bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a Brief Behavior Rating Scale for Progress Monitoring of Depression in School Settings
Authors: Dart Evan H. , Arora Prerna , Collins Tai , Stark Kevin , Cook Clayton R. , Duong Mylien T. , McCarty Carolyn A. , Doll Beth
Published: September 2018

Frequent formative assessment of students’ functioning, or progress monitoring, is a critical component of multi-tiered systems of support as data inform data-driven decisions about response to treatment. Progress monitoring tools for students’ academic and behavioral functioning are readily available and widely researched; however, despite the documented prevalence of depressive disorders among youth and that schools have been put forth as an ideal location for the delivery of mental health services, there are currently no progress monitoring tools to examine students’ response to interventions that target depression. To address this gap, this study sought to develop a progress monitoring assessment of students’ depressive symptoms using an empirically informed model for creating Brief Behavior Rating Scales (BBRS). Using this model, a four-item BBRS of depressive symptoms (BBRS-D) was created from the item pools of the Beck Depression Inventory for Youth (BDI-Y) and Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) administered during a treatment study of depression in female youth; the resulting short scale corresponds well to the full-length assessments (i.e., r = .65 and r = .59); however, the BBRS-D possessed lower than adequate internal consistency (α = .50) and test–retest reliability ( r = .56). Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Autologous Fat Transfer After Augmentation and Reconstruction of the Female Breast: An International, Cross-Sectional Photo-Comparison Study Among Different Physician and Laymen Study Groups
Authors: Groen Jan-Willem , Piatkowski Andrzej A. , Sawor John H. , Wilschut Janneke A. , Khouri Roger K. , van der Hulst Rene R. J. W. , Ritt Marco J. P. F.
Published: September 2018

Objective. The aim of this study is to compare the cosmetic evaluation of autologous fat transfer (AFT) for various indications between surgeons and different laymen groups. Background Data. Despite the upsurge in AFT scientific/clinical interest, objectifying satisfaction has only recently progressed beyond simple Likert-type/Visual Analog Scales. Furthermore, differences in satisfaction between laymen and surgeons has not been thoroughly studied. Method. A photo comparison study between European plastic surgeons and different laymen groups was conducted to investigate agreement on cosmetic evaluation of AFT. Three sets of preoperative/postoperative photographs illustrating patients treated with External Vacuum Expansion (EVE) + AFT for various indications in breast surgery were scored according to the Harris Scale, and the interrater agreement was analyzed using Cohen’s κ. Results. The overall agreement between the surgeons and the groups of former augmentation, control group, and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator patients was fair, moderate, and substantial, respectively. Interrater agreements among different laymen groups and surgeons from different countries among themselves was substantial to almost perfect. Finally, we found that laymen are generally more optimistic about postoperative results than surgeons. Conclusion. In our study, former augmentation patients showed the lowest agreement with surgeons, in the cosmetic appreciation of EVE + AFT and this group might benefit from a more thorough preoperative consultation regarding expectations when choosing AFT. However, overall laymen tend to be more optimistic about postoperative results and surgeon education in general does not seem influenced by surgeon nationality. The significant differences between surgeons and laymen in the cosmetic evaluation of EVE + AFT justifies further studies that focus on the qualitative aspects of these differences to further balance patients’ and surgeons’ expectations.
Nonlinear system control using a fuzzy cerebellar model articulation controller involving reinforcement-strategy-based bacterial foraging optimization
Authors: Huang Mei-Ling , Lin Cheng-Jian
Published: September 2018

This article proposes a fuzzy cerebellar model articulation controller with reinforcement-strategy-based modified bacterial foraging optimization for solving the cart-pole balancing control problem. The proposed reinforcement-strategy-based modified bacterial foraging optimization is used to adjust the parameters of fuzzy receptive field functions and fuzzy weights for improving the accuracy of the fuzzy cerebellar model articulation controller output. An efficient strategic approach is applied in the chemotaxis step in the traditional bacterial foraging optimization algorithm. In the approach, each virtual bacterium swims for different run lengths and increases the bacterial diversity. Experimental results are presented to show the performance and effectiveness of the proposed reinforcement-strategy-based modified bacterial foraging optimization method.
Bearing fault diagnosis based on spectrum image sparse representation of vibration signal
Authors: Tong Zhe , Li Wei , Jiang Fan , Zhu Zhencai , Zhou Gongbo
Published: September 2018

