bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Value of LINC01133 for Unfavorable Prognosis was Impacted by Alcohol in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Xian-Zi , He Qing-Jun , Cheng Tian-Tian , Chi Jun , Lei Zi-Ying , Tang Zhen , Liao Quan-Xing , Zhang Hong , Zeng Li-Si , Cui Shu-Zhong
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Considerable evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert importantly regulatory functions during human cancer initiation and progression and are promising biotargets in the flight against cancer. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the role of the lncRNA LINC01133 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). LINC01133 expression in ESCC was examined by quantitative real-time PCR. The correlations between LINC01133 expression and clinicopathological variables and survival were examined by the χ2 test, Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank test, and univariate Cox regression analysis. Results: LINC01133 expression levels were frequently lower in ESCC tissues and cell lines than in paired normal tissues and an immortalized esophageal epithelial cell line, respectively. The expression of LINC01133 decreased in a TNM stage- and lifestyle-independent manner. LINC01133 was an independent protective factor and had an anti-tumor effect in the early stage of ESCC development. More importantly, we discovered that drinking status in our cohort impaired the predictive accuracy of LINC01133 for patients with ESCC. Furthermore, a new risk model combining LINC01133 expression, drinking status, and TNM stage provided better survival discrimination compared with three other predictors. Conclusions: Our data indicate that a loss of LINC01133 expression is a potential poor prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ESCC and provide additional prognostic information to improve the outcomes of ESCC patients.
Fanpages de viagem – Uma análise sobre o Facebook como suporte da memória coletiva
Authors: Santiago de Sá Andréa Braga , Heller Barbara
Published: July 2018

Estudar se e como se manifestam as narrativas de memórias no Facebook se faz fundamental para pensarmos os relatos de viagem como fonte documental. O presente artigo tem a proposta de discutir teoricamente se as fanpages (páginas de fãs) disponíveis no Facebook são um suporte atual de memória coletiva. Foram observadas as fanpages Por Uma Vida Sem Arrependimentos e 100 Frescura e 1000 destinos, selecionadas graças ao elevado número de postagens e seguidores no ano de 2017. Para tanto, nos apoiamos em Beatriz Sarlo, Priscila Perazzo e Maurice Halbwachs para as reflexões teóricas. Avaliamos que essas postagens caracterizam-se como narrativas da memória na contemporaneidade, graças à tecnologia que envolve as mídias digitais e as redes sociais.
Exame morfológico da telenovela Avenida Brasil
Authors: Cazani Júnior Luís Enrique
Published: July 2018

Resumo: Esta comunicação apresenta o exame morfológico da primeira fase de Avenida Brasil (2012), telenovela escrita por João Emanuel Carneiro e veiculada às 21h pela Rede Globo de Televisão. O protocolo metodológico propõe um olhar diferenciado sobre o objeto, levantando sua constituição, os regimentos e os relacionamentos, identificando, distinguindo e explicando seus componentes por meio de 31 funções cunhadas por Propp.
Pacifica Radio e a radiodifusão comunitária nos Estados Unidos
Authors: Dunaway David King
Published: July 2018

A Pacifica Radio Network serviu como modelo para a radiodifusão comunitária, introduzindo o patrocínio pelo ouvinte, o guia de programação e importantes técnicas de arrecadação de recursos. Este artigo oferece uma leitura crítica da história da Pacifica Foundation, baseada na teoria social de Max Weber e de Anthony Giddens. No decorrer da segunda metade do século XX, as crises na Pacifica Radio Network foram reportadas ao redor do mundo. Quais são as principais causas dessas tensões? E o que elas podem nos dizer sobre a produção e distribuição de mídia radical orientada para uma comunidade?
Transformações na instância da recepção: a construção do leitor coprodutor em redes sociais digitais
Authors: Sanchotene Carlos
Published: July 2018

Objetivamos compreender a construção do leitor coprodutor no contexto do jornalismo em redes sociais digitais. A partir da percepção de que os receptores são ativos, a análise sobre a circulação passa a ser vista como o espaço do reconhecimento e de maiores possibilidades de ocorrência interacional, na prática social, e de descobertas, na investigação. Assim, foram selecionados comentários nas fanpages da Folha de S.Paulo e do Estadão durante o mês de setembro de 2014. A partir da análise foi possível inferir um conjunto de lógicas de reconhecimento, ou seja, tipos de leitores que emergem a partir de seus discursos. Concluímos que há um trabalho discursivo realizado em uma zona estabelecida no encontro entre as gramáticas de produção e as gramáticas de reconhecimento, que aponta para efeitos imprevisíveis segundo as expectativas das estratégias do campo midiático.
Endothelial Microparticles and Systemic Complement Activation in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Jalal Diana , Renner Brandon , Laskowski Jennifer , Stites Erik , Cooper James , Valente Karissa , You Zhiying , Perrenoud Loni , Le Quintrec Moglie , Muhamed Ismaeel , Christians Uwe , Klawitter Jelena , Lindorfer Margaret A. , Taylor Ronald P. , Holers V. Michael , Thurman Joshua M.
Published: July 2018

Background

Endothelial microparticles are associated with chronic kidney disease (
CKD
) and complement activation. We hypothesized that the complement pathway is activated in patients
with CKD
via endothelial microparticles and that complement activation correlates with endothelial dysfunction in
CKD
.

