bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Anti-PCSK9 Antibodies in the Treatment of Patients with Statin Intolerance
Authors: Schreml Julia , Gouni-Berthold Ioanna
Published: June 2017

Statin intolerance is usually defined as the inability of a patient to tolerate statintreatment
due to muscle-related complaints. While randomised trials show that these complaints
occure with similar frequency in patients receiving placebo, namely in up to ~5% of
the subjects, and data from registries as well as clinical experience indicate a much higher
frequency of up to ~30%. The lack of standard definition or of a diagnostic marker of statin
intolerance confounds the problem. The diagnosis remains subjective based on the symptoms
the patient reports. Therefore, a large number of patients who need a statin are not receiving
it, or receiving only very-low and/or intermittent doses unable to achieve a robust decrease in
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), leaving patients at high or very high risk for
cardiovascular events requiring an alternative form of lipid-lowering therapy. Until recently,
the only available alternatives were niacin, ezetimibe, bile-acid sequestrants and fibrates that
decrease LDL-C concentrations by up to 15-20%. Recently the fully human monoclonal antibodies
against proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9), alirocumab (Praluent®) and
evolocumab (Repatha®), which have been shown to decrease LDL-C by up to 70% have been
approved in Europe for use in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia not at LDL-C target
while on maximally tolerated lipid-lowering therapy and specifically for patients with statin
intolerance and in the USA for patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or familial
hypercholesterolemia requiring additional LDL-C lowering. Ongoing large clinical trials with
cardiovascular endpoints will provide a definitive answer for the role of anti-PCSK9 antibodies
in clinical practice.
Synthesis, Docking and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Triazole Amine Derivatives as Potential Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors
Authors: Grewal Ajmer Singh , Lather Viney , Pandita Deepti , Dalal Ruchi
Published: June 2017

Background: Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), is one of the members of PDE superfamily
which catalyzes the hydrolysis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate to adenosine monophosphate
in pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory cells, leading to increased inflammatory
processes. PDE4 has been reported as an attractive therapeutic target involved
in various inflammatory disorders.

Objective: The present work was designed to synthesize and evaluate the anti-inflammatory
activity of some new triazole amine derivatives as potential PDE4 inhibitors.

Method: The present work involved the synthesis of a series of newer substituted triazole
amine derivatives followed by characterization using FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy and
their in silico evaluation by docking studies to determine the binding interactions for the
best fit conformations in the binding site of PDE4 protein. Based on the results of the in
silico studies, the selected compounds were tested for the anti-inflammatory activity using
carrageenan-induced paw oedema method.

Results: The yields of synthesized compounds were moderate and amongst the synthesized
molecules, compound 5 demonstrated high anti-inflammatory activity. The results of experimental
studies were found to be in concordance with that of the in silico docking results.
Most of the synthesized molecules were also found to possess drug like properties as contrived
by Lipinski's rule of five.

Conclusion: These newly synthesized molecules could act as the starting hits for the design
of effective, potent and selective PDE4 inhibitors for the promising treatment of inflammatory
disorders.
Molecular Characterization of Fusarium Solani Degrades a Mixture of Low and High Molecular Weight Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Hesham Abd El-Latif , Mohamed Elsayed A. , Mawad Asmaa M.M. , Elfarash Ameer , Abd El-Fattah Bahaa S. , El-Rawy Mahmoud A.
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

This study evaluates the ability of a non-white rot fungus strain, HESHAM-1, to degrade a mixture of low (naphthalene and phenanthrene) and high (chrysene and benzo(a)pyrene) molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (LMW and HMW PAHs).

Methods:

Strain HESHAM-1 was isolated from oil polluted soil by enrichment method using phenanthrene as the sole source of carbon and energy. The strain showed the ability to tolerate and degrade a mixture of both low and high molecular weight PAHs. In the presences of LMW-PAHs (naphthalene and phenanthrene) as co-substrate, chrysene and benzo(a)pyrene (HMW-PAHs) were, respectively degraded by the fungus strain HESHAM-1 which was confirmed by GC-MS analyses.

Results:

The degradation rate was found as 84.82% for naphthalene, 40.09% for phenanthrene, 57.84% for chrysene and 71.06% for benzo(a)pyrene at the end of 10 days. This is the first report describing the biodegradation of a mixture of four PAH compounds by non-white rot fungus strain HESHAM-1 isolated from Egyptian oil-polluted soil. The fungus strain HESHAM-1 was identified by morphological characteristics and molecular genetics technique based on PCR amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) of the rDNA region and intervening 5.8S rRNA gene. Blast result and phylogenetic analysis of gene sequencing suggested that strain HESHAM-1 was closely related toFusarium solaniwith 100% sequence identity.

