bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discussion on Dynamic Numerical Simulation for Earthquake of Immersed Tunnel at Seabed
Authors: Bo Yang , Yingren Zheng , Xiud Li
Published: October 2015

The finite element limit analysis method is applied to study the reinforcement concrete immersed tunnel at
seabed under earthquake in this paper. FLAC3D is adopted to establish the equivalent model of reinforcement concrete,
and the solution is executed according to elastic-plastic plane problem. Firstly, it is indicated that there are extreme strain
values for concrete and reinforcement concrete, and the finite element limit method is adopted to calculate the ultimate
shear strain value of equivalent material test pieces of reinforcement concrete of immersed tunnel so as to judge whether
the immersed tube failures, thus, a new failure criteria for finite element limit analysis of immersed tunnel is provided.
Secondly, the location and shape of failure surface of the immersed tunnel are simulated and its safety factor is obtained,
and relation curve between subsidence displacement of top plate and strength reduction factors is combined to analyze the
whole failure process of immersed tube. Finally, the influence law for safety factors of immersed tunnel under the
function of different seismic wave.
Research on Identification of Petroliferous Unit Based on Seismic Data Structure Characteristics
Authors: Ding Yu , Guo Haimin , Li Moujie , Lin Changrong , Guo Xuyang
Published: October 2015

The identification and classification of petroliferous unit is the key to the success in the exploration for oil-gas
fields with geophysical knowledge that are the main means and ways to reduce exploration risk and improve exploration
efficiency. In this paper, it analyzes geophysical response characteristics under conditions of gas, oil and water through
the establishment of horizontal layered medium model. Then it extracts and analyzes seismic abnormal characteristics of
the data structure combining the method of grey system theory based on the experiment, which are considered as an important
reference for further objectively identifying petroliferous unit and the exploration of oil-gas fields in the practical
application with comparison and analysis.
Shaking Table Model Test and Numerical Modeling for Tunnels Traversing Faultage
Authors: Bo Yang , Yingren Zheng , Jie Lai , yun Liu , Xiudi Li
Published: October 2015

To reveal the response and damage mechanism of a tunnel across through the fracture zone under earthquake, a
shaking table model test and numerical analysis were introduced, where the scale of the numerical simulation and the model
test was 1:1. The tunnel acceleration response and the crack, development process, strain response characteristics and
dynamic stress distribution of lining were investigated. The results show that the tunnel lining will be subjected to large
tension and compressive stress, when its tensile strength is insufficient, tension fracture would generate in the bottom of
the arch or near both sides of the arch foot , so reinforced concrete lining should be adopted in order to improve its ability
to bear the tensile failure; the acceleration response of lining increases with the increase of input seismic acceleration; dynamic
earth pressure response is more intense on both sides of the surrounding rock. This research can serve as a reference
for the seismic design of the tunnel.
Displacement-based Design of Frames Consisting of Composite Beams and RC Columns
Authors: Li Wei , Sun Linzhu , Yang Kejia
Published: October 2015

Performance-based seismic design (PBSD) method has been widely recognized in recent years, it can be used for the future structural design. And the direct displacement-based design method (DDBD) is one of the most effective ways to implement the performance-based seismic design (PBSD) theory in current. In this paper, aiming to the composite frame consisting of composite beams and continuous compound spiral hoop reinforced concrete columns (CCSHRCS), its DDBD flowchart is presented, and the structure identified performance objectives in the preliminary design process and specific seismic performance assessment methods are given. Finally, through the calculation results of CCSHRCS frame case that demonstrated the reasonableness of the method. It provides an effective tool for the seismic design of CCSHRCS frame structures
Determination of Silty Soil Bearing Capacity in Binzhou China
Authors: Yunfeng Zhang , Yifan Zeng , Lanyu Liu , Shi Wang , Youlin Zhang , Liting Xing
Published: October 2015

The characteristical values of bearing capacity of silty soil are determined on different basis in Binzhou area,
which causes a great difference in actual work. Based on engineering practices, most original data are counted and
calculated for standard penetration test, soil test and double bridge CPT (cone penetration test). The result shows that the
bearing capacity is more accurate as concluded by in-situ test data, and also can provide a more helpful method for
foundation design, which will play an active role in undertaking the specific engineering investigation work and
maintaing the summary of regional emperical values.
Study on an Innovative Flange Bolted-Welded Connection
Authors: Jiao Yufeng , Zhao Guo
Published: October 2015

This paper proposes a new type of spliced joint, named flange bolted-welded hybrid joint, which is designed to
splice I-shape beam to facilitate the construction of industrialized buildings. The flange, welded with the bottom beam
flange as well as the web close to bottom flange, are jointed by high strength bolts. Stiffening plate is welded at top of the
flange while downhand welding and high strength friction grip bolts are used for the top beam flange and the beam web,
respectively. The connection reduces the construction period and costs. In this paper, monotonic and reversed cyclic
loading tests were conducted on three full-scale specimens of this innovative joint to investigate its load-bearing capacity,
energy-dissipating capacity and failure modes. The results indicate that the joint has high load-bearing capacity and great
ductility. The failure mode is due to the slippage of flange bolts as well as the gap development between the two flange
plates. The experimental studies enabled improvement of the design of the connection to be used in moment-resisting steel
frame structures.
Finite Element Analysis and Tooth Profile Modification Study on Traction
Gear of High Speed and Heavy Load Locomotive
Authors: Shi Xiaochun , He Weidong
Published: October 2015

