bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short pressure reactivity index versus long pressure reactivity index in the management of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lang Erhard W. , Kasprowicz Magdalena , Smielewski Peter , Santos Edgar , Pickard John , Czosnyka Marek
Published: November 2014

OBJECT

The pressure reactivity index (PRx) correlates with outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is used to calculate optimal cerebral perfusion pressure (CPPopt). The PRx is a correlation coefficient between slow, spontaneous changes (0.003–0.05 Hz) in intracranial pressure (ICP) and arterial blood pressure (ABP). A novel index—the so-called long PRx (L-PRx)—that considers ABP and ICP changes (0.0008–0.008 Hz) was proposed.

METHODS

The authors compared PRx and L-PRx for 6-month outcome prediction and CPPopt calculation in 307 patients with TBI. The PRx- and L-PRx–based CPPopt were determined and the predictive power and discriminant abilities were compared.

RESULTS

The PRx and L-PRx correlation was good (R = 0.7, p < 0.00001; Spearman test). The PRx, age, CPP, and Glasgow Coma Scale score but not L-PRx were significant fatal outcome predictors (death and persistent vegetative state). There was a significant difference between the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves calculated for PRx and L-PRx (0.61 ± 0.04 vs 0.51 ± 0.04; z-statistic = −3.26, p = 0.011), which indicates a better ability by PRx than L-PRx to predict fatal outcome. The CPPopt was higher for L-PRx than for PRx, without a statistical difference (median CPPopt for L-PRx: 76.9 mm Hg, interquartile range [IQR] ± 10.1 mm Hg; median CPPopt for PRx: 74.7 mm Hg, IQR ± 8.2 mm Hg). Death was associated with CPP below CPPopt for PRx (χ2 = 30.6, p < 0.00001), and severe disability was associated with CPP above CPPopt for PRx (χ2 = 7.8, p = 0.005). These relationships were not statistically significant for CPPopt for L-PRx.

CONCLUSIONS

The PRx is superior to the L-PRx for TBI outcome prediction. Individual CPPopt for L-PRx and PRx are not statistically different. Deviations between CPP and CPPopt for PRx are relevant for outcome prediction; those between CPP and CPPopt for L-PRx are not. The PRx uses the entire B-wave spectrum for index calculation, whereas the L-PRX covers only one-third of it. This may explain the performance discrepancy.
The Family and Adolescent Wellbeing: Alternative Models of Adolescent Growth in the Novels of Judith Clarke
Authors: Britten Adrielle
Published: November 2014

YA fiction is largely about adolescent maturation – or flourishing – and in Western narratives this is imagined through narratives of growth. Within the institution of the family, growth is typically imagined in YA fiction in terms of adolescent rebellion, and in this frame the institutions that surround adolescents – schools, families, communities – tend to be depicted as repressive. This article explores an alternative view of the institution of the family offered in Judith Clarke's novels. In One Whole and Perfect Day, for example, adolescents flourish when in families that value mutual care above conformity to normative views of what a family should be; in Night Train, adolescents fail to flourish when sufficient (or ‘good enough’) family caring is not available to them. This article draws on research in cognitive narratology and the interdisciplinary field of wellbeing studies to suggest that Clarke's novels model a kind of caring – ‘good enough’ caring – which entails a nuanced view of successful maturation that carefully holds in balance both the fragility of the individual and an optimistic view of caring for others. Such balance is essential for the flourishing of adolescents and, indeed, of people of all ages.
The Poverty of Posthumanism: Evolution and Extinction in Eugene Field's ‘Extinct Monsters’
Authors: Doherty Peter
Published: November 2014

This article interrogates constructions of posthumanism in twenty-first century children's literature criticism and ecocriticism. Focusing on an unpublished manuscript by Eugene Field, it argues that the concept of species extinction undermines the theoretical usefulness of posthumanism. The paper begins by discussing the uses and shortcomings of posthumanism as a critical tool in children's literature. In doing so, it establishes connections with the challenge to the human posed by technology in the twenty-first century and the new understanding of what constitutes the human at the end of the nineteenth century. This paper documents intersections between Field's illustrated poem and contemporary representations of evolution and extinction circulating in popular and scientific natural histories. It is suggested that Field's text is also mediated by the visual traditions which framed contemporary natural history writing. Further, situating Field's poetry for children in a broader tradition of nineteenth-century American poetics committed to authorising the voice of the poet, it asks how this voice is complicated by the new realities of evolution and extinction. Confronted with these new realities, Field's manuscript traces the waning of poetic authority and, it is argued, thereby calls for a new aesthetics of children's literature in the face of extinction.
The Adventures of Peter Rabbit in Romania: Translation Challenges and Strategies
Authors: Cocargeanu Dana
Published: November 2014