Conclusion:

The present study clearly demonstrates that, strain HESHAM-1 could be used to remove the crude oil from the environment.
LA QUIEBRA DE LAS INSTITUCIONALIDADES PÚBLICAS Y DE LA JURICIDAD. LA DESCOMPOSICIÓN DEL ESTADO-NACIÓN EN AMÉRICA LATINA
Authors: Santagati (UNL-Zamora-Argentina) Cláudio Jesus
Published: June 2017

El presente trabajo analiza las dife-rentes articulaciones y trayectorias que en América Latina, durante el período 1990-2010, describieron los dos componentes claves en los que se sustenta el funcionamiento y la organización de todo Estado Cons-titucional de Derecho, son estos: (i) las institucionalidades públicas y (ii), la juricidad. Dichos componentes han sido objeto en la región de un proceso histórico-acumulativo de degradación y deterioro y en el cual, según lo sostenemos aquí, convergen dos procesos diferentes. El primero, de manifestación reciente: (i) la implementación durante la década de los ´90 del programa neoliberal de reformas del Estado que afectó gravemente sus institucionalidades y la juridicidad. Y el segundo, de carácter más estructural: (ii) la legitimación desde los poderes estatales de prácticas violatorias de la Constitución, de los ordenamientos internos y de la jurisdicción internacional. El despliegue de ambos procesos (contextual e histórico) no fue automático sino que hizo necesaria la articulación de numerosos actores, discursos y prácticas, poderes, dis-positivos, mecanismos, etc., a fin de que éstos pudieran desencadenarse. El presente artículo se propone articular algunos componentes explicativos o instancias desde las cuales dar cuenta de las modalidades de operación de aquellas prácticas y su incidencia en la erosión de las institucionalidades públicas y de la juricidad actuales. Así, hemos identificado un total de cinco componentes explicativos o instancias que, según creemos, concurren, desde diferentes es espacios, a la estructuración del fenómeno bajo examen. Son éstas: 1. La serie histórica: Fuerza militar / Estado / poderes políticos /Constitución / ciudadanía. 2. Interrupción de los procesos democráticos 3. Democracias low intensity 4. Caudillismos contra-democráticos. Gestión personalística y 5. Coaliciones rentistas (Captura del Estado).
Licófitas e Samambaias no Cerrado do Leste do Maranhão, Brasil
Authors: Silva Guilherme Sousa , Silva Domingos Lucas Santos , Oliveira Regigláucia Rodrigues , Silva Maria Lindalva Alves , Conceição Gonçalo Mendes
Published: June 2017

O Cerrado é um bioma estratégico para o Brasil, em virtude de sua diversidade e fonte para a economia brasileira. As (Lycophyta) Licófitas e (Monilophyta) Samambaias do Cerrado apresentam uma biodiversidade significativa de espécies, apesar dos poucos estudos para este domínio fitogeográfico. Essa pesquisa objetivou realizar um levantamento e caracterizar morfologicamente as espécies de Licófitas e Samambaias ocorrentes em fragmentos vegetacionais do Cerrado no município de São João do Sóter, Maranhão. Realizaram-se quatro excursões à área de estudo entre o período de outubro de 2015 à janeiro de 2016. O material botânico foi coletado, herborizado e identificado. Foram registrados 58 espécimes, distribuídos em 19 espécies, 14 gêneros e 11 famílias, sendo registrada uma nova ocorrência para o estado, a Cyclodium meniscioides (Willd.) C. Presl. O número de espécies de Licófitas e Samambaias registradas na área de estudo, até o momento, é o maior para o Maranhão.
Teaching Anthropology Today
Authors: Coleman Simon
Published: June 2017

This autobiographical paper, given as a conference keynote, explores the ways in which, as anthropologists, we assess and study the role of teaching in our discipline, and how to think about these questions ethnographically.
'Breaking Other People's Toys': Reflections on Teaching Critical Anthropology in Development Studies
Authors: Djohari Natalie
Published: June 2017

This paper explores the personal transformations of students learning critical anthropology on a Development Studies course. Students� personal projects intertwine with their disciplinary and professional choices. I show how learning that radically challenges the development paradigm may lead to internal personal conflicts and life-project crises. How should teachers of anthropology design and teach such courses and what is the impact on students and on the disciplines?
Teaching Anthropology through Anecdotes
Authors: Sainsbury Willow
Published: June 2017

I reflect on my experience with anecdotes in teaching anthropology. Drawing on my Oxford teaching experience, I explore how the tutorial format might be conducive to students telling anecdotes and how anecdotes might challenge anthropology, teaching and learning.
Clickolage: Encouraging the Student Bricoleur through Social Media
Authors: Pearce Nick
Published: June 2017

Since his inception, the �bricoleur� has travelled widely and been used for many purposes. This article explores how the concept of the bricoleur can help understand the ways in which students learn by using, adapting and linking social media in new ways. However using digital resources in this ways goes beyond bricolage in that it is an open-ended, ongoing, collaborative process and so the concept of �clickolage� is introduced to highlight how students can learn from their relationship with multimedia objects, and each other.
Confronting Positionality
Authors: Okely Judith
Published: June 2017

