Closed form solutions for the generalized extreme value distribution

This manuscript derives closed form solutions for conditional expectations of order statistics in models that are based on the extreme value and generalized extreme value distributions. Such conditional expectations are of interest in empirical anal-yses when the (identity of the) maximal statistic is observed, but the econometric model also relies on lower-rank order statistics which are unobserved. This is the case, for example, in some (sequential) bargaining models (e.g. Beckert, Smith and Takahashi (2015), for which this manuscript is a companion piece), or in empirical auctions models. The manuscript also provides an algorithm to derive the density of the GEV cumulative distribution function. This density is required to simulate nested logit models following the MCMC approach proposed by McFadden (1999)

Suzaku observation of IGR J16318-4848

We report on the first Suzaku observation of IGR J16318-4848, the most extreme example of a new group of highly absorbed X-ray binaries that have recently been discovered by the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory INTEGRAL. The Suzaku observation was carried out between 2006 August 14 and 17, with a net exposure time of 97 ks. The average X-ray spectrum of the source can be well described with a continuum model typical for neutron stars i.e., a strongly absorbed power law continuum with a photon index of 0.676(42) and an exponential cutoff at 20.5(6) keV. The absorbing column is 1.95(3)x10e24 cm-2. Consistent with earlier work, strong fluorescent emission lines of Fe Kalpha, Fe Kbeta, and Ni Kalpha are observed. Despite the large absorbing column, no Compton shoulder is seen in the lines, arguing for a non-spherical and inhomogeneous absorber. Seen at an average 5-60 keV absorbed flux of 3.4x10e-10 erg cm-2 s-1, the source exhibits significant variability on timescales of hours.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, 1 table. Accepted for publication in A&

Visual acuity and macular thickness in diabetic retinopathy treated with panphotocoagulation

OBJETIVO: Comparar espessura macular e acuidade visual em pacientes portadores de retinopatia diabética, com e sem edema de mácula, submetidos à panfotocoagulação retiniana com laser de argônio. MÉTODOS: Os pacientes foram classificados em dois grupos antes do tratamento, sendo submetidos a exame oftalmológico e tomografia de coerência óptica. Todos os pacientes foram tratados com panfotocoagulação. O resultado foi avaliado por meio da acuidade visual no 3º mês e pela tomografia de coerência óptica na 1ª semana, nos 1º e 3º meses do tratamento. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta por 37 pacientes (37 olhos). Grupo 1 foi constituído por 29 portadores de retinopatia diabética sem edema macular e Grupo 2, por 8, com edema. Os grupos não apresentaram diferenças na idade, sexo e nas médias de disparos da panfotocoagulação. Os grupos apresentaram diferença na acuidade visual (p<0,001), sendo que o Grupo 2 teve piora da visão após tratamento (p<0,001). Quanto à espessura macular na tomografia de coerência óptica, o Grupo 2 apresentou médias de espessuras maculares maiores (p<0,001) e maior variabilidade entre os momentos avaliados. CONCLUSÃO: Evidenciou-se que portadores de retinopatia diabética com edema macular evoluíram com variação acentuada na espessura macular e perda visual após a panfotocoagulação. Naqueles sem edema, observou-se aumento na espessura macular ao longo do seguimento, porém sem repercussões funcionais.PURPOSE: To compare the visual acuity and macular thickness in patients with diabetic retinopathy presenting and not presenting macular edema before treatment and submitted to argon laser retinal panphotocoagulation. Methods: Patients were included and classified into two groups before the treatment. All patients were submitted to ophthalmological examination and optical coherence tomography, following panphotocoagulation. The results were evaluated by measuring visual acuity at the end and by optical coherence tomography after one week, one and three months following the treatment. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 37 patients (37 eyes). Group 1 included 29 patients with diabetic retinopathy without macular edema; Group 2 included 8 patients with macular edema. The two groups were similar regarding gender, age, and the mean of argon laser spots treatment. The groups showed differences in visual acuity (p<0.001) and Group 2 patients presented decrease of visual acuity three months after the treatment (p<0.001). Group 2 patients showed a greater mean of macular thickness measurements on optical coherence tomography evaluation. CONCLUSION: Variation of the macular thickness as well as decrease in visual acuity was present in the patients with macular edema previously to panphotocoagulation. Only minimal increase in macular thickness was observed in the absence of macular edema

Intravitreous injection of bevacizumab and C3F8 gas for the treatment of submacular hemorrhage due to age-related macular degeneration: case reports