Methods and Results

We analyzed complement data of 30 healthy subjects, 30 patients with stage
III
/
IV CKD
, and 30 renal transplant recipients with stage
III
/
IV CKD
, evaluating the potential correlation of complement fragments with brachial artery flow–mediated dilation, Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration glomerular filtration rate, and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio. Endothelial microparticles were characterized via proteomic analysis and compared between study groups. Complement fragment Ba was significantly increased in
CKD
and post–kidney transplant
CKD
. Plasma Ba levels correlated significantly with lower brachial artery flow–mediated dilation, lower Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration glomerular filtration rate, and higher urinary albumin/creatinine ratio. Factor D levels were significantly higher in the plasma microparticles of patients with CKD versus healthy controls. Plasma microparticles isolated from patients with CKD and containing factor D activated the alternative pathway in vitro.

Conclusion

The alternative complement pathway is activated in
CKD
and correlates with endothelial dysfunction and markers of
CKD
. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether endothelial microparticles with increased factor D play a pathologic role in
CKD
‐associated vascular disease.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02230202.
Coronary Plaque Characteristics in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Who Presented With Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Sugiyama Tomoyo , Yamamoto Erika , Bryniarski Krzysztof , Xing Lei , Fracassi Francesco , Lee Hang , Jang Ik‐Kyung
Published: July 2018

Background

Diabetes mellitus (
DM
) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. We aimed to investigate the coronary plaque phenotype of diabetic patients who presented with acute coronary syndromes by optical coherence tomography.

Methods and Results

A total of 322 patients with acute coronary syndromes who underwent preintervention optical coherence tomography imaging of the culprit lesion were included. Culprit plaque characteristics were compared between patients with
DM
(n=95) and those without
DM
(n=227). In the subgroup of 250 patients in whom sufficient length of nonculprit region in the culprit vessel was imaged by optical coherence tomography, the characteristics of nonculprit plaques were also evaluated. Patients with
DM
had a higher prevalence of lipid‐rich plaque (58.9% versus 44.9%,
P
=0.030) and macrophage accumulation (60.0% versus 44.9%,
P
=0.019) in the culprit lesion compared with patients without
DM
. The prevalence of plaque rupture (33.7% versus 30.4%,
P
=0.896) and plaque erosion (21.1% versus 22.0%,
P
=0.458) was similar. In the nonculprit lesions, the
DM
group had greater maximal lipid arc (248.9°±83.9° versus 179.9°±58.3°,
P
=0.006), thinner fibrous cap thickness (103.3±56.2 μm versus 140.7±70.0 μm,
P
=0.013), and a higher prevalence of thin‐cap fibroatheroma (17.2% versus 6.3%,
P
=0.031), compared with the non‐
DM
group.

Conclusions

Compared with patients without
DM
, those with
DM
had more vulnerable features in both culprit and nonculprit lesions, thus indicating a higher level of panvascular instability.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01110538.
Anaphora With Non-nominal Antecedents in Computational Linguistics: a Survey
Authors: Kolhatkar Varada , Roussel Adam , Dipper Stefanie , Zinsmeister Heike
Published: July 2018

This article provides an extensive overview of the literature related to the phenomenon of non-nominal-antecedent anaphora (also known as abstract anaphora or discourse deixis), a type of anaphora in which an anaphor like “that” refers to an antecedent (marked in boldface) that is syntactically non-nominal, such as the first sentence in “It’s way too hot here. That’s why I’m moving to Alaska.” Annotating and automatically resolving these cases of anaphora is interesting in its own right because of the complexities involved in identifying non-nominal antecedents, which typically represent abstract objects such as events, facts, and propositions. There is also practical value in the resolution of non-nominal-antecedent anaphora, as this would help computational systems in machine translation, summarization, and question answering, as well as, conceivably, any other task dependent on some measure of text understanding.

Most of the existing approaches to anaphora annotation and resolution focus on nominal-antecedent anaphora, classifying many of the cases where the antecedents are syntactically non-nominal as non-anaphoric. There has been some work done on this topic, but it remains scattered and difficult to collect and assess. With this article, we hope to bring together and synthesize work done in disparate contexts up to now in order to identify fundamental problems and draw conclusions from an overarching perspective. Having a good picture of the current state of the art in this field can help researchers direct their efforts to where they are most necessary.

