bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The SMART Trocar: Force, Deviation, and Impedance Sensing Trocar for Enhanced Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Schrope Jonathan , Olmanson Bjorn , Fick Caleb , Motameni Cameron , Viratyosin Tayvin , Miller Zachary D. , Harmon James , Emerson Paul
Published: July 2019

Intra-abdominal organ and vascular injuries during laparoscopic trocar placement remain a significant cause for surgical complications during laparoscopic procedures. These complications can arise if the surgeon deviates from the proper placement axis, requiring additional applied force to obliquely traverse the abdominal wall. This increase in force application increases the risk of internal vessel and organ damage immediately after entrance to the peritoneal cavity. To mitigate this risk, our group designed a trocar that provides real-time feedback of deviation from the proper insertion axis, applied force, and position of the trocar tip within the tissue. This was performed using an accelerometer, load cell, and electrical impedance measurement. Our device was tested in a surgical simulation laboratory by medical students using a porcine abdominal wall model. Results establish our device as an effective training tool for educating surgeons on trocar placement in laparoscopic surgery.
Femtosecond Laser Ablation of Implantable Materials
Authors: McEligot Patrick , Hara Seth A. , Uthamaraj Susheil
Published: July 2019

Femtosecond laser ablation is a powerful tool for the fabrication of medical devices, especially with materials commonly used in implantable micro devices as these materials are often incompatible with traditional machining techniques. Laser machining quality is highly dependent not only on the laser parameters, but also on the material that is being machined and so the process must be characterized for each material of interest. In this work, process characterization is presented for two materials commonly used in implantable micro devices — polyimide and silicon. The ablation threshold and etch rate were determined for femtosecond laser machining with a UV wavelength.
Impedance Controlled Hot Snare Polypectomy
Authors: Thornton CurtisLee , Choi JungHun
Published: July 2019

This paper explores the ability to measure the impedance of a system consisting of the biological system of the patient combined with the mechanical system of the hot snare and, given a specified impedance threshold value, turn off the firing of an electrosurgical device before serious injury occurs. In electrosurgery, the tissue damage is caused by the thermal energy generated from the resistance in the cells. An impedance feedback control system is designed and tested to minimize the effects of too much thermal damage. This design is based on measuring the impedance of the system and implementing a microcontroller to coordinate the activity and to interrupt the electrosurgical device preventing further firing. The feedback control system was proven to automatically stop the electrosurgical device for three given impedance values of 500Ω, 750Ω, and 1000Ω with an accuracy of ±5Ω. The auto-stop system is able to measure and fire at 5.4 times a second with a duty cycle of 41%. This successfully minimizes the thermal injury sustained from electrosurgery.
Porcine Block Testing in Verification of a Reloadable Adrenaline Auto-Injector for Intramuscular Injections
Authors: Nair Gokul , Beukes Giancarlo , Levin Michael , Sivarasu Sudesh
Published: July 2019

A novel reloadable autoinjectors (Zibipen) for intramuscular adrenaline injections were designed and developed. This novel AAI was performance tested against some of the leading commercially available autoinjector devices. The results were found to be encouraging to recommend further technological development of the novel autoinjector.
Modular Redundancy for Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts: Reducing Incidence of Failure due to Catheter Obstruction
Authors: Viker Tom , Stice Jim
Published: July 2019

Cerebrospinal fluid shunts for the treatment of hydrocephalus fail at a rate of 40% within the first year. The importance of this problem is supported by one institution’s analysis of neurosurgical 30-day readmissions with CSF shunt failure only second to brain tumor readmissions. Hospital shunt related costs have been estimated at $1.4 to $2 billion annually. The majority of these costs are attributable to shunt failures based on the number of revisions out of the total numbers of annual shunt procedures.

The technical innovation of this project is a low cost, low risk and easy to implement CSF shunt design change compatible with current protocols. The proposed product is an innovative distal catheter to minimize the need for revision surgery due to obstruction (also referred to as occlusion). This is accomplished with a dual lumen catheter (current distal catheters are single lumen) consisting of a primary lumen and a secondary lumen providing redundant functionality in the event ofprimary lumen occlusion thereby eliminating the need for surgical shunt revision.

40% of shunts fail within the year after implant and distal catheter obstruction accounts for up to 24% of failures. Though less prevalent than proximal catheter occlusion, incidence of distal catheter occlusion is significant and improved reliability would reduce costs and improve patient outcomes by lowering the number of revisions.
Microwave Ablation: A Potential Minimally Invasive Solution for Gastric Motility Disorders
Authors: Hardenburger Jacob , Prakash Punit , Angeli Timothy R. , Cheng Leo K.
Published: July 2019