O objetivo desta série de casos foi demonstrar se a aplicação de bevacizumab e gás perfluoropropano (C3F8) intravítreos beneficiariam o deslocamento da hemorragia sub-retiniana dos pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade. Foi realizada uma série retrospectiva de 5 olhos que tinham recebido injeção intravítrea simultânea de bevacizumab e C3F8. Os resultados foram medidos pelo grau de deslocamento de sangue sob a fóvea, pela acuidade visual final e pelas complicações intraoperatórias. Na apresentação inicial, a idade média dos pacientes foi de 72,6 ± 8,9 anos e a duração média dos sintomas foi de 13 ± 9,7 dias. Dos 5 pacientes do estudo, 3 (60%) eram homens e 2 (40%) mulheres. O sucesso do deslocamento da hemorragia submacular foi alcançado em 4 pacientes. A média de acuidade visual pré-operatória foi de 1,12 ± 0,34 logMAR e pós-operatório foi de 0,92 ± 0,4 logMAR. Não foram observados nenhum caso de descolamento da retina, endoftalmite, hemorragia vítrea, uveíte, catarata e hipertensão ocular. A injeção intravítrea bevacizumab e C3F8, juntamente com a posição pronada pode ser uma valiosa opção terapêutica nos olhos com degeneração macular relacionada à idade neovascular e hemorragia sub-retiniana a fim de deslocar o sangue para fora da área foveal.The purpose of this case series is to describe if the intravitreal use of bevacizumab and perfluoropropane gas (C3F8) would be beneficial to the displacement of subretinal hemorrhage in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A retrospective study of 5 eyes that received concurrent intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and C3F8 was performed. The results were graded according to blood displacement under the fovea, best final visual acuity and intraoperative complications. At the initial presentation, mean age of patients was 72.6 ± 8.9 years-old and duration of symptoms was 13 ± 9.7 days. From the 5 patients, 3 (60%) were male and 2 (40%) female. The success of submacular hemorrhage full displacement was achieved in 4 patients. The mean preoperative visual acuity (VA) was 1.12 ± 0.34 logMAR and the mean postoperative VA was 0.92 ± 0.4 logMAR. No cases of retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, vitreous hemorrhage, uveitis, cataracts and increased intraocular pressure were noted during the follow-up period. Intravitreal bevacizumab and C3F8 injection, associated to prone position can be a valuable therapeutic option for eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and subretinal hemorrhage to the blood displacement out of the foveal area

Vitrectomia 3D guiada por triancinolona na tração vitreomacular do diabetes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of triamcinolone as an aid in vitreous visualization during 3D-vitrectomy for the treatment of diabetic vitreomacular traction. METHODS: Prospective interventional study in patients with symptomatic vitreomacular traction. Pre- and postoperative assessments included visual acuity, retinography, intraocular pressure and optical coherence tomography. All patients were operated by the same surgeon (OOMJ). Triamcinolone was used as a visual enhancer during surgery. The parameters of the vitreophage (Accurus 800CS, Alcon) were set to the 3D- system (dual dynamic drive), contact lenses (plain and wide angle) being used for visualization. Peripheral 360º vitreous circumcision at high cut rate was performed, carefully releasing the vitreomacular adhesion at the posterior pole by means of an appropriate pic or vitreoretinal forceps. RESULTS: The sample consisted of five consecutive patients (five eyes), three female and two male, with symptomatic vitreomacular traction. Their age ranged from 54 to 71 years (mean 62.6 ± 6.3 years). During the surgical procedure, the areas with vitreomacular traction were properly visualized and identified after the application of triamcinolone. No complications were recorded during or after surgery. There was a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity after the surgical procedure (p=0.0313). CONCLUSION: Triamcinolone facilitates the surgical treatment of vitreomacular traction by improving visibility of both the vitreous humor and the vitreous-retina interface. Triamcinolone-assisted 3D vitrectomy proved to be an effective procedure in these cases.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia da triancinolona como marcador vítreo na vitrectomia 3D para tratamento da tração vitreomacular do diabetes. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo prospectivo intervencionista numa série de portadores de tração vitreomacular sintomática. Na avaliação pré e pós-operatória foram realizadas a medida da acuidade visual, retinografia, pressão intra-ocular e tomografia de coerência óptica. Todos pacientes foram submetidos à vitrectomia pelo mesmo cirurgião (OOMJ). No intra-operatório, utilizou-se triancinolona como marcador vítreo. Os parâmetros do vitreófago (Accurus 800CS, Alcon) foram programados no sistema 3D (dual dynamic drive), sendo utilizadas lentes de contato (grande angular e plana) para visibilização. Realizou-se circuncisão vítrea periférica 360° com alto corte, desfazendo cuidadosamente as adesões vitreomaculares no pólo posterior por meio de gancho ou pinças vítreo-retinianas adequadas. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta por cinco pacientes (cinco olhos) consecutivos com tração vitreomacular sintomática. Três eram do sexo feminino e dois, do masculino. A idade variou de 54 a 71 anos (média de 62,6 ± 6,3 anos). Durante o procedimento cirúrgico, os locais de tração vitreomacular foram identificados com boa visibilidade após aplicação da triancinolona. Não foram observadas intercorrências tanto no intra quanto no pós-operatório. Houve melhora estatisticamente significante na acuidade visual após procedimento cirúrgico (p=0,0313). CONCLUSÃO: A triancinolona tem ação facilitadora no tratamento cirúrgico da tração vitreomacular, por melhorar visibilização tanto do humor vítreo quanto da interface vítreo-retina. A cirurgia de vitrectomia 3D, guiada por triancinolona, mostrou-se ser um procedimento eficiente nesses casos