Bearings are crucial for industrial production and susceptible to malfunction in rotating machines. Image analysis can give a comprehensive description of vibration signal, thus, it has achieved much more attention recently in fault diagnosis field. However, it brings lots of redundant information from a single spectrum image matrix behind rich fault information, and massive spectrum image samples lead to exacerbation of this situation, which readily results in the accuracy-dropping problem of multiple local defective bearings diagnosis. To solve this issue, a novel feature extraction method based on image sparse representation is proposed. Original spectrum images are acquired through fast Fourier transformation. Sparse coefficient that reveals the underlying structure of spectrum image based on raw signals is extracted as the feature by implementing the orthogonal matching pursuit and K-singular value decomposition algorithm strategically, and then two-dimensional principal component analysis is applied for further processing of these features. Finally, fault types are identified based on a minimum distance strategy. The experimental results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Study of membrane restrictors in hydrostatic bearing
Authors: Chen Dyi-Cheng , Chen Ming-Fei , Pan Chih-Hsuan , Pan Jun-Yan
Published: September 2018

Hydrostatic guides or bearings are very important crucial components in precision mechanical system. First, the article selects the structural parameters of the standard design film restrictor with regard to hydrostatic bearing. Moreover, using COMSOL, the article performs the fluid–structure interaction analysis of the diaphragm to obtain pressure and stress field distribution, and the deformation of diaphragm in membrane restrictors. Then, fluid resistance and other related properties of the membrane restrictors are obtained, and the related parameters including oil pressure, restrictor gap, membrane thickness, and membrane restrictors to perform feedback action of different oils are explored. Finally, the simulation results and experimental measurements are compared to verify their feasibility. In this study, an oil pressure of 10 bar induced deformation of the membrane with consistent trend; however, oil pressures of 30 and 50 bar induced large error with the same trend.
The AtRial Cardiopathy and Antithrombotic Drugs In prevention After cryptogenic stroke randomized trial: Rationale and methods
Authors: Kamel Hooman , Longstreth WT , Tirschwell David L , Kronmal Richard A , Broderick Joseph P , Palesch Yuko Y , Meinzer Caitlyn , Dillon Catherine , Ewing Irene , Spilker Judith A , Di Tullio Marco R , Hod Eldad A , Soliman Elsayed Z , Chaturvedi Seemant , Moy Claudia S , Janis Scott , Elkind Mitchell SV
Published: September 2018

Rationale

Recent data suggest that a thrombogenic atrial substrate can cause stroke in the absence of atrial fibrillation. Such an atrial cardiopathy may explain some proportion of cryptogenic strokes.

Aims

The aim of the ARCADIA trial is to test the hypothesis that apixaban is superior to aspirin for the prevention of recurrent stroke in subjects with cryptogenic ischemic stroke and atrial cardiopathy.

Sample size estimate

1100 participants.

Methods and design

Biomarker-driven, randomized, double-blind, active-control, phase 3 clinical trial conducted at 120 U.S. centers participating in NIH StrokeNet.

Population studied

Patients ≥ 45 years of age with embolic stroke of undetermined source and evidence of atrial cardiopathy, defined as ≥ 1 of the following markers: P-wave terminal force >5000 µV × ms in ECG lead V1, serum NT-proBNP > 250 pg/mL, and left atrial diameter index ≥ 3 cm/m2 on echocardiogram. Exclusion criteria include any atrial fibrillation, a definite indication or contraindication to antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, or a clinically significant bleeding diathesis. Intervention: Apixaban 5 mg twice daily versus aspirin 81 mg once daily. Analysis: Survival analysis and the log-rank test will be used to compare treatment groups according to the intention-to-treat principle, including participants who require open-label anticoagulation for newly detected atrial fibrillation.

Study outcomes

The primary efficacy outcome is recurrent stroke of any type. The primary safety outcomes are symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and major hemorrhage other than intracranial hemorrhage.

Discussion

ARCADIA is the first trial to test whether anticoagulant therapy reduces stroke recurrence in patients with atrial cardiopathy but no known atrial fibrillation.
Testing and monitoring direct oral anticoagulants
Authors: Connors Jean M.
Published: September 2018

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have significantly improved the care of patients requiring anticoagulation. With similar or better efficacy and safety outcomes and easier use in the outpatient setting compared with the standard-of-care vitamin K antagonists and low molecular weight heparin, DOACs are now endorsed as first-line treatment of indications including prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and treatment of venous thromboembolism. DOACs are easy-to-use oral agents that offer simple dosing and short half-lives, with no need to test levels because of the wide therapeutic window and limited drug-drug interactions. After almost a decade of DOAC use, the question of testing DOAC levels in certain clinical situations has become the focus of debate. Although guidance for using routine coagulation tests is available, these tests are inadequate for optimal care. DOAC-specific tests have been developed but have limited availability in Europe and less availability in the United States. None are licensed. DOAC testing may be useful in the setting of critical clinical situations such as life-threatening bleeding or need for emergent surgery, especially with the availability of DOAC reversal agents. Patients with characteristics that fall outside the normal range may benefit from the guidance that DOAC testing could offer. Obstacles to adopting DOAC testing have been raised, such as test reliability and staffing costs; however, these problems are rapidly being resolved. Further investigation of the role of DOAC testing is needed to explore its full potential and role in clinical practice.
Current challenges for psychiatry in Greece
Authors: Christodoulou Nikos G. , Kollias Konstantinos
Published: September 2018

