bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myocilin levels in the aqueous humor of open-angle glaucoma patients
Authors: Ghanem Asaad A. , El-Awady Hatem E. , Wolfs Roger C. W. , Arafa Lmiaa F. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPurpose:To investigate the concentration of myocilin in the aqueous humor of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients, including correlations with glaucoma subtypes and intraocular pressure (IOP).Patients and Methods:The study comprised 85 patients with OAG. Glaucoma subtypes included 35 cases of high tension glaucoma (HTG), 25 cases of normal tension glaucoma (NTG), and 25 cases of exfoliation glaucoma (ExG). Forty-five patients with senile cataract were included as control. The concentrations of myocilin in the aqueous humor were measured by plotting the densitometry readings of the aqueous humor samples against a recombinant myocilin standard curve. Additionally, the relationships with the glaucoma subtypes, IOP, and glaucoma severity were analyzed.Results:A significantly higher percentage of patients in the glaucoma subgroups were positive for myocilin compared with the cataract group. The mean myocilin concentrations among the glaucoma positive case subgroups were not different (P=0.326). Myocilin levels were significantly higher in human HTG compared with cataract group (P<0.05). There were no significant correlations between the myocilin concentration and the IOP or the severity of glaucoma.Conclusion:Myocilin-positive patients were significant in the glaucoma subgroups than in the cataract group, with a highly significant difference observed for HTG patients.
Endoscopic management of migrated intrauterine device to the bladder
Authors: Atabekoğlu Cem , Yalçin İbrahim , Taşkin Salih , Kahraman Korhan , Sönmezer Murat 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Objective: Intrauterine device (IUD) is a widely used contraceptive method. Uterus perforation caused by an IUD is seen frequently, but intravesical migration with secondary stone formation is a rare complication. In this article, we report a case of an intravesical migrating IUD removed by laparoscopy. Result(s): A 48-year-old woman in whom the last IUD was inserted 15 years ago was presented with voiding symptoms including frequency, dysuria, and difficulty in urination. Plain X-ray and ultrasonography showed an IUD at the dome of the urinary bladder and a urinary stone at the bladder neck. The patient underwent cystoscopy and these imaging findings were evaluated at laparoscopy. The IUD which was seen on the right side of the bladder dome was covered by the peritoneum and omentum. After dissection of omentum and peritoneum, the IUD was seen at the wall of the bladder. Then, the IUD removed. Conclusion(s): Because of the irritative voiding symptoms, extraneous material in the urothelium leading to stone formation, and the possible occurrence of a squamous cell carcinoma, all IUDs that migrate to the bladder should be removed. Management of these cases can be performed successfully via the endoscopic approach.
Association of fetuin-A and heat shock protein 70 with arterial calcification in patients with peripheral vascular disease
Authors: Szeberin Zoltán 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Atherosclerosis may present with arterial calcification, which is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Fetuin-A plays a role in the inhibition of extraosseal calcification, and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is elevated in peripheral artery disease. The aim of our study was to examine the potential role of fetuin-A and Hsp70 in the inhibition of arterial calcification in atherosclerotic patients. Classical risk factors of atherosclerosis as well as the severity of arterial calcification and atherosclerosis were assessed by ultrasound, angiography, and serum analysis in a cross-sectional study of patients with carotid stenosis, aortic aneurysm, and lower extremity atherosclerosis. We demonstrate that there is an inverse correlation between serum fetuin-A levels and the severity of arterial calcification in patients with chronic atherosclerotic lower extremity disease without renal disease or infection. Our data suggest that it is not end-stage renal disease and dialysis that explains the earlier reported association of low fetuin-A level and arterial calcification. The novel finding of our study is the significantly different serum fetuin-A levels in patients with aortic aneurysm of different etiologies (atherosclerosis and Marfan syndrome). Our results suggest that there is an association between serum fetuin-A levels and the severity of arterial calcification also in patients without renal failure.
ANIMAL EXPLOITATION AND POTTERY TECHNOLOGY DURING PASTORAL TIMES: THE EVIDENCE FROM UAN TELOCAT, LIBYAN SAHARA
Authors: Garcea Elena A. A. 
Published: March 2012