Direct measurements of neutron capture on radioactive isotopes

We simulated the response of a 4p calorimetric g-detector array to decays of radioactive isotopes on the s-process path. The GEANT 3.21 simulation package was used. The main table contains estimates on the maximum sample size and required neutron flux based on the latest available neutron capture cross section at 30 keV. The results are intended to be used to estimate the feasibility of neutron capture measurements with 4p arrays using the time of flight technique

Tratamento cirúrgico do descolamento macular secundário à fosseta congênita do disco óptico: relato de caso

The authors describe a patient with macular detachment in the right eye, secondary to congenital pit of the optic disc, submitted to vitrectomy, drainage of the subretinal fluid, perfluorocarbon, endolaser and perfluoropropane gas (C3F8). A sample of the vitreous humor was taken for comparative analysis with the subretinal fluid. Results of retinography, optical coherence tomography, and illustrations of the surgical procedure are presented. Optical coherence tomography revealed the detachment resolved 6 months after surgery. Visual acuity improved from 20/400 to 20/30. This surgical technique can lead to successful reattachment of the macula and improvement of central vision. Additionally, a qualitative and comparative analysis showed a similar biochemical composition of the subretinal fluid and the vitreous. Despite technical limitations, this analysis can confirm the pathophysiology of the disease, suggesting that the subretinal fluid may originate from the vitreous cavity in macular detachment secondary to congenital pit of the optic disc.Os autores descrevem um paciente portador de descolamento macular secundário à fosseta congênita do nervo óptico no olho direito, submetido à vitrectomia, drenagem do fluido sub-retiniano, perfluorcarbono, endolaser e gás perfluoropropano (C3F8). Foi retirada amostra do humor vítreo para análise comparativa com o fluido sub-retiniano. São apresentadas retinografia, tomografia de coerência óptica e ilustrações do procedimento cirúrgico. Após 6 meses da cirurgia, houve resolução do descolamento evidenciada por meio da tomografia de coerência óptica. A acuidade visual melhorou de 20/400 para 20/30. A técnica cirúrgica utilizada pode ter melhorado os resultados obtidos. Adicionalmente, a análise bioquímica qualitativa e comparativa do fluido sub-retiniano e do vítreo mostrou composição semelhante. Apesar das limitações técnicas, esta análise pode corroborar na fisiopatogênese da doença, sugerindo que o fluido sub-retiniano pode ser originado da cavidade vítrea na fosseta congênita de papila

Qualidade de vida de pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade com cegueira legal monocular e binocular

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life for persons affected by age-related macular degeneration that results in monocular or binocular legal blindness. METHODS: An analytic transversal study using the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) was performed. Inclusion criteria were persons of both genders, aged more than 50 years old, absence of cataracts, diagnosis of age-related monocular degeneration in at least one eye and the absence of other macular diseases. The control group was paired by sex, age and no ocular disease. RESULTS: Group 1 (monocular legal blindness) was composed of 54 patients (72.22% females and 27.78% males, aged 51 to 87 years old, medium age 74.61 &plusmn; 7.27 years); group 2 (binocular legal blindness ) was composed of 54 patients (46.30% females and 53.70% males aged 54 to 87 years old, medium age 75.61 &plusmn; 6.34 years). The control group was composed of 40 patients (40% females and 60% males, aged 50 to 81 years old, medium age 65.65 &plusmn; 7.56 years). The majority of the scores were statistically significantly higher in group 1 and the control group in relation to group 2 and higher in the control group when compared to group 1. CONCLUSIONS: It was evident that the quality of life of persons with binocular blindness was more limited in relation to persons with monocular blindness. Both groups showed significant impairment in quality of life when compared to normal persons.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida de portadores de degeneração macular relacionada à idade com cegueira legal monocular e binocular. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo transversal analítico por meio do questionário National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25). Os critérios de inclusão foram: indivíduos de ambos os sexos, idade maior que 50 anos, ausência de catarata, diagnóstico de degeneração macular relacionada à idade avançada em pelo menos um dos olhos, sem outras maculopatias. O Grupo Controle foi pareado por sexo, idade e sem doença ocular. RESULTADOS: O Grupo 1 (cegueira monocular) foi composto por 54 pacientes (72,22% de mulheres e 27,78% de homens, idade entre 51 e 87 anos, média de 74,61 anos &plusmn; 7,27 anos); o Grupo 2 (cegueira binocular), por 54 (46,30% de mulheres e 53,70% de homens, idade entre 54 e 87 anos, média de 75,61 anos &plusmn; 6,34 anos). O Grupo Controle foi composto por 40 pacientes (40% de mulheres e 60% de homens, idade entre 50 e 81 anos, média de 65,65 anos &plusmn; 7,56 anos). A maioria dos escores foi significativamente maior no Grupo 1 e no Controle em relação ao Grupo 2 e maior no Controle comparado ao Grupo 1. CONCLUSÕES: Evidenciou-se que a qualidade de vida de indivíduos com cegueira binocular foi mais limitada em relação aos portadores de cegueira monocular. Quando comparados com indivíduos normais, ambos os grupos tiveram prejuízo na qualidade de vida foi significativo

