bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of blood-brain barrier disruption in patients with severe nonpenetrating traumatic brain injury requiring decompressive craniectomy
Authors: Ho Kwok M. , Honeybul Stephen , Yip Cheng B. , Silbert Benjamin I.
Published: July 2014

Object

The authors assessed the risk factors and outcomes associated with blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in patients with severe, nonpenetrating, traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring decompressive craniectomy.

Methods

At 2 major neurotrauma centers in Western Australia, a retrospective cohort study was conducted among 97 adult neurotrauma patients who required an external ventricular drain (EVD) and decompressive craniectomy during 2004–2012. Glasgow Outcome Scale scores were used to assess neurological outcomes. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with BBB disruption, defined by a ratio of total CSF protein concentrations to total plasma protein concentration > 0.007 in the earliest CSF specimen collected after TBI.

Results

Of the 252 patients who required decompressive craniectomy, 97 (39%) required an EVD to control intracranial pressure, and biochemical evidence of BBB disruption was observed in 43 (44%). Presence of disruption was associated with more severe TBI (median predicted risk for unfavorable outcome 75% vs 63%, respectively; p = 0.001) and with worse outcomes at 6, 12, and 18 months than was absence of BBB disruption (72% vs 37% unfavorable outcomes, respectively; p = 0.015). The only risk factor significantly associated with increased risk for BBB disruption was presence of nonevacuated intracerebral hematoma (> 1 cm diameter) (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.23–7.50; p = 0.016). Although BBB disruption was associated with more severe TBI and worse long-term outcomes, when combined with the prognostic information contained in the Corticosteroid Randomization after Significant Head Injury (CRASH) prognostic model, it did not seem to add significant prognostic value (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.855 vs 0.864, respectively; p = 0.453).

Conclusions

Biochemical evidence of BBB disruption after severe nonpenetrating TBI was common, especially among patients with large intracerebral hematomas. Disruption of the BBB was associated with more severe TBI and worse long-term outcomes, but when combined with the prognostic information contained in the CRASH prognostic model, this information did not add significant prognostic value.
Thoracic discectomy by posterior pedicle-sparing, transfacet approach with real-time intraoperative ultrasonography
Authors: Nishimura Yusuke , Thani Nova B. , Tochigi Satoru , Ahn Henry , Ginsberg Howard J.
Published: July 2014

Object

Symptomatic thoracic disc herniations (TDHs) are relatively uncommon, and the technical challenges of resecting the offending disc are formidable due to the location of spinal cord that has relatively poor perfusion characteristics within a narrow canal. The majority of disc herniations are long-standing calcified discs that can be adherent to the ventral dura. Real-time intraoperative ultrasound (RIOUS) visualization of the spinal cord during the retraction and resection of the disc greatly enhances the safety and efficacy of disc resection. The authors have adopted the posterior laminectomy with pedicle-sparing transfacet approach with real-time ultrasound guidance in their practice, and they present the clinical outcome in their patients to illustrate the safety profile of this technique.

Methods

Sixteen consecutive patients undergoing operative management of TDHs were identified from the authors' database. All patients underwent microdiscectomy through a posterior transfacet pedicle-sparing approach under RIOUS. Outcomes and complications were retrospectively assessed in this patient series. Clinical records and pre- and postoperative imaging studies were scrutinized to assess levels and types of disc herniation, blood loss, surgical time, pre- and postoperative Nurick grades, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, and complications.

Results

All patients had single-level symptomatic TDHs. The patients presented with symptoms including thoracic myelopathy, axial back pain, urinary symptoms, and thoracic radiculopathy. Thoracic disc herniations involved levels T2–3 to T12–L1. Discs were classified as central or paracentral, and as calcified or noncalcified. All discs were successfully removed with no incidence of neural injury or CSF leak. The mean estimated blood loss was 523 ml, and the mean surgical time was 159 minutes. Nurick grades improved on average from 3.3 to 1.6. The mean JOA scores improved from 5.7 to 8.3 out of 11. The mean Hirabayashi recovery rate of the JOA score was 57%. All patients reported improvement in symptoms compared with preoperative status except for 1 patient with an American Spinal Injury Association Grade A spinal cord injury prior to surgery. The average duration of follow-up was 10.5 months. One patient developed postoperative wound infection that required additional operative debridement and revision of hardware.

Conclusions

Thoracic discectomy via a posterior pedicle-sparing transfacet approach is an adequate method of managing herniations at any thoracic level. The safety of the operation is significantly enhanced by the use of realtime intraoperative ultrasonography.
The Impact of Out-of-Pocket Payments on Health Care Inequity: The Case of National Health Insurance in South Korea
Authors: Lee Weon-Young , Shaw Ian
Published: July 2014