The combination of artefactual with economic evidence of pastoralism in the Central Sahara, based on the recent excavations at Uan Telocat, a Pastoral site in the Tadrart Acacus, Libyan Sahara, where both ceramic and faunal indicators are present throughout the Pastoral period is undertaken. This rock shelter yielded a stratigraphic sequence with the main Pastoral occupations in the Tadrart Acacus. The results of the latest excavations provided interesting information on technological variability and adaptation patterns from the earliest to the Late Pastoral phases. The excavations also brought to light a specific ceramic production in the Early Pastoral period, that was previously unknown in stratigraphic context.
This paper also presents some of the features of the Pastoral phases and shows the developments of pottery and animal domesticates in parallel at different sites in the Tadrart Acacus with comparisons with the Haua Fteah, in coastal Libya, which has yielded the longest cultural sequence in northern Africa and therefore represents a valuable term of reference. However, more differences than similarities exist between the two regions, the first located in the Sahara, in south-western Libya, the second located in the eastern part of the country on the Mediterranean coast.
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS IN THE DJEBEL UWEINAT REGION, LIBYAN DESERT
Authors: von Czerniewicz Maya , Lenssen-Erz Tilman , Linstädter Jörg 
Published: March 2012

Over the last hundred years the Djebel Uweinat was the objective of several expeditions, most of them being driven by the intention to find new rock art sites. These explorers mostly stayed at the base of the mountain where the majority of the currently known rock art sites were found. During their two recent visits, the members of the ACACIA team focused their interest on the upper part of the Uweinat and on its smaller, mostly neglected neighbouring mountain, the Djebel Arkenu.
In the upper part of the Djebel Uweinat artefacts and some stone arrangements were found. While no rock art sites were spotted in the upper part, we discuss the function of stone arrangements and rock art from the lower reaches in view of the semiotic processes in which they may have operated. The presentation of the rock art sites found at Djebel Arkenu will also be fitted into an overview of how we interpret the cognitive map of people who used to live in the environment of the two mountains. Furthermore, some background information concerning the landmarking function of the archaeological finds is given which could be a useful indicator of the character of mobility as well as of perception of landscape among prehistoric people.
Biomechanical comparison of strategies to adjust axial stiffness of a hybrid fixator
Authors: Socie M. J. , Griffon D. J. , Elkhatib O. , Mudrock R. N. , Kurath P. , Rovesti G. L. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryObjectives: To evaluate strategies for increasing the axial stiffness of a hybrid external bone fixator.Materials and methods: Type Ia hybrid fixators, consisting of a uniplanar linear component connected to a circular ring, were tested in displacement controlled loading in axial compression. The basic hybrid construct was modified to explore strategies considered to increase fixator stiffness including: decreasing ring diameter, increasing ring thickness, adding pins to the ring fixation, and adding struts between the ring and vertical post components of the device. Stiffness in the initial phase of loading was compared between the groups.Results: The addition of a single diagonal bar between the ring and linear connecting rail did not significantly improve the stiffness of constructs. However, the addition of two half-pins to the ring, the addition of two struts between the ring and linear connecting rail, or decreasing the internal ring diameter from 115 to 85 mm progressively increased the stiffness of the frame. The most effective strategy consisted of increasing the thickness of the ring from 6 to 12 mm, thereby increasing the stiffness of the control frame by 335%.Clinical significance: Modulating the ring thickness, adding two struts between the ring and linear connecting rail, and reducing the ring diameter appear to be the most effective, simple, and clinically versatile ways to increase axial stiffness, most likely due to their impact on reducing ring bending.
Safety and Efficacy of Simultaneous Corneal Collagen Cross-linking With Topography-guided PRK in Managing Low-grade Keratoconus: 1-year Follow-up
Authors: Tuwairqi Waleed S. , Sinjab Mazen M. 
Published: March 2012

PURPOSE:
To evaluate 1-year visual and topographic outcomes and safety and efficacy of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) combined with topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (TG-PRK) to achieve near emmetropia in eyes with low-grade keratoconus.

