bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical spectrum of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Tham Alex Chengyao , Sanjay Srinivasan 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this paper was to analyse the causes, pathogenesis, diagnostic modalities and treatment outcomes of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis (MKC). Microsporidia are increasingly recognized as opportunistic infectious pathogens in immunocompromized patients causing keratoconjunctivitis. In the recent years, there has been a surge in reports of MKC in immunocompetent individuals presenting with stromal keratitis. A detailed literature search was done using Medline, OVID, Cochrane Library, UptoDate and Google Scholar databases with the terms microsporidia, keratitis, conjunctivitis, immunocompromized and immunocompetent. The articles were reviewed to determine the spectrum of clinical presentation, disease course, investigations, treatment modalities and outcome. Thirty‐six publications were reviewed, and 151 cases of MKC were included for this review. The main presenting features included pain, redness, photophobia, epiphora and blurring of vision. Duration of the symptoms lasted between 4 days and 18 months. Light microscopy with modified trichrome stain was most commonly used to diagnose MKC. Resolution of symptoms was most commonly achieved with oral albendazole and/or topical fumidil B. Topical fluoroquinolones are also effective as a monotherapy as suggested by recent studies. Clinical outcome was good (visual acuity ≤ 6/12) for the patients who presented earlier (≤1 month) (75% of cases with documented final best‐corrected visual acuity). MKC occurs more commonly in immunocompetent individuals than expected and can be diagnosed in earlier stages. From our review, we conclude that the patients, who were diagnosed early and treated, had complete resolution of symptoms with a better clinical outcome.
Central retinal vein occlusion: a review
Authors: McAllister Ian L 
Published: October 2011

AbstractCentral retinal vein occlusion remains a common cause of unilateral visual loss. Until recently, our treatment options for this condition were limited only to laser photocoagulation for the devastating end sequelae of anterior segment neovascularization. Over the last 2 years, a number of randomized controlled trials have given us significant new treatment options to address not only visual loss from macular oedema but also the ability to create a bypass around the obstruction in the central retinal vein and to address the raised venous hydrostatic pressure. In the future, it is likely that combination approaches to the management of central retinal vein occlusion will develop using specific agents and techniques to address the components of macular oedema, retinal ischaemia and raised venous hydrostatic pressure, all of which combine to produce the clinical picture and the reduction in vision seen in this condition.
Becoming an expert: a review of adult learning theory and implications for vocational training in ophthalmology
Authors: Roberts Timothy V , Gustavs Julie , Mack Heather G 
Published: October 2011

AbstractOne of the key responsibilities of professional bodies, such as the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, is to determine, teach and assess the competencies required for trainees to reach an expert level. Vocational training programs (VTP) need to incorporate advances in educational research and reflect changes in generational thinking and learning styles to provide the most optimal learning environment to meet the desired educational outcomes. This paper seeks to introduce some of the important concepts of adult educational theory and to explain how they connect to four strategic areas in the development and implementation of the VTP:1 What are the learning needs of trainees?2 What educational methods best address these needs?3 What assessment methods best test the acquisition of the desired learning outcomes?4 What are the needs of supervisors and teachers?
Do gender inequities exist in cataract surgical coverage? Meta‐analysis in Latin America
Authors: Carter Marissa J , Limburg Hans , Lansingh Van C , Silva Juan C , Resnikoff Serge 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground:  To determine if gender inequities exist in Latin America in regard to cataract surgery.Design:  Meta‐analysis.Participants:  Total of 38 992 subjects participating in epidemiological surveys; summary measures were used (not patient‐level data).Methods:  A literature search and knowledge of rapid assessment of cataract surgical services/rapid assessment of avoidable blindness studies carried out in Latin America found 11 studies with complete cataract surgical coverage (CSC) data. Using summary original study data, a meta‐analysis (random effects model) was conducted to analyse the differences in CSC between males and females. Results were adjusted for design effect.Main Outcome Measures:  Odds ratio (OR) of receiving cataract surgery comparing women with men.Results:  CSC with a visual acuity (VA) <3/60 on an eye basis showed a non‐statistically significant OR of 1.01 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.86–1.18) for women receiving cataract surgery in comparison with men. For VA < 6/18, a non‐statistically significant OR of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.83–1.07) was obtained for women receiving cataract surgery. On a person basis at a VA of <3/60 and <6/18, non‐statistically significant ORs of 1.12 (95% CI: 0.78–1.63) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.77–1.15) were obtained for women receiving cataract surgery, respectively. Statistical heterogeneity was 0% (I2 statistic), except for results at a VA of <3/60 on a person basis (I2 = 30%).Conclusions:  In the Latin American countries in which CSC was assessed, gender does not appear to be a significant factor in receiving cataract surgery. However, more data are required to confirm these results.