Drawing on a multiplicity of learning, teaching and educational experiences, I argue that understanding positionality, or the specificity of each individual, triggers necessary unlearning. Confronting hitherto hidden, subjective knowledge may be the means to recognize grounded learning as ethnocentric and time and space specific. The individual may learn positionality through unexpected contrast, especially through anthropology. The anthropologist is the participant observer, analyst and writer - no managerial delegator, but directly engaged. Learning through engaged action, anthropologists unlearn what they have consciously and unconsciously absorbed from infancy. New embodied knowledge is often gained through making mistakes in other unknown contexts, thus fostering unlearning. This article explores the above themes through an autobiographical account of experiences of both teaching and learning.
Responding to Crisis
Authors: Bennett David
Published: June 2017

The financial crash of 2008 and ensuing economic crisis have prompted an outpouring of commentary. Despite taking a reputational hit, the discipline of economics may still claim to have had a good crisis arising from heightened perceptions of its relevance. But has anthropology had a good crisis, given the discipline�s distorted image that sits alongside its continuing marginal status within higher education? Citing the economic crisis as a case study for consideration of anthropology in public education, this paper examines two examples of anthropological participation that illustrate anthropology is intellectually able to both complement and contest a narrow economic understanding of the crisis. But more typically anthropologists have shown a reticence to engage in public education. Generalising, any consideration of anthropology�s specific contributions towards an understanding of public issues must take account of its distinctive nature and relationship with other disciplines. But by imparting an anthropological sensibility, anthropology needs to go beyond explanation and help shape the discourses that frame discussion. Drawing lessons from the Norwegian experience, a presence for anthropology in the schools� curriculum could support an expanded influence in public education and in turn help promote a heightened public profile. �
An Interrupted Time Series Analysis to Determine the Effect of an Electronic Health Record–Based Intervention on Appropriate Screening for Type 2 Diabetes in Urban Primary Care Clinics in New York City
Authors: Albu Jeanine B. , Sohler Nancy , Li Rui , Li Xuan , Young Edwin , Gregg Edward W. , Ross-Degnan Dennis
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of a health system–wide primary care diabetes management system, which included targeted guidelines for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and prediabetes (dysglycemia) screening, on detection of previously undiagnosed dysglycemia cases.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Intervention included electronic health record (EHR)–based decision support and standardized providers and staff training for using the American Diabetes Association guidelines for dysglycemia screening. Using EHR data, we identified 40,456 adults without T2DM or recent screening with a face-to-face visit (March 2011–December 2013) in five urban clinics. Interrupted time series analyses examined the impact of the intervention on trends in three outcomes: 1) monthly proportion of eligible patients receiving dysglycemia testing, 2) two negative comparison conditions (dysglycemia testing among ineligible patients and cholesterol screening), and 3) yield of undiagnosed dysglycemia among those tested.

RESULTS

Baseline monthly proportion of eligible patients receiving testing was 7.4–10.4%. After the intervention, screening doubled (mean increase + 11.0% [95% CI 9.0, 13.0], proportion range 18.6–25.3%). The proportion of ineligible patients tested also increased (+5.0% [95% CI 3.0, 8.0]) with no concurrent change in cholesterol testing (+0% [95% CI −0.02, 0.05]). About 59% of test results in eligible patients showed dysglycemia both before and after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a policy for systematic dysglycemia screening including formal training and EHR templates in urban academic primary care clinics resulted in a doubling of appropriate testing and the number of patients who could be targeted for treatment to prevent or delay T2DM.
Atividades investigativas com o Geogebra: contribuições de uma proposta para o ensino de matemática
Authors: Batista Gabriele
Published: June 2017

A presente pesquisa teve por objetivo analisar como um grupo de professores planeja e desenvolve práticas investigativas para serem trabalhadas nas aulas de Matemática, utilizando como recurso um software de Geometria Dinâmica. Pretendeu-se, também, investigar o papel das atividades desenvolvidas pelos docentes durante o processo de ensino e aprendizagem. Os sujeitos dessa investigação foram docentes da rede pública de ensino de sete municípios no interior do Estado da Bahia, que participaram de um curso de extensão, cuja proposta era a elaboração de estratégias pedagógicas para o ensino de Matemática. Optou-se, como meta principal, responder a seguinte questão norteadora: “Quais contribuições uma proposta de ensino investigativo, auxiliada pelo ambiente informatizado, pode oferecer para a compreensão dos conteúdos nas aulas de Matemática?” Para alcançar os objetivos do estudo, tomou-se por base os aportes teóricos sobre ensino investigativo. A análise qualitativa foi desenvolvida baseada no recorte do material produzido pelos docentes, sendo que os dados da investigação foram coletados por meio de observação em campo, questionários e gravações de áudio. A avaliação das atividades ajudou-nos a entender como a prática investigativa, associada a uma ferramenta tecnológica, contribui para um aprendizado, proporcionando um ensino com maior interação e exploração dos conteúdos.
Luz América Viveros Anaya, El surgimiento del espacio autobiográfico en México. “Impresiones y recuerdos” (1893), de Federico Gamboa. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, 2015; 369 pp.
Authors: Olea Franco Rafael
Published: June 2017