Many gastric motility disorders, including gastroparesis, are caused by dysrhythmias occurring in the stomach musculature. Microwave ablation (MWA) offers potential as a minimally invasive endoscopic approach for targeted thermal destruction of the gastric musculature to disrupt irregular electrical rhythm within the stomach wall. An experimental study was conducted in a gel phantom to analyze the transient heating profile of a water-cooled 2.45 GHz MWA antenna enclosed within a PET balloon. Fiber-optic temperature sensors were used to collect temperature data at distances 1.5–7.5 mm from the balloon surface. Ablation profiles were also characterized in ex vivo porcine skeletal muscle. With 20 W applied power and cooling water temperature of 5 °C, temperature measured at 3.5 mm from the balloon surface exceeded the temperature at 1.5 mm from the balloon surface by 3 °C. In ex vivo tissue, for 40 W applied power, tissue within 2 mm of the balloon surface remained unablated. With adequate cooling and power, it may be feasible to thermally spare tissue within 2 mm of the MWA balloon applicator.
Self-Contained 3D Bioprinter for Cardiovascular and Cancer Research
Authors: Kharel Prabhuti , Somasekhar Likitha , Fernando Kevin , Mitra Kunal
Published: July 2019

Bioprinting is a 3D fabrication technology used to accurately dispense cell-laden biomaterials for the fabrication of complex 3D functional living tissues. A syringe-based extrusion (SBE) deposition method comprising of multiple nozzles is integrated into the system. This allows for a wider selection of biomaterials that can be used for the formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The 3D bioprinting system presented in this paper aims to facilitate the process of 3D bioprinting through its ability to control the environmental parameters within an enclosed printing chamber. The primary objective of this research is to print viable 3D tissue constructs seeded with cells with high structural integrity and high resolution.
Towards Flexible Steerable Instruments for Office-Based Laryngeal Surgery
Authors: O’Brien Kevin , Boyer Zachary R. , Mart Benjamin G. , Brolliar Cory T. , Carroll Thomas L. , Fichera Loris
Published: July 2019

Office-based endoscopic procedures are becoming an increasingly attractive option for the treatment of laryngeal abnormalities, but their effectiveness is limited by the lack of articulation in currently available surgical instruments. In this paper, we propose the development of novel miniaturized steerable instruments aimed to overcome this limitation and extend a surgeon’s reach inside the larynx. To guide the designs of these new instruments, we report on a simulation study which uses image-based anatomical models to derive the kinematic requirements to operate inside the laryngeal cavity.
Ultrafast chemical imaging by widefield photothermal sensing of infrared absorption
Authors: Bai Yeran , Zhang Delong , Lan Lu , Huang Yimin , Maize Kerry , Shakouri Ali , Cheng Ji-Xin
Published: July 2019

Widefield photothermal microscopy enables ultrafast chemical imaging at submicrometer spatial resolution.
Variation of the giant intrinsic spin Hall conductivity of Pt with carrier lifetime
Authors: Zhu Lijun , Zhu Lujun , Sui Manling , Ralph Daniel C. , Buhrman Robert A.
Published: July 2019

Giant intrinsic spin Hall conductivity of Pt allows the maximization of the energy efficiency of spin-torque technologies.
Metabolomics of
Escherichia coli
Treated with the Antimicrobial Carbon Monoxide-Releasing Molecule CORM-3 Reveals Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle as Major Target
Authors: Carvalho Sandra M. , Marques Joana , Romão Carlos C. , Saraiva Lígia M.
Published: July 2019

In the last decade, carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) have been shown to act against several pathogens and to be promising antimicrobials. However, the understanding of the mode of action and reactivity of these compounds on bacterial cells is still deficient. In this work, we used a metabolomics approach to probe the toxicity of the ruthenium(II) complex Ru(CO)
3
Cl(glycinate) (CORM-3) on
Escherichia coli
.
Towards better diagnostic tools for liver injury in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Moed Saundria , Zaman Muhammad H
Published: July 2019

Liver disease is a significant public health burden in both high-income and low-income countries, accounting for over 2 million annual, global deaths. Despite the significant mortality burden, liver diseases are historically a neglected problem due to a lack of accurate incidence and prevalence statistics, as well as national and international programmes targeting these diseases. A large portion of deaths due to liver diseases can be treated (eg, chronic hepatitis B), cured (eg, chronic hepatitis C) or prevented (eg, acute liver failure due to medications) if prompt diagnosis is made, but currently diagnostic methods fall short. Therefore, there is a critical need to fund the development of prompt, effective diagnostics for liver function, specifically in low-income and middle-income countries where the landscape for this testing is sparse. Here, we review and compare available and currently emerging diagnostic methods for liver injury in low-income and middle-income settings, while highlighting the opportunities and challenges that exist in the field.
Treatment failure in neovascular age-related macular degeneration is associated with a complex chemokine receptor profile
Authors: Bjerregaard Thomas , Krogh Nielsen Marie , Molbech Christopher Rue , Subhi Yousif , Sørensen Torben Lykke
Published: July 2019

Objective

To investigate if chemokine expression patterns on leucocyte subsets influence the short-term anatomical treatment response of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy against neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods and analysis

This study was conducted as a prospective observational cohort study of 79 patients with neovascular AMD. We used optical coherence tomography to quantify central retinal thickness (CRT) and to evaluate the presence of intraretinal and subretinal fluids in treatment-naive patients at baseline and after loading dose. Anatomical response was categorised into either good responders (complete regression of fluid or a reduction of >75% in CRT), partial responders (reduction of 0%–75% in CRT) or non-responders (increase of CRT). Expression levels of chemokine receptors (CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, CCR5, CXCR3 and CX3CR1) were measured on leucocyte subsets (monocytes, CD4 +T cells, and CD8 +T cells) using flow cytometry. Finally, we explored potential correlation patterns of chemokine expression between the leucocyte subsets using group-specific correlation networks.