Effects of historical forest contraction on the phylogeographic structure of Australo‐Papuan populations of the red‐legged pademelon (Macropodidae: Thylogale stigmatica)
Authors: MACQUEEN PEGGY , SEDDON JENNIFER M. , GOLDIZEN ANNE W. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractGeographic patterns of genetic variation are strongly influenced by historical changes in species habitats. Whether such patterns are common to co‐distributed taxa may depend on the extent to which species vary in ecology and vagility. We investigated whether broad‐scale phylogeographic patterns common to a number of small‐bodied vertebrate and invertebrate species in eastern Australian forests were reflected in the population genetic structure of an Australo‐Papuan forest marsupial, the red‐legged pademelon (Macropodidae: Thylogale stigmatica). Strong genetic structuring of mtDNA haplotypes indicated the persistence of T. stigmatica populations across eastern Australia and southern New Guinea in Pleistocene refugial areas consistent with those inferred from studies of smaller, poorly dispersing species. However, there was limited divergence of haplotypes across two known historical barriers in the northeastern Wet Tropics (Black Mountain Barrier) and coastal mideastern Queensland (Burdekin Gap) regions. Lack of divergence across these barriers may reflect post‐glacial recolonization of forests from a large, central refugium in the Wet Tropics. Additionally, genetic structure is not consistent with the present delimitation of subspecies T. s. wilcoxi and T. s. stigmatica across the Burdekin Gap. Instead, the genetic division occurs further to the south in mideastern Queensland. Thus, while larger‐bodied marsupials such as T. stigmatica did persist in Pleistocene refugia common to a number of other forest‐restricted species, species‐specific local extinction and recolonization events have resulted in cryptic patterns of genetic variation. Our study demonstrates the importance of understanding individualistic responses to historical climate change in order to adequately conserve genetic diversity and the evolutionary potential of species.
What is a common factor in different areas?: The case of depression among caregivers of the frail elderly in Sapporo and Kochi, Japan
Authors: Oura Asae , Mori Mitsuru , Yasuda Nobufumi , Miyano Ichiro , Izumi Hisako , Washio Masakazu 
Published: October 2011

Aim:  Depression affecting caregivers is a risk factor for discontinuing at‐home care. The present cross‐sectional study was conducted to evaluate factors related to depression among family caregivers.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was conducted to evaluate factors related to depression among family caregivers of the frail elderly. The study included caregivers whose relatives received periodic visits from a nurse from one of seven Sapporo‐based home‐visiting nursing service stations in October 2008 or from one of nine Kochi‐based home‐visiting nursing service stations between June 2009 and March 2010. Caregivers were asked to answer a self‐administered questionnaire about various factors that might affect their depression and to complete a Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale evaluation. We analyzed 127 pairs of responses in total.Results:  After we adjusted the results for the caregivers' gender and age, the factors that decreased the risk of depression in the Sapporo group related to relieving the stress that results from being a caregiver (OR = 0.12, 95%CI = [0.03, 0.42]) and the ability to independently pay more than ¥10 000 for part of care service costs (OR = 0.17, 95%CI = [0.05, 0.58]). In contrast, feeling ill was a factor that increased caregivers' risk of depression in the Kochi group (OR = 4.23, 95%CI = [1.29, 13.9]), but not in Sapporo group (OR = 2.53, 95%CI = [0.91, 7.08]). Caregivers in the Sapporo group were more likely to feel ill (P < 0.01) than their counterparts in Kochi.Conclusion:  The Japanese government should take measures to reduce caregivers' depression. Otherwise family members will increasingly discontinue to provide at‐home care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 230–237.