Base on the characteristics of high-speed and heavy-load locomotive traction gear, a pre-grinding hob was
designed which increased the thickness of the dangerous tooth root section as much as possible. The deformation and
stress of the traction gears were calculated through the parameterized model established by finite element method. The
tooth profile modification was implemented considering three locomotive working conditions including starting, sustain,
and rapid operation. Finally, the related tests verified that the optimized transmission gear was in accordance the design
requirements, the effect was good.
Dynamic Simulation of Crank-Group Driving Mechanism with Clearance
Authors: Yansong Liu , Jujiang Cao , Dongfei Cai
Published: October 2015

For the crank-group driving mechanism, the assembly clearances can offer the possibility to remove
overcoming processing errors. But the clearances inevitably affect the dynamic characteristics of the mechanism. In this
paper, the dynamic simulation model of the crank-group driving mechanism is established by NX/Motion Simulation
which is based on the mathematical model of planar link mechanism. The comparative analysis is conducted regarding the
dynamic characteristics of the mechanism which is influenced by different clearances, different angular velocity, and
different damping. The simulation results show that appropriately increasing the angular velocity, increasing stiffness and
damping of the components can effectively inhibit the adverse influences of clearance on the dynamic characteristics of
the mechanism.
Study on Mechanical Design Optimization Based on Improved Particle
Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Ning Zhou , Jing Zhang
Published: October 2015

In view of local optimization in particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO algorithm), chaos theory was
introduced to PSO algorithm in this paper. Plenty of populations were generated by using the ergodicity of chaotic motion.
The uniformly distributed initial particles of the particle swarms were extracted from the populations according to the
Euclidean distance between particles, so that the particles could uniformly distribute in the solution space. Local search
was carried out on the optimal position of the particles during evolution, so as to improve the development capability of
PSO algorithm and prevent its prematurity, thus enhancing its global optimizing capability. Then the improved PSO
algorithm was applied to mechanical design optimization. With optimization design for two-stage gear reducer as the
study object, objective function and constraint conditions were determined by building a mathematical model of
optimization design, thus realizing optimization design. Simulation and comparison between the improved algorithm and
unimproved algorithm show that improved PSO algorithm can optimize the optimization results of PSO algorithm at a
faster convergence rate.
Fault Detection Approach Based on Weighted Principal Component
Analysis Applied to Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor
Authors: Gu Shanmao , Liu Yunlong , Zhang Ni , Du De
Published: October 2015

Fault detection approach based on principal component analysis (PCA) may perform not well when the process
is time-varying, because it can cause unfavorable influence on feature extraction. To solve this problem, a modified PCA
which considering variance maximization is proposed, referred to as weighted PCA (WPCA). WPCA can obtain the slow
features information of observed data in time-varying system. The monitoring statistical indices are based on WPCA
model and their confidence limits are computed by kernel density estimation (KDE). A simulation example on continuous
stirred tank reactor (CSTR) show that the proposed method achieves better performance from the perspective of both fault
detection rate and fault detection time than conventional PCA model.
Long-term Effect of Optimized Sedation and Pain Management after Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Abanador-Kamper Nadine , Wolfertz Judith , Thürmann Petra , Kamper Lars , Seyfarth Melchior
Published: October 2015

Background and Aims:

Appropriate use of sedatives and analgesics is essential to keep critically ill patients
comfortable and to prevent prolonged mechanical ventilation time and length of stay in ICU. Aim of this study was to
analyse the long-term effect of an algorithm-based individual analgesic-sedative protocol on mechanical ventilation time
and ICU length of stay in critically ill patients after sudden cardiac arrest due to ST-elevated myocardial infarction.

Subject and Methods:

We examined a total of 109 patients before and after implementation of an algorithm-based sedation
management. Our sedation protocol included individual defined sedation goals achieved by standardized sedation
strategies. Mechanical ventilation time and ICU length of stay were analysed for three groups of patients: before and after
the intervention and in the long-term follow-up.

Results:

We observed shorter median mechanical ventilation time and ICU length of stay in the interventional and longterm
follow-up group compared to the standard-care group without statistical significance.

