber System: Endothelial Cell Loss and Predictability of Lamellar Thickness
Authors: Kang Paul C , McEntire Marshall W , Thompson Clinton J , Moshirfar Majid
Published: January 2019

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To measure endothelial cell loss and predictability of lamellar thickness after preparing donor tissue for deep keratoplasty with an artificial anterior chamber and microkeratome.

* MATERIALS AND METHODS: A microkeratome set at a depth of 350 µm and a diameter of 9 mm was used to obtain ten lamellar lenticules from corneoscleral rims mounted in an artificial chamber. A punch trephine then was used to cut the donor tissue 7 mm in diameter. Specular microscopy was performed to evaluate endothelial cell density before the procedure, after cutting with the microkeratome, and after trephination. Pachymetry was performed to determine the predictability of lenticule thickness, before the procedure and after microkeratome incision.

* RESULTS: Mean post-microkeratome endothelial cell loss was 79 ± 88 cells/mm
p 2
and post-punch trephination was 85 ± 94 cells/mm
p 2
. This represented a mean percentage loss of 3.2% and 3.5% for the respective steps of this procedure. Nine of the ten lenticules were cut within ± 75 µm of the intended 350-µm thickness.

* CONCLUSIONS: Preparing donor lenticules for deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty with a microkeratome with artificial chamber system caused a relatively small loss of endothelial cells (6.7% of the total) and a reproducible thickness. This may have advantages over manual preparation techniques.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2005;36:381-385.]
Optical Coherence Tomography in Group 2A Idiopathic Juxtafoveolar Telangiectasis
Authors: Gupta Vishali , Gupta Amod , Dogra Mangat R , Agarwal Anita
Published: January 2019

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To describe the optical coherence tomographic features in patients with group 2A idiopathic juxtafoveolar telangiectasis.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty eyes of 20 consecutive patients with idiopathic juxtafoveolar telangiectasis seen between August 2002 and January 2004 were included in the study. All of the patients underwent color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography. The main outcome measure was optical coherence tomography findings.

* RESULTS: The most consistent finding between stages 2 through 5 of group 2A idiopathic juxtafoveolar telangiectasis seen in 35 (87.5%) eyes on optical coherence tomography was the presence of hypo reflective intraretinal spaces in the absence of retinal thickening. Other findings included the presence of hyperreflectivity in the middle or inner retinal layers, suggesting retinal pigment epithelium proliferation and migration corresponding to the stellate foci of pigmentation in stage 4 and features of choroidal or subretinal neovascular membrane in stage 5.

* CONCLUSION: The optical coherence tomography findings in group 2A idiopathic juxtafoveolar telangiectasis were characteristic and may be helpful in making the diagnosis and defining, as far as possible, the anatomical staging.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2005;36:482-486.]
Aligning Strategic Interests in an Academic Medical Center: A Framework for Evaluating GME Expansion Requests
Authors: Varaklis Kalli , Parker Mark G. , Peck Jordan S. , Bing-You Robert G.
Published: January 2019

Background 

In 2017, the Maine Medical Center Graduate Medical Education Committee received an unprecedented number of requests (n = 18) to start new graduate medical education (GME) programs or expand existing programs. There was no process by which multiple programs could be prioritized to compete for scarce GME resources.

Objective 

We developed a framework to strategically assess and prioritize GME program expansion requests to yield the greatest benefits for patients, learners, and the institution as well as to meet regional and societal priorities.

Methods 

A systems engineering methodology called tradespace exploration was applied to a 6-step process to identify relevant categories and metrics. Programs' final scores were peer evaluated, and prioritization recommendations were made. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relevance of each category to final scores. Stakeholder feedback was solicited for process refinement.

Results 

Five categories relevant to GME expansion were identified: institutional priorities, health care system priorities, regional and societal needs, program quality, and financial considerations. All categories, except program quality, correlated well with final scores (R2 range 0.413–0.662). Three of 18 requested programs were recommended for funding. A stakeholder survey revealed that almost half of respondents (48%, 14 of 29) agreed that the process was unbiased and inclusive. Focus group feedback noted that the process had been rigorous and deliberate, although communication could have been improved.

