bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timolol 0.1% Gel versus Timolol 0.5% Eyedrops in the Prophylaxis of Ocular Hypertension after Phacoemulsification Surgery
Authors: Cagini Carlo , Di Pasquale Giovanni , Lupidi Marco , Cerquaglia Alessio , Pascale Angelo , Boccolucci Alessandro , Fiore Tito
Published: May 2014

Purpose

To determine the efficacy of timolol 0.1% gel in preventing increased intraocular pressure (IOP) after uncomplicated cataract surgery.

Methods

In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized study were enrolled 70 patients who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. After cataract surgery, 25 patients received a single instillation of timolol 0.1% gel (group A); 20 a single instillation of timolol 0.5% eyedrops (group B); and 25 no treatment (group C). The IOP was measured before surgery (T0) and 5 minutes (T1), 2 hours ± 30 minutes (T2), 4 hours ± 30 minutes (T3), and 24 hours ± 180 minutes after surgery (T4).

Results

The patients in groups A and B had lower mean IOP values than those in group C at T2, T3, and T4; IOP was higher at T2 and T3 than at T1 in the control group. The IOP spikes in group C were higher than those observed in groups A and B: at T2, they were observed in 40% of the patients in group A, 30% in group B, and 76% in group C; and at T3, in respectively 20%, 10%, and 68%; and at T4, in respectively 4%, 0%, and 28%.

Conclusions

Timolol 0.1% gel is as effective as timolol 0.5% eyedrops in reducing IOP and in limiting the occurrence of IOP spikes for up to 24 hours after phacoemulsification.
Ocular Surface Alterations in Blepharospasm Patients Treated with Botulinum Toxin a Injection
Authors: Kocabeyoglu Sibel , Sekeroglu Hande Taylan , Mocan Mehmet C. , Muz Ersin , Irkec Murat , Sanac Ali Sefik
Published: May 2014

Purpose

To evaluate ocular surface changes secondary to periocular botulinum toxin A injection in patients with essential blepharospasm.

Methods

Thirteen eyes of 13 patients with essential blepharospasm who underwent periocular botulinum toxin A injection were included in this prospective study. Patients were evaluated prior to and at 2-week and 1-, 3-, and 6-month time points following injections. Ocular surface tests were carried out in the order of tear break-up time (TBUT), lissamine green (LG) staining, Schirmer I test with anesthesia, and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire for all patients. The Friedman test with Conover post hoc method was used for statistical comparisons of values at different time points.

Results

The TBUT was found to be increased at 1 month after the injection (8.5 ± 2.1; p = 0.018) and decreased below baseline levels (6.4 ± 2.1) at the 6-month visit (5.7 ± 2.0; p = 0.018). None of the Schirmer test values at follow-up visits were significantly different as compared to baseline levels (11.3 ± 5.5), although the 2-week measurement (14.3 ± 5.6) was significantly higher as compared to that at the 6-month follow-up visit (9.6 ± 4.9; p = 0.034). There was also a significant decrease in LG staining scores at 2-week (0.6 ± 0.4; p = 0.012) and 1-month (0.6 ± 0.4; p = 0.012) time points compared to the baseline levels (1.1 ± 0.6). The OSDI scores improved at 2-week (5.4 ± 6.8; p<0.001), 1-month (3.2 ± 5.1; p<0.001), 3-month (2.5 ± 4.4; p<0.001), and 6-month (5.5 ± 5.4; p<0.001) time points as compared to baseline levels (11.6 ± 8.5).

Conclusions

Botulinum toxin A injection appears to have a positive but temporary effect on ocular surface parameters in patients with blepharospasm.
Evaluation of the Hemodynamic Effectiveness of Aortic Dissection Treatments via Virtual Stenting
Authors: Alimohammadi Mona , Bhattacharya-Ghosh Benjamin , Seshadhri Santhosh , Penrose Justin , Agu Obiekezie , Balabani Stavroula , Díaz-Zuccarini Vanessa
Published: May 2014

Aortic dissection treatment varies for each patient and stenting is one of a number of approaches that are utilized to Stabilize the condition. Information regarding the hemodynamic forces in the aorta in dissected and virtually stented cases could support clinicians in their choices of treatment prior to medical intervention. Computational fluid dynamics coupled with lumped parameter models have shown promise in providing detailed information that could be used in the clinic; for this, it is necessary to develop personalized workflows in order to produce patient-specific simulations. In the present study, a case of pre- and post-stenting (virtual stent-graft) of an aortic dissection is investigated with a particular focus on the role of personalized boundary conditions. For each virtual case, velocity, pressure, energy loss, and wall shear stress values are evaluated and compared. The simulated single stent-graft only marginally reduced the pulse pressure and systemic energy loss. The double stent-graft results showed a larger reduction in pulse pressure and a 40% reduction in energy loss as well as a more physiological wall shear stress distribution.

Regions of potential risk were highlighted. The methodology applied in the present study revealed detailed information about two possible surgical outcome cases and shows promise as both a diagnostic and an interventional tool.
Septic Shock Secondary to β-hemolytic Streptococcus-induced Necrotizing Fasciitis treated with a Novel Cytokine Adsorption Therapy
Authors: Hetz Hubert , Berger Reinhard , Recknagel Peter , Steltzer Heinz
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Numerous animal studies and preliminary data from a clinical trial in septic patients demonstrated that a decrease in blood cytokine levels using an extracorporeal cytokine filter (CytoSorb™) can effectively attenuate the inflammatory response during sepsis and possibly improve outcomes.

