bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moral sense by Charles Darwin
Authors: Djuric Drago
Published: April 2012

At the beginning of this paper Darwin's approach to science will be presented. This will be illustrated with his own modality of his main claims and modesty he had shown in evaluating the worth of his theory. Than we shall present his four suppositions important for preservation and evolution of moral sense. After that we will consider the issue of relation between inherited and acquired moral properties and main characteristics which according to Darwin, make difference between social instinct in lower animals and moral sense in man. At the end some we shall present some arguments for thesis that in evolutionary scientific approach to ethics there is no room for unbridgeable gap between facts and values, 'ought' and 'is', and some arguments for thesis that from the point of view of the theory of evolution we can have descriptive ethics, but not any prescriptive or normative ethics except predictions that some moral beliefs and behaviors can be evolutionary successful.
Does Mandatory IFRS Adoption Improve Information Comparability?
Authors: Yip Rita W. Y. , Young Danqing
Published: April 2012

This study examines whether the mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in the European Union significantly improves information comparability in 17 European countries. We employ three proxies—the similarity of accounting functions that translate economic events into accounting data, the degree of information transfer, and the similarity of the information content of earnings and of the book value of equity—to measure information comparability. Our results suggest that mandatory IFRS adoption improves cross-country information comparability by making similar things look more alike without making different things look less different. Our results also suggest that both accounting convergence and higher quality information under IFRS are the likely drivers of the comparability improvement. In addition, we find some evidence that cross-country comparability improvement is affected by firms' institutional environment.

Data Availability: Data are available from commercial providers (Worldscope, DataStream, and I/B/E/S).
Pharmacokinetics of a single intramuscular injection of ceftiofur crystalline-free acid in American black ducks (Anas rubripes)
Authors: Hope Katharine L. , Tell Lisa A. , Byrne Barbara A. , Murray Suzan , Wetzlich Scott E. , Ware Lisa H. , Lynch Warren , Padilla Luis R. , Boedeker Nancy C.
Published: April 2012

Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetic properties of 1 IM injection of ceftiofur crystalline-free acid (CCFA) in American black ducks (Anas rubripes).

Animals—20 adult American black ducks (6 in a preliminary experiment and 14 in a primary experiment).

Procedures—Dose and route of administration of CCFA for the primary experiment were determined in a preliminary experiment. In the primary experiment, CCFA (10 mg/kg, IM) was administered to ducks. Ducks were allocated into 2 groups, and blood samples were obtained 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 48, 96, 144, 192, and 240 hours or 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 24, 72, 120, 168, and 216 hours after administration of CCFA. Plasma concentrations of ceftiofur free acid equivalents (CFAEs) were determined by use of high-performance liquid chromatography. Data were evaluated by use of a naive pooled-data approach.

Results—The area under the plasma concentration versus time curve from 0 hours to infinity was 783 h•μg/mL, maximum plasma concentration observed was 13.1 μg/mL, time to maximum plasma concentration observed was 24 hours, terminal phase half-life was 32.0 hours, time that concentrations of CFAEs were higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration (1.0 μg/mL) for many pathogens of birds was 123 hours, and time that concentrations of CFAEs were higher than the target plasma concentration (4.0 μg/mL) was 73.3 hours.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—On the basis of the time that CFAE concentrations were higher than the target plasma concentration, a dosing interval of 3 days can be recommended for future multidose CCFA studies.
Evaluation of intramuscularly administered sodium pentosan polysulfate for treatment of experimentally induced osteoarthritis in horses
Authors: McIlwraith C. Wayne , Frisbie David D. , Kawcak Christopher E.
Published: April 2012

Objective—To assess clinical, radiographic, histologic, and biochemical effects of sodium pentosan polysulfate (NaPPS) administered IM for treatment of experimentally induced osteoarthritis in horses.

Animals—18 horses.

Procedures—Osteoarthritis was induced arthroscopically in 1 middle carpal joint of all horses. Nine horses received NaPPS (3 mg/kg, IM) on study days 15, 22, 29, and 36. Nine control horses received the same volume of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution IM on study days 15, 22, 29, and 36. Clinical, radiographic, gross, histologic, histochemical, and biochemical findings as well as findings of synovial fluid analysis were evaluated.

Results—No adverse treatment-related events were detected. Induced osteoarthritis caused a substantial increase in lameness, response to flexion, joint effusion, radiographic findings, synovial membrane inflammation, and articular cartilage fibrillation. Articular cartilage fibrillation was substantially reduced by NaPPS treatment, and concentrations of chondroitin sulfate 846 epitope were significantly increased in the synovial fluid of osteoarthritic and nonosteoarthritic joints of treated horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that NaPPS has some beneficial disease-modifying effects and may be a therapeutic option for osteoarthritis in horses.
In vitro evaluation of the relationship between the semitendinosus muscle and cranial cruciate ligament in canine cadavers
Authors: Kanno Nobuo , Amimoto Hirokazu , Hara Yasushi , Harada Yasuji , Nezu Yoshinori , Yogo Takuya , Tagawa Masahiro
Published: April 2012

Objective—To evaluate the role of the semitendinosus muscle in stabilization of the canine stifle joint.