Romanian children's literature, particularly translations for children, has rather low visibility in international children's literature scholarship, and translations of Beatrix Potter have not been extensively researched, either. This article contributes to filling these gaps by exploring the challenges involved in the recent publication of the first licensed Romanian edition of Beatrix Potter and the strategies employed to solve them. It identifies extra-textual challenges, related to the possibility of publishing Potter, the licensing process, the selection of particular tales and book formats for publication, and marketing strategies; and textual challenges, arising from Potter's writing style, the interdependence between visual and verbal aspects in her tales, their cultural specificity and read-aloud qualities. It also discusses the roles of the British and Romanian publishers in the publishing process and relates the translation strategies visible in the texts to the translator's apparently divided responsibility towards Potter and the Romanian audience, her conceptions of children and children's literature, and the Romanian literary tradition.
Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity Analysis of Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome in China Using Geographically Weighted Regression Models
Authors: Li Shujuan , Ren Hongyan , Hu Wensheng , Lu Liang , Xu Xinliang , Zhuang Dafang , Liu Qiyong
Published: November 2014

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an important public health problem in China. The identification of the spatiotemporal pattern of HFRS will provide a foundation for the effective control of the disease. Based on the incidence of HFRS, as well as environmental factors, and social-economic factors of China from 2005–2012, this paper identified the spatiotemporal characteristics of HFRS distribution and the factors that impact this distribution. The results indicate that the spatial distribution of HFRS had a significant, positive spatial correlation. The spatiotemporal heterogeneity was affected by the temperature, precipitation, humidity, NDVI of January, NDVI of August for the previous year, land use, and elevation in 2005–2009. However, these factors did not explain the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of HFRS incidences in 2010–2012. Spatiotemporal heterogeneity of provincial HFRS incidences and its relation to environmental factors would provide valuable information for hygiene authorities to design and implement effective measures for the prevention and control of HFRS in China.
Aberrant Expression of Xist in Aborted Porcine Fetuses Derived from Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos
Authors: Yuan Lin , Wang Anfeng , Yao Chaogang , Huang Yongye , Duan Feifei , Lv Qinyan , Wang Dongxu , Ouyang Hongsheng , Li Zhanjun , Lai Liangxue
Published: November 2014

Cloned pigs generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) show a greater ratio of early abortion during mid-gestation than normal controls. X-linked genes have been demonstrated to be important for the development of cloned embryos. To determine the relationship between the expression of X-linked genes and abortion of cloned porcine fetuses, the expression of X-linked genes were investigated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) and the methylation status of Xist DMR was performed by bisulfate-specific PCR (BSP). q-PCR analysis indicated that there was aberrant expression of X-linked genes, especially the upregulated expression of Xist in both female and male aborted fetuses compared to control fetuses. Results of BSP suggested that hypomethylation of Xist occurred in aborted fetuses, whether male or female. These results suggest that the abnormal expression of Xist may be associated with the abortion of fetuses derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos.
Sterols from Mytilidae Show Anti-Aging and Neuroprotective Effects via Anti-Oxidative Activity
Authors: Sun Yujuan , Lin Yanfei , Cao Xueli , Xiang Lan , Qi Jianhua
Published: November 2014

For screening anti-aging samples from marine natural products, K6001 yeast strain was employed as a bioassay system. The active mussel extract was separated to give an active sterol fraction (SF). SF was further purified, and four sterol compounds were obtained. Their structures were determined to be cholesterol (CHOL), brassicasterol, crinosterol, and 24-methylenecholesterol. All compounds showed similar anti-aging activity. To understand the action mechanism involved, anti-oxidative experiments, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays, and malondialdehyde (MDA) tests were performed on the most abundant compound, CHOL. Results indicated that treatment with CHOL increases the survival rate of yeast under oxidative stress and decreases ROS and MDA levels. In addition, mutations of uth1, skn7, sod1, and sod2, which feature a K6001 background, were employed and the lifespans of the mutations were not affected by CHOL. These results demonstrate that CHOL exerts anti-aging effects via anti-oxidative stress. Based on the connection between neuroprotection and anti-aging, neuroprotective experiments were performed in PC12 cells. Paraquat was used to induce oxidative stress and the results showed that the CHOL and SF protect the PC12 cells from the injury induced by paraquat. In addition, these substance exhibited nerve growth factor (NGF) mimic activities again confirmed their neuroprotective function.
Th17/Treg Cells Imbalance and GITRL Profile in Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Liu Yingzhao , Tang Xinyi , Tian Jie , Zhu Chenlu , Peng Huiyong , Rui Ke , Wang Yungang , Mao Chaoming , Ma Jie , Lu Liwei , Xu Huaxi , Wang Shengjun
Published: November 2014

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is an organ-specific immune disease characterized by the presence of lymphocytic infiltration and serum autoantibodies. Previous studies have confirmed the critical role of Th17 cells in the pathopoiesis of HT patients. Additionally, regulatory T cells (Treg) display a dysregulatory function in autoimmune disease. The purpose of this study is to investigate the alteration of Th17 and Treg cells in HT patients and explore contributing factors. We found there was an increased ratio of Th17/Treg in HT patients and a positive correlation with autoantibodies (anti-TgAb). In addition, there was an increased level of GITRL, which has been demonstrated to be correlated with the increassement of Th17 cells in the serum and thyroid glands of HT patients; the upregulated serum level of GITRL has a positive correlation with the percentage of Th17 cells in HT patients. In summary, an increase in GITRL may impair the balance of Th17/Treg, and contribute to the pathopoiesis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Associations of MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G Gene Polymorphisms with Metabolic Syndrome: A Case-Control Study in Northern China
Authors: Yang Boyi , Fan Shujun , Zhi Xueyuan , Wang Da , Li Yongfang , Wang Yinuo , Wang Yanxun , Wei Jian , Zheng Quanmei , Sun Guifan
Published: November 2014

