bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Case Notes
Authors: Sugisaka Eiko , Ohde Hisao , Shinoda Kei , Mashima Yukihiko 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWe describe a patient with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) who had a unilateral involvement and a gradual recovery of vision. A 50‐year‐old woman was referred to our clinic in December 2004 for the treatment of left optic neuritis. The visual acuity was 0.01 in her left eye and 1.5 in her right eye. The left eye had a central scotoma and a relative afferent pupillary defect. Ophthalmoscopy revealed a hyperaemic optic disc with indistinct margins in the left eye. Fluorescein angiography showed circumpapillary microangiopathy in both eyes and staining of the left optic disc. An nt 11778 mutation was identified and she was diagnosed with LHON. The central scotoma gradually improved, and the visual acuity had recovered to 0.3 in August 2007. LHON should still be considered even in older female patients presenting with unilateral acute visual loss when microangiopathy is seen. In such cases, molecular testing is effective in confirming a diagnosis of LHON.
Photographic Essays
Authors: Roydhouse Trent C , Roydhouse J Doug 
Published: September 2010

AbstractRetinal pigment epithelial tears are most commonly found in the context of aged related macular degeneration with associated choroidal neovascular membrane or retinal pigment epithelial atrophy. We report a case of spontaneous giant pigment epithelial tear in a patient with only relevant history of head trauma many years prior to presentation.
Differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells transplanted into the subretinal space of sodium iodate‐injected rats
Authors: Gong Lihua , Wu Qiang , Song Beiwen , Lu Bin , Zhang Yi 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPurpose:  The differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was investigated in a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) damage model induced by the administration of sodium iodate.Methods:  Cultured rat MSCs were transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein and transplanted into the subretinal space of rats injected 4 days earlier with sodium iodate. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed 5 weeks later.Results:  The transduction efficiency was 99.9%. Viable MSCs were detected 5 weeks after transplantation, mainly in the subretinal space. The cells expressed pan‐cytokeratin, glial fibrillary acidic protein and rhodopsin.Conclusions:  Bone marrow MSCs transplanted into the subretinal space of sodium iodate‐injected rats have the ability to differentiate into RPE, photoreceptor and glial lineage cells.
Immunohistochemistry in diagnostic ophthalmic pathology: a review
Authors: Eagle Jr Ralph C 
Published: September 2010

AbstractImmunohistochemistry (IHC) is a powerful laboratory technique that employs antibodies to identify cellular components. IHC has revolutionized histopathological diagnosis in the past several decades. This review of IHC in diagnostic ophthalmic pathology will concentrate on common lesions and diagnostic scenarios that frequently are evaluated by IHC in a busy ophthalmic pathology laboratory. Antibodies and markers that are used in the evaluation of ophthalmic lesions will be emphasized.
Intracorneal ring segments in ectatic corneal disease – a review
Authors: Piñero David P , Alio Jorge L 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe purpose of this review is to collect and summarize all the scientific literature regarding the use of intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) in corneal ectatic disease. These implants, initially designed to correct myopia in normal eyes, are implanted in the deep corneal stroma with the aim of achieving modifications to the corneal curvature and subsequently refractive adjustments. Colin et al. in 2000 were the first to report the efficacy of these implants in reducing the refractive error and corneal steepening in keratoconus eyes. Two main types of ICRS have been developed and used for the treatment of ectatic corneal disease, different in profile and diameter of implantation: Intacs and Ferrara rings. Successful outcomes have been reported by several authors with these implants in keratoconic eyes using different nomograms. Besides keratoconus, ICRS have been also used successfully for the management of pellucid marginal degeneration and post‐laser in situ keratomileusis corneal ectasia. The implantation procedure may be performed today by two surgical techniques to create the corneal channels where implants are inserted: mechanical dissection using a manual semicircular dissector (mechanical‐assisted) and photodisruption of lamellar tissue using the femtosecond laser technology (femtosecond‐assisted). With both techniques, visual, refractive and topographic improvements have been observed, although higher incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications have been reported with the mechanical procedure according to the evidence found in the peer‐reviewed literature. ICRS technology is a promising therapeutic option in corneal ectatic disease, avoiding corneal graft and allowing a visual and refractive rehabilitation.
Laser epithelial keratomileusis in 2010 – a review
Authors: O'Keefe Michael , Kirwan Caitriona 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPhotorefractive keratectomy, laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) and Epi‐LASIK are all variants of a similar type refractive surgery involving laser on the surface of the cornea and differ mainly in management of the epithelium. Although laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is currently the most popular form of refractive surgery, LASEK is the procedure of choice in some patients. We highlight potential complications of LASEK and how these may be managed. Following laser refractive surgery, corneal thickness is reduced, which has implications for intraocular pressure measurement and glaucoma screening and management. This is particularly important following surface laser procedures where no evidence of previous surgery may be visible. In the event that cataract surgery is required at a later date, correct calculation of the appropriate intraocular lens power can be difficult and it thus important that patients are given their preoperative keratometry readings and refraction. Compared with LASIK patients, those who undergo LASEK are considered to be at lower risk of corneal ectasia. Improved understanding of wound healing post LASEK and better postoperative pain management are ongoing challenges.
Laser in situ keratomileusis in 2010 – a review
Authors: Sutton Gerard L , Kim Peter 
Published: September 2010