Results

Non-responders had higher CCR1 expression on monocytes (p=0.016) and lower CCR3 expression on CD8+ T cells (p=0.037). Correlation network analyses of chemokine receptor expression patterns on leucocyte subsets revealed intergroup differences.

Conclusion

Short-term anatomical treatment response in neovascular AMD varies according to the leucocyte subset chemokine expression pattern, which confirms that immune dysfunction is a complex issue in AMD. Our results suggest that focusing on chemokines may be a relevant approach towards personalised treatment in neovascular AMD.
Diagnostic Value of the Serum Midkine in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ghafar Muhammad Tarek Abdel , Haleem Soheir Abdel , Shahba Abeer , Sweilam Aalaa M
Published: July 2019

Early diagnosis and detection of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity which is a potential therapeutic target, depends mainly on clinical presentation. However, laboratory tests may contribute to diagnosis and disease activity assessment of RA. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of serum Midkine as serological marker for RA diagnosis and its activity detection. All patients with RA were recruited during the period from January 2016 to August 2018 in addition to healthy subjects as control. Serum Midkine level was estimated using enzyme immunoassay. The accuracy was determined for serum Midkine against the used American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2010 classification criteria for RA diagnosis and disease activity score derivative for 28 joints-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) score for assessment of RA disease activity. A total of 211 of patients with RA (group I) were enrolled in this study with 112 healthy subjects (group II). Patients with RA were divided into two subgroups according to the disease activity; patients with active RA (group IA) and RA in remission (group IB). We detected that the area under curve (AUC) of serum Midkine level (AUC=0.851) was significantly lower than that of rheumatoid factor IgM and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide IgG for RA diagnosis. However, Midkine presents a significantly higher diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.939) in detecting RA activity than that offered by C reactive protein (CRP) or ESR. Our study suggested that serum Midkine is a potential serological marker for detection of active inflammatory state with higher diagnostic accuracy than other inflammatory markers as CRP or ESR. Therefore, it can be used as an inflammatory marker for detection of disease activity rather than diagnosis of RA.
PRINC domains and comaximal factorization domains
Authors: Cossu Laura , Zanardo Paolo
Published: July 2019

The notion of a PRINC domain was introduced by Salce and Zanardo [Products of elementary and idempotent matrices over integral domains, Linear Algebra Appl. 452 (2014) 130–152], motivated by the investigation of the products of idempotent matrices with entries in a commutative domain. An integral domain [Formula: see text] is a PRINC domain if every two-generated invertible ideal of [Formula: see text] is principal. PRINC domains are closely related to the notion of a unique comaximal factorization domain, introduced by McAdam and Swan [Unique comaximal factorization, J. Algebra 276 (2004) 180–192]. In this paper, we prove that there exist large classes of PRINC domains which are not comaximal factorization domains, using diverse kinds of constructions. We also produce PRINC domains that are neither comaximal factorization domains nor projective-free.
The module of derivations of certain hypersurfaces
Authors: Dey Arindam , Wagh Vinay
Published: July 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0. Further, [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a polynomial in [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. We show that the module of derivations of [Formula: see text], namely [Formula: see text] is generated by [Formula: see text] elements. We also compute the generators explicitly. It is well known that, in such cases, [Formula: see text] is stably free of rank [Formula: see text].

As a special case, when [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is quasi-homogeneous, we give an explicit minimal generating set for [Formula: see text], consisting of two derivations.
Gröbner–Shirshov bases for congruence classes of complex reflection groups
Authors: Özalan Nurten Urlu , Wazzan Suha Ahmad , Karpuz Eylem Güzel
Published: July 2019

The aim of this paper is to obtain the solvability of the word problem over congruence classes of complex reflection groups [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. To do that, we use Gröbner–Shirshov basis theory and get the normal form structure of elements of these group types.
Rank, trace, eigenvalues and norms of a structured matrix
Authors: İpek Ahmet
Published: July 2019

The paper deals with rank, trace, eigenvalues and norms of the matrix [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] are ith components of any real sequence [Formula: see text]. A result in this paper is that the Euclidean and spectral norms of the matrix [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]. This is a generalization of the main result by Solak [Appl. Math. Comput. 232 (2014) 919–921], with the proof based on a simple property of norms of real matrices.
Well-defined solutions of the difference equation xn = xn−3kxn−4kxn−5k xn−kxn−2k(±1±xn−3kxn−4kxn−5k)
Authors: Çi̇nar Güven , Geli̇şken Ali̇ , Özkan Ozan
Published: July 2019

We investigate the behavior of well-defined solutions of the difference equation [Formula: see text] where the initial conditions [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are arbitrary nonzero real numbers. Also, we give some special results and numerical results.
Efficient Verification of Concurrent Systems Using Synchronisation Analysis and SAT/SMT Solving
Authors: Antonino Pedro , Gibson-Robinson Thomas , Roscoe A. W.
Published: July 2019

This article investigates how the use of approximations can make the formal verification of concurrent systems scalable. We propose the idea of
synchronisation analysis
to automatically capture global invariants and approximate reachability. We calculate invariants on how components participate on global system synchronisations and use a notion of consistency between these invariants to establish whether components can effectively communicate to reach some system state. Our synchronisation-analysis techniques try to show either that a system state is unreachable by demonstrating that components cannot agree on the order they participate in system rules or that a system state is unreachable by demonstrating components cannot agree on the number of times they participate on system rules. These fully automatic techniques are applied to check deadlock and local-deadlock freedom in the
PairStatic
framework. It extends
Pair
(a recent framework where we use pure pairwise analysis of components and SAT checkers to check deadlock and local-deadlock freedom) with techniques to carry out synchronisation analysis. So, not only can it compute the same local invariants that
Pair
does, it can leverage
global
invariants found by synchronisation analysis, thereby improving the reachability approximation and tightening our verifications. We implement
PairStatic
in our DeadlOx tool using SAT/SMT and demonstrate the improvements they create in checking (local) deadlock freedom.
Combination therapy improves vascular volume in female rats with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Lachant Daniel J. , Meoli David F. , Haight Deborah , Staicu Serban , Akers Shanti , Glickman Samuel , Ambrosini Robert , Champion Hunter C. , White R. James
Published: July 2019

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a female predominant disease in which progressive vascular remodeling and vasoconstriction result in right ventricular (RV) failure and death. Most PAH patients utilize multiple therapies. In contrast, the majority of preclinical therapeutic studies are performed in male rats with a single novel drug often markedly reversing disease in the model. We sought to differentiate single drug therapy from combination therapy in female rats with severe disease. One week after left pneumonectomy, we induced PH in young female Sprague-Dawley rats with an injection of monocrotaline (45 mg/kg). Female rats were then randomized to receive combination therapy (ambrisentan plus tadalafil), ambrisentan monotherapy, tadalafil monotherapy, or vehicle. We measured RV size and function on two serial echocardiograms during the development of disease. We measured RV systolic pressure (RVSP) invasively at day 28 after monocrotaline before analyzing the vascular volume with microcomputed tomography (microCT) of the right middle lobe. RVSP was significantly lower in female rats treated with combination therapy, and combination therapy resulted in increased small vessel volume density measured by microCT compared with untreated rats. Combination-treated rats had the smallest RV end-diastolic diameter on echocardiogram as compared with the other groups. In summary, we report a female model of pulmonary hypertension that can distinguish between one and two drug therapies; this model may facilitate better preclinical drug testing for novel compounds.
A new methodology to record from human primary afferents provides insight for somatosensory neuroprosthetics
Authors: Petersen Bailey A.
Published: July 2019

Muscle spindles are integral to proprioception and their behavior is of particular interest for the design of somatosensory neuroprostheses. Prior knowledge about human muscle spindles has been limited to microneurography recordings in peripheral nerves using joint movements that do not disrupt the electrode. Recent studies demonstrate a new methodology for studying the afferent encoding of proprioception during freestanding, providing important information for neural engineering and the broader scientific community (Knellwolf TP, Burton AR, Hammam E, Macefield VG. J Neurophysiol 120: 953–959, 2018; Knellwolf TP, Burton AR, Hammam E, Macefield VG. J Neurophysiol 121: 74–84, 2019; Macefield VG, Knellwolf TP. J Neurophysiol 120: 452–467, 2018).
Analysis of the basal colonic innate immune response of pigs divergent in feed efficiency and following an ex vivo lipopolysaccharide challenge
Authors: Vigors Stafford , O’ Doherty John V. , Ryan Marion , Sweeney Torres
Published: July 2019

While feed efficiency is influenced by multiple physiological processes, it is not known how efficient and inefficient pigs differ in relation to their basal immune response, and particularly their innate immune response to a microbial challenge. Hence, the objective was to examine the expression of genes encoding innate immune response markers in basal colonic tissue and colonic tissue following an ex vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge from pigs divergent in residual feed intake (RFI). Pigs that differed in RFI were selected from two different farms of origin. Colonic tissue was harvested from high RFI (HRFI) and low (LRFI) pigs, and two experimental conditions were explored: the first was basal unchallenged tissue and the second was colonic tissue following an ex vivo LPS challenge. RNA was extracted and tested on a Nanostring panel of 72 genes coding for barrier defense proteins, transmembrane receptors, kinases, transcription regulators, cytokines, and cytokine regulators. In the basal unchallenged tissue, the LRFI pigs had increased expression of AOAH, AP1, and TRAM and the cytokines TNF, IL10, and CXCL8, compared with the HRFI pigs ( P < 0.05), with a significant effect of farm of origin on 31 genes ( P < 0.05). In the LPS-challenged tissues, the LRFI group had higher expression of TLR1, TLR7, TLR8, GPR43/FFAR2, JAK2, and NFAM1 compared with the HRFI group ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, these data suggest that LRFI pigs have an upregulated basal colonic inflammatory state and a heightened response to an LPS challenge compared with the inefficient HRFI pigs. This immune profile potentially enhances their capacity to respond to an infectious challenge.
Aspectos pedagógicos e teológicos do empreendedorismo
Authors: Casaqui Vander
Published: July 2019

Este trabalho discute, em perspectiva crítica, as relações entre a pedagogia e a teologia do empreendedorismo no âmbito do que denominamos cultura da inspiração. Analisamos, à luz da perspectiva da profanação de Giorgio Agamben e da análise do discurso social, a proposta didática de The School of Life. Nosso objeto principal é The Book of Life, a Bíblia da escola que une em sua retórica a pedagogia empreendedora, a autoajuda e o discurso religioso aplicado ao capitalismo, sintetizados na convocação de sua audiência para o empreendimento de si.
Representações identitárias em disputa em um mundo em transformação
Authors: Oliveira Ohana Boy , Enne Ana Lucia , Castro Flávia Lages de
Published: July 2019

Neste artigo, apresentamos análises sintéticas de três exemplos fílmicos recentes: A forma da água (EUA, 2017), Pantera Negra (EUA, 2018) e Uma mulher fantástica (Chile, 2017), por compreender que todos são narrativas exemplares para pensarmos como, na contemporaneidade, eixos identitários se colocam como centrais nas disputas por representação e práticas sociais. Entendemos que os três filmes possibilitam uma reflexão sobre questões fundamentais no campo cultural, como hibridismos, estereótipos, lugar de fala, silenciamento, exclusão e representatividade, dentre outros tropos. Partilhamos a concepção de que, mesmo dentro de um setor mainstream de produção industrial, é possível disputar, via narrativas, o direito a significar e a construir sentidos para experiências de reapropriação em que a identificação, no que diz respeito ao pertencimento identitário, seja complexificada e positivada.
Prior Emotional Context Modulates Early Event-Related Potentials to Neutral Retrieval Cues
Authors: Bowen Holly J. , Fields Eric C. , Kensinger Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2019

Memory retrieval is thought to involve the reactivation of encoding processes. Previous fMRI work has indicated that reactivation processes are modulated by the residual effects of the prior emotional encoding context; different spatial patterns emerge during retrieval of memories previously associated with negative compared with positive or neutral context. Other research suggests that event-related potential (ERP) indicators of memory retrieval processes, like the left parietal old/new effect, can also be modulated by emotional context, but the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of these effects are unclear. In the current study, we examined “when” emotion affects recognition memory and whether that timing reflects processes that come before and may guide successful retrieval or postrecollection recovery of emotional episodic detail. While recording EEG, participants ( n = 25) viewed neutral words paired with negative, positive, or neutral pictures during encoding, followed by a recognition test for the words. Analyses focused on ERPs during the recognition test. In line with prior ERP studies, we found an early positive-going parietally distributed effect starting around 200 msec after retrieval-cue onset. This effect emerged for words that had been encoded in an emotional compared with neutral context (no valence differences), before the general old/new effect. This emotion-dependent effect occurred in an early time window, suggesting that emotion-related reactivation is a precursor to successful recognition.
Foreign Aid and Corruption: Clarifying Murky Empirical Conclusions
Authors: Efobi Uchenna , Beecroft Ibukun , Asongu Simplice
Published: July 2019

This study considers foreign aid flow by sector in which the aid is directed and then estimates its impact on corruption in order to clarify the specific direction of aid flow that triggers (or does not trigger) corrupt practices. Data are from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development database, Freedom House dataset, and the World Bank Governance Indicators. The dynamic system GMM and quantile regressions (QR) were estimated for robust estimation and correction of endogeneity issues. We found that aid flows for the development of economic infrastructure, multi-sector and programme assistance were consistently reducing corruption. This result stands for both the entire sample and for the African countries (especially for countries at the 25th, 50th and 75th quintiles). Aid flows to social infrastructure and debt relief significantly induce corrupt practices in the sampled countries. These forms of aid only spur rent-seeking behaviour for countries at the lower quintiles of corruption. Two robust checks were estimated, including: (a) using an alternate explained variable—the corruption measure by Transparency International; and (b) correcting for endogeneity in the QR estimation by instrumenting the independent variables of interest with their first-lags. For both checks, the signs and significant values of the variables were consistent with the earlier estimation.