Because of the great variety of theoretical approaches that have been brought to bear on the problem, there is an equally diverse array of terminologies that are used to describe it, so we will provide an overview and discussion of these terminologies. We also describe the linguistic properties of non-nominal-antecedent anaphora, examine previous annotation efforts that have addressed this topic, and present the computational approaches that aim at resolving non-nominal-antecedent anaphora automatically. We close with a review of the remaining open questions in this area and some of our recommendations for future research.
The Scope of Planning Serial Actions during Typing
Authors: Scaltritti Michele , Alario F.-Xavier , Longcamp Marieke
Published: July 2018

Human activities consisting of multiple component actions require the generation of ordered sequences. This study investigated the scope of response planning in highly serial task, typing, by means of ERPs indexing motor response preparation. Specifically, we compared motor-related ERPs yielded by words typed using a single hand against words that had all keystrokes typed with a single hand, except for a deviant one, typed with the opposite hand. The deviant keystroke occurred either early in the typed sequence, corresponding to the second or third letters, or late, corresponding to the penultimate or last letter. Motor-related ERPs detected before response onset were affected only by deviant keystrokes located at the beginning of the sequence, whereas deviant keystrokes located at the end yielded ERPs that were undistinguishable from unimanual responses. These results impose some constraints on the notion of parallel processing of component actions.
Herps without borders: a new newt case and a review of transalpine alien introductions in western Europe
Authors: Dubey Sylvain , Lavanchy Guillaume , Thiébaud Jacques , Dufresnes Christophe
Published: July 2018

Biogeographic processes have led to different evolutionary taxa occurring in the northern and southern edges of the Alpine Mountains in Western Europe. The integrity of this diversity is being challenged by frequent human-mediated trans-alpine translocations, sometimes leading to biological invasions. Several alien terrestrial vertebrates of south Alpine origins (Italy, Swiss Ticino) are causing damages to native north Alpine fauna. In this paper, we used molecular tools to characterize the understudied case of the Mediterranean smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris meridionalis) expanding in the outskirts of Geneva since its introduction before 1975. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequencing suggest that these exotic populations are a mixture between two diverged L. v. meridionalis lineages from central Italy, and traces of potential hybridization with the native L. v. vulgaris was detected. This situation echoes many other trans-alpine alien introductions. We review all comparable cases of southern to northern Alps introductions in vertebrates, including seven reptiles and four amphibians. The majority of south alpine alien lineages were presumably imported voluntarily by enthusiasts and appear to perform better in the disturbed habitats found in the anthropogenic landscapes of Western Europe compared to their native north Alpine counterparts. Most pose serious threats to related species of similar ecology, through direct competition, predation and introgressive hybridization. Difficulties to detect alien species on time lead to significant conservation costs. Better education together with more appropriate and reactive management plans will be necessary to limit the impact of future alien introductions.
Two new critically endangered species of Hippeastrum (Amaryllidaceae) from the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: CAMPOS-ROCHA ANTONIO , MEEROW ALAN WILLIAM , DUTILH JULIE HENRIETTE ANTOINETTE
Published: July 2018

Monographic work on the genus Hippeastrum in Brazil has revealed two new species endemic to the Cerrado biome, here described and illustrated. Hippeastrum lunaris is a species restricted to the region of Chapada dos Veadeiros; H. mauroi is so far found only in Chapada dos Guimarães. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and taxonomic comments on the conservation status of these species are provided, in addition to comparisons with morphologically similar species. An identification key to the species of Hippeastrum occurring in the Brazilian Cerrado is presented, accompanied by photographs of these species in their natural habitats.
Thismia kinabaluensis (Thismiaceae), a new species from Mt. Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo
Authors: NISHIOKA TATSUKI , SUETSUGU KENJI , REPIN RIMI , KITAYAMA KANEHIRO
Published: July 2018

A new species of Thismia (Thismiaceae), T. kinabaluensis, is described from Mt. Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo. Thismia kinabaluensis is clearly placed in section Thismia subsect. Odoardoa, in having its creeping vermiform roots and free and equal perianth lobes, and it is distinguished from the other members of this subsection by three anther appendages (one filiform appendage between two club shaped ones) and a pale-blue perianth tube with transverse bars inside. A key to the Malaysian Thismia is provided for easy identification of these mycoheterotrophic plants.
Model Uncertainty in Cloud–Circulation Coupling, and Cloud-Radiative Response to Increasing CO2, Linked to Biases in Climatological Circulation
Authors: Lipat Bernard R. , Voigt Aiko , Tselioudis George , Polvani Lorenzo M.
Published: July 2018

Recent analyses of global climate models suggest that uncertainty in the coupling between midlatitude clouds and the atmospheric circulation contributes to uncertainty in climate sensitivity. However, the reasons behind model differences in the cloud–circulation coupling have remained unclear. Here, we use a global climate model in an idealized aquaplanet setup to show that the Southern Hemisphere climatological circulation, which in many models is biased equatorward, contributes to the model differences in the cloud–circulation coupling. For the same poleward shift of the Hadley cell (HC) edge, models with narrower climatological HCs exhibit stronger midlatitude cloud-induced shortwave warming than models with wider climatological HCs. This cloud-induced radiative warming results predominantly from a subsidence warming that decreases cloud fraction and is stronger for narrower HCs because of a larger meridional gradient in the vertical velocity. A comparison of our aquaplanet results with comprehensive climate models suggests that about half of the model uncertainty in the midlatitude cloud–circulation coupling stems from this impact of the circulation on the large-scale temperature structure of the atmosphere, and thus could be removed by improving the climatological circulation in models. This illustrates how understanding of large-scale dynamics can help reduce uncertainty in clouds and their response to climate change.
Characteristics of Size Change of Tropical Cyclones Traversing the Philippines
Authors: Lin Shu-Jeng , Chou Kun-Hsuan
Published: July 2018