The global financial crisis of 2008 has led to the reinforcement of patient cost sharing in health care policy. This study aimed to explore the impact of direct out-of pocket payments (OOPs) on health care utilization and the resulting financial burden across income groups under the South Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) program with universal population coverage. We used the fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES-IV) and the Korean Household Income and Expenditure Survey (KHIES) of 2007, 2008 and 2009. The Horizontal Inequity Index (HIwv) and the average unit OOPs were used to measure income-related inequity in the quantitative and qualitative aspects of health care utilization, respectively. For financial burden, the incidence rates of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) were compared across income groups. For outpatient and hospital visits, there was neither pro-poor or pro-rich inequality. The average unit OOPs of the poorest quintile was approximately 75% and 60% of each counterpart in the richest quintile in the outpatient and inpatient services. For the CHE threshold of 40%, the incidence rates were 5.7%, 1.67%, 0.72%, 0.33% and 0.27% in quintiles I (the poorest quintile), II, III, IV and V, respectively. Substantial OOPs under the NHI are disadvantageous, particularly for the lowest income group in terms of health care quality and financial burden.
Differences of Urinary Arsenic Metabolites and Methylation Capacity between Individuals with and without Skin Lesions in Inner Mongolia, Northern China
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Li Yongfang , Liu Juan , Wang Da , Zheng Quanmei , Sun Guifan
Published: July 2014

Incomplete arsenic (As) methylation has been considered a risk factor of As-related diseases. This study aimed to examine the difference of urinary As metabolites and the methylation capacity between subjects with and without skin lesions. Urinary inorganic arsenic (iAs), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) were analyzed. The percentage of each As species (iAs%, MMA%, and DMA%), the primary methylation index (PMI) and secondary methylation index (SMI) were calculated. The results showed that subjects with skin lesions have higher levels of urinary iAs (99.08 vs. 70.63 μg/g Cr, p = 0.006) and MMA (69.34 vs. 42.85 μg/g Cr, p = 0.016) than subjects without skin lesions after adjustment for several confounders. Significant differences of urianry MMA% (15.49 vs. 12.11, p = 0.036) and SMI (0.74 vs. 0.81, p = 0.025) were found between the two groups. The findings of the present study suggest that subjects with skin lesions may have a lower As methylation capacity than subjects without skin lesions.
Climate Change and Human Health
Authors: Semenza Jan
Published: July 2014

Climate change impacts on human health span the trajectory of time—past, present, and future. The key finding from the Working Group II, Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that health impacts due to climate change have already occurred in the past, are currently occurring and will continue to occur, at least for the foreseeable future, even with immediate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions [1]. According to the IPCC, there has been increased heat-related mortality and decreased cold-related mortality in some regions as a result of warming (Box 1). Moreover, local changes in temperature and rainfall have altered the distribution of some water-borne illnesses and disease vectors. Impacts of climate-related extremes include alteration of ecosystems, disruption of food production and water supply, damage to infrastructure and settlements, morbidity and mortality, and consequences for mental health and human well-being [1]. [...]
Associations between Perceptions of Drinking Water Service Delivery and Measured Drinking Water Quality in Rural Alabama
Authors: Wedgworth Jessica , Brown Joe , Johnson Pauline , Olson Julie , Elliott Mark , Forehand Rick , Stauber Christine
Published: July 2014

Although small, rural water supplies may present elevated microbial risks to consumers in some settings, characterizing exposures through representative point-of-consumption sampling is logistically challenging. In order to evaluate the usefulness of consumer self-reported data in predicting measured water quality and risk factors for contamination, we compared matched consumer interview data with point-of-survey, household water quality and pressure data for 910 households served by 14 small water systems in rural Alabama. Participating households completed one survey that included detailed feedback on two key areas of water service conditions: delivery conditions (intermittent service and low water pressure) and general aesthetic characteristics (taste, odor and color), providing five condition values. Microbial water samples were taken at the point-of-use (from kitchen faucets) and as-delivered from the distribution network (from outside flame-sterilized taps, if available), where pressure was also measured. Water samples were analyzed for free and total chlorine, pH, turbidity, and presence of total coliforms and Escherichia coli. Of the 910 households surveyed, 35% of participants reported experiencing low water pressure, 15% reported intermittent service, and almost 20% reported aesthetic problems (taste, odor or color). Consumer-reported low pressure was associated with lower gauge-measured pressure at taps. While total coliforms (TC) were detected in 17% of outside tap samples and 12% of samples from kitchen faucets, no reported water service conditions or aesthetic characteristics were associated with presence of TC. We conclude that consumer-reported data were of limited utility in predicting potential microbial risks associated with small water supplies in this setting, although consumer feedback on low pressure—a risk factor for contamination—may be relatively reliable and therefore useful in future monitoring efforts.
Detection of Legionella, L. pneumophila and Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) along Potable Water Distribution Pipelines
Authors: Whiley Harriet , Keegan Alexandra , Fallowfield Howard , Bentham Richard
Published: July 2014

Inhalation of potable water presents a potential route of exposure to opportunistic pathogens and hence warrants significant public health concern. This study used qPCR to detect opportunistic pathogens Legionella spp., L. pneumophila and MAC at multiple points along two potable water distribution pipelines. One used chlorine disinfection and the other chloramine disinfection. Samples were collected four times over the year to provide seasonal variation and the chlorine or chloramine residual was measured during collection. Legionella spp., L. pneumophila and MAC were detected in both distribution systems throughout the year and were all detected at a maximum concentration of 103 copies/mL in the chlorine disinfected system and 106, 103 and 104 copies/mL respectively in the chloramine disinfected system. The concentrations of these opportunistic pathogens were primarily controlled throughout the distribution network through the maintenance of disinfection residuals. At a dead-end and when the disinfection residual was not maintained significant (p < 0.05) increases in concentration were observed when compared to the concentration measured closest to the processing plant in the same pipeline and sampling period. Total coliforms were not present in any water sample collected. This study demonstrates the ability of Legionella spp., L. pneumophila and MAC to survive the potable water disinfection process and highlights the need for greater measures to control these organisms along the distribution pipeline and at point of use.
Study on the Characteristics of Gas Molecular Mean Free Pathin Nanopores by Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Liu Qixin , Cai Zhiyong
Published: July 2014

