bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Basin formation behind an active subduction zone: three‐dimensional flexural modelling of Wanganui Basin, New Zealand
Authors: Stern T. A. , Quinlan G. M. , Holt W. E. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractSouth Wanganui Basin is a Plio‐Pleistocene basin formed behind the Hikurangi subduction zone of the North Island, New Zealand. The active Benioffzone lies about 30–40 km beneath the centre of Wanganui Basin. We attribute the development of this basin primarily to frictional shear between the subducted Pacific plate and overriding Australian plate. This frictional interaction harnesses part of the ‘slab pull’ force of plate tectonics to deform the overriding plate and create the basin. The overall shape of the basin is modified to a lesser extent by the effects of uplift around the basin margin and by in‐plane compressional stress. A quantitative three‐dimensional model, based on flexure of a thin elastic sheet with spatially varying rigidity, is used to test the implications of our hypothesis. A maximum vertical loading stress of about 85 MPa is required to produce the vertical deformation in Wanganui Basin, and that in turn implies about 170 MPa of shear stress at the inclined subduction thrust. A vertical stress of 85 MPa applied over a 40‐km‐wide subduction thrust represents about 50% of the magnitude theoretically present in the ‘slab pull’ force. The effective elastic thickness (Te) of the flexed plate that provides the best fit to the observed deformation is 10 ± 5 km; such a low value of 7“e is attributed to the high plate curvature and high strain rates associated with Wanganui Basin. Constraints on our analysis are provided by seismic reflection, seismicity, gravity, geodetic and geological data. A similar situation to Wanganui Basin, in which a high‐friction subduction thrust induces shortening and flexure of the overlying crust, may be found in the Puget Sound area of Washington State, USA.
Interior cratonic basins of Africa: relation to continental break‐up and role of mantle convection
Authors: Hartley ROXBY W. , Allen PHILIP A. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe history of the African continent since the beginning of fragmentation of Pangaea is one of widespread rifting in the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, extensive inundation under elevated Cretaceous sea‐levels, widespread epeirogenic uplift beginning in the Early Tertiary and off‐rift domal uplift associated with alkaline igneous activity in the Tertiary and especially in the Neogene. The cratonic basins have developed against this post break‐up background,The cratonic basins of Africa are located between a relatively dense array of highspots and hotspots. Although there is a clear underlying structural fabric in the form of the Central African and West African rift systems, the present location of these basins cannot always be unequivocally linked to the presence of underlying rifts. The Congo Basin stands out as overlying a rigid rather than stretched lithosphere, and no reasonable density contrasts in the crust can explain the isostatic anomalies over the basin. Either there is a cold, dense region situated at depths typical of the upper mantle beneath the basin, or a downward‐acting dynamic force on the base of the lithosphere is necessary to explain the gravity field. Together, this points to the likelihood of a convective downwelling beneath the African plate under the Congo region.The African cold‐spot model may be applicable to the Early Palaeozoic cratonic basins of North America. Their location and timing of development with respect to the adjacent plate margin, size and shape may be analogous to the African examples.
The interaction of planetary nebulae and their asymptotic giant branch progenitors with the interstellar medium
Authors: Wareing C. J. , Zijlstra Albert A. , O'Brien T. J. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Interaction with the interstellar medium (ISM) cannot be ignored in understanding planetary nebula (PN) evolution and shaping. In an effort to understand the range of shapes observed in the outer envelopes of PNe, we have run a comprehensive set of three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations, from the beginning of the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) superwind phase until the end of the post-AGB/PN phase. A ‘triple-wind’ model is used, including a slow AGB wind, fast post-AGB wind and third wind reflecting the linear movement through the ISM. A wide range of stellar velocities, mass-loss rates and ISM densities have been considered.
We find that ISM interaction strongly affects outer PN structures, with the dominant shaping occurring during the AGB phase. The simulations predict four stages of PN–ISM interaction whereby (i) the PN is initially unaffected, (ii) then limb-brightened in the direction of motion, (iii) then distorted with the star moving away from the geometric centre, and (iv) finally so distorted that the object is no longer recognizable as a PN and may not be classed as such. Parsec-size shells around PNe are predicted to be common. The structure and brightness of ancient PNe are largely determined by the ISM interaction, caused by rebrightening during the second stage; this effect may address the current discrepancies in Galactic PN abundance. The majority of PNe will have tail structures. Evidence for strong interaction is found for all known PNe in globular clusters.
