bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment of 137 cases with chronic subdural hematoma at the university clinical center of Kosovo during the period 2008-2012
Authors: Mekaj Agon Y. , Morina Arsim A. , Mekaj Ymer H. , Manxhuka-Kerliu Suzana , Miftari Ermira I. , Duci Shkelzen B. , Hamza Astrit R. , Gashi Musli M. , Xhelaj Mentor R. , Kelmendi Fatos M. , Morina Qamile Sh.
Published: March 2015

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is frequent pathology in neurosurgical practice. The aim of this study is to present the first series of patients with CSDH, who got surgically treated in Clinic of Neurosurgery, University Clinical Center of Kosovo. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study that included 137 patients with CSDH who had been treated during the period 2008-2012. The data were collected and analyzed from the archives and protocols of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo. Patients were analyzed in many aspects such as age, gender, etiological factors, clinical features, localization, diagnoses, methods of surgical interventions, recurrences and mortality of patients. Results: From 137 patients with CSDH, 106 (77.3%) were males and 31 (22.7%) females. Average age of patients was 62.85 years. Analyzed according to the decades, the highest number of causes with CSDH was between 70 and 79 years (46%). The head trauma has been responsible for CSDH in 88 patients (64.3%), while the main symptom was headache (92 patients or 67.1%). One burr-hole trepanation with closed drainage system has been used in majority of cases (in 101 patients or 73.7%). The recurrence of CSDH was 6.5%, whereas mortality 2.9%. Conclusion: CSDH is more common in elderly patients. The male-female ratio is 3.4:1. Like other authors we also think that treatment with one burr-hole and drainage is a method of choice, because of its simplicity and safety.
Retrobulbar optic neuropathy secondary to isolated sphenoid sinus disease
Authors: Chafale Vishal Annaji , Lahoti Satish Arunkumar , Pandit Alak , Gangopadhyay Goutam , Biswas Atanu
Published: March 2015

Paranasal sinus disease can cause a condition that mimics optic neuritis. Simultaneous appearance of both diseases would create etiological dilemma .We report two cases of retrobulbar optic neuropathy secondary to isolated sphenoid sinus disease. In the case of a 65-year-old female who had presented with acute loss of vision in the left eye associated with left-sided frontal headache which subsequently turned out to be caused by optic nerve compression at the orbital apex due to collection in abnormally pneumatized left lesser wing of the sphenoid. In another case, a 65-year-old lady had presented with symptoms of bilateral retrobulbar optic neuropathy which was found to be due to direct compression of optic nerves at the orbital apex secondary to metastases from breast carcinoma.
Mercado de la Comunicación y estudiantes de Periodismo. Estructura de la demanda de perfiles profesionales
Authors: Pérez Serrano María José , Rodríguez Barba Dolores , Rodríguez Pallares Miriam
Published: March 2015

Se presentan los resultados de una de las primeras fases de la investigación principal del Grupo MediaCom UCM. A raíz de un Proyecto interdepartamental de Innovación y Mejora de la Calidad Docente (PIMCD nº 176 de la UCM) se establece el objetivo de radiografiar las nuevas demandas del mercado laboral para los estudiantes de Periodismo atendiendo a la tipología del mercado y a las condiciones de contratación. Metodología. La base epistemológica del proyecto parte de la Metodología Tuning en el diseño inicial y se desarrolla en términos cuantitativos/cualitativos a partir de los datos proporcionados por el COIE de la UCM en relación a los contratos en prácticas de los estudiantes. Resultados y conclusiones. Los resultados permiten concluir, por ejemplo, que el periodista sigue identificándose con la redacción o que el sector más demandante es el vinculado con instituciones públicas o privadas, seguido por la prensa diaria.
Evaluation of Sustainable Concrete Production and Construction Cost Implication in Nigeria
Authors: Awoyera PO , Olofinnade OM
Published: March 2015

Sustainable concrete provides a considerable solution to the increasing cost of conventional concrete production in the world. Though, it is generally described as cheap, however it’s design and cost implications for low income communities needs to be evaluated. Hence, this paper evaluates the production of sustainable concrete and its cost implication in Nigeria. Experimental design of high strength concrete made with steel fibre and bamboo fibre as reinforcement having a targeted compressive strength of 50 Mpa was considered. The steel and bamboo fibres were proportioned at 1 % each. From the experimental mix design and cost analysis conducted, it was realized that steel fibre reinforced concrete are most expensive per cubic metre, costing about seven times as much as plain concrete of the same volume, but bamboo is a low cost alternative to steel as a reinforcing material.Key words: affordable housing, bamboo fibre, concrete, steel fibre, sustainability
First Trimester Anomaly Scan—The Last Redoubt Won: Open Spina Bifida
Authors: Novac Liliana , Tudorache Stefania , Dominic Gabriel Iliescu , Turcu Adina , Florea Maria , Drăguşin Roxana , Nicolae Cernea , Cernea Daniela
Published: March 2015

Open spina bifida (OSB) is a non-lethal fetal anomaly, yet often leads to severe disability. Most cases of open spina bifida are detected at the second trimester fetal anomaly ultrasound scan. The 11 to 13 weeks of amenorrhea scan evolved over the last 20 years from essentially a dating scan, to a genetic scan, and recently to one which includes, in addition to the genetic markers, a basic checklist for examination of the whole fetal anatomy. The direct visualization of the spine at the first trimester (FT) scan remained difficult, despite the wider use of high-resolution ultrasound machines and the volumetric approach. Thus, indirect intracranial morphological markers for OSB were proposed to diagnose this neural tube defect.