METHODS:
Twenty-two eyes from 15 patients (11 women, 4 men) were included in a prospective, nonrandomized, noncontrolled clinical study. Mean patient age was 26.6±6.07 years (range: 19 to 40 years). Inclusion criteria were low-grade keratoconus with evidence of progression, transparent cornea, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) 0.8 (decimal) or better, corneal thickness >440 μm, and maximum keratometry readings (K-max) <51.00 diopters (D). All patients underwent simultaneous TG-PRK with CXL. Study parameters were uncorrected distance visual acuity, CDVA, manifest refractive error, manifest and topographic (corneal) astigmatism, patient satisfaction, and efficacy and safety of the treatment. Follow-up was 1 year.

RESULTS:

After 1 year, statistically significant improvement was noted in all study parameters (
P
<.01). The safety and efficacy indices were 1.6 and 0.4, respectively. Patient satisfaction questionnaire showed that 91% were satisfied, 9% were not completely satisfied but believed they improved, and none were dissatisfied. Corneal topography demonstrated significant improvement in 55%, improvement in 36%, and minor improvement in 9% of cases. No cases progressed as evidenced by keratometry readings.

CONCLUSIONS:
Simultaneous TG-PRK with CXL is an effective and safe treatment with remarkable visual and topographic outcomes in patients with low-grade keratoconus who meet the recommended inclusion criteria.
Modulation Transfer Function of a Toric Intraocular Lens: Evaluation of the Changes Produced by Rotation and Tilt
Authors: Felipe Adelina , Artigas José M. , Díez-Ajenjo Amparo , García-Domene Carmen , Peris Cristina 
Published: March 2012

PURPOSE:
To evaluate the changes in optical quality when toric intraocular lenses (IOL) are rotated or tilted and to demonstrate that IOL rotation produces an increasing effect of aberrations.

METHODS:
Modulation transfer function (MTF) and average modulation were used to analyze the image quality of a toric IOL. The axis of the toric IOL was rotated 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, and 30° in successive MTF measurements. The tilt values were 0° to 5°, in increments of 1°, plus a tilt of 15°. Pupil diameters of 3 and 5 mm were used.

