bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leucocyte telomere length in age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Immonen Ilkka , Seitsonen Sanna , Saionmaa Outi , Fyhrquist Frej 
Published: May 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the association between telomere length and age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods:  Circulating leucocyte telomere length and the proportion of telomeres <5 kb were analysed in blood DNA samples taken from 121 patients with exudative AMD (83%), large drusen (14%) or central geographic atrophy (3%). Controls consisted of 77 age‐matched subjects without AMD. The AMD status was assessed by a masked analysis of fundus photographs or angiographs. Telomere length was measured by Southern blotting.Results:  Mean (SD) telomere length was 7.76 kb (0.68) in AMD patients and 7.83 (0.69) in controls (p = 0.485). The corresponding proportions of telomeres <5 kb were 10.60 (2.76) and 10.05 (2.64) (p = 0.197). In this material, there was no correlation between telomere length and age, gender or smoking status. There were no differences between the major AMD risk single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CFH, HTRA1 or C3 genes, expect for somewhat longer telomeres in controls with the C3 risk SNP. There were no differences in telomere length between patients with drusen or exudative AMD.Conclusions:  Telomere length is not associated with exudative AMD or high‐risk drusen.
Comparative findings in childhood‐onset versus adult‐onset optic disc pit maculopathy
Authors: Rii Tosho , Hirakata Akito , Inoue Makoto 
Published: May 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare the clinical characteristics of eyes with childhood‐onset to those with adult‐onset optic disc pit maculopathy.Methods:  Twenty‐seven eyes of 25 patients with optic disc pit maculopathy were reviewed. The clinical characteristics, clinical history including a history of blunt trauma, ophthalmoscopic evaluations and intraoperative findings in the childhood‐onset (age <15 years, four eyes of four patients) cases were compared with those in the adult‐onset (≥15 years, 23 eyes of 21 patients) cases of optic disc pit maculopathy. The strength of the vitreous adhesions was graded by what was required to create a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD); grade 1 = with vitreous cutter, grade 2 = by microhook or forceps and grade 3 = by forceps with removal of remnants of Cloquet’s canal.Results:  The incidence of visual impairments following blunt trauma was significantly higher in childhood‐onset (three of four eyes) than that of adult‐onset (0 of 23 eyes, p = 0.0014). Vitreous surgery with creation of a PVD was performed in the four childhood‐onset eyes and 18 adult‐onset eyes after an absence of a spontaneous resolution. The grade of the vitreous adhesions was significantly higher in childhood‐onset than in adult‐onset eyes (p = 0.0096).Conclusions:  An ocular trauma may provide an opportunity to detect optic disc pits. However, childhood‐onset optic disc pit maculopathy was noted most commonly following blunt ocular trauma in eyes with a strong vitreous adhesion to the optic disc margin.
Genotype–phenotype correlations in Bothnia dystrophy caused by RLBP1 gene sequence variations
Authors: Burstedt Marie , Jonsson Frida , Köhn Linda , Burstedt Magnus , Kivitalo Markus , Golovleva Irina 
Published: May 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate phenotypes caused by different RLBP1 mutations in autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa of Bothnia type.Methods:  Compound heterozygotes for mutations in the RLBP1 gene [c.677T>A]+[c.700C>T] (p.M226K+p.R234W), n = 10, aged 7–84 years, and homozygotes c.677T>A (p.M226K), n = 2, aged 63 and 73 years, were studied using visual acuity (VA), low‐contrast VA, visual fields (VFs) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Retrospective VA and VFs, standardized dark adaptation and full‐field electroretinograms (ERGs) were analysed and prolonged dark adaptometry and ERG (at 24 hr) were performed.Results:  Progressive decline of VA and VF areas was age‐dependent. Retinal degenerative maculopathy, peripheral degenerative changes and retinitis punctata albescens (RPA) were present. Early retinal thinning in the central foveal, foveal (Ø 1 mm), and inner ring (Ø 3 mm) in the macular region, with homogenous, high‐reflectance RPA changes, was visualized in and adjacent to the retinal pigment epithelium/choriocapillaris using OCT. Reduced dark adaptation and affected ERGs were present in all ages. Prolonged dark adaptation and ERG (at 24 hr), an increase in final threshold, and ERG rod and mixed rod/cone responses were found.Conclusions:  The two RLBP1 genotypes presented a phenotypical and electrophysiological expression of progressive retinal disease similar to that previously described in homozygotes for the c.700C>T (p.R234W) RLBP1 mutation. The uniform phenotypical expression of RLBP1 mutations is relevant information for the disease and of importance in planning future treatment strategies.