Dynamic cerebral autoregulation assessed by respiratory manoeuvres in non‐insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Huq R. , Philbey C. E. , Mistri A. K. , Panerai R. B. , Robinson T. G. 
Published: October 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 609–613 (2012)AbstractAims  This study investigated dynamic cerebral autoregulation in Type 2 diabetes, where dynamic cerebral autoregulation may be impaired as a consequence of microvascular changes and/or autonomic neuropathy.Methods  Eleven healthy control subjects and 11 age‐ and sex‐matched patients with Type 2 diabetes controlled with lifestyle modifications or oral anti‐diabetes treatment were recruited. Dynamic cerebral autoregulation was calculated by the autoregressive moving average autoregulatory index from a continuous blood pressure and R‐R interval (time between each ventricular systole) recording. End‐tidal carbon dioxide was also monitored and changes in response to breath holding and hyperventilation as a metabolic stimulus were measured.Results  No significant differences were seen in cerebral blood flow velocity at baseline, or in response to breath holding between people with diabetes and control subjects, although the cerebral blood flow velocity response associated with hyperventilation was significantly reduced in the diabetes group. No significant differences in dynamic cerebral autoregulation were seen at baseline or in response to respiratory manoeuvres between the groups.Conclusions  Dynamic cerebral autoregulation is not impaired in patients with Type 2 diabetes, although a small difference could not be excluded as the study was only powered to detect an autoregulatory index difference > 2 units. Further study in a larger population with a spectrum of disease severity may reveal clinically important differences.
A General BRDF Representation Based on Tensor Decomposition
Authors: Bilgili Ahmet , Öztürk Aydn , Kurt Murat 
Published: October 2011

AbstractGenerating photo‐realistic images through Monte Carlo rendering requires efficient representation of light–surface interaction and techniques for importance sampling. Various models with good representation abilities have been developed but only a few of them have their importance sampling procedure. In this paper, we propose a method which provides a good bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) representation and efficient importance sampling procedure. Our method is based on representing BRDF as a function of tensor products. Four‐dimensional measured BRDF tensor data are factorized using Tucker decomposition. A large data set is used for comparing the proposed BRDF model with a number of well‐known BRDF models. It is shown that the underlying model provides good approximation to BRDFs.
Making Sense of Safeguards
Authors: Hartigan James C. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe ASG was negotiated in response to the use of extralegal measures and inappropriate use of legal measures to restrict imports. More effective disciplines regarding implementation of Article XIX was recognized as an important unilateralism deterrent in policy implementation. These disciplines are subjective and objective. Disciplines that are quantifiable are more effective. Utilizing both balances rules and discretion. A home and foreign producer are used to assess SG in the context of adverse shocks. This framework entails a novel feature appropriate to SG. Firms are permitted to select optimal levels of downward flexibility in output in response to a possible shock. The extent of adjustment is directly related to the cost incurred. Firms choose flexibility in stage one and output in stage two. Without SG, firms will not insulate themselves completely from the conditional expectation of an adverse shock. Introducing the ASG increases the relative adjustment burden for the foreign firm.
The Vulnerability of ASEAN+3 Countries to International Financial Crises
Authors: Gimet Celine 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis article focuses on the reaction of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economies to international financial shocks. The crises in emerging markets at the end of the last century underlined the significant vulnerability of the emerging ASEAN economies to international financial fluctuations and a lack of sustainability in their exchange rate regime. A structural VAR model is used to analyze the efficiency of the measures adopted by these countries after this episode of crisis in order to protect their economies against speculative attacks. The results reveal that the impact of the recent subprime crisis on emerging ASEAN countries is less significant than that observed in industrialized ones.