Methods

A 60-year-old female was admitted to hospital due to a forearm fracture. After surgical wound care by osteosynthesis the patient developed surgical wound infection which progressed to necrotizing fasciitis. All diagnostic criteria for SIRS were evident with additional proven infection from β-hemolytic streptococcus. On admission to the ICU, the patient presented a full picture of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome due to septic shock including kidney failure, lung failure as well as thrombocytopenia, metabolic acidosis, and arterial hypotension.

Results

After one day on mechanical ventilation and an IL-6 level of 70 000 pg/ml the patient was treated with CytoSorb therapy over a period of four days, resulting in a significant reduction of IL-6 to 66 pg/ml and an overall improvement of the patient's condition. Despite the necessity of enucleation, the patient was successfully stabilized until control of the surgical infectious source was achieved. Importantly, treatment was safe and well-tolerated, without any adverse events.

Conclusions

This is the first report of the clinical application of CytoSorb hemoadsorption in combination with a CRRT in a patient with septic shock. CytoSorb as described was able to significantly reduce IL-6 plasma levels and decrease vasopressor need while no adverse and device-related events occurred. CytoSorb seems to be an interesting and safe extracorporeal therapy to stabilize and bridge septic patients to surgery or recovery.
Importance of the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Muscle-Invasive and Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Tumors
Authors: Ceylan Cavit , Doluoğlu Ömer G. , Keleş Ibrahim , Gazel Eymen , Temuçin Tülay , Odabaş Öner , Karalar Mustafa
Published: May 2014

Introduction

To research the importance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in muscle-invasive bladder cancers (MIBC) and non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Methods

Data of 198 patients who underwent TUR-TM in our clinic were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups: group-I (MIBC) and group-II (NMIBC). The neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, NLR, hemoglobin and hematocrit values, tumor numbers, sizes and degrees of patients were recorded. Within the inter-group comparison, Mann-Whitney U test was used for the values stated with measuring, whereas a Chi-square test was used for the values stated with counting. The cut-off value for the NLR was determined with ROC curve.

Results

The NLR values of group-I and group-II were found as 4.14 ± 2.76 and 3.36 ± 2.88, respectively (p = 0.03). Whether the NLR carries a differential property was evaluated with ROC curve. The cut-off value was estimated as 3.96 according to the Youden index. With this value, sensitivity was found as 50%, specificity was 22.8% and AUC was 0.615 (p = 0.03).

Discussion

According to the data in this study, it can be said that Ta-T1 tumors are likely to be invasive by 50% if the NLR value is greater than 3.96.
An unusual case of massive funicular lipoma
Authors: Masciovecchio Stefano , Saldutto Pietro , Del Rosso Alessandro , Galatioto Giuseppe Paradiso , Vicentini Carlo
Published: May 2014

Intrascrotal lipomas are benign diseases that originate from adipose tissue inside the scrotal sac or constituting the scrotal wall itself. Paratesticular spermatic cord lipomas are a rare type of intrascrotal lipomas. A 78 years old patient in good health comes to our attention for massive tense-elastic swelling of left hemiscrotum appeared about 3 years ago and slowly increasing. Ultrasound evaluation of the intrascrotal mass showed inhomogeneous images mainly hyperechoic, not infiltrating the ipsilateral testis and scrotal wall. The ultrasonography found a lipomatous lesion with benign characteristics and a surgical excision has been performed. The lipomatous mass removed presented a size equal to 25 cm x 14 cm x 11 cm and a weight of about 490 gr. The microscopic examination of the tissue showed only the presence of mature adipocytes in the absence of cellular atypia, of other cellular types and of vascular abnormalities.
Testicular Perfusion Apparatus
Authors: Skandhan Kalanghot Padmanabhan , Valsa James , Melta Rajesh
Published: May 2014

Objectives

A reproductive biology laboratory requires to provide reliable instruments for regular use of research workers. To understand an organ and perform scientific study and reach on a conclusion good instruments and techniques are essential. Such a suitable one is not available in case of testicular study. The present study is aimed to clear this lacuna.

Materials and Methods

A new testicular perfusion apparatus for rabbit and rat is designed and fabricated with glass. The glass blowing instrument available is used. The perfusion fluid preferred is Krebs Ringer bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.4). Quartz wool provided in stem tube filters emboli present in it. Perfusate temperature is maintained to that of testis. A 26-gauge needle is introduced into the spermatic artery to allow entry of perfusate into testis. Method for the collection of perfusate leaving testis is available. This permits to measure the level of an injected substance before its entry through perfusion fluid into the testis, which shall be compared in the fluid after completion of perfusion.

Results

Initially few animal testes were used and found the instrument to be functioning well.

