bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abuse of Vasoconstrictive Eyedrops Mimicking an Ocular Pemphigoid
Authors: Tappeiner C. , Sarra G.-M. , Abegg M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To describe conjunctival histopathologic alterations induced by excessive chronic astringent use.

Methods

Report of a case with clinical picture, epicutane test results, histologic workup of conjunctival biopsy using conventional staining, and immunohistochemical markers.

Results

A 45-year-old man using a phenylephrine preparation hourly for years presented with grotesque eye redness, fornix shortening, and scarring of puncta lacrimalia. Direct and indirect immunofluorescence were negative for ocular pemphigoid. Histology revealed signs of chronic inflammation and neovascularization in the conjunctiva. Symptoms resolved after cessation of therapy.

Conclusions

Chronic abuse of decongestant eyedrops can produce a clinical picture resembling an ocular pemphigoid. Histology suggests that late onset immunoreaction and chronic vasoconstriction cause chronic inflammation and neovascularization, respectively.
Is Microbiological Analysis of Donor Cornea Transport Culture Media Necessary?
Authors: Cornish K.S. , Ramamurthi S. , Butcher I. , Ramaesh K.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To investigate microbial contamination of the transport medium. Examination of corneoscleral rims is not included in this series.

Methods

Transport media of 63 consecutive grafts done at Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Glasgow, were collected for microbial examination.

Results

None of the culture plates showed any growth after prolonged culture, and microscopy was negative in 100% of cases.

Conclusions

Routine culture of transport media may not be necessary.
Cataract Development in a Young Patient with Lathosterolosis: A Clinicopathologic Case Report
Authors: Cavallini G.M. , Masini C. , Chiesi C. , Campi L. , Rivasi F. , Ferrari P.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To report a unique case of cataract in a young patient with lathosterolosis, a singular defect of cholesterol biosynthesis, and to report the clinical results and histopathologic findings after cataract surgery.

Methods

A 7-year-old patient with lathosterolosis, a rare defect of cholesterol biosynthesis, presented with a complex phenotype, including severe mental retardation, liver disease, multiple congenital anomalies, and bilateral posterior subcapsular cataracts. After a severe metabolic decompensation, a worsening in the lens opacity of the left eye occurred. The authors thus performed cataract surgery and made a histopathologic analysis of aspirated lenticular samples. The following examinations were performed at 1 day, 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months: refraction, biomicroscopy, and fundus evaluation. Visual acuity was not assessable due to lack of patient collaboration. The postoperative follow-up period was 24 months.

Results

Histopathologic findings on lenticular fragments revealed the presence of fibers disposed in a honeycomb, samples with homogeneous eosinophilic lens fibers, and other fragments characterized by bulgy elements referable to cortical fibers with degenerative characteristics. After surgery, biomicroscopic evaluation revealed no significant inflammation and good intraocular lens centration at the various control visits. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. No posterior capsule opacification occurred 2 years after surgery.

Conclusions

Lathosterolosis may lead to dysmetabolic cataract development; this unique case of cataract in such a patient has been successfully managed with surgery. Clinical results were excellent, and no complications occurred either intra- or postoperatively.
In vivo Laser Confocal Microscopic Findings in Patients with Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy
Authors: Bozkurt Banu , Irkec Murat
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the corneal characteristics of patients with epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD) using an in vivo laser confocal microscope, Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II, Rostock Cornea Module (HRT II RCM).

Methods

Sixteen women and 13 men who were diagnosed with or suspected to have EBMD were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 56.4±17.2 years within a range of 25 to 81 years. Nine patients (31%) had a history of recurrent corneal erosions and 3 patients had been misdiagnosed with herpetic epithelial keratitis. The remaining 17 patients were asymptomatic and EBMD was diagnosed incidentally during routine eye examinations.

Results

Confocal microscopy revealed highly reflective tissue in various configurations within the intermediate and basal epithelial cell layers corresponding to the abnormal basement membrane extending into the epithelium. There were thin, parallel hyperreflective lines and high contrast round lesions in sizes ranging between 10 and 250 μm within the epithelium. Basal epithelial cells around the abnormal basement membrane and cysts seemed to be highly distorted. In two subjects with bleb-like disorder, the authors observed circular or oval hyporeflective areas with a diameter ranging between 40 and 100 μm at the level of basal epithelium and the Bowman layer, accompanied by hyperreflective, linear structures extending into the epithelium.

Conclusions

EBMD is most commonly asymptomatic and undiagnosed; however, it might be associated with recurrent corneal erosions and lead to severe complications after LASIK surgery. The confocal images are highly characteristic for EBMD; therefore, confocal microscopy seems to be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of EBMD.
Corneal Endothelium in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Shenoy Radha , Khandekar Rajeev , Bialasiewicz Alexander A. , Muniri Abdullah Al
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Retinopathy is the major cause of ocular morbidity in patients with diabetes mellitus. Chronic hyperglycemia spares no organ and can affect the morphology and function of the various corneal layers, compromising its transparency. This study was conducted to associate the status of corneal endothelium to diabetes mellitus (DM) and identify risk factors of compromised corneal endothelium.