The Welfare Synergy of Bundling International Environmental Agreements with International Trade Treaties
Authors: Lahiri Bidisha 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis paper examines whether linking environmental cooperation with international trade agreements improves the welfare of the participating countries and allows countries to move closer to free trade compared with trade‐only agreements. The model is an infinitely repeated game with the threat of reversion to Nash equilibrium if an economy deviates from the cooperative agreement. It is found that such a synergy exists in a symmetric two‐country model with two goods, both emitting pollutants even when the externalities have local impact. A combination of analytic and numerical simulation analysis is used to derive the conclusions.
The Owl and the Ostrich: Reply to Sami Pihlström on Ethical Unthinkabilities and Philosophical Seriousness
Authors: Benatar David 
Published: October 2011

AbstractSami Pihlström argues in his “Ethical Unthinkabilities and Philosophical Seriousness” that there are some philosophical views that are so dangerous that we should not discuss them. He advances this argument with special reference to my (anti‐natalist) view that being brought into existence is always a serious harm. In response I argue: (a) that there are major flaws in his argument for the conclusion that we should not think about (purportedly) unthinkable views; and (b) that my views about the harm of coming into existence are in any event neither unthinkable nor dangerous.
Minimally Creative Thought
Authors: Stokes Dustin 
Published: October 2011

AbstractCreativity has received, and continues to receive, comparatively little analysis in philosophy and the brain and behavioural sciences. This is in spite of the importance of creative thought and action, and the many and varied resources of theories of mind. Here an alternative approach to analyzing creativity is suggested: start from the bottom up with minimally creative thought. Minimally creative thought depends non‐accidentally upon agency, is novel relative to the acting agent, and could not have been tokened before the time it is in fact tokened, relative to the agent in question. Thoughts that meet these three conditions—agency, psychological novelty, and modal—are what may be called cognitive breakthroughs. Even if such breakthroughs are not necessary to or definitive of richer creativity, they are indeed central to much of creativity. The minimal analysis provides a more workable explanandum for theories of creativity of varied motivation and method.
Pragmatic Democracy: Inquiry, Objectivity, and Experience
Authors: Hildebrand David L. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis essay argues that to understand Dewey's vision of democracy as “epistemic” requires consideration of how experiential and communal aspects of inquiry together produce what is named here “pragmatic objectivity.” Such pragmatic objectivity provides an alternative to absolutism and self‐interested relativism by appealing to certain norms of empirical experimentation. Pragmatic objectivity, it is then argued, can be justified by appeal to Dewey's conception of primary experience. This justification, however, is not without its own complications, which are highlighted with objections regarding “radical pluralism” in political life, and some logical problems that arise due to the supposedly “ineffable” nature of primary experience. The essay concludes by admitting that while Dewey's theory of democracy based on experience cannot answer all of the objections argumentatively, it nevertheless provides potent suggestions for how consensus building can proceed without such philosophical arguments.
Erythropoietin improves memory function with reducing endothelial dysfunction and amyloid‐beta burden in Alzheimer’s disease models
Authors: Lee Soon‐Tae , Chu Kon , Park Jung‐Eun , Jung Keun‐Hwa , Jeon Daejong , Lim Ji‐Youn , Lee Sang Kun , Kim Manho , Roh Jae‐Kyu 
Published: October 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 115–124.AbstractNeurovascular degeneration contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Because erythropoietin (EPO) promotes endothelial regeneration, we investigated the therapeutic effects of EPO in animal models of AD. In aged Tg2576 mice, EPO receptors (EPORs) were expressed in the cortex and hippocampus. Tg2576 mice were treated with daily injection of EPO (5000 IU/kg/day) for 5 days. At 14 days, EPO improved contextual memory as measured by fear‐conditioning test. EPO enhanced endothelial proliferation and the level of synaptophysin expression in the brain. EPO also increased capillary density, and decreased the level of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) in the brain, while decreasing in the amount of amyloid plaque and amyloid‐β (Aβ). In cultured human endothelial cells, EPO enhanced angiogenesis and suppressed the expression of the RAGE. These results show that EPO improves memory and ameliorates endothelial degeneration induced by Aβ in AD models. This pre‐clinical evidence suggests that EPO may be useful for the treatment of AD.