Conclusion

A new simple perfusion apparatus for testes of rabbit and rat is designed. The apparatus made out of glass could be prepared with the help of glass blowing facility and used regularly in any laboratory.
Intrinsic Ureteral Endometriosis: Description of a Striking Instance
Authors: Antonelli Alessandro , Finotto Elena , Zambolin Tiziano , Fisogni Simona , Simeone Claudio
Published: May 2014

Intrinsic ureteral endometriosis is a very rare condition. A 41 y. o. woman with right hydroureteronephrosis and other aspecific symptoms came to our attention. The CT scan showed an ureteral obstacle causing the hydroureteronephrosis. She underwent ureterorenoscopy with biopsies of the lesion that did not result to be diriment. Suspecting a ureteral neoplasm, the patient then underwent ureteral resection and ureterocystoneostomy, and the extemporary histological examination resulted as endometriosis. The abdominal exploration showed a parametrial and a peritoneal growth - both compatible with the extemporary histological examination - that were also excised. The post-operative course was uneventful. The definitive hystological examination confirmed the perioperatory diagnosis. Intrinsic ureteral endometriosis is confirmed as a rare pathology with an indefinite clinical presentation; its typical presentation, namely cyclic hematuria, seems to be an anecdotal feature. Therefore the diagnostics of intrinsic ureteral endometriosis is still difficult even despite such a striking presentation.
Spontaneous Prostatic Hematoma: An Unusual Presentation of Prostatic Cancer
Authors: Morlacco Alessandro , Guaitoli Paolo , Abbinante Maria , Crivellaro Simone
Published: May 2014

Prostatic fluid collection is not uncommon in urological practice. Prostatic abscess is the most frequent finding in this clinical setting. Spontaneous prostatic hematoma is rare, and may be related to prostatic cancer. Every case of prostatic collection must be considered with attention, and further evaluation is needed when the diagnosis is not clear. Here we report the case of a spontaneous prostatic hematoma, which was eventually found to be due to prostatic cancer, describing in detail the clinical features, differential diagnosis and treatment options.
Pediatric Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy: Multi-Institutional Results
Authors: Özgür Berat Cem , Irkilata Lokman , Ekici Musa , Hoşcan Mustafa Burak , Sarici Haşmet , Yücetürk Cem Nedim , Karakan Tolga , Atilla Mustafa Kemal , Hasçiçek Ahmet Metin , Eroglu Muzaffer
Published: May 2014

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy, auxiliary procedures and complications of pediatric extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) performed with electrohydraulic lithotripters.

Methods

Children with urolithiasis, aged between 0 and 15, were retrospectively evaluated. ESWL was performed by using two different electrohydraulic lithotripters, Elmed Multimed Classic (Elmed Medical Systems, Ankara, Turkey) and E-1000 (EMD Medical Systems, Ankara, Turkey), between January 2008 and December 2012 in four different referral centers in Turkey.

Results

85.5% of patients were stone-free at 3 months. Further ESWL treatment was needed in 33.7% of the cases (one session, n = 55; two sessions, n = 15; three sessions, n = 13). Steinstrasse occurred in 10 patients but 8 of them cleared completely during the follow-up period. Urinary tract infection was detected in 3 (3.9%), fever in 3 (3.9%) and a small subcapsular hematoma in one (1.3%) patient, respectively. When the stones were divided into two groups as those with diameters <10 mm and ≥10 mm, it was found that the stone-free rate was associated with stone diameter, and that the smaller diameters had higher but statistically insignificant stone-free rates (P = 0.196).

Conclusion

ESWL yields favorable results with low rates of complication and auxiliary procedures in selected pediatric patients.
You have to be joking: Are communities loosing respect for health and safety policy, programs and systems?
Authors: Oughton Nicholas
Published: May 2014

OHS management systems and professionals have done much to ensure the health and safety of workers and societies in general. However, where these systems have become complex, overbearing and authoritarian, they have stifled workers and the community’s ability to respond to unique or unanticipated occurrences of occupational and general risk. This predicament is exacerbated when the general public lose faith in an OHS culture that has “gone mad”, or become “out of control”, and where “open season” has been declared by the media on safety regulators, their systems and regulations. This may be a perceived rather than actual truth, however, perceptions drive personal attitudes and responses, and the reputation and effectiveness of OHS is at stake. Driving some contemporary attitudes towards OHS is a barrage of lampoon, satire and angry comment pervade by mischief-makers, the press and the electronic media. The profession has also looked into the mirror and revealed areas of self-doubt. This paper looks at an unfolding and worrying scenario for occupational health.
Influence of Drought and Wounding Stress on Soluble Phenols and Proteins in Potato Tubers
Authors: Wegener Christina B. , Jansen Gisela , Jurgens Hans-Ulrich
Published: May 2014

Potato is a valuable source for phytochemicals like vitamins, minerals, plant phenols, amino acids and proteins. However, environmental stress may affect the level of all these components. In this study, two purple breeding clones and one yellow fleshed cultivar (cv.) were assessed in their response to drought and wounding stress in two consecutive years. The plants were grown in the greenhouse under control (sufficient water supply) and with drought stress conditions. After harvest the tubers were analyzed for the content of soluble phenols and proteins in fresh tissue and after wounding. In addition, free amino acids (AAS) and activity of lipid acyl hydrolases (LAH) were assayed in control and drought stressed tubers. The results revealed significant differences in soluble phenols and proteins between genotypes, and that drought stress significantly increased the level of soluble proteins (P < 0.0001) and LAH activity (P < 0.001), but had no significant effect on the concentration of phenols. Moreover, total amounts of free AAS were higher in the drought stress variant. Wounding stress caused a significant increase of soluble phenols in cv. Agave. But, this was less prominent in purple clones which in general had higher contents of phenols. Proteins were also enhanced as a result of wounding, although, the effect of wounding stress on their level was smaller than that of drought stress.
Decrease in Accuracy of a Rotational SINS Caused by its Rotary Table's Errors
Authors: Lv Pin , Liu Jianye , Lai Jizhou , Zhang Ling
Published: May 2014

