bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apatite fission track constraints on the Neogene tectono‐thermal history of Nimu area, southern Gangdese terrane, Tibet Plateau
Authors: Yuan Wanming , Deng Jun , Zheng Qiugen , Dong Jinquan , Bao Zengkuan , Eizenhoefer Paul R. , Xu Xiaotong , Huang Zhixin 
Published: March 2009

AbstractApatite fission track dating of five samples from Cenozoic volcanic strata in the Nimu District in the southern Gangdese Terrane exhibits single population grain ages with a single mean age and associated central ages ranging from 6.8 ± 0.6 Ma to 9.7 ± 1.2 Ma. Mean track lengths are between 12.9 ± 1.7 µm and 14.2 ± 2.3 µm with a single peak characteristic of a single thermal event. The newly documented ages coincide well with the age of high sedimentation rates in the North Tibet Basin that resulted from a 9–5 Ma compressional event. Track length modeling allows three stages to be identified in the sample cooling. The first stage (12–8 Ma) records a period of relative stability with little, if any, cooling at temperatures of 120–110°C suggesting this region had low relief. The second stage (8–2 Ma) reflects rapid cooling with temperatures decreasing from ∼110°C to surface temperatures of ∼15°C. This stage can be related to far‐field effects of the Himalayan collision, which probably generated the surface uplift and relief that defines the present‐day Gangdese Mountains. The mean uplift rate of this period is estimated to be 1.41–0.95 mm/y with total uplift reaching ∼5900 m. The final stage is related to surface evolution since the Pliocene.
Pulmonary and systemic response to atmospheric pollution
Authors: HOGG James C. , VAN EEDEN Stephen 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTThe inhalation of toxic particles and gases reduces the innate defences of the lung by increasing epithelial permeability, decreasing mucociliary clearance and depressing macrophage function. There is also substantial experimental evidence that lung epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages generate a rich milieu of inflammatory mediators when exposed to atmospheric particles that can be measured in induced sputum, BAL fluid and blood. Here we review evidence that these mediators produce an integrated local lung and systemic inflammatory immune response. That results in an increase in the release of leucocytes and platelets from the bone marrow, an increased production of acute phase proteins from the liver and activation of the vascular endothelium to favour the formation of new and destabilization and rupture of existing atherosclerotic plaques. We postulate that when this response is generated in elderly persons whose lungs are compromised by COPD, it may account for the acute exacerbations of COPD that destroy the quality of life and increase the need for medical attention and hospital admissions. Moreover, the accelerated spread of the atherosclerotic process, and destabilization of existing atherosclerotic plaques in experimental animals that develop atherosclerosis naturally when exposed to atmospheric particles, may account for the acute coronary syndromes, myocardial infarction, transient cerebral ischaemia and stroke that have been documented in humans exposed to episodes of air pollution.
Astigmatic change in biaxial microincisional cataract surgery with enlargement of one incision: a prospective controlled study
Authors: Kaufmann Claude , Thiel Michael A. , Esterman Adrian , Dougherty Paul J. , Goggin Michael 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPurpose:  To investigate the astigmatic changes induced by biaxial microincisional cataract surgery with enlargement of one incision to accommodate a foldable standard lens.Methods:  In a prospective controlled trial one eye each of 50 patients was evaluated. Two temporal microincisions were applied and the right‐hand incision was enlarged to 2.8 mm to allow for the insertion of the lens. Based on preoperative and postoperative keratometry readings, vector analysis was performed to calculate the surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) and the flattening effect of each of the two incisions at their meridia. To assess the degree of measurement error, a non‐surgical control group underwent keratometry over the same time frame and vector analysis was used to calculate the same indices based on the variation in the keratometry readings.Results:  Six weeks postoperatively, mean SIA was 0.66 ± 0.08 D in the study group and 0.51 ± 0.05 D in the non‐surgical control group (P = 0.041). At the right‐hand incision, a flattening of 0.34 ± 0.09 D was measured in the study group as opposed to a steepening of 0.03 ± 0.06 D in the control group (P < 0.001). At the smaller left‐hand incision, steepening effects of 0.28 ± 0.08 and 0.05 ± 0.06 D occurred, respectively (P = 0.011).Conclusion:  Biaxial microincisional cataract surgery with enlargement of one incision to 2.8 mm is not astigmatically neutral, demonstrating a statistically significantly larger SIA than that attributable to measurement error.