RESULTS:
The MTF decay due to aberrations was more sensitive to rotation than tilt. The main decrement in the average modulation, of approximately 50% in both pupils, occurs when the IOL rotates from 0° to 5°. Between 0° and 1° tilt, the average modulation decreases approximately 25% for both pupils; with tilt >1°, the average modulation remains virtually unchanged. The points representing average modulation versus rotation angle are satisfactorily fitted by an exponential function, R=0.98. Average modulation versus tilt angle provides lower correlation degrees, R=0.91 and R=0.79, for 3- and 5-mm pupils, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:
The MTF of the toric IOL decays with rotation and tilt, with greater decrement occurring in rotation from 0° to 5°. An asymptotic value exists in the average modulation decay, meaning that for angles higher than 15°, the average modulation of the toric IOL remains virtually constant.
Wisdom and reasoning between the ideological dimension and the dimension Makassed
Authors: Mohammed Hossam Khalil , حسام الدين خليل  
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Wisdom and mercy appears in mankind through Allah's greatness. In order to be inspired by guidance of the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah (prophetic tradition), it is a necessity to study them deeply and implement their provisions. This cannot be achieved without understanding and realizing the purposes/maqasid behind every rule and command, since the purpose of the laws is to protect the welfare of humans and avert evil and mischief. Hence, there is a need for exploring the association between purposes/wisdoms and reasoning of Islamic law. This paper represents a study of this essential topic.
Influence of personality traits on parasocial relationship with sports celebrities: A hierarchical approach
Authors: Sun Tao , Wu Guohua 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTUsing the 3M Model of Motivation and Personality as a theoretical framework, this study develops a three‐level hierarchy of personality traits predictive of fans' parasocial relationship with sports celebrities. Specifically, the findings show that parasocial relationship with sports celebrities is determined positively by materialism (the elemental trait), negatively by self‐esteem (the compound trait) and positively by interest in sports spectatorship (the situational trait). Practical and academic implications are provided.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new measure of social classes
Authors: Rossiter John R. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTSocial classes' ‘way we live’ values remain a major influence on consumers' retail store choices, their brand choices for major durables, and their use of health services and pharmaceutical products. Social class, however, has been neglected in modern theories and research in consumer behavior, probably because of the difficulty of implementing a proper sociological measure of social class distinctions coupled with the realization that convenient sociodemographic measures of social class are not a valid substitute for the sociological measure. A new 34‐item values‐based measure of social class is presented in this article, called the Social Class Values Index (SCVI). The SCVI efficiently distinguishes the six traditional social‐class strata that are based on attributed social prestige and contributes to the first known measure of the non–prestige‐based, largely self‐actualized ‘X’ class. The SCVI is interviewer‐administered and is easily profile‐scored from simple binary answers.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mixing emotions: The use of humor in fear advertising
Authors: Mukherjee Ashesh , Dubé Laurette 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTFear is used to advertise many products, services, and causes such as antismoking, sunscreen usage, and safe driving. Past research indicates that high levels of fear tension arousal can prompt defensive responses in the audience, which, in turn, can reduce the persuasive effect of the ad. We show in two studies that humor can reduce these defensive responses and hence increase the persuasiveness of fear advertising. Specifically, we show that increasing the level of fear tension arousal decreases persuasion when humor is absent but increases persuasion when humor is present. Further, this interaction of humor and fear tension arousal is mediated by defensive responses related to message elaboration and vulnerability to threat. Our results suggest that the effectiveness of fear advertising can be increased by adding an element of humor to the ad.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute effects of single‐dose aripiprazole and haloperidol on resting cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the human brain
Authors: Handley Rowena , Zelaya Fernando O. , Reinders A.A.T. Simone , Marques Tiago Reis , Mehta Mitul A. , O'Gorman Ruth , Alsop David C. , Taylor Heather , Johnston Atholl , Williams Steve , McGuire Philip , Pariante Carmine M. , Kapur Shitij , Dazzan Paola 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAntipsychotic drugs act on the dopaminergic system (first‐generation antipsychotics, FGA), but some also directly affect serotonergic function (second‐generation antipsychotics, SGA) in the brain. Short and long‐term effects of these drugs on brain physiology remain poorly understood. Moreover, it remains unclear whether any physiological effect in the brain may be different for FGAs and SGAs. Immediate (+3.30 h) and different effects of single‐dose FGA (haloperidol, 3 mg) and a SGA (aripiprazole, 10 mg) on resting cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were explored in the same 20 healthy volunteers using a pulsed continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) sequence (1.5T) in a placebo‐controlled, repeated measures design. Both antipsychotics increased striatal