We call a strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) that uses the rotation auto-compensation technique (which is a common method to reduce the effect of the bias errors of inertial components) a ‘rotational SINS’. In a rotational SINS, the rotary table is an important component, rotating the inertial sensor assembly back and forth in azimuth to accomplish error modulation. As a consequence of the manufacturing process, errors may exist in rotary tables which decrease the navigation accuracy of rotational SINSs. In this study, the errors of rotary tables are considered in terms of installation error, wobble error and angular error, and the models of these errors are established for the rotational SINS. Next, the propagation characteristics of these errors in the rotational SINS are analysed and their effects on navigation results are discussed. Finally, the theoretical conclusions are tested by numerical simulation. This paper supplies a good reference for the development of low-cost rotational SINSs, which usually have low accuracy rotary tables and which may be used in robots, intelligent vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
NACA (Nascent-Polypeptide-Associated Complex α Subunit) Against Apoptosis in B Lymphoma Cell is Independent of β Subunit (NACB)
Authors: Weiqi Zeng  , Min Qi  , Jianglin Zhang  , Xiang Chen
Published: May 2014

We found depletion of NACA in two kinds of B lymphoma cell lines, Raji and Kapas, were able to induce apoptosis in this study. We also explored whether depletion of Z² subunit had the same effect, and we were interested in which domain of NACA was potentially responsible to this anti-apoptosis function. Lentivirus-based shRNA was used to deplete endogenous NACA or NACB. Those cells viabilities were measured by Alamar-blueTM assay. Cell apoptosis was identified by molecular markers caspase9 and PARP, as well as cellular markers Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) staining. NACA mutants were constructed by PCR site-directed mutagenesis and delivered into cells by Lentivirus. Immunofluoresce was used to investigate cellular distribution in 293FT cells. Our results demonstrated that the depletion of NACA, but not NACB, was able to induce apoptosis. Deletion of middle or C-term rather than N-term induced obvious apoptosis. The middle part of NACA was response to bind NACB and form a complex. Without middle part, NACA redistributed into nuclei. We conclude NACA against apoptosis is independent of Z² subunit. C-term of NACA, which is identified as ubiquitin binding domain, and may take important role in anti-apoptosis function.
Aïnous de Tokyo : une nouvelle géographie politique autochtone au Japon ?
Authors: Watson Mark K. , Froment-Lebeau Maryse
Published: May 2014

Historiquement, au Japon, les mesures politiques concernant les Aïnous ont toujours été restreintes au territoire d’Hokkaidō. Toutefois, en reconnaissant officiellement les Aïnous en tant que peuple autochtone du nord du Japon et de ses environs en 2008, le gouvernement a pris la décision sans précédent – et pourtant souvent négligée – d’inclure les Aïnous résidant hors du territoire d’Hokkaidō dans l’élaboration d’une politique nationale aïnoue. Cet article expose le rôle qu’a joué le mouvement politique aïnou à Tokyo au cours des quatre dernières décennies, dans une campagne visant l’égalité des droits des Aïnous indépendamment de leur lieu de résidence. Il aborde également les politiques trop bien connues qui sous-tendent la reconnaissance du peuple aïnou ; reconnaissance qui promettait beaucoup plus que ce que le gouvernement n’avait l’intention d’accomplir.
La laïcité de reconnaissance s’enracine-t-elle au Japon ?
Authors: Date Kiyonobu
Published: May 2014

Cet article a pour but de présenter les linéaments de la question laïque au Japon, où le terme « laïcité » lui-même n’est guère utilisé dans la vie quotidienne. Pour cela, les problématiques de la séparation de l’État et de la religion (seikyô bunri) et du vivre-ensemble multiculturel (tabunka kyôsei) seront pensées conjointement. D’abord, nous exposons les éléments de la laïcité consacrés par la Constitution de 1946, et situons ce régime laïque dans l’histoire du Japon. Ensuite, l’étude de quelques cas de figure qui paraissent aller à l’encontre du principe laïque de séparation nous conduit à réfléchir à la nouvelle configuration du politique et du religieux. Ainsi, on observe aujourd’hui une tendance à reconnaître le rôle public des religions, au risque de les exposer à une instrumentalisation politique. Enfin, nous analysons la manière dont s’organisent divers groupes ethnoculturels et religieux du point de vue de la laïcité de reconnaissance.
La fierté d’être anormal : valorisation des stigmas comme nouvelle identité chez les lolita et angura à Tokyo
Authors: D’Orangeville Akané
Published: May 2014

Les quartiers du centre de Tokyo sont reconnus mondialement pour l’excentricité esthétique de certains individus qu’on y retrouve, notamment à Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya ou Roppongi. Ils forment des communautés de sous-culture et participent activement à la vie culturelle de la ville à travers des évènements de mode, des spectacles, des soirées de danse ou des expositions artistiques. Les lolita, les gothiques, les angura (« underground ») et les fétichistes forment, à travers ces évènements, une communauté esthétiquement et culturellement marginale. Cette note de recherche se penche sur la construction identitaire des membres de ces communautés et sur le discours de l’« anomalie » et de la « perversion » comme élément clé de leur identité « marginale ». Leur identité en tant qu’« anormaux » est centrale à leurs activités et se veut une résistance esthétique contre la culture dominante.
Distinct stages of the translation elongation cycle revealed by sequencing ribosome-protected mRNA fragments
Authors: Lareau Liana F , Hite Dustin H , Hogan Gregory J , Brown Patrick O
Published: May 2014