Prior evidence indicates that homocysteine plays a role in the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) A66G polymorphisms are common genetic determinants of homocysteine levels. To investigate the associations of the MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G polymorphisms with MetS, 692 Chinese Han subjects with MetS and 878 controls were recruited. The component traits of MetS and the MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G genotypes were determined. A significant association was observed between the MTHFR 677T allele and increased risk of MetS, high fasting blood glucose, high waist circumference, and increasing number of MetS components. The MTRR A66G polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of MetS when combined with the MTHFR 677TT genotype, although there was no association found between MetS and MTRR A66G alone. Furthermore, the MTRR 66GG genotype was associated with high fasting blood glucose and triglycerides. Our data suggest that the MTHFR 677T allele may contribute to an increased risk of MetS in the northern Chinese Han population. The MTRR A66G polymorphism is not associated with MetS. However, it may exacerbate the effect of the MTHFR C677T variant alone. Further large prospective population-based studies are required to confirm our findings.
Natural Cinnamic Acids, Synthetic Derivatives and Hybrids with Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Guzman Juan
Published: November 2014

Antimicrobial natural preparations involving cinnamon, storax and propolis have been long used topically for treating infections. Cinnamic acids and related molecules are partly responsible for the therapeutic effects observed in these preparations. Most of the cinnamic acids, their esters, amides, aldehydes and alcohols, show significant growth inhibition against one or several bacterial and fungal species. Of particular interest is the potent antitubercular activity observed for some of these cinnamic derivatives, which may be amenable as future drugs for treating tuberculosis. This review intends to summarize the literature data on the antimicrobial activity of the natural cinnamic acids and related derivatives. In addition, selected hybrids between cinnamic acids and biologically active scaffolds with antimicrobial activity were also included. A comprehensive literature search was performed collating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each cinnamic acid or derivative against the reported microorganisms. The MIC data allows the relative comparison between series of molecules and the derivation of structure-activity relationships.
Potential Role of Sulfur-Containing Antioxidant Systems in Highly Oxidative Environments
Authors: Mukwevho Emmanuel , Ferreira Zané , Ayeleso Ademola
Published: November 2014

All forms of life maintain a reducing environment (homeostasis) within their cells. Perturbations in the normal redox state can lead to an oxidative environment which has deleterious effects, especially in health. In biological systems, metabolic activities are dependent mainly on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, a metabolic pathway that uses energy released by the oxidation of nutrients to produce ATP. In the process of oxidative phosphorylation, electrons are transferred from electron donors to electron acceptors such as oxygen in redox reactions and often results to the generation of reactive species. Reactive oxygen species consist of a class of radical and non-radical oxygen derivatives. The imbalance between the reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defence systems leads to oxidative burden and hence, damage biological molecules. Antioxidants help to prevent or fix the deleterious effects of reactive species. Sulfur is an important element in biological systems. This atom is usually integrated into proteins as the redox-active cysteine residue and in molecules such as glutathione, thioredoxin and glutaredoxin which are vital antioxidant molecules and are therefore essential for life. This review covers the role of sulfur containing antioxidant systems in oxidative environments.
Redox Modulation Matters: Emerging Functions for Glutaredoxins in Plant Development and Stress Responses
Authors: Li Shutian
Published: November 2014

Glutaredoxins (GRXs) are small ubiquitous glutathione (GSH)-dependent oxidoreductases that catalyze the reversible reduction of protein disulfide bridges or protein-GSH mixed disulfide bonds via a dithiol or monothiol mechanism, respectively. Three major classes of GRXs, with the CPYC-type, the CGFS-type or the CC-type active site, have been identified in many plant species. In spite of the well-characterized roles for GRXs in Escherichia coli, yeast and humans, the biological functions of plant GRXs have been largely enigmatic. The CPYC-type and CGFS-type GRXs exist in all organisms, from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, whereas the CC-type class has thus far been solely identified in land plants. Only the number of the CC-type GRXs has enlarged dramatically during the evolution of land plants, suggesting their participation in the formation of more complex plants adapted to life on land. A growing body of evidence indicates that plant GRXs are involved in numerous cellular pathways. In this review, emphasis is placed on the recently emerging functions for GRXs in floral organ development and disease resistance. Notably, CC-type GRXs have been recruited to participate in these two seemingly unrelated processes. Besides, the current knowledge of plant GRXs in the assembly and delivery of iron-sulfur clusters, oxidative stress responses and arsenic resistance is also presented. As GRXs require GSH as an electron donor to reduce their target proteins, GSH-related developmental processes, including the control of flowering time and the development of postembryonic roots and shoots, are further discussed. Profiling the thiol redox proteome using high-throughput proteomic approaches and measuring cellular redox changes with fluorescent redox biosensors will help to further unravel the redox-regulated physiological processes in plants.
Analysis of MERIS Reflectance Algorithms for Estimating Chlorophyll-a Concentration in a Brazilian Reservoir
Authors: Augusto-Silva Pétala , Ogashawara Igor , Barbosa Cláudio , De Carvalho Lino , Jorge Daniel , Fornari Celso , Stech José
Published: November 2014

