bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Time to Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Intervention on Visual Outcomes for Patients Diagnosed With Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Hsueh Jessica , Wai Karen M. , Conti Felipe F. , Conti Thais F. , Singh Rishi P. 
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
To analyze the impact of time to treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusions (RVO) in routine clinical practice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
One hundred fifty-five eyes with ME secondary to RVO were identified. Patients were divided into initiation of anti-VEGF treatment at 28 days or fewer after symptom onset (Group A), between 28 and 84 days (Group B), and 84 days or more (Group C).

RESULTS:

A significant central subfield thickness (CST) decrease at 12 months was observed in Groups A, B, and C (−184.14 µm, −204.55 µm, and −170.71 µm, respectively;
P
< .001). At 12 months, Groups A and B showed significant BCVA improvement (19.14 and 21.11, respectively;
P
≤ .001), whereas Group C showed no significant improvement from baseline (4.01;
P
< .28).

CONCLUSIONS:
Anatomical response as measured by CST did not differ between groups, whereas delays in treatment resulted in smaller BCVA improvement with anti-VEGF treatment.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:832–837.]
Anatomic Localization of Type 1 and Type 2 Macular Neovascularization Using Swept-Source OCT Angiography
Authors: Motulsky Elie H. , Zheng Fang , Shi Yingying , Gregori Giovanni , Rosenfeld Philip J. 
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) and different boundary-specific segmentation strategies were used to distinguish type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV) from type 2 MNV in eyes with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Eyes with exudative AMD were enrolled in a prospective study. Segmentation strategies included a slab from the outer retina (OR) to the choriocapillaris (CC) for the entire MNV, a slab from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to the CC for the type 1 MNV, and a slab from the OR to the RPE for the type 2 MNV.

RESULTS:
In 13 eyes, SS-OCTA B-scans and en face images using different segmentation strategies were able to identify type 1 and type 2 components of the MNV.

CONCLUSION:
In eyes with exudative AMD, SS-OCTA imaging and commercially available boundary-specific segmentation strategies were used to distinguish between type 1 and type 2 MNV.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:878–886.]
Quantitative Comparison Between Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography and Fundus Fluorescein Angiography Images: Effect of Vessel Enhancement
Authors: Mochi Thirumalesh , Anegondi Neha , Girish Molleti , Jayadev Chaitra , Sinha Roy Abhijit 
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To compare the vascular parameters derived from optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) images.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Twenty-two eyes of 22 patients were imaged with OCTA and FFA. FFA images were cropped to the same dimension as OCTA images after registration. Vessel enhancement using a Frangi filter and local fractal analysis was applied to the superficial layer of the OCTA and cropped FFA images. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, vessel density, spacing between large vessels, and spacing between small vessels were quantified.

RESULTS:

FAZ area was similar between original OCTA, Frangi-filtered OCTA, and FFA images (P = .32). Actual OCTA images had significantly higher vessel density (35.2% ± 1.45%,
P
< .001) than Frangi-filtered OCTA images (29.8% ± 0.78%) and Frangi-filtered FFA images (25.5% ± 2.41%). Spacing between large vessels was significantly lower in original OCTA images (31.9% ± 1.47%,
P
< .001) than Frangi-filtered OCTA images (36.8% ± 1.24%) and Frangi-filtered FFA images (60.1% ± 2.68%). Further, FFA images had significantly lower spacing between small vessels (14.4% ± 0.43%,
P
< .001) than original OCTA images (32.7% ± 1.03%) and Frangi-filtered OCTA images (33.4% ± 0.81%).

CONCLUSION:
FAZ area was similar between OCTA and FFA, independent of vessel enhancement. However, vessel enhancement improved the agreement of vascular parameters between OCTA and FFA images of the same eye.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:e175–e181.]
Visualizing Structure and Vascular Interactions: Macular Nonperfusion in Three Capillary Plexuses
Authors: Park Justin J. , Chung Christopher S. , Fawzi Amani A. 
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To assess the relationship between retinal vascular and structural changes in the superficial, middle, and deep capillary plexuses (SCP, MCP, DCP) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and en face OCT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Patients with diabetic retinopathy were imaged using the Cirrus HD-OCT with AngioPlex. Using manual segmentation of the retinal layers, the authors compared OCTA to en face OCT images to examine corresponding patterns in each of the three capillary plexuses.