Correlations between sex rate estimates and fitness across predominantly parthenogenetic flatworm populations
Authors: D’SOUZA T. G. , MICHIELS N. K. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractOne explanation for the success of sexual reproduction is that sex increases the efficacy of natural selection. Recombination and segregation lead to fitness variance among offspring which then offers a wider target for natural selection. Consequently, adaptation to changing environments is accelerated and population mean fitness will increase.We investigated whether low levels of sex are associated with increased fitness variance and mean in parthenogenetic biotypes of the planarian flatworm Schmidtea polychroa. Parthenogenetic S. polychroa are triploid and reproduce clonally with occasional sexual reproduction. By‐products and measures of occasional sex are the local presence of tetraploids and elevated levels of genotypic diversity. We correlated the proportion of tetraploids and genotypic diversity with fitness attributes of six genetically differentiated locations within one meta‐population. Results indicate strong, positive correlations with variance and with mean offspring number produced during a 5‐week period. The ecological and evolutionary implications for the maintenance of parthenogenetic S. polychroa are discussed.
Polyomavirus nephropathy in renal allograft: Prevalence and correlation of histology with graft failure
Authors: WEN MEI‐CHIN , LIAN JONG‐DA , CHANG HORNG‐RANG , SHU KUO‐HSIUNG , WU MING‐JU , CHEN CHENG‐HSU , JAN YEE‐JEE , WANG JOHN , CHANG DECHING 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARY:Background:  While polyomavirus nephropathy (PVN) is recognized as an emerging cause of graft loss in renal transplants, the prevalence rate of PVN in renal grafts is unclear in Taiwan.Methods:  Biopsies (n = 412) from 323 Taiwanese renal transplant patients were retrospectively analysed. PVN was diagnosed by the characteristic viropathic change in epithelial cells under light microscopic examination and a positive immunohistochemistry staining of anti‐SV40 large T antigen. The viral cytopathic changes, interstitial inflammation, fibrosis and tubular atrophy were semiquantitatively assessed, based on the Banff 1997 classification and scoring for renal allograft.Results:  Seventeen cases were identified with evidence of PVN; the prevalence rate is 5.26%. Compared with non‐PVN patients, they were more likely to have had previous rejection episodes, higher graft loss and shorter graft survival.Conclusion:  This retrospective study showed that we have similar findings to other reports with at least 5% prevalence of PVN and that patients diagnosed early do better, while those diagnosed with severe inflammation or damage do worse or are likely to lose their grafts.
Karnofsky performance score in acute renal failure as a predictor of short‐term survival
Authors: PEREZ VALDIVIESO JOSE RAMON , BES‐RASTROLLO MAIRA , MONEDERO PABLO , DE IRALA JOKIN , JAVIER LAVILLA FRANCISCO 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARY:Background: Karnofsky Performance Scale Index (KPS) is a measure of functional status that allows patients to be classified according to their functional impairment. We aim to assess if the prior KPS may predict the risk of death among patients with acute renal failure (ARF).Methods: A cohort of 668 consecutive patients who had been admitted in an university‐affiliated hospital between June 2000 and June 2006, and had been diagnosed with ARF, were studied. Three hundred and eighty‐six patients with ARF who matched at least one of the RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss and End stage) criteria on increased serum creatinine were included for subsequent analysis. The group was divided into four categories, according to different Karnofsky scores measured by a nephrologist (≥80, 70, 60 and ≤50). We used an adjusted logistic regression model to assess the relationship between the Karnofky score and mortality.Results: A significant risk of in‐hospital mortality within 90 days was observed when the other groups were compared with the ≥80 Karnofsky group. Adjusted odds ratios were 8.87 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.03–25.99), 6.78 (95% CI 2.61–17.58) and 2.83 (95% CI 1.04–7.68), for Karnofsky groups of ≤50, 60 and 70, respectively. An adjusted odds ratio of 1.75 (95% CI 1.37–2.23) was observed for every 10 point decrease in KPS score.Conclusion: Functional status as indicated by the KPS is an independent predictor of death in this cohort of patients with ARF. Patients who presented lower scores had increased mortality rates.