Chlorophyll-a (chl-a) is a central water quality parameter that has been estimated through remote sensing bio-optical models. This work evaluated the performance of three well established reflectance based bio-optical algorithms to retrieve chl-a from in situ hyperspectral remote sensing reflectance datasets collected during three field campaigns in the Funil reservoir (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). A Monte Carlo simulation was applied for all the algorithms to achieve the best calibration. The Normalized Difference Chlorophyll Index (NDCI) got the lowest error (17.85%). The in situ hyperspectral dataset was used to simulate the Ocean Land Color Instrument (OLCI) spectral bands by applying its spectral response function. Therefore, we evaluated its applicability to monitor water quality in tropical turbid inland waters using algorithms developed for MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) data. The application of OLCI simulated spectral bands to the algorithms generated results similar to the in situ hyperspectral: an error of 17.64% was found for NDCI. Thus, OLCI data will be suitable for inland water quality monitoring using MERIS reflectance based bio-optical algorithms.
The Simultaneous Electrochemical Detection of Catechol and Hydroquinone with [Cu(Sal-β-Ala)(3,5-DMPz)2]/SWCNTs/GCE
Authors: Alshahrani Lina , Li Xi , Luo Hui , Yang Linlin , Wang Mengmeng , Yan Songling , Liu Peng , Yang Yuqin , Li Quanhua
Published: November 2014

A glassy carbon electrode was modified with a copper(II) complex [Cu(Sal-β-Ala) (3,5-DMPz)2] (Sal = salicylaldehyde, β-Ala = β-alanine, 3,5-DMPz = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The modified electrode was used to detect catechol (CT) and hydroquinone (HQ) and exhibited good electrocatalytic activities toward the oxidation of CT and HQ. The peak currents were linear with the CT and HQ concentrations over the range of 5–215 μmol·L−1 and 5–370 μmol·L−1 with corresponding detection limits of 3.5 μmol·L−1 and 1.46 μmol·L−1 (S/N = 3) respectively. Moreover, the modified electrode exhibited good sensitivity, stability and reproducibility for the determination of CT and HQ, indicating the promising applications of the modified electrode in real sample analysis.
The Effect of Substrate-Bulk Interaction on Hydrolysis Modeling in Anaerobic Digestion Process
Authors: Panico Antonio , D'Antonio Giuseppe , Esposito Giovanni , Frunzo Luigi , Iodice Paola , Pirozzi Francesco
Published: November 2014

In an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) process treating particulate substrates, the size of solids is expected to negatively affect the rate of hydrolysis step and consequently influence the performance of the whole process. To avoid any disadvantage due to size of solids, expensive pre-treatments aimed at disintegrating and solubilizing substrates are commonly conducted prior to AD. This practice is doubtlessly successful, but not always necessary, since some organic substrates, although particulate, once immersed in water, tend to solubilize immediately. This aspect, if properly considered, could result in saving money and time in the AD process, as well as refining the development and calibration of AD mathematical models. The present study is actually aimed at demonstrating, through experiments and mathematical simulations, different results deriving from the AD process performed, under the same operating conditions, on two different substrates, i.e. homemade pasta and carrot batons, having the same particle size, but different chemical composition and texture. Experimental outcomes highlighted the effect of particles size on bio-methane production only from the bio-methanation potential tests (BMP) conducted on carrot batons. Similar results were obtained by mathematical model calibration, i.e., different kinetic constants for differently-sized carrot batons and same kinetic constant for differently-sized homemade pasta solids.
Therapie des Patienten mit Radioiod-refraktärem, differenziertem Schilddrüsenkarzinom
Authors: Dierneder J. , Pall G. , Pirich C. , Hoffmann M. , Raderer M. , Becherer A. , Niederle B. , Lipp R. , Lind P. , Gallowitsch H. , Romeder F. , Virgolini I. , Lindner C.
Published: November 2014

Für die Therapie eines Patienten mit Radioiod- refraktärem, differenziertem Schilddrüsenkarzinom sind zurzeit keine klaren Standards definiert. Mit dem kürzlich in dieser Indikation zugelassenen Multitarget-Kinase - inhibitor Sorafenib ist die therapeutische Landschaft erweitert worden.

Ein interdisziplinäres Experten-Panel bestehend aus endokrinen Chirurgen, internistischen Onkologen und Nuklearmedizinern hat Empfehlungen für die Definition und das Vorgehen bei Radioiod-refraktären Karzinomen erarbeitet.
Bidding for World Heritage: Singapore's Botanic Gardens
Authors: Henderson Joan C.
Published: November 2014