Association of ocular pseudoexfoliation syndrome with ischaemic heart disease, arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Špečkauskas Martynas , Tamošiūnas Abdonas , Jašinskas Vytautas 
Published: May 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  To determine the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) in Lithuanian urban population and its association with ischaemic heart disease (IHD), arterial hypertension (AH) and diabetes mellitus (DM).Methods:  In this population‐based study, 1065 participants aged 45–72 years were randomly drawn from the population register of Kaunas, Lithuania. They were classified as having PEX if any pseudoexfoliation material was determined by a slit‐lamp examination in at least one eye. The data were acquired from questionnaire; register of myocardial infarction, electrocardiogram, biochemical blood analyses and blood pressure measurement were used to determine IHD, AH, DM and smoking habits. Poststratification weights based on Kaunas population sex and age distribution were applied.Results:  Pseudoexfoliation syndrome was estimated in 9% of a population. The AH rate was higher in PEX subjects than in non‐PEX subjects (p = 0.017) and the rates of IHD, DM and cholesterol levels did not differ statistically significantly. Chi‐square linear‐by‐linear association test found higher AH rate in unilateral PEX subjects and even higher AH rate in bilateral PEX subjects than in non‐PEX subjects (p = 0.014). Pseudoexfoliation syndrome increased odds for AH by 1.8 times (p = 0.021). Median of systolic blood pressure was higher in the PEX group than in non‐PEX group (p = 0.04). But all associations could not be confirmed after adjusting for age. Smoking duration increased age‐adjusted odds for PEX. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome did not increase risk for IHD, AH or DM.Conclusions:  Pseudoexfoliation syndrome prevalence is high in Lithuania. No clear PEX association with IHD, AH and DM was proven after controlling for effect of age.
Boundary Between Upper Cretaceous and Lower Paleocene in the Zagros Mountain Ranges of Southwestern Iran
Authors: AFGHAH Massih , FARHOUDI Godratollah 
Published: May 2012

Abstract:In the present study, over 3000 m of Upper Cretaceous sediments (Tarbur Formation) in seven stratigraphic, columnar sections were studied. The area is located in the Zagros mountain ranges of southwestern Iran, attributed to the converging continental Arabian Shield, and is interpreted as the result of subduction and collision. Based on foraminiferal studies of the Tarbur Formation in the sections, we have established many new biozones in the stratigraphic sections. However, investigations of the biozones indicate that there is no lithostratigraphic variation between the Upper Cretaceous and Lower Paleocene sediments in some of the studied sections. The concept of widespread formations and lithologic correlations is not applicable in this area, probably as a result of the tectonic unrest at that time. The biostratigraphic boundary between the Cretaceous and the Lower Paleocene is nevertheless well defined by the intraformational boundary in the sections.