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 involvement in the development of renal interstitial fibrosis after unilateral ureteral obstruction
Authors: KURATSUNE MASATOSHI , MASAKI TAKAO , HIRAI TAKAYUKI , KIRIBAYASHI KEI , YOKOYAMA YUKIO , ARAKAWA TETSUJI , YORIOKA NORIAKI , KOHNO NOBUOKI 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARY:Background:  In vitro studies suggest that the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) plays a critical role in renal fibrosis. However, the process of STAT activation in vivo remains unclear. This study in rats aimed to localize STAT3 activation within the kidney and examine the in vivo relationship between STAT3 activation and renal fibrosis.Methods:  Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was induced in the rats and the kidneys examined 3 or 7 days after obstruction. Activation of STAT3 in western blot and immunohistochemical analyses was identified by the phosphorylated form of STAT3 (pSTAT3).Results:  Myofibroblasts were identified by α‐smooth muscle actin expression and were upregulated in obstructed kidneys. pSTAT3 was localized mainly in tubular epithelial cells of collecting ducts in normal and obstructed kidneys and interstitial cells in obstructed kidneys. After UUO, western blotting showed a fourfold increase in pSTAT3, with a peak at day 7. Immunostaining showed a sixfold increase in pSTAT3 at day 7 in tubular epithelial cells and a 2500‐fold increase at day 7 in interstitial cells.Conclusion:  STAT3 was activated in rat tubular epithelial cells and myofibroblasts after UUO, suggesting that STAT3 may contribute to the progression of interstitial fibrosis.
Conversion of cyclosporine to tacrolimus in stable renal allograft recipients: Quantification of effects on the severity of gingival enlargement and hirsutism and patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: WALKER ROWAN G , COTTRELL STEPHEN , SHARP KATHLEEN , TRIPODI ROSAMARIA , NICHOLLS KATHY M , FRASER IAN , VARIGOS GEORGE A , BUTCHER BELINDA E 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARY:Background:  Cyclosporine‐induced side‐effects such as gum enlargement and hirsutism potentially limit its effectiveness as a calcineurin‐antagonist if these effects contribute to a lack of compliance. Although the differences in incidence of these effects are widely recognized, few studies are available to show the extent of reduced gum enlargement and hirsutism in patients converted from cyclosporine to tacrolimus. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety and patient‐reported outcomes of such conversions.Methods:  Twenty‐one consecutive cyclosporine‐treated renal‐transplant recipients with evidence of gingival enlargement were randomized into two arms: 10 continued to receive cyclosporine, 11 were converted to tacrolimus. Mean differences (0–3, 0–6, 0–9 and 0–12 months) in periodontal indices (gingival inflammation, plaque, pocket depth, gingival enlargement), hirsutism, serum creatinine and glucose and subjective differences in the patient's rating of disfigurement due to hirsutism and gingival enlargement were recorded.Results:  There were no differences in baseline periodontal scores between the two groups. Tacrolimus‐treated subjects had significantly reduced pocket depth and gingival enlargement measures (Pocket Depths: −0.40 ± 0.58 vs 0.30 ± 0.35, P < 0.01; Gingival Enlargement Index: −1.12 ± 0.83 vs−0.10 ± 0.89, P < 0.05; tacrolimus vs cyclosporine, respectively), and decreased subjective disfigurement compared with the cyclosporine‐treated group over the 12 months. While there was no difference in objective hirsutism scores between the two groups, tacrolimus‐treated patients reported a significant improvement and cyclosporine‐treated patients a significant worsening in their degree of disfigurement at the end of 12 months. There were no differences in creatinine or glucose levels.Conclusion:  Conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus in stable renal‐transplant recipients with cyclosporine‐induced gingival enlargement can be achieved safely and with measurably good effect.