This article is concerned with the meanings and significance attributed to UNESCO World Heritage Sites by officials, and motivations underlying their pursuit of inscription on the World Heritage List, including perceived opportunities for tourism growth. Issues are discussed with particular
reference to Singapore and the nomination of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the first such attempt by the city-state. The concept of World Heritage and procedures are explained and the relationship between World Heritage and tourism is reviewed before consideration of circumstances in Singapore.
The various roles performed by the Botanic Gardens are examined and reasons for making the bid are assessed. In Singapore, there is less emphasis on the tourism functions of World Heritage and the expected political and sociocultural returns appear more important. World Heritage is seen to
be regarded as economic, sociocultural, and political capital, which is allocated different relative values depending upon wider conditions prevailing in the nominating country.
Spanish Travelers' Expectations of Service Encounters in Domestic and International Settings
Authors: Fernández-Amaya Lucía , Hernández-López María de la O , Blitvich Pilar Garcés-Conejos
Published: November 2014

Despite the vast extant literature on customer satisfaction and cultural expectations, little attention has been paid to guests' linguistic expectations in interaction with receptionists. To help fill in this gap, this study examines 183 questionnaires that include guests' general expectations
when communicating with receptionists in either their home country (Spain) or abroad, in order to understand whether there are stable expectations in relation to 1) attitude, 2) cultural values, and 3) language used. The results show that there are some expectations that vary depending on
whether guests are either in their home country or abroad. These findings may not only help understand guests' specific preferences and expectations, but also their orientations towards either solidarity or deference.
A VISCOELASTIC CONTACT PROBLEM WITH ADHESION AND SURFACE MEMORY EFFECTS
Authors: Sofonea Mircea , Patrulescu Flavius
Published: November 2014

We consider a mathematical model which describes the quasistatic contact between a viscoelastic body and an obstacle, the so-called foundation. The material's behavior is modelled with a constitutive law with long memory. The contact is with normal compliance, unilateral constraint, memory effects and adhesion. We present the classical formulation of the problem, then we derive its variational formulation and prove an existence and uniqueness result. The proof is based on arguments of variational inequalities and fixed point.
EFFECTIVE NUMERICAL ALGORITHM FOR SIMULATIONS OF BEAM STABILIZATION IN BROAD AREA SEMICONDUCTOR LASERS AND AMPLIFIERS
Authors: Radziunas Mindaugas , Čiegis Raimondas
Published: November 2014

A 2 + 1 dimensional PDE traveling wave model describing spatial-lateral dynamics of edge-emitting broad area semiconductor devices is considered. A numerical scheme based on a split-step Fourier method is presented. The domain decomposition method is used to parallelize the sequential algorithm. The parallel algorithm is implemented by using Message Passing Interface system, results of computational experiments are presented and the scalability of the algorithm is analyzed. Simulations of the model equations are used for optimizing of existing devices with respect to the emitted beam quality, as well as for creating and testing of novel device design concepts.
MODELING CALCIUM DYNAMICS AND INHIBITION BASED SYNAPTIC PLASTICITY IN DENDRITIC SPINES
Authors: Dur-e-Ahmad Muhammad
Published: November 2014

Inhibitory synapses through GABAergic channels not only change spine's calcium dynamics but also modulate postsynaptic current mediated through glutamate receptors. However the mechanism and extent to which these inhibitory synapses can modulate postsynaptic potential is not clearly understood. We propose a mathematical model to explain this phenomenon which encompasses both presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms. Further this model also elaborates the effect of these channels in synaptic calcium dynamics and learning mechanism.
TRACE METAL CONCENTRATION AND SPECIATION IN STORM WATER RUNOFF ON IMPERVIOUS SURFACES
Authors: MANCINELLI Enrico , BALTRĖNAITĖ Edita , BALTRĖNAS Pranas , PALIULIS Dainius , PASSERINI Giorgio , ALMÅS Åsgeir R.
Published: November 2014

Urban storm water runoff (USWR) often transports various trace metals, affecting the quality of receiving waters. Metal concentration and speciation in USWR were investigated by analysing data collected during a storm event on 19 July 2012. USWR samples were taken from a low–traffic intensity road, a pathway in a car–free pedestrian zone, and a galvanized metal roof located in the area of Vingio Park in the city of Vilnius, Lithuania. The metals were mostly in the insoluble form at all three sites, being more than 80% the total amount measured, irrespective of the water quality characteristics and types of surface area. The partitioning coefficient (log Kd) of trace metals decreases in the order Zn > Cu ≈ Mn ≈ Pb >> Cd. The USWR types characterized by a higher pH or dissolved organic carbon(DOC) concentration produced a higher fraction of Cd, Mn, Pb, and Zn bound to fulvic acids (FA).
L'engagement écologique des syndicats au prisme de la division Nord-Sud
Authors: Räthzel Nora , Uzzell David , Flipo Fabrice
Published: November 2014

Les syndicats du Nord sont mieux dotés, plus riches, plus industrialisés et tendanciellement plus éloignés de l’environnement que leurs homologues du Sud, sans que cette observation soit une règle absolue. Placés dans des conditions plus difficiles, moins dépendants de l’industrie pour leur mode de vie, les syndicats du Sud adoptent plus facilement des positions de rupture envers l’ordre capitaliste. Les alliances avec les écologistes se trouvent aussi facilitées par le fait que cet écologisme est souvent agrarien, composé de mouvements qui considèrent la nature comme un outil de travail essentiel, à la différence des écologismes du Nord qui sont généralement plus urbains.
La stratégie syndicale d'une « transition juste » vers une économie durable
Authors: Felli Romain , Stevis Dimitris
Published: November 2014