Methods

A total of 220 eyes of randomly selected patients (110 diabetic and 110 nondiabetic) were subjected to detailed slitlamp and fundus evaluation. Corneal endothelial status was evaluated using the Nidek® Confoscan 2. Cell density, percentage polymegathism, and pleomorphism were calculated. The findings in diabetic patients were compared to those without disease. The outcome was correlated to diabetic retinopathy (DR). The effects of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, age, gender, type, duration, glycemic control, and grades of DR was also considered.

Results

The mean corneal endothelial cell density was −175 cells/mm2 (95% CI −317 to −33 cells/mm2) less in eyes of diabetic patients. The number of endothelial cells with polymegathism was significantly greater among eyes of diabetic patients. There were less corneal endothelial cells with pleomorphism in nondiabetic patients. Polymegathism and pleomorphism of corneal endothelial cells seems to be positively associated with DM type II. Cell density was significantly lower in eyes with DR than those without DR.

Conclusions

Corneal endothelium in diabetic patients seems to be compromised. Evaluation of corneal endothelium should be part of protocol for eye care of diabetic patients.
Fundus Findings in Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and their Correlation with Neurologic Characteristics
Authors: Entezari Morteza , Azhari Shirzad , Ramezani Alireza
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To determine the incidence of fundus findings in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and their correlation with neurologic characteristics.

Methods

In a prospective case series, 202 eyes of 101 patients with SAH were evaluated from September 2003 to September 2006. The incidence of fundus findings was detected and correlated with gender, age, consciousness state, Fisher score, site and number of aneurysms, laterality of aneurysms, aneurysmal rebleeding, and mortality rate.

Results

Fifty (49.5%) patients had normal and 51 (50.5%) patients had abnormal funduscopic examination. Of all eyes, disc swelling in 85 (42.1%), retinal hemorrhage in 51 (25.2%), subhyaloid hemorrhage in 6 (3%), and vitreous hemorrhage in 3 (1.5%) eyes were detected. No relation was found between gender, age, Fisher score, number of aneurysms, laterality of aneurysms, aneurysmal rebleeding, and mortality rate and fundus findings. However, a correlation was observed between consciousness state and retinal hemorrhage (p=0.002) and disc swelling (p=0.002), and also between the anterior communicating artery location of aneurysm and retinal hemorrhage (p=0.017) and any kind of fundus findings (p=0.007).

Conclusions

Fundus findings including hemorrhage and disc swelling are common in patients with SAH and are related to the consciousness state and anterior communicating artery location of aneurysm.
Early Stage Ethambutol Optic Neuropathy: Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Kim Ungsoo , Hwang Jeong-Min
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness with optical coherence tomography (OCT) in early stage ethambutol optic neuropathy.

Methods

The RNFL thickness of 20 eyes of 10 patients who developed optic neuropathy after taking ethambutol and visited within 6 months after onset were analyzed and compared with those of 54 eyes of 29 healthy age-matched controls. The mean age was 67.40±10.25 years for the patients with toxic optic neuropathy and 66.78±10.60 for the control group (p=0.948). A full ophthalmologic examination including RNFL evaluation with fast RNFL thickness (3.4) scanning using a Stratus OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) was performed.

Results

RNFL thicknesses associated with early ethambutol optic neuropathy were as follows: temporal 75.35±15.77 μm, superior 124.05±24.62 μm, nasal 75.15±24.23 μm, inferior 127.60±22.91 μm, and the average was 100.83±16.56 μm. There was no significant difference between the RNFL thickness of the patients with the early stage of ethambutol optic neuropathy and those of the control group. The thickness of RNFL was greater in the temporal quadrant than the nasal quadrant, although not statistically significant.

Conclusions

RNFL thickness associated with ethambutol optic neuropathy during the early stages was not different from the controls. Although not statistically significant, the relative thickening of temporal RNFL in our patients might represent a mild swelling of the papillomacular bundle.
The prevalence of anisometropia aniso-astigmatism and amblyopia in neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Ardagil Aylin , Yaylali Sevil A. , Erbil Hasan H. , Olgun Ali , Aslan Zeki I. , Dolar Ayse
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to document the prevalence of anisometropia, anisoastigmatism, and anisometropic amblyopia in patients with neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) and to compare it with that in age- and sex-matched controls.