This study investigates the size changes of tropical cyclones (TCs) traversing the Philippines based on a 37-yr statistical analysis. TC size is defined by the radius of 30-kt (≈15.4 m s−1) wind speed (R30) from the best track data of the Japan Meteorological Agency. A total of 71 TCs passed the Philippines during 1979–2015. The numbers of size increase (SI; 36) and size decrease (SD; 34) cases are very similar; however, the last 15 years have seen more SI cases (17) than SD cases (11). SI and SD cases mostly occur along northerly and southerly paths, respectively, after TCs pass the Philippines. Before landfall, SI cases have small initial sizes and weak intensities, but SD cases have larger initial sizes and stronger intensities. After landfall, most SI cases are intensifying storms, and most SD cases are nonintensifying storms. Composite analyses of vertical wind shear, absolute angular momentum flux, relative humidity, and sea surface temperature between SI and SD cases are compared. All of these values are larger in SI cases than in SD cases. Furthermore, the interdecadal difference in the ratio of the numbers of SI to SD cases reveals an unusually high number of SI cases during 2001–15. The synoptic patterns between 1979–2000 and 2001–15 are analyzed. The high SI ratio in the latter period is related to strong southwesterly wind in the south of the South China Sea that raised relative humidity, warmed the sea surface, and increased import of angular momentum flux.
The Impact of Vertical Resolution in the Assimilation of GPS Radio Occultation Data
Authors: Ha Ji-Hyun , Kang Jeon-Ho , Choi Suk-Jin
Published: July 2018

The sensitivity of GPS radio occultation (GPSRO) bending angle assimilation to vertical resolution was studied within a global three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) system. The sensitivity experiments were performed using different vertical resolutions of GPSRO data at 2 km, 1 km, 500 m, and 200 m. The assimilation of the higher vertical resolution GPSRO data showed better consistency in the analysis–forecast cycle in terms of the differences between GPSRO bending angle data and 6-h forecasts (O-F). This resulted in an improved analysis of the temperature, geopotential height, and wind in the mid-/upper-level troposphere by the hydrostatic response and the related model dynamics. It should be noted that the highest vertical resolution of the GPSRO data (200 m in this study) improved the forecasting skill level in terms of the root-mean-square error (against the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts analysis) and the anomaly correlation of the geopotential height forecasting at 500 and 200 hPa in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The benefits of assimilating higher vertical resolution GPSRO data were more pronounced in the upper-level troposphere, which was in agreement with previous studies using real GPSRO observations.
Trends in the “Off-Label” Use of GnRH Agonists Among Pediatric Patients in the United States
Authors: Lopez Carla M. , Solomon Daniel , Boulware Susan D. , Christison-Lagay Emily
Published: July 2018

Background. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are FDA approved for the treatment of precocious puberty. The therapy consists of histrelin acetate (Supprelin), a surgically implanted device, or Lupron injections. In recent years, the use of these agents has been extended to include the off-label treatment of children with normally timed puberty. Trends in the off-label use of GnRH agonists in children across the U.S. have not been previously described in the literature. Methods. We analyzed data on the use of Supprelin and Lupron reported to the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) from 2013 to 2016 to determine the trends in both the FDA–approved and off-label uses of these medications. Results. We identified a stable cohort of 39 children’s hospitals administering GnRH agonist therapies from 2013 to 2016. During this period, the annual number of children treated with these medications for precocious puberty increased modestly, from 283 to 303; meanwhile, the fraction of children receiving therapy for an off-label indication more than doubled, from 12% (39 of 322 total patients) to 29% (125 of 428 total patients). Privately insured patients were more likely to be treated for an off-label indication (13%; 119 out of 883 patients) than Medicaid patients (8%; 58 out of 706 patients; χ2[1] = 10.97, P = .00093). Conclusion. From 2013 to 2016, the proportion of children treated with GnRH agonists for an off-label indication notably increased. The number of children treated for precocious puberty modestly increased. Private insurance coverage was associated with higher rates of off-label use.
Synthesis and microwave absorption enhancement of BaTiO3 nanoparticle/polyvinylbutyral composites
Authors: Akinay Yüksel , Hayat Fatih
Published: July 2018