Romain Felli et Dimitris Stevis retracent l’origine de la stratégie de « transition juste », que l’on trouve désormais très présente dans les prises de position syndicales, de l’échelle internationale à l’échelle locale (nationale). Ce mot d’ordre rappelle qu’en matière de transition écologique les changements peuvent tout à fait ne pas être « justes », les patrons peuvent par exemple utiliser le chantage à l’emploi pour obtenir des conditions de travail dégradées, au motif de l’écologie. Les auteurs mettent enfin en évidence l’existence de trois grandes stratégies syndicales, face à la question écologique : faire entendre la voix des travailleurs, défendre le rôle de l’État, perçu comme porteur de meilleures conditions de travail, et en appeler à un changement des modes de vie.
A Randomized Study Comparing the Efficacy of Bevacizumab and Ranibizumab as Pre-treatment for Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Pakzad-Vaezi Kaivon , Albiani David A. , Kirker Andrew W. , Merkur Andrew B. , Kertes Peter J. , Eng Kenneth T. , Fallah Nader , Forooghian Farzin
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To compare intravitreal bevacizumab versus ranibizumab as adjuvant treatment prior to pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) with respect to parameters of surgical complexity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Prospective, randomized, double-masked pilot study of patients requiring PPV for nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment (TRD) secondary to PDR. Patients were randomized to receive either intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab at standard doses 1 week preoperatively. Measured parameters included total surgical time, presence of TRD, intraoperative bleeding, iatrogenic retinal breaks, and use of endolaser and endodiathermy or silicone oil.

RESULTS:

A total of 29 patients were recruited. For surgical parameters, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the univariate analyses. Multivariable analysis showed no statistically significant difference for total surgical time.

CONCLUSION:

This pilot study suggests that intravitreal bevacizumab and ranibizumab are equivalent as surgical adjuvants when used as pre-treatment in patients with PDR undergoing PPV.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2014;45:521–524.]
Real-Time, Computer-Assisted Quantification of Plus Disease in Retinopathy of Prematurity at the Bedside
Authors: Cabrera Michelle T. , Freedman Sharon F. , Hartnett Mary Elizabeth , Stinnett Sandra S. , Chen Bei Bei , Wallace David K.
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Plus disease is the primary indication for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treatment, but in borderline cases ophthalmologists may struggle to judge whether it is present. ROPtool is a semi-automated computer program that objectively assesses plus disease by measuring retinal vascular tortuosity and width. This study determined ROPtool’s bedside diagnostic accuracy concurrent with ROP screening.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

ROP screening examinations were recorded using Keeler video indirect ophthalmoscopy. A masked operator traced images in ROPtool at the bedside, comparing ROPtool’s plus diagnosis to the examiner’s clinical judgment.

RESULTS:

Four hundred sixty-four examinations (129 eyes of 65 infants) were performed. ROPtool’s sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for plus diagnosis was 71% (CI: 38%–100%), 93% (CI: 89%–98%) and 0.87, and for pre-plus or worse was 68% (CI: 51%–85%), 82% (CI: 77%–86%) and 0.81, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

ROPtool can provide a real-time second opinion of plus disease at the bedside. Image enhancement technologies may further improve ROPtool’s diagnostic accuracy.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:542–548.]
Screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity in a Tertiary Ophthalmology Department in Turkey: Incidence, Outcomes, and Risk Factors
Authors: Cerman Eren , Balci Sevcan Yildiz , Yenice Ozlem Sahin , Kazokoglu Haluk , Celiker Hande , Eraslan Muhsin
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), the number of preterm infants requiring treatment for ROP, and the factors influencing the development of ROP requiring treatment in a Turkish population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Data on 1,252 infants who were screened for ROP in an ophthalmology department were retrospectively reviewed. Infants with a gestational age (GA) of no more than 28 weeks (n = 157) were designated group 1, those between 29 and 32 weeks (n = 572) were assigned to group 2, and those between 33 and 37 weeks (n = 523) were assigned to group 3.

RESULTS:

In group 1, ROP was detected in 70.0% of infants, 17.8% of whom required therapy. In group 2, ROP was detected in 41.4%, and 4.0% of those required therapy. In group 3, 18.1% were diagnosed with ROP, with 0.8% requiring treatment.

CONCLUSION:

Retinopathy of prematurity occurs, even among more mature infants, at a frequency that merits astute screening within parameters that reflect socioeconomic differences that appear to have an effect on the incidence.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:550–555.]
25-Gauge Pars Plana Lensectomy With Vitrectomy
Authors: Sigler Eric J. , Calzada Jorge I.
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To describe a technique of 25-gauge pars plana lensectomy with primary posterior capsulotomy and sparing of the anterior lens capsule that is suitable for all lens densities.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The authors describe a technique they routinely employ for pars plana vitrectomy using primarily a 25-gauge, three-port approach with intraoperative lens density assessment and possible fragmatome use for dense lenses. An analysis of the ability to achieve surgical goals is provided.

RESULTS:

Surgical goals were achieved in all 68 cases performed during an 18-month period. Anterior lens capsule was consistently spared, and 25-gauge fluidics functioned well even in the presence of a fragmatome and single 20-gauge sclerotomy.