JEL Codes: B20, F35, F50, O10, O55
Theories of Suggestion
Authors: Brown William
Published: July 2019

The word “suggestion” has been used in educational, scientific and medical literature in slightly different senses. In psychological medicine the use of suggestion has developed out of the earlier use of hypnotic influence.

Charcot defined hypnosis as an artificial hysteria, Bernheim as an artificially increased suggestibility. The two definitions need to be combined to give an adequate account of hypnosis. Moreover, due allowance should be made for the factors of dissociation and of rapport in hypnotic phenomena.

The relationships between dissociation, suggestibility, and hypnotizability.

Theories of suggestion propounded by Pierre Janet, Freud, McDougall, Pawlow and others. Ernest Jones's theory of the nature of auto-suggestion. Janet explains suggestion in terms of ideo-motor action in which the suggested idea, because of the inactivity of competing ideas, produces its maximum effect. Freud explains rapport in terms of the sex instinct “inhibited in its aim” (transference) and brings in his distinction of “ego” and “ego-ideal” (or “super-ego”) to supplement the theory. Jones explains auto-suggestion in terms of narcissism. McDougall explains hypnotic suggestion in terms of the instinct of self-abasement. But different instincts may supply the driving power to produce suggestion-effects in different circumstances. Such instincts as those of self-preservation (fear) and gregariousness may play their part. Auto-suggestion as a therapeutic factor is badly named. It supplements, but does not supplant the will, and makes complete volition possible.
The Histology of Some Virus Infections of the Central Nervous System
Authors: McIntosh J. , Scarff R. W.
Published: July 2019

The histological appearances of poliomyelitis, encephalitis lethargica and post-vaccinal encephalitis are discussed and the main differential characteristics enumerated.
Cardiac Stimulants
Authors: Gunn J. A.
Published: July 2019

[An attempt is made to systematize our knowledge of certain drugs which are supposed to exercise a direct or indirect stimulating action on the heart. The actions on the circulation of strychnine, alcohol, camphor, adrenaline and pituitrin, which have been taken as representative examples, are briefly reviewed, with the object of separating out points in their actions in regard to which clinicians and pharmacologists are in general agreement, and of suggesting explanations for some of the dissensions that remain. The suggestion is made that much of the prevailing confusion in regard to the actions and uses of such drugs is due to the fact that we have as yet no sufficiently accurate classification either of “cardiac stimulants” or of “cardiac failures,” wherefore it is difficult to bring a disorder and its remedy into proper alignment.]
The Old and the New of Veterinary Science and Practice
Authors: Moore John
Published: July 2019

The paper recalls how matters veterinary were regarded forty-six years ago, what has been achieved since, and future progress is reflected.

The paper is divided into parts relating respectively to: ( a) medicine; ( b) surgery ( c) teaching and research; ( d) administration.

Formerly, glanders and farcy, and rabies, though acknowledged as contagious and specific, were also believed to be of spontaneous origin. Experiences with regard to these two diseases, and the mallein test for glanders, are related. The discovery of the Bacillus anthracis led to the development of veterinary research, but for some time confusion existed. Tuberculosis was believed to be endogenous and the result of the absorption of caseous products of a previous inflammation. Treatment of “milk fever” in cows by udder inflation and biochemistry in relation to that disease are considered.

The advance in veterinary surgery stands out most prominently; in canine practice, operations are now attempted which were never thought possible in the early days. Allusion is made to the recent formidable operations for the cure of “windsucking” in horses, and for traumatic pericarditis in bovines. The powers of observance of the old practitioners in diagnosing lameness, and some of the old methods of treatment for lameness, are supported.

The great progress in veterinary research is referred to, also its advantages from an imperial point of view. The causative agents of those diseases which are at present ultravisible, particularly foot-and-mouth disease, will probably be found, and better methods of prevention result.

In training, thorough instruction in animal physiology, animal nutrition and biochemistry is advocated, also affiliation of veterinary colleges to universities, the individuality of such colleges, and the one-portal system of qualification being maintained.
On Hearing Tests
Authors: Clarke T. A.
Published: July 2019

Necessity for consideration of present hearing tests.—Testing of tonal limits considered; present tests accepted as satisfactory. Anomalous results of comparison of perception of the monochord by air and bone conduction.—The Rinne, Schwabach, Weber and Bing tests destructively criticized.—The Gellé and galvanic cochlear tests; Fraser's modification of Gellé's test.—Suggestions for the improvement of testing.—The “absolute bone conduction” test affords an absolute index of the perceptive component of hearing (nerve function).—Mechanism of transmission of sound waves through the skull (bone “conduction”).—Quantitative determination of hearing power; results expressed on a distance basis are to be preferred; use of tuning forks in obtaining such results.—The mathematics underlying this use of tuning forks.—Accurate quantitative estimation of nerve function (the perceptive component of hearing).
Post-Operative Acidosis
Authors: Lawrence R. D.
Published: July 2019

A slight but real acidosis, involving a temporary decrease in alkaline reserve and increase in urinary acidity, occurs after all inhalation anæsthesias. Ketonuria is also present in 20 to 80 per cent. of cases. Local anæsthetics also produce these conditions, but less severely and less frequently.