Methods

Fifty patients with NF1 and 150 age- and sex-matched controls were examined in this study. Cycloplegic autorefraction was attempted on all patients <16 years old and without cycloplegia on patients >16 years old. Anisometropia was defined as absolute interocular difference of spherical equivalent more than or equal to 1 D. Aniso-astigmatism was defined as interocular difference of refractive astigmatism of more than or equal to 1 D. Amblyopia was defined as two-line decrease in Snellen acuity between the two eyes.

Results

The overall prevalence of anisometropia, aniso-astigmatism, and amblyopia in patients with NF1 was 16%, 20%, and 10%, respectively, and they were all significantly higher than in the controls. The amblyopia was either moderate or severe in nature and all affected patients had significant astigmatism (>2.5 D) in the amblyopic eye.

Conclusions

NF1 is a risk factor for anisometropia, aniso-astigmatism, and aniso-astigmatic amblyopia and screening patients with NF1 for refractive errors before age 3 will help to detect patients at risk of amblyopia and give them proper treatment.
Choroidal Nonperfusion with Significant Subretinal Exudation after PDT of Predominantly Classic CNV: An OCT and FFA Study
Authors: Jalil Assad , Mercieca Karl , Chaudhry Nadia L. , Stanga Paulo Eduardo
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Despite the increasing use of antivascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF), photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Verteporfin® is still considered the gold standard treatment of subfoveal and juxtafoveal classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Methods

Case report.

Results

The authors report a case of a 72-year-old man who developed choroidal nonperfusion and significant subretinal fluid formation with associated severe visual loss following PDT of predominantly classic juxtafoveal CNV.

Conclusions

Although reported separately, these two complications have not been previously reported to occur in association after PDT treatment of classic CNV and may represent exaggeration of normal events occurring after PDT.
Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter Parameters at the Papilla in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Griesser S.M. , Lietz A. , Orgül S. , Schötzau A. , Hendrickson P. , Flammer J. , Haefliger I.O.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To assess the Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter (HRF) parameters “volume”, “flow”, and “velocity”, at the papilla in healthy subjects.

Methods

HRF measurements were taken at the papilla (5° × 20°), superficially at level of the retina and at the bottom of the excavation. The effect of increasing frame size (1×1 to 50×50 pixels) on HRF values was assessed in ten subjects. HRF parameters were calculated (50×50 pixels) for 150 eyes of 150 subjects. To assess short-term reliability, measurements were repeated five times in ten subjects.

Results

With 50×50 pixels the location of the frame had no influence on HRF values. Reliability was > 90%. Values were significantly higher (p<0.001) in the superficial than in the deeper papillary layers. The correlation between HRF parameters was good (r2>0.85).

Conclusions

A low magnification (5°×20°) and a 50×50 frame allows a global assessment of HRF parameters at the papilla with high reliability. In healthy eyes, the HRF values are influenced by the level where measurements are made at the papilla. This might be of importance in glaucoma patients with excavated papilla.
Indocyanine Green Angiography of Optic Nerve Head Melanocytoma
Authors: Kadayifcilar S. , Akman A. , Aydin P.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To determine the features of fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography of melanocytoma.

Methods

Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography is used to assess an optic nerve head melanocytoma in a 45-year-old female.

Results

Fluorescein angiography revealed increased vascularity on the surface, with staining around the lesion in the late stages. The lesion was hypofluorescent in all stages of indocyanine green angiography.

Conclusions

Indocyanine green angiography is helpful in identifying the benign nature of the lesion by showing hypofluorescence, indicating lack of vascularity in the tumor.
A New Parameter for Assessing the Thickness of the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer for Glaucoma Diagnosis
Authors: Kogure S. , Iijima H. , Tsukahara S.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To investigate a new method for assessing the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (NFLT) for glaucoma diagnosis, using scanning laser polarimetry.

Material and Methods

Thirty eyes of thirty patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma were examined using a scanning laser polarimeter. NFLT was measured in each of four 90-degree quadrants; superior (S), temporal (T), inferior (I) and nasal (N) along 1.5-disc diameters concentric from the disc margin. The new parameters S-N (meaning the thickness of the superior nerve fiber layer over the nasal one) etc. were compared with the conventional parameters (S, S/N, etc.). The correlations between these parameters and the mean threshold of the associated visual field test points were included in the comparison.

Results

The total thickness (sum of S, I, N and T), N and T did not correlate to the visual field, but S and I did. The new parameters were well correlated to the visual field, S-N giving the best correlation coefficient (rs=0.782, p<0.0001), and sensitivity and specificity (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves was 0.91).

Conclusions

The nasal NFLT was the smallest part of individual variation and glaucomatous damage. The new parameters, based on the nasal NFLT, were good evaluators of the changes in glaucoma.
Aqueous Flare Intensity in Relation to Different Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Zaczek A. , Hallnäs K. , Zetterström C.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To compare laser flare intensity in patients wilh diabetes mellitus (DM) type I and type II to different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and controls.