Pathogenic implications of iron accumulation in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Williams Rachel , Buchheit Cassandra L. , Berman Nancy E. J. , LeVine Steven M. 
Published: October 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 7–25.AbstractIron, an essential element used for a multitude of biochemical reactions, abnormally accumulates in the CNS of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The mechanisms of abnormal iron deposition in MS are not fully understood, nor do we know whether these deposits have adverse consequences, that is, contribute to pathogenesis. With some exceptions, excess levels of iron are represented concomitantly in multiple deep gray matter structures often with bilateral representation, whereas in white matter, pathological iron deposits are usually located at sites of inflammation that are associated with veins. These distinct spatial patterns suggest disparate mechanisms of iron accumulation between these regions. Iron has been postulated to promote disease activity in MS by various means: (i) iron can amplify the activated state of microglia resulting in the increased production of proinflammatory mediators; (ii) excess intracellular iron deposits could promote mitochondria dysfunction; and (iii) improperly managed iron could catalyze the production of damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). The pathological consequences of abnormal iron deposits may be dependent on the affected brain region and/or accumulation process. Here, we review putative mechanisms of enhanced iron uptake in MS and address the likely roles of iron in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Separating metamorphic events in the Fosdick migmatite–granite complex, West Antarctica
Authors: KORHONEN F. J. , BROWN M. , GROVE M. , SIDDOWAY C. S. , BAXTER E. F. , INGLIS J. D. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe Fosdick migmatite–granite complex in West Antarctica records evidence for two high‐temperature metamorphic events, the first during the Devonian–Carboniferous and the second during the Cretaceous. The conditions of each high‐temperature metamorphic event, both of which involved melting and multiple melt‐loss events, are investigated using phase equilibria modelling during successive melt‐loss events, microstructural observations and mineral chemistry. In situ SHRIMP monazite and TIMS Sm–Nd garnet ages are integrated with these results to constrain the timing of the two events. In areas that preferentially preserve the Devonian–Carboniferous (M1) event, monazite grains in leucosomes and core domains of monazite inclusions in Cretaceous cordierite yield an age of c. 346 Ma, which is interpreted to record the timing of monazite growth during peak M1 metamorphism (∼820–870 °C, 7.5–11.5 kbar) and the formation of garnet–sillimanite–biotite–melt‐bearing assemblages. Slightly younger monazite spot ages between c. 331 and 314 Ma are identified from grains located in fractured garnet porphyroblasts, and from inclusions in plagioclase that surround relict garnet and in matrix biotite. These ages record the growth of monazite during garnet breakdown associated with cooling from peak M1 conditions. The Cretaceous (M2) overprint is recorded in compositionally homogeneous monazite grains and rim domains in zoned monazite grains. This monazite yields a protracted range of spot ages with a dominant population between c. 111 and 96 Ma. Rim domains of monazite inclusions in cordierite surrounding garnet and in coarse‐grained poikiloblasts of cordierite yield a weighted mean age of c. 102 Ma, interpreted to constrain the age of cordierite growth. TIMS Sm–Nd ages for garnet are similar at 102–99 Ma. Mineral equilibria modelling of the residual protolith composition after Carboniferous melt loss and removal of inert M1 garnet constrains M2 conditions to ∼830–870 °C and ∼6–7.5 kbar. The modelling results suggest that there was growth and resorption of garnet during the M2 event, which would facilitate overprinting of M1 compositions during the M2 prograde metamorphism. Measured garnet compositions and Sm–Nd diffusion modelling of garnet in the migmatitic gneisses suggest resetting of major elements and the Sm–Nd system during the Cretaceous M1 overprint. The c. 102–99 Ma garnet Sm–Nd ‘closure’ ages correspond to cooling below 700 °C during the rapid exhumation of the Fosdick migmatite–granite complex.