Se reseñó el libro: El surgimiento del espacio autobiográfico en México. “Impresiones y recuerdos” (1893), de Federico Gamboa.
Rafael Olea Franco (ed.), Los hados de febrero: visiones artísticas de la Decena Trágica. El Colegio de México, México, 2015; 436 pp.
Authors: Cajero Antonio
Published: June 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Los hados de febrero: visiones artísticas de la Decena Trágica.
Antolín Sánchez Cuervo y Guillermo Zermeño Padilla (eds.), El exilio español del 39 en México. Mediaciones entre mundos, disciplinas y saberes. El Colegio de México, México, 2014; 260 pp.
Authors: Valender James
Published: June 2017

Se reseñó el libro: El exilio español del 39 en México. Mediaciones entre mundos, disciplinas y saberes.
Margherita Cannavacciuolo, Miradas en vilo. La narrativa de José Emilio Pacheco. Pról. de Eduardo Ramos-Izquierdo. Beatriz Viterbo, Rosario, 2014; 208 pp.
Authors: Ortiz López Dante
Published: June 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Miradas en vilo. La narrativa de José Emilio Pacheco.
Blanca Estela Treviño, De la vida como metáfora a la vida como ensayo. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, 2015; 240 pp.
Authors: Pimentel Luz Aurora
Published: June 2017

Se reseñó el libro: De la vida como metáfora a la vida como ensayo.
Machado de Assis e as traduções que publicou em Crisálidas
Authors: Miranda José Américo
Published: June 2017

Quando Machado de Assis publicou suas Poesias completas, em 1901, ele excluiu diversos poemas de seus três primeiros livros – Crisálidas (1864), Falenas (1870) e Americanas (1875). Todas essas obras continham poesias, de procedências diversas, traduzidas por Machado de Assis. Ao longo de sua trajetória, ele traduziu poetas de língua francesa, inglesa, alemã, italiana, polonesa, chinesa, além de um salmo bíblico. As seis poesias traduzidas que apareceram em Crisálidas foram todas excluídas por ele, ao passo que as dos outros dois livros passaram às Poesias completas. Este artigo examina as seis traduções presentes na primeira edição de Crisálidas e busca explicações para a exclusão delas, pelo próprio autor, de suas Poesias completas.  ---DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.25094/rtp.2017n22a359
O rasurado convite amoroso de Glauco Mattoso
Authors: Sodré Paulo Roberto , Quevedo Rafael Campos
Published: June 2017

Discute o topos horaciano do convite amoroso e da profecia ameaçadora expresso em poemas de língua portuguesa, em especial de Glauco Mattoso, uma vez que este, poeta contemporâneo conhecido por seu sonetário herdado de Luís de Camões, Gregório de Matos e de Manuel Barbosa Maria du Bocage, declara-se herdeiro da tradição lírica de língua portuguesa. Os estudos de tópica literária de Francisco Achcar e de Antonio Candido, além de reflexões sobre o tema da imitação poética, como as de D. A. Russel e Raul Miguel Rosado Fernandes, serão os aportes teóricos para esta discussão.  ---DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.25094/rtp.2017n22a377
Representações das subjetividades femininas em Babel bárbara, de Cristina Peri Rossi
Authors: Marcari Maria de Fatima Alves Oliveira
Published: June 2017

Em seu poemário Babel bárbara (1991), a escritora uruguaia Cristina Peri Rossi empreende uma busca pela mulher arquetípica e original, anterior à cultura patriarcal. Para tanto, a autora propõe a construção de uma linguagem simbólica feminina oposta à lógica falogocêntrica. Em nosso trabalho, pretendemos analisar como a autora reconstitui uma subjetividade primordial, centrada no feminino, contrapondo-se às teorizações de Lacan, que nega ao feminino qualquer protagonismo ontológico. Para tanto, contaremos com o apoio dos estudos críticos de Luce Irigaray (1985) e Cixous (1985,1992,1994), bem como das teorizações de Severo Sarduy (1978) sobre o neobarroco. ---DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.25094/rtp.2017n22a387
Ecloga Desidyllica
Authors: Mattoso Glauco
Published: June 2017

Poema inédito escrito pelo autor para este dossiê. ---DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.25094/rtp.2017n22a440
Glauco Mattoso e a coprofagia de poéticas
Authors: Palmeiro Cecilia
Published: June 2017

Este trabalho estuda os começos de escrita do Glauco Mattoso e a construção da sua figura de autor no contexto da abertura democrática no Brasil, na linha da poesia marginal e do desbunde. O ensaio analisa a relação entre literatura e política na origem das políticas do desejo no Brasil. ---DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.25094/rtp.2017n22a442
Plurality in Legislative Media: An Analysis of the Chamber News Agency
Authors: Patrício Edgard , Viana Leidyanne
Published: June 2017

For this paper, we used content analysis for the analysis of 115 news reports to determine if there is plurality in the Chamber News Agency news reports. The decision to choose plurality was based on the fact that it is a fundamental requisite for promoting public interest in journalism. The conclusion was drawn that there is currently no plurality due to predominant parliamentary sources taking up the majority of the space, leaving minimal space for the participation of society. Moreover, the only sources the Agency has are social agents authorized by the Chamber of Deputies.
Membership Categorization Analysis on Communication Studies: An Essay of Applied Methodology
Authors: Andrade Braga Adriana , Gastaldo Édison Luis , Depiné Alves Guimarães Juliana
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a naturalistic methodological perspective applied to the studies of media communications called Membership Categorization Analysis (MCA). Originally developed for classifying and ordering categories within the framework of natural conversation using sequential analysis (the analysis of turn-taking), we present MCA as a promising methodological approach for analysing media discourses due to its context sensitivity, empirical foundations and its view of communication as a social practice that integrates production, distribution and reception to produce meaning.
Maintaining the Boundaries: The Interpretative Repertoires Journalists Use to Differentiate Themselves from the Public Relations Industry
Authors: Francoeur Chantal
Published: June 2017