Psychiatry in Greece is undergoing a prolonged reform. Deinstitutionalisation is at an advanced stage and there are active efforts to support primary care and community psychiatry, and to establish local administration of services in each sector of the country (i.e. the equivalent of Mental Health Trusts in the UK). Quality assurance and continuing professional development require further development, as do a series of other issues pertaining to the day-to-day clinical practice of psychiatrists. Recent economic difficulties have undoubtedly affected the mental health of the population, but also mental health services and psychiatrists themselves. These financial difficulties coupled with pre-existing organisational issues present important, yet rectifiable, challenges. We conclude by identifying preventive psychiatry as an especially important target for progress and by advocating for continued support for the public system of mental healthcare as well as for the continued psychiatric reform.
Near-infrared fluorescent northern blot
Authors: Miller Bret R. , Wei Tianqi , Fields Christopher J. , Sheng Peike , Xie Mingyi
Published: September 2018

Northern blot analysis detects RNA molecules immobilized on nylon membranes through hybridization with radioactive 32P-labeled DNA or RNA oligonucleotide probes. Alternatively, nonradioactive northern blot relies on chemiluminescent reactions triggered by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugated probes. The use of regulated radioactive material and the complexity of chemiluminescent reactions and detection have hampered the adoption of northern blot techniques by the wider biomedical research community. Here, we describe a sensitive and straightforward nonradioactive northern blot method, which utilizes near-infrared (IR) fluorescent dye-labeled probes (irNorthern). We found that irNorthern has a detection limit of ∼0.05 femtomoles (fmol), which is slightly less sensitive than 32P-Northern. However, we found that the IR dye-labeled probe maintains the sensitivity after multiple usages as well as long-term storage. We also present alternative irNorthern methods using a biotinylated DNA probe, a DNA probe labeled by terminal transferase, or an RNA probe labeled during in vitro transcription. Furthermore, utilization of different IR dyes allows multiplex detection of different RNA species. Therefore, irNorthern represents a more convenient and versatile tool for RNA detection compared to traditional northern blot analysis.
Γεωμορφολογική εξέλιξη της παράκτιας περιοχής του Ίστρου-Καλού Χωριού του νομού Λασιθίου Κρήτης από το Μέσο Ολόκαινο μέχρι σήμερα
Authors: ΠΑΥΛΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Κ. , ΘΕΟΔΩΡΑΚΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ Κ. , HAYDEN B. , ΤΣΟΥΡΟΥ Τ. , ΤΡΙΑΝΤΑΦΥΛΛΟΥ Μ. , ΚΟΥΛΗ Κ. , ΜΠΑΣΙΑΚΟΣ Ι. , ΒΑΝΔΑΡΑΚΗΣ Δ.
Published: September 2018

The Istron area is located in northeastern Crete, Gulf of Mirabello, on an alluvial fan of Holocene age. The archaeological importance of this area is pointed out not only by its archaeological remains, but also by its significant location. Many important minoan sites, like Gournia, Kavousi, Pseira, have been discovered near Istro,. There are indications of human installations from the Neolithic to the Roman period, proving the continuous human activity in this area. The significant geological location, as it represents an area with intense tectonic activity, the geomorphological regime of the area and the climatic changes , influenced human installations as well as the evolution of the civilization . The study of sea-land interactions during the last seven millennia in relation to the eustatic sea level oscillations and the regional neotectonic regime, as well as the géomorphologie observations and analyses on deposited sediments, aims to reveal the paleogeographic evolution of the landscape and its impact on prehistoric, classical and Roman establishments. Therefore, a geomorphological mapping of the coastal area along with the drilling of five boreholes and the excavation of six trenches, have been accomplished. Moreover, pollen and microfaunal (benthic foraminifera and ostracodes) analyses have been performed. Six samples were dated using AMS and Conventional radiocarbon techniques providing temporal control of the sediments. Sea level rise along with sea-land interactions to the landscape evolution and the transgression of sea in 5000BP have been verified. Additionally, several implications for the use of land and human impact civilization have been concluded.
Γεωμορφολογικές μεταβολές στην περιοχή του Θερμαϊκού Κόλπου σαν αποτέλεσμα της Ολοκαινικής ανόδου της στάθμης της θάλασσας
Authors: ΑΛΜΠΑΝΑΚΗΣ Κ. , ΣΤΥΛΛΑΣ Μ. , ΒΟΥΒΑΛΙΔΗΣ Κ. , ΣΥΡΙΔΗΣ Γ.
Published: September 2018