Methods

This study comprised 88 consecutive patients with DM type I and 40 controls in the same age range, divided into two age groups: 20–34 years and 35–50 years; 108 consecutive patients with DM type II and 32 controls were also divided into two age groups: 45–59 years and 60–75 years. Patients with glaucoma, exfoliation syndrome, media opacities, uveitis, within 96 hours after laser photocoagulation, treatment with topical and systemic drugs which can affect aqueous protein concentration, were excluded. One eye was randomly selected from each diabetic patient and control. Flare intensity was measured with a laser flare meter without mydriatic drops, and was then correlated with the stages of DR within each age group.

Results

Eyes with advanced DR, such as moderate-severe, severe non-proliferative DR and proliferative DR (PDR), had significantly higher flare intensity than controls and eyes without retinopathy in all age groups (p<0.05). Flare intensity values were similar for controls and eyes with mild-moderate DR in all age groups except the older patients with DM type II, particularly those with clinically significant macular edema (CSME) (p<0.05). Eyes with regressed proliferative DR and no indication for laser photocoagulation had significantly lower flare values than eyes with an indication for therapy (p<0.05). Eyes with iris rubeosis (IR) had significantly higher flare than those without IR (p<0.05). Flare values were significantly correlated with the duration of diabetes in DM types I and II (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Flare intensity was increased in eyes with mild-moderate DR with CSME, and in eyes with advanced and severe stages of DR. Aqueous flare was related to the duration of diabetes.
Norrie Disease and Exudative Vitreoretinopathy in Families with Affected Female Carriers
Authors: Shastry B.S. , Hiraoka M. , Trese D.C. , Trese M.T.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Norrie disease (ND) is a rare X-linked recessive disorder characterized by congenital blindness, which is often associated with sensorineural hearing loss and mental retardation. X-linked familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a hereditary disorder characterized by an abnormality of the peripheral retina and is not associated with systemic diseases. X-linked recessive disorders generally do not affect females. Here we show that female carriers can be associated with manifestation of an X-linked disorder.

Methods

A four-generation family with an affected female, and a history of congenital blindness and hearing loss, was identified through the pro-band. A second family, with a full-term female infant, was evaluated through ophthalmic examinations and found to exhibit ocular features, such as retinal folds, retinal detachment and peripheral exudates. Peripheral blood specimens were collected from several affected and unaffected family members. DNA was extracted and analyzed by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SS-CP) following polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the exons of the Norrie disease gene. The amplified products were sequenced by the dideoxy chain termination method.

Results

In an X-linked four-generation family, a novel missense (A118D) mutation in the third exon of the Norrie disease gene, was identified. The mutation was transmitted through three generations and cosegregated with the disease. The affected maternal grandmother and the unaffected mother carried the same mutation in one of their alleles. In an unrelated sporadic family, a heterozygous missense mutation (C96Y) was identified in the third exon of the Norrie disease gene in an affected individual. Analysis of exon-1 and 2 of the Norrie disease gene did not reveal any additional sequence alterations in these families. The mutations were not detected in the unaffected family members and the 116 normal unrelated controls, suggesting that they are likely to be the pathogenic mutations.

Conclusions

The results further strengthen the proposal that X-linked disorders can occur in female carriers, due likely to an unfavorable X-inactivation.
Molecular Genetics of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Current Status
Authors: Allikmets R.
Published: January 2018

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a multifactorial human disorder, is the most common cause of acquired visual impairment in people over the age 60. It is estimated to affect millions of individuals worldwide. Prevalence increases with age; among persons 75 years and older, mild, or early forms occur in nearly 30% and advanced forms in about 7% of the population. AMD has been associated both with environmental and genetic factors. However, the clinical heterogeneity, late age at onset, and complex etiology have confounded genetic studies of the disorder. Methods applicable to the study of single-gene and some complex disorders (i.e., linkage analysis, sib-pair analysis, transmission disequilibrium test, etc.) have had limited utility in elucidating the genetic components of the complex AMD trait.

Recently, substantial progress has been made in determining the genetic basis of monogenic eye disorders. On a monthly basis mutations are identified in new genes responsible for some form of retinal degeneration. Most, if not all, of these genes become candidates for potential involvement in multifactorial disorders especially if the phenotypes of the early-onset Mendelian diseases they cause resemble later onset complex traits. Unfortunately, to date mutational analyses of the candidate genes in AMD patients to date have not yielded the highly anticipated information: statistically significant association of sequence variants with AMD. Whether this is due to the unsuccessful selection of the right candidate genes for the analysis, or the methods employed, or both, has to be elucidated.