Journalists make use of a number of interpretative repertoires to describe their relationship to the PR industry. Among these : they tap into the institutional discourses of both their own field and that of their PR counterparts ; they dip in and out of the deontological code of the journalistic profession ; they exploit a repertoire that we refer to here as «realist» discourse. That journalists can touch upon a range of repertoires within a single sentence points to the complexities that lie at the heart of this relationship. It also speaks to the way that journalists manage to distinguish themselves from PR professionals while at the same time, collaborating with them. These are among the findings to emerge from interviews conducted with twenty journalists working the daily beat in Montreal.
Smoking-Related Stigma Expressed by Physiotherapists toward Individuals with Lung Disease
Authors: Bass Bethany , Lake Elizabeth , Elvy Chelsea , Fodemesi Sarah , Iacoe Mara , Mazik Emilie , Brooks Dina , Lee Annemarie
Published: June 2017

Purpose: We determined the extent and nature of stigma exhibited by a sample of Canadian cardiorespiratory physiotherapists toward people with lung disease who had a smoking history. Method: A quantitative online survey was distributed to Canadian cardiorespiratory physiotherapists, and an anti-smoking attitudes questionnaire was used to measure explicit stigma. We used two case studies with questions to measure implicit stigma. The first involved a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a smoking history, and the second described a patient with COPD with no smoking history. Results: Of the respondents (n=50), 56% demonstrated mild explicit stigma and 44% demonstrated moderate to severe explicit stigma. The extent of explicit stigma was not associated with respondents' age, area of practice, personal smoking history, or family history of lung disease resulting from smoking. The results indicated no evidence of implicit stigma, and no significant differences were found between the participants' prospective treatments and their professional attitudes toward patient cases. Conclusions: Canadian cardiorespiratory physiotherapists demonstrated explicit stigma toward people with lung disease with a significant smoking history, but there was no evidence of implicit stigma. These findings suggest that further research is needed to investigate how stigma held by cardiorespiratory physiotherapists may affect the quality of care provided for patients with a smoking history.
Deep brain stimulation for the early treatment of the minimally conscious state and vegetative state: experience in 14 patients
Authors: Chudy Darko , Deletis Vedran , Almahariq Fadi , Marčinković Petar , Škrlin Jasenka , Paradžik Veronika
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

An effective treatment of patients in a minimally conscious state (MCS) or vegetative state (VS) caused by hypoxic encephalopathy or traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not yet available. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the thalamic reticular nuclei has been attempted as a therapeutic procedure mainly in patients with TBI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic use of DBS for patients in VS or MCS.

METHODS

Fourteen of 49 patients in VS or MCS qualified for inclusion in this study and underwent DBS. Of these 14 patients, 4 were in MCS and 10 were in VS. The etiology of VS or MCS was TBI in 4 cases and hypoxic encephalopathy due to cardiac arrest in 10. The selection criteria for DBS, evaluating the status of the cerebral cortex and thalamocortical reticular formation, included: neurological evaluation, electrophysiological evaluation, and the results of positron emission tomography (PET) and MRI examinations. The target for DBS was the centromedian-parafascicular (CM-pf) complex. The duration of follow-up ranged from 38 to 60 months.

RESULTS

Two MCS patients regained consciousness and regained their ability to walk, speak fluently, and live independently. One MCS patient reached the level of consciousness, but was still in a wheelchair at the time the article was written. One VS patient (who had suffered a cerebral ischemic lesion) improved to the level of consciousness and currently responds to simple commands. Three VS patients died of respiratory infection, sepsis, or cerebrovascular insult (1 of each). The other 7 patients remained without substantial improvement of consciousness.

CONCLUSIONS

Spontaneous recovery from MCS/VS to the level of consciousness with no or minimal need for assistance in everyday life is very rare. Therefore, if a patient in VS or MCS fulfills the selection criteria (presence of somatosensory evoked potentials from upper extremities, motor and brainstem auditory evoked potentials, with cerebral glucose metabolism affected not more than the level of hypometabolism, which is judged using PET), DBS could be a treatment option.
A multimodal concept for invasive diagnostics and surgery based on neuronavigated voxel-based morphometric MRI postprocessing data in previously nonlesional epilepsy
Authors: Delev Daniel , Quesada Carlos M. , Grote Alexander , Boström Jan P. , Elger Christian , Vatter Hartmut , Surges Rainer
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of refractory and apparent nonlesional focal epilepsy is challenging. Morphometric MRI voxel-based and other postprocessing methods can help to localize the epileptogenic zone and thereby support the planning of further invasive electroencephalography (EEG) diagnostics, and maybe resective epilepsy surgery.

METHODS

The authors developed an algorithm to implement regions of interest (ROI), based on postprocessed MRI data, into a neuronavigation tool. This was followed by stereotactic ROI-guided implantation of depth electrodes and ROI-navigated resective surgery. Data on diagnostic yield, histology, and seizure outcome were collected and evaluated.

RESULTS

Fourteen consecutive patients with apparently nonlesional epilepsy were included in this study. Reevaluation of the MR images with the help of MRI postprocessing analysis led to the identification of probable subtle lesions in 11 patients. Additional information obtained by SPECT imaging and MRI reevaluation suggested possible lesions in the remaining 3 patients. The ROI-guided invasive implantation of EEG yielded interictal and ictal activity in 13 patients who were consequently referred to resective surgery. Despite the apparently negative MRI findings, focal cortical dysplasia was found in 64% of the patients (n = 9). At the last available outcome, 8 patients (57%) were completely seizure free (International League Against Epilepsy Class 1).

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of a robust and straightforward algorithm for implementation of MRI postprocessing-based targets into the neuronavigation system. This approach allowed the stereotactic implantation of a low number of depth electrodes only, which confirmed the seizure-onset hypothesis in 90% of the cases without causing any complications. Furthermore, the neuronavigated ROI-guided lesionectomy helped to perform resective surgery in this rather challenging subgroup of patients with apparent nonlesional epilepsy.
Endoscopic endonasal odontoid resection with real-time intraoperative image-guided computed tomography: report of 4 cases
Authors: Singh Harminder , Rote Sarang , Jada Ajit , Bander Evan D. , Almodovar-Mercado Gustavo J. , Essayed Walid I. , Härtl Roger , Anand Vijay K. , Schwartz Theodore H. , Greenfield Jeffrey P.
Published: June 2017

The authors present 4 cases in which they used intraoperative CT (iCT) scanning to provide real-time image guidance during endonasal odontoid resection. While intraoperative CT has previously been used as a confirmatory test after resection, to the authors’ knowledge this is the first time it has been used to provide real-time image guidance during endonasal odontoid resection. The operating room setup, as well as the advantages and pitfalls of this approach, are discussed. A mobile intraoperative CT scanner was used in conjunction with real-time craniospinal neuronavigation in 4 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy for basilar invagination. All patients underwent a successful decompression. In 3 of the 4 patients, real-time intraoperative CT image guidance was instrumental in achieving a comprehensive decompression. In 3 (75%) cases in which the right nostril was the predominant working channel, there was a tendency for asymmetrical decompression toward the right side, meaning that residual bone was seen on the left, which was subsequently removed prior to completion of the surgery.

Endoscopic endonasal odontoid resection with real-time intraoperative image-guided CT scanning is feasible and provides accurate intraoperative localization of pathology, thereby increasing the chance of a complete odontoidectomy. For right-handed surgeons operating predominantly through the right nostril, special attention should be paid to the contralateral side of the resection, where there is often a tendency for residual pathology.
Naming a Channel with Beeps
Authors: Chlebus Bogdan S. , De Marco Gianluca , Talo Muhammed
Published: June 2017

We consider a communication channel in which the only available mode of communication is transmitting beeps. A beep transmitted by a station attached to the channel reaches all the other stations instantaneously. Stations are anonymous, in that they do not have any individual identifiers. The algorithmic goal is to assign names to the stations in such a manner that the names make a contiguous segment of positive integers starting from 1. We develop a Las Vegas naming algorithm, for the case when the number of stations n is known, and a Monte Carlo algorithm, for the case when the number of stations n is not known. The given randomized algorithms are provably optimal with respect to the expected time 𝒪( n log n), the expected number of used random bits 𝒪( n log n), and the probability of error.
Roots Multiplicity without Companion Matrices
Authors: Koprowski Przemysław
Published: June 2017

We show a method for constructing a polynomial interpolating roots’ multiplicities of another polynomial, that does not use companion matrices. This leads to a modification to Guersenzvaig–Szechtman square-free decomposition algorithm that is more efficient both in theory and in practice.
Social media: A path to health literacy
Authors: Roberts Michelle , Callahan Lizz , O’Leary Catina
Published: June 2017

Social media – websites and other online tools called social networks – serve as a tool to connect people and organizations around topics of common interest. Social media platforms offer tremendous opportunity to engage quickly and sometimes in depth with many and diverse stakeholders as people have the ability to communicate back-and-forth from anywhere in the world. As increasing numbers of people receive their news and health information online, it is important to ensure content delivered through online resources is accessible to diverse target audiences. This article discusses a mid-sized health literacy nonprofit organizations’ social media philosophy and tactics during the past 10 years, as both social media and health literacy strategies evolved continuously. The integration of social media in health literacy program content depends on the use with best evidence health literacy strategies, such as the use of plain language techniques. Strategy and technical considerations for the implementation and integration of social media within a health literate health communications model are discussed.
Supreme Pastor of the Church Cares for the Hungarian Church: Church Architecture of the Hungarian Church During the First Decade of John Paul II’s Papacy
Authors: Garai Gréta , Vukoszávlyev Zorán
Published: June 2017

One of the first longer letters of Pope John Paul II was addressed to the Hungarian Episcopacy and the Hungarian Catholics. Besides the traditional Polish-Hungarian friendship, he highlighted the person of Saint Stephen and the role of Hungary in the history of the Christian religion. “  […] the Catholic Church, which had such a significant role in the history of Hungary, can still pervade the spiritual image of your country, and can make the lightness of Jesus Christ’s gospel, that gave light to the sons of the Hungarian people during so many centuries, shine for your sons and daughters.”- wrote in his letter.
Engineering Properties of Bentonite-Lime-Phosphogypsum Composite Reinforced with Treated Sisal Fibers
Authors: Kumar Sujeet , B. Vidya Tilak , Dutta Rakesh Kumar
Published: June 2017

The present work primarily investigates the unconfined compressive strength, the tensile load-diametral strain, the toughness characteristics and the shear strengths of bentonite-lime-phosphogypsum-treated sisal fibre composite. The unconfined compressive strengths and tensile strengths were obtained using the unconfined compressive test and indirect tensile test respectively. The results revealed that the unconfined compressive stress, the deviator stress and the tensile load at failure of bentonite-lime-phosphogypsum composite with untreated sisal fibres could be improved by the successive chemical treatment with sodium periodate, p-aminophenol and sodium hydroxide. The brittleness index and deformability index indicated a change from the brittle to ductile behavior of the bentonite-lime-phosphogypsum-untreated sisal fiber composite, with the chemical treatment.
Calculation of Presumed Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations According to the Principles of Eurocode 7
Authors: Móczár Balázs , Szendefy János
Published: June 2017

Various simplified design procedures can be found in the literature, intended for the design of shallow foundations of lower importance buildings and pre-dimensioning. In most cases, these design procedures are based on vaguely defined soil types and parameters, and are not compatible with Eurocode. The aim of this paper is to establish a „design procedure by prescriptive measures”, according to the guidelines of Eurocode 7. Within this framework, previous design procedures are reviewed and a new procedure is developed for the simplified calculation of the bearing capacity of shallow foundations, conforming to the principles and rules of Eurocode 7.
Evaluation of the Warping Model for Analysis of Polystyrene Concrete Slabs with Profiled Steel Sheeting
Authors: Cherednikov Volodymyr , Voskobiinyk Olena , Cherednikova Olexandra
Published: June 2017

In this article the possibility of applying the warping model offered by V. G. Piskunov, A. V. Goryk and V. N. Cherednikov for analyzing polystyrene concrete slabs with profiled steel sheeting is considered. The adequacy of the offered model was verified by comparing the experimental and calculated deflections of the slab. Test specimens of polystyrene concrete slabs with profiled steel sheeting (PCSPSS) were made for experimental studies and then mechanical properties of the slab components – the polystyrene concrete and the profiled steel sheeting – were determined. Then the behaviour of slabs under a load was studied. The calculation of the warping model of PCSPSS was done at the same time. The obtained results have proved the possibility of applying of the offered warping model for analysis of PCSPSS. It is proposed to use the considered model for further study of the stress-strained state of inhomogeneous slabs.
Project Duration Evaluated Using Affine Arithmetic
Authors: Bosurgi Gaetano , Pellegrino Orazio , Sollazzo Giuseppe
Published: June 2017

A civil engineering work can be performed by organizing theavailable resources (manpower, equipment and materials) inmany different ways. Each different configuration results in arealization time and a cost that a building company has to bear.To produce reliable duration forecasts and money savings, itis essential to take into account all the uncertainties involvedin the project operations. Generally, since it is impractical toprocess numerous uncertain variables - also undefined froma statistical point of view -, traditional probabilistic methodsinvolve application difficulties for complex environmentssuch as construction sites. To properly handle this issue, theauthors propose in this paper the application of the AffineArithmetic technique. This method treats the variables as intervalsand returns reliable results, even when the variables aremutually dependent. The numerical example presented in thepaper proves the efficiency of the procedure, even if some analyticalcomplications are included in the analysis (dependencybetween variables, non-linear functions, etc.). Comparisonswith Interval Analysis and traditional procedures are also provided.Adopting Affine Arithmetic, the results are reported interms of intervals, avoiding the definition of unrealistic deterministicvalues that can strongly affect the operation organization.Furthermore, without increasing the problem complexity,the model admits continuous modifications (interval amplitudes,new variable dependencies, etc.) to correct and optimizethe durations.
Dry separation of brown coal fly ash, determination of its physical, morphological, chemical, and mechanical properties of its cementitious mixes
Authors: Haider Usman , Bittnar Zdeněk , Ali Asif , Kopecky Lubomír , Šmilauer Vít , Bittnar Petr , Pokorny Jaroslav
Published: June 2017

The dry separation of brown coal fly ash of density 2.21 g/cm3, specific surface area 5112 cm2/g, having d50 and d97 of 60 and 231 µm was carried out in this research using ultrafine air classifier. Classifiers wheel speed was increased from 2000 to 10000 rpm to obtain fine and coarse products. Median diameter of 5.62 µm was obtained for fine products at a speed of 10000 rpm with nearly 90% decrease in median particle size as compared raw fly ash. Particle morphology was observed on optical, electron microscopes which showed that at 10000 rpm classifiers wheel speed, average fine particles morphology changed from angular and rounded slaggy particles to spherical particles. Cement – 60% fine products samples showed an increase of 26% of compressive strength at 90 days as compared to raw fly ash and linear relationship was developed between median diameter of fines and compressive strength.
A Review of Direct Shear Testing Configurations for Bond between Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Sheets on Concrete and Masonry Substrates
Authors: Shadravan Behnam , Tehrani Fariborz M.
Published: June 2017

The surface bond characteristics of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) sheets have been subject to research for more than two decades. These sheets generally exhibit brittle performance during direct shear and often delaminate prematurely before they attain the full strength of the material. This paper reviews the experimental testing configurations to investigate the direct shear bond surface characteristics of FRP sheets on concrete and masonry substrates. Additionally, it summarizes the data acquisition methods and the observed behavior for surface bond of FRP sheets on concrete and masonry. This review aims to serve as a source for future experimental research studies in the field. Further, an innovative testing configuration is suggested to measure bond strength of FRP sheets on concrete and masonry surfaces in direct shear.
Some Geotechnical Properties of Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Kurt Zeynep Nese , Akbulut Suat
Published: June 2017

Clay soils have various areas of use in geotechnical engineering.The common use of clayey soils are for landfills, dams,nuclear plants, etc. However, when the clay soils interactwith water, the geotechnical properties such as the swelling,the shear strength, and the compressibility properties ofclay change gradually. Therefore, in this research, using ahydrophobic organo-clay, polymers (locust bean gum, latex,glycerine, and vinyl acrylic copolymer), and rubber powder,clay-nanocomposites were developed to solve the problemsdue to the clay-water interaction encountered in the clay liners.This study focuses on the geotechnical properties of theclay-nanocomposites researched experimentally in laboratoryconditions. The test results found that, the specific gravities,consistency limits, compaction parameters, and unconfinedcompressive strengths of clay-nanocomposites change significantly,when compared to those of natural clay and hydrophobicorgano-clay.
Random Parameters and Sources of Uncertainty in Practical Fire Safety Assessment of Steel Building Structures
Authors: Król Pawel Artur
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this article is to identify sources of uncertaintyand outline the basis of probabilistic safety assessmentof steel structures exposed to fire conditions. Awareness of theexistence of unavoidable uncertainties and non-deterministicnature of many phenomena and parameters may be essentialfor a proper understanding of the issues of structural reliabilityin the event of extreme or accidental actions.The study highlights various sources of uncertainty associatedwith practical fire safety assessment of steel structureswhich significantly affects the reliability of estimates. Universalfactors influencing random structural resistance in alldesign conditions were separately described. A significant partof the paper is devoted to issues that relate only to an accidentaldesign situation of fire. Reference was made to the uncertaintyof the analytical model describing the bearing capacityof the structure in terms of probabilistic approach. A syntheticsummary on the impact of the method of carrying out materialtesting in elevated temperatures on the strength parameters,was made. In the conclusion it has been underlined that, interalia, due to the lack of relevant statistical data, conducting afully reliable probabilistic analysis of random structural resistanceunder fire is currently not possible. A unique part of thepaper contains the proposed model of probability-based analyticalapproach to assess random structural resistance in fireconditions, incorporating an authorial modification to modelsused for standard conditions.
Combined CFD-Stochastic Analysis of an Active Fluidic Injection System for Jet Noise Reduction
Authors: Barbarino Mattia , Ilsami Mario , Tuccillo Raffaele , Federico Luigi
Published: June 2017

In the framework of DANTE project (Development of Aero-Vibroacoustics Numerical and Technical Expertise), funded under the Italian Aerospace Research Program (PRORA), the prediction and reduction of noise from subsonic jets through the reconstruction of turbulent fields from Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) calculations are addressed. This approach, known as Stochastic Noise Generation and Radiation (SNGR), reconstructs the turbulent velocity fluctuations by RANS fields and calculates the source terms of Vortex Sound acoustic analogy. In the first part of this work, numerical and experimental jet-noise test cases have been reproduced by means RANS simulations and with different turbulence models in order to validate the approach for its subsequent use as a design tool. The noise spectra, predicted with SNGR, are in good agreement with both the experimental data and the results of Large-Eddy Simulations (LES). In the last part of this work, an active fluid injection technique, based on extractions from turbine and injections of high-pressure gas into the main stream of exhausts, has been proposed and finally assessed with the aim of reducing the jet-noise through the mixing and breaking of the turbulent eddies. Some tests have been carried out in order to set the best design parameters in terms of mass flow rate and injection velocity and to design the system functionalities. The SNGR method is, therefore, suitable to be used for the early design phase of jet-noise reduction technologies and a right combination of the fluid injection design parameters allows for a reduction of the jet-noise to 3.5 dB, as compared to the baseline case without injections.