The present review aims to describe the specific anatomical feature of the spine and the posterior brain, both on parasagittal and on axial planes, recently proposed for the early detection of OSB.

Specialists involved in the prenatal diagnosis will eventually elaborate in the future a screening protocol for OSB in the FT of pregnancy, using the most valuable and easy to obtain marker, in a single 2D plane.

The offer of an early diagnosis of possible severe anomalies, such as OSB, is a tool enhancing the autonomy of the pregnant woman.

How to cite this article

Tudorache S, Iliescu DG, Turcu A, Florea M, Drăguşin R, Novac L, Nicolae C, Cernea D. First Trimester Anomaly Scan—The Last Redoubt Won: Open Spina Bifida. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015;9(1):80-90.
Ultrasound in Infertility
Authors: Nagori CB
Published: March 2015

Evaluation of the complete cycle instead of only pre hCG scan is an essential for follicular monitoring. Using color Doppler in this assessment is mandatory because it allows to assess the functional status of follicle and endometrium. 3D ultrasound is useful for volume measurements, and 3D PD for assessment of global vascularity.

Baseline scan is done to predict the ovarian reserve and response and decide the stimulation protocols for ARTs. Uterus is assessed for receptivity. But baseline scan also diagnoses PCOS. This is by counting antral follicles, stromal flows and stromal and ovarian volume. Ultrasound features of ovary on baseline scan can also be correlated closely with the baseline hormonal status of ovaries—LH, FSH and Androgen. Ultrasound is a key tool to decide follicular maturity and endometrial receptivity and to decide the time of hCG and time of IUI. Doppler plays a major role in correct decision making and 3D and 3D power Doppler add to the details and also improves the success rates of different ARTs. Luteal phase also can be better explained by the use of Doppler. Ultrasound to hormonal correlation in both preovulatory and luteal phase helps plan the ART for positivity.