Conclusions 

Applying a systems engineering approach to develop institution-specific metrics for assessing GME expansion requests provided a reproducible framework, allowing consideration of institutional, health care system, and regional societal needs, as well as program quality and funding considerations.
Characterization of VOCs and their related atmospheric processes in a central Chinese city during severe ozone pollution periods
Authors: Li Bowei , Ho Steven Sai Hang , Gong Sunling , Ni Jingwei , Li Huairui , Han Liyan , Yang Yi , Qi Yijin , Zhao Dongxu
Published: January 2019

Abstract. A 5-month campaign (from May to September 2017) was conducted to
characterize volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for the first time at four
sites in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, where ground level ozone
(O3) concentration has shown an increasing trend in recent years. Canister
samples were collected for the measurement of 57 VOCs, which, along with
reactive nitrogen oxides (NOx), are the most important O3 precursors.
During the same period, O3 and its precursor gases were monitored online
simultaneously. The results indicated that the average mixing ratio of total
quantified VOCs (ΣVOCs=28.8±22.1 ppbv) in Zhengzhou
was lower than that in the other Chinese megacities, while alkyne comprised a
higher proportion of ΣVOCs. The abundances, compositions and ratios
of typical VOCs showed clear spatial and temporal variations. Cluster
analysis indicates that air masses from the south of Zhengzhou were cleaner than
from other directions. The molar ratio of VOCs to NOx indicated that,
in general, O3 formation was more sensitive to VOCs than NOx
formation in Zhengzhou. The source apportionment was conducted with positive
matrix factorization (PMF), and it was found that vehicle exhaust, coal and
biomass burning and solvent usage were the major sources for ambient VOCs at
all four sites. From potential source contribution function (PSCF) analysis,
the strong emissions from coal + biomass burning and solvent usage were
concentrated in the southwest of Shanxi and Henan provinces. This
study gathers scientific evidence on the pollution sources for Zhengzhou, benefiting the government to establish efficient environmental control
measures, particularly for O3 pollution.
Evaluation on the effect of regional joint control measures in
changing photochemical transformation: A comprehensive study of the optimization scenario analysis
Authors: Li Li , Zhu Shuhui , An Jingyu , Zhou Min , Wang Hongli , Yan Rusha , Qiao Liping , Huang Cheng , Tian Xudong , Shen Lijuan , Avise Jeremy C. , Fu Joshua S.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Heavy haze usually occurs in winter in eastern China. To control the severe air pollution during the season, comprehensive regional joint-control strategies were implemented throughout a campaign. To evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies and to provide some insight into strengthening the joint-control mechanism, the influence of control measures on levels of air pollution were estimated. To determine the influence of meteorological conditions, and the control measures on the air quality, in a comprehensive study, the 2nd World Internet Conference was held during December 16~18, 2015 in Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region. We first analyzed the air quality changes during four meteorological regimes; and then compared the air pollutant concentrations during days with stable meteorological conditions. Next, we did modeling scenarios to quantify the effects caused due to the air pollution control measures. We found that total emissions of SO2, NOx, PM2.5 and VOCs in Jiaxing were reduced by 56 %, 58 %, 64 % and 80 %, respectively; while total emission reductions of SO2, NOx, PM2.5 and VOCs over the YRD region are estimated to be 10 %, 9 %, 10 % and 11 %, respectively. Modelling results suggest that the regional controls (including Jiaxing and surrounding area) reduced PM2.5 levels in Jiaxing between 5.5 %–16.5 % (9.9 % on average), while local control measures contributed 4.5 %–14.4 %, with an average of 8.8 %. Our implemented optimization analysis compared with previous studies also reveal that local emission reductions play a key role in air quality improvement, although it shall be supplemented by regional linkage. In terms of regional joint control, to implement pollution channel control 48 hours before the event is of most benefit in getting similar results. Therefore, it is recommended that a synergistic emission reduction plan between adjacent areas with local pollution emission reductions as the core part should be established and strengthened, and emission reduction plans for different types of pollution through a stronger regional linkage should be reserved.
Global atmospheric CO2 inverse models converging on neutral tropical land exchange, but disagreeing on fossil fuel and atmospheric growth rate
Authors: Gaubert Benjamin , Stephens Britton B. , Basu Sourish , Chevallier Frédéric , Deng Feng , Kort Eric A. , Patra Prabir K. , Peters Wouter , Rödenbeck Christian , Saeki Tazu , Schimel David , Van der Laan-Luijkx Ingrid , Wofsy Steven , Yin Yi
Published: January 2019