Thermaikos Gulf receives sediment fluxes from major rivers at its western side, where a thick Holocene deltaic sequence has been developed. The eastern site of the gulf is characterized by alternating erosional and depositional coastlines with the formation of marine terraces and lagoons respectively. Application of the Bruun equilibrium profile model to eastern side of the gulf indicated that the terraces are retreating with high rates of erosion in response to Holocene sea level rise. The mean retreat rate is approximately 0.15 m/y for the last 10000 years, but the recent rate must be lower at about 0.10 m/y. Significant part of the ancient town Aineia, which was build on the eroding terrace, has already been disappeared. The recent low depositional coastlines with lagoons are found in the axis of old valleys, where depositional processes created low morphological profile, which is in equilibrium with the wave processes, according to Bruun model. The recent form of eastern Thermaikos coastline, where the low coastal areas form headlands is the result of faster re-treat of coastal terraces, leaving the depositional low coastal regions as promontories.
Γεωχημική περιβαλλοντική μελέτη εδαφών της περιοχής Οινοφύτων, Ν. Βοιωτίας
Authors: ΓΚΟΥΣΗΣ Κ. , ΚΟΝΙΣΠΟΛΙΑΤΗΣ Ν.
Published: September 2018

In the present study we examine the concentrations and the distribution of the heavy metals Pb, Zn, Cr and Ni in the soils of the Inotyta arean and the subsequent levels of the metal pollution. The concentrations of the heavy metals Pb, Zn, Cr and Ni are generally lower than the suggested upper safety limits for cultivated soils. The pollution caused by the high concentrations of Pb and Zn in certain places is probably due to the heavy traffic of the nearby national road and to the various factories, which exist in the surrounding area and belong to the industrialised zone of Inotyta
Εκτίμηση πλημμυρικης επικινδυνότητας και η χρήση της στον φυσικό και αστικό σχεδιασμό. Παράδειγμα εφαρμογής η πεδιάδα Τρικάλων - Καλαμπάκας.
Authors: ΜΠΑΘΡΕΛΛΟΣ Γ. , ΣΚΥΛΟΔΗΜΟΥ Χ. , ΚΑΚΑΛΙΚΑ Π.
Published: September 2018

Floods are part of the géomorphologie cycle during the landscape formation. The flooding events may become dangerous when affect the human activities. Hence, a certain methodology to assess the flooding risk for the basin of Trikala - Kalambaka is presented above, and a flood hazard map has been produced. The method used for the definition of locations prone to flooding combines the study of the relief with the mechanical composition of the soil. In this paper, the towns and settlements that are vulnerable to future flooding events. In this way, the contribution of geology to the urban and natural planning is of outmost importance.
Διαχρονική παρατήρηση των μεταβολών της ακτογραμμής τμήματος της παράκτιας ζώνης του νόμου Πιερίας και εκτίμηση των επιπτώσεων από την μελλοντική άνοδο της θαλάσσιας στάθμης
Authors: ΤΣΑΝΑΚΑΣ Κ. , ΚΑΡΥΜΠΑΛΗΣ Ε. , ΠΑΡΧΑΡΙΔΗΣ Ι.
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study is to detect shoreline changes along part of the coastal zone of Piena during the time period between 1969 and 2000 using aerial photographs and satellite images. Additionally, a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the future sea-level rise (triggered by the global climate change) implications to the physical and socioeconomic environment of the area is attempted taking into account various sea-level rise scenarios. Retreating as well as prograding regions along the study area were defined and retreating/prograding rates for the time periods 1969-1987 and 1987-2000 were estimated using GIS and Remote Sensing techniques. Building activity rates for the coastal area of Paralia Katerinis were also estimated for the same periods. The coastline of the study area is retreating^ except than the area north of torrent Mavroneri where a progradation rate of 48 cm/year was estimated between 1969 and 1987. Retreating rate of the coast for the northern part of the area (Saltworks) is estimated to be 25 cm/year and 19 cm/yrear for the periods of 1969-1987 and 1987-2000 respectively. The broader study area is particularly vulnerable to a potential future sealevel rise due to the low-lying topography of the coastal zone and intensive socioeconomic activities such as tourism and commerce.
Τεκτονικά ελεγχόμενα υδρογραφικά δίκτυα: η γεωλογική ιστορία των ποταμών Βουραϊκού και Λαδοπόταμου (Β. Πελοπόννησος)
Authors: ΤΡΙΚΟΛΑΣ Κ. , ΑΛΕΞΟΥΛΗ-ΛΕΙΒΑΔΙΤΗ Α.
Published: September 2018