This paper presents studies on the characteristics of gas molecular mean freepath in nanopores by molecular dynamics simulation. Our study results indicate that themean free path of all molecules in nanopores depend on both the radius of the nanoporeand the gas-solid interaction strength. Besides mean free path of all molecules in thenanopore, this paper highlights the gas molecular mean free path at different positions ofthe nanopore and the anisotropy of the gas molecular mean free path at nanopores. Themolecular mean free path varies with the molecule’s distance from the center of thenanopore. The least value of the mean free path occurs at the wall surface of the nanopore.The present paper found that the gas molecular mean free path is anisotropic when gas isconfined in nanopores. The radial gas molecular mean free path is much smaller than themean free path including all molecular collisions occuring in three directions. Our studyresults also indicate that when gas is confined in nanopores the gas molecule number densitydoes not affect the gas molecular mean free path in the same way as it does for the gas inunbounded space. These study results may bring new insights into understanding the gasflow’s characteristic at nanoscale.
S-(−)-10,11-Dihydroxyfarnesoic Acid Methyl Ester Inhibits Melanin Synthesis in Murine Melanocyte Cells
Authors: Baek Seung-Hwa , Ahn Jun-Won , Nam Sung-Hee , Yoon Cheol-Sik , Shin Jae-Cheon , Lee Sang-Han
Published: July 2014

The development of antimelanogenic agents is important for the prevention of serious aesthetic problems such as melasmas, freckles, age spots, and chloasmas. In the course of screening for melanin synthesis inhibitors, we found that the culture broth from an insect morphopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana CS1029, exhibits potent antimelanogenic activity. We isolated and purified an active metabolite and identified it as S-(−)-10,11-dihydroxyfarnesoic acid methyl ester (dhFAME), an insect juvenile hormone. To address whether dhFAME inhibits melanin synthesis, we first measured the size of the melanin biosynthesis inhibition zone caused by dhFAME. dhFAME also showed inhibitory activity against mushroom tyrosinase in Melan-a cells. Intracellular, dose-dependent tyrosinase inhibition activity was also confirmed by zymography. In addition, we showed that dhFAME strongly inhibits melanin synthesis in Melan-a cells. Furthermore, we compared levels of TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2, MITF, and MC1R mRNA expression by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and showed that treatment of Melan-a cells with 35 μM dhFAME led to an 11-fold decrease in TYR expression, a 6-fold decrease in TRP-2 expression, and a 5-fold decrease in MITF expression. Together, these results indicate that dhFAME is a potent inhibitor of melanin synthesis that can potentially be used for cosmetic biomaterial(s).
Clinical Significance of POU5F1P1 rs10505477 Polymorphism in Chinese Gastric Cancer Patients Receving Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy after Surgical Resection
Authors: Shen Lili , Du Mulong , Wang Chun , Gu Dongying , Wang Meilin , Zhang Qi , Zhao Tingting , Zhang Xunlei , Tan Yongfei , Huo Xinying , Gong Weida , Xu Zhi , Chen Jinfei , Zhang Zhengdong
Published: July 2014

This study aimed to investigate the association between POU class5 homeobox 1 pseudogene 1 gene (POU5F1P1) rs10505477 polymorphism and the prognosis of Chinese gastric cancer patients, who received cisplatin-based chemotherapy after surgical resection. POU5F1P1 rs10505477 was genotyped using the SNaPshot method in 944 gastric cancer patients who received gastrectomy. The association of rs10505477 G > A polymorphism with the progression and prognosis in gastric cancer patients was statistically analyzed using the SPSS version 18.0 for Windows. The results reveal that rs10505477 polymorphism has a negatively effect on the overall survival of gastric cancer patients in cisplatin-based chemotherapy subgroup (HR = 1.764, 95% CI = 1.069–2.911, p = 0.023). Our preliminary study indicates for the first time that POU5F1P1 rs10505477 is correlated with survival of gastric cancer patients who receving cisplatin-based chemotherapy after gastrectomy. Further studies are warranted to investigate the mechanism and to verify our results in different populations.
Nanostructural Engineering of Nanoporous Anodic Alumina for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Ferré-Borrull Josep , Pallarès Josep , Macías Gerard , Marsal Lluis
Published: July 2014