Barium titanate (BaTiO3)-polyvinyl butyral (PVB) composites at various weight concentrations were prepared via ultrasonic probe sonicator. The sonication was carried out at 20 kHz and 70% amplitude for about 2 h and BaTiO3 nanoparticles were dispersed well in the mixture of PVB/ethanol under probe sonication. As a microwave absorbent, the microwave absorbing properties of the BaTiO3 nanoparticle-PVB composites with different mixture ratios of 5 wt.% (RAM1), 10 wt.% (RAM2) and 15 wt.% (RAM3) BaTiO3 were investigated based on transmission line theory in the frequency range from 1 GHz to 14 GHz. The minimum reflection loss (RL) of the RAM1 reaches −3.47 dB at 5.57 GHz with a matching thickness of only 7.0 mm. For RAM2 with 4 mm and 4.2 mm thickness ( tm), the RL values are less than −10 dB obtained in the frequency 10.3–13.4 GHz. The RAM3 composite with 15 wt.% BaTiO3 mixture ratio shows a minimum reflection loss of −43.8 dB at 11.01 GHz with a −15 dB bandwidth over the extended frequency range of 10.2–13.2 GHz for a thickness of 2.8 mm and −44.2 dB at 4.77 GHz for a thickness of 6.5 mm.
Increased Rho kinase activity in patients with heart ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Zhang Juan , Xu Fei , Liu Xiao-Bo , Bi Shao-jie , Lu Qing-Hua
Published: July 2018

Background/Aim:

Rho kinase is a downstream effector of Rho GTPase that is known to regulate various pathological processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the regulation of Rho kinase activity in leukocytes in patients with ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Patients and Methods:

We investigated 38 patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 26 patients with atherosclerosis (AS) and 22 normal subjects. All patients underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and all STEMI patients received primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) within 12 h after chest pain on-set. Blood samples for leukocyte Rho kinase activity were obtained before CAG and 3 and 24 hours after CAG/PCI.

Results:

Rho kinase activity increased in the I/R and AS groups. Compared with the AS group, Rho kinase activity was significantly higher in peripheral blood leukocytes in STEMI/PPCI. Furthermore, there was no correlation between changes in Rho kinase activity and changes in high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) and C-reactive protein (CRP). There was a negative correlation between Rho kinase activity and IL-6.

Conclusion:

Rho kinase is involved in the pathogenesis of heart I/R injury in patients. Inhibition of Rho kinase may be an additional therapeutic intervention for the treatment of I/R.
Hydromorphone-induced chorea as an atypical presentation of opioid neurotoxicity: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Martin Emily J , Vaughan Christina L , Atayee Rabia , Hirst Jeremy M , O’Donnell Kaitlyn , Edmonds Kyle P
Published: July 2018

Background:

While opioid-induced myoclonus is well described, there are limited reports of opioid-induced chorea. Here we present the first case of chorea as a manifestation of opioid neurotoxicity due to hydromorphone.

Case presentation:

A 20-year-old woman presenting with fevers and cutaneous lesions was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to primary cutaneous lymphoma. Surgical resection of a cutaneous lesion was complicated by severe postoperative pain requiring rapid opioid dose escalation. Seven days after hydromorphone was initiated, she developed positive myoclonus, hallucinations, delirium, and involuntary, flowing movements consistent with chorea. She had no personal or family history of nervous system disorders and was not taking any medications associated with drug-induced chorea.

Case management:

The remainder of her neurologic examination was unremarkable. Her renal function was normal and no etiology was found on neuroimaging or laboratory workup. Hydromorphone was discontinued and pain control was achieved with fentanyl.

Case outcome:

The patient’s neurotoxic symptoms including chorea resolved within 72 h of hydromorphone discontinuation.

Conclusion:

Further studies are needed to determine which patients have a unique sensitivity to opioids predisposing them to chorea. Clinicians should be aware that chorea may be a sign of such toxicity so that rapid corrective action can be taken.
Techniques for robot-aided intraocular surgery using monocular vision
Authors: Yang Sungwook , Martel Joseph N , Lobes Louis A , Riviere Cameron N
Published: July 2018

This paper presents techniques for robot-aided intraocular surgery using monocular vision in order to overcome erroneous stereo reconstruction in an intact eye. We propose a new retinal surface estimation method based on a structured-light approach. A handheld robot known as the Micron enables automatic scanning of a laser probe, creating projected beam patterns on the retinal surface. Geometric analysis of the patterns then allows planar reconstruction of the surface. To realize automated surgery in an intact eye, monocular hybrid visual servoing is accomplished through a scheme that incorporates surface reconstruction and partitioned visual servoing. We investigate the sensitivity of the estimation method according to relevant parameters and also evaluate its performance in both dry and wet conditions. The approach is validated through experiments for automated laser photocoagulation in a realistic eye phantom in vitro. Finally, we present the first demonstration of automated intraocular laser surgery in porcine eyes ex vivo.
The Eyes Wide Shut Illusion
Authors: Hochstein Shaul
Published: July 2018