During translation elongation, the ribosome ratchets along its mRNA template, incorporating each new amino acid and translocating from one codon to the next. The elongation cycle requires dramatic structural rearrangements of the ribosome. We show here that deep sequencing of ribosome-protected mRNA fragments reveals not only the position of each ribosome but also, unexpectedly, its particular stage of the elongation cycle. Sequencing reveals two distinct populations of ribosome footprints, 28–30 nucleotides and 20–22 nucleotides long, representing translating ribosomes in distinct states, differentially stabilized by specific elongation inhibitors. We find that the balance of small and large footprints varies by codon and is correlated with translation speed. The ability to visualize conformational changes in the ribosome during elongation, at single-codon resolution, provides a new way to study the detailed kinetics of translation and a new probe with which to identify the factors that affect each step in the elongation cycle.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II CTD is associated with antisense promoter transcription and active enhancers in mammalian cells
Authors: Descostes Nicolas , Heidemann Martin , Spinelli Lionel , Schüller Roland , Maqbool Muhammad Ahmad , Fenouil Romain , Koch Frederic , Innocenti Charlène , Gut Marta , Gut Ivo , Eick Dirk , Andrau Jean-Christophe
Published: May 2014

In mammals, the carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase (Pol) II consists of 52 conserved heptapeptide repeats containing the consensus sequence Tyr1-Ser2-Pro3-Thr4-Ser5-Pro6-Ser7. Post-translational modifications of the CTD coordinate the transcription cycle and various steps of mRNA maturation. Here we describe Tyr1 phosphorylation (Tyr1P) as a hallmark of promoter (5′ associated) Pol II in mammalian cells, in contrast to what was described in yeast. Tyr1P is predominantly found in antisense orientation at promoters but is also specifically enriched at active enhancers. Mutation of Tyr1 to phenylalanine (Y1F) prevents the formation of the hyper-phosphorylated Pol IIO form, induces degradation of Pol II to the truncated Pol IIB form, and results in a lethal phenotype. Our results suggest that Tyr1P has evolved specialized and essential functions in higher eukaryotes associated with antisense promoter and enhancer transcription, and Pol II stability.
The Marked Goby (Ctenobgobius stigmaticus): A Rare North Carolina Fish Enigma
Authors: Perschbacher Peter W. , Schwartz Frank J.
Published: May 2014

The marked goby (Ctenogobius stigmaticus Poey, 1860) is a diminutive, uncommon, tropical-subtropical Atlantic fish. It is considered rare in North Carolina. It has been confused in the past with the similar darter goby (Ctenogobius boleosoma Jordan and Gilbert, 1882) and considered common in North Carolina. Recently, some of the confusion has been eliminated and characters to separate these two similar gobies identified. These characters were used to determine that six specimens were collected and cataloged from the state (one is missing, but a photograph has the marked goby coloration). Examining the remaining five, it became obvious that only one is C. stigmaticus. The four others are presumably the darter goby, as anal fin ray counts (which presumably was used to separate them) may overlap. Differences in head shape, maxillary length relative to eye, and the presence of tusks in C. stigmaticus compared to the darter goby could be considered in future keys. Color patterns are also strikingly different in specimens where color still exists. Unfortunately, the four specimens in question lack clear color patterns after preservation. Thus, only two specimens of the marked goby from North Carolina are known. Fortunately, these specimens were captured with substantial environmental data during the most intensive inshore aquatic survey of fishes and macroinvertebrates in the state: daily sampling from March to November 1968–1977 with varied gear in the lower Cape Fear River and adjacent ocean. The range of the marked goby thus extends from SE North Carolina to the border of Brazil and Uruguay, roughly 34 N to 34 S. All specimens have been taken in large lagoons or estuarine bays, in shallow to intertidal waters, on muddy-sand bottoms, and in moderate salinities. The difficulty in sampling these small (≤80 mm TL), slender fishes may also contribute to their scarcity and lack of knowledge.
Natural History of an Introduced Population of Squirrel Treefrogs (Hyla squirella) on the Delmarva Peninsula
Authors: Mitchell Joseph C.
Published: May 2014

Hyla squirella was not known to occur on Delmarva until an established population was discovered at the southernmost tip of the peninsula in the Eastern Shore of Virginia Natural Wildlife Refuge in 2005. Male vocalizations were heard periodically throughout the refuge during daytime and evening hours from 27 May to 7 September 2006. Large choruses of males were heard 27 May and 9 and 27 June 2006. A large breeding event was observed on 9 June in a temporary pond. The smallest mature male was 27 mm SVL and weighed 1.1 g and the smallest mature female was 31 mm SVL, 1.7 g, and gravid. Mean adult male SVL was significantly smaller than the mean for adult females. Metamorphs found on 19 October averaged 13.0 ± 0.21 mm SVL and weighed 0.164 ± 0.009 g. Ecological and life history parameters of the introduced population of H. squirella on Delmarva do not appear to differ from those of populations in the natural portion of its range. This established population offers opportunities to elucidate a variety of questions about northward range expansion, genetics, and tolerance limits.
Helicobacter Pylori Positive Dyspepsia in Relation to Ocular Manifestations and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Vardhan Nishant , Chaudhary Kulbhushan Prakash , Sharma Vinod , Sharma Sudershan Kumar , Sharma Brij
Published: May 2014

Aim:

To find out the correlation between H. Pylori infection and various ocular manifestations including Primary open angle (POAG) glaucoma, uveitis, blepharitis, CSR and dry eye syndromes.