The geological research in the greater areas of Aigialia and Kalavryta resulted that neotectonic evolution occurred in two phases; the first one took place from Upper Miocene to Lower-Middle Pleistocene and the second from Lower-Middle Pleistocene up to now. The deposits and the flow direction of Vouraikos river are controlled by the neotectonic evolution of the region. During the first phase of neotectonic alteration in Lower Pleiocene - Lower Pleistocene, Vouraikos river deposited fluvial sediments of large width and extent, in the areas of M. Spilaio and Ano Diakopto in Kalavryta's ditch, and flowed into the greater area of Ano Diakopto - Akrata in marine or lacustrine environment. During the second phase (Lower-Middle Pleistocene till now), a part of the drainage network, lying south of Kalavryta's ditch, was detached and flowed southward to Aroanios's river.During Lower Pleistocene the flow direction of Vouraikos river progressively altered from its initial (pleicenic) NE direction, and turned westward at the part of M. Spilaio-Lofos village. The lower part of the basin, sited close to the estuaries, was detached and formed an individual basin. The central watercourse of Vouraikos river is formed by its older sediments, as well as in the Alpine background of this region. At the same period and up to Middle Pleistocene Vouraikos river deposits at Aigialias area a Gilbert' type deltaic fun of large width and extent, while in the area of Kalavryta deposits torrential sediments. During Middle Pleistocene Vouraikos river deposits κροκαλοτταγή of M.Spilaio's area. Ladopotamos flows eastward of Vouraikos river, in the sediments that Vouraikos river had deposit over the first phase of the neotectonic evolution. Ladopotamos was formed after Lower Pleistocene, during the second phase of the neotectonic evolution of the area in the abandoned northern part of Vouraikos basin which was developed by regressed erosion to the southern direction of the faults. The upper flow of the river was formed at the length of fault after Middle Pleistocene
ΣΤΡΩΜΑΤΟΓΡΑΦΙΚΕΣ ΜΕΘΟΔΟΙ: ΔΥΝΑΤΟΤΗΤΕΣ & ΑΔΥΝΑΜΙΕΣ. ΚΙΝΔΥΝΟΙ & ΠΡΟΟΠΤΙΚΕΣ
Authors: Ζαμπετάκη-Λέκκα Α. , Κεμερίδου Α.
Published: September 2018

Stratigraphy is the science that studies the arrangement of geological formations, as well as the events that influence it, aiming at the reconstruction of earth's history, which is recorded in two components: time and space. As an empiric science, it studies field data using the knowledge of many scientific fields (petrology, mineralogy, sedimentology, paleontology, physics, tectonics, chemistry, astronomy, statistics, informatics etc) and various analytical methods such as lithostratigraphy that includes sequence stratigraphy, facies stratigraphy and cyclostratigraphy, seismostratigraphy, chemostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and isotopie chronology. Each one of these methods presents advantages as well as disadvantages, therefore, in order to reach reliable conclusions, the close and continuous collaboration between these methods is considered essential. Particular attention is required through all the stages of the stratigraphie research, from the observation in the field and the collection of data up to their analysis and their interpretation, in order to avoid any influence by the prevailing theories and models of interpretation
THE USE OF CARBON AND OXYGEN STABLE ISOTOPES IN THE STUDY OF GLOBAL PALAEOCEANOGRAPHIC CHANGES: EXAMPLES FROM THE CRETACEOUS SEDIMENT ROCKS OF WESTERN GREECE
Authors: Karakitsios V. , Tsikos H. , Agiadi - Katsiaouni K. , Dermitzoglou S. , Chatziharalambous E.
Published: September 2018