Sample—Left stifle joints collected from cadavers of 8 healthy Beagles.

Procedures—Left hind limbs, including the pelvis, were collected. To mimic the tensile force of the quadriceps, gastrocnemius, and semitendinosus muscles, wires were placed under strain between the ends of each muscle. A sensor was used to measure the tensile force in each wire. Specimens were tested in the following sequence: cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) intact, CrCL transected, released (tensile force of semitendinosus muscle was released in the CrCL-transected stifle joint), and readjusted (tensile force of semitendinosus muscle was reapplied in the CrCL-transected stifle joint). Specimens were loaded at 65.3% of body weight, and tensile force in the wires as well as the cranial tibial displacement were measured.

Results—Tensile force for the CrCL-transected condition increased significantly, compared with that for the CrCL-intact condition. Mean ± SD cranial tibial displacement for the CrCL-transected condition was 2.1 ± 1.3 mm, which increased to 7.2 ± 2.3 mm after release of the tensile force in the semitendinosus muscle.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results supported the contention that the semitendinosus muscle is an agonist of the CrCL in the stifle joint of dogs. Moreover, the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles may be antagonists of the CrCL. These findings suggested that the risk of CrCL rupture may be increased by diseases (such as cauda equina syndrome) associated with a decrease in activity of the semitendinosus muscle.
Comparison of the effects of IV administration of meloxicam, carprofen, and flunixin meglumine on prostaglandin E2 concentration in aqueous humor of dogs with aqueocentesis-induced anterior uveitis
Authors: Gilmour Margi A. , Payton Mark E.
Published: April 2012

Objective—To compare the effects of meloxicam, carprofen, and flunixin meglumine administered IV on the concentration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the aqueous humor of dogs with aqueocentesis-induced anterior uveitis.

Animals—15 adult dogs with ophthalmically normal eyes.

Procedures—Each dog was assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups. Treatment groups were saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (1 mL, IV), meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg, IV), carprofen (4.4 mg/kg, IV), and flunixin meglumine (0.5 mg/kg, IV). Each dog was anesthetized, treatment was administered, and aqueocentesis was performed on each eye at 30 and 60 minutes after treatment. Aqueous humor samples were frozen at −80°C until assayed for PGE2 concentration with an enzyme immunoassay kit.

Results—For all 4 treatment groups, PGE2 concentration was significantly higher in samples obtained 60 minutes after treatment, compared with that in samples obtained 30 minutes after treatment, which indicated aqueocentesis-induced PGE2 synthesis. For aqueous humor samples obtained 60 minutes after treatment, PGE2 concentration did not differ significantly among groups treated with saline solution, meloxicam, and carprofen; however, the PGE2 concentration for the group treated with flunixin meglumine was significantly lower than that for each of the other 3 treatment groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Flunixin meglumine was more effective than meloxicam or carprofen for minimizing the PGE2 concentration in the aqueous humor of dogs with experimentally induced uveitis. Flunixin meglumine may be an appropriate pre-medication for use prior to intraocular surgery in dogs.
Comparison of hydroxyapatite-coated and uncoated pins for transfixation casting in horses
Authors: Lescun Timothy B. , Baird Debra K. , Oliver Laurinda J. , Adams Stephen B. , Hawkins Jan F. , Moore George E.
Published: April 2012

Objective—To determine the extent to which a hydroxyapatite coating promotes pin stability in the third metacarpal bone during transfixation casting in horses.

Animals—14 adult horses.

Procedures—7 horses each were assigned to either an uncoated or hydroxyapatite-coated pin group. Three transcortical pins were placed in the third metacarpal bone of each horse and incorporated into a cast for 8 weeks. Insertion and extraction torque were measured, and torque reduction was calculated. Radiography was performed at 0, 4, and 8 weeks. Lameness evaluation was performed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Bacteriologic culture of pins and pin holes was performed at pin removal.

Results—All horses used casts without major complication throughout the study. Insertion torque was higher in uncoated pins. There was no effect of group on extraction torque. Hydroxyapatite-coated pins had lower torque reduction. Five of 15 hydroxyapatite-coated pins maintained or increased stability, whereas all uncoated pins loosened. Pin hole radiolucency, lameness grades, and positive bacteriologic culture rates were not different between groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Hydroxyapatite coating increased pin stability within the third metacarpal bone of horses during 8 weeks of transfixation casting but did not improve pin performance on clinical assessments. Clinical use of hydroxyapatite-coated transfixation pins may result in greater pin stability; however, further research is necessary to improve the consistency of pin osteointegration and elucidate whether clinical benefits will ultimately result from this approach in horses.
Efficacy of vaccination of cattle with the Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo type hardjoprajitno component of a pentavalent Leptospira bacterin against experimental challenge with Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo type hardjo-bovis
Authors: Rinehart Carol L. , Zimmerman Alicia D. , Buterbaugh Robin E. , Jolie Rika A. , Chase Christopher C. L.
Published: April 2012

Objective—To evaluate the efficacy of vaccination with the Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo type hardjoprajitno component of a pentavalent Leptospira bacterin against a virulent experimental challenge with Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo type hardjo-bovis strain 203 in cattle.