Materials and Methods:

Patients of dyspepsia visiting gastroenterology department (Gastrogroup-100 patients) were subjected to detailed ocular examination and patients visiting eye OPD (POAG-50 patients) were subjected for endoscopic and histopathological examination for the confirmation of H. Pylori (HP) infection. In gastrogroup, we have included 50 H. pylori positive and 50 H. pylori negative patients.

Results:

In Gastrogroup (HP+ve) – glaucoma in 3 (6%), blepharitis in 7 (14%) and dry eye in 5(10%) patients were detected. In Gastrogroup (HP-ve) - glaucoma in 1 (2%), blepharitis in 2 (4%) and dry eye in 2 (4%) patients were found. No patient was detected positive for CSR and uveitis in both the groups. Out of 50 patients, 44 subjects were HP+ve and 6 were HP-ve.88% of patients were found positive for H. Pylori infection in POAG group.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of dry eye, POAG was found higher in H. pylori positive patients as compared to H. pylori negative patients. This correlation of H. pylori positivity and H. pylori negativity was not statistically significant in present study (p=0.12 for POAG, p=0.24 for Dry eye). In POAG group, prevalence of H. pylori infection seems to be high (88%), but general population of north India found to have same infectivity rate. The prevalence of blepharitis was found higher in H. pylori positive individuals in present study (p=0.03). It is suggested that any patient with recurrent gastritis should be subjected for detailed ocular examination.
Secondary Plasmacytoma of The Orbit In A Patient With Refractory Ig G Kappa Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Turaka Aruna
Published: May 2014

Aim:

To report the image findings and treatment response of orbital plasmacytoma in a patient with Durie-Salmon Stage IIIA recurrent refractory multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods:

A case report

Results:

A 52 year old woman with 2 years prior history of relapsed refractory Ig G kappa MM presented with exophthalmia, restricted motility and poor vision in left eye. Ocular examination revealed light perception vision with severe proptosis, moderate ophthalmoplegia, conjunctival chemosis and total retinal detachment in the left eye. CT and MRI of the orbits revealed 2 separate large masses in the superolateral orbit and apex of the left orbit, where were treated with orbital radiation of 20 Gy. She had improvement in the ocular symptoms with decrease in proptosis with no marked improvement in visual acuity. Despite of aggressive systemic chemotherapy she succumbed to death within 3 months due to distant metastatic lesions of MM.

Conclusions:

Plasmacytoma of the orbit is rare. Radiotherapy helps in improving the symptoms by decreasing the size of lesions thereby relieving the orbital pressure and provides better quality of life to patients with advanced systemic illness such as MM.
Femto-Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery: A Major Review
Authors: Sachdev Mahipal S , Sehgal Vineet , Sachdev Ritika , Khurana Charu , Gupta Hemlata
Published: May 2014

Femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery provides the newest innovation in field of ophthalmology that has revolutionized the way cataract surgery is performed with potential of better outcomes and safety. This article describes the femtosecond laser, surgical technique involved in femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery and its potential benefits. The available laser platforms for commercial use are also discussed. The newer modifications and advancements in the available technology and surgical technique are reviewed that have made this technology reaching the frontiers which were earlier considered as contraindications. The results of first 100 cases done with femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery in a tertiary eye care and referral hospital are reviewed. We have also discussed the surgical, financial, logistic challenges and opportunities that are faced by an ophthalmologist in bringing this technology as a new frontier in the world of ophthalmology.
Terminator field‐aligned currents: A new finding from the Ionospheric Dynamics and Electrodynamics Data Assimilation Model
Authors: Zhu L. , Schunk R. W. , Eccles V. , Scherliess L. , Sojka J. J. , Gardner L.
Published: May 2014

A new field‐aligned current system in the high‐latitude ionosphere has been discovered. The finding was based on the reconstructions from the Ionospheric Dynamics and Electrodynamics Data Assimilation Model with the ingestion of ground‐based magnetometer measurements. The new current system develops and evolves along the ionospheric terminator, and it is thus termed as the terminator field‐aligned currents. This is the first field‐aligned current system in the high‐latitude ionosphere that is not directly driven by the magnetospheric dynamics and has an ionospheric origin. The study of it will help us to explore the active role of the ionosphere in the magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling and improve the physical understanding of the electrodynamics and plasma dynamics of many small‐scale structures in the polar ionosphere.
Graphitization as a Universal Tool to Tailor the Potential‐Dependent Capacitance of Carbon Supercapacitors
Authors: Weingarth Daniel , Zeiger Marco , Jäckel Nicolas , Aslan Mesut , Feng Guang , Presser Volker
Published: May 2014

Most efforts to improve the energy density of supercapacitors are currently dedicated to optimized porosity or hybrid devices employing pseudocapacitive elements. Little attention has been given to the effects of the low charge carrier density of carbon on the total material capacitance. To study the effect of graphitization on the differential capacitance, carbon onion (also known as onion‐like carbon) supercapacitors are chosen. The increase in density of states (DOS) related to the low density of charge carriers in carbon materials is an important effect that leads to a substantial increase in capacitance as the electrode potential is increased. Using carbon onions as a model, it is shown that this phenomenon cannot be related only to geometric aspects but must be the result of varying graphitization. This provides a new tool to significantly improve carbon supercapacitor performance, in addition to having significant consequences for the modeling community where carbons usually are approximated to be ideal metallic conductors. Data on the structure, composition, and phase content of carbon onions are presented and the correlation between electrochemical performance and electrical resistance and graphitization is shown. Highly graphitic carbons show a stronger degree of electrochemical doping, making them very attractive for enhancing the capacitance.
The role of anthropic, ecological, and social factors in sleeping site choice by long‐tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Brotcorne Fany , Maslarov Cindy , Wandia I. Nengah , Fuentes Agustin , Beudels‐Jamar Roseline C. , Huynen Marie‐Claude
Published: May 2014