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrate a long-term reduction of mechanical ventilation time and ICU length of stay
achieved by implementation of an individual sedation management. This suggests sedation guidelines as effective tools to
reduce the mechanical ventilation time and ICU length of stay in patients after sudden cardiac arrest in ST-elevated myocardial
infarction. Investigations with a larger patient number and higher statistical power are required to confirm these
findings.
Daqing Crude Oil Price Forecast Based on the ARIMA Model
Authors: Quan Li
Published: October 2015

Oil is the lifeblood of the industrial economy, oil prices are affected by many factors. China is a major industrial
country, changes in the price of oil will affect many aspects of economic development, and therefore the price of
crude oil research is extremely important. In this paper, monthly average prices of crude oil in Daqing from January 2000
to December 2010 are utilized to do the research. Based on ARIMA model by building software using EVIEWS, rule of
oil price movements is found and a prediction of oil price is made using the data from the first 10 months of 2011.
Extracts of medicinal plants as functional beer additives
Authors: Djordjevic Sofija , Popovic Danijela , Despotovic Sasa , Veljovic Mile , Atanackovic Milica , Cvejic Jelena , Nedovic Viktor , Leskosek-Cukalovic Ida
Published: October 2015

This paper is based on determining the level of the antioxidant activity of
beer, to which sensory acceptable amounts of selected extracts of medicinal
plants were added, with the aim of obtaining a beer with increased functional
and new sensory features. For purposes of this study a commercial lager beer
type Pils and extracts of herbal drugs: Melissae folium, Thymi herba,
Juniperi fructus, Urticae radix and Lupuli strobuli, were used. Total phenols
were analyzed by the method of Folin-Ciocalteu, and the antioxidant activity
of samples using FRAP and DPPH test. Sensory evaluation of beer was conducted
on 80 subjects, using a nine levels hedonic scale. The results showed that
the content of total phenols was the highest in the beer which thyme, juniper
and lemon balm were added to (384.22, 365.38 and 363.08 mg GAE/L,
respectively), representing the increase of 37.09, 30.36 and 29.55%
(respectively) compared to the commercial lager beer. Values of antioxidant
activity were correlated with the content of total phenols. The extract of
lemon balm blended in the best manner with the baseline, commercial lager
beer in terms of sensory acceptability. New beer, enriched with lemon balm,
had a pleasant, appealing and harmonious flavor and aroma.
Unusual case of mixed form of femoroacetabular impingement combined with nonspecyfic synovitis of the hip joint in a young adult: A case report
Authors: Mladenovic Marko , Micic Ivan , Andjelkovic Zoran , Mladenovic Desimir , Stojiljkovic Predrag
Published: October 2015

Introduction. Minimal bone changes in the acetabulum and/or proximal femur,
through mechanism known as femoroacetabular impingement, during flexion,
adduction and internal rotation lead to early contact between femoral
head-neck junction and acetabular brim, in anterosuperior region. Each
additional pathological substrate which further decreases specified clearance
provokes earlier onset of femoroacetabular impingement symptoms. Case report.
We presented a 20-year-old male patient with groin pain, limping, positive
impingement test, radiological signs of mixed form of femoroacetabular
impingement and unrecognized chronic hypertrophic synovitis with earlier
development of clinical hip symptoms than it has been expected. Open surgery
of the left hip was done. Two years after the surgery, patient was
asymptomatic, painless, and free of motion, with stable x-rays. Conclusion.
Hypertrophic synovial tissue further reduces the distance between the femoral
head-neck junction and the acetabulum, leading to the earlier onset of
femoroacetabular impingement symptoms. Surgical treatment is the method of
choice.
Correlation of local and systemic expression of survivin with histopathological parameters of cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Jovic Milena , Cerovic Snezana , Zolotarevska Lidija , Gacevic Milomir , Stanojevic Ivan , Miller Karolina , Djukic Mirjana , Saso Luciano , Jaukovic Ljiljana , Vojvodic Danilo
Published: October 2015

Background/Aim. Survivin is a multifunctional protein abundantly expressed in
tumors of various types, including melanoma. There are still sparse data
regarding relationship of melanoma cell survivin expression with accepted
histopathological characteristics as well as serum concentration. The aim of
this study was to investigate the association of local tumor survivin
expression (primary tumor and metastatic lesions) and serum concentration
with clinical and histopathological parameters in melanoma patients. Methods.
The level of survivin expression was determined immunocytochemically in tumor
tissue and with ELISA test in the serum of 84 melanoma patients diagnosed
from 2009 to 2013 at the Institute for Pathology and Forensic Medicine and
Institute for Medical Research at Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia.
Results. The intensity of survivin expression was significantly higher in the
patients whose tumor had ulceration, higher mitotic index, higher Clark and
Breslow stage, that made vascular invasion or spread through lymphatic
vessels in primary tumor, and was significantly higher in the patients with
metastatic disease. Survivin expression and the number of survivin positive
cells in metastatic lesions were significantly associated with the duration
of disease free interval (DFI). The patients with high expression score had
almost double shorter DFI comparing to those with weak local survivin
expression and a small number of survivin+cells (9 ? 7 vs 19 ? 13 months,
respectively). The degree of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes presence in tumor
tissue was significantly associated with serum survivin concentration, with
lowest average level detected in samples of patients with the highest degree
of infiltration. Serum survivin concentrations were highest in samples of
melanoma patients with IA American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) clinical
stage, pT1a histological stage, patients whose tumors were still in
horizontal growth phase, without signs of lympho-hematological disease
spreading, with the highest number of mitoses and the smallest Clark index.
Conclusion. Survivin expression in tumor tissue and its serum concetration
significantly correlate with clinical and histopathological parameters. Serum
levels could be important in initial follow-up as indicators of those
patients that would have aggressive local tumor growth and spreading.
Survivin determination in tumor tissue is of great significance in estimation
of DFI.
Dental and skeletal changes in mild to moderate Class II malocclusions treated by either a Twin-block or Xbow appliance followed by full fixed orthodontic treatment
Authors: Ehsani Sayeh , Nebbe Brian , Normando David , Lagravere Manuel O , Flores-Mir Carlos
Published: October 2015