Modifying the diameter of the pores in nanoporous anodic alumina opens new possibilities in the application of this material. In this work, we review the different nanoengineering methods by classifying them into two kinds: in situ and ex situ. Ex situ methods imply the interruption of the anodization process and the addition of intermediate steps, while in situ methods aim at realizing the in-depth pore modulation by continuous changes in the anodization conditions. Ex situ methods permit a greater versatility in the pore geometry, while in situ methods are simpler and adequate for repeated cycles. As an example of ex situ methods, we analyze the effect of changing drastically one of the anodization parameters (anodization voltage, electrolyte composition or concentration). We also introduce in situ methods to obtain distributed Bragg reflectors or rugate filters in nanoporous anodic alumina with cyclic anodization voltage or current. This nanopore engineering permits us to propose new applications in the field of biosensing: using the unique reflectance or photoluminescence properties of the material to obtain photonic barcodes, applying a gold-coated double-layer nanoporous alumina to design a self-referencing protein sensor or giving a proof-of-concept of the refractive index sensing capabilities of nanoporous rugate filters.
The Challenge of Producing Fiber-Based Organic Electronic Devices
Authors: Könyves-Toth Tobias , Gassmann Andrea , Von Seggern Heinz
Published: July 2014

The implementation of organic electronic devices on fibers is a challenging task, not yet investigated in detail. As was shown earlier, a direct transition from a flat device structure to a fiber substrate is in principle possible. However, a more detailed investigation of the process reveals additional complexities than just the transition in geometry. It will be shown, that the layer formation of evaporated materials behaves differently due to the multi-angled incidence on the fibers surface. In order to achieve homogenous layers the evaporation process has to be adapted. Additionally, the fiber geometry itself facilitates damaging of its surface due to mechanical impact and leads to a high surface roughness, thereby often hindering commercial fibers to be used as substrates. In this article, a treatment of commercial polymer-coated glass fibers will be demonstrated that allows for the fabrication of rather flexible organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with cylindrical emission characteristics. Since OLEDs rely the most on a smooth substrate, fibers undergoing the proposed treatment are applicable for other organic electronic devices such as transistors and solar cells. Finally, the technique also supports the future fabrication of organic electronics not only in smart textiles and woven electronics but also in bent surfaces, which opens a wide range of applications.
Implementation of Synchronous Micromotor in Developing Integrated Microfluidic Systems
Authors: Al-Halhouli Ala'aldeen , Demming Stefanie , Waldschik Andreas , Büttgenbach Stephanus
Published: July 2014

This paper introduces the synchronous micromotor concept and presents new investigations on its application as an integrated driving mechanism in microfluidic systems. A spiral channel viscous micropump and a microstirrer are considered and tested as examples to verify the concept. The fabrication technology of such integrated systems is based on UV depth lithography, electroplating and soft lithography. The synchronous micromotor consists of a stator including double layer coils, and a rotor disk containing alternate permanent magnets. The coils are distributed evenly around the stator and arranged in three phases. The phases are excited by sinusoidal currents with a corresponding phase shift resulting in a rotating magnetic field. Regarding the spiral channel viscous micropump, a spiral disk was fixed onto the rotor disk and run at different rotational speeds. Tests showed very promising results, with a flow rate up to 1023 µL·min−1 at a motor rotational speed of 4500 rpm. Furthermore, for the application of a microstirred-tank bioreactor, the rotor disk design was modified to work as a stirrer. The performance of the developed microbioreactor was tested over a time period of approximately 10 h under constant stirring. Tests demonstrated the successful cultivation of S. cerevisiae through the integration of the microstirrer in a microbioreactor system. These systems prove that synchronous micromotors are well suited to serve as integrated driving mechanisms of active microfluidic components.
Egg Intake during Carbohydrate Restriction Alters Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Inflammation and Cholesterol Homeostasis in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Andersen Catherine , Lee Ji-Young , Blesso Christopher , Carr Timothy , Fernandez Maria
Published: July 2014

Egg yolk contains bioactive components that improve plasma inflammatory markers and HDL profiles in metabolic syndrome (MetS) under carbohydrate restriction. We further sought to determine whether egg yolk intake affects peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) inflammation and cholesterol homeostasis in MetS, as HDL and its associated lipid transporter ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) reduce the inflammatory potential of leukocytes through modulation of cellular cholesterol content and distribution. Thirty-seven men and women classified with MetS consumed a moderate carbohydrate-restricted diet (25%–30% of energy) for 12 weeks, in addition to consuming either three whole eggs per day (EGG) or the equivalent amount of yolk-free egg substitute (SUB). Interestingly, lipopolysaccharide-induced PBMC IL-1β and TNFα secretion increased from baseline to week 12 in the SUB group only, despite increases in PBMC toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA expression in the EGG group. Compared to baseline, ABCA1 and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase mRNA expression increased by week 12 in the EGG group only, whereas changes in PBMC total cholesterol positively correlated with changes in lipid raft content. Together, these findings suggest that intake of whole eggs during carbohydrate restriction alters PBMC inflammation and cholesterol homeostasis in MetS.
Chicken Essence Improves Exercise Performance and Ameliorates Physical Fatigue
Authors: Huang Wen-Ching , Lin Ching-I , Chiu Chien-Chao , Lin Yi-Ting , Huang Wei-Kai , Huang Hui-Yu , Huang Chi-Chang
Published: July 2014