Animals—Fifty-five 6-month-old Holstein heifers.

Procedures—Heifers that were negative for persistent infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus determined via immunohistochemical testing and negative for Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona, Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo, Leptospira interrogans serovar grippotyphosa, Leptospira interrogans serovar bratislava, Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola, and Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae determined via microscopic agglutination assay were enrolled in the study. Two heifers were separated and used for the challenge passage. The remaining heifers were vaccinated twice with a commercial pentavalent bacterin or a sham vaccine 21 days apart and subsequently challenged with L borgpetersenii serovar hardjo type hardjo-bovis strain 203. Urinary shedding, antibody titers, and clinical signs of leptospirosis infection were recorded for 8 weeks after challenge.

Results—Heifers that received the pentavalent bacterin did not shed the organism in urine after challenge and did not have renal colonization at necropsy. Heifers that were sham vaccinated shed the organism in urine and had renal colonization.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results provided evidence that a pentavalent Leptospira vaccine containing L interrogans serovar hardjo type hardjoprajitno can provide protection against challenge with L borgpetersenii serovar hardjo type hardjo-bovis strain 203. It is important to demonstrate cross-protection that is vaccine specific against disease-causing strains of organisms that are prevalent under field conditions.
Efficacy of an avirulent live vaccine against Lawsonia intracellularis in the prevention of proliferative enteropathy in experimentally infected weanling foals
Authors: Pusterla Nicola , Vannucci Fabio A. , Mapes Samantha M. , Nogradi Nora , Collier Jessica R. , Hill Jackie A. , DiFrancesco Melissa , White Alexandria M. , Akana Nina K. , Simonek Greg , Gebhart Connie J.
Published: April 2012

Objective—To determine the efficacy of an avirulent Lawsonia intracellularis vaccine in preventing proliferative enteropathy in weanling foals.

Animals—12 healthy weanling foals.

Procedures—Foals were randomly assigned to a vaccinated, nonvaccinated, or control group. Vaccinated foals received an avirulent porcine L intracellularis frozen-thawed vaccine intrarectally 60 and 30 days prior to experimental challenge. On day 1, vaccinated and nonvaccinated foals were challenged via nasogastric intubation with a virulent heterologous isolate of L intracellularis. Control foals were not challenged. Clinical observation and ultrasonographic evaluation of the small intestine were performed, and body weight, serum concentration of total solids, fecal excretion of L intracellularis, and seroconversion were measured for each foal until day 56. Diseased foals were treated with antimicrobials and supportive care.

Results—None of the 4 vaccinated foals developed clinical disease following challenge with virulent L intracellularis. Three of 4 nonvaccinated foals developed moderate to severe clinical signs compatible with proliferative enteropathy, hypoproteinemia, and thickened small intestinal loops. Vaccinated foals had significantly less fecal shedding of L intracellularis than nonvaccinated foals. Serologic responses between vaccinated and nonvaccinated foals after challenge were similar. Control foals remained clinically unaffected with no evidence of fecal shedding and seroconversion.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Intrarectal administration of a commercial avirulent porcine vaccine against L intracellularis resulted in complete protection against proliferative enteropathy in the foals in this study and may also reduce environmental contamination with the organism on endemic farms.
L'Arrêt de mort, Insomnia, Dreaming, Sleep: Derrida, Blanchot, Levinas
Authors: Wortham Simon Morgan
Published: April 2012

In L'Arrêt de mort, as Derrida suggests, an ‘epochal suspension’ manifests itself, compulsively pulsating so as to conjure a certain spectrality beyond all consciousness, perception, or ordinary attentiveness. Re-reading Blanchot's text, I argue that it is on the borderlines of sleep that the ‘arrythmic pulsation’ of the arrêt de mort happens as impossible event  – ‘the state of suspension in which it's over – and over again, and you'll never have done with that suspension itself’, to quote Derrida once more. While ‘Living On’ makes little of sleep, however, I take this cue to follow a pathway which leads from Blanchot to Levinas. Blanchot's writing exposes the sleep of reason which occurs in the very promise of perfect day, a promise which mutates in the dream he associates with the ‘other night’, a dream which harbours the irrepressible return of ‘time's absence’, and which opens on to the very ‘outside’ which the world – and the self – lacks or wants (as much as ‘world’ or ‘self’ seek to overcome this ‘outside’ as such). Levinas, meanwhile, wants to think irremissible pure existing (il y a) in terms of insomnia; in contrast, consciousness seeks to assert itself over the unremitting presence of the ‘there is’ through its capacity for unconsciousness or sleep. This essay seeks to attend to the complexities of a certain ‘fatality of being’ that threatens to sweep away the ‘ego’ as consciousness's capacity to sleep is confronted by the radical vigilance of insomnia and the deep anonymity of the night (Existence and Existents).
The Health Effects of Climate Change: A Survey of Recent Quantitative Research
Authors: Grasso Margherita , Manera Matteo , Chiabai Aline , Markandya Anil
Published: April 2012