Objective: 

To compare the short-term skeletal and dental effects of two-phase orthodontic treatment including either a Twin-block or an XBow appliance.

Materials and Methods: 

This was a retrospective clinical trial of 50 consecutive Class II cases treated in a private practice with either a Twin-block (25) or XBow (25) appliance followed by full fixed orthodontic treatment. To factor out growth, an untreated Class II control group (25) was considered.

Results: 

A MANOVA of treatment/observation changes followed by univariate pairwise comparisons showed that the maxilla moved forward less in the treatment groups than in the control group. As for mandibular changes, the corpus length increase was larger in the Twin-block group by 3.9 mm. Dentally, mesial movement of mandibular molars was greater in both treatment groups. Although no distalization of maxillary molars was found in either treatment group, restriction of mesial movement of these teeth was seen in both treatment groups. Both treatment groups demonstrated increased mandibular incisor proclination with larger increases for the XBow group by 3.3°. The Wits value was decreased by 1.6 mm more in the Twin-block group. No sex-related differences were observed.

Conclusions: 

Class II correction using an XBow or Twin-block followed by fixed appliances occurs through a relatively similar combination of dental and skeletal effects. An increase in mandibular incisor inclination for the XBow group and an increased corpus length for the Twin-block group were notable exceptions. No overall treatment length differences were seen.
Outcomes of dogs undergoing radiotherapy for treatment of oral malignant melanoma: 111 cases (2006–2012)
Authors: Kawabe Mifumi , Mori Takashi , Ito Yusuke , Murakami Mami , Sakai Hiroki , Yanai Tokuma , Maruo Kohji
Published: October 2015

Objective—To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of dogs with stage I, II, III, or IV oral malignant melanoma treated by various types of radiotherapy.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—111 dogs.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs with oral malignant melanoma treated by radiotherapy (with or without adjunctive treatments) at a veterinary medical center between July 2006 and December 2012 were reviewed. Information regarding signalment, tumor location, disease stage, treatment protocols, adverse effects, and survival time were obtained from medical records and by telephone follow-up. Associations between variables of interest and outcome were analyzed.

Results—Dogs received orthovoltage x-ray (n = 68), megavoltage x-ray (39), or electron beam (4) radiotherapy. Adjunctive treatments included debulking surgery (n = 18), chemotherapy (39), or both (27). Median survival times for dogs with stage I, II, III, and IV melanoma were 758 days (n = 19), 278 days (24), 163 days (37), and 80 days (31), respectively, and differed significantly between dogs with stage I disease and those with all other disease stages. Among dogs with stage III melanoma, risk of death was significantly higher in those that received orthovoltage x-ray treatment than in those that received megavoltage x-ray treatment. Severe (primary or secondary) adverse effects were identified in 9 dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Median survival time was significantly longer for dogs with stage I oral malignant melanoma than for dogs with more advanced disease at the time of staging. The staging system used may be a useful tool for prognosis prediction in dogs undergoing similar treatment protocols for oral malignant melanomas.
Forward with The Road Forward: A Conversation with Marie Clements
Authors: Dickinson Peter
Published: October 2015

The closing performance at the Aboriginal Pavilion during the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, Marie Clements’s The Road Forward, originally an eight-minute live musical installation, has since developed into a full-length rock musical that has twice played the PuSh Festival in Vancouver. In this interview Clements talks about her impetus for the Olympiad Commission, how the work has changed in the years since, and the role of the Olympics in showcasing Indigenous arts and culture in British Columbia.
Four Olympic Legacies
Authors: Roche David
Published: October 2015

The effect of the 2010 Winter Olympics on disability theatre and associated arts can be viewed as disruptive. Examination of work and activism post-Olympics brings a more positive view. The legacy is described as a response, rooted in the wider disability culture, of inclusion, mentoring, initiative/leadership, and coowperation/collaboration.
Hockey Sticks and Heartstrings: The Men’s Gold Medal Hockey Game and the Affective Legacy of the 2010 Olympic Games
Authors: Blair Kelsey
Published: October 2015