AbstractLaser in situ keratomileusis has become a widely accepted and commonly performed surgical refractive procedure. With the rapid advances in laser technology and surgical techniques, the visual outcomes and safety of this procedure has significantly improved. This review outlines the historical background, recent technological advances, indications, patient assessment and selection, the surgical technique, as well as complications of the procedure and their management.
Keratoprostheses in clinical practice – a review
Authors: Gomaa Ahmed , Comyn Oliver , Liu Christopher 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe search for a substitute for the natural cornea dates back more than 200 years. Although several devices have been developed and trialled, very few have had successful long‐term results and continue in regular clinical use. Keratoprosthesis (KPro) surgery is complex and should be performed in centres with an experienced multidisciplinary team. Currently available KPro devices range from the totally synthetic, such as the Boston KPro, to the totally biological tissue‐engineered artificial cornea. The osteo‐odonto keratoprothesis combines a synthetic optic with a biological haptic. All keratoprostheses have significant limitations, although visual improvement is possible with each of the devices in clinical use today. This review discusses these devices with emphasis on their indications, surgical techniques and results, before briefly exploring emerging devices and innovative approaches for the future.
Laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery: complications and how to avoid them
Authors: Berkowitz Jared R. , Allaf Mohamad E. 
Published: September 2010

INTRODUCTIONLaparoendoscopic single‐site surgery (LESS) has emerged as a natural progression from standard laparoscopy aiming to further minimize the morbidity of urological procedures. Recent advances in technology and instrumentation coupled with a mastery of laparoscopic surgery by some has led to the incorporation of LESS techniques in a variety of complex urological operations. Given the paucity of published data regarding complications, we review the collective experience as well as share our own results and observations.METHODSA literature search of published series on LESS was performed focusing on complications and other difficulties associated with this new technique. The experience with LESS at our institution was also evaluated for complications and means of avoiding them.RESULTSA few complications relating to LESS specifically are reported in the literature. These are generally related to the access site and the ability to manage situations that require added dexterity. Conversion to standard laparoscopy (or open surgery) is rare while insertion of an additional port appears to be more common.CONCLUSIONSLESS is an evolving platform and may have a steeper learning curve than standard laparoscopy. In experienced hands, the rates of LESS complications appear to be similar to other surgical techniques.
Team conflict in ICT‐rich environments: Roles of technologies in conflict management
Authors: Correia Ana‐Paula 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis study looks at how an information and communication technologies (ICT)‐rich environment impacts team conflict and conflict management strategies. A case study research method was used. Three teams, part of a graduate class in instructional design, participated in the study. Data were collected through observations of team meetings, interviews with individual members, plus analysis of electronic documents exchanged among team members.Findings indicate that all teams experienced conflict at some level and that conflict management strategies evolved over time. ICT played a dual role in the conflict management of teams. These technologies seemed to facilitate conflict management by offering a formal means of communication, by making communication more effective with minimal waste or unnecessary effort, and by creating opportunities for more thoughtful reactions, with chances for reflection on the content. However, ICT also aggravated conflict, specifically when strategies for use were imposed, when team members became blunt and forthright, and when misinterpretations occurred because of differing senses of urgency in replying to emails.
Agency Working in Britain: Character, Consequences and Regulation
Authors: Forde Chris , Slater Gary 
Published: September 2010

AbstractDebate over the nature of temporary agency work has intensified in recent times, spurred on by a proposed European directive and by speculation about links with the much heralded ‘knowledge’ economy. This paper examines the debate, focusing on the current character of agency work in Britain. Using data from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), we assess some of the claims commonly made about agency work, relating to the personal and employment characteristics of those engaged in such work, the motives of agency workers and the prospects for those who take up agency jobs. In considering the arguments surrounding regulatory change, we find there is a strong case for regulation, but that this rests on the continued disadvantage associated with agency work, with little evidence of an impact from the purported ‘knowledge’ economy.
SPATIAL AND VISUAL REASONING: HUMANS VERSUS LOGIC
Authors: Goebel Randy 
Published: September 2010