How to cite this article

Panchal S, Nagori CB. Ultrasound in Infertility. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015;9(1):100-110.
A 12-year high-resolution climatology of atmospheric water transport over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Curio J. , Maussion F. , Scherer D.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The Tibetan Plateau (TP) plays a key role in the water cycle of high Asia and its downstream regions. The respective influence of the Indian and East Asian summer monsoon on TP precipitation and regional water resources, together with the detection of moisture transport pathways and source regions are the subject of recent research. In this study, we present a 12-year high-resolution climatology of the atmospheric water transport (AWT) over and towards the TP using a new data set, the High Asia Refined analysis (HAR), which better represents the complex topography of the TP and surrounding high mountain ranges than coarse-resolution data sets. We focus on spatiotemporal patterns, vertical distribution and transport through the TP boundaries. The results show that the mid-latitude westerlies have a higher share in summertime AWT over the TP than assumed so far. Water vapour (WV) transport constitutes the main part, whereby transport of water as cloud particles (CP) also plays a role in winter in the Karakoram and western Himalayan regions. High mountain valleys in the Himalayas facilitate AWT from the south, whereas the high mountain regions inhibit AWT to a large extent and limit the influence of the Indian summer monsoon. No transport from the East Asian monsoon to the TP could be detected. Our results show that 36.8 ± 6.3% of the atmospheric moisture needed for precipitation comes from outside the TP, while the remaining 63.2% is provided by local moisture recycling.
Assessing downstream flood impacts due to a potential GLOF from Imja Tsho in Nepal
Authors: Somos-Valenzuela M. A. , McKinney D. C. , Byers A. C. , Rounce D. R. , Portocarrero C. , Lamsal D.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Glacial-dominated areas pose unique challenges to downstream communities in adapting to recent and continuing global climate change, including increased threats of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) that can increase risk due to flooding of downstream communities and cause substantial impacts on regional social, environmental and economic systems. The Imja glacial lake (or Imja Tsho) in Nepal, which has the potential to generate a GLOF, was studied using a two-dimensional debris-flow inundation model in order to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed measures to reduce possible flooding impacts to downstream communities by lowering the lake level. The results indicate that only minor flood impact reduction is achieved in the downstream community of Dingboche with modest (~3 m) lake lowering. Lowering the lake by 10 m shows a significant reduction in inundated area. However, lowering the lake by 20 m almost eliminates all flood impact at Dingboche. Further downstream at Phakding, the impact of the GLOF is significant and similar reductions in inundation are likely as a result of lake lowering.
Use of satellite and modelled soil moisture data for predicting event soil loss at plot scale
Authors: Todisco F. , Brocca L. , F. Termite L. , Wagner W.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The potential of coupling soil moisture and a~USLE-based model for event soil loss estimation at plot scale is carefully investigated at the Masse area, in Central Italy. The derived model, named Soil Moisture for Erosion (SM4E), is applied by considering the unavailability of in situ soil moisture measurements, by using the data predicted by a soil water balance model (SWBM) and derived from satellite sensors, i.e. the Advanced SCATterometer (ASCAT). The soil loss estimation accuracy is validated using in situ measurements in which event observations at plot scale are available for the period 2008–2013. The results showed that including soil moisture observations in the event rainfall–runoff erosivity factor of the RUSLE/USLE, enhances the capability of the model to account for variations in event soil losses, being the soil moisture an effective alternative to the estimated runoff, in the prediction of the event soil loss at Masse. The agreement between observed and estimated soil losses (through SM4E) is fairly satisfactory with a determination coefficient (log-scale) equal to of ~ 0.35 and a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of ~ 2.8 Mg ha−1. These results are particularly significant for the operational estimation of soil losses. Indeed, currently, soil moisture is a relatively simple measurement at the field scale and remote sensing data are also widely available on a global scale. Through satellite data, there is the potential of applying the SM4E model for large-scale monitoring and quantification of the soil erosion process.
WORLDDEM – A NOVEL GLOBAL FOUNDATION LAYER
Authors: Riegler G. , Hennig S. D. , Weber M.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Airbus Defence and Space’s WorldDEM™ provides a global Digital Elevation Model of unprecedented quality, accuracy, and coverage. The product will feature a vertical accuracy of 2m (relative) and better than 6m (absolute) in a 12m x 12m raster. The accuracy will surpass that of any global satellite-based elevation model available. WorldDEM is a game-changing disruptive technology and will define a new standard in global elevation models. The German radar satellites TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X form a high-precision radar interferometer in space and acquire the data basis for the WorldDEM. This mission is performed jointly with the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Airbus DS refines the Digital Surface Model (e.g. editing of acquisition, processing artefacts and water surfaces) or generates a Digital Terrain Model. Three product levels are offered: WorldDEMcore (output of the processing, no editing is applied), WorldDEM™ (guarantees a void-free terrain description and hydrological consistency) and WorldDEM DTM (represents bare Earth elevation). Precise elevation data is the initial foundation of any accurate geospatial product, particularly when the integration of multi-source imagery and data is performed based upon it. Fused data provides for improved reliability, increased confidence and reduced ambiguity. This paper will present the current status of product development activities including methodologies and tool to generate these, like terrain and water bodies editing and DTM generation. In addition, the studies on verification & validation of the WorldDEM products will be presented.
SEGMENTATION AND CROWN PARAMETER EXTRACTION OF INDIVIDUAL TREES IN AN AIRBORNE TOMOSAR POINT CLOUD
Authors: Shahzad M. , Schmitt M. , Zhu X. X.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The analysis of individual trees is an important field of research in the forest remote sensing community. While the current state-of-theart mostly focuses on the exploitation of optical imagery and airborne LiDAR data, modern SAR sensors have not yet met the interest of the research community in that regard. This paper describes how several critical parameters of individual deciduous trees can be extraced from airborne multi-aspect TomoSAR point clouds: First, the point cloud is segmented by unsupervised mean shift clustering. Then ellipsoid models are fitted to the points of each cluster. Finally, from these 3D ellipsoids the geometrical tree parameters location, height and crown radius are extracted. Evaluation with respect to a manually derived reference dataset prove that almost 86% of all trees are localized, thus providing a promising perspective for further research towards individual tree recognition from SAR data.
SEMI-GLOBAL MATCHING IN OBJECT SPACE
Authors: Bethmann F. , Luhmann T.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Semi-Global Matching (SGM) is a widespread algorithm for image matching which is used for very different applications, ranging from real-time applications (e.g. for generating 3D data for driver assistance systems) to aerial image matching. Originally developed for stereo-image matching, several extensions have been proposed to use more than two images within the matching process (multi-baseline matching, multi-view stereo). These extensions still perform the image matching in (rectified) stereo images and combine the pairwise results afterwards to create the final solution. This paper proposes an alternative approach which is suitable for the introduction of an arbitrary number of images into the matching process and utilizes image matching by using non-rectified images. The new method differs from the original SGM method mainly in two aspects: Firstly, the cost calculation is formulated in object space within a dense voxel raster by using the grey (or colour) values of all images instead of pairwise cost calculation in image space. Secondly, the semi-global (path-wise) minimization process is transferred into object space as well, so that the result of semi-global optimization leads to index maps (instead of disparity maps) which directly indicate the 3D positions of the best matches. Altogether, this yields to an essential simplification of the matching process compared to multi-view stereo (MVS) approaches. After a description of the new method, results achieved from two different datasets (close-range and aerial) are presented and discussed.
CONCEPT FOR A COMPOUND ANALYSIS IN ACTIVE LEARNING FOR REMOTE SENSING
Authors: Wuttke S. , Middelmann W. , Stilla U.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Active learning reduces training costs for supervised classification by acquiring ground truth data only for the most useful samples. We present a new concept for the analysis of active learning techniques. Our framework is split into an outer and an inner view to facilitate the assignment of different influences. The main contribution of this paper is a concept of a new compound analysis in the active learning loop. It comprises three sub-analyses: structural, oracle, prediction. They are combined to form a hypothesis of the usefulness for each unlabeled training sample. Though the analysis is in an early stage, different extensions are highlighted. Further we show how variations inside the framework lead to many techniques from the active learning literature. In this work we focus on remote sensing, but the proposed method can be applied to other fields as well.
FEATURE DESCRIPTOR BY CONVOLUTION AND POOLING AUTOENCODERS
Authors: Chen L. , Rottensteiner F. , Heipke C.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. In this paper we present several descriptors for feature-based matching based on autoencoders, and we evaluate the performance of these descriptors. In a training phase, we learn autoencoders from image patches extracted in local windows surrounding key points determined by the Difference of Gaussian extractor. In the matching phase, we construct key point descriptors based on the learned autoencoders, and we use these descriptors as the basis for local keypoint descriptor matching. Three types of descriptors based on autoencoders are presented. To evaluate the performance of these descriptors, recall and 1-precision curves are generated for different kinds of transformations, e.g. zoom and rotation, viewpoint change, using a standard benchmark data set. We compare the performance of these descriptors with the one achieved for SIFT. Early results presented in this paper show that, whereas SIFT in general performs better than the new descriptors, the descriptors based on autoencoders show some potential for feature based matching.
FUSION OF LIDAR DATA AND MULTISPECTRAL IMAGERY FOR EFFECTIVE BUILDING DETECTION BASED ON GRAPH AND CONNECTED COMPONENT ANALYSIS
Authors: Gilani S. A. N. , Awrangjeb M. , Lu G.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Building detection in complex scenes is a non-trivial exercise due to building shape variability, irregular terrain, shadows, and occlusion by highly dense vegetation. In this research, we present a graph based algorithm, which combines multispectral imagery and airborne LiDAR information to completely delineate the building boundaries in urban and densely vegetated area. In the first phase, LiDAR data is divided into two groups: ground and non-ground data, using ground height from a bare-earth DEM. A mask, known as the primary building mask, is generated from the non-ground LiDAR points where the black region represents the elevated area (buildings and trees), while the white region describes the ground (earth). The second phase begins with the process of Connected Component Analysis (CCA) where the number of objects present in the test scene are identified followed by initial boundary detection and labelling. Additionally, a graph from the connected components is generated, where each black pixel corresponds to a node. An edge of a unit distance is defined between a black pixel and a neighbouring black pixel, if any. An edge does not exist from a black pixel to a neighbouring white pixel, if any. This phenomenon produces a disconnected components graph, where each component represents a prospective building or a dense vegetation (a contiguous block of black pixels from the primary mask). In the third phase, a clustering process clusters the segmented lines, extracted from multispectral imagery, around the graph components, if possible. In the fourth step, NDVI, image entropy, and LiDAR data are utilised to discriminate between vegetation, buildings, and isolated building’s occluded parts. Finally, the initially extracted building boundary is extended pixel-wise using NDVI, entropy, and LiDAR data to completely delineate the building and to maximise the boundary reach towards building edges. The proposed technique is evaluated using two Australian data sets: Aitkenvale and Hervey Bay, for object-based and pixel-based completeness, correctness, and quality. The proposed technique detects buildings larger than 50 m2 and 10 m2 in the Aitkenvale site with 100% and 91% accuracy, respectively, while in the Hervey Bay site it performs better with 100% accuracy for buildings larger than 10 m2 in area.
Debris-flow forecasting at regional scale by combining susceptibility mapping and radar rainfall
Authors: Berenguer M. , Sempere-Torres D. , Hürlimann M.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. This work presents a technique for debris-flow (DF) forecasting able to be used in the framework of DF early warning systems at regional scale. The developed system is applied at subbasin scale and is based on the concepts of fuzzy logic to combine two ingredients: (i) DF subbasin susceptibility assessment based on geomorphological variables and (ii) the magnitude of the rainfall situation as depicted from radar rainfall estimates. The output of the developed technique is a three-class warning ("low", "moderate" or "high") in each subbasin when a new radar rainfall map is available. The developed technique has been applied in a domain in the eastern Pyrenees (Spain) from May to October 2010. The warning level stayed "low" during the entire period in 20% of the subbasins, while in the most susceptible subbasins the warning level was at least "moderate" for up to 10 days. Quantitative evaluation of the warning level was possible in a subbasin where debris flows were monitored during the analysis period. The technique was able to identify the three events observed in the catchment (one debris flow and two hyperconcentrated flow events) and produced no false alarm.
Automatic monitoring of the effective thermal conductivity of snow in a low Arctic shrub tundra
Authors: Domine F. , Barrere M. , Sarrazin D. , Morin S.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The effective thermal conductivity of snow, keff, is a critical variable which determines the temperature gradient in the snowpack and heat exchanges between the ground and the atmosphere through the snow. Its accurate knowledge is therefore required to simulate snow metamorphism, the ground thermal regime, permafrost stability, nutrient recycling and vegetation growth. Yet, few data are available on the seasonal evolution of snow thermal conductivity in the Arctic. We have deployed heated needle probes on low Arctic shrub tundra near Umiujaq, Quebec, (56°34´ N; 76°29´ W) and monitored automatically the evolution of keff for two consecutive winters, 2012–2013 and 2013–2014, at 4 heights in the snowpack. Shrubs are 20 cm high dwarf birch. Here, we develop an algorithm for the automatic determination of keff from the heating curves and obtain 404 keff values. We evaluate possible errors and biases associated with the use of the heated needles. The time-evolution of keff is very different for both winters. This is explained by comparing the meteorological conditions in both winters, which induced different conditions for snow metamorphism. In particular, important melting events the second year increased snow hardness, impeding subsequent densification and increase in thermal conductivity. Shrubs are observed to have very important impacts on snow physical evolution: (1) shrubs absorb light and facilitate snow melt under intense radiation; (2) the dense twig network of dwarf birch prevents snow compaction and therefore keff increase; (3) the low density depth hoar that forms within shrubs collapsed in late winter, leaving a void that was not filled by snow.
Assessing the Primary Causes of Hypertension in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Zafar , Ahmad Mushtaq , Dr Ghufran , Nabi Ghulam , Hameed Asma
Published: March 2015