This review summarizes current knowledge of genetic research aimed at delineating the molecular genetic basis of age-related macular degeneration. Moreover, it attempts to offer some approaches for the future studies directed towards understanding the genetic components of this complex disorder.
Iris Fluorescein Angiography and Iris Indocyanine Green Videoangiography in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome
Authors: Battaglia Parodi M. , Bondel E. , Saviano S. , Ravalico G.
Published: January 2018

Background

Precise evaluation of the iris vascular pattern in pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) may be difficult with iris fluorescein angiography (IFA) because of the frequent presence of a heavily pigmented iris and conspicuous late leakage. However, iris indocyanine green videoangiography (IICGV) can precisely visualize details of the iris vascular pattern. This study analyzed the utility of IICGV in detecting microvascular changes in PXS and compared these findings with those of IFA.

Methods

Twenty-eight patients with PXS in both eyes underwent an ophthalmic examination including IFA and IICGV. IICGV was done with the IMAGEnet system H1024.

Results

IICGV gave better visualization of iris hypoperfusion and anastomotic vessels whereas iris microneovascularisation was far more clearly visible on IFA. IICGV also detected iris pigment epithelium defects.

Conclusions

IICGV can be considered a useful tool for evaluation of the iris vascular pattern in PXS. Iris hypoperfusion did not appear to contribute to the development of iris microvascular changes.
Coralline Hydroxyapatite Sphere in Orbit Restoration
Authors: Georgiadis N.S. , Terzidou C.D. , Dimitriadis A. S.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To restore the anophthalmic socket, primarily or secondarily, using a hydroxy-apatite sphere (HA).

Methods

We used HA in 33 patients (25 male, 8 female), aged from 4 to 68 years (mean 38.1 years) for 19 primary and 14 secondary implantations. HA spheres measured 16 mm in one patient, 18 mm in 21 and 20 mm in 11. The spheres were wrapped in donor sclera preserved in absolute alcohol. All six extraocular muscles were isolated, in the cases where this was possible. Buccal membrane was grafted in three patients to restore the fornices. Drilling was done on four patients using a 3.8 serrated plastic sheath.

Results

During follow-up of 7 - 69 months we observed no complications except for slight edema in the immediate postoperative period. All patients gained very good to excellent motility of the implant, acceptable symmetric appearance in the case of primary implantation, and a dramatic improvement of facial appearance in the case of secondary implantation.

Conclusions

HA spheres are an excellent orbital implant for primary and secondary restoration of the anophthalmic socket causing no serious complications
Numerical investigation of subsynchronous vibration in floating ring bearings
Authors: Wang Yan , Ren Xiao-dong , Li Xue-song , Gu Chun-wei
Published: January 2018

Floating ring bearings are popular among turbochargers due to their simplicity and reliability. The disappearance of subsynchronous vibration with the increase of shaft speed in a low oil-supplied pressure floating ring bearing is reported by Hatakenaka and Yanai. This finding may help eliminate the noise and decrease the loss of turbochargers. This work aims to explain this phenomenon in the low oil-supplied floating ring bearing using computational fluid dynamic. Steady computational fluid dynamic calculation is conducted to validate the effect of air entrainment. Transient computational fluid dynamic calculation method with mesh motion method is established. The subsynchronous vibration of the shaft can be obtained by discrete Fourier transform analysis. The results are validated by comparing them with those in the literature. It is found that the disappearance of the subsynchronous vibration is the result of the change in lubricant properties caused by the air entrainment.
Effect of welding conditions on erosive wear of hard-faced Co-based alloy layer
Authors: Venkatesh Begori , Malvi Bharti , Roy Manish , Sarkar Pallab
Published: January 2018

Degradation of materials due to the impact of solid particle is a major material wastage process. Modifying the surface of materials can be considered to be a potential method of improving the resistance to erosion. In the present days, weld hard-facing is a popular surface modification process. Engineering industries are opting for hard-facing because of its low capital cost, low operational cost, and operational simplicity. In the context of erosion-resistant hard materials, a series of Co-based alloys that can be deposited by hard-facing is one of the most suitable materials. The present analysis has been carried out to evaluate the influence of processing conditions of hard-faced Co-based alloyed layer on solid particle erosion response at ambient temperature. These layers were deposited on mild steel substrate by weld hard-facing. The mechanical properties and microstructural features of these coatings were evaluated by means of X-ray diffraction technique, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and microhardness tester. Erosion rate was measured using an air jet erosion test rig. The eroded surface morphology and the transverse section of eroded surfaces were viewed using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that hard-facing improves erosion resistance of the substrate. The erosion responses of most of the coatings were ductile. Material loss from hard-faced coating was by formation of lips followed by their fracture which initiated in the interdendritic regions.
International misrecognition: The politics of humour and national identity in Israel’s public diplomacy
Authors: Adler-Nissen Rebecca , Tsinovoi Alexei
Published: January 2018