In the present paper we examine the use of carbon and oxygen stable isotopes in the study of global palaeoceanographic changes, with special reference to the oceanic anoxic events (OAEs). The analysis of stable isotopes was applied to the examination of Cretaceous sediments from the Ionian and Pindos zones of Western Greece. In the Ionian zone the carbon and oxygen stable isotopes, combined with biostratigraphic data, record the palaeoenvironmental change corresponding to the anoxic events Bonarelli (Cenomanian/Turonian, OAE2) and Paquier (Lower Albian, OAE1b). In the Pindos zone, within the Cretaceous sediments, we observed two organic-carbon-rich levels. According to the biostratigraphic and isotopie analysis, the first level corresponds to an OAE of Santonian age. This local oceanic anoxic event is described for the first time. The second level, Aptian - Albian age, possibly correlates to either the Paquier event (OAE 1b) or the Selli event (OAE 1a), which in Greece were until now known only in the Ionian zone.
ΔΙΑΓΕΝΕΣΗ ΟΣΤΩΝ: ΜΕΘΟΔΟΙ ΜΕΛΕΤΗΣ & ΑΝΑΛΥΣΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΣΥΜΒΟΛΗ ΣΤΗΝ ΠΑΛΑΙΟΝΤΟΛΟΓΙΑ
Authors: Σταθοπούλου Ε.
Published: September 2018

The objective of this paper is to present bone diagenesis, the diagenetic alterations that occur in bones, the parameters that affect it as well as its importance to Palaeontology, as a modern tool with numerous applications. The most important analytical techniques and methods used today to study bone diagenesis are also presented.
CALCAREOUS NANNOFOSSIL BIOSTRATIGRAPHY OF THE BASAL PART OF VIGLA SHALE MEMBER (IONIAN ZONE) IN ITHAKI ISLAND; PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Authors: Triantaphyllou M. V. , Karakitsios V. , Mantzouka D.
Published: September 2018

The calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy, performed at the basal part of the Vigla Shale Member (Frygano section, Ithakl Island), permits its biostratigraphic correlation with the uppermost part of BC21 biozone (Bown et al., 1998) and the upper part of NC7 biozone (Roth, 1978), which chronostratigraphically point to Late Aptian. This result reinforces the hypothesis that the deposition of Vigla Shales is isochronous in the Ionian zone.
Clinical application of high frequency jet ventilation in stereotactic liver ablations – a methodological study
Authors: Galmén Karolina , Freedman Jacob , Toporek Grzegorz , Goździk Waldemar , Harbut Piotr
Published: September 2018

Background: Computer-assisted navigation during thermal ablation of liver tumours, may help to correct needle placement and improve ablation efficacy in percutaneous, laparoscopic and open interventions. The potential advantage of using high frequency jet-ventilation technique (HFJV) during the procedure is by minimising the amplitude of respiration-related upper-abdominal organs movements. The aim of this clinical methodological trial was to establish whether HFJV would give less ventilatory induced liver movements than conventional ventilation, during stereotactic navigated ablation of liver metastases under open surgery.

Methods: Five consecutive patients scheduled for elective, open liver ablation under general propofol and remifentanil anaesthesia were included in the study protocol. During the stereotactic targeting of the tumours, HFJV was chosen for intraoperative lung ventilation. For tracking of liver movement, a rigid marker shield was placed on the liver surface and tracked with an optical position measurement system. A 4D position of the marker shield was measured for HFJV and conventional tidal volume lung ventilation (TV). At each time point the magnitude of liver displacement was calculated as an Euclidean distance between translational component of the marker shield's 3D position and previously estimated centroid of the translational motion.

Results: The mean Euclidean liver displacement was 0.80 (0.10) mm for HFJV and 2,90 (1.03) mm for TV with maximum displacement going as far as 12 mm on standard ventilation (p=0.0001).

Conclusion: HFJV is a valuable lung ventilation method for patients undergoing stereotactic surgical procedures in general anaesthesia when reduction of organ displacement is crucial.
Analysis of the complete genome of hepatitis B virus subgenotype C2 isolate NHB17965 from a HBV infected patient
Authors: Shaha Modhusudon , Sarker Palash Kumar , Hossain Md. Saddam , Das Keshob Chandra , Jahan Munira , Dey Shuvra Kanti , Tabassum Shahina , Hashem Abu , Salimullah Md.
Published: September 2018

The burden of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections is increasingly detected nowadays. Herein, we report a complete genome of HBV subgenotype C2 (HBV/C2) from a HBV infected patient. Complete genome analysis revealed that the isolated strain was a non-recombinant wild type and had several regular substitutions in the reverse transcriptase domain and small surface proteins of HBV. This study may help clinicians and scientists gain in-depth knowledge on the current substitutions of HBV/C2 genome and to identify potential therapies against HBV infections.
A review of thermoduric bacteria: significance, sources and management part 1
Authors: Henderson Andrew
Published: September 2018