Hypertension also called a silent killer is a serious problem. The numbers of hypertensive patients are increasing day by day. The present study aim to assess the primary causes of hypertension in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data for the study were collected from 298 hypertensive patients who were admitted or visited to Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar as patients. Simple random sampling method was used for selection of the sampled respondents. The results indicate a significant association between hypertension and the level of education (P=.000). Educated people were found not only having more information about hypertension but also found more conscious about the disease (P=.000), while no or low level of educated patients were reported not only caring (P.000) the hypertension but also were not consulting doctors (P=.000). Sampled hypertensive patients were also agreed that regular use of antihypertensive medicines (P=.000), easy supply of medicines (P=.001), regular exercise (P=.000) and regular check-up of blood pressure (P.000) can help maintain blood pressure in normal range while irregularity in taking of medicines (P=.000) and sedentary life style (P=.000) contributed to high blood pressure. Dietary habits (P=.005) such as junk food (P=.000) and spicy diet (P.000) reported affected the blood pressure. Regarding precautions significant association was found with life style modification (P=.000), regular check-up of blood pressure (P=.000), regular exercise (P=.036), weight reduction (P=.001), avoid alcohol consumption (P=.000), stopped smoking (P=.000) and avoid stress (P=.002) along with more use of vegetables and fruits (P=.001). On the other hand hypertension was also associated significantly with the people who have obesity (P=.004), lake of exercise P=.000), old people (P=.034), low socio-economic status (P=.000), kidney diseases (P=.000), endocrine diseases (P=.000), excessive salt intake (P=.008), low potassium intake (P=.010) and family history (P=.001). Individually and psychologically the hypertension can also be due to alcohol intake (P=.000), cigarette smoking (P=.000), sedentary life style (P=.000), lake of exercise (P=.000), lake of knowledge about the signs, symptoms of hypertension (P=.000), its causes (P=.000), and precautions (P=.000). Study recommends that in order to control hypertension, a special attention is needed to follow the precautions about hypertension, diet plan, regular check-up of blood pressure, awareness about the disease and avoid stress.
Urrets-Zavalia Syndrome after Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Holtmann Christoph , Spaniol Kristina , Geerling Gerd
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To report a case of Urrets-Zavalia syndrome (UZS) after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Methods