Recognition, or the lack of it, is a central concern in International Relations. However, how states cope with international misrecognition has so far not been thoroughly explored in International Relations scholarship. To address this, the article presents a theoretical framework for understanding international misrecognition by drawing on discursive and psychoanalytical theories of collective identity formation and humour studies. The article conceptualises international misrecognition as a gap between the dominant narrative of a national Self and the way in which this national Self is reflected in the ‘mirror’ of the international Other. We argue that humour offers an important way of coping with misrecognition by ridiculing and thereby downplaying international criticism. The significance for international relations is illustrated through an analysis of the public diplomacy campaign ‘Presenting Israel’, which, through parodying video clips, mobilised ordinary Israeli citizens to engage in peer-to-peer public diplomacy when travelling abroad. Public diplomacy campaigns are commonly seen by scholars and practitioners as attempts to improve the nation’s image and smoothen or normalise international Self–Other relations. However, after analysing the discursive and visual components of the campaign — which parodied how European media portrayed Israel as primitive, violent and exotic — this article observes that in the context of international misrecognition, such coping attempts can actually contribute to further international estrangement.
Innovative strategies for enhancing fire performance of high-strength concrete structures
Authors: Kodur Venkatesh KR
Published: January 2018

High-strength concrete is being increasingly used in a number of building applications, where structural fire safety is one of the primary design considerations. Many research studies clearly indicate that the fire performance of high-strength concrete is different from that of normal-strength concrete and that high-strength concrete may not exhibit same level of performance as normal-strength concrete under fire conditions. This article outlines key characteristics that influence the performance of high-strength concrete structural members under fire conditions. Data generated in previous experimental and numerical studies are utilized to illustrate various factors that influence fire performance of high-strength concrete structural members. Based on the published data, observations and trends on the behavior of high-strength concrete members, innovative strategies for mitigating spalling and enhancing fire resistance of high-strength concrete structural members are proposed.
Novel constrained control of active suspension system integrated with anti-lock braking system based on 14-degree of freedom vehicle model
Authors: Aghasizade Sajjad , Mirzaei Mehdi , Rafatnia Sadra
Published: January 2018

This paper deals with a novel method for integration of the active suspension system and the anti-lock braking system. In the proposed method, a new nonlinear controller with state constraints is developed for the active suspension system based on the response prediction of 14-degree of freedom vehicle model. The proposed controller isolates the vehicle from road roughness in normal conditions and assists the anti-lock braking system by ensuring a good contact between the tyre and road during hard braking. In addition, the tyre deflection is limited to prevent the threat of tyre bursting. To develop the active suspension system controller, at first, a performance index consisting of a weighted combination of predicted responses of suspension system is expanded as a function of current control input. At the same time, the state constraints of tyre normal force and tyre deflection are transformed to the equivalent constraints of control input by the same prediction approach. Then, the control law is found by minimizing the expanded performance index in the presence of input constraints. The Karush–Kuhn–Tucker theorem is employed to solve the performed constrained optimization problem analytically. The performance of the proposed active suspension system controller integrated with the designed nonlinear anti-lock braking system controller is evaluated for a full vehicle model including roll and pitch motions during braking on irregular random roads. The results show that both the body acceleration and the vehicle stopping distance are decreased for the proposed integrated strategy compared with other conventional strategies.
Experimental analysis of the influence of coolant and oil temperature on combustion and emissions in an automotive diesel engine
Authors: Tauzia Xavier , Maiboom Alain , Karaky Hassan , Chesse Pascal
Published: January 2018

Since many trips are of short duration and include a cold start, automotive engines run quite often without having reached their nominal temperature. This is known to have some major drawbacks, such as increased fuel consumption and higher emissions due to lower efficiency of after-treatment devices, but detailed description of these various effects is seldom presented in the literature. In this article, experiments were conducted on an automotive diesel engine by varying independently the coolant and oil temperatures between 30 °C and 90 °C. Three different operating conditions (low, mid and full load) were studied. The experimental set-up is briefly described as well as the uncertainty of the associated measurements and the development of analytic tools. Then, the evolution of volumetric efficiency, energy share, combustion heat release and exhaust emissions (NOx, particulate matter, CO, unburned hydrocarbons) are described in detail and analysed. Several strategies were considered, including some corrections used in the standard engine control unit to compensate for the low coolant temperature. Some effects of the coolant and oil temperature reduction were clear: increase in friction losses, volumetric efficiency and ignition delay and decrease in NOx emissions. On the contrary, the evolution of brake thermal efficiency, particulate matter, CO and unburned hydrocarbon emission depended on the operating point.
Numerical investigation of hydrodynamic forces acting on the non-stepped and double-stepped planing hulls during yawed steady motion
Authors: Ghadimi Parviz , Panahi Saeid
Published: January 2018