Glasgow's revival of the “imagery debate” in computational terms provides a renewed opportunity to review the role of logical reasoning in general problem solving. Of special interest is the long‐standing distinction between analogical or depictive problem representations, and the more abstract linguistic forms typified by traditional formal logic syntax.In our brief statement, we recall that logical reasoning rests on semantics not syntax, and that the concepts of soundness, completeness, and consistency are manifest in both depictive and linguistic representations. We emerge with two conclusions: (1) enduring confusion regarding computational aspects of the “imagery debate” arise from long‐standing confusion regarding key logical concepts, and related notions such as epistemological versus heuristic adequacy, logical versus probabilistic independence, and direct versus indirect representations; (2) the desire for depictive reasoning methods is ultimately motivated by human needs, not computational needs.
Target Director Turnover in Acquisitions: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Li Yong , Aguilera Ruth V. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: ConceptualResearch Question/Issue: Post‐acquisition director turnover is a complex and multi‐faceted phenomenon that needs to be examined beyond the agency lens. In this article, we examine the likelihood of non‐executive director turnover in target firms following an acquisition.Research Findings/Result: Acquisitions present an interesting case where conflict of interests may arise between shareholders and directors. This study proposes that the likelihood of target non‐executive director turnover depends on the factors that determine the performance of directors in their monitoring, advisory and social roles pre‐acquisition and during the acquisition process.Theoretical Implications: While there are multiple studies examining the likelihood of turnover of executive directors (TMTs) following an acquisition, there is no systematic conceptual research explaining the likelihood of turnover of non‐executive directors. We draw on three theoretical perspectives–agency theory, resource‐based view and the social capital perspective to comprehensively investigate target non‐executive director turnover post‐acquisition. We further clarify the boundaries of these theoretical arguments concerning their implications for target non‐executive director turnover.Practical Implications: One of the most important tasks for the newly formed firm post‐acquisition is to build the new leadership team, including a new board. In view of the important roles directors take on in modern corporations, it is critical to understand how the new board should be constituted and what members of the target firm are more likely to join that new board.
The Effect of National Governance Codes on Firm Disclosure Practices: Evidence from Analyst Earnings Forecasts
Authors: Nowland John 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: EmpiricalResearch Question: This study examines whether voluntary national governance codes have a significant effect on company disclosure practices. Two direct effects of the codes are expected: 1) an overall improvement in company disclosure practices, which is greater when the codes have a greater emphasis on disclosure; and 2) a leveling out of disclosure practices across companies (i.e., larger improvements in companies that were previously poorer disclosers) due to the codes new comply‐or‐explain requirements. The codes are also expected to have an indirect effect on disclosure practices through their effect on company governance practices.Research Findings/Results: The results show that the introduction of the codes in eight East Asian countries has been associated with lower analyst forecast error and a leveling out of disclosure practices across companies. The codes are also found to have an indirect effect on company disclosure practices through their effect on board independence.Practical Implications: This study shows that a regulatory approach to improving disclosure practices is not always necessary. Voluntary national governance codes are found to have both a significant direct effect and a significant indirect effect on company disclosure practices. In addition, the results indicate that analysts in Asia do react to changes in disclosure practices, so there is an incentive for small companies and family‐owned companies to further improve their disclosure practices.
Audit Committee, Underpricing of IPOs, and Accuracy of Management Earnings Forecasts
Authors: Bédard Jean , Coulombe Daniel , Courteau Lucie 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue: This paper examines the role of audit committees (AC) in the initial public offering (IPO) process in a governance environment where AC best practices are well established but their adoption is voluntary. We consider the creation and characteristics of the committee as signals that issuing firms can use to reduce the underpricing often associated with IPOs. We also examine the effect of the committee on the quality of management earnings forecasts included in the prospectus.Research Findings/Results: Our empirical analysis is performed on a sample of 246 IPOs issued in the Canadian province of Québec. We find that the creation of an AC at the time of the IPO has no effect on underpricing unless its members are independent and have expertise in financial matters, in which case it decreases significantly the level of underpricing of the IPO. However, we find no significant association between these two governance attributes and the accuracy of forecasts included in prospectuses.Theoretical Implications: Our results suggest that the AC is a credible signal that could be used in the firm's signaling strategy and the results provide support for the monitoring role of the board of directors, as proposed by the agency theory.Practical/Policy Implications: Our results support the worldwide movement in legislations requiring AC independence and expertise. They stress the importance of the presence of qualified members on the AC with sufficient knowledge of accounting and finance.
East Meets West? Board Characteristics in an Emerging Market: Evidence from Turkish Banks
Authors: Kaymak Turhan , Bektas Eralp 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue: The aim of this study is to uncover whether prescribed “western style” governance practices surface in the characteristics of board of directors in Turkish banks, and to see if these characteristics influence firm performance. Turkey is an emerging market drawing large amounts of foreign investment but board composition issues have rarely been analyzed.Research Findings/Results: This study investigates the association of board independence, CEO duality, board size, and board tenure with bank performance in Turkey. These relationships are examined for all 27 Turkish banks operating in the market between the years 2001–2004. Our findings suggest that the presence of insiders has a positive impact on return on assets, while duality and board tenure are negatively associated with performance.Theoretical Implications: Our study shows that Turkish banks are following a number of recommended governance practices, but the prevalence of some arrangements may exacerbate principal‐principal conflict. Whether this holds in other more closed sectors of the economy is an area worthy of further investigation.Practical Implications: The presence of duality in the form of duly empowered members/executive directors is very problematic, leading to potential principal‐principal conflict. Strategic investors and portfolio managers should challenge this arrangement before making sizable outlays in the Turkish financial sector.
Abstracts: Development of an in silico prediction system for the risk assessment of chemicals—development of a prediction model for skin irritation
Authors: Kouzuki Hirokazu 
Published: September 2010

pp.254–259 In order to develop a prediction system for the safety of chemicals, many attempts have been made by examining quantitative structure‐activity relationships (QSAR). The results, however, were not always satisfactory enough in view of predictability when it is assumed that they are used in actual situations. In the present study, therefore, we have attempted to develop an in silico prediction system enabling the risk assessment of cosmetic raw materials by combining a molecular orbital calculation method and an artificial neural network system. Human patch test data on 161 samples were collected from a past publication and experiment results in our laboratory. Molecular weight, polarizabilityα, polarizabilityγ, dipole moment, and ionization potential were obtained from molecular orbital calculations as descriptors to predict the skin irritation. In addition, concentration and exposure time were added as descriptors. A neural network system was employed for the analysis. Consequently, by using leave‐one‐out cross‐validation methods, it was shown that the neural network model can predict the positive rate in a human patch test with reasonable accuracy (root mean square error was 0.352). The above results suggest that their combinational use will enable us not only to predict the toxicological potential of cosmetic raw materials but also to make the risk assessment possible.
Abstracts: The effects of licorice leaf extract on ceramide and hyaluronan synthesis
Authors: Kiso Akinori , Kawashima Yoshihito , Ohto Nobuaki , Zhou Yan Yang , Yashiki(Tohi) Keiko , Murakami Toshiyuki , Araho Daisuke , Kambara Toshimitsu , Mizutani Kenji 
Published: September 2010

pp.267–273 Both water‐holding and permeability barrier function in the stratum corneum (SC) are essential for keeping skin moisture. Intercellular lipids in SC, which are composed mainly of cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides, play a crucial role for maintaining the function in SC. The object of our study is to find active ingredients from plant extracts for enhancing the abilities of skin hydration and barrier repair by focusing on the synthesis of ceramides. As a result, we found that licorice leaf extract is a promising ingredient showing not only an increase of mRNA expression levels of serine palmytoyltransferase (SPT) and sphingomyelinase related to ceramide biosynthesis in keratinocytes but also syntheses of ceramides in a 3D skin model and in human skin. Furthermore, licorice leaf extract showed an increase of mRNA expression levels of HMG‐CoA reductase (HMGCR) related to cholesterol biosynthesis and an increase of hyaluronan (HA) production in in vitro tests. One of the principles isolated from licorice leaf extract, 6‐prenyl‐naringenin, was thought to be one of the active components. These results suggested that licorice leaf extract may be a useful ingredient for skin care due to the synthesis of intercellular lipids and HA
Abstracts: The effects of Coptis japonica root extract and its key component, berberine, on human subcutaneous adipocytes
Authors: Yashiki(Tohi) Keiko , Kiso Akinori , Zhou Yan Yang , Iwasaki Daigo , Kambara Toshimitsu , Mizutani Kenji 
Published: September 2010

pp.274–280 An increase of subcutaneous fat presses lymph vessels and blood vessels in skin tissues, and results in not only causing skin troubles such as skin sagging and swelling but also forming cellulite that makes bodylines worse. To expand further application of plant extracts to cosmetics, we focused on inhibitory effects of subcutaneous preadipocytes differentiation and facilitating lipolysis in adipocytes. In this study, in a screening test of a number of plant extracts, Coptis japonica root extract and its key component, berberine, showed potent inhibition of triglyceride accumulation and subcutaneous preadipocytes differentiation. Furthermore, Coptis japonica root extract and berberine down‐regulated the mRNA expression level of several differentiation factors derived from subcutaneous preadipocytes. Coptis japonica root extract and berberine in subcutaneous adipocytes facilitated lipolysis in mature adipocytes. Our study suggested that Coptis japonica root extract and its key component, berberine, is expected to be useful for slimming and related skin troubles such as skin sagging, swelling, cellulite, and so on.