When Sidney Crosby scored the game winning goal for Canada in the gold medal men’s hockey match at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, the crowd went wild. The post-game atmosphere was described by media outlets as “electric” and “joyous.” Is there a more precise way to define the feelings that circulated during and after the game? In this essay, I examine one of the intangible impacts of The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games: its affective legacy. Using theatre and performance studies, I analyze how the gold medal men’s hockey game was positioned to become a defining moment of the Olympics. Drawing on the work of American theatre studies scholar Jill Dolan, I argue that a combination of ideal conditions and careful orchestrations resulted in what Dolan calls a “utopian performative,” a feeling of fleeting, but intense inter-subjectivity experienced during a performance. As a result, the men’s gold medal match became an important temporal, cultural, and affective reference point for Vancouverites.
Unsettling Beauty
Authors: Schewe Elizabeth
Published: October 2015

The recent collection of essays Trans(per)forming Nina Arsenault: An Unreasonable Body of Work presents the opportunity to explore a number of questions central to current trans, queer, and feminist theories and politics, as well as performance theory and practice. By juxtaposing the texts and photographs that make up some of Arsenault’s own work with stories told by her personal friends and fascinating reflections on performance practice, as well as academic essays from feminist, queer, and trans perspectives, Trans(per)forming Nina Arsenault offers a richness of perspectives that is missing from collections that include only academic essays.
Unilateral C-1 posterior arch screws and C-2 laminar screws combined with a 1-side C1–2 pedicle screw system as salvage fixation for atlantoaxial instability
Authors: Guo-Xin Jin , Huan Wang
Published: October 2015

OBJECT

Atlantoaxial instability often requires surgery, and the current methods for fixation pose some risk to vascular and neurological tissues. Thus, new effective and safer methods are needed for salvage operations. This study sought to assess unilateral C-1 posterior arch screws (PASs) and C-2 laminar screws (LSs) combined with 1-side C1–2 pedicle screws (PSs) for posterior C1–2 fixation using biomechanical testing with bilateral C1–2 PSs in a cadaveric model.

METHODS

Six fresh ligamentous human cervical spines were evaluated for their biomechanics. The cadaveric specimens were tested in their intact condition, stabilization after injury, and after injury at 1.5 Nm of pure moment in 6 directions. The 3 groups tested were bilateral C1–2 PSs (Group A); left side C1–2 PSs with an ipsilateral C-1 PAS + C-2 laminar screw (Group B); and left side C1–2 PSs with a contralateral C-1 PAS + C-2 LS (Group C). During the testing, angular motion was measured using a motion capture platform. Data were recorded, and statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Biomechanical testing showed that there was no significant difference among the stabilities of these fixation systems in flexion-extension and rotation control. In left lateral bending, the bilateral C1–2 PS group decreased flexibility by 71.9% compared with the intact condition, the unilateral C1–2 PS and ipsilateral PAS+LS group decreased flexibility by 77.6%, and the unilateral C1–2 PS and contralateral PAS+LS group by 70.0%. Each method significantly decreased C1–2 movements in right lateral bending compared with the intact condition, and the bilateral C1–2 PS system was more stable than the C1–2 PS and contralateral PAS+LS system (p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

A unilateral C-1 PAS + C-2 LS combined with 1-side C-1 PSs provided the same acute stability as the PS, and no statistically significant difference in acute stability was found between the 2 screw techniques. These methods may constitute an alternative method for posterior atlantoaxial fixation.
Vincent du Vigneaud: following the sulfur trail to the discovery of the hormones of the posterior pituitary gland at Cornell Medical College
Authors: Ottenhausen Malte , Bodhinayake Imithri , Banu Matei A. , Stieg Philip E. , Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: October 2015

In 1955, Vincent du Vigneaud (1901–1978), the chairman of the Department of Biochemistry at Cornell University Medical College, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his research on insulin and for the first synthesis of the posterior pituitary hormones—oxytocin and vasopressin. His tremendous contribution to organic chemistry, which began as an interest in sulfur-containing compounds, paved the way for a better understanding of the pituitary gland and for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools for diseases of the pituitary. His seminal research continues to impact neurologists, endocrinologists, and neurosurgeons, and enables them to treat patients who had no alternatives prior to du Vigneaud’s breakthroughs in peptide structure and synthesis. The ability of neurosurgeons to aggressively operate on parasellar pathology was directly impacted and related to the ability to replace these hormones after surgery. The authors review the life and career of Vincent du Vigneaud, his groundbreaking discoveries, and his legacy of the understanding and treatment of the pituitary gland in health and disease.
Enlargement of the middle meningeal artery on MR angiography in chronic subdural hematoma
Authors: Takizawa Ken , Sorimachi Takatoshi , Ishizaka Hideo , Osada Takahiro , Srivatanakul Kittipong , Momose Hiroaki , Matsumae Mitsunori
Published: October 2015

OBJECT

The middle meningeal artery (MMA) is suspected to play an important role in the development of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). The aim of this study was to clarify whether the MMA was enlarged in patients with CSDHs.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively assessed 55 patients in whom CSDH was diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 and who underwent MR angiography (MRA) after the onset of CSDH. The authors compared MMA diameters between hemispheres with and without CSDHs on MR angiograms. A case-control study was also performed with 55 sex- and age-matched patients with incidental unruptured aneurysms as controls.