The new “eyes wide shut” illusion uses a standard enlarging (shaving or makeup) mirror. Close one eye and look at the closed eye in the mirror; the eye should take up most of the mirror. Switch eyes to see the other closed eye. Switch back-and-forth a few times, then open both eyes. You see an open eye. Which eye is it? To find out, close one eye. Whichever you close, that’s the eye you see. How can this be possible? The brain is fusing two images of the two eyes! The illusion depends on (a) binocular fusion: The brain combines two images to a single percept; (b) symmetry: Mirrors don’t affect appearance of left–right symmetric objects and the eyes are sufficiently left–right symmetric for the brain to combine them. Why aren’t the lingering asymmetries sufficient to prevent fusion? (c) Only vision with scrutiny affords conscious access to scene details. Consistent with reverse hierarchy theory, vision at a glance grants conscious perception of the gist of the scene, integrating images of nonperfectly symmetric eyes.
Comparative evaluation of half-maximum inhibitory concentration and cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes using buffalo bull spermatozoa as a cell model
Authors: Sanand Sandhya , Kumar Sandeep , Bara Nisha , Kaul Gautam
Published: July 2018

There is a dearth of information regarding the safety of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with respect to their impact on human/animal health and the environment. This study aimed to determine the half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Ag NPs and MWCNTs by employing different doses and time interval combinations in buffalo bull spermatozoa. Semen samples containing 100 million spermatozoa each were incubated with 1, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µg/mL of Ag NPs and MWCNTs at 37°C for 30, 60 and 120 min. Sperm viability was monitored by the MTT assay and eosin–nigrosin staining followed by estimation of IC50 values using correlation–regression analysis. Spermatozoa treated with IC50 doses of Ag NPs and MWCNTs were also assessed for different sperm functionality parameters including oxidative stress and membrane integrity. These parameters were observed to be significantly affected in treated spermatozoa compared with the controls. We concluded that both nanomaterials showed cytotoxicity, mediated principally via oxidative stress. This work has provided valuable toxicological information that will serve as a benchmark for future studies aimed at safe use of nanomaterials.
Design and analysis of an active gimbal simulator with three degrees-of-freedom for ground testing
Authors: Jia Jiao , Jia Yingmin , Sun Shihao
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a new active gimbal simulator is developed for testing the attitude determination and control system of satellites. The active gimbal simulator is composed of a rolling joint, a pitching joint, a main support frame, an active yawing joint, and a fixture. The rolling joint enables the active gimbal simulator to be applied to the columnar satellite without the fixture. The contact forces between the rolling joint and the test satellite (or the fixture) can be regulated by the support of the pitching joint. The object attached to the active gimbal simulator is at neutral equilibrium and can maintain balance at an arbitrary attitude. Hence, the object can rotate freely without being affected by its gravity. The active gimbal simulator is an approximately free-to-free suspension or support method. Compared with the traditional gimbals, the active gimbal simulator can be applied to objects of arbitrary shape especially cylinders and the effect of exogenous mass and inertia introduced by the connection mechanism is reduced. The design parameters of the active gimbal simulator are optimized based on the force analysis. A specific prototype was made, and its feasibility was verified by laboratory-based experiments.
Analysis of constrained groove pressing and constrained groove pressing-cross route process on AA5052 sheet for automotive body structure applications
Authors: Googarchin H Saeidi , Teimouri B , Hashemi R
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a hybrid experimental-numerical approach was developed to analyze the constrained groove pressing and constrained groove pressing–cross route process on AA5052 sheets which are comprehensively used to produce body in white and closure panels and beams of the automotive. The microstructure and mechanical properties were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, tensile tests, and microhardness measurements. Then, the developed procedure was used to predict the mechanical properties of the sheets fabricated by constrained groove pressing process. This enabled the evaluation of the effects of the groove angle, width, and height of the die on strength and hardness of the processed sheets. To complete the conceptual design of the grooved dies, the Taguchi method was used to optimize the die design. The obtained results show that the inhomogeneity factor in the sheets processed by constrained groove pressing–cross route is less than those processed by constrained groove pressing. The analysis indicates that the developed procedure would result in an acceptable prediction of the material behavior of the processed sheets. The procedure could save a great deal of time and is economical in the matter of design. Finally, the procedure in conjunction with Taguchi method would lead to an optimum die design to enrich the processed sheets.
Evolution of localized artificial disturbance in 2D and 3D supersonic boundary layers
Authors: Yatskikh Aleksey , Yermolaev Yury , Kosinov Alexander , Semionov Nikolai , Semenov Alexander
Published: July 2018

The evolution of a controlled broadband wave packet in flat-plate and swept-wing supersonic boundary layers was experimentally investigated at Mach number M = 2. The wave packet was introduced into the boundary layer by a localized pulse electrical discharge. The structure and evolution downstream of the wave packet were studied by hot-wire measurements. It was found that the wave packet has a symmetric shape in a flat-plate boundary layer, whereas there is asymmetry in case of a swept-wing one. The spectral analysis of the development of different modes of the wave packet was provided.
Contribution of passive actions to the lower limb joint moments and powers during gait: A comparison of models
Authors: Gasparutto Xavier , Jacquelin Eric , Dumas Raphael
Published: July 2018