RESULTS:
Areas of decreased perfusion and capillary dropout on OCTA were found to be associated with three corresponding lesions on en face OCT: hyporeflectivity, cystic edema, and hard exudates. Vascular changes in individual capillary plexuses corresponded with structural changes in their respective perfused retinal layers.

CONCLUSIONS:
Using manual segmentation on OCTA, the authors provide a framework to visualize the relationship between vascular pathology on OCTA and structural changes on en face OCT within specific capillary plexuses.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:e182–e190.]
Probable maximum precipitation estimation in a humid climate
Authors: Afzali-Gorouh Zahra , Bakhtiari Bahram , Qaderi Kourosh 
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Probable maximum precipitation (PMP)
estimation is one of the most important components for designing hydraulic
structures. The aim of this study was the estimation of 24 h PMP
(PMP24) using statistical and hydro-meteorological (physical) approaches
in the humid climate of the Qareh-Su basin, which is located in the northern
part of Iran. Firstly, for the statistical estimate of PMP, the equations of
empirical curves of the Hershfield method were extracted and the Hershfield
standard and modified methods were written in Java programming language, as a
user-friendly and multi-platform application called the PMP Calculator.
Secondly, a hydro-meteorological approach, which is called the convergence
model, was used to calculate PMP24. The results of both approaches were
evaluated based on statistical criteria, such as the mean absolute error
(MAE), mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), mean
absolute percentage error (MAPE), correlation coefficient (r), and
coefficient of determination (R2). The maximum values of PMP24 for
the Hershfield standard and modified methods were estimated to be 448 and
201 mm, respectively, while the PMP obtained by the physical approach was
143 mm. Comparison of PMP24 values with the maximum 24 h precipitation
demonstrated that based on performance criteria including the MAE, MSE, RMSE,
MAPE, r, and R2, the physical approach performed better than the
statistical approach and it provided the most reliable estimates for PMP.
Also, the accuracy of the Hershfield modified method was better than the
standard method using modified Km values, and the standard method
gives excessively large PMP for construction costs.
“A worn, weary, discontented look”: The Influence of West Point and the Hudson River Valley on Poe
Authors: Claywell Gina 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
This article argues that the Hudson River Valley—and specifically West Point—influenced Poe's writing and specifically his 1831 Poems dedicated to the U.S. Corps of Cadets. The grandeur of West Point's locale, the mystical nature of the surrounding rocky cliffs, the deep verdant river valley, the “light from out the lurid sea/Streams up the turrets silently” of the widening river at Trophy Point, and West Point's castellated architecture had a strong impact on Poe. Despite the haunting beauty of the area, Poe, like many cadets who view the scene laid out before them with a jaundiced perspective, knew the “worn, weary, discontented” desire to be anywhere but there. Drawing on work by Russell, Hecker, and Thompson, among others, the article concludes by suggesting reasons why Poe left West Point.
Teaching Philosophy and Ethics through the Law and Literature Course in Today’s Turkey. Special Issue on Active Learning and Teaching in Legal Education
Authors: Aki E. Irem 
Published: November 2018