In recent years there has been a large scientific and public debate on climate change and its direct as well as indirect effects on human health. In particular, a large amount of research on the effects of climate changes on human health has addressed two fundamental questions. First, can historical data be of some help in revealing how short-run or long-run climate variations affect the occurrence of infectious diseases? Second, is it possible to build more accurate quantitative models which are capable of predicting the future effects of different climate conditions on the transmissibility of particularly dangerous infectious diseases? The primary goal of this paper is to review the most relevant contributions which have directly tackled those questions, both with respect to the effects of climate changes on the diffusion of non-infectious and infectious diseases, with malaria as a case study. Specific attention will be drawn on the methodological aspects of each study, which will be classified according to the type of quantitative model considered, namely time series models, panel data and spatial models, and non-statistical approaches. Since many different disciplines and approaches are involved, a broader view is necessary in order to provide a better understanding of the interactions between climate and health. In this respect, our paper also presents a critical summary of the recent literature related to more general aspects of the impacts of climate changes on human health, such as: the economics of climate change; how to manage the health effects of climate change; the establishment of Early Warning Systems for infectious diseases.
Elevated Bathing-Associated Disease Risks Despite Certified Water Quality: A Cohort Study
Authors: Papastergiou Panagiotis , Mouchtouri Varvara , Pinaka Ourania , Katsiaflaka Anna , Rachiotis George , Hadjichristodoulou Christos
Published: April 2012

Bacteriological water quality criteria have been recommended to ensure bathers’ health. However, this risk-assessment approach is based mainly on routine measurements of fecal pollution indicator bacteria in seawater, and may not be adequate to protect bathers effectively. The aim of this study was to assess the risks of symptoms related to infectious diseases among bathers after exposure to seawater which was of excellent quality according to EU guidelines. This study is a cohort study recruiting bathers and non-bathers. Water samples were collected for estimating bacterial indicators. Univariable and multivariable analysis was performed to compare the risks of developing symptoms/diseases between bathers and non-bathers. A total of 3805 bathers and 572 non-bathers were included in the study. Water analysis results demonstrated excellent quality of bathing water. Significantly increased risks of symptoms related to gastrointestinal infections (OR = 3.60, 95% CI 1.28–10.13), respiratory infections (OR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.00–3.67), eye infections (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.27–4.63) and ear infections (OR = 17.21, 95% CI 2.42–122.34) were observed among bathers compared with non-bathers. Increased rates of medical consultation and medication use were also observed among bathers. There was evidence that bathers experienced increased morbidity compared with non-bathers though the bathing waters met bacteriological water quality criteria. These results suggest that risk assessments of recreational seawaters should not only focus on bacteriological water quality criteria.
Reduced Photoinhibition under Low Irradiance Enhanced Kacip Fatimah (Labisia pumila Benth) Secondary Metabolites, Phenyl Alanine Lyase and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Ibrahim Mohd Hafiz , Jaafar Hawa Z.E.
Published: April 2012

A randomized complete block design experiment was designed to characterize the relationship between production of total flavonoids and phenolics, anthocyanin, photosynthesis, maximum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), electron transfer rate (Fm/Fo), phenyl alanine lyase activity (PAL) and antioxidant (DPPH) in Labisia pumila var. alata, under four levels of irradiance (225, 500, 625 and 900 µmol/m2/s) for 16 weeks. As irradiance levels increased from 225 to 900 µmol/m2/s, the production of plant secondary metabolites (total flavonoids, phenolics and antocyanin) was found to decrease steadily. Production of total flavonoids and phenolics reached their peaks under 225 followed by 500, 625 and 900 µmol/m2/s irradiances. Significant positive correlation of production of total phenolics, flavonoids and antocyanin content with Fv/Fm, Fm/Fo and photosynthesis indicated up-regulation of carbon-based secondary metabolites (CBSM) under reduced photoinhibition on the under low light levels condition. At the lowest irradiance levels, Labisia pumila extracts also exhibited a signiﬁcantly higher antioxidant activity (DPPH) than under high irradiance. The improved antioxidative activity under low light levels might be due to high availability of total flavonoids, phenolics and anthocyanin content in the plant extract. It was also found that an increase in the production of CBSM was due to high PAL activity under low light, probably signifying more availability of phenylalanine (Phe) under this condition.
Calcium Phosphate Growth at Electropolished Titanium Surfaces
Authors: Ajami Elnaz , Aguey-Zinsou Kondo-Francois
Published: April 2012

This work investigated the ability of electropolished Ti surface to induce Hydroxyapatite (HA) nucleation and growth in vitro via a biomimetic method in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). The HA induction ability of Ti surface upon electropolishing was compared to that of Ti substrates modified with common chemical methods including alkali, acidic and hydrogen peroxide treatments. Our results revealed the excellent ability of electropolished Ti surfaces in inducing the formation of bone-like HA at the Ti/SBF interface. The chemical composition, crystallinity and thickness of the HA coating obtained on the electropolished Ti surface was found to be comparable to that achieved on the surface of alkali treated Ti substrate, one of the most effective and popular chemical treatments. The surface characteristics of electropolished Ti contributing to HA growth were discussed thoroughly.
Art, Trent, and Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment”
Authors: O'Malley John
Published: April 2012

Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment” in the Sistine Chapel is one of the world’s most famous paintings, completed in 1542. Greatly admired, it was also criticized for the frontal nudity of some of the figures. Twenty-two years later, 1564, the nudity was painted over, an action attributed to the Council of Trent, 1545–1563. To what extent is that attribution correct?
Finite element analysis of the ovine hip: Development, results and comparison with the human hip
Authors: Jalali J. , Schmidutz F. , Schröder C. , Woiczinski M. , Maierl J. , Augat P. , Jansson V. , Mazoochian F. , Hölzer A.
Published: April 2012

Objectives: The ovine hip is often used as an experimental research model to simulate the human hip. However, little is known about the contact pressures on the femoral and acetabular cartilage in the ovine hip, and if those are representative for the human hip.

Methods: A model of the ovine hip, including the pelvis, femur, acetabular cartilage, femoral cartilage and ligamentum transversum, was built using computed tomography and microcomputed tomography. Using the finite element method, the peak forces were analysed during simulated walking.

Results: The evaluation revealed that the contact pressure distribution on the femoral cartilage is horseshoe-shaped and reaches a maximum value of approximately 6 MPa. The maximum contact pressure is located on the dorsal acetabular side and is predominantly aligned in the cranial-to-caudal direction. The surface stresses acting on the pelvic bone reach an average value of approximately 2 MPa.

Conclusions: The contact pressure distribution, magnitude, and the mean surface stress in the ovine hip are similar to those described in the current literature for the human hip. This suggests that in terms of load distribution, the ovine hip is well suited for the preclinical testing of medical devices designed for the human hip.
Learning in Simulated Environments: Effect on Learning Transfer and Clinical Skill Acquisition in Nurse Practitioner Students
Authors: Rutherford-Hemming Tonya
Published: April 2012

This research study examined whether a transfer of learning (i.e., growth in clinical competency) occurred from the simulation laboratory to the clinical bedside and if it did occur, how. The study design was descriptive research, using 14 acute care nurse practitioner students. Observations were done in the simulation laboratory with a standardized patient and then in the clinical setting with an actual patient. The results showed significant growth in overall clinical competency from the simulation laboratory to the clinical bedside (

M
diff

= 0.08,
SE
= 0.02,
t
(13) = 3.03,
p
= 0.01,
r
= 0.64). A statistically significant correlation was noted between the overall competency scores of students in the simulation laboratory and the overall competency scores in the clinical setting, with
r
(12) = 0.63,
p
< 0.01. Three themes emerged from the students’ responses regarding how the simulation experience affected their clinical competency.
La participation culturelle sur Internet : encadrement et appropriations transgressives du patrimoine numérisé
Authors: Casemajor Nathalie
Published: April 2012

Résumé L’injonction à « participer », symptôme de la mutation des sociétés contemporaines, se traduit dans le secteur de l’action culturelle et du patrimoine par la mise en place de dispositifs en ligne incitant l’appropriation et le partage des contenus issus des collections publiques numérisées. Mais la participation peut aussi prendre des formes qui dépassent les usages prescrits par les dispositifs institutionnels : non-respect des conditions d’utilisation, détournements, voire revente sous un format imprimé. Dès lors, comment peut-on comprendre ce qu’est la « participation culturelle » sur Internet ? En cherchant à en définir les modalités et les cadres, cet article expose quelques-unes des contradictions qui émaillent l’action des institutions patrimoniales dans ce domaine. Et si l’indiscipline n’était pas uniquement le fait des publics ?
Atrophic Rhinitis and Its Surgical Management
Authors: Sharma Vinit Kumar , Purohit JP , Vishth Sampan
Published: April 2012

Objective

Clinical evaluation of atrophic rhinitis and comparative study of its surgical treatments.

Materials and methods

This study was carried out in the Department of ORL-HNS, MLB Medical College and Hospital, Jhansi and Department of ORL-HNS, SRMS Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India from June 2006 to May 2011 including the cases of atrophic rhinitis. A total of 40 patients of atrophic rhinitis were included in this study. Thirty-two patients had modified Young's nostril closure and eight patients had dermofat graft obliteration of nasal cavity. Preoperative and postoperative assessment of nasal mucociliary flow rate were also assessed by saccharine test. Fifteen cases were kept in control group to compare the nasal mucociliary flow rate results.

Results

The results of both surgical modalities were compared at various intervals for 20 months.

Conclusion

The patients with history of nasal myiasis and septal perforation do better with partial nostril closure while patients, not having history of maggots and septal perforations, had best results with dermofat graft operation. It was seen that after surgical treatment of atrophic rhinitis, either by nostril closure or dermofat grafting, there was improvement in nasal mucociliary flow or, nearly, all patients were symptomatically improved.
Control of Anterior Epistaxis: A Comparative Analysis of the Decongestive Effect of Xylometazoline and Adrenaline in Idiopathic Epistaxis in Emergency Settings
Authors: Mattoo Owais , Yousuf Aamir , Mir Anees , Muzaffar Rahil , Pampori Rafiq
Published: April 2012

Objective

To compare the impact of decongestive effect of xylometazoline and adrenaline in controlling active idiopathic anterior epistaxis on adult patients prior to use silver nitrate for cauterization.