Chicken essence (CE) is a liquid nutritional supplement made from cooking whole chickens. In traditional Chinese medicine, CE is used to support health, promote healing, increase metabolism, and relieve fatigue. However, few studies have examined the effect of CE on exercise performance and physical fatigue. We aimed to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of CE on fatigue and ergogenic functions following physical challenge in mice. Male ICR mice were divided into four groups to receive vehicle or CE by oral gavage at 0, 845, 1690, or 4225 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Exercise performance and anti-fatigue function were evaluated by forelimb grip strength, exhaustive swimming time, and levels of physical fatigue-related biomarkers serum lactate, ammonia, glucose, and creatine kinase (CK) after physical challenge. CE supplementation dose-dependently elevated endurance and grip strength. CE supplementation significantly decreased lactate, ammonia, and CK levels after physical challenge. Tissue glycogen content, an important energy source for exercise, was significantly increased with CE supplementation. In addition, CE supplementation had few subchronic toxic effects. The supplementation with CE can have a wide spectrum of bioactivities on health promotion, performance improvement and anti-fatigue.
Nutrient Intake and Food Habits of Soccer Players: Analyzing the Correlates of Eating Practice
Authors: García-Rovés Pablo , García-Zapico Pedro , Patterson Ángeles , Iglesias-Gutiérrez Eduardo
Published: July 2014

Despite the impact and popularity of soccer, and the growing field of soccer-related scientific research, little attention has been devoted to the nutritional intake and eating habits of soccer players. Moreover, the few studies that have addressed this issue suggest that the nutritional intake of soccer players is inadequate, underscoring the need for better adherence to nutritional recommendations and the development and implementation of nutrition education programs. The objective of these programs would be to promote healthy eating habits for male and female soccer players of all ages to optimize performance and provide health benefits that last beyond the end of a player’s career. To date, no well-designed nutrition education program has been implemented for soccer players. The design and implementation of such an intervention requires a priori knowledge of nutritional intake and other correlates of food selection, such as food preferences and the influence of field position on nutrient intake, as well as detailed analysis of nutritional intake on match days, on which little data is available. Our aim is to provide an up-to-date overview of the nutritional intake, eating habits, and correlates of eating practice of soccer players.
Application of Physically-Based Slope Correction for Maximum Forest Canopy Height Estimation Using Waveform Lidar across Different Footprint Sizes and Locations: Tests on LVIS and GLAS
Authors: Park Taejin , Kennedy Robert , Choi Sungho , Wu Jianwei , Lefsky Michael , Bi Jian , Mantooth Joshua , Myneni Ranga , Knyazikhin Yuri
Published: July 2014

Forest canopy height is an important biophysical variable for quantifying carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems. Active light detection and ranging (lidar) sensors with discrete-return or waveform lidar have produced reliable measures of forest canopy height. However, rigorous procedures are required for an accurate estimation, especially when using waveform lidar, since backscattered signals are likely distorted by topographic conditions within the footprint. Based on extracted waveform parameters, we explore how well a physical slope correction approach performs across different footprint sizes and study sites. The data are derived from airborne (Laser Vegetation Imaging Sensor; LVIS) and spaceborne (Geoscience Laser Altimeter System; GLAS) lidar campaigns. Comparisons against field measurements show that LVIS data can satisfactorily provide a proxy for maximum forest canopy heights (n = 705, RMSE = 4.99 m, and R2 = 0.78), and the simple slope correction grants slight accuracy advancement in the LVIS canopy height retrieval (RMSE of 0.39 m improved). In the same vein of the LVIS with relatively smaller footprint size (~20 m), substantial progress resulted from the physically-based correction for the GLAS (footprint size = ~50 m). When compared against reference LVIS data, RMSE and R2 for the GLAS metrics (n = 527) are improved from 12.74–7.83 m and from 0.54–0.63, respectively. RMSE of 5.32 m and R2 of 0.80 are finally achieved without 38 outliers (n = 489). From this study, we found that both LVIS and GLAS lidar campaigns could be benefited from the physical correction approach, and the magnitude of accuracy improvement was determined by footprint size and terrain slope.
Modelling the Spatial Distribution of Culicoides imicola: Climatic versus Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Van Doninck Jasper , De Baets Bernard , Peters Jan , Hendrickx Guy , Ducheyne Els , Verhoest Niko
Published: July 2014

Culicoides imicola is the main vector of the bluetongue virus in the Mediterranean Basin. Spatial distribution models for this species traditionally employ either climatic data or remotely sensed data, or a combination of both. Until now, however, no studies compared the accuracies of C. imicola distribution models based on climatic versus remote sensing data, even though remotely sensed datasets may offer advantages over climatic datasets with respect to spatial and temporal resolution. This study performs such an analysis for datasets over the peninsula of Calabria, Italy. Spatial distribution modelling based on climatic data using the random forests machine learning technique resulted in a percentage of correctly classified C. imicola trapping sites of nearly 88%, thereby outperforming the linear discriminant analysis and logistic regression modelling techniques. When replacing climatic data by remote sensing data, random forests modelling accuracies decreased only slightly. Assessment of the different variables’ importance showed that precipitation during late spring was the most important amongst 48 climatic variables. The dominant remotely sensed variables could be linked to climatic variables. Notwithstanding the slight decrease in predictive performance in this study, remotely sensed datasets could be preferred over climatic datasets for the modelling of C. imicola. Unlike climatic observations, remote sensing provides an equally high spatial resolution globally. Additionally, its high temporal resolution allows for investigating changes in species’ presence and changing environment.
Toward a Satellite-Based System of Sugarcane Yield Estimation and Forecasting in Smallholder Farming Conditions: A Case Study on Reunion Island
Authors: Morel Julien , Todoroff Pierre , Bégué Agnès , Bury Aurore , Martiné Jean-François , Petit Michel
Published: July 2014