A 74-year-old woman with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy and inconspicuous ocular history developed UZS after DMEK surgery. The intraoperative and postoperative course is presented.

Results

After uneventful DMEK surgery, intraocular pressure was elevated up to 40 mm Hg on the first postoperative day. A small bleed from the peripheral wide-open iridectomy in the 12 o'clock position in the otherwise deep anterior chamber was observed. On the sixth postoperative day, a 4-mm-wide pupil, nonreactive to light, was noted. One year after surgery, the fixed medium mydriasis (4 mm) persisted and best-corrected vision was 0.1 logMAR. No pupillary reaction was noted after application of 0.2% or 2% pilocarpine.

Conclusions

Filling the anterior chamber with air to secure fixation of a grafted Descemet membrane carries the risk of early acute postoperative ocular hypertension. This can lead to iris sphincter defects resulting in a fixed dilated pupil after DMEK surgery. Large patent iridectomy in the 12 o'clock position is insufficient to prevent this. Patients undergoing DMEK surgery should be informed about this potential complication.
Regenerating Gene 1B Silencing Inhibits Colon Cancer Cell HCT116 Proliferation and Invasion
Authors: Liu Zhirong , Zhang Yuehong , Xie Jun , Li Caiping , Wang Xiaoxia , Shen Jinyan , Zhang Yiqiang , Wang Shiyu , Cheng Niuliang
Published: March 2015

Background

The human regenerating gene 1B ( REG1B) is found to be frequently up-regulated in many types of human tumors. It is unclear whether REG1B expression may have therapeutic value in colorectal carcinoma. Additionally, how REG1B is associated with the clinical features of colorectal carcinoma is not known. To investigate the relationship between REG1B and colorectal cancer, we analyzed REG1B expression in clinical specimens and cell lines and the effect of down-regulation of REG1B by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in HCT116 cells.