Study design

Prospective case study.

Methods

The study used a prospective review of 150 consecutive adult patients diagnosed as anterior epistaxis (from August 2010 to January 2011). The study group was analyzed in three groups based on method of intervention used for management of anterior epistaxis. The conventional method of pinching nose and use of xylometazoline (0.5%) or adrenaline (1:10,000) soaked cotton packs for control of active arterial spurt followed in each case with silver nitrate cauterization.

Results

A total of 150 patients reviewed who were medically fit and subjected to study design in three groups. Fifty adult patients in each group with similar presentation. In first group, 32 patients out of 50 (64%) had successful control of bleeding with silver nitrate cauterization only after pinching nose (for 10 minutes). In second group, it was seen that 43 patients out of 50 (86%) in one group had successful control of bleeding following use of 0.5% xylometazoline-soaked cotton packs (for 10 minutes). prior to silver nitrate cauterization. In another group, 45 patients out of 50 (90%) had successful control of bleeding following use of 1:10,000 adrenaline-soaked cotton packs (for 10 minutes) prior to silver nitrate cauterization.

Conclusions

1. Almost all patients with idiopathic anterior epistaxis can be managed more effectively and successfully by the use of vasoconstrictive agents followed by silver nitrate cauterization and risks of anterior nasal packing can be avoided. 2. The success rate of silver nitrate cauterization can be increased significantly with use of vasoconstrictive agents (xylometazoline and adrenaline) for control of actively bleeding arterial spurts prior to cauterization. 3. With the use of adrenaline not suitable in high-risk group patients, like coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular diseases, myocarditis, drugs like beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants; xylometazoline can safely replace adrenaline in these cases.
Lobular Capillary Hemangioma of Nasal Cavity
Authors: Bhardwar Vaneeta , Kaur Kulbir , Arora Sonia
Published: April 2012

Nasal lobular capillary hemangioma is a benign lesion of unknown etiology. Epistaxis and nasal obstruction are the most marked symptoms. We present a case of lobular capillary hemangioma, which was located on the posterior end of middle turbinate. The case is reported for its potential for being misdiagnosed and to highlight the advantage of nasal endoscopes in diagnosis and treatment.
Nasoalveolar Cyst
Authors: Goel Anuj Kumar , Sylonia Subhash , Goel Rati
Published: April 2012

Nasoalveolar cyst is a nonodontogenic, soft tissue cyst characterized by its extraosseous location in the nasal alar region. It is synonymous with nasolabial cyst, nasal vestibule cyst, nasal wing cyst and mucoid cyst of the nose. It also called Klestadt's cyst. In this study, we would like to highlight the clinical presentation and the radiological features of nasolabial cyst in order to assist other healthcare providers in the diagnosis and treatment of this uncommon entity.
Rhinosporidiosis of Trachea: A Rare Encounter
Authors: Dhawan Ruchir , Kawatra Rahul , Lal Nirupama , Gupta Shiv Sagar , Maheshwari Puneet
Published: April 2012

Rhinosporidiosis, which is a chronic fungal granulomatous disease, is caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, a protistal microbe. It is a disease affecting primarily the mucosa of nose, conjunctiva and urethra. We are reporting an extremely rare case of tracheal rhinosporidiosis from the northern part of the Indian subcontinent which presented to us as case of respiratory stridor with hemoptysis and was properly investigated following which complete excision of the tracheal mass was done by bronchoscopy.
Cataract Extraction and Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation for the Management of Pellucid Marginal Degeneration and Cataract
Authors: Bahar Irit , Bialer Omer
Published: April 2012

We report cataract surgery with toric intraocular lens implantation for the management of senile cataract combined with pellucid marginal degeneration. A 72-year-old man with bilateral senile cataract and significant against-the-rule astigmatism sought counseling for blurry vision and glare, mostly in the right eye. Based on ophthalmic examination and corneal topography, a diagnosis of pellucid marginal degeneration and cataract was made. Since visual acuity and refraction had been stable in the past 3 years, the patient underwent cataract extraction and implantation of a custom-designed toric posterior chamber intraocular lens. Postoperative follow-up of 1.5-year demons- trated marked improvement in visual acuity, stable refraction and patient satisfaction. This treatment for pellucid marginal degeneration offers the simplicity of regular cataract surgery, and avoids the known complications of keratoplasty and other corneal surgical manipulation for the management of pellucid marginal degeneration.