Detrital K‐feldspar 40Ar/39Ar Ages: Source Constraints of the Lower Miocene Sandstones in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Zaisheng LIU , Hesheng SHI , Junzhang ZHU , Huaning QIU , Zhilin ZHANG , Jianbing YUN 
Published: May 2012

Abstract:The South China Sea began to outspread in the Oligocene. A great quantity of terraneous detritus was deposited in the northern continental shelf of the sea, mostly in Pearl River Mouth Basin, which constituted the main paleo‐Pearl River Delta. The delta developed for a long geological time and formed a superimposed area. Almost all the oil and gas fields of detrital rock reservoir distribute in this delta. Thirty‐three oil sandstone core samples in the Zhujiang Formation, lower Miocene (23–16 Ma), were collected from nine wells. The illite samples with detrital K feldspar (Kfs) separated from these sandstone cores in four sub‐structural belts were analysed by the high‐precision 40Ar/39Ar laser stepwise heating technique. All 33 illite 40Ar/39Ar data consistently yielded gradually rising age spectra at the low‐temperature steps until reaching age plateaus at mid‐high temperature steps. The youngest ages corresponding to the beginning steps were interpreted as the hydrocarbon accumulation ages and the plateau ages in mid‐high temperature steps as the contributions of the detrital feldspar representing the ages of the granitic parent rocks in the provenances. The ages of the detrital feldspar from the Zhujiang Formation in the four sub‐structural belts were different: (1) the late Cretaceous ages in the Lufeng 13 fault structural belt; (2) the late Cretaceous and early Cretaceous‐Jurassic ages in the Huizhou 21 buried hill‐fault belt; (3) the Jurassic and Triassic ages in the Xijiang 24 buried hill‐fault belt; and (4) the early Cretaceous – late Jurassic ages in the Panyu 4 oil area. These detrital feldspar 40Ar/39Ar ages become younger and younger from west to east, corresponding to the age distribution of the granites in the adjacent Guangdong Province, Southern China.
Behavior of Siderophile and Chalcophile Elements in the Subcontinental Lithospheric Mantle beneath the Changbaishan Volcano, NE China
Authors: Jian WANG , Jinlin LIU , Keiko HATTORI , Wenliang XU , Zhipeng XIE , Yue SONG 
Published: May 2012

Abstract:The mantle xenoliths in the Quaternary Changbaishan Volcano in southern Jilin Province contain spinel‐facies lherzolites. The equilibration temperatures for these samples range from 902°C to 1064°C based on the two‐pyroxene thermometer of Brey and Köhler (1990), and using the oxybarometry of Nell and Wood (1991), the oxidation state was estimated from FMQ‐1.32 to –0.38 with an average value of FMQ‐0.81 (n= 8), which is comparable to that of abyssal peridotites and the asthenospheric mantle. The fO2 values of peridotites, together with their bulk rock compositions (e.g., Mg#, Al2O3, CaO, Ni, Co, Cr) and mineral compositions (e.g., Mg# of olivine and pyroxene, Cr# [=Cr/[Cr+Al]] and Mg# [=Mg/[Mg+Fe2+] of spinel), suggest that the present‐day subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) beneath the Changbaishan Volcano most likely formed from an upwelling asthenosphere at some time after the late Mesozoic and has undergone a low degree of partial melting. The studied lherzolite xenoliths show low concentrations of S, Cu, and platinum group elements (PGE), which plot a flat pattern on primitive‐mantle normalized diagram. Very low concentrations in our samples suggest that PGEs occur as alloys or hosted by silicate and oxide minerals. The compositions of the studied samples are similar to those of peridotite xenoliths in the Longgang volcanic field (LVF) in their mineralogy and bulk rock compositions including the abundance of chalcophile and siderophile elements. However, they are distinctly different from those of peridotite xenoliths in other areas of the North China Craton (NCC) in terms of Cu, S and PGE. Our data suggest that the SCLM underlying the northeastern part of the NCC may represent a distinct unit of the newly formed lithospheric mantle.
Mineralogical and Physical Characteristics of White Sandstone of Abu Rodeiyim Quarry (Sinai), and its Possible Industrial Utilization
Authors: TEMRAZ Mostafa Gouda 
Published: May 2012

Abstract:Mineralogical, geochemical, and textural analyses of the white sandstones (Abu Thora Fm.) of Carboniferous in the Abu Rodeiyim region show that they are fluviomarine, well‐sorted, high‐purity, and high‐grade silica SiO2 (average 99.56%). The results indicate that by simple treatment, the white sandstones can reach a high degree of purity, suitable for different industrial purposes (e.g. manufacture of silicon photovoltaic, crystal, and TV screens, art, and domestic and optical glass).