Teaching Philosophy and Ethics through the Law and Literature Course in Today’s Turkey. Special Issue on Active Learning and Teaching in Legal Education
Jurisprudence is a domain related to terms such as rules, morality, principles, equality, justice, etc. Legal scholars have to teach the meaning of these terms. However, these are not terms, one can comprehend by just reading their standard definition. These are terms one must digest and learn to use. My argument is that literature or the law and literature movement can be used as a tool in order to explain and discuss these terms. For instance, beyond simply explaining or teaching legal positivism and natural law, Antigone helps students reflect upon the distinction between them. To cite another example, reading Nana can help students think about sex-workers in a way they would never think before. Moreover, the literature can be a useful means in teaching critical movements in law, such as critical legal studies, feminist legal theory and critical race theory. Finally, the terms I stated at the beginning are not only terms of jurisprudence, they are terms we should use properly in order to construct a healthy legal environment. Therefore, to get students comprehend these terms is a crucially important aim. I argue that literature can be a tool in order to achieve this aim.
HPTLC Screening of Weight Loss Products for Deliberately Added Undeclared Synthetic Drugs
Authors: Do Tiên T K , Reich Eike 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Background: The proposed HPTLC method combines features of the existing methods for (1) the detection of sibutramine and (2) for the detection of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and analogs. Objective: The method permits effective screening for the presence of nine adulterants in finished products, including tablets, capsules, and “instant coffee” powders. Methods: All products were prepared for analysis using the same simple procedure: ultrasound-assisted extraction in methanol for 30 min followed by centrifugation or filtration. Results: The retardation factor (RF) values of individual zones afford preliminary identification of potential adulterants. Scanning densitometry enables comparison of recorded UV spectra with those of known standard compounds and provides further structural information. Conclusions: The method was successfully applied to 12 commercial products. Of those, nine products tested positive for at least one undeclared component.
Validation of the TadpoleTMCampylobacter jejuni Real-Time PCR Identification Kit
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Shen Jinling , Xue Feng , Zhao Lina , Yang Jielin , Shao Jingdong , Zhu Changqing , Su Jing , Chen Yi , Brodsky Michael , Salfinger Yvonne 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Background: The gene-based real-time PCR method for identification of Campylobacter jejuni is more simple, rapid and accurate than the traditional biochemical method. Objective: A performance validation of the TadpoleTMCampylobacter jejuni Real-Time PCR Identification Kit was performed. Method: The assay uses TaqMan Real-time PCR technology to amplify target genes from isolated colonies. Bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from inclusivity and exclusivity organisms cultured on Columbia Blood Agar, Campy-Cefex agar and modified Charcoal Cefoperazone Deoxycholate was extracted and analyzed on three instruments: Applied Biosystems (ABI) 7500 Fast, ABI StepOne Plus and Bio-Rad CFX96. Results: When 57 distinct strains of C. jejuni were tested for inclusivity, all 57 strains produced positive results on the three instruments. In exclusivity testing, all 35 strains of related organisms, including 7 non-target Campylobacter strains and other common species, produced negative results on the three instruments. The Independent Laboratory validation consisting of an inclusivity and exclusivity evaluation for 10 C. jejuni isolates and 10 nontarget Campylobacter isolates also showed 100% expected results on the three instruments. In addition, in robustness testing, small, deliberate changes to the assay parameters, including cell suspension turbidity, heat lysis time, and DNA template volume in the PCR reaction, did not affect the kit performance. Finally, the combined lot-to-lot and stability study on both the ABI 7500 Fast and the ABI StepOne Plus showed that the 11 C. jejuni strains and 5 nontarget Campylobacter strains can be correctly identified by the three independently manufactured, lots and it supported a shelf life of 9 months when stored at –20°C. Conclusions: The Tadpole method offers a rapid, accurate, and robust alternative for C. jejuni identification. Highlights: Rapid and accurate method to identify C. jejuni, which has a good robustness and high stability. It is flexible and offers the advantages of reduced labor and time saving.
Analytical Validation and Clinical Utility of an Immunohistochemical Programmed Death Ligand-1 Diagnostic Assay and Combined Tumor and Immune Cell Scoring Algorithm for Durvalumab in Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Zajac Magdalena , Boothman Anne-Marie , Ben Yong , Gupta Ashok , Jin Xiaoping , Mistry Amita , Sabalos Constantine , Nielsen Alma , Manriquez Guadalupe , Barker Craig , Antal Joyce , Wang Peiyi , Patil Pallavi , Schechter Nicole , Rebelatto Marlon C. , Walker Jill 
Published: November 2018

Context.—
Clinical responses to anti–programmed death receptor-1 and anti–programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) agents are generally improved in patients with high PD-L1 expression compared with those with low/negative expression across several tumor types, including urothelial carcinoma.

Objective.—
To validate a PD-L1 immunohistochemical diagnostic test in urothelial carcinoma patients treated with the anti–PD-L1 monoclonal antibody durvalumab.