This article focuses on the steady motion of yawed planing hulls with emphasis on the effects of adding steps to the bottom of these vessels on the hydrodynamic forces and moments acting on the boat. To analyze the problem, the Ansys-CFX software is used and three different planing hulls are investigated in steady yawed condition. The main targeted results include hydrodynamic forces and moments acting on the boat at different yaw angles and beam Froude numbers which provide important insights regarding the effects of loading and adding step on these forces and moments. The numerically predicted sway forces are compared against experimental data, suggesting that the current numerical model predicts sway and surge forces with reasonable accuracy. Moreover, it is observed that surge force coefficient of the investigated prismatic planing hull with light loading condition does not change significantly when the hull is relocated in a yaw angle, while it is remarkably affected when the boat is heavy. Furthermore, it is observed that this prismatic planing hull has smaller rolling moment in a steady yawed motion, when it moves at larger beam Froude number. Meanwhile, the computed yawing moments of this hull indicate that an increase in speed does not change this moment notably, while an increase in its weight yields larger yawing moment. Comparison of the results of stepped and non-stepped planing hulls indicates that surge force coefficient of the stepped hull is larger, while its sway force and rolling moment are smaller. This is mainly caused by the shape of the interrupted wetted surface and larger number of maximum pressure area in the stepped planing hull. Finally, it is concluded that there is no significant difference between the yawing moment of the investigated stepped and non-stepped planing hulls.
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the GO Game Intervention on Cognitive Function
Authors: Iizuka Ai , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Ogawa Susumu , Kobayashi-Cuya Kimi Estela , Kobayashi Momoko , Takebayashi Toru , Fujiwara Yoshinori
Published: January 2018

This study investigated the effects of an intervention using the game “GO” on cognitive function in nursing home residents and evaluated the acquisition of GO according to each stage of dementia. Participants were randomly assigned to either the GO intervention group or a control group, and the intervention was performed once weekly for 15 weeks. Cognitive tests were conducted before and after intervention, and 17 participants were included in the final analysis. Analysis of covariance demonstrated that in the intervention group, the digit span total score significantly improved and the digit span backward score was maintained, whereas these scores decreased in the control group. All participants, including those who had moderate dementia, acquired the rules of the game, and participants with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia could play the game successfully. This study indicates that GO might improve the cognitive function of residents living in nursing homes.
The Effect of an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon’s Attire on Patient Confidence and Trust
Authors: Lands Vince W. , Malige Ajith , Nwachuku Chinenye O. , Matullo Kristofer S.
Published: January 2018

Background: Multiple studies have concluded that patients are more likely to understand and trust physicians who dress in more formal attire (shirt and tie) as opposed to casual attire (t-shirts and jeans). The white coat has repeatedly been reported as a major source of trust and confidence in a patient’s eyes. Methods: This study explores the effect an orthopedic hand surgeon’s attire has on a patient’s perception of their surgeon’s clinical values. All patients 18 years of age and older who visited our orthopedic hand surgeon’s suburban outpatient practice were asked to participate in our survey-based study. Results: Ninety-seven surveys were completed and included. A majority of our responders are female (n = 59, 60.8%), Caucasian (n = 83, 85.6%) between the ages of 55 and 74 years (n = 40, 41.2%), currently employed (n = 59, 60.8%) with private health insurance (n = 69, 71.1%), and married (n = 64, 66.0%). Patients rated male and female hand surgeons wearing a white coat highest using the Likert scale and when asked about their perceived clinical qualities. Patients consistently poorly rated their surgeons wearing casual attire. Patients did note that the white coat, or any specific attire, was not necessary during the initial encounter to build a strong patient-surgeon relationship. Finally, goatees and beards do not positively or negatively impact a surgeon’s patient-constructed image. Conclusions: Combining strong clinical skills with appropriate clinical attire highlighted by the physician wearing a white coat appears to be an effective way to enhance patient satisfaction while ultimately gaining the trust and respect needed to properly care for patients.
Estimation of intra-arterial chemotherapy distribution to the retina in pediatric retinoblastoma patients using quantitative digital subtraction angiography
Authors: Kondapavulur Sravani , Cooke Daniel L , Kao Andrew , Amans Matthew R , Alexander Matthew , Darflinger Robert , Dowd Christopher F , Higashida Randall T , Damato Bertil , Halbach Van V , Matthay Katherine K , Hetts Steven W
Published: January 2018

Background and purpose

The purpose of this article is to estimate the distribution of superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) delivery to ocular target tissue using quantitative digital subtraction angiography (qDSA).

Materials and methods

From March 2010 to January 2016, 50 ophthalmic artery contrast DSAs obtained immediately prior to IAC infusions in 22 patients were analyzed. This study was conducted under a retrospective review IRB (no. 10-01862). Parametric color-coded DSAs (iFlow, Siemens Medical) were post-processed (MATLAB, The Mathworks Inc.) using two methods: two box regions of interest (pre-retina and globe) and four custom regions of interest (ROIs—ophthalmic artery, choroid, supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA), cavernous ICA). Mean interobserver reliability of custom ROI selection is presented as a 95% confidence interval of interclass correlation, and fractional chemotherapy delivery to selected ROIs as means ± standard deviation in this study.