Estimating sugarcane biomass is difficult to achieve when working with highly variable spatial distributions of growing conditions, like on Reunion Island. We used a dataset of in-farm fields with contrasted climatic conditions and farming practices to compare three methods of yield estimation based on remote sensing: (1) an empirical relationship method with a growing season-integrated Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI, (2) the Kumar-Monteith efficiency model, and (3) a forced-coupling method with a sugarcane crop model (MOSICAS) and satellite-derived fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation. These models were compared with the crop model alone and discussed to provide recommendations for a satellite-based system for the estimation of yield at the field scale. Results showed that the linear empirical model produced the best results (RMSE = 10.4 t∙ha−1). Because this method is also the simplest to set up and requires less input data, it appears that it is the most suitable for performing operational estimations and forecasts of sugarcane yield at the field scale. The main limitation is the acquisition of a minimum of five satellite images. The upcoming open-access Sentinel-2 Earth observation system should overcome this limitation because it will provide 10-m resolution satellite images with a 5-day frequency.
Introduction and Testing of a Monitoring and Colony-Mapping Method for Waterbird Populations That Uses High-Speed and Ultra-Detailed Aerial Remote Sensing
Authors: Bakó Gábor , Tolnai Márton , Takács Ádám
Published: July 2014

Remote sensing is a method that collects data of the Earth’s surface without causing disturbances. Thus, it is worthwhile to use remote sensing methods to survey endangered ecosystems, as the studied species will behave naturally while undisturbed. The latest passive optical remote sensing solutions permit surveys from long distances. State-of-the-art highly sensitive sensor systems allow high spatial resolution image acquisition at high altitudes and at high flying speeds, even in low-visibility conditions. As the aerial imagery captured by an airplane covers the entire study area, all the animals present in that area can be recorded. A population assessment is conducted by visual interpretations of an ortho image map. The basic objective of this study is to determine whether small- and medium-sized bird species are recognizable in the ortho images by using high spatial resolution aerial cameras. The spatial resolution needed for identifying the bird species in the ortho image map was studied. The survey was adjusted to determine the number of birds in a colony at a given time.
Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors in Older Adult Public Housing Residents
Authors: Shin Ju Young , Sims Regina C. , Bradley Diane L. , Pohlig Ryan T. , Harrison Barbara E.
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this pilot study was to identify the prevalence of and risk factors associated with depressive symptoms among older adult residents of a public housing apartment. Self-reported depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) 8. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect data on risk factors of sociodemographic information, cardiovascular health history, and history of depression. Fifty-eight of 171 residents responded, and 31% of residents met the CES-D 8 criterion for depression (total score ≥7). Sequential multiple regression models identified age, loss of loved ones in the past year, and financial worries as significant predictors of CES-D 8 scores. These study results have implications for future studies of depressive symptoms in older adults, suggesting that grief and financial assistance programs may help reduce risks associated with depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults living in public housing.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2014; 7(6):249–255.]
Severe Bilateral Ischemic Retinal Vasculitis Following Cataract Surgery
Authors: Nicholson Laura B. , Kim Brian T. , Jardón Javier , Townsend-Pico William , Santos Carmen , Moshfeghi Andrew A. , Albini Thomas A. , Eliott Dean , Sobrin Lucia
Published: July 2014

This report describes two cases of severe, bilateral ischemic retinal vasculitis following cataract surgeries at different surgical centers. In both cases, the patient underwent bilateral cataract surgeries, performed 1 week apart for each eye. In the perioperative period following the second of the two surgeries, both patients developed severe, bilateral intraocular inflammation and profound vision loss. The underlying cause of this adverse response remains unknown. The authors suggest that the severe inflammatory reaction could be related to an intraoperative intracameral vancomycin injection.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:338–342.]
Topical Lidocaine Gel With and Without Subconjunctival Lidocaine Injection for Intravitreal Injection: A Within-Patient Study
Authors: Cohen Steven M. , Billiris-Findlay Karina , Eichenbaum David A. , Pautler Scott E.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether patients prefer topical anesthesia or subconjunctival anesthesia for intravitreal injection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Consecutive patients receiving bilateral simultaneous injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents were asked to participate in this within-patient, prospective, single-blinded, randomized, factorial study. Fifty-seven patients completed the study. Both eyes were treated with topical anesthesia. One eye was also injected with subconjunctival lidocaine. Anesthesia for the next treatment visit was based on patient preference at the conclusion of the study visit and at a 4-hour and 24-hour follow-up telephone call. Patients were allowed to change their anesthesia preference during the next three visits. The final endpoint for the study was anesthesia preference for ongoing intravitreal injections.