The acidosis seemed to depend on complex factors, but mainly on tissue anoxæmia produced by the upset of normal respiration and circulation during operative procedures. In the normal individual this acidosis is very slight, transient, causes no symptoms and is of no moment. It cannot be entirely prevented by previous administration of sodium bicarbonate, glucose and insulin, although high carbohydrate diet before operation minimizes the tendency to acidosis. Cases with acidosis before operation become worse afterwards and require treatment to prevent complications.

The pre- and post-operative treatment of acidosis and ketosis in normals and diabetics, especially in emergency conditions, is discussed.
The Importance of Sugar in the Diet of the School Child
Authors: Osman A. Arnold
Published: July 2019

For many years it has been customary to regard sugar, especially extra allowances in the form of “sweets” and “tuck,” as harmful to children, particularly with regard to the development and health of the teeth.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that the child's natural desire for such substances has a physiological basis which can only be thwarted at considerable risk to the general health—that in fact a great deal of minor illness amongst children of school age, the nature of which is indicated, is due to a relative insufficiency of sugar in the diet.
Bronchoscopy in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Post-Operative Lung Complications
Authors: Negus V. E.
Published: July 2019

Lung complications calling for bronchoscopy are not frequent, because suitable precautions are taken by most anæsthetists and surgeons. A certain number of cases occur, however, sometimes diagnosed as pneumonia, but actually due to mechanical obstruction of a bronchus.

Suspected cases require bronchoscopy for diagnosis and respond well to treatment by aspiration and direct medication.

All cases due to foreign body can be cured, and most post-operative lung abscesses clear up quickly. Diffuse bronchitis is improved and its cessation prevents the subsequent development of multiple bronchiectasis. Acute massive collapse is in very many instances the result of occlusion of a bronchus by a plug of thick mucus, removal of which effects a cure.
The Relationship between Genito-Urinary Hæmorrhage and Diseases of the Vascular System
Authors: Morson A. Clifford
Published: July 2019

The diseases of the vascular system which cause hæmorrhage from the genito-urinary tract are:—

(1) Those in which changes are noted in the blood and capillary endothelium, and

(2) Those in which alterations of a pathological nature are taking place in the walls of both large and small blood-vessels, but in which there is no change in the blood itself.

In the first group are the purpuras; in the second arteriosclerosis, hyperpiesis and atheroma.

This paper is confined to a discussion of the latter group of diseases in relation to genito-urinary hæmorrhage.

Little attention has been paid to sudden loss of blood from the kidney, bladder, or genitalia in support of a diagnosis of a vascular lesion, other than angioma. Hæmorrhage in these cases may be purely renal, vesical, or penile.

Investigations consist of examination of the superficial arteries, estimation of the blood-pressure, examination of the blood and cystoscopy. Surgical lesions must be excluded by the usual well-known methods.

A careful record has been kept of fifteen cases of arteriosclerosis in which hæmorrhage from the genito-urinary tract has been the predominant manifestation of the disease. Details are given of nine patients with renal, one with vesical and three with urethral hæmorrhage. Two cases of thrombosis of the penis are also included.

From a study of the literature here the cases of urethral hæmorrhage and thrombosis of the penis, recorded as due to arterial disease, appear to be unique.
Demonstration-Lecture on X-ray Cinematography
Authors: Reynolds Russell J.
Published: July 2019

The author describes a practical method of X-ray cinematography by which permanent records may be rapidly and inexpensively obtained.

A photograph is taken of the screen-image by an ordinary cinematographic camera and by the use of continuous bands of positive film movements may be studied for any length of time. The advantage of this is specially obvious when examining such organs as the heart. These permanent records can be used for the following purposes:—

1. Diagnostic.

2. To compare with former records, in order to watch effects of treatment, or progress of a pathological condition.

3. For teaching purposes.

4. For transmission at home or abroad, so that they can be examined by other specialists who may wish to see what the former condition was.

The process is simple enough to become routine practice in hospitals and institutions, and to be within the reach of every radiologist.

The apparatus occupies only a small space, can be accommodated in any X-ray department, and can be operated by one person.

The method is perfectly safe as far as the patient is concerned; that is to say there should be no difficulty in avoiding excessive exposure to radiation.
The Musculature of the Bladder-Neck of the Male in Health and Disease
Authors: MacAlpine J. B.
Published: July 2019

Two muscles, one voluntary the other involuntary, and an inch or more apart, exist at the bladder-neck, both functioning as sphincters. This dual musculature is explained by the emergence of the ejaculatory ducts between them. If both these muscles are open when semen is discharged, secretion may escape into the bladder or to the exterior; also any urine in the bladder would flow out. The internal sphincter is usually tightly contracted during ejaculation. Instances are given in which the internal sphincter is paralysed or injured, e.g. after operation, in prostatic hypertrophy, and in certain nervous diseases. Two instances are reported of direct injury to this localized area, with the result, in all cases, that ejaculation failed. In prostatic hypertrophy the internal sphincter is dilated by the growing adenoma, and at operation it is further stretched and perhaps cut across. Continence then depends on the external sphincter. Two cases are reported in which the external sphincter had previously been paralysed, total incontinence resulting.