Results

The estimated fraction of chemotherapy delivered to the globe with the first method was 79.5%. Percentage regional delivery using the second method was as follows: ophthalmic artery, 85.8%; choroid, 60.5%; supraclinoid ICA, 14.2%. The cavernous ICA ROI (encompassing distal catheter and potential reflux) gave a signal equivalent to 9.3% of total delivery.

Conclusion

Parametric color-coded qDSA can estimate the fraction of IAC delivered to the retina and other orbital structures in ocular retinoblastoma patients. This information can inform delivery location and dosing strategies on a patient-specific basis.
Correlation degree analysis of arterial adjacent intersections for coordinated control subunit partition
Authors: Hu Yawen , Wang Yunpeng , Zhang Junfeng , Yu Haiyang
Published: January 2018

To analyze the correlation between adjacent intersections and implement coordinated signal control on arterial roads is a burning issue. The vehicle detector is indispensable by which the traffic state data are collected directly to get a reasonable control strategy. The traditional methods have poor control performance because of lacking enough accuracy. In this article, the new layout method of vehicle detector is proposed to collect and store high-resolution traffic data continuously, which can identify a critical turning point of the change in traffic state. Thus, a correlation degree model to quantitative relevance between adjacent intersections on arterial road based on traffic status data is established. This model could make more exact measurement in order to achieve the control subunit partition of arterial roads, selecting density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise algorithm to cluster the deriving correlation indexes. The partition method is evaluated by an arterial road including 12 intersections, and this road is divided into five subunits. The simulation result validates that the partition method based on correlation indexes can significantly improve the operation efficiency of arterial roads and reduce the traffic delay. This research may provide a new strategy on the partition of control unit for arterial road more accurately based on high-resolution traffic data.
The relationships between cutting parameters, tool wear, cutting force and vibration
Authors: Chuangwen Xu , Jianming Dou , Yuzhen Chai , Huaiyuan Li , Zhicheng Shi , Jing Xu
Published: January 2018

To study the influences of processes factors on cutting force and vibration in cutting processes, milling tests were carried out on 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 stainless steel under different process conditions using a coated carbide end mill insert. The cutting force and vibration acceleration signals were recorded, and the wear depth on the flank face of the tool was measured. This study observed tool wear morphology using a scanning electron microscope and investigated distributions of surface elements on the damaged tools by energy spectrum analysis. Based on the revelations of tool wear mechanisms, the influence of milling parameters and tool wear on cutting force and vibration were further investigated. The research shows that oxidation, adhesion and diffusion wear mainly appear on the rake face, along with mechanical and thermal cracking, while adhesive and diffusion wear occur on the flank face. Among process factors, tool wear and milling depth significantly affect cutting force and vibration. Therefore, in actual machining processes, on the premise of meeting the requirements for rigidity and surface roughness of a machine tool, properly increasing the cutting velocity and milling depth can improve productivity and control cutting force and vibration.
The reliability-based design and optimization procedures for a heavy-duty pallet system
Authors: Li Jiannan , Wang Brad Jianhe , Zhou Junwen
Published: January 2018

Shipping heavy-duty goods or equipment is being a new sector recently, and the pallet is rather important. In this article, a comparison of various materials revealed that laminated veneer lumber was ideal for heavy-duty packaging industry. For various pallets with random parameters, a hybrid reliability optimization design method was proposed, which aimed to provide an effective computational tool for reliability design of pallet system. With first-order second-moment method, the separation and combination of component and system failure probabilities were obtained. Several case studies were included to illustrate the computational procedures, as well as to discuss the effects of dimension and quantity of members. Using design of experiment method, the sensitivities of each parameter were significant, and the optimization of whole system was realized. To reduce the cost, recycling and standardization were worth considering in the future.
Recognition of partial scanning low-level wind shear based on support vector machine
Authors: Ma Yuechao , Li Sining , Lu Wei
Published: January 2018

A majority of air crash is caused by low-level wind shear. That can affect the direction and velocity of the aircrafts. So, it is very necessary to recognize the low-level wind shear in a short time to make the early warning. In this article, we propose a recognition method which uses support vector machine to make the classification of the low-level wind shear images measured by laser detection and ranging. We use the partial scanning images instead the traditional whole scanning ones, so that it can decrease the calculation time and avoid the wind field inversion. The feature exacting methods we use are invariant moments and gray-gradient co-occurrence matrix. They can, respectively, catch 7 features and 15 features of the wind velocity distribution images. At the same time, we use support vector machine that the parameters are optimized by K-fold cross-validation to do the pattern recognition. Moreover, the simulation results of recognition are given.