How to cite this article

Bahar I, Bialer O. Cataract Extraction and Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation for the Management of Pellucid Marginal Degeneration and Cataract. Int J Keratoco Ectatic Corneal Dis 2012;1(1):66-67.
Cirrus and water vapor transport in the tropical tropopause layer: a modeling study
Authors: Dinh T. , Durran D. R. , Ackerman T.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. We carry out simulations of tropical-tropopause-layer (TTL) cirrus which are formed and forced by a large-scale equatorial Kelvin wave. We find that, even under the influence of the large-scale wave, the radiatively induced mesoscale dynamics in TTL cirrus actively contributes to transport of water vapor in the vertical direction. In a typical TTL cirrus, the heating that results from absorption of radiation by ice crystals induces a mesoscale circulation. Advection of water vapor by the radiatively induced circulation leads to upward advection of the cloudy air. Upward advection of the cloudy air is equivalent to upward transport of water vapor when the air above the cloud is drier than the cloudy air. On the other hand, ice nucleation and depositional growth, followed by sedimentation and sublimation lead to downward transport of water vapor. The net direction of transport is determined by the relative magnitudes of the upward advection of water vapor and the downward transport associated with microphysical processes.
How to average logarithmic retrievals?
Authors: Funke B. , von Clarmann T.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. Calculation of mean trace gas contributions from profiles obtained by retrievals of the logarithm of the abundance rather than retrievals of the abundance itself are prone to biases. By means of a system simulator, biases of linear versus logarithmic averaging were evaluated for both maximum likelihood and maximum a priori retrievals, for various signal to noise ratios and atmospheric variabilities. These biases can easily reach ten percent or more. As a rule of thumb we found for maximum likelihood retrievals that linear averaging better represents the true mean value in cases of large local natural variability and high signal to noise ratios, while for small local natural variability logarithmic averaging often is superior. In the case of maximum a posteriori retrievals, the mean is dominated by the a priori information used in the retrievals and the method of averaging is of minor concern. For larger natural variabilities, the appropriateness of the one or the other method of averaging depends on the particular case because the various biasing mechanisms partly compensate in an unpredictable manner. This complication arises mainly because of the fact that in logarithmic retrievals the weight of the prior information depends on abundance of the gas itself. No simple rule was found on which kind of averaging is superior, and instead of suggesting simple recipes we cannot do much more than to create awareness of the traps related with averaging of mixing ratios obtained from logarithmic retrievals.
Organic particle types by single-particle measurements using a time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer coupled with a light scattering module
Authors: Liu S. , Russell L. M. , Sueper D. T. , Onasch T. B.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. Chemical and physical properties of individual ambient aerosol particles can vary greatly, so measuring the chemical composition at the single-particle level is essential for understanding atmospheric sources and transformations. Here we describe 46 days of single-particle measurements of atmospheric particles using a time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer coupled with a light scattering module (LS-ToF-AMS). The light scattering module optically detects particles larger than 180 nm vacuum aerodynamic diameter (130 nm geometric diameter) (with size resolution of 5–10 defined as dΔd at full width at half maximum) before they arrive at the chemical mass detector and then triggers the saving of single-particle mass spectra. 271 641 particles were detected and sampled during 237 h of sampling in single particle mode. By comparing the timing of light scattering and chemical ion signals for each particle, particle types were classified and their number fractions determined as follows: prompt vaporization (49%), delayed vaporization (7%), and null (44%). LS-ToF-AMS provided the first direct measurement of the size-resolved collection efficiency (CE) of ambient particles, with an approximate 50% number-based CE for particles above detection limit. Prompt and delayed vaporization particles (147 357 particles) were clustered based on similar organic mass spectra (using K-means algorithm) to result in three major clusters: highly oxidized particles (dominated by m/z 44), relatively less oxidized particles (dominated by m/z 43), and particles associated with fresh urban emissions. Each of the three organic clusters had limited chemical properties of other clusters, suggesting that all of the sampled organic particle types were internally mixed to some degree; however, the internal mixing was never uniform and distinct particle types existed throughout the study. Furthermore, the single particle mass spectra and diurnal variations of these clusters agreed well with mass-based components identified (using factor analysis) from simultaneous ensemble-averaged measurements, supporting the connection between ensemble-based factors and atmospheric particle sources and processes. Measurements in this study illustrate that LS-ToF-AMS provides unique information about organic particle types by number as well as mass.
Influence of CO2 and nitrogen limitation on the coccolith volume of Emiliania huxleyi (Haptophyta)
Authors: Müller M. N. , Beaufort L. , Bernard O. , Pedrotti M. L. , Talec A. , Sciandra A.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. Coccolithophores, a key phytoplankton group, are one of the best studied organisms with regard to the response to ocean acidification/carbonation. The biogenic production of calcareous coccoliths has made coccolithophores a promising group for paleoceanographic research aiming to reconstruct past environmental conditions. Recently, geochemical and morphological analyses of fossil coccoliths have gained increased interest in regard to changes in seawater carbonate chemistry. The cosmopolitan coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi (Lohm.) Hay and Mohler was cultured over a range of pCO2 levels in controlled laboratory experiments under nutrient replete and nitrogen limited conditions. Measurements of photosynthetic activity and calcification revealed, as previously published, an increase in organic carbon production and a moderate decrease in calcification from ambient to elevated pCO2. The enhancement in particulate organic carbon production was accompanied by an increase in cell diameter. Coccolith volume was best correlated with the coccosphere/cell diameter and no significant correlation was found between coccolith volume and particulate inorganic carbon production rate. The conducted experiments revealed that the coccolith volume of E. huxleyi is variable with aquatic CO2 concentration within the tested range but appears to be a primary function of the coccosphere/cell diameter both under nitrogen limited and nutrient replete conditions. Comparing coccolith morphological and geometrical parameters like volume, mass and size to physiological parameters under controlled laboratory conditions is an important step to understand variations in fossil coccolith geometry.
Technical Note: Bias correcting climate model simulated daily temperature extremes with quantile mapping
Authors: Thrasher B. L. , Maurer E. P. , McKellar C. , Duffy P. B.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. When applying a quantile-mapping based bias correction to daily temperature extremes simulated by a global climate model (GCM), the transformed values of maximum and minimum temperatures are changed, and the diurnal temperature range (DTR) can become physically unrealistic. While causes are not thoroughly explored, there is a strong relationship between GCM biases in snow albedo feedback during snowmelt and bias correction resulting in unrealistic DTR values. We propose a technique to bias correct DTR, based on comparing observations and GCM historic simulations, and combine that with either bias correcting daily maximum temperatures and calculating daily minimum temperatures or vice versa. By basing the bias correction on a base period of 1961–1980 and validating it during a test period of 1981–1999, we show that bias correcting DTR and maximum daily temperature can produce more accurate estimations of daily temperature extremes while avoiding the pathological cases of unrealistic DTR values.
Estimation of forest structure metrics relevant to hydrologic modeling using coordinate transformation of airborne laser scanning data
Authors: Varhola A. , Frazer G. W. , Teti P. , Coops N. C.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. Accurate characterizations of the complex and heterogeneous forest architecture are necessary to parameterize physically-based hydrologic models that simulate precipitation interception, energy fluxes and water dynamics. While hemispherical photography has become a popular method to obtain a number of forest canopy structure metrics relevant to these processes, image acquisition is field-intensive and therefore difficult to apply across the landscape. In contrast, airborne laser scanning (ALS) is a remote sensing technique increasingly used to acquire detailed information on the spatial structure of forest canopies over large, continuous areas. This study presents a novel methodology to calibrate ALS data with in-situ optical hemispherical camera images to obtain traditional forest structure and solar radiation metrics. The approach minimizes geometrical differences between these two techniques by transforming the Cartesian coordinates of ALS data to generate synthetic images with a polar projection directly comparable to optical photography. We demonstrate how these new coordinate-transformed ALS metrics, along with additional standard ALS variables, can be used as predictors in multiple linear regression to estimate forest structure and solar radiation indices at any individual location within the extent of an ALS transect. This approach is expected to substantially reduce fieldwork costs, broaden sampling design possibilities, and improve the spatial representation of forest structure metrics directly relevant to parameterize hydrologic models.
Bench scale laboratory tests to analyze non-linear flow in fractured media
Authors: Cherubini C. , Giasi C. I. , Pastore N.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. The knowledge of flow phenomena in fractured rocks is very important for groundwater resources management in hydrogeologic engineering. A critical emerging issue for fractured aquifers is the validity of the Darcian-type "local cubic law" which assumes a linear relationship between flow rate and pressure gradient to accurately describe flow patterns. Experimental data obtained under controlled conditions such as in a laboratory allow to increase the understanding of the fundamental physics of fracture flow and to investigate the presence of non linear flow inside the fractures which brings to substantial deviation from Darcy's law. In this study the presence of non linear flow in a fractured rock formation has been analyzed at bench scale in laboratory tests. The effects of non linearity in flow have been investigated by analyzing hydraulic tests on artificially created fractured rock samples of parallelepiped (0.60 × 0.40 × 0.8 m) shape. The volumes of water passing through different paths across the fractured sample for various hydraulic head differences have been measured, and the results of the experiments have been reported as flow rate/specific discharge vs. head gradient. The experimental results closely match the Forchheimer equation and describe a strong inertial regime. Successively the results of the test have been interpreted by means of numerical simulations. For each pair of ports several steady-state simulations have been carried out varying the hydraulic head difference between inlet and outlet ports. The estimated linear and non linear Forchheimer coefficients have been correlated to each other and, respectively to the tortuosity of the flow paths. A correlation among the linear and non linear Forchheimer coefficients is evident. Moreover, a tortuosity factor has been determined that influences flow dynamics.
Relation between seismicity and pre-earthquake electromagnetic emissions in terms of energy, information and entropy content
Authors: Potirakis S. M. , Minadakis G. , Eftaxias K.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. In this paper we show, in terms of Fisher information and approximate entropy, that the two strong impulsive kHz electromagnetic (EM) bursts recorded prior to the Athens earthquake (EQ) (7 September 1999, magnitude 5.9) present compatibility with the radar interferometry data and the seismic data analysis, which indicates that two fault segments were activated during Athens EQ. The calculated Fisher information and approximate entropy content ratios closely follow the radar interferometry result that the main fault segment was responsible for 80 % of the total energy released, while the secondary fault segment for the remaining 20 %. This experimental finding, which appears for the first time in the literature, further enhances the hypothesis for the seismogenic origin of the analyzed kHz EM bursts.