When choosing their sleeping sites, primates make adaptive trade‐offs between various biotic and abiotic constraints. In human‐modified environments, anthropic factors may play a role. We assessed the influence of ecological (predation), social (intergroup competition), and anthropic (proximity to human settlements) factors in sleeping site choice by long‐tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) occupying a habitat at the interface of natural forests and human‐modified zones in Bali Barat National Park, Indonesia. Over the course of 56 nights, we collected data relating to physical features of sleeping trees, patterns of the use of sleeping sites within the home range, pre‐sleep behavior, diurnal ranging patterns and availability of natural and human food. Overall, the macaques used 17 sleeping sites with 37 sleeping trees. When the monkeys slept in forest zones, they selected sleeping trees that had larger trunks but were not significantly taller than surrounding trees. Though the macaques rarely re‐used sleeping sites on consecutive nights, they frequently re‐used four sites over the study period. The group favored sleeping within the core area of its home range, despite the occurrence of frequent agonistic intergroup encounters there. Macaques preferentially selected sleeping trees located within or near human‐modified zones, especially when human food was abundant and natural food was scarce. These results partially support the hypothesis that long‐tailed macaques choose their sleeping sites to avoid predation; proximity to human settlements appears to be the primary factor influencing sleeping site choice in this primate species. Our results reflect the strong influence that anthropic factors have on primates, which subsist in increasingly human‐dominated landscapes. Am. J. Primatol. 76:1140–1150, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Global Stabilization of Marine Risers with Varying Tension and Rotational Inertia
Authors: Nguyen T. L. , Do K. D. , Pan J.
Published: May 2014

This paper presents a design of boundary controllers implemented at the top end for global stabilization of a marine riser under environmental loadings. Based on the energy approach, nonlinear partial differential equations of motion including varying tension and rotational inertia for the riser are derived. The Lyapunov direct method is used as a design tool to design the boundary controller comprising of forces and moments to compensate rotational effects. It is shown that the proposed boundary controllers can effectively reduce the riser's vibrations. Proof of the existence and uniqueness of the solutions of closed loop systems are provided based on the Galerkin approximation method. Stability analysis of the closed‐loop system is performed using the Lyapunov direct method. Numerical simulations illustrate the results.
Sliding‐Mode Velocity Control of a Two‐Wheeled Self‐Balancing Vehicle
Authors: Yih Chih‐Chen
Published: May 2014

Underactuated vehicles are those in which the number of control inputs is less than the degrees of freedom to be controlled. Using actuated wheels, velocity control of the two‐wheeled self‐balancing vehicle drives the vehicle at a desired speed and balances the body of the vehicle. First, we investigate the effects of friction on the wheel and derive the hybrid model of rolling and slipping. Second, we propose a nonlinear sliding mode velocity control scheme for the pure rolling model of the two‐wheeled vehicle. We present the design of the corresponding sliding surfaces and internal dynamics of the two‐wheeled vehicle. Our stability analysis reveals that the proposed sliding mode method can guarantee the asymptotic stability of the error dynamics for velocity control of the underactuated vehicle. Compared to linear optimal control, our numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed sliding mode schemes can effectively control the velocity under the circumstances of parametric variations, emergency braking, and rapid acceleration in slippery road conditions. The proposed velocity control and the simulation improve our understanding on designing velocity control of the two‐wheeled self‐balancing vehicle.
Amino acids as novel nucleophiles for silver nanoparticle‐luminol chemiluminescence
Authors: Li Na , Ni Shubiao
Published: May 2014

The use of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) as reductants in chemiluminescence (CL) has been reported only rarely owing to their high oxidation potentials. Interestingly, nucleophiles could dramatically lower the oxidation potential of Ag NPs, such that in the presence of nucleophiles Ag NPS could be used as reductants to induce the CL emission of luminol, an important CL reagent widely used in forensic analysis for the detection of trace amounts of blood. Although nucleophiles are indispensible in Ag NP‐luminol CL, only inorganic nucleophiles such as Cl‐, Br‐, I‐ and S2O32‐ have been shown to be efficient. The effects of organic nucleophiles on CL remain unexplored. In this study, 20 standard amino acids were evaluated as novel organic nucleophiles in Ag NP‐luminol CL. Histidine, lysine and arginine could initiate CL emission; the others could not. It is proposed that the different behaviors of 20 standard amino acids in the CL reactions derive from the interface chemistry between Ag NPs and these amino acids. UV/vis absorption spectra were studied to validate the interface chemistry. In addition, imidazole and histidine were chosen as a model pair to compare the behavior of the monodentate nucleophile with that of the corresponding multidentate nucleophile in Ag NP‐luminol CL. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo and in vitro activity of an immunoglobulin Fc fragment (Fcab) with engineered Her‐2/neu binding sites
Authors: Woisetschläger Max , Antes Bernhard , Borrowdale Radha , Wiederkum Susanne , Kainer Manuela , Steinkellner Herta , Wozniak‐Knopp Gordana , Moulder Kevin , Rüker Florian , Mudde Geert C.
Published: May 2014