Design.—
The Ventana PD-L1 (SP263) assay was validated for intended use in urothelial carcinoma formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples in studies addressing sensitivity, specificity, robustness, and precision, and implemented in study CD-ON-MEDI4736-1108 (NCT01693562). Efficacy was analyzed in patients classified according to prespecified PD-L1 expression cutoffs: PD-L1 high (if &gt;1% of the tumor area contained tumor-associated immune cells, ≥25% of tumor cells or ≥25% of immune cells stained for PD-L1; if ≤1% of the tumor area contained immune cells, ≥25% of tumor cells or 100% of immune cells stained for PD-L1) and PD-L1 low/negative (did not meet criteria for PD-L1 high).

Results.—
The assay met all predefined acceptance criteria for sensitivity, specificity, and precision. Interreader and intrareader precision overall agreement were 93.0% and 92.4%, respectively. For intraday reproducibility and interday precision, overall agreement was 99.2% and 100%, respectively. Interlaboratory overall agreement was 92.6%. In study CD-ON-MEDI4736-1108, durvalumab demonstrated clinical activity and durable responses in both PD-L1–high and PD-L1–low/negative subgroups, although objective response rates tended to be higher in the PD-L1–high subgroup than in the PD-L1–low/negative subgroup.

Conclusions.—
Determination of PD-L1 expression in urothelial carcinoma patients using the Ventana PD-L1 (SP263) assay was precise, highly reproducible, and clinically relevant.
Reassessing public opinion of captive cetacean attractions with a photo elicitation survey
Authors: Wassermann Sophia N. , Hind-Ozan Edward J. , Seaman Julia 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundCaptive cetacean attractions are growing in number globally, their operators citing entertainment, education, and conservation as benefits. Those for and against developing such attractions claim public support. Previous public opinion research, however, shows little consensus, partly due to the introduction of biases in study design that influence participants’ responses. Those involved in, or concerned with, developing and licensing these attractions need to better understand what drives the lack of consensus to take socially-acceptable decisions.MethodsWe reviewed previous research on public opinion of cetacean captivity, noting possible sources of bias. Survey question wording can be a major source of introduced bias, so we used an open-ended photo elicitation approach. We showed tourists in the Turks Caicos Islands (N = 292) images of a marine mammal park (MMP) killer whale show and a swim-with-the-dolphins (SWTD) attraction and asked for their qualitative comments on the potential development of each. They also indicated how likely they would be to visit each on a Likert scale.ResultsRespondents were generally against visiting MMP killer whale shows, with 60.9% not likely to visit. SWTD attractions were more popular; 60.3% were likely to visit. For SWTD, USA residents were more likely to visit; older respondents and those staying in all-inclusive resorts were less likely. Those staying in all-inclusive resorts were also less likely to visit MMP killer whale shows. The great majority of qualitative comments centred on either entertainment value or animal welfare concerns. There were very few, if any, comments on the education or conservation value of these attractions.DiscussionOur findings contradict several previous studies on public opinion of captive cetaceans that did not use photo elicitation. The support shown for MMP killer whale shows in this survey was well below that claimed by studies conducted on behalf of captive cetacean attraction operators. Opposition to SWTD was also noticeably lower than that found in surveys conducted with wild cetacean tourism participants. This difference can likely be attributed to the different survey populations and settings, but this variation is also very likely attributable to researcher-introduced bias. While photo selection can introduce bias, photo elicitation reduces reliance on pre-scripted questions and responses, and seems to effectively reduce other forms of bias. Allowing open-ended responses, where participants responded to an image, seems to have given a more representative understanding of what is at the forefront of the public’s mind than closed questioning. These conclusions, among others made in this study, suggest that development decisions for captive cetacean attractions are being made on imprecise data. Going forward, data collected via responder-led, open-ended, bias-minimising approaches should at least be considered when informing such decisions.
Overcoming the Pitfalls of Cytochrome P450 Immobilization through the Use of Fusogenic Liposomes
Authors: Kiiski Iiro M. A. , Pihlaja Tea , Urvas Lauri , Witos Joanna , Wiedmer Susanne K. , Jokinen Ville P. , Sikanen Tiina M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis work describes a new nanotechnology‐based immobilization strategy for cytochrome P450s (CYPs), the major class of drug metabolizing enzymes. Immobilization of CYPs on solid supports provides a significant leap forward compared with soluble enzyme assays by enabling the implementation of through‐flow microreactors for, for example, determination of time‐dependent inhibition. Immobilization of the complex CYP membrane‐protein system is however particularly challenging as the preservation of the authentic enzyme kinetic parameters requires the full complexity of the lipid environment. The developed strategy is based on the spontaneous fusion of biotinylated fusogenic liposomes with lipid bilayers to facilitate the gentle biotinylation of human liver microsomes that incorporate all main natural CYP isoforms. The same process is also feasible for the biotinylation of recombinant CYPs expressed in insect cells, same as any membrane‐bound enzymes in principle. As a result, CYPs could be immobilized on streptavidin‐functionalized surfaces, both those of commercial magnetic beads and customized microfluidic arrays, so that the enzyme kinetic parameters remain unchanged, unlike in previously reported immobilization approaches that often suffer from restricted substrate diffusion to the enzyme's active site and steric hindrances. The specificity and robustness of the functionalization method of customized microfluidic CYP assays are also carefully examined.
Laser Direct Writing of Ultrahigh Sensitive SiC‐Based Strain Sensor Arrays on Elastomer toward Electronic Skins
Authors: Gao Yang , Li Qi , Wu Rongyao , Sha Jin , Lu Yongfeng , Xuan Fuzhen 
Published: November 2018