Abstract. We have compared a suite of recent global CO2 atmospheric inversion
results to independent airborne observations and to each other, to assess
their dependence on differences in northern extratropical (NET) vertical transport
and to identify some of the drivers of model spread. We evaluate posterior
CO2 concentration profiles against observations from the
High-Performance Instrumented Airborne Platform for Environmental Research
(HIAPER) Pole-to-Pole Observations (HIPPO) aircraft campaigns over the mid-Pacific in 2009–2011. Although the models differ in inverse approaches,
assimilated observations, prior fluxes, and transport models, their broad
latitudinal separation of land fluxes has converged significantly since the
Atmospheric Carbon Cycle Inversion Intercomparison (TransCom 3) and the
REgional Carbon Cycle Assessment and Processes (RECCAP) projects, with model
spread reduced by 80 % since TransCom 3 and 70 % since RECCAP. Most modeled
CO2 fields agree reasonably well with the HIPPO observations,
specifically for the annual mean vertical gradients in the Northern
Hemisphere. Northern Hemisphere vertical mixing no longer appears to be a
dominant driver of northern versus tropical (T) annual flux differences. Our
newer suite of models still gives northern extratropical land uptake that is
modest relative to previous estimates (Gurney et al., 2002; Peylin et al., 2013) and
near-neutral tropical land uptake for 2009–2011. Given estimates of emissions
from deforestation, this implies a continued uptake in intact tropical
forests that is strong relative to historical estimates (Gurney et al., 2002; Peylin et al., 2013). The results from these models for other time periods (2004–2014,
2001–2004, 1992–1996) and re-evaluation of the TransCom 3 Level 2 and RECCAP
results confirm that tropical land carbon fluxes including deforestation
have been near neutral for several decades. However, models still have large
disagreements on ocean–land partitioning. The fossil fuel (FF) and the atmospheric
growth rate terms have been thought to be the best-known terms in the global
carbon budget, but we show that they currently limit our ability to assess
regional-scale terrestrial fluxes and ocean–land partitioning from the model
ensemble.
The 4.2 ka event, ENSO, and coral reef development
Authors: Toth Lauren T. , Aronson Richard B.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Variability of sea-surface temperature related to shifts in the mode of the El
Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has been implicated as a possible forcing mechanism
for the global-scale changes in tropical and subtropical precipitation known as the 4.2 ka event. We
review records of coral reef development and paleoceanography from the tropical eastern
Pacific (TEP) to evaluate the potential impact of the 4.2 ka event on coral reefs. Our
goal is to identify the regional climatic and oceanographic drivers of a 2500-year
shutdown of vertical reef accretion in the TEP after 4.2 ka. The 2500-year hiatus
represents ∼40 % of the Holocene history of reefs in the TEP and appears to
have been tied to increased variability of ENSO. When ENSO variability abated
approximately 1.7–1.6 ka, coral populations recovered and vertical accretion of reef
framework resumed apace. There is some evidence that the 4.2 ka event suppressed coral
growth and reef accretion elsewhere in the Pacific Ocean as well. Although the ultimate
causality behind the global 4.2 ka event remains elusive, correlations between shifts in
ENSO variability and the impacts of the 4.2 ka event suggest that ENSO could have played
a role in climatic changes at that time, at least in the tropical and subtropical
Pacific. We outline a framework for testing hypotheses of where and under what conditions
ENSO may be expected to have impacted coral reef environments around 4.2 ka. Although
most studies of the 4.2 ka event have focused on terrestrial environments, we suggest
that understanding the event in marine systems may prove to be the key to deciphering its
ultimate cause.
The 405 kyr and 2.4 Myr eccentricity components in Cenozoic carbon isotope records
Authors: Kocken Ilja J. , Cramwinckel Marlow Julius , Zeebe Richard E. , Middelburg Jack J. , Sluijs Appy
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Cenozoic stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope ratios of deep-sea foraminiferal calcite co-vary with the 405 kyr eccentricity cycle, suggesting a link between orbital forcing, the climate system, and the carbon cycle. Variations in δ18O are partly forced by ice-volume changes that have mostly occurred since the Oligocene. The cyclic δ13C–δ18O co-variation is found in both ice-free and glaciated climate states, however. Consequently, there should be a mechanism that forces the δ13C cycles independently of ice dynamics. In search of this mechanism, we simulate the response of several key components of the carbon cycle to orbital forcing in the Long-term Ocean-atmosphere-Sediment CArbon cycle Reservoir model (LOSCAR). We force the model by changing the burial of organic carbon in the ocean with various astronomical solutions and noise and study the response of the main carbon cycle tracers. Consistent with previous work, the simulations reveal that low-frequency oscillations in the forcing are preferentially amplified relative to higher frequencies. However, while oceanic δ13C mainly varies with a 405 kyr period in the model, the dynamics of dissolved inorganic carbon in the oceans and of atmospheric CO2 are dominated by the 2.4 Myr cycle of eccentricity. This implies that the total ocean and atmosphere carbon inventory is strongly influenced by carbon cycle variability that exceeds the timescale of the 405 kyr period (such as silicate weathering). To test the applicability of the model results, we assemble a long (∼22 Myr) δ13C and δ18O composite record spanning the Eocene to Miocene (34–12 Ma) and perform spectral analysis to assess the presence of the 2.4 Myr cycle. We find that, while the 2.4 Myr cycle appears to be overshadowed by long-term changes in the composite record, it is present as an amplitude modulator of the 405 and 100 kyr eccentricity cycles.