Methods

Paraffin-embedded specimens from 30 pairs of colorectal cancer tissues and adjacent colon tissues were used to investigate the expression of REG1B by immunohistochemistry. We also examined whether REG1B itself may be related to cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, migration and invasion in colon cancer HCT116 cells.

Results

Our results showed that REG1B was highly expressed in colorectal carcinoma and was significantly associated with cell differentiation status. The results also illustrated that REG1B silencing with shRNA inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion but did not induce apoptosis. Furthermore, down-regulation of REG1B induces G1-phase cell cycle arrest in colon cancer cells.

Conclusions

Knockdown of REG1B can inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion. It may act by a mechanism regulating cell cycle progression. Thus, REG1B may be a novel candidate therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.
Correct Positioning of Central Venous Catheters using a New Electric Method
Authors: Konings Maurits K. , van Schelven Leonard J. , Meijer Ronald C. , Westra Albert H. , Snijder Roland A. , van Boxtel Anton J.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

In order to find the correct final position of the tip of a central venous catheter, we have developed a new electric method (the Proximity of Cardiac Motion (PCM) method), designed to work in tandem with the existing ECG-based method.

Methods

A small, patient-safe, high-frequency current is fed through the catheter (via the saline-filled lumen of the catheter, or a stylet). Simultaneously, the resulting voltage is measured by two electrodes on the frontal thoracic skin. The catheter tip hence functions as a current source inside the vasculature. The cardiac motion produces a variation in the amplitude of the measured voltage in the rhythm of the cardiac cycle, and the strength of this oscillatory variation is proportional to the strength of the incident current field on the heart, which is a rapidly decaying function of the distance between the catheter tip and the cavoatrial junction (CAJ). Hence the strength of this oscillatory variation is a strong indicator for the proximity of the catheter tip with respect to the CAJ.

Results

The new method has been tested in an animal model, yielding an average final position of the catheter tip of 2.1 cm above the CAJ, with a maximum deviation of 0.5 cm.

Conclusions

We conclude that the new PCM method can be combined with the existing ECG method, and may potentially have significant added value when the ECG method cannot be applied, for example, in patients with atrial fibrillation or a pacemaker.
Congenital Anomalies of Superior Vena Cava and their Implications in Central Venous Catheterization
Authors: Rossi Umberto G. , Rigamonti Paolo , Torcia Pierluca , Mauri Giovanni , Brunini Francesca , Rossi Michele , Gallieni Maurizio , Cariati Maurizio
Published: March 2015

Congenital anomalies of superior vena cava (SVC) are generally discovered incidentally during central venous catheter (CVC) insertion, pacemaker electrode placement, and cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Persistent left SVC (PLSVC) is a rare (0.3%) anomaly in healthy subjects, usually asymptomatic, but when present and undiagnosed, it may be associated with difficulties and complications of CVC placement. In individuals with congenital heart anomalies, its prevalence may be up to 10 times higher than in the general population.

In this perspective, awareness of the importance of the incidental finding of PLSV during CVC placement is crucial. To improve knowledge of this rare but potentially dangerous condition, we describe the embryological origin of SVC, its normal anatomy, and possible congenital anomalies of the venous system and of the heart, including the presence of a right to left cardiac shunt. Diagnosis of PLSVC as well as the clinical complications and technical impact of SVC congenital anomalies for CVC placement are emphasized.
Identification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma-associated Hub Genes and Pathways by Integrated Microarray Analysis
Authors: Liu Fangfeng , Li Hongguang , Chang Hong , Wang Jianlu , Lu Jun
Published: March 2015

Aims and Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a dismal malignancy associated with multiple molecular changes. The purpose of this study was to identify the differentially expressed genes and analyze the biological processes related to HCC.

Methods and Study Design

Datasets of HCC were obtained from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus. Integrated analysis of differentially expressed genes was performed using the INMEX program. Then Gene Ontology enrichment analyses and pathway analysis were performed based on the Gene Ontology website and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the Cytoscape software; the netwerk served to find hub genes for HCC. Real-time RT-PCR was used to validate the microarray data for hub genes.

Results

We identified 273 genes that were differentially expressed in HCC. Gene Ontology enrichment analyses revealed response to cadmium ion, cellular response to cadmium ion, and cellular response to zinc ion for these genes. Pathway analysis showed that significant pathways included fatty acid metabolism, butanoate metabolism, and PPAR signaling pathway. The protein-protein interaction network indicated that CDH1, ECHS1, ACAA1, MT2A, and MYC were important genes which participated in many interactions. Experimental validation of the role of four upregulated genes ( ECHS1, ACAA1, MT2A and MYC) in the progression of HCC was carried out.