CONCLUSION:

25-gauge pars plana lensectomy with vitrectomy with and without fragmatome incision is an efficacious technique for lensectomy.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:570–572.]
Minimal In Situ Conjunctival Incision for Segmental Scleral Buckling Surgery
Authors: Jin Haiying , Zhang Qi , Zhao Peiquan
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To introduce a modified technique for minimal segmental buckling through a small in situ conjunctival opening for minimally invasive repair of uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This technique was performed in 46 eyes of 46 patients with primary retinal detachment. Transconjunctival traction sutures were placed in four rectus muscles after retrobulbar anesthesia was administered. After transconjunctival location of the retinal break, a 5- to 6-mm radial conjunctival incision was performed corresponding to the retinal break without cutting the limbal conjunctiva–Tenon’s capsule. After cryopexy, a minimal explant was fixed with one to two sutures through the conjunctival opening, expanded by a pediatric speculum. The incision was closed via layered closure.

RESULTS:

Retinal reattachments were achieved with correct buckle positions in all 46 cases, with rapid cosmetic recovery.

CONCLUSION:

This modified minimal segmental buckling technique simplifies the buckling procedure, minimizes surgical invasiveness, and preserves an intact limbal conjunctiva.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:574–576.]
Hyperautofluorescent Macular Ring in a Series of Patients With Enhanced S-Cone Syndrome
Authors: Gelman Rony , Greenberg Jonathan P. , Duncker Tobias , Nguyen Huy V. , Yannuzzi Lawrence A. , Tsang Stephen H.
Published: November 2014

The authors describe fundus autofluorescence (AF) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings in three patients with enhanced S-cone syndrome and their correlation around the hyperautofluorescent ring border. Patients had AF imaging in combination with SD-OCT line-scans through the fovea, at the posterior pole, and at a temporal locus centered on the ring border. All eyes demonstrated a macular ring of high-intensity AF. The inner segment ellipsoid band showed thinning and disorganization toward the ring border, where it was lost.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:592–595.]
Serous Detachment of the Macula Associated With Advanced Glaucomatous Cupping
Authors: Spaide Richard F.
Published: November 2014

Enhanced depth imaging of the optic nerve of a patient with a serous detachment and profound cupping of the optic nerve secondary to angle-closure glaucoma revealed a large dehiscence of the lamina cribrosa. Adjacent to the defect in the lamina were cystoid spaces within the nerve appearing to contain fluid. The most temporal of these could be seen to extend through the optic nerve and up into the macula. This visualized pathway suggests that mechanical dehiscence of the lamina may allow fluid, possibly derived from cerebrospinal fluid, to track up into the macula.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2014;45:598–600.]
Bilateral Cystoid Macular Edema with Giant Retinal Achromic Patch in a Patient With Tuberous Sclerosis
Authors: Andrews Laura , Lally David R. , Baumal Caroline R.
Published: November 2014

Retinal astrocytic hamartoma is the most common retinal finding in tuberous sclerosis and has been reported in association with cystoid macular edema. A retinal achromic patch is the second most common retinal finding in tuberous sclerosis. The authors report the first case of bilateral cystoid macular edema in which one the eyes does not have an identifiable retinal astrocytic hamartoma. They also describe a new retinal finding in tuberous sclerosis termed giant retinal achromic patch.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:602–605.]
Centroid Opposition-Based Differential Evolution
Authors: Rahnamayan Shahryar , Jesuthasan Jude , Bourennani Farid , Naterer Greg F. , Salehinejad Hojjat
Published: November 2014

The capabilities of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) in solving nonlinear and non-convex optimization problems are significant. Differential evolution (DE) is an effective population-based EA, which has emerged as very competitive. Since its inception in 1995, multiple variants of DE have been proposed with higher performance. Among these DE variants, opposition-based differential evolution (ODE) established a novel concept in which individuals must compete with theirs opposites in order to make an entry in the next generation. The generation of opposite points is based on the current extreme points (i.e., maximum and minimum) in the search space. This paper develops a new scheme that utilizes the centroid point of a population to calculate opposite individuals. The classical scheme of an opposite point is modified. Incorporating this new scheme into DE leads to an enhanced ODE that is identified as centroid opposition-based differential evolution (CODE). The accuracy of the CODE algorithm is comprehensively evaluated on well-known complex benchmark functions and compared with the performance of conventional DE, ODE, and other state-of-the-art algorithms. The results for CODE are found to be promising.
Nature-Inspired Metaheuristics for Automatic Multilevel Image Thresholding
Authors: Ouadfel Salima , Meshoul Souham
Published: November 2014