Antigen‐binding Fc fragments (Fcabs) are a new unique class of immunotherapeutics. They are small (50 kD) fully functional antibody alternatives that bind antigen and elicit effector functions such as antibody‐dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity. Since Fcabs carry the natural FcRn binding site of antibodies, they have very favorable pharmacokinetics. We showed recently that Fcab H10‐03‐6 is a high‐affinity binder of Her‐2/neu (ErbB2/neu) mediating killing of Her‐2/neu‐overexpressing tumor cells in the presence of immune effector cells, strongly suggesting that the mechanism of killing is due to ADCC. The present study further confirms ADCC as the mechanism by which H10‐03‐6 mediates tumor cell killing, since H10‐03‐6 was shown to interact simultaneously with Her‐2/neu and the Fc receptor CD16a. The epitope recognized by H10‐03‐6 overlaps with that of the clinically used monoclonal antibody trastuzumab. However, unlike trastuzumab, Fcab H10‐03‐6 did not inhibit proliferation of human tumor cells in vitro even under conditions favoring Her‐2/neu crosslinking. Treatment of mice harboring human BT‐474 cell xenograft tumors with Fcab H10‐03‐6 led to statistically significant retardation of tumor growth. For the first time, in vivo properties of an Fcab are presented, supporting the view that Fcabs could become highly efficacious immunotherapeutics for human use.
Pharmacological treatment of the basic defect in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Roomans Godfried M.
Published: May 2014

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease due to a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a chloride channel in epithelial cells. There are about 1900 mutations, divided in several groups, for example, stop mutations, mutations affecting the permeability of the channel, and mutations in which the mutated CFTR is recognized as abnormal and destroyed. Pharmacological treatment has become possible for stop mutations (about 10% of the patients), and for a rare mutation affecting channel permeability. For the majority of patients, however, that have a mutation in which the mutated CFTR is destroyed on its way to the cell membrane, research is still in progress, although a number of compounds have been identified that (at least partly) corrects the error in chloride transport.
Efficient Gas‐Liquid Cyclone Device for Recycled Hydrogen in a Hydrogenation Unit
Authors: Ma Liang , Shen Qisong , Li Jianping , Zhang Yanhong , Wu Jingping , Wang Hualin
Published: May 2014

An efficient cyclone device for removing hydrocarbon fog droplets in recycled hydrogen was developed based on experimental studies and industrial application. Conditions for optimal separation efficiency of the gas‐liquid cyclone were determined. The device reduced raw material losses and desulfurizer consumption and improved desulfurization efficiency, thereby increasing the purity of the cycled hydrogen and decreasing the mean molecular weight of gas. Energy consumption of the cycled hydrogen compressor as well as the pollution discharge of the hydrogenation unit were also diminished.
Development of a Ruthenium/Phosphite Catalyst System for Domino Hydroformylation–Reduction of Olefins with Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Liu Qiang , Wu Lipeng , Fleischer Ivana , Selent Detlef , Franke Robert , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: May 2014

An efficient domino ruthenium‐catalyzed reverse water‐gas‐shift (RWGS)‐hydroformylation‐reduction reaction of olefins to alcohols is reported. Key to success is the use of specific bulky phosphite ligands and triruthenium dodecacarbonyl as the catalyst. Compared to the known ruthenium/chloride system, the new catalyst allows for a more efficient hydrohydroxymethylation of terminal and internal olefins with carbon dioxide at lower temperature. Unwanted hydrogenation of the substrate is prevented. Preliminary mechanism investigations uncovered the homogeneous nature of the active catalyst and the influence of the ligand and additive in individual steps of the reaction sequence.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of Titanium‐Based CuTi2‐xMxS4 and CuCr2‐xTixSe4 Chalcospinels.
Authors: Barahona P. , Galdamez A. , Lopez‐Vergara F. , Manriquez V. , Pena O.
Published: May 2014

CuTi2‐xMxS4 (M: Fe, Mn, Co; x = 0.3, 0.5) and CuCr2‐xTixSe4 (x = 0.3, 0.5, 0.7) chalcospinels are prepared by solid state reactions of stoichiometric amounts of the elements (quartz ampules, 850 °C, 6 d).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [B12]2[CBC][C2]Mg1.42, a New Modification of B25C4Mg1.42.
Authors: Ponomarev Vasilii I. , Konovalikhin Sergei V. , Kovalev Ivan D. , Vershinnikov Vladimir I. , Borovinskaya Inna P.
Published: May 2014

The new title modification of B25C4Mg1.42 is synthesized from powders of magnesium, boron oxide, carbon black, and magnesium perchlorate by magnesiothermic self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis.
ChemInform Abstract: Syntheses, Characterization and Nonlinear Optical Properties of a Bismuth Subcarbonate Bi2O2CO3.
Authors: Huang Hongwei , Tian Na , Jin Shifeng , Zhang Yihe , Wang Shuobo
Published: May 2014

The nonlinear optical (NLO) material Bi2O2CO3 is hydrothermally prepared in nanocrystalline form from Bi(NO3)3 and urea in 5:8 molar ratio (autoclave, 180 °C, 24 h).
ChemInform Abstract: High‐Pressure U3O8 with the Fluorite‐Type Structure.
Authors: Zhang F. X. , Lang M. , Wang J. W. , Li W. X. , Sun K. , Prakapenka V. , Ewing R. C.
Published: May 2014

A dense fluorite‐like form of U3O8 is prepared from α‐U3O8 at pressures greater than 8.1 GPa.