Conclusions

Our study displayed genes that were consistently differentially expressed in HCC. The biological pathways and protein-protein interaction networks associated with those genes were also identified. We predicted that CDH1, ECHS1, ACAA1, MT2A, and MYC might be target genes for diagnosing HCC.
Osteology and relationships of Acrorhinichthys poyatoi gen. et sp. nov. (Pycnodontiformes) from the marine Late Cretaceous of Lebanon
Authors: Taverne Louis , Capasso Luigi
Published: March 2015

The osteology of Acrorhinichthys poyatoi gen. et sp. nov., a pycnodontid fish from the marine Cenomanian (Late Cretaceous) of Lebanon, is studied in detail. The new fossil genus belongs to the order Pycnodontiformes, but is less evolved than the Pycnodontidae. It still exhibits a few bony plates (= tesserae) in the gular region, 3 teeth on the premaxilla and 5 teeth on the dentary, and its parietal is devoid of a brush-like process. It shares a few characters with Akromystax, the most primitive taxon within Pycnodontidae, characters lost in the other members of the family.
Metastatic Tumor Volume and Extranodal Tumor Extension: Clinical Significance in Patients With Stage II Breast Cancer
Authors: Drinka Eva , Allen Pamela , McBride Andrew , Buchholz Thomas , Sahin Aysegul
Published: March 2015

Context

Lymph node status and the number of lymph node (LN) positive for cancer cells are the most important prognostic factors in breast cancer. Extranodal tumor extension (ENTE) has been used as a histopathologic feature to classify patients into high risk versus low risk for local recurrence. However, in the current era of early detection and systemic therapy, the prognostic significance of ENTE is not as well defined in patients with 1 to 3 LNs positive for cancer.

Objective

To determine whether the amount of tumor burden in an axillary dissection or the presence of ENTE provides any additional information regarding patient outcome in patents with 1 to 3 positive LN results.

Design

Clinical and pathologic factors were identified for 456 patients with breast cancer at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, who had pT1 tumors and 1 to 3 LNs positive for cancer and were treated by mastectomy, with or without postmastectomy radiotherapy, between 1978 and 2007.

Results

Of the 456 patients, 257 (56.4%), 141 (31.6%), and 58 (12.7%) patients had 1, 2, or 3 positive LN results, respectively. Extranodal tumor extension was present in 99 patients (21.7%) and was absent in the remaining 357 cases (78.3%). Seventy-six patients (16.7%) received radiation therapy. Patients had both worse overall survival time and disease-free survival when ENTE was present, regardless of the amount, as long as the treatment era was not included in the multivariate analysis (pre-2000 versus post-2000). However, ENTE was no longer significant on multivariate analysis when the year of treatment was taken into account.

Conclusions

The number of positive LNs remains an important predictor of survival in patients with 1 to 3 positive LN results, but the prognostic significance of ENTE in this cohort of patients has diminished over time.
Question-Negotiation and Information Seeking in Libraries
Authors: Taylor Robert S.
Published: March 2015

Seekers of information in libraries either go through a librarian intermediary or they help themselves. When they go through librarians they must develop their questions through four levels of need, referred to here as the visceral, conscious, formalized, and compromised needs. In his pre-search interview with an information-seeker the reference librarian attempts to help him arrive at an understanding of his “compromised” need by determining: (1) the subject of his interest; (2) his motivation; (3) his personal characteristics; (4) the relationship of the inquiry to file organization; and (5) anticipated answers. The author contends that research is needed into the techniques of conducting this negotiation between the user and the reference librarian.
Choosing Our Futures
Authors: Stoffle Carla J. , Renaud Robert , Veldof Jerilyn R.
Published: March 2015

Nearly all academic librarians agree that academic libraries have to change in order to respond successfully to the new realities of the higher education environment, rapidly developing information and telecommunications technologies, and the crisis in scholarly communications. But there is little agreement on what must change, how the changes will take place, how fast the changes must occur, and how much change is necessary.
Family Structures in Pennsylvania and its Effect on Delinquent Acts: A Data Analysis
Authors: Verrecchia P.J. , Arp Robyn
Published: March 2015

This paper examines the effect of family structure on delinquent acts. Specifically, whether living arrangement (with both parents, one parent, etc...) has any impact on the type of delinquent act (person or drug) committed. Data for over 2,700 juveniles who committed a substantiated delinquent act in Pennsylvania were examined for possible effects. Two family structure variables had a significant relationship with drug offenses (one in the negative direction), and one family structure variable was associated with person offenses. Only one non-family structure predictor variable (age) was associated with both offense types.
Control of Membrane Surface Roughness and Pattern Wave Length by Changing the Nonsolvent (Water) Influx Rate
Authors: Khulbe K.C. , Feng C.Y. , Matsuura T. , Lau W.J. , Halakoo E. , Gohari R. Jamshidi , Ismail A.F.
Published: March 2015