The lower limb passive actions representing the actions of all the passive periarticular structures have been shown to have a significant contribution to the power generation and absorption during gait. However, the respective magnitude of its different components was not established, although models of ligament moment were implemented in some musculoskeletal models. These ligament moments have shown to have an influence on the musculo-tendon forces and contact forces but the models used were never specifically evaluated, that is, compared to the passive and net joint moments. Two models of passive joint moments and three models of ligament moments were selected from the literature. Ten subjects (23–29 years old, 79.8 ± 9.5 kg, 1.85 ± 0.06 m) participated in the study. Each subject performed three gait cycles in a gait laboratory to acquire the kinematics and ground reaction forces and to compute the ligament, passive and net moments of the right lower limb joints. The contributions of the passive joint moments to the net joint moments were in accordance with the literature, although time shifts appeared for peaks in the hip and knee powers. Two of the models of ligament moments seemed, in fact, to represent the passive joint moments as their contributions were very similar while the third model of ligament moments seemed to represent only penalty-based joint limits. As a conclusion, this study showed that the models of ligament moments existing in the literature do not seem reliable. This study also demonstrated that the use of non-subject-specific models of the passive joint moments could be a valid approach for healthy subjects.
Heading Through a Crowd
Authors: Riddell Hugh , Lappe Markus
Published: July 2018

The ability to navigate through crowds of moving people accurately, efficiently, and without causing collisions is essential for our day-to-day lives. Vision provides key information about one’s own self-motion as well as the motions of other people in the crowd. These two types of information (optic flow and biological motion) have each been investigated extensively; however, surprisingly little research has been dedicated to investigating how they are processed when presented concurrently. Here, we showed that patterns of biological motion have a negative impact on visual-heading estimation when people within the crowd move their limbs but do not move through the scene. Conversely, limb motion facilitates heading estimation when walkers move independently through the scene. Interestingly, this facilitation occurs for crowds containing both regular and perturbed depictions of humans, suggesting that it is likely caused by low-level motion cues inherent in the biological motion of other people.
Optimization of the thermal lag Stirling engine performance
Authors: Alborzi Mojtaba , Sarhaddi Faramarz , Sobhnamayan Fatemeh
Published: July 2018

In this paper, neural network and genetic algorithm is used to obtain the optimal output power of thermal lag Stirling engine. A neural network is trained and developed using the theoretical data of previous literatures in order to predict the performance of Stirling engine. Input parameters to neural network include angular velocity, thermal resistance, stroke length radius, piston diameter, the volume of heat buffer chamber and the volume of gas chamber, and output parameter includes output power. The accuracy of neural network is evaluated by average square error and regression analysis. Also, genetic algorithm is used for the optimization of the output power of the Stirling engine. The results of present study show that the neural network can be used as an appreciate tool to predict the output power of the thermal lag Stirling engine with a high precision and speed. The main deficiency of thermal lag type of Stirling engines is low output power. However, the optimization of design parameters of thermal lag Stirling engine causes an increase of 86.9% in output power.
Water Insecurity in Urban India
Authors: Das Diganta , Safini Haslindah
Published: July 2018

This research is an attempt to examine the everyday experiences of water insecurity among poor women in urban India. Their everyday living around a limited amount of water was captured visually to exhibit local idioms of struggling. There is empirical evidence that the narratives of becoming a global city often exacerbate the presence of social polarization and inequality in cities of the Global South. This includes unequal access to water, especially among subordinate groups. Drawing from fieldwork conducted in Hyderabad and Bangalore on water insecurity, the findings show that the impacts of water insecurity are highly gendered and contentious. It is in the landscape of gender division of labour that women have to negotiate their everyday lives around water. Deploying photography as the primary method, this article demonstrates the social dimension of water insecurity and the impact on women’s lives who bear the majority of domestic water issues. It is concluded that lack of efforts by the state and its agencies to improve understanding of the lived experience of water insecurity would aggravate the water issues in urban India and leave poorer urban women to be highly water insecure.
DSM Borderline Criterion Function Across Age-Groups: A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Sharp Carla , Steinberg Lynne , Michonski Jared , Kalpakci Allison , Fowler Chris , Frueh B. Christopher , Fonagy Peter
Published: July 2018

DSM-5 ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) Section II criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD) lack developmental operationalization. The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether DSM criteria operate similarly across adolescents and adults to determine if developmental adjustment for DSM criteria was needed. Three age cohorts were recruited: adolescents (ages 12-17 years; n = 484), young adults (ages 18-25 years; n = 442), and adults (ages ≥26 years; n = 953). The Child Interview for DSM-IV BPD and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II disorders were administered to adolescents and adults, respectively. Item response theory methods were used to evaluate differential item (or criterion) functioning (DIF) of BPD criteria across adolescents and adults. Qualitative analyses were then used to evaluate the potential sources of DIF. Item response theory results demonstrated DIF across adolescents and adults for all DSM BPD criteria. Qualitative analyses suggested that the source of DIF was most likely due to rater/interviewer bias. Results furthermore suggested that behavioral criteria may represent the heterotypic features of BPD, while intra- and interpersonal criteria represent the homotypic features of the disorder. The article concludes with recommendations for developmentally informed guidelines for the assessment of BPD.
Evaluation of grooming behaviour and apparent digestibility method in cats
Authors: Kim Hee S , Hong Jin S , Park Chang W , Cho Kyung H , Kim Yoo Y
Published: July 2018

Objectives

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the behavioural time budget for grooming and grooming patterns for shorthair and longhair cats, and to assess the effect of grooming behaviour on apparent digestibility of nutrients in domestic cats ( Felis catus) by comparing hair-included faeces and hair-removed faeces.