Thermodurics are ‘heat resistant’ bacteria capable of surviving pasteurisation and have the potential to cause quality and shelf life issues in dairy products. Thermoduric bacteria are of increasing importance in the dairy supply chain with a number of processors introducing routine testing of supplier pools in the last 12 months. This has been due to expansion into export markets with stringent product specifications, the increasing demands of consumers for extended shelf life, to reduce brand risk associated with complaints, and as a result of recent difficulties producing both high demand and niche dairy products.
Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in periparturient cattle on Guernsey
Authors: Wright Ian , Chamberlain David
Published: September 2018

Neospora caninum is a cause of bovine abortion and economic loss to beef and dairy farmers. This can be profound in small island farming communities such as Guernsey. The shedding of oocysts by dogs can have a large impact on herds with low numbers of cattle. To better understand the potential economic impact on dairy farmers as a consequence of N.caninum infection in cattle, the Veterinary Officer of Guernsey undertook a serological survey for N.caninum. 252 samples were collected from cattle in 13 herds; 237 samples were negative (<30 percentage inhibition (PI%) = negative) and 14 were positive (≥30 PI% = positive), one sample was insufficient for testing. 6% of the cattle tested had positive Neospora titres. 7 of the 13 herds sampled had at least one individual with a positive result. The absence of importations of cattle onto the island, and the presence of sarcocysts in bovine carcasses, suggests that environmental contamination with Neospora oocysts is likely to be the most significant source of bovine infection. Reduction of canine faecal contamination where cattle have access would have the benefit of reducing economic loss through abortion, meat and offal condemnation, while also reducing the risk of environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. and tapeworm ova.
The true cost of maedi visna virus (MVV) infection in a commercial flock
Authors: Gibson Lynn , Dun Kath , Baird Andrew
Published: September 2018

Maedi visna virus (MVV) infection is a chronic infectious disease of sheep that cannot be treated or prevented by vaccination. The main routes of transmission are through ingestion of infected colostrum and through nose to nose contact with infected stock. The virus can be introduced to a flock through the purchase of a single infected animal. MVV infection has the potential to cause major production losses, and once a flock is heavily infected it is difficult to control and eradicate. This article uses a real life case study to illustrate the impact of MVV in a commercial flock, and provides an overview of the disease along with practical advice on diagnosis and control.
Hyperlipaemia in donkeys
Authors: Harrison Anna , Rickards Karen
Published: September 2018

Hyperlipaemia is common in donkeys and is usually secondary to intercurrent disease. Pathogenesis, clinical signs and diagnosis are discussed, along with treatment options according to the severity of the disease and practicability. Normal physiological donkey parameters are set out, as they differ from those of the horse — as do normal triglyceride levels. The importance of a ‘dull donkey’ being triaged as urgent is stressed.
Olecranon fractures in children and adolescents: Outcomes based on fracture fixation
Authors: Perkins C. A. , Busch M. T. , Christino M. A. , Axelrod J. , Devito D. P. , Fabregas J. A. , Flanagan J. C. , Murphy J. , Olszewski D. , Schmitz M. L. , Schrader T. , Willimon S. C.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Open reduction and internal fixation with a tension band construct is the standard treatment for displaced transverse intra-articular olecranon fractures. The purpose of this study is to describe the outcomes of tension band fixation of olecranon fractures in children, specifically assessing the need for revision fixation and hardware removal.

Methods

Patients less than 18 years of age diagnosed with a displaced transverse intra-articular olecranon fracture and treated with tension band fixation between 2008 and 2017 were retrospectively enrolled. Operative treatment was with tension band wire (TBW) or tension band suture (TBS) constructs.

Results

A total of 46 patients, 36 male and ten female with a mean age of 12.3 years (6 to 17), were included. Surgical fixation was with TBW in 17 patients and TBS in 29 patients. Revision fixation due to failure and fracture displacement was required in 6% of the TBW group and 14% of the TBS group (p = 0.19). The patients who required revision fixation in the TBS group were older (14.7 years versus 11.6 years, p = 0.05) and heavier (70.5 kg versus 48.5 kg, p = 0.05) than those in the same group who did not require revision fixation.

Conclusion

Paediatric olecranon fractures treated with TBW or TBS fixation unite in the majority of patients with similar need for hardware removal due to prominence and/or pain between fixation techniques. In a select group of older patients weighing greater than 50 kg, TBS constructs demonstrate increased failure rates, requiring revision fixation, and should be avoided in this population group.