rCBF but the effect was greater after haloperidol. Both decreased frontal rCBF, and opposite effects of the drugs were observed in the temporal cortex (haloperidol decreased, aripiprazole increased rCBF) and in the posterior cingulate (haloperidol increased, aripiprazole decreased rCBF). Further increases were evident in the insula, hippocampus, and anterior cingulate after both antipsychotics, in the motor cortex following haloperidol and in the occipital lobe the claustrum and the cerebellum after aripiprazole. Further decreases were observed in the parietal and occipital cortices after aripiprazole. This study suggests that early and different rCBF changes are evident following a single‐dose of FGA and SGA. The effects occur in healthy volunteers, thus may be independent from any underlying pathology, and in the same regions identified as structurally and functionally altered in schizophrenia, suggesting a possible relationship between antipsychotic‐induced rCBF changes and brain alterations in schizophrenia. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cloud point and solvent extraction study of uranium(VI) by 8‐hydroxyquinoline
Authors: Favre‐Réguillon Alain , Murat Denis , Cote Gérard , Draye Micheline 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Cloud point extraction (CPE) is an attractive alternative to solvent extraction. However, comparisons between both techniques are lacking. In this paper, the extraction of uranium(VI) using 8‐hydroxyquinoline (HQ) as chelating agent was studied by CPE using Triton X‐114 as non‐ionic surfactant and by solvent extraction using CHCl3 as diluent.RESULTS: Using CPE, a quantitative extraction was observed for pH higher than 4.5 with a HQ/U ratio of 10. Using solvent extraction an increase in the HQ/U ratio up to 50 is necessary to obtain a near quantitative extraction. Both extraction systems were then compared with respect to the nature of extracted species, and the extraction constants determined using log‐log analysis of the extraction data. In the solvent extraction system, the extracted species were identified as UO2Q2 and the corresponding extraction constant was found to be log kex = − 3.6 ± 0.2 on the molar scale. Considering that UO2Q2 is also the extracted species in CPE, a slightly higher extraction constant, i.e. log kex = − 2.5 ± 0.3, was found.CONCLUSION: Such a small difference in favour of the CPE system may arise from the combination of various phenomena, including effects of temperature and effects of ‘extractant environment’. However, a change in the nature of the extracted species, namely from UO2Q2 in the solvent extraction system to the formation of adducts, i.e. UO2Q2(HQ) and UO2Q2(HQ)2 in the CPE system, due to higher HQ concentration in the surfactant‐rich phase compared with chloroform, cannot be precluded, but requires confirmation. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Shifts of microbial community structure during anaerobic digestion of agro‐industrial energetic crops and food industry byproducts
Authors: Merlino Giuseppe , Rizzi Aurora , Villa Federica , Sorlini Claudia , Brambilla Massimo , Navarotto Pierluigi , Bertazzoni Barbara , Zagni Matteo , Araldi Fabio , Daffonchio Daniele 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Much research has been done on biochemical methane potential (BMP) determinations. However, although anaerobic digestion for methane production is driven by microorganisms, little information is available on the microbial community response to different organic residues. The aim of this study was to characterize the microbial communities during the treatment of different organic matrices.RESULTS: BMP were comparable for energy crops and several agro‐industrial biomasses. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) showed the dominance of clostridia and Methanosarcina. Principal component analyses of PCR‐DGGE profiles indicated microbial shifts between the start and end of the processes. Microbial communities showed similar structures that, in particular for Archaea, clustered together independently of the nature of the matrix treated. Bacterial communities were richer, more dynamic and even than archaeal ones. Real‐time quantitative PCR revealed that the Methanosarcinales dominated the archaeal community while sulphate‐reducing bacteria were present at low titers. A statistically significant correlation indicated that more even archaeal communities were associated with higher BMP.CONCLUSION: Different shifts occurred between Archaea and Bacteria exposed to different matrices treated by anaerobic digestion. While bacterial communities varied relatively widely, convergent archaeal community structures were selected in response to different biomasses treated. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Reactive blending of poly(butylene succinate) and poly(triethylene succinate): characterization of the copolymers obtained
Authors: Soccio Michelina , Lotti Nadia , Gigli Matteo , Finelli Lara , Gazzano Massimo , Munari Andrea 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPoly[butylene‐co‐(triethylene succinate)] block copolymers (PBSPTES), prepared by reactive blending of the parent homopolymers (PBS and PTES) in the presence of Ti(OBu)4, were analysed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), wide angle X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry techniques, in order to investigate the effects of the transesterification reactions on the molecular structure and thermal properties. 1H‐NMR analysis evidenced the formation of copolymers whose degree of randomness increased with mixing time. After melt quenching, all the copolymers were found to be semicrystalline with the exception of a random copolymer. The results obtained indicated that the block size has a fundamental role in determining the rate of crystallization and therefore the phase behavior of the block copolymers. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry