bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A unitized guidance law for over-flight and standoff tracking of a ground target with fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Zhang Min , Xia Weizheng , Chen Xin
Published: April 2017

Over-flight and standoff tracking are the two typical modes of fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle tracking ground targets. The guidance law of each mode is usually designed independently and thus shows different forms. In this paper, based on the constraints on unmanned aerial vehicle flight, a novel unitized guidance law, which is compatible with these two modes, is proposed. The stability of the guidance law is rigorously proved by a Lyapunov function, and the design of guidance parameters is discussed. Numerical simulation results show that the proposed guidance law can be used for automatically tracking the stationary and moving ground targets well, and also can switch between the two tracking modes smoothly.
Characteristic model–based adaptive controller with discrete extended state observer for servo systems
Authors: Wang Xiang , Wu Yifei , Zhang Enze , Guo Jian , Chen Qingwei
Published: April 2017

Inertia variations and torque disturbances, most often considered as two of the major uncertainties in servo systems, highly affect the control performance. This article presents a characteristic model–based adaptive controller in the presence of large-range load inertia variations. A discrete-time characteristic model of the servo system, which has more advantages in describing time-varying dynamics, is established. The parameters of characteristic model are identified by a recursive least squares algorithm. To restrain the identification error and load torque disturbances, a discrete extended state observer is newly designed for the discrete-time system. Both the convergence of discrete extended state observer and the stability of closed-loop system are verified by the Lyapunov theory. Finally, simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed controller provides better performance than the fuzzy proportional integral controller in terms of adaptability and robustness.
Curve-constrained collision-free trajectory control of hyper-redundant planar space robot
Authors: Dalla Vijay Kumar , Pathak Pushparaj Mani
Published: April 2017

Redundancy resolution in a hyper-redundant space robots is a big challenge due to its extra degrees of freedom. This article presents a methodology to control motion planning of a planar space robot with multiple links, that is, hyper-redundant space robot. For control purpose, first a curve-constrained link trajectory tracking control has been developed. Then, the developed control approach has been extended for a collision-free trajectory tracking. For curve-constrained link trajectory tracking control, the backbone reference set (curve fitting) has been applied to exploit the redundancy of two-dimensional space robot of multiple links. For kinematic control purpose, a limited number of joints are actuated. The hyper-redundant space robot has the advantage that manipulator can be configured differently through actuation of different joints. The concept of a limited number of joint actuation has further been extended for collision-free trajectory tracking in the workspace in the presence of obstacles. Collision avoidance is based on the configuration transformation approach where the joints are made active or fixed joint position to facilitate collision-free tip trajectory. Before configuration transformation, collision detection has been performed based on the pseudo-distance criterion. The bond graph technique has been used for the dynamic model of the system and to formulate system equations. The simulation and the animation results validated the successful execution of the proposed approaches for the curve-constrained collision-free trajectory planning.
Oceanographic influences on the stability of the Cosgrove Ice Shelf, Antarctica
Authors: Totten Rebecca L , Majewski Wojciech , Anderson John B , Yokoyama Yusuke , Fernandez Rodrigo , Jakobsson Martin
Published: April 2017

Ferrero Bay, located in eastern Pine Island Bay (PIB) of the Amundsen Sea Embayment, is one of the largest and southernmost fjords yet studied in Antarctica. High-resolution multibeam swath bathymetric data, chirp sonar sub-bottom profiles, and three Kasten cores were collected in Ferrero Bay during the IB Oden Southern Ocean 2009–2010 cruise (OSO0910). Core KC-15 from the inner bay yielded two carbonate ages providing a minimum age for ice sheet recession from this sector of PIB by ~11 cal. kyr BP. In total, seven additional acid insoluble organic (AIO) fraction radiocarbon ages provide a linear age model with an R2 of 0.99. Variations in magnetic susceptibility, grain size, total organic carbon (TOC) and nitrogen, diatom abundance, and foraminiferal assemblage and abundance are used to interpret glacial history and paleoceanographic conditions. Grounding line retreat was characterized by advection of planktic foraminifera beneath an ice shelf that may have extended across the middle continental shelf. Following initial deglaciation, the Cosgrove Ice Shelf covered Ferrero Bay, and productivity was virtually absent during the mid-Holocene, while benthic foraminifera indicate periodic incursion of warm Circumpolar Deep Water. The ice shelf persisted until 2.3 cal. kyr BP, when TOC and diatom abundance increased as the bay opened and coastal areas deglaciated. Abundant diatoms demonstrate open marine conditions and seasonal sea ice during the recent open water phase, while high benthic foraminiferal abundance indicates active benthos. The retreat of the Cosgrove Ice Shelf was out of phase with Antarctic Peninsula ice shelves and ice-core proxy temperatures, implying that it did not respond to Holocene climate events but rather to the influence of Circumpolar Deep Water and possibly to internal glacial dynamics.
Holocene treeline and timberline changes in the South Carpathians (Romania): Climatic and anthropogenic drivers on the southern slopes of the Retezat Mountains
Authors: Vincze Ildikó , Orbán Ildikó , Birks Hilary H , Pál Ilona , Finsinger Walter , Hubay Katalin , Marinova Elena , Jakab Gusztáv , Braun Mihály , Biró Tamás , Tóth Mónika , Dănău Claudia , Ferencz Iosif V , Magyari Enikő K
Published: April 2017

Two high-altitude lake-sediment sequences (Lake Lia, 1910 m a.s.l. and Lake Bucura, 2040 m a.s.l.) from the Retezat Mountains (South Carpathians, Romania) were analysed using multi-proxy methods to study responses of treeline, timberline and alpine/subalpine vegetation to climate change and human impact during the past 16,000 years. Woody species ( Pinus mugo, Pinus cembra, Picea abies and Juniperus communis) reached Lake Lia between 12,000 and 11,800 cal. yr BP, whereas P. mugo colonised the shores of Lake Bucura at 9600 cal. yr BP. Lake Lia was in the timberline ecotone between 8000 and 3200 cal. yr BP, in semi-open P. cembra and Picea abies woodland, probably mixed with P. mugo on the steeper slopes. Lake Bucura was surrounded by the upper part of the krummholz zone during the mid-Holocene. The increase in P. cembra after c. 6000 cal. yr BP around Lake Lia suggests that the composition of the timberline forest changed. The disappearance of P. cembra and Picea abies around Lake Lia at ~3000 cal. yr BP reflects descent of the timberline. A large mean July temperature decline between 3300 and 2800 cal. yr BP may have driven or at least contributed to the descent of the Picea abies–P. cembra forests. An increase in human indicator pollen types in Lake Bucura around 4200 cal. yr BP may reflect human impact in the naturally open alpine zone in the Late Bronze Age. In contrast, human impact likely appeared considerably later, around 2650 cal. yr BP (Early Iron Age) around Lake Lia in the upper subalpine zone. Human impact likely intensified after 2200 cal. yr BP at both sites that resulted in the lowering of the krummholz zone. We conclude that climate change and human impact both played an important role in the lowering of the treeline and timberline in the late-Holocene.
Metabolic changes in methomyl poisoned rats treated by vitamin E
Authors: Weng J , Cai B , Chen J , Chen B , Wu H , Wen C , Sun F , Hu L , Chen C , Wang X , Wang Z
Published: April 2017

In this study, we developed a serum and urine metabolomic method based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) combination with biomedical results to evaluate the effect of vitamin E treatment on methomyl poisoning rats. The rats were divided into three groups: the control group, methomyl poisoning group, and vitamin E treatment group. Partial least squares discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) showed that methomyl poisoning induced metabolic perturbations. Compared to the control group, based on the urinary metabolomics data, the level of ribitol, l-proline, xylitol, hydrocinnamic acid, 11-cis-octadecenoic acid, octadecanoic acid, and hexadecanoic acid of methomyl poisoning group increased, while the level of 2,3,4-trihydroxybutyric acid, ethanimidic acid, pantothenic acid, and retinoic acid decreased. Vitamin E pretreatment effectively normalized the levels of metabolites in rat urine in vitamin E treatment group. There was no significant difference in rat plasma metabolomic data after acute methomyl poisoning. The results indicate that metabolomic method based on GC-MS may be useful to elucidate the vitamin E treatment for methomyl poisoning.
Surrogate marker analysis in cancer clinical trials through time-to-event mediation techniques
Authors: Vandenberghe Sjouke , Duchateau Luc , Slaets Leen , Bogaerts Jan , Vansteelandt Stijn
Published: April 2017

The meta-analytic approach is the gold standard for validation of surrogate markers, but has the drawback of requiring data from several trials. We refine modern mediation analysis techniques for time-to-event endpoints and apply them to investigate whether pathological complete response can be used as a surrogate marker for disease-free survival in the EORTC 10994/BIG 1-00 randomised phase 3 trial in which locally advanced breast cancer patients were randomised to either taxane or anthracycline based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In the mediation analysis, the treatment effect is decomposed into an indirect effect via pathological complete response and the remaining direct effect. It shows that only 4.2% of the treatment effect on disease-free survival after five years is mediated by the treatment effect on pathological complete response. There is thus no evidence from our analysis that pathological complete response is a valuable surrogate marker to evaluate the effect of taxane versus anthracycline based chemotherapies on progression free survival of locally advanced breast cancer patients. The proposed analysis strategy is broadly applicable to mediation analyses of time-to-event endpoints, is easy to apply and outperforms existing strategies in terms of precision as well as robustness against model misspecification.
Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life Among Elderly: Evidence From Chi Linh Town, Vietnam
Authors: Huong Nguyen Thanh , Ha Le Thi Hai , Tien Truong Quang
Published: April 2017

As Vietnam confronts with the challenge of an aging population, the importance of quality of life for elderly people becomes apparent. This article aims to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its correlates for the elderly, using a cross-sectional study design. A total of 1599 adults, aged 60 years and older, were drawn from the 2016 baseline survey of Chi Linh Health and Demographic Surveillance System (CHILILAB HDSS), which incorporated the EQ-5D, to measure HRQoL. Data were analyzed using multivariate linear regression analyses. The EQ-5D index of the elderly was found to be 0.871 (95% confidence interval = 0.862-0.880). After controlling for covariates, there were statistically significant associations between lower HRQoL and older age (≥80 years), lower education, no pension, chronic disease(s), and health insurance schemes targeting poor/near poor/priority groups. Current and future policies for improving HRQoL in old age should be extended to cover the most vulnerable groups.
Voluntary Cooperation Between NGOs and Corporations From the Perspective of German Trade Unions: A Micropolitical Analysis
Authors: Krause Florian , Haunschild Axel
Published: April 2017

The article gives a micropolitical analysis of the position of German trade unions on voluntary agreements between nongovernmental organisation (NGOs) and corporations, mostly subsumed under the label CSR (corporate social responsibility). In the German system of industrial relations, trade unions have a hybrid character: On the one hand, they are part of the company through their members and especially through unionised works councils and share similar goals with the company. On the other hand, trade unions also merge political positions of society, keep an eye on companies’ actions, and share similar goals with NGOs. The micropolitical analysis of their positions towards voluntary agreements as well as their interaction raises general questions on how cooperation between firms and NGOs can secure decent working conditions and environmental protection.
Simultaneous Bilateral Cataract Surgery in Outreach Surgical Camps
Authors: Giles Kagmeni , Robert Ebana Steve , Come Ebana Mvogo , Wiedemann Peter
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and visual outcomes of simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery (SBCS) with intraocular lens implantation performed in outreach surgical eye camps.

Methods:

The medical records of 47 consecutive patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral small-incision cataract surgery between January 2010 and December 2015 in outreach surgical camps in rural Cameroon were reviewed. The measures included postoperative visual outcomes and intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Results:

Data from 94 eyes of 47 participants (30 men, 17 women; mean age: 60.93 ± 13.58 years, range: 45-80 years) were included in this study. The presented best visual acuity (VA) was less than 3/60 in 100% of the eyes. At the 4-week follow-up, 84.04% of the eyes showed increased VA of 1 line or more ( P = .001).Of these, 71 (75.53%) achieved good VA (greater than 6/18). Intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred in 19 (20.21%) eyes. The most serious intraoperative complication was a posterior capsule rupture and vitreous loss (2 patients, 2 eyes). The postoperative complications included a transient elevation in the intraocular pressure (6 eyes), chronic corneal oedema (5 eyes), iris capture (3 eyes), lens decentration (2 eyes), and hyphema (1 eye). No cases of postoperative endophthalmitis were recorded.

Conclusions:

Under the strict observation of endophthalmitis prophylaxis, SBCS is an option to reduce the cataract blindness backlog in rural areas of developing countries.
Psychological Responses to Acute Aerobic, Resistance, or Combined Exercise in Healthy and Overweight Individuals: A Systematic Review
Authors: Elkington Thomas J , Cassar Samantha , Nelson André R , Levinger Itamar
Published: April 2017

Introduction:

Psychological distress and depression are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). As such, a reduction in psychological distress and increase in positive well-being may be important to reduce the risk for future development of CVD. Exercise training may be a good strategy to prevent and assist in the management of psychological disorders. The psychological effects of the initial exercise sessions may be important to increase exercise adherence. The aims of this systematic review were (a) to examine whether acute aerobic, resistance, or a combination of the 2 exercises improves psychological well-being and reduces psychological distress in individuals with healthy weight and those who are overweight/obese but free from psychological disorders, and (b) if so, to examine which form of exercise might yield superior results.

Methods:

The online database PubMed was searched for articles using the PICO (patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome) framework for finding scientific journals based on key terms.

Results:

Forty-two exercise studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 2187 participants were included (age: 18-64 years, body mass index [BMI]: 21-39 kg/m2). Only 6 studies included participants with a BMI in the overweight/obese classification. Thirty-seven studies included aerobic exercise, 2 included resistance exercise, 1 used a combination of aerobic and resistance, and 2 compared the effects of acute aerobic exercise versus the effects of acute resistance exercise. The main findings of the review were that acute aerobic exercise improves positive well-being and have the potential to reduce psychological distress and could help reduce the risks of future CVD. However, due to the limited number of studies, it is still unclear which form of exercise yields superior psychological benefits.

Conclusions:

Obese, overweight, and healthy weight individuals can exhibit psychological benefits from exercise in a single acute exercise session, and these positive benefits of exercise should be used by health professionals as a tool to increase long-term participation in exercise in these populations.
Role of impact angle reversal on impact wear of mild steel
Authors: Tyfour Wa’il R , Hayajneh Mohammed T , Hendawi Rania
Published: April 2017

Impact wear of mild steel has been studied in light of impact angle reversal. An in-house built, specially designed test rig has been used to facilitate test conditions, including impact angle reversal. Metallographic examination and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the morphology of impact surfaces. Results showed lower impact wear under condition involving impact angle reversal for the whole range of impact angles. Furthermore, multiple impact direction reversal showed significant impact wear reduction. Behavior has been explained in terms of failure due to plastic deformation accumulation.
Medicaid waivers and negotiated federalism in the US: is there relevance to other federal systems?
Authors: Weissert Carol S , Weissert William G
Published: April 2017

Medicaid waivers have been a principal tool of innovation in health policy in the US since at least the mid 1970s. As Republicans seek to give the states more flexibility in their implementation and management of both Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act or its replacement, waiver authority is likely to be one of the key work arounds for avoiding political barriers in the US Senate. While block-granting Medicaid may require 60 senate votes, waiver authority already exists in both Medicaid law and the Affordable Care Act. Waivers also have great potential for application in other federal nations. Yet there is no theory to explain the way the application and review process evolves or the factors likely to shape the outcome. After a discussion of the theoretical underpinnings of what we call ‘negotiated federalism’, we apply it to examples of Medicaid waivers to see if the theory’s key elements – politics, party congruence, leverage, credit taking and experience – offer a useful perspective on this federal–state interaction so important to health policy.
School-based physical activity opportunities in PE lessons and after-school hours: Are they associated with children’s daily physical activity?
Authors: Cheung Peggy
Published: April 2017

School-based physical activity (PA), including activity during physical education (PE) lessons and after-school hours, is a possible opportunity for increasing children’s daily PA. The purposes of this study were (a) to compare children’s school-based PA levels during PE lessons and after-school hours and (b) to examine whether there is a difference in children’s PA behaviour (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)) and sedentary behaviour on a day which includes school-based PA (i.e. PE class or after-school sports class). The participants were 242 children (mean age = 8.7, SD = 1.6) from five primary schools in Hong Kong. Children’s PA levels were measured using an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X) for four school days, and the data were used to derive the duration (min) of MVPA and sedentary behaviour using age-specific criteria. The PA data were grouped according to the school-based PA opportunities, i.e. (a) with a PE lesson (PE day); (b) with an after-school sport class (AFS day); or (c) without school-based PA (N-Act day). The results indicated that the groups differed significantly in daily MVPA [ F (2,108) = 16.62, p < .00] and MVPA during school hours [ F (2,108) = 36.22, p < .00]. There was no significant difference in children’s sedentary behaviour with school-based PA participation. The present study confirmed the contribution of school-based PA opportunities to children’s MVPA in the school day, while sedentary behaviour may not necessarily be reduced.
Joint attention difficulties in autistic adults: An interactive eye-tracking study
Authors: Caruana Nathan , Stieglitz Ham Heidi , Brock Jon , Woolgar Alexandra , Kloth Nadine , Palermo Romina , McArthur Genevieve
Published: April 2017

Joint attention – the ability to coordinate attention with a social partner – is critical for social communication, learning and the regulation of interpersonal relationships. Infants and young children with autism demonstrate impairments in both initiating and responding to joint attention bids in naturalistic settings. However, little is known about joint attention abilities in adults with autism. Here, we tested 17 autistic adults and 17 age- and nonverbal intelligence quotient–matched controls using an interactive eye-tracking paradigm in which participants initiated and responded to joint attention bids with an on-screen avatar. Compared to control participants, autistic adults completed fewer trials successfully. They were also slower to respond to joint attention bids in the first block of testing but performed as well as controls in the second block. There were no group differences in responding to spatial cues on a non-social task with similar attention and oculomotor demands. These experimental results were mirrored in the subjective reports given by participants, with some commenting that they initially found it challenging to communicate using eye gaze, but were able to develop strategies that allowed them to achieve joint attention. Our study indicates that for many autistic individuals, subtle difficulties using eye-gaze information persist well into adulthood.
From ‘animation’ to encounter: Community radio, sociability and urban life in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Cante Fabien
Published: April 2017

Drawing upon ethnographic research on community radio in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, this article argues that tracking production practices outside of the studio allows researchers to better capture radio’s entanglements with everyday urban life. This spatial reconsideration mirrors a conceptual move beyond community media labels and normative criteria, towards a privileging of context. To illustrate both points, the article centres around ‘animation,’ the practice of enlivening social situations. Animation is central to community radio in Abidjan, but ‘ animateurs’ also practise their trade in a multitude of venues and events around the city. Following animation’s movements between on- and off-air provides an understanding of how community radio is assembled as a porous ‘micro-public’, and insight into the particular kind of sociability that it produces. The article shows that while this sociability is tinged with the quest for status and social capital, it is mostly characterized by indeterminacy, and valued for the unforeseen encounters it can foster.
Dynamic behaviors of three-dimensional rod-disk rotor rolling bearing system
Authors: Liu Yi , Liu Heng
Published: April 2017

A typical rod-disk rotor is meshed by three-dimensional solid elements. The stability features, whirling motions and frequency spectrums of 3D rod-disk rotor rolling bearing system are investigated by combining nonlinear analysis method and finite element method. Meanwhile, an identical 1D rod-disk rotor system is introduced for comparison. With the support of the ball bearing, the stability region of 1D and 3D rod-disk rotors shows good consistency at lower speed and has obvious differences at higher speed. However, 3D rotor has smaller bending deformation because 3D solid elements can restrict large deflection but the equivalent springs in 1D model do not have this function. When cylindrical roller bearings are applied, both rotors also have the same frequency spectrums which consist of rotating frequency, variable compliance frequency and their linear combinations. Moreover, 3D rotor dynamics have the advantage of analyzing dynamic stress. In short, this paper proposes a numerical way to investigate the dynamic behaviors of 3D rod-disk rotor rolling bearing system.
A control-oriented modular one-dimensional model for wall-flow diesel particulate filters
Authors: Hassanpour Soroosh , McPhee John
Published: April 2017

A comprehensive modular one-dimensional physics-based mathematical model is developed for non-isothermal compressible flow, pressure drop, and filtration and regeneration processes in wall-flow diesel particulate filters. Employing a modified orthogonal collocation method and symbolic computation in Maple™, the governing partial differential equations are reduced to a control-oriented model governed by ordinary differential equations which can be solved in real time. Numerical examples are provided to indicate the accuracy and computational efficiency of the developed model and to study the different behaviors of wall-flow diesel particulate filters.
Towards an ecology of participation: Process philosophy and co-creation of higher education curricula
Authors: Taylor Carol A. , Bovill Catherine
Published: April 2017

This article brings together the authors’ previous work on co-created curricula (Bovill, 2013a, 2014; Bovill et al., 2011) and on partnership and ethics (Taylor, 2015; Taylor and Robinson, 2014), to develop the concept of co-created curricula as an ecology of participation. In doing so, it deploys Alfred North Whitehead’s process philosophy to formulate a new way of considering co-creation in the curriculum and co-creation of the curriculum in higher education. Two empirical examples are used to illuminate what such an approach offers. From this, we outline three dimensions of an ecology of participation: a process of becoming which recasts subjectivity; acting well in relation which enacts concern; and an orientation to harmony in which difference in equality is valued. The contribution of the article is twofold: first, the concept of an ecology of participation takes forward current thinking on higher education curricula and partnership ethics; second, its use of process philosophy provides a new lens to consider co-creation in the curriculum and co-creation of the curriculum.
Performance Evaluation and Favoritism
Authors: Gift Paul
Published: April 2017

This article investigates various types of bias and favoritism that may be present in the performance evaluations of state-licensed and state-selected judges for mixed martial arts (MMA) events. Using detailed fighter performance statistics collected from after-the-fact video analysis, I investigate live, round-by-round judging decisions for major MMA events held in Nevada and California from 2001 to 2012. Findings do not support hypotheses that judge favor titleholders or disfavor fighters given point deductions but do support bias toward larger betting favorites, those with insurmountable leads, and the fighter who won the previous round. Findings provide nonexperimental support for possible biases in a relatively opaque decision environment involving substantial complexity. The results also have strategic implications for MMA fighters and coaches as well as certified judge trainers the athletic commissions that license and oversee the judges.
Examining the Relationship Between Athletic Program Expenditure and Athletic Program Success Among NCAA Division I Institutions
Authors: Beaudin Laura
Published: April 2017

This study examines the impact of athletic expenditure on athletic performance among National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I institutions. A series of dynamic panel data models are estimated to explore differential impacts of expenditure throughout athletic programs. Results suggest that a dollar spent on women’s sport programs may be more effective than a dollar spent on men’s sport programs. Analysis is conducted at the aggregate, relative division, relative conference, and individual sport levels. Together, all analysis suggests that alternative distributions of athletic, financial resources could increase an institution’s athletic success.
Integration of Functional MRI and White Matter Tractography in CyberKnife Radiosurgery
Authors: Sun Lu , Qu Baolin , Wang Jinyuan , Ju Zhongjian , Zhang Zizhong , Cui Zhiqiang , Jack Yang , Ling Zhipei , Yu Xinguang , Pan Longsheng
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

To investigate the efficacy of the integration of functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-tensor imaging tractography data into CyberKnife radiosurgery for intracranial tumor management.

Materials and Methods:

Functional neuroimaging, anatomical magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography images of patients with brain lesions in critical areas were acquired before radiosurgery. The acquired data sets were coregistered using the MIM image fusion software module and then were imported into the CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System (Multiplan 4.0.2) for delineating the target, organs at risk, and possible nearby functionally relevant cortical and subcortical areas. Radiation dose distributions with and without the functionally relevant cortical and subcortical areas into the optimization process were developed and compared.

Results:

There were significant differences between the treatment plans with and without the functionally relevant cortical and subcortical areas into the optimization process. An average 22.71% reduction in the maximum dose to functional areas was observed. No neurological complication due to radiation damage was observed in the follow-up period.

Conclusion:

The functional neuroimaging could be easily and reliably integrated into the CyberKnife treatment planning. Consideration of functional structures and fiber tracts during treatment planning could clinically reduce the radiation doses to these critical structures, thereby preserving its unique function of brain.
Activation of spinal alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor shortens the duration of remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia by upregulating KCC2 in the spinal dorsal horn in rats
Authors: Gu Wei , Zhang Wei , Lei Yishan , Cui Yin , Chu Shuaishuai , Gu Xiaoping , Ma Zhengliang
Published: April 2017

Background

Accumulating evidence has shown that the signal from spinal brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine receptor kinase B-K+-Cl− cotransporter-2 plays a critical role in the process of pain hypersensitivity. The activation of alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors could have an analgesic effect on remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia. Nevertheless, whether intrathecal administration of PNU-120596, an alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors selective type II positive allosteric modulator, before surgery could affect the duration of remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia remains unknown, and the effects of alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors activation on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine receptor kinase B-K+-Cl− cotransporter-2 signal in the spinal dorsal horn of rats with remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia is still enigmatic.

Results

We demonstrated that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine receptor kinase B-K+-Cl− cotransporter-2 signal played a critical role in the development of remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia. Intrathecal administration of PNU-120596 (8 µg/kg, 15 min before surgery) was associated with earlier signs of recovery from remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia. Simultaneously, remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia-induced K+-Cl− cotransporter-2 downregulation was partly reversed and coincided with a decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine receptor kinase B in the spinal dorsal horn, approximately correlating with the time course of the nociceptive behavior. Moreover, intrathecal administration of the K+-Cl− cotransporter-2 inhibitor VU0240551 significantly reduced the analgesic effect of PNU-120596 on remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia.

Conclusions

The activation of alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors induced a shorter duration of remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia by restoring the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine receptor kinase B-K+-Cl− cotransporter-2 signal in the spinal dorsal horn of rats, which provides new insight into treatment in clinical postoperative pain management.
Sports – Nation – Television: The cultural dimension of the Listed Events history in Norway
Authors: Røssland Lars Arve
Published: April 2017

The European Union revised its Television Without Frontiers directive in 1997. One significant catalyst for this change was that the liberalization of the television market led to a situation in which big, national sporting events more and more often were transmitted on television channels with limited coverage. The Listed Events initiative is an attempt to address this situation. This article studies the history of the Listed Events initiatives in Norway from 2000, and seeks, through an investigation of the presentations and discussions of the list proposals, to understand how the lists are connected to Norwegian culture and history. Ultimately, it is a question of national sporting events’ place in public service television in the 21st century.
Playing under pressure: Sport, public service broadcasting and the British Broadcasting Corporation
Authors: Smith Paul
Published: April 2017

Using the UK, and particularly the British Broadcasting Corporation, as a case study, this article highlights the difficulties faced by public service broadcasters, who continue to see sports coverage as an important part of their public service remit. Following a brief account of the historical development of sports broadcasting in the UK, the article is divided into two main parts. The first part examines the main challenges faced by the British Broadcasting Corporation, namely a combination of the escalating costs of sports rights and a squeeze on its own finances. The second part of the article then moves on to focus on the continued importance of listed events legislation, which effectively guarantees that certain key national sporting events remain available on free-to-air television via public service broadcasters. The article concludes that ultimately to be able to continue to enhance cultural citizenship through the provision of a range of live sports programming public service broadcasters require more political support.
Multiple myeloma of the spine
Authors: Lasocki Arian , Gaillard Frank , Harrison Simon J
Published: April 2017

Radiology provides a crucial clinical adjunct in patients with plasma cell disorders, in particular multiple myeloma, and its uses are evolving and expanding. This pictorial review illustrates the role of imaging throughout the patient’s clinical course, with specific reference to recently updated international diagnostic criteria. At presentation, imaging optimises characterisation and staging of the plasma-cell disorder, while later in the course of the disease, its roles include the monitoring of disease progression, assessment of post-treatment response and the investigation of clinical deterioration.
Penetrating brain injury with a metal bar and a knife: Report of two interesting cases
Authors: Tabibkhooei Alireza , Taheri Morteza , Rohani Sadra , Chanideh Iran , Rahatlou Hessam
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Penetrating brain injury (PBI) is uncommon among the civilian population. Here, we report two interesting cases of PBI.

Case presentation

The first patient was a 20-year-old male who sustained a penetrating head injury with a metal bar during an accident at work. The patient underwent early surgical intervention, and related meningitis was treated with antibiotics. The patient was discharged 45 days later with no deficit. The second patient was a 34-year-old male who was the victim of a violence attack and was admitted to hospital. He was struck by a knife to his right temporal bone. A brain computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated the tract of the knife within the brain parenchyma. The patient underwent conservative treatment. After several weeks, the patient was discharged in good health.

Conclusion

Although severe PBI has a poorer prognosis than a blunt brain injury, in treating of these patients, aggressive and timely surgical intervention, proper wide-spectrum antibiotic administration, stringent and diligent care in the intensive-care unit and careful management of the associated complications are mandated.
Thrombus aspiration in acute coronary syndromes: prevalence, procedural success, change in serial troponin T levels and clinical outcomes in a contemporary Swiss cohort
Authors: Aghlmandi Soheila , Schärer Nadine , Heg Dik , Räber Lorenz , Zwahlen Marcel , Gencer Baris , Nanchen David , Carballo David , Carballo Sebastian , Jüni Peter , von Eckardstein Arnold , Landmesser Ulf , Rodondi Nicolas , Mach François , Windecker Stephan , Matter Christian M , Lüscher Thomas F , Klingenberg Roland
Published: April 2017

Background:

Randomised controlled trials have provided conflicting results regarding procedural and clinical outcomes of thrombus aspiration combined with percutaneous coronary intervention, when compared with primary percutaneous coronary intervention alone in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Methods:

Acute coronary syndrome patients referred for coronary angiography to four Swiss university hospitals between 2009 and 2012 were enrolled in the SPUM–ACS cohort. At the discretion of the interventional cardiologist, patients underwent thrombus aspiration with percutaneous coronary intervention or percutaneous coronary intervention alone. Procedural success was defined as post-procedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction III flow in the infarct-related artery. Serial changes in high-sensitivity troponin T (ΔhsTnT) and adjudicated 30 days (1 year) clinical events defined as the composite of cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction or clinically indicated coronary revascularisation were assessed.

Results:

Among 1641 patients, 777 (47.4%) had angiographic evidence of coronary thrombus. Patients were categorised into thrombus aspiration with percutaneous coronary intervention ( n=663) or percutaneous coronary intervention alone ( n=114). ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients more often received thrombus aspiration with percutaneous coronary intervention (87.8%) than non-STEMI patients (73.5%), P<0.001. Procedural success was not different in thrombus aspiration with percutaneous coronary intervention compared with percutaneous coronary intervention alone (93.8% vs. 90.7%, P=0.243). ΔhsTnT was similar in STEMI patients (3.09±4.52 vs. 2.19±4.92 µg/l, P=0.086) as was clinical outcome in the entire cohort at 30 days (2.9% vs. 3.6%, P=0.76) and 1 year (7.2% vs. 5.3%, P=0.55) regardless of whether thrombus aspiration was used during primary percutaneous coronary intervention or not.

Conclusions:

In this real-world acute coronary syndrome cohort, patients treated by thrombus aspiration with percutaneous coronary intervention showed no difference in the restoration of coronary blood flow compared with percutaneous coronary intervention alone immediately after the procedure. Furthermore, ΔhsTnT and clinical outcomes at either 30 days or 1 year were similar between thrombus aspiration with percutaneous coronary intervention or percutaneous coronary intervention alone.

Clinical Trials Registration:

SPUM–ACS cohort NCT01000701
Single-centre experience in using the adjustable transobturator male system in treatment of stress urinary incontinence in patients after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Buresova Eva , Vidlar Ales , Grepl Michal , Student Vladimir , Student Vladimir
Published: April 2017

Context:

Urinary incontinence is the most threatening complication after radical prostatectomy. This disorder has an important impact on the quality of life of patients and its treatment is a challenge for urologists as well.

Objective:

The objective of this article is to report our experience with the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS, AMI, Austria) for the treatment of post-prostatectomy incontinence.

Material and methods:

A total of 35 men with post-prostatectomy incontinence were treated. Before and after device implantation, the number of pads used per day was counted, and a one-hour pad test, uroflowmetry and postmicturition residual volume were assessed. Prior to surgery, anastomosis stricture was either ruled out or treated. To evaluate the success rate, ‘cured’ was defined as no pad use or one safety pad, ‘improved’ was defined as one or two pads or reduction of pad usage by more than 50%, respectively. All data about efficacy and safety were collected from all 35 patients.

Results:

After a median (range) follow-up of 21.2 (3–63) months, the success rate was 32 out of 35 patients (91.5%) with 22 patients (62.9%) ‘cured’ and 10 patients (28.6%) ‘improved’. Recovery of continence was achieved in seven patients (20.0%). The remaining patients (80%) needed an adjustment. The mean (range) number of adjustments to reach desired results (continence, improvement or patient satisfaction) was 4.3 (1–15). The most common adverse event was transient perineal pain, which was reported in 14 (40%) patients and disappeared within two weeks. Temporary urine retention appeared in one patient (2.9%). There were three cases (8.6%) of wound infection at the site of a port leading to explantation of the port in two patients (5.7%) and the removal of the system in one patient (2.9%).

Conclusion:

Treatment of post-prostatectomy incontinence with the self-anchoring ATOMS is safe and effective.
Social Media Users’ Interpretations of the Sandra Bland Arrest Video
Authors: Pitman Brian , Ralph Asha M. , Camacho Jocelyn , Monk-Turner Elizabeth
Published: April 2017

On July 10, 2015, Sandra Bland, a Black woman, was pulled over by Officer Brian Encinia for failure to signal a lane change in Prairie View, TX. An altercation ensued and Bland was arrested and jailed. Three days later, her body was found in her jail cell and the week following, the dash camera footage was released of her controversial stop and arrest. Utilizing a qualitative content analysis based on a triangulated sample of social media posts in response to the arrest video of Sandra Bland, the current work explores how social media users understand the case of Sandra Bland. Specifically, we focus on where they cast blame and how they explain that blame.
Postoperative Complications Associated With rhBMP2 Use in Posterior/Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion
Authors: Esmail Nabil , Buser Zorica , Cohen Jeremiah R. , Brodke Darrel S. , Meisel Hans-Joerg , Park Jong-Beom , Youssef Jim A. , Wang Jeffrey C. , Yoon S. Tim
Published: April 2017

Study Design:

Retrospective database review.

Objective:

Posterior/posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) is an effective treatment for a variety of spinal disorders; however, variations in surgical technique have different complication profiles. The aim of our study was to quantify the frequency of various complications in patients undergoing PLF with and without human recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP2).

Methods:

We queried the orthopedic subset of the Medicare database (PearlDiver) between 2005 and 2011 for patients undergoing PLF procedures with and without rhBMP2. Complication and reoperation rates were analyzed within 1 year of the index procedure. Complications assessed include: acute renal failure, deep vein thrombosis, dural tear, hematoma, heterotopic ossification, incision and drainage, cardiac complications, nervous system complications, osteolysis, pneumonia, pseudarthrosis, pulmonary embolism, radiculopathy, respiratory complications, sepsis, urinary retention, urinary tract infection, mechanical, and wound complications. Chi-square analysis was used to calculate the complication differences between the groups.

Results:

Our data revealed higher overall complication rates in patients undergoing PLF with rhBMP2 versus no_rhBMP2 (76.9% vs 68.8%, P < .05). Stratified by gender, rhBMP2 males had higher rates of mechanical complications, pseudarthrosis, and reoperations compared with no_rhBMP2 males ( P < .05), whereas rhBMP2 females had higher rates of pseudarthrosis, urinary tract infection, and urinary retention compared with no_rhBMP2 females ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Our data revealed higher overall complication rates in PLF patients given rhBMP2 compared with no_rhBMP2. Furthermore, our data suggests that rhBMP2-associated complications may be gender specific.
Corticosteroid Treatment for Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression: A Review
Authors: Skeoch Gordon D. , Tobin Matthew K. , Khan Sajeel , Linninger Andreas A. , Mehta Ankit I.
Published: April 2017

Study Design:

Narrative review.

Objective:

Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) is a very frequent complication among cancer patients. Presenting commonly as nocturnal back pain, MSCC typically progresses to lower extremity paresis, loss of ambulatory capabilities, and paraplegia. In addition to standard treatment modalities, corticosteroid administration has been utilized in preclinical and clinical settings as adjunctive therapy to reduce local spinal cord edema and improve clinical symptoms. This article serves as a review of existing literature regarding corticosteroid management of MSCC and seeks to provide potential avenues of research on the topic.

Methods:

A literature search was performed using PubMed in order to consolidate existing information regarding dexamethasone treatment of MSCC. Of all search results, 7 articles are reviewed, establishing the current understanding of metastatic spine disease and dexamethasone treatment in both animal models and in clinical trials.

Results:

Treatment with high-dose corticosteroids is associated with an increased rate of potentially serious systemic side effects. For this reason, definitive guidelines for the use of dexamethasone in the management of MSCC are unavailable.

Conclusions:

It is still unclear what role dexamethasone plays in the treatment of MSCC. It is evident that new, more localizable therapies may provide more acceptable treatment strategies using corticosteroids. Looking forward, the potential for more targeted, localized application of the steroid through the use of nanotechnology would decrease the incidence of adverse effects while maintaining the drug’s efficacy.