Thresholding is one of the most used methods of image segmentation. It aims to identify the different regions in an image according to a number of thresholds in order to discriminate objects in a scene from background as well to distinguish objects from each other. A great number of thresholding methods have been proposed in the literature; however, most of them require the number of thresholds to be specified in advance. In this paper, three nature-inspired metaheuristics namely Artificial Bee Colony, Cuckoo Search and Bat algorithms have been adapted for the automatic multilevel thresholding (AMT) problem. The goal is to determine the correct number of thresholds as well as their optimal values. For this purpose, the article adopts—for each metaheuristic—a new hybrid coding scheme such that each individual solution is represented by two parts: a real part which represents the thresholds values and a binary part which indicates if a given threshold will be used or not during the thresholding process. Experiments have been conducted on six real test images and the results have been compared with two automatic multilevel thresholding based PSO methods and the exhaustive search method for fair comparison. Empirical results reveal that AMT-HABC and AMT-HCS algorithms performed equally to the solution provided by the exhaustive search and are better than the other comparison algorithms. In addition, the results indicate that the ATM-HABC algorithm has a higher success rate and a speed convergence than the other metaheuristics.
Sialylation of N-Linked Glycans Influences the Immunomodulatory Effects of IgM on T Cells
Authors: Colucci Manuela , Stöckmann Henning , Butera Alessia , Masotti Andrea , Baldassarre Antonella , Giorda Ezio , Petrini Stefania , Rudd Pauline M. , Sitia Roberto , Emma Francesco , Vivarelli Marina
Published: November 2014

Human serum IgM Abs are composed of heavily glycosylated polymers with five glycosylation sites on the μ (heavy) chain and one glycosylation site on the J chain. In contrast to IgG glycans, which are vital for a number of biological functions, virtually nothing is known about structure–function relationships of IgM glycans. Natural IgM is the earliest Ig produced and recognizes multiple Ags with low affinity, whereas immune IgM is induced by Ag exposure and is characterized by a higher Ag specificity. Natural anti-lymphocyte IgM is present in the serum of healthy individuals and increases in inflammatory conditions. It is able to inhibit T cell activation, but the underlying molecular mechanism is not understood. In this study, to our knowledge, we show for the first time that sialylated N-linked glycans induce the internalization of IgM by T cells, which in turn causes severe inhibition of T cell responses. The absence of sialic acid residues abolishes these inhibitory activities, showing a key role of sialylated N-glycans in inducing the IgM-mediated immune suppression.
Conservative Management of Penile Trauma May Be Complicated by Abscess Formation
Authors: Bantis Athanasios , Sountoulides Petros , Kalaitzis Christos , Deftereos Savas
Published: November 2014

Blunt penile trauma during sexual activity, although highly underreported due to the associated patient embarrassment, constitutes a real urological emergency requiring immediate attention and possibly early surgical intervention. We report a case of a 58-year old man who presented with penile pain following excessive masturbation. Although there were no clinical signs of penile deformity or hematoma, magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of a rupture in the tunica albuginea. The patient opted for non-surgical management and his recovery period was complicated by the formation of an abscess at the site of the albugineal tear thus prolonging his hospital stay. The abscess was surgically drained and the patient reports to have normal erections at 3-month follow up.
Plant Life of the Dolomites. Vegetation Structure and Ecology
Authors: Martini Fabrizio
Published: November 2014

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Notes on the brain and encephalization quotient of two sperm whales with a synthesis of the literature and indications of a new method of extraction
Authors: Povinelli Michele , Panin Mattia , Mazzariol Sandro , Giurisato Maristella , Ballarin Cristina , Roncon Giulia , Podestà Michela , Demma Massimo , Cozzi Bruno
Published: November 2014

The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus, Linnaeus 1758) possesses the largest brain that ever existed. Relatively few authors have dealt with it and the available descriptions are heterogeneous, with only few data about brain weight or gross anatomy. In fact the central nervous system of large cetaceans is quite difficult to obtain, given the huge body size and the low frequency of strandings of recently dead individuals. Furthermore, since the skull of the sperm whale underwent an extreme transformation for the accommodation of the spermaceti organ, the cranial cavity is surrounded by thick layers of bone and thus difficult to reach under field conditions. We recently had the chance to extract the brain from two stranded sperm whales whose bodies were in good condition. In the present note we describe the main macroscopic characteristics of the sperm whale brain, including its weight and Encephalization Quotient, review the available literature, and describe a possible new approach to the removal and preservation of the organ under field conditions.
Luigi Cagnolaro 1934-2014
Authors: Bardelli Giorgio , Chiozzi Giorgio , Cozzi Bruno , Podestà Michela , Scali Stefano
Published: November 2014

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Searching for a placental derived ES-62-like molecule to explain rheumatoid arthritis amelioration in pregnancy
Authors: Scoville Craig D. , Rasmussen Devon
Published: November 2014

The majority of women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience disease amelioration during pregnancy for unclear reasons. One possible explanation pursued and described here is whether the placenta produces a protein similar to the immunomodulating protein, ES-62, excreted by filarial nematodes. This protein has also been shown to reduce disease activity in animal models of RA. Eleven human placentas were prepared and a polyclonal anti-ES-62 antiserum was used to identify if any ES-62-like molecule exists from human placental tissues. Any bands identified were then excised from the gel and sent for mass spectrometry and protein identification. The anti-serum showed consistent cross reactivity with the heavy chain from immunoglobulin G (IgG) from the eleven human placentas by mass spectrometry. No primary sequence homology between the heavy chain of IgG and ES-62 was identified. The placenta does not produce an ES-62-like molecule. However the binding of the antiserum to the Fc region of IgG suggests that this may be a possible mechanism for rheumatoid factor production in some patients with chronic filarial infections.