Treatment of acute corneal hydrops with intracameral C3F8 in a patient of pellucid marginal degeneration with keratoglobus
Authors: Kaushal Sameer , Sharma Namrata , Vajpayee Rasik B 
Published: November 2007

AbstractWe report the use of perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas for the treatment of acute hydrops with intrastromal cleft in a case of pellucid marginal degeneration with keratoglobus. Acute hydrops in a 36‐year‐old man with pellucid marginal degeneration with keratoglobus was treated with intracameral injection of 0.3 mL isoexpansile C3F8 (14%). Reduction in corneal haze was seen beginning from the third postoperative day. Significant clearing had taken place by the end of the second week with the closure of intrastromal cleft. Best corrected visual acuity improved from finger counting at 1 foot preoperatively to 6/18 after 2 weeks. There was no postoperative rise in intraocular pressure or cataract formation. Intracameral injection of C3F8 may possibly be a viable treatment option for acute hydrops in a case of corneal ectasia. Larger studies are required to clarify the role of intracameral gas injection in the treatment of acute hydrops in corneal ectasia.
Two‐step oblique incision during 25‐gauge vitrectomy reduces incidence of postoperative hypotony
Authors: Inoue Makoto , Shinoda Kei , Shinoda Hajime , Kawamura Ryosuke , Suzuki Kotaro , Ishida Susumu 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe efficacy of a two‐step, oblique incision procedure during 25‐gauge vitrectomy on postoperative hypotony was evaluated by a retrospective, case–control study. The transconjunctival incision during 25‐gauge vitrectomy was made in two steps: penetration with a microvitreoretinal blade followed by a penetrater instrument of a blunt trocar. The two‐step procedure was performed on 89 eyes and with the conventional incision on 68 eyes. The incidence of hypotony (intraocular pressure <6 mmHg) on the first postoperative day and after 1 week and 1 month was compared. Hypotony was found in two eyes (2%) with the two‐step method and 12 eyes (18%) with the conventional incision on the first postoperative day (P = 0.001, Fisher's exact probability test). The preoperative intraocular pressure was not significantly different in the two groups but was significantly higher in the two‐step group than in the conventional method group on the first postoperative day (P = 0.001, Wilcoxon rank test). Twenty‐five‐gauge vitrectomy with two‐step oblique incisions will reduce the incidence of postoperative hypotony on the first postoperative day.
Clinical Case Notes
Authors: Muthiah Manickam Nick , Day Alexander C , Singh Ravinder P , Malik Nabeel , Adams Matt E , Olver Jane M 
Published: November 2007

AbstractSudden onset nonaxial proptosis and diplopia is alarming and orbital haemorrhage or a rapidly expanding orbital tumour should be excluded. We present a case of a young man aged 15 years who attended the Accident and Emergency Department with a 6‐h history of sudden onset proptosis and diplopia in whom the aetiology was orbital emphysema.
Photographic Essay
Authors: Lau Flora HS , Wong Amy L , Lam Philip TH , Lam Dennis SC 
Published: November 2007

AbstractCapsular block syndrome (CBS) or capsular bag distension syndrome is characterized by distension of the capsular bag after uneventful phacoemulsification and endocapsular intraocular lens implantation. The syndrome has also been reported after extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens placed in the sulcus. We report the anterior segment optical coherence tomographic findings in a case of early postoperative CBS. Anterior segment optical coherence tomographic aids in the diagnosis and management of CBS.
Scleral infiltration in orbitotemporal plexiform neurofibromatosis
Authors: Then Siew‐Yin , De Sousa Jean‐Louis , Chandrasekharan Lekha , Francis Ian , Malhotra Raman 
Published: November 2007

AbstractWe report a case of severe orbitotemporal plexiform neurofibromatosis with a unique observation of clinically evident scleral infiltration, without uveal involvement, in a non‐buphthalmic eye. We emphasize the importance of recognizing this before debulking surgery.
Comparison of posterior capsule opacification in rabbits receiving either mitomycin‐C or distilled water for sealed‐capsule irrigation during cataract surgery
Authors: Kim Su‐Young , Kim Jin‐Hyung , Choi Jun‐Sub , Joo Choun‐Ki 
Published: November 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To compare posterior capsule opacification (PCO) in rabbits who undergo cataract surgery and receive either mitomycin‐C (MMC) or distilled water (DW) during sealed‐capsule irrigation (SCI). In addition, we examined the toxicity of DW and MMC.Methods:  Twenty‐four eyes from 12 rabbits were divided into three groups. Balanced salt solution (BSS), DW, MMC 0.4 mg/mL was injected into the capsular bag for 2 min after endocapsular phacoemulsification and insertion of a SCI device. The degree of PCO was assessed by POCOman software at 3 months post surgery. Central corneal thickness, anterior chamber inflammation were assessed 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively.Results:  A statistically significant difference in PCO scores was noted between the control and study groups (P < 0.05). The PCO scores of the MMC group were significantly lower than those of the DW group (P < 0.05). The MMC and DW groups did not show significant toxicity compared with the BSS group.Conclusions:  MMC is more effective in reducing PCO than DW; the SCI device can protect the surrounding ocular tissue from MMC toxicity in rabbit eyes.