RESULTS:

Fifty patients (88%) preferred subconjunctival anesthesia and seven patients (12%) preferred topical anesthesia for ongoing treatments. (
P
= .0003)

CONCLUSION:

Given the choice, most patients prefer subconjunctival anesthesia to topical anesthesia for intravitreal injections.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:306–310.]
Precise Montaging and Metric Quantification of Retinal Surface Area From Ultra-Widefield Fundus Photography and Fluorescein Angiography
Authors: Croft Daniel E. , van Hemert Jano , Wykoff Charles C. , Clifton David , Verhoek Michael , Fleming Alan , Brown David M.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Accurate quantification of retinal surface area from ultra-widefield (UWF) images is challenging due to warping produced when the retina is projected onto a two-dimensional plane for analysis. By accounting for this, the authors sought to precisely montage and accurately quantify retinal surface area in square millimeters.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Montages were created using Optos 200Tx (Optos, Dunfermline, U.K.) images taken at different gaze angles. A transformation projected the images to their correct location on a three-dimensional model. Area was quantified with spherical trigonometry. Warping, precision, and accuracy were assessed.

RESULTS:

Uncorrected, posterior pixels represented up to 79% greater surface area than peripheral pixels. Assessing precision, a standard region was quantified across 10 montages of the same eye (RSD: 0.7%; mean: 408.97 mm
2
; range: 405.34–413.87 mm
2
). Assessing accuracy, 50 patients’ disc areas were quantified (mean: 2.21 mm
2
; SE: 0.06 mm
2
), and the results fell within the normative range.

CONCLUSION:

By accounting for warping inherent in UWF images, precise montaging and accurate quantification of retinal surface area in square millimeters were achieved.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:312-317.]
Efficacy of Adalimumab for Pediatric Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome
Authors: Jeroudi Abdallah , Angeles-Han Sheila T. , Yeh Steven
Published: July 2014

Pediatric Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKH) is rare, with limited cases of corticosteroid-sparing immunosuppression use reported. A 15-year-old Hispanic girl was referred for bilateral intraocular inflammation. Her initial best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/30 in the right eye and 20/200 in the left eye, with granulomatous keratic precipitates, anterior chamber and vitreous cell, optic disc edema, and nummular depigmented chorioretinal lesions on examination consistent with VKH after an unrevealing work-up. Inflammation was recurrent despite oral prednisone and methotrexate. Adalimumab, a TNF-alpha inhibitor, led to rapid resolution of inflammation, successful dose reduction of prednisone and methotrexate, and final BCVA of 20/25 in the right eye and 20/40 in the left at 26-month follow-up.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:332-333.]
El Generalife y las ruinas árabes de sus contornos. Un capítulo inédito de los Nuevos Paseos de Simón de Argote
Authors: Barrios Rozúa Juan Manuel
Published: July 2014

Los Nuevos paseos (1806-1807) de Simón de Argote constituyen una de las obras más notables escritas sobre la Alhambra y suponen una respuesta ilustrada a las tergiversaciones sobre el pasado romano de Granada del clérigo y arabista Velázquez de Echeverría. Desgraciadamente la obra quedó incompleta porque no llegó a cumplir su objetivo de abarcar las “antigüedades árabes” ubicadas fuera de la ciudadela nazarí. En este artículo se presenta, con anotaciones críticas, un capítulo inédito dedicado al Generalife y a las ruinas de su entorno, el cual fue entregado por su autor al rey José Bonaparte durante su estancia en Granada y se conservó entre los papeles perdidos por el monarca en la batalla de Vitoria. A partir de documentación hallada en muy diversos archivos y publicaciones de la época se arroja luz sobre la mal conocida trayectoria de Simón de Argote y se profundiza en su relación con el general Horace Sebastiani, militar que por orden de Napoleón realizó labores de embajador en Estambul y en otras ciudades de Próximo Oriente, antes de gobernar el Reino de Granada.
La pasión prohibida: el libro sobre el martirio por amor de Mugulṭāy y su censura
Authors: Balda-Tillier Monica
Published: July 2014

La obra Al-Wāḍiḥ al-mubīn fī ḏhikr man ustušhhida min al-muḥibbīn de Mughulṭāy (m. 762/1361) es el único tratado sobre el amor cuya lectura fue prohibida en toda la historia del género. Las razones que se aducen en las fuentes antiguas son insuficientes o no lo bastante explícitas sobre los motivos por los que el libro de Mughulṭāy fue quemado en la plaza pública y retirado del mercado en El Cairo del siglo VIII/XIV. Este artículo es un intento por entender los motivos que condujeron a la prohibición.
Notas sobre censura y auto-censura en la biografía del Profeta Muḥammad
Authors: Lecker Michael
Published: July 2014

El estudio de la producción literaria medieval sobre la vida de Muḥammad debe ir de la mano del estudio de su historia, empresa para la que disponemos de rica información en una variedad de fuentes. La biografía de Muḥammad por Ibn Isḥāq y su epítome por Ibn Hišām fueron productos de su época. Un caso de auto-censura aplicado por uno de los informantes de Ibn Isḥāq y dos casos de censura aplicados por Ibn Hišām, quien omitió muchos de los materiales de su predecesor, contribuyen a una mejor comprensión del contexto social y político de la biografía del Profeta.
Sancionar el conocimiento
Authors: Brentjes Sonja
Published: July 2014

En este artículo se estudian historias sobre gobernantes y príncipes de tres dinastías - ‛abbāsí, normanda y timurí – y su representación narrativa como conocedores de las ciencias matemáticas, la geografía y la historia. Se argumenta que constituyen un conjunto de formas positivas de aprobar o impugnar el conocimiento en esas sociedades, prescribiendo jerarquías de formas de conocimiento y jerarquías de gentes e instituciones que deciden acerca de la veracidad del conocimiento. Se sugiere que esas historias comparten su origen y significado en un contexto de propaganda legitimadora para varios gobernantes y príncipes. También se afirma que el valor y la posición del conocimiento
científico en esas historias difieren, empezando por lo que en apariencia eran los intereses personales de un gobernante hasta su integración en lo que se consideraba necesario para la educación de un príncipe y la conducta cultivada de un gobernante. Por tanto, esas historias sobre conocimiento y gobernantes presentan imágenes del conocimiento que delinean el status de los sabios en esas tres sociedades, definiendo posibilidades y estableciendo límites para el aprendizaje y los campos de estudio que se podían practicar.
Introducción.El control del conocimiento en las sociedades islámicas
Authors: Fierro Maribel
Published: July 2014

No disponible.
El linaje se transforma en casas: de los Fajardo a los marqueses de los Vélez y de Espinardo
Authors: Hernández Franco Juan , Rodríguez Pérez Raimundo A.
Published: July 2014

Este artículo intenta explicar el cambio en la forma de organización social y familiar de la aristocracia hispánica desde la baja Edad Media hasta el siglo XVIII. Se observa que algunos linajes tienen el poder suficiente para que de ellos surjan varias casas asentadas en el grupo aristocrático, a partir de la fundación de mayorazgos, matrimonios ventajosos y el favor regio. El estudio del linaje Fajardo alude a esa gran parte de familias de la grandeza que no crean líneas segundogénitas como estrategia expansiva. Fue la gracia real la que permitió la existencia de dos ramas: la casa de los Vélez, parientes mayores; y la de Espinardo, de origen segundón. Los servicios militares y cortesanos les darán una notable posición hasta el siglo XVII, pero a finales de la centuria la falta de matrimonios entre ambas hará que no exista una vía sucesoria alternativa y se diluyan en otras casas. La apuesta por la primogenitura de la casa
de los Vélez y la pérdida de la varonía en la casa de Espinardo llevan a la desaparición del linaje. El apellido Fajardo perduró en otras casas principales sólo como un recuerdo de antiguas glorias.
La otra evasión: libros y lectura para prisioneros durante la Primera Guerra Mundial
Authors: González Quesada Alfonso
Published: July 2014

El presente artículo estudia un fenómeno poco explorado por la historiografía de la Gran Guerra: la organización de bibliotecas y servicios de lectura para prisioneros. Se parte del problema que supuso para los países beligerantes la atención a un número de cautivos sin precedentes. Su auxilio mediante el suministro de libros evidenció un perfil de combatiente distinto al de conflictos anteriores: en su mayoría, hombres alfabetizados y familiarizados con la lectura. Se describe el tejido institucional que intervino en la selección y envío del material, así como las vicisitudes y obstáculos que se debieron superar para distribuirlo en los campos de internamiento. Destacan tres tipologías de obras: religiosas, textos instructivos y prensa. Se valora la significación que tuvieron entre los prisioneros. En la elaboración del artículo se han consultado fuentes bibliográficas, hemerográficas y archivísticas.
Eurocrisis and Beyond
Authors: Açıkalın Şuay Nilhan
Published: July 2014

Eurocrisis can be considered the most remarkable challenge to the EU since it was founded by the inner six countries. There is no doubt Eurocrisis has a structural effect on Eurozone countries especially Greece. However, the social and political consequences of Eurocrisis are the most ignored dimension of crisis. In order to understand the long term effect of Eurocrisis and its implication on the EU multi-level governance, a brief analysis of social and political effects of Eurocrisis is crucial. That's why this chapter will analyze how Eurocrisis affected the political atmosphere of Greece and Greek people's daily life.
A Nonlinear Approach to Law, State, and Governmental Organisations
Authors: Kaya Emir
Published: July 2014

This chapter attempts to give an answer to a question arising from a project about the legal complications of secularism in Turkey. The question of meta-narrative about how to approach the subject in hand, and through which theoretical premises, automatically leads one to criticise the established arguments of state-centred legal positivism, especially when religion- and society-oriented voices are so loud. In this chapter, the strengths and weaknesses of positivism and its alternatives are analysed in depth. Not a single monist or pluralist theory proves to be absolutely superior in the end. Instead, their harmonisation is needed. Positivism holds the advantage of referring to the power and enforcement capacity of the state. Pluralism, however, is realistic on another ground, as it pays attention to the chaotic nature of socio-legal phenomena and claims that law should never be understood and applied in a linear way or in closed systems. The dialogue on this theoretical spectrum of law merges with the chapter's starting point where the question of Turkish secularism required the most realistic approach to law and legality in general.