Seismic Facies in a Deepwater Area of a Marine Faulted Basin: Deepwater Area of the Paleogene Lingshui Formation in the Qiongdongnan Basin
Authors: Huanqing CHEN , Xiaomin ZHU , Gongcheng ZHANG , Xilin ZHANG , Qin ZHANG 
Published: May 2012

Abstract:In recent years, deep water areas have become popular exploration fields because of their abundant hydrocarbon resource potential. There are only relatively poor planar seismic profiles and no wells for deepwater areas of the Lingshui Formation in the Qiongdongnan Basin. A lot of faults developed and strata are fragmented due to high temperatures and high pressure, and this has resulted in dim sequence boundaries. Based on seismic data of the deepwater area and well data of bordering shallow water areas, Lingshui Formation was divided into four third class sequences; namely SI, SII, SIII and SIV, and the three‐dimensional isochronous stratigraphic framework of the Lingshui Formation in the studied area was shaped. Based mainly on seismic attributes such as amplitude, continuity, internal structure and external shape, six typical seismic facies were identified, including mat‐shaped, filling, wedge‐shaped, foreset, moundy‐shaped and lenticular‐shaped, and a seismic facies distribution map was subsequently drawn. With studies on wells of bordering shallow water areas, regional sedimentary characteristics, and isopach map as references, sedimentary planar distribution features were analyzed. The deepwater area of the Lingshui Formation has mainly developed littoral and shallow sea. Sandstone bodies of fan delta, braided river delta, slope fan, basin floor fan, and turbidite fan are at an interdigitate junction to marine hydrocarbon source rocks and thus are favorable prospecting targets.
Impact of Conjugated Shear Joint of “X” Type on Macroscopic Karstification on the Basis of the Analysis of Google Earth Images
Authors: Ruidong YANG , Xueyong SHENG , Xiao WEI , Xuefeng WEN 
Published: May 2012

Abstract:As viewed from space remote‐sensing images (e.g. Google Earth images) of South Guizhou and North Guangxi, the authors found that macroscopic karst landscape on the Earth's surface is strongly controlled by the Conjugated shear joint of “X” type. Joints of this kind constitute a huge infiltration network and act as channel‐ways for the permeation of meteoric waters from the surface, thus, leading to the dissolution of carbonate rocks nearby. As a result, the karst landscape is formed, which is dominated by linear karst valleys. An “X” karst valley network structure appears in the area where horizontal strata are distributed, and a feather‐like network structure appears in the area where vertical strata are distributed, respectively. When the water permeates downwards to the underground‐water level, it will flow horizontally along the strike of “X” joints toward the local base level of erosion to form an “X” network system of underground conduits in the area where horizontal strata are distributed, but it is relatively complex, because of the joining of other joints. This is the first time we have made use of Google Earth images to study the karst environment. Therefore, it has been successful in research on the Earth's geomorphology, which could only rely on aerial photos and satellite photos in the past. Google Earth images provide low‐cost and applicable imaging materials for the study of Earth's geomorphology and karst rocky desertification and its control.
Systematic reviews of TCM trials: how does inclusion of Chinese trials affect outcome?
Authors: Adams Denise , Wu Taixiang , Yasui Yutaka , Aung Steven , Vohra Sunita 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim: Systematic reviews (SRs) are an important tool for the synthesis of research and are used to guide both research and clinical practice. Previous research suggests that changes to standard SR methodology may be warranted. The objectives of this study were to determine the value of adding Chinese‐language databases to conventional systematic review (SR) search strategies, and ii) to determine the importance of methodological validation of TCM RCTs in the conduct of SRs of two health conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and EBV‐infectious mononucleosis (mono).Methods: Ten English‐language and two Chinese‐language databases were searched from inception to 2008. After initial screening potentially relevant publications were retrieved and assessed based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Method of randomization was verified using author interviews.Results: Mono Search ‐ While English‐language database searches did not yield any potentially relevant references, Chinese‐language database searches identified 14 studies labelled as RCTs. Author interview determined that 10 were clinical summaries and one a controlled clinical trial. Authors for three publications were unavailable. CFS Search ‐ English‐language and Chinese‐language database searches identified 8 and 28 potentially relevant references, respectively, for a total of 36, however, none met all inclusion criteria.Conclusions: Utilization of Chinese‐language databases greatly increased the number of potentially relevant references for each search. Unfortunately, due to methodological flaws, this additional information did not generate any usable information. Medical research in China continues to be active, including the conduct of RCTs, however, improvements in trial design and conduct in medical research in China are essential in order for this material to be useful in guiding research and practice.