Examination of the retinal nerve fiber layer in diabetic retinopathy treated by argon laser panphotocoagulation

OBJETIVO: Avaliar alterações na camada de fibras nervosas da retina na retinopatia diabética tratada por panfotocoagulação com laser de argônio. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo de portadores de retinopatia diabética submetidos a panfotocoagulação retiniana. Inicialmente, foram realizados exame oftalmológico completo e tomografia de coerência óptica. Todos pacientes foram submetidos a panfotocoagulação em um dos olhos. A camada de fibras nervosas foi avaliada por meio da tomografia de coerência óptica na 1ª semana, no primeiro, terceiro e sexto meses do tratamento. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta por 27 pacientes (27 olhos) portadores de diabetes mellitus tipo 2. A idade variou entre 41 e 64 anos (média de 53,7 ± 6,2 anos), sendo 10 (37%) pacientes do sexo masculino e 17 (63%) do feminino. Quanto ao tipo de retinopatia, 22,2% apresentavam RD proliferativa e 77,8%, RD não proliferativa muito grave. Houve aumento significante nas medidas da espessura da camada de fibras nervosas, permanecendo nos setores temporal, 3 e 4 horas após seis meses de seguimento. Não foi observada qualquer redução na espessura em todos parâmetros analisados. CONCLUSÃO: Não foi evidenciada, a curto e médio prazo, redução na espessura da camada de fibras nervosas em portadores de retinopatia diabética tratada por panfotocoagulação que possa ser identificável por meio da tomografia de coerência óptica. Por outro lado, alguns setores mostraram aumento na espessura durante o seguimento.PURPOSE: To evaluate the alterations in the retinal nerve fiber layer in diabetic retinopathy treated by argon laser panphotocoagulation. METHODS: Prospective study of patients with diabetic retinopathy submitted to retinal panphotocoagulation. Initially, complete ophthalmologic examination and optical coherence tomography were performed. All patients were submitted to panphotocoagulation with argon laser in one of the eyes. The retinal fiber layer was evaluated by means of optical coherence tomography in the first week, in the first, third and sixth months after treatment. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 27 patients (27 eyes) with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The age varied from 41 to 64 years (mean of 53.7 ± 6.2 years), with 10 (37%) males and 17 (63%) females. Regarding the retinopathy, 22.2% presented proliferative DR and 77.8% very severe non proliferative DR. There was a significant increase in the fiber layer thickness measurements, remaining in the temporal sectors, 3 and 4 hours, after 6 months of follow-up. Reduction of thickness was not observed in any of the analyzed parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction of the fiber layer thickness, identifiable by means of optical coherence tomography, in short and average term, was not observed in patients with diabetic retinopathy treated with panphotocoagulation. On the other hand, some sectors showed thickness increase during the follow-up

Drf1-dependent Kinase Interacts with Claspin through a Conserved Protein Motif

The Dbf4/Drf1-dependent kinase (DDK) is required for the initiation of DNA replication in eukaryotes. Another protein, Claspin, mediates the activation of a cellular checkpoint response to stalled replication forks and is also a regulator of replication. In this study, we found that DDK phosphorylates Claspin in vitro and forms a nuclear complex containing Cdc7, Drf1, and Claspin in Xenopus egg extracts. In addition, purified Claspin and DDK are capable of a direct in vitro interaction. We identified a conserved binding site on Claspin required for its interaction with DDK. This site corresponds to the first of two sequence repeats in the Chk1-binding domain of Claspin. Furthermore, we have established that two amino acids in this motif, Asp^(861) and Gln^(866), are essential for the interaction between Claspin and DDK. We found that mutant forms of Claspin incapable of interacting with DDK are still able to associate with and activate Chk1 in response to DNA replication blockages. However, Claspin-depleted egg extracts that have been reconstituted with these mutants of Claspin undergo DNA replication more slowly. These findings suggest that the interaction of DDK with Claspin mediates a checkpoint-independent function of Claspin related to DNA replication