Abnormalities of visual‐evoked potentials and pupillary light reflexes in a family with autosomal dominant occult macular dystrophy
Authors: Okuno Takashi , Oku Hidehiro , Kondo Mineo , Miyake Yozo , Sugasawa Jun , Utsumi Takashi , Ikeda Tsunehiko 
Published: November 2007

AbstractOccult macular dystrophy (OMD) is an unusual inherited or sporadic macular dystrophy characterized by an essentially normal appearing ocular fundus and normal ocular circulation determined by fluorescein angiography but with a progressive decrease of visual acuity. We present a family with OMD who have a delay in the implicit times of both the visual‐evoked potentials and the pupillary light reflexes. Because these delays are usually indicative of optic nerve disorders, deciding on a diagnosis between OMD and optic nerve disorder should be done carefully. We are not aware of any studies that have reported these findings in patients with OMD.
A prospective randomized treatment study comparing three treatment options for chalazia: triamcinolone acetonide injections, incision and curettage and treatment with hot compresses
Authors: Goawalla Amynah , Lee Vickie 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground:  Three methods of treating chalazia were compared: intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections (0.2 mL of 10 mg/mL), incision and curettage and advice regarding the application of hot compresses to the affected eyelid.Methods:  This was a single centre randomized treatment study. Patients with a chalazion underwent either of the three treatment options. Chalazion resolution, pain, satisfaction and inconvenience experienced because of treatments were the outcomes assessed via a telephone interview at 3 weeks.Results:  136 consecutive patients were enrolled into the study. At the 3‐week follow up, the resolution rates in the triamcinolone acetonide injection and surgical treatment groups were not significantly different from each other at 84% (47/56) and 87% (39/45), respectively (P < 0.001), but was significantly lower in the conservative treatment group at 46% (16/35) (P < 0.001). Pain scores were higher in the surgical treatment group compared with the triamcinolone injection group (P < 0.003). Inconvenience experienced by patients was reported as significantly less in the triamcinolone group compared with the conservative and surgical treatment groups (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction scores were lower in the conservative treatment group compared with each of the other two groups which in turn, were no different from each other regarding this outcome (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  To our knowledge, this is the first prospective randomized study comparing the three methods of chalazia treatment. Results suggest that a single triamcinolone acetonide injection followed by lid massage is almost as effective as incision and curettage in the treatment of chalazia and with similar patient satisfaction and less pain and patient inconvenience.
Risk factors for primary open‐angle glaucoma in a Burmese population: the Meiktila Eye Study
Authors: Casson Robert J , Gupta Aanchal , Newland Henry S , McGovern Steve , Muecke James , Selva Dinesh , Aung Than 
Published: November 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To report the risk factors associated with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) in the Burmese population.Methods:  The Meiktila Eye study, a population‐based cross‐sectional study, included inhabitants 40 years of age and over from villages in the Meiktila District. Of 2481 eligible participants identified, 2076 participated in the study and sufficient examination data to diagnose glaucoma in at least one eye was obtained in 1997 participants. The ophthalmic examination included slit‐lamp examination, tonometry, gonioscopy and dilated stereoscopic fundus examination. Definitions adhered to the International Society for Geographic and Epidemiological Ophthalmology's recommendations. Univariate and multivariate analyses of potential risk factors were performed.Results:  The overall prevalence of POAG was 2.0% (95% CI 0.9–3.1). In the univariate analysis, increasing age (P = 0.024), spherical equivalent (P = 0.01), axial length (P = 0.023) and intraocular pressure (IOP; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with POAG. And in the multivariate analysis, myopia <0.5 D (P = 0.049), increasing age and IOP (P < 0.001) were significant risk factors for POAG.Conclusion:  POAG in this Burmese population was associated with increasing age, axial myopia and IOP.