Orbital schwannoma with cystic degeneration
Authors: Kashyap Seema , Pushker Neelam , Meel Rachna , Sen Seema , Bajaj Mandeep S. , Khuriajam Noornika , Mehta Mridula , Chawla Bhavna 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:  Schwannoma is a benign, slowly growing, painless, peripheral nerve sheath tumour that is uncommon in orbit. Longstanding tumours may develop degenerative changes. Extensive cystic change in orbital schwannoma is quite rare. We conducted this study to analyse the cases of orbital schwannoma, which were predominantly cystic and describe their clinical, imaging and histopathological features.Method:  A retrospective analysis of histopathology records of all the orbital tumours operated between 1993 and 2008 was undertaken at a tertiary care referral centre in northern India. The clinical, imaging and histopathological features of patients with cystic schwannoma were studied.Results:  A total of 600 specimens of orbital tumours were received during the study period. We found 39 cases of orbital schwannoma. Out of these, 16 (41%) had extensive cystic degeneration. The age of these patients ranged from 20 to 65 years. Eleven of the patients were female. Duration of symptoms varied from 3 months to 15 years. The most common clinical symptom was painless progressive proptosis with diminution of vision. The radiological picture was quite variable resulting in a primary diagnosis of combined venous‐lymphatic vascular malformation in 2, lacrimal gland tumour in 2, dermoid cyst in 1, hydatid cyst in 2 and schwannoma in 5 cases.Conclusion:  Orbital schwannoma is a great masquerader in the orbit. Extensive cystic changes in schwannoma are uncommonly reported. Cystic schwannoma constituted 41% of all orbital schwannomas in our series. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest case series of orbital cystic schwannomas.
Blue‐on‐yellow perimetry and optical coherence tomography in patients with preperimetric glaucoma
Authors: Zhong Yisheng , Shen Xi , Zhou Xiaoqing , Cheng Yu , Min Yingjun 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPurpose:  To investigate the diagnostic ability of blue‐on‐yellow perimetry (B/YP) and Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT) in discriminating preperimetric glaucoma from normal eyes.Methods:  A total 40 eyes of 40 normal subjects, 38 eyes of 38 preperimetric glaucoma patients (normal standard automated perimetry [SAP] and retinal nerve fibre layer [RNFL] defects or localized optic disc notching and thinning) were enrolled in the study. All the patients underwent SAP and B/YP tests, and OCT measurements. The correlation between B/YP indices and OCT parameters in the eyes with preperimetric glaucoma was analysed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area was calculated to discriminate preperimetric glaucoma from normal eyes.Results:  In preperimetric glaucoma, 42% eyes (16/38) had B/YP visual field loss, and 68% eyes (26/38) had RNFL defects with OCT measurements. A mild significant correlation was found between B/YP pattern standard deviation (PSD) and average RNFL thickness (Avg.Thi) (R2 = 0.112, P = 0.012), superior maximum (Smax) (R2 = 0.140, P = 0.005) and maximum‐minimum (Max‐Min) (R2 = 0.074, P = 0.042) in the preperimetric glaucoma group. The areas under the ROC curve for B/YP PSD and B/YP mean deviation were 0.721 and 0.665, respectively, and the three OCT parameters with the widest areas under the ROC curve were Avg.Thi (0.719), inferior average (Iavg) (0.718) and nasal average (Navg) (0.706). The highest sensitivity of the individual B/YP indices and OCT parameters for detection of preperimetric glaucoma was B/YP mean deviation (32%) and Smax/Navg (40%) at 90% specificity; the highest sensitivity of the individual B/YP indices and OCT parameters was B/YP PSD (49%) and Iavg (56%) at 80% specificity.Conclusion:  The sensitivity of B/YP indices and Stratus OCT RNFL thickness parameters is low for detecting preperimetric glaucoma, suggesting that BYP and OCT as utilized in this study have limited utility in the detection of preperimetric glaucoma.
Induction of heat shock proteins 27 and 72 in retinal ganglion cells after acute pressure‐induced ischaemia
Authors: Windisch Bettina K , LeVatte Terry L , Archibald Michele L , Chauhan Balwantray C 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:  We wanted to investigate whether heat shock protein (HSP) 27 and HSP 72 are induced in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after acute intraocular pressure (IOP)‐induced ischaemia.Methods:  Retinal ischaemia was induced by acutely increasing IOP to 100–110 mmHg for 30 or 90 min unilaterally in Sprague Dawley rats. A fluorescent tracer (fluorogold, FG) was applied to the superior colliculi to label RGCs. Twenty‐four hours, 1 week or 2 weeks after of IOP elevation, rats were killed, RGCs counted, and immunohistochemical labelling of the retina was performed. HSP‐positive RGCs were counted and normalized HSP RGC counts determined.Results:  The ratio of FG‐positive labelled RGCs in the experimental to the contralateral eye as a marker of RGC survival remained unchanged after 30 min of ischaemia: 1.09 ± 0.11 at 1 week, and 0.94 ± 0.28 at 2 weeks. After 90 min of ischaemia RGC survival decreased to 0.19 ± 0.14 at 1 week, and 0.20 ± 0.14 at 2 weeks. After 30 min of ischaemia, the normalized HSP 27‐ and HSP 72‐positive RGC count was detected at highest levels (HSP 27: 5.42 ± 1.18; HSP 72: 12.23 ± 1.24) at 2 weeks compared with controls, whereas after 90 min ischaemia it was detected at higher levels at 1 week (HSP 27: 52.63 ± 3.65; HSP 72: 206.84 ± 60.38), as well as at 2 weeks (HSP 27: 89.00 ± 17.21; HSP 72: 191.00 ± 50.05).Conclusion:  These results demonstrate an enhanced induction of HSP 27 and HSP 72 after 90 min acute IOP‐induced ischaemia. In contrast to 30 min ischaemia, we showed time‐dependent loss of RGCs after 90 min of ischaemia after 1 week or 2 weeks.
Prevalence and risk factors of ocular trauma in an urban south‐east Asian population: the Singapore Malay Eye Study
Authors: Loon Seng C , Tay Wan T , Saw Seang M , Wang Jie J , Wong Tien Y 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPurpose:  To describe the prevalence and risk factors of ocular trauma in an urban Asian population.Methods:  A population‐based survey of 3280 (78.7% response rate) Malay people aged 40–80 years residing in Singapore was conducted in 2004–2006. Interviewer‐administered questionnaire was used to ascertain a history of ocular trauma, defined as any eye injury requiring medical attention from a doctor.Results:  Of the 3264 participants, 149 (5.0%, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 4.1–6.0%) reported a history of ocular trauma. Of those, 30.2% had trauma from a blunt object, 33.6% from a sharp object, and 22.1% from chemical burns. After adjusting for age and sex, men had a higher prevalence of ocular trauma than women (8.3% vs. 2.1%, age‐adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.7, CI 3.1–7.1), and younger persons had a higher risk of ocular trauma (per year increase in age, OR 0.98, CI 0.96–0.99). Consumption of alcohol was associated with higher likelihood of having ocular injury (OR 4.3, CI 2.2–8.4).Conclusions:  One in 20 persons in this urban south‐east Asian population had a history of ocular trauma. Younger persons, men and consumption of alcohol were risk factors for ocular trauma.
Discriminant Models of Uncertainty in Nominal Fields
Authors: Goodchild Michael , Zhang Jingxiong , Kyriakidis Phaedon 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDespite developments in error modeling in discrete objects and continuous fields, there exist substantial and largely unsolved conceptual problems in the domain of nominal fields. This article explores a novel strategy for uncertainty characterization in spatial categorical information. The proposed strategy is based on discriminant space, which is defined with essential properties or driving processes underlying spatial class occurrences, leading to discriminant models of uncertainty in area classes. This strategy reinforces consistency in categorical mapping by imposing class‐specific mean structures that can be regressed against discriminant variables, and facilitates scale‐dependent error modeling that can effectively emulate the variation found between observers in terms of classes, boundary positions, numbers of polygons, and boundary network topology. Based on simulated data, comparisons with stochastic simulation based on indicator kriging confirmed the replicability of the discriminant models, which work by determining the mean area classes based on discriminant variables and projecting spatially correlated residuals in discriminant space to uncertainty in area classes.
Integrated Storage and Querying of Spatially Varying Data Quality Information in a Relational Spatial Database
Authors: Ghouse Zaffar Mohamed , Duckham Matt 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis article investigates a new, integrated technique for storing and retrieving spatially varying data quality information in a relational spatial database. Rather than storing global data quality statements, the system enables data quality information to be referenced to a spatial framework, individual spatial objects, or even parts of spatial objects. The integrated model, called as RDBMS for Spatial Variation in Quality (RSVQ), allows flexible storage of spatially varying data quality information, and seamless querying irrespective of the underlying storage model. RSVQ is founded on a formal model of relational databases, defining a new derived, polymorphic query operator to join quality data with spatial data. The operator is implemented in an extension to SQL as a new WITHQUALITY keyword. A performance evaluation of RSVQ was conducted, using an Oracle Spatial database and a case study of cadastral data for parts of Victoria, Australia. The results of this evaluation demonstrated that the system is practical and efficient for a wide range of queries, as well as indicating the performance trade‐offs associated with the different data quality storage models. Using the integrated RSVQ approach provides the potential for a single, consistent, database engine for a wide range of existing and proposed spatial data quality management systems.
New Perspectives on the Use of GPS and GIS to Support a Highway Performance Study
Authors: Tong Daoqin , Merry Carolyn J , Coifman Benjamin 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn recent decades, rapid growth of travel volume has resulted in a significant increase in traffic congestion, accidents, environmental pollution and energy consumption. Accurate traffic data are drastically needed for effective evaluation of traffic systems in order to alleviate the impacts of increasing travel volume of the quality of life and economic development of urban areas. This article provides a discussion on a data acquisition methodology for highway traffic pattern recognition and congestion analysis by integrating data from the global positioning system (GPS) with a geographic information system (GIS). The GPS technology is a powerful tool in capturing continuous positioning and timing information, whereas the GIS is capable of storing, managing, manipulating, analyzing and displaying the acquired spatial information. Compared to previous studies, the effective integration of the two technologies allows for traffic analysis to be conducted at a finer resolution. The proposed method is illustrated with a case study on multiple major highway segments in Columbus, Ohio.
Molluscum contagiosum: immunomorphological aspects of keratinocytes markers of differentiation and adhesion
Authors: Callegaro Clarissa Freitas , Sotto Mirian N. 
Published: March 2009

Background: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a Molluscipox virus infection of keratinocytes with hyperplasia and intracytoplasmic inclusions—the molluscum bodies (MBs). Few papers address cytokeratins (K) profile in MC, mainly focusing terminal keratinization process.Methods: Forty‐one MC lesions were subjected to immunohistochemical technique to verify K1, K10, K14, K16, involucrin, filaggrin, E‐cadherin and p63 expression. MC immunolabeling pattern was compared to adjacent normal appearing epidermis (ANAE).Results: In MC and ANAE, K1/K10 were expressed in suprabasal layers, K14 was expressed in basal and suprabasal layers and K16 was expressed through all spinous layer. Involucrin and filaggrin were observed in granular, spinous and in basal layer of ANAE and MC. E‐cadherin was present up to the first layers of MC while ANAE exhibited E‐cadherin labeling at basal and spinous layers. Basal and spinous layers keratinocytes nuclei, in both MC and ANAE, express p63.Conclusion: Infection by Molluscipox virus alters keratinocyte differentiation status. The presence of K14 and p63 in spinous layer, as well as early expression of involucrin and filaggrin, associated to a hyperproliferative state disclosed by K16 expression, may be a result of disruption in keratinocytes maturation process. The changes observed at ANAE may represent early events in keratinization disturbance.
Chemical characterization, energy values, protein and carbohydrate fractions, degradation kinetics of frost damaged wheat (with severely overall weight loss) in ruminants
Authors: YU Peiqiang , RACZ Vern 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTIn Canada, frost damage can result in millions of tonnes of wheat that is not suitable for human consumption (such wheat is referred to as ‘frozen’) each year. There is a need to systematically evaluate the nutritive value of frozen wheat for ruminants. So far, little research has been conducted to determine the magnitude of the differences in nutritive value between frozen and normal wheat. The objectives of this study were to compare frozen wheat and normal wheat (AC Barrie) in terms of (i) chemical characteristics; (ii) protein and carbohydrate fractions; (iii) energy value; and (iv) rumen degradation kinetics. The results showed that the overall yield losses of the frozen wheat were around 24%. The frozen wheat was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in starch (47 vs. 62%DM), non‐structural carbohydrates (60 vs. 70%DM), and non‐protein N (63 vs. 93%SCP); and higher (P < 0.05) in crude fat (3 vs. 2%DM), acid (6 vs. 2%DM), neutral detergent fiber (22 vs. 10%DM), lignin (2 vs. 1%DM), acid (3 vs. 1%CP) and neutral detergent insoluble CP (19 vs. 14%CP). The frozen wheat was also lower in (P < 0.05) energy (TDN, DE3X, ME3X, NEL3X, DE4X, ME4X, NEL4X for dairy; ME, NEm, and NEg beef cattle). After partitioning of protein and carbohydrate (CHO) subfractions, the results showed that the frozen wheat was lower (P < 0.05) in the intermediately degradable CP (PB2: 47 vs. 59%CP); and higher in rapidly degradable CP (PB1: 12 vs. 2%CP) and unavailable CP (PC: 3 vs. 1%CP). The frozen wheat was also lower (P < 0.05) in intermediately degradable CHO (CB1: 60 vs. 77%CHO); and higher (P < 0.05) in slowly degradable CHO (CB2: 20 vs. 8%CHO) and unavailable CHO (CC: 5 vs. 2%CHO). The in situ results showed that the frozen wheat had different patterns in rumen degradation kinetics of protein and starch. The extent of the changes varied according to the specific nutrient examined. In conclusion, the frozen wheat differed in chemical characteristics, TDN and energy values, protein and carbohydrate fractions and in situ degradation behavior from normal wheat. The chemical and nutritional characterization of wheat was highly associated with climate condition (frost damage). The frost damage to the wheat reduced nutrient content and availability and thus reduced nutrient supply to ruminants.
Fecal excretion of alcohols and organic anions in neonatal dairy calves
Authors: SATO Hiroshi , SHIOGAMA Yumiko 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTTo clarify colonic fermentation during the perinatal period, 22 dairy calves less than 6 weeks old were used. They were given a milk replacer following colostrum feeding. A total 100 samples of normal feces including meconium were collected from the rectum of the calves. Fecal pH, alcohols, lactate and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were analyzed. Higher ethanol and n‐propanol concentrations were found in many fecal samples particularly in the first 2 weeks after birth, but these metabolites showed consistently lower concentrations thereafter. By contrast, higher concentrations of methanol were observed in some samples for all ages examined. Fecal VFA increased abruptly within a few days of birth, and mainly consisted of acetate and n‐butyrate. During the first 2 weeks, the proportion of n‐butyrate in VFAs decreased and that of propionate increased gradually. Proportions of VFAs were almost stable at 3–6 weeks of age (acetate, propionate and n‐butyrate in increasing order). Higher concentrations of lactate and lower pHs were observed in the fecal samples during the first 2 weeks, and concentrations decreased thereafter. Accelerated colonic production of ethanol and n‐propanol was confirmed during the early 2 weeks, in addition to organic acid fermentation as reported previously.
Family Quality of Life Before and After Out‐of‐Home Placement of a Family Member With an Intellectual Disability
Authors: Werner Shirli , Edwards Meaghan , Baum Nehama T. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe effect of out‐of‐home residential placement on families has been previously studied. However, no study has examined this issue through the lens of “family quality of life” (FQoL). The aim of this study was to produce a picture of FQoL among families with a member with an intellectual disability (ID) who has multiple diagnoses (i.e., an additional condition such as a behavioral or emotional disturbance). FQoL before and after residential placement was examined. Sixteen family carers with family members with an ID participated in an in‐depth interview focusing on five areas of FQoL: stress, coping, emotional impact, family relationships, and overall FQoL. The authors found that most families reported positive emotional changes after the placement occurred, except for lingering guilt and worry. In addition, after placement, families experienced more freedom, enhanced FQoL, and an improvement in familial relationships. Coping mechanisms, including problem‐focused and emotion‐focused coping, as well as external support resources, were utilized before and after placement. These findings suggest that an out‐of‐home residential placement of a family member with an ID both positively and negatively impacts the entire family. The authors propose a number of support recommendations that might serve to enhance the QoL of the individual with a disability, specific family members, and the family as a whole.