AbstractElectronic skins (e‐skins) have been widely investigated as important platforms for healthcare monitoring, human/machine interfaces, and soft robots. However, mask‐free formation of patterned active materials on elastomer substrates without involving high‐cost and complicate processes is still a grand challenge in developing e‐skins. Here, SiC‐based strain sensor arrays are fabricated on elastomer for e‐skins by a laser direct writing (LDW) technique, which is mask‐free, highly efficient, and scalable. The direct synthesis of active material on elastomer is ascribed to the LDW‐induced conversion of siloxanes to SiC. The SiC‐based devices own a highest sensitivity of ≈2.47 × 105 achieved at a laser power of 0.8 W and a scanning velocity of 1.25 mm s−1. Moreover, the LDW‐developed device provides a minimum strain detection limit of 0.05%, a small temperature drift, and a high mechanical durability for over 10 000 cycles. When it is mounted onto human skins, the SiC‐based device is able to monitor external stimuli and human health conditions, with the capability of wireless data transmission. Its potential application in e‐skins is further proved by an LDW‐fabricated device having 3 × 3 SiC sensor array for tactile sensing.
Electrospinning‐on‐Electrode Assembly for Air‐Cathodes in Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Quaglio Marzia , Chiodoni Angelica , Massaglia Giulia , Delmondo Luisa , Sacco Adriano , Garino Nadia , Castellino Micaela , Bianco Stefano , Margaria Valentina , Salvador Gian Paolo , Pirri Candido Fabrizio 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA binder‐free electrospinning‐on‐electrode (EoE) assembly is proposed for the decoration of nonflat electrodes with nanostructured catalysts. EoE assembly exploits the modulation of the electric field induced by conducting protrusions. Using nonflat electrodes as collectors, EoE assembly allows the arrangement of nanostructured catalyst with optimized electrochemical interfaces. This work discusses the decoration of carbon paper electrodes with nanostructured manganese oxide to catalyze the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Carbon fibers on top of carbon paper act as conductive protrusions, locally enhancing the electric field, and thus inducing a preferential arrangement of the electrospun. Two nanostructured Mn3O4 are obtained by EoE assembly, i.e., nanofibers and nanobeads. The catalytic behavior toward ORR is evaluated by rotating ring disk electrode analysis. The EoE‐based cathodes with the catalyst shaped as nanofibers have exchanged 3.81 electrons during ORR, while nanobeads have reached 3.9 electrons, behaving similarly to standard Pt/C‐based electrodes. Electrodes are then tested in single chamber microbial fuel cell with air breathing cathode. Devices having cathodes decorated with Mn3O4 nanobeads achieve a power output comparable to that obtained by Pt‐based cathodes. The impressive result can be attributed to the good quality of the electrochemical interfaces formed by the electrospinning‐based processing as demonstrated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.