Establishing a new Global Economic Council: governance reform at the G20, the IMF and the World Bank
Authors: Vestergaard Jakob , Wade Robert H. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe literature on international network governance commonly presumes an ‘effectiveness‐legitimacy dilemma’: gains in effectiveness at problem solving, perhaps via smaller size, come at cost to legitimacy, because the smaller the network the more those expected to comply with network decisions are excluded and are therefore less likely to accept network decisions; and gains in legitimacy come at cost to effectiveness, perhaps because of more diversity of interests. In the case of the G20, however, the dilemma breaks down, because the G20 scores low on both effectiveness and legitimacy. In this article we present a design for a new global economic governance body, based on explicit membership criteria (as the G20 is not), in the form of a modified version of the Bretton Woods (World Bank and IMF) governance arrangement. The proposed new Global Economic Council (GEC), operating at heads of government level and below, would likely bring substantial gains in both effectiveness and legitimacy.Policy Implications
A more legitimate global economic governance body should be created not by tweaking the existing G20 but by starting from the constituency system of the Bretton Woods organizations and modifying it to make it more equitably representative. Then the newly established GEC, the World Bank and the IMF would have the same constituencies.
The GEC should have 25 seats, 16 of which are to be allocated among four regions: Africa, Americas, Asia and Europe. The remaining nine seats should be allocated on the basis of economic weight (GDP). Allocating two thirds of the seats on a regional basis sends an important signal of the new multipolar order.
The legitimacy problems of the Bretton Woods institutions resulting from their continuing voting power imbalances should be addressed by reforming their voting power systems so as to reflect only relative economic weight (as measured by GDP).
The GEC should exercise strategic oversight over the Bretton Woods organizations, and possibly beyond to other economic and social agencies of the United Nations system. It might be responsible for appointing their heads.
Evaluation of the fibrinogen antigenic turbidimetric assay as a screening method for measurement of fibrinogen concentration in dogs
Authors: Ludwig Peter , Leidinger Ernst F. , Hooijberg Emma H. 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundA novel method for the rapid detection of fibrinogen concentration in human plasma, the fibrinogen antigenic turbidimetric assay (FIATA), is based on the precipitation of fibrinogen by vancomycin and a resultant change in optical density.ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the FIATA method for: (1) measuring fibrinogen concentration in canine plasma using specimens collected in citrate, EDTA, and heparin, (2) species‐specific calibration requirements, and (3) applicability for automation.MethodsStandard curves were generated with both human and canine fibrinogen standards in the FIATA, and a reference interval for fibrinogen concentration was established using citrated plasma from healthy dogs (n = 127). Using specimens collected from this population, results using the FIATA were compared with a modified thermoprecipitation method, and 24 of the FIATA samples were used for comparison with a particle‐enhanced turbidometric fibrinogen assay. The FIATA was also applied to an automated chemistry analyzer using citrated plasma. Fibrinogen concentration was measured in EDTA and heparinized plasma in the manual FIATA. Standards, methods, and anticoagulants were compared, and correlation among these variables was evaluated.ResultsSignificant differences between FIATA results using human and canine standards and the manual and automated methods were not found. For EDTA plasma, fibrinogen concentrations were not identical, but were similar, to those for citrated plasma; heparinized plasma was not suitable for measurement. Correlation between the thermoprecipitation method and FIATA was weak. The reference interval for fibrinogen as measured by the FIATA using citrated plasma was 103–456 mg/dL.ConclusionsThe FIATA can be used as a screening method to measure fibrinogen concentration in citrated or EDTA plasma from dogs.