Methods

A total of 10 adult domestic cats, with a mean ± SD body weight of 4.3 ± 0.89 kg and a mean ± SD age of 3.5 ± 1.38 years, were used for behavioural observation. Cats were housed individually in stainless steel cages at the animal hospital. The cats’ behaviour was recorded on a webcam videotaping system for one 24 h period; then, faecal samples were collected and analysed to measure apparent digestibility.

Results

There was no significant difference between longhair and shorthair cats in behavioural time budget for grooming and grooming patterns. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude ash, acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of hair-removed faeces was significantly higher than that of hair-included faeces: about 6% ( P <0.01), 7% ( P <0.01), 14% ( P <0.01), 12% ( P = 0.01) and 10% ( P <0.01), respectively.

Conclusions and relevance

There was no difference in grooming patterns between longhair cats and shorthair cats. Also, the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude ash, ADF and NDF has been underestimated by approximately 6%, 7%, 14%, 12%, and 10%, respectively, when they have been calculated using the conventional digestibility method for domestic cats.
Selfie posting and self-esteem among young adult women: A mediation model of positive feedback and body satisfaction
Authors: Wang Yuhui , Wang Xingchao , Liu Hongli , Xie Xiaochun , Wang Pengcheng , Lei Li
Published: July 2018

This study examined whether selfie-posting was positively associated with women’s self-esteem and whether this association was mediated by positive feedback and body satisfaction. A sample of 442 Chinese young adult women completed questionnaires on selfie-posting, positive feedback, body satisfaction, and self-esteem. Results indicated that selfie-posting was significantly and positively related to women’s self-esteem. In addition, positive feedback mediated the relation between selfie-posting and women’s self-esteem. Furthermore, the association between selfie-posting and self-esteem was sequentially mediated through positive feedback and body satisfaction. Findings from this study provide new insights into the relation between selfie-posting and self-esteem.
A qualitative study of health professionals’ views on the holding of children for clinical procedures: Constructing a balanced approach
Authors: Bray Lucy , Ford Karen , Dickinson Annette , Water Tineke , Snodin Jill , Carter Bernie
Published: July 2018

Children undergoing clinical procedures can experience fear, uncertainty, and anxiety which can cause them to become upset and resist procedures. This study aimed to capture an international perspective of how health professionals report they would act if a child was upset and resisted a procedure. An online questionnaire, distributed through network sampling, used three vignettes to elicit qualitative open text responses from health professionals. Seven hundred and twelve professionals participated, resulting in 2072 pieces of text across the three vignettes. Many professionals reported that they would use distraction and spend time to inform and engage children in making choices about their procedure. However, most professionals indicated that if a child became uncooperative they would hold or instruct the holding of the child in order to get the procedure done ‘as quickly as possible’. The findings demonstrate that professionals experience difficulty in balancing the different agendas, rights and priorities within the momentum which can build during a clinical procedure, often resulting in the child’s voice and rights being undermined. A more balanced approach could be facilitated by a ‘clinical pause’ that would equip professionals with the time to consider children’s expressed wishes and explore alternative approaches to holding.
Mid-term 3T MRA follow-up of intracranial aneurysms treated with the Woven EndoBridge
Authors: van Rooij SBT , Peluso JP , Sluzewski M , Kortman HG , Boukrab I , van Rooij WJ
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Angiography is the standard follow-up modality for treated aneurysms with the Woven EndoBridge (WEB), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is useful for extended follow-up. We present the results of WEB-treated aneurysms with angiographic follow-up at three months and at least 18 months’ 3T MRA follow-up.

Materials and methods

Included were 52 patients with 53 aneurysms treated with the WEB between February 2015 and July 2016. There were 29 women and 23 men with a mean age of 60 years (median 62, range 23–76). Mean aneurysm size was 6.2 mm (median 6, range 3–16 mm).

Results

3T MRA follow-up was mean 19.6 months (median 18, range 18–36 months). One patient had an aneurysm remnant at three-month angiography that was additionally coiled and with stable complete occlusion at 18 months’ 3T MRA follow-up. At three-month follow-up angiography, 44 aneurysms were completely occluded and eight had a neck remnant. At latest 3T MRA, stable complete occlusion was present in 43 aneurysms and stable neck remnant in eight. One posterior cerebral artery (PCA) dissection aneurysm was stable at three and six months but was enlarged and reopened at 18 months, confirmed with angiography. Focal signal loss by the proximal marker of the WEB was apparent in four patients without compromising diagnostic evaluation.

Conclusion

WEB-treated aneurysms with adequate occlusion at three-month angiography remained stable during serial 3T MRA follow-up of 18–36 months. One PCA aneurysm reopened during the 6- to 18-month interval. Once the WEB-treated aneurysm is adequately occluded in the short term, later reopening is uncommon.