RESULTS

In 55 patients with CSDHs, the diameters of the 79 MMAs on the CSDH side were significantly larger than the diameters of the 31 MMAs on the non-CSDH side (p < 0.05). In 24 patients with bilateral CSDHs, no significant difference was found between the MMA diameters on the larger hematoma side and those on the smaller hematoma side. In 13 patients who underwent MRA before the onset of the CSDH, the MMAs on MR angiograms acquired after onset of the CSDH were significantly larger than those on MR angiograms acquired before the CSDH onset (p < 0.05). The diameters of the MMAs in 55 patients with CSDHs were significantly larger than those of the MMAs in the 55 control patients (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The MMA is enlarged with development of a CSDH. Information about the MMA observed on MRA in patients with CSDHs may be useful in developing a strategy for future treatment of CSDHs.
Intrathecal baclofen trials: complications and positive yield in a pediatric cohort
Authors: Sayer Charlotte , Lumsden Daniel E. , Perides Sarah , Tustin Kylee , Bassi Sanj , Lin Jean-Pierre , Kaminska Margaret
Published: October 2015

OBJECT

Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is an effective management option for childhood hypertonia. Given the potential complications of implanted ITB pumps, trials of ITB are usually performed as part of the workup for ITB pumps. Two methods are used for ITB trials, lumbar puncture (LP) and catheter insertion into the intrathecal space. Little has been written to date on the number of positive trials and complications in trials. This study aimed to report the outcomes and complications in ITB trials for childhood hypertonia (dystonia, spastic, or mixed).

METHODS

A retrospective case notes review was conducted of all patients who underwent ITB trials at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital between 2005 and 2012 (inclusive). Positive trials were defined as a reduction in Modified Ashworth Scale by a minimum of 1 point in at least 2 muscle groups and improvement reported by the caregivers in the areas of goals agreed upon between professionals and the families.

RESULTS

Our patient group comprised children with dystonia (n = 7), mixed spasticity/dystonia (n = 29), spasticity (n = 4), and pain (n = 1). A total of 47 trials were attempted in 41 children. Forty trials were successfully completed, with 39 being positive. Thirty-three were catheter trials, and 14 were LPs. The overall complication rate in the 47 attempted trials was 53%: 61% in catheter trials, and 36% in LP trials. This difference was not statistically significant. The most common complications were vomiting (n = 9) and CSF leak (n = 4). The most serious complication was meningitis (n = 1) in a catheter trial. No patients experienced a permanent injury.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high risk of minor self-limiting complications with ITB trials, which needs to be factored into the decision process of progression to trials. The rate of positive trials in this study was 98%, of which 21% did not progress to pump implantation. While the authors would still advocate for ITB trials prior to ITB pump insertion to aid parental decision-making, this figure suggests that with good patient selection, ITB pumps could be placed without a preceding trial.
Targeted epidural catheter injection of polyethylene glycol hydrogel for repair of a spontaneous dural tear: a novel case report
Authors: Pearce Solomon , Henthorn Randall , Schueler William
Published: October 2015

The authors describe the novel approach of using a blunt-tipped catheter to repair a spontaneous dural tear. This case shows an effective percutaneous method of delivering dural sealant through an easily positioned catheter for the treatment of intracranial hypotension due to spontaneous CSF leakage.
Deleuze's Reversal of Platonism, Revisited
Authors: Altamirano Marco
Published: November 2015

A standard approach to examining Deleuze's concept of difference in Difference and Repetition is to follow his critique of representation through an overturning of Platonism, which Deleuze finds to be the definitive task of philosophy after Nietzsche. While engaging this largely critical project, however, there is a tendency to overlook the dimensions of Platonism that Deleuze rehabilitates in a differential and immanent register. This paper aims to recover the essential dimensions of Platonism at the very heart of Deleuze's philosophy of difference. This recovery is accomplished by distinguishing Nietzsche's overturning of Platonism through his evaluation of the reactive politics of the Idea from Deleuze's own reversal of Platonism through his evaluation of the active politics of simulacra.
Artaud-Immunity: Derrida and the Mômo
Authors: Caygill Howard
Published: October 2015

Derrida's public struggle with the spectre of Artaud began in the 1960s ‘La parole Soufflée’ and ‘The Theatre of Cruelty and the Closure of Representation’ and continued forcener le subjectile (1986) and Artaud le Moma (2002). The texts are read as attempts to break with the dominant critical/clinical readings of Artaud inaugurated by Jacques Rivière and as beginnings for a search to secure Artaud-immunity, protection for and against his words and works. It argues that Derrida's readings of Artaud systematically underestimate the power of his deliberate perversion of Platonism and his intimations of an affirmative metaphysics issuing from the replacement of the idea of the One by that of Chaos. The underestimation of the affirmative drive underwriting Artaud's work led Derrida to uncover a suicidal motif in Artaud-immunity that would eventually compromise his own understanding of auto-immunity.
The impossible diagram of history: ‘History’ in Derrida'sOf Grammatology
Authors: Dunstall Andrew
Published: October 2015

This article presents Derrida as a philosopher of history by reinterpreting his De la Grammatologie. In particular, it provides a schematic reconstruction of Part II of that book from the perspective of the problem of history. My account extends work on historicity in Derrida by privileging the themes of ‘history’ and ‘diagram’ in the Rousseau part. I thereby establish a Derridean concept of history which aims at accounting for the continuities and discontinuities of the past. This is in contrast to some criticism that Derrida leaves behind, or inadequately accounts for history. Derrida describes a necessarily contorted condition of relating any historical event or development to itself or to another. This historicity informs other well-known aspects of Derrida's work, like the ‘quasi-transcendental’ terms he developed. I conclude that ‘history’ is a critical element in any understanding of deconstruction, and that deconstruction entails new kinds of history, but that some axioms of current historical thought require reformation.
Hospitality in and beyond Religions and Politics
Authors: Norton Michael Barnes
Published: October 2015

This paper examines Derrida's treatment of the quasi-transcendental structure of hospitality, particularly as it pertains to religious traditions, conceptions of human rights, and modern secularism. It begins by looking to the account Derrida presents in ‘Hostipitality’, focusing especially on his treatment of the work of Louis Massignon. It then proceeds to an exploration of Kant's concept of cosmopolitanism and some of its contemporary descendants before returning to Derrida's treatment of hospitality by way of his critique of this Kantian heritage. The paper argues both that religious traditions exhibit (though, perhaps, often not explicitly) the kind of structures of openness to difference to which Derrida's notion of hospitality refers, and that modern Western conceptions of secularism too easily preclude understanding and fostering those aspects of religious traditions which can contribute to more peaceful coexistence in pluralistic environments.
Cluster Policy in the Light of Institutional Context—A Comparative Study of Transition Countries
Authors: Lehmann Tine , Benner Maximilian
Published: November 2015

The business environment in transition countries is often extraordinarily challenging for companies. The transition process these countries find themselves in leads to constant changes in the institutional environment. Hence, institutional voids prevail. These institutional voids cause competitive disadvantages for small and medium enterprises. Cluster policy can address these competitive disadvantages. As cluster policy generally aims at supporting companies’ competitive advantage by spurring innovation and productivity, it can help to bridge institutional voids. This article’s research question aims at analyzing and comparing cluster policies in the institutional context of two transition countries (Serbia and Tunisia) and analyzes to what extent cluster policies in these two countries are adapted to institutional voids prevailing there. The case studies offer insights into apparent difficulties of clusters in bridging formal institutional voids, as well as, notably, into the informal void of skill mismatches in the labor market. Still, for some specific voids, clusters do at least implicitly assume a bridging role. While the cluster policies examined do not explicitly target the institutional voids identified, cluster management can—in the course of time—align its service offering more closely with these voids. Bottom-up designed cluster policies can play an especially important role in such an evolution towards bridging institutional voids.
Electrophysiological Monitoring of Brain Injury and Recovery after Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Deng Ruoxian , Xiong Wei , Jia Xiaofeng
Published: November 2015

Reliable prognostic methods for cerebral functional outcome of post cardiac-arrest (CA) patients are necessary, especially since therapeutic hypothermia (TH) as a standard treatment. Traditional neurophysiological prognostic indicators, such as clinical examination and chemical biomarkers, may result in indecisive outcome predictions and do not directly reflect neuronal activity, though they have remained the mainstay of clinical prognosis. The most recent advances in electrophysiological methods—electroencephalography (EEG) pattern, evoked potential (EP) and cellular electrophysiological measurement—were developed to complement these deficiencies, and will be examined in this review article. EEG pattern (reactivity and continuity) provides real-time and accurate information for early-stage (particularly in the first 24 h) hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury patients with high sensitivity. However, the signal is easily affected by external stimuli, thus the measurements of EP should be combined with EEG background to validate the predicted neurologic functional result. Cellular electrophysiology, such as multi-unit activity (MUA) and local field potentials (LFP), has strong potential for improving prognostication and therapy by offering additional neurophysiologic information to understand the underlying mechanisms of therapeutic methods. Electrophysiology provides reliable and precise prognostication on both global and cellular levels secondary to cerebral injury in cardiac arrest patients treated with TH.
Application of CRISPR/Cas9 Technology to HBV
Authors: Lin Guigao , Zhang Kuo , Li Jinming
Published: November 2015

More than 240 million people around the world are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Nucleos(t)ide analogs and interferon are the only two families of drugs to treat HBV currently. However, none of these anti-virals directly target the stable nuclear covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which acts as a transcription template for viral mRNA and pre-genomic RNA synthesis and secures virus persistence. Thus, the fact that only a small number of patients treated achieve sustained viral response (SVR) or cure, highlights the need for new therapies against HBV. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 gene editing system can specifically target the conserved regions of the HBV genome. This results in robust viral suppression and provides a promising tool for eradicating the virus. In this review, we discuss the function and application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system as a novel therapy for HBV.
Pooling and Analysis of Published in Vitro Data: A Proof of Concept Study for the Grouping of Nanoparticles
Authors: Simkó Myrtill , Tischler Sonja , Mattsson Mats-Olof
Published: November 2015

The study aim was to test the applicability of pooling of nanomaterials-induced in vitro data for identifying the toxic capacity of specific (SiO2, TiO2, ZnO, CuO, CeO2 and carbon nanotubes, [CNT]) nanoparticles (NP) and to test the usefulness for grouping purposes. Publication selection was based on specific criteria regarding experimental conditions. Two relevant biological endpoints were selected; generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and viability above 90%. The correlations of the ROS ratios with the NP parameters’ size, concentration, and exposure time were analysed. The obtained data sets were then analysed with multiple regression analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey post-hoc test. The results show that this method is applicable for the selected metal oxide NP, but might need reconsideration and a larger data set for CNT. Several statistically significant correlations and results were obtained, thus validating the method. Furthermore, the relevance of the combination of ROS release with a cell viability test was shown. The data also show that it is advisable to compare ROS production of professional phagocytic with non-phagocytic cells. In conclusion, this is the first systematic analysis showing that pooling of available data into groups is a useful method for evaluation of data regarding NP induced toxicity in vitro.
Structure of an Amino Acid-Decorated Exopolysaccharide Secreted by a Vibrio alginolyticus Strain
Authors: Drouillard Sophie , Jeacomine Isabelle , Buon Laurine , Boisset Claire , Courtois Anthony , Thollas Bertrand , Morvan Pierre-Yves , Vallée Romuald , Helbert William
Published: November 2015

Vibrio alginolyticus (CNCM I-4994) secretes an exopolysaccharide that can be used as an ingredient in cosmetic applications. The structure was resolved using chromatography and one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy experiments. The results show that the carbohydrate backbone is made of two residues: d-galacturonic acid and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNac), which together constitute a tetrasaccharide repetition unit: [→3)-α-d-GalA-(1→4)-α-d-GalA-(1→3)-α-d-GalA-(1→3)-β-GlcNAc(1→]. Two amino acids, alanine and serine, are linked to GalA residues via amido linkages. The position and the distribution of the amino acids were characterized by two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a structure for a marine exopolysaccharide decorated with an amino acid.
Optimization of Extraction Condition of Bee Pollen Using Response Surface Methodology: Correlation between Anti-Melanogenesis, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Content
Authors: Kim Seon , Jo Yang , Liu Qing , Ahn Jong , Hong In , Han Sang , Hwang Bang , Lee Mi
Published: November 2015

Bee pollen is flower pollen with nectar and salivary substances of bees and rich in essential components. Bee pollen showed antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activity in our assay system. To maximize the antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activity of bee pollen, extraction conditions, such as extraction solvent, extraction time, and extraction temperature, were optimized using response surface methodology. Regression analysis showed a good fit of this model and yielded the second-order polynomial regression for tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant activity. Among the extraction variables, extraction solvent greatly affected the activity. The optimal condition was determined as EtOAc concentration in MeOH, 69.6%; temperature, 10.0 °C; and extraction time, 24.2 h, and the tyrosinase inhibitory and antioxidant activity under optimal condition were found to be 57.9% and 49.3%, respectively. Further analysis showed the close correlation between activities and phenolic content, which suggested phenolic compounds are active constituents of bee pollen for tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant activity. Taken together, these results provide useful information about bee pollen as cosmetic therapeutics to reduce oxidative stress and hyperpigmentation.
Calibration of Kinect for Xbox One and Comparison between the Two Generations of Microsoft Sensors
Authors: Pagliari Diana , Pinto Livio
Published: November 2015

In recent years, the videogame industry has been characterized by a great boost in gesture recognition and motion tracking, following the increasing request of creating immersive game experiences. The Microsoft Kinect sensor allows acquiring RGB, IR and depth images with a high frame rate. Because of the complementary nature of the information provided, it has proved an attractive resource for researchers with very different backgrounds. In summer 2014, Microsoft launched a new generation of Kinect on the market, based on time-of-flight technology. This paper proposes a calibration of Kinect for Xbox One imaging sensors, focusing on the depth camera. The mathematical model that describes the error committed by the sensor as a function of the distance between the sensor itself and the object has been estimated. All the analyses presented here have been conducted for both generations of Kinect, in order to quantify the improvements that characterize every single imaging sensor. Experimental results show that the quality of the delivered model improved applying the proposed calibration procedure, which is applicable to both point clouds and the mesh model created with the Microsoft Fusion Libraries.