The control of surface roughness of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethersulfone (PES), polysulfone (PS) and cellulose (CE) membranes was attempted by changing the rate of nonsolvent influx in the phase inversion process. PVDF and CE were chosen to represent membranes of high hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity, respectively, while PES and PS were chosen to represent membranes of intermediate hydrophobicity/-philicity. The concentration of sodium chloride (NaCl) in the aqueous coagulation medium was increased from 0 to 1.9 mol/L to decrease the rate of nonsolvent (water) influx in the solvent/nonsolvent exchange process. As well, the effect of polymer concentration and solvent on the surface roughness was investigated with respect to PVDF and PES. It was observed that the membrane surface roughness increased and decreased, respectively, for the hydrophobic PVDF and hydrophilic CE membrane as the rate of nonsolvent influx was decreased. For the PES and PS membranes of intermediate hydrophilic/-philicity, no significant roughness change was observed. The surface roughness tended to increase as the solution viscosity decreased. It was also observed that the pattern wave length of the hydrophobic membrane did not change significantly while that of the hydrophilic membrane increased significantly as the solvent influx rate was reduced. This trend is predictable by considering the shrinking or swelling of the cast polymer solution during the solvent/nonsolvent exchange process.
Evolution of alternative biosynthetic pathways for vitamin C following plastid acquisition in photosynthetic eukaryotes
Authors: Wheeler Glen , Ishikawa Takahiro , Pornsaksit Varissa , Smirnoff Nicholas
Published: March 2015

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an enzyme co-factor in eukaryotes that also plays a critical role in protecting photosynthetic eukaryotes against damaging reactive oxygen species derived from the chloroplast. Many animal lineages, including primates, have become ascorbate auxotrophs due to the loss of the terminal enzyme in their biosynthetic pathway, l-gulonolactone oxidase (GULO). The alternative pathways found in land plants and Euglena use a different terminal enzyme, l-galactonolactone dehydrogenase (GLDH). The evolutionary processes leading to these differing pathways and their contribution to the cellular roles of ascorbate remain unclear. Here we present molecular and biochemical evidence demonstrating that GULO was functionally replaced with GLDH in photosynthetic eukaryote lineages following plastid acquisition. GULO has therefore been lost repeatedly throughout eukaryote evolution. The formation of the alternative biosynthetic pathways in photosynthetic eukaryotes uncoupled ascorbate synthesis from hydrogen peroxide production and likely contributed to the rise of ascorbate as a major photoprotective antioxidant.
Erratum to: Cloning and expression of a hypothetical Loosenin from Neurospora crassa
Authors: Campos-Oliver Aranzazu , Quiroz-Castañeda Rosa Estela , Ortiz-Suri Ernesto , Folch-Mallol Jorge Luis
Published: March 2015

Loosenin is a protein recently described which presents amorphogenic activity on cellulose. It was isolated from the Basidiomycete Bjerkandera adusta and it enhances sugar release from cellulosic fibers treated previously with it and then subjected to cellulase treatment. It can also bind to other polysaccharides like chitin and xylans but presents no hydrolytic activity itself. Blast analysis using the loosenin amino acid sequence retrieved a sequence from the Neurospora crassa genome that showed 59% similarity. In this work, we cloned, expressed and partially characterized a putative loosenin from N. crassa, since these proteins have a potential for pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials.
Tourism at Risk: A Review of Risk and Perceived Risk in Tourism
Authors: Yang Elaine Chiao Ling , Nair Vikneswaran
Published: March 2015

Since the 9/11 attack in 2001, a number of major tragedies, including the SARS outbreak, the Bali bombings, and the Asian tsunami, have swept the tourism industry across the globe. The impact of these crises was unprecedented and thus, it raises the necessity to review the existing risk literature in tourism. This paper reviews the multi-dimensional concept of risk in tourism by analyzing 46 selected articles following the guidelines of content analysis. The findings are categorized into four broad meaning themes: (1) the concept of risk, safety and security; (2) the research trend of risk in tourism; (3) the definitions and antecedents of perceived risk; and (4) risk as a positive element. Based on the analysis, a framework is proposed for future research. The originality of this study lies in its attempt to conceptualize a comprehensive framework of risk perception in tourism as the existing literature tends to be empirically skewed, resulting in theoretical frameworks underused or applied in a fragmented way.
A full‐wave model for a binary gas thermosphere: Effects of thermal conductivity and viscosity
Authors: Hickey M. P. , Walterscheid R. L. , Schubert G.
Published: March 2015

The thermosphere is diffusively separated and behaves as a multiconstituent gas wherein individual species in static equilibrium are each stratified according to their individual scale heights. Gravity waves propagating in the thermosphere cause individual gases to oscillate with different amplitudes and phases. We use a two‐gas (N2 and O) full‐wave model to examine the roles of thermal conductivity, viscosity, and mutual diffusion on the wave‐induced characteristics of both gases. In the lower thermosphere, where the gases are relatively tightly coupled, the major gas (N2) controls the minor gas (O) response. At higher altitudes, the gases become thermally and inertially decoupled, and the wave in each constituent propagates and dissipates consistent with a dispersion relation and vertical scale determined from the constituent scale height. The effects of coupling and diffusion on the relative phases and amplitudes of the fluctuations in each gas are significantly altered by viscosity and thermal conductivity.