Recent work on the trigonal muscle; its function in opening the internal sphincter. Influence of this muscle on prostatic enlargement.

In central nervous disease the dilatation of the internal sphincter resulting in funnel-neck is very common. Series of cases of nervous disease examined in order to determine the frequency of this sign are reported. Other cases occurring apart from nervous disease are also reported.

The part played by the sphincters in ejaculation is discussed and illustrated by reports of further cases of paralysis of the sphincter. It is shown that in the normal way the external sphincter weakens during coitus, and especially during ejaculation, but when the internal sphincter is paralysed no weakening is evident. Penile erection is associated with spasm of the internal sphincter, and spasm of the internal sphincter is produced by irritation, e.g. vesical stone may produce priapism.

The varying types of adenoma bear different relationship to the internal sphincter. The view that submucosal glands give rise to prostatic enlargement is supported. The influence of prostatic enlargement on the internal sphincter is discussed.
Vesical Exclusion
Authors: Wade Henry
Published: July 2019

In the operation of vesical exclusion the urine stream is deviated from the urinary bladder into the colon, thereby forming a cloaca, or on to the surface of the skin, where a fistula discharging urine is created.

The operation is indicated in all cases of complete or partial vesical exstrophy. It is successfully employed in treating severe cases of vesico-vaginal fistula, whether the result of obstetric injury or the delayed action of radium.

In carcinoma of the urinary bladder, whether primary or secondary, it is practised, frequently preliminary to the operation of total cystectomy.

In cases of persistent vesical systole and in intractable cystitis, it has also been occasionally done.

The immediate operative mortality following transplantation of the ureters into the pelvic colon is largely dependent on the condition for which the operation is performed. In cases of malignant disease it is high: whereas in conditions that are non-malignant it is a relatively safe procedure.

The establishment of a cloaca, particularly in the female, of itself produces no appreciable disability. If the operation has been performed for a congenital or an acquired deformity, and this has been skilfully and successfully carried out and the patient has become stabilized, the expectancy of life should not be appreciably diminished.

The case of a patient, upon whom the operation had been performed twenty-nine years previously, is reviewed and particulars of others in which it was performed fourteen years ago, or later, are referred to.

In the pre-operative preparation, in addition to the usual thorough clinical investigation, an examination by excretion urography is indicated, especially to determine the possible presence of a third ureter or a single functioning kidney. At this period it is also important, particularly in cases of obstetric injury, to be sure that the rectal sphincter is fully competent and that no hæmorrhoids are present.

The operative technique was carried out under twilight sleep and spinal anæsthesia. The vital importance of careful post-operative treatment is emphasized. By the immediate post-operative administration of sodium sulphate, by intravenous injection and attention to other details, bilateral ureteral transplantation carried out in one stage could be safely embarked upon without the fear of anuria developing.

A detailed record of 60 cases, in which the operation of vesical exclusion has been carried out by the author is given.
Immunity in Influenza: The Bearing of Recent Research Work
Authors: Andrewes C. H.
Published: July 2019

The duration of immunity to influenza in man is difficult to assess from clinical data because of the difficulty of diagnosing the disease with certainty; two influenza-like attacks suffered by a patient within a short period may not have the same ætiology.

Serological relationships amongst strains of influenza virus are complicated. It seems probable that strains cannot be rigidly classified into types but that several antigens are present, distributed amongst strains in varying proportions.

The relationship of pandemic (1918–19) influenza to that of recent lesser epidemics is obscure. The supposed origin of swine-influenza in the U.S.A. in 1918 and the presence of antibodies to swine-influenza in the sera of most adult human beings have led to a suggestion that swine-influenza is a survival in the pig of 1918-'flu. The serological evidence for this view is now seen to be capable of other interpretations.

Factors concerned in the immunity of experimental animals to influenza are discussed— degrees of immunity in the ferret; immunity of the nasal passages to big doses of virus; immunity of the lungs; immunity to contact infection. Active immunity runs parallel with titre of neutralizing antibodies so long as one is dealing with one strain of virus. Cross-tests amongst different strains complicate the picture.

In planning vaccination of human beings we wonder:—

Whether, on general epidemiological grounds, an attempt to vaccinate against influenza virus is likely to be profitable. Whether the production of a rise in antibodies in man will be a good guide to the immunity induced by a vaccine. Whether we are right in using killed virus and in fearing a live vaccine. What strains we ought to use in making a vaccine. When and how often we should vaccinate.