Level of Evidence

IV
PERCEPCIÓN DEL DAÑO CAUSADO POR AVES EN FRUTALES Y ALTERNATIVAS DE MANEJO EN EL CENTRO NORTE SANTAFESINO
Authors: SCOTTA R. R. , CANAVELLI S. B. , LUTZ A. L.
Published: September 2018

Los cultivos de frutales pueden experimentar, entre otras adversidades, daños por aves. Mediante un censo a productores fruti-hortícolas en el centro norte de Santa Fe, evaluamos la percepción de daños causados por aves y la aplicación de alternativas de manejo. La mayoría de los productores manifestó haber observado daño por aves, principalmente en la etapa maduración a cosecha. Cualitativamente, el daño fue considerado bajo o insignificante y, cuantitativamente, menor del 5%. El manzano fue el cultivo más afectado, y el durazno el menos afectado. La cotorra (Myiopsitta monachus) y el zorzal (Turdus spp.) fueron las especies señaladas más frecuentemente como causantes de perjuicios. Las pérdidas ocasionadas fueron consideradas inferiores a otras adversidades. Los métodos de manejo de daños mencionados fueron: control letal, ahuyentamiento, prácticas agronómicas, modificación del hábitat y exclusión del cultivo. La mayoría de los productores no estaría dispuesto a invertir recursos para disminuir los daños por aves.
CONDICIONES DE PERSISTENCIA CAMPESINA Y DINÁMICA DEL AGRONEGOCIO EN EL NORTE DE LA PROVINCIA DE CÓRDOBA
Authors: SILVETTI F. , CÁCERES D. , SOTO G. , CABROL D.
Published: September 2018

El artículo analiza las condiciones de persistencia de campesinos resistentes al agronegocio en la provincia de Córdoba, comparando dos momentos históricos (2007 y 2015). Se consideró su acceso estratégico a recursos propios (capitales), las políticas públicas y los cambios en la dinámica del agronegocio en el territorio. La investigación incluyó la consulta a diversas fuentes y entrevistas a informantes clave. Se concluye que, con un éxito relativo, las estrategias individuales se rediseñan buscando la intensificación productiva y la pluriactividad. A nivel colectivo, se evidencia una participación decreciente de los campesinos en procesos organizacionales y la manifestación de conflictos internos por el acceso diferencial a recursos estatales.
PROGRESSION OF CAROTID ARTERY ATHEROSCLEROSIS DURING TREATMENT TO TARGET IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Authors: Udachkina E. V. , Novikova D. S. , Popkova T. V. , Kirillova I. G. , Markelova E. I. , Gorbunova Yu. N. , Karateev D. E. , Luchikhina E. L. , Demidova N. V. , Borisova M. A. , Lukina G. V. , Glukhova S. I. , Volkov A. V.
Published: September 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease with a high cardiovascular risk. The results of works on the impact of antirheumatic therapy on carotid artery (CA) intima-media thickness (IMT) are contradictory. Objective: to assess the time course of changes in CA IMT and CA atherosclerosis (CAA) in patients with early RA during treatment to target at a 18-month follow-up. Subjects and methods. The investigation enrolled patients with early RA (disease duration of less than 12 months), who had not previously taken disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and glucocorticoids. Duplex scanning (DS) of the CA was performed with IMT measurement at baseline and at 18 months after treatment. Vascular atherosclerotic lesion was recorded when atherosclerotic plaque (ASP) was detected. Starting methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy was prescribed to all the patients, when it showed an insufficient effect at 3 months, a biological agent (BA), such as a tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor or abatacept, was added. RA remission was noted in 31 (42%) patients at 18 months of treatment. Results and discussion. The investigation included 74 patients with early RA; whose median (Me) age was 56 years, all the patients had moderate or high disease activity (Me DAS28-ESR, 5.4). At baseline, there was increased CA IMT in 51.4% of cases and CAA in 55.4%. At 18 months of treatment, there were no significant IMT changes. New CA ASPs were recorded in 8 (24.2%) patients who had no CAA at the time of inclusion in the investigation (p < 0.05). Nineteen (46.3%) patients were recorded to have the progression that had been identified when including CAA as a considerable increase in the number of ASPs (p < 0.05). The risk of CAA progression was correlated inversely with the mean 18-month level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-Cmean) and directly with the mean concentration of C-reactive protein (CRPmean). There was no significant correlation between HDL-Cmean and CRPmean. The changes of CAA were unassociated with the value of DAS28-ESR, the achievement of RA remission, and antirheumatic therapy (MTX monotherapy, MTX + BA). Conclusion. CAA shows progress in patients with early RA despite they are treated to target. DAS28-ESR remission in RA and ongoing RA treatment option had no substantial impact on the course of CAA. HDL-Cmean and CRPmean are independent risk factors for progression of CAA.
WHAT ADVERSE REACTIONS TO BIOLOGICAL AGENTS ARE PARADOXICAL?
Authors: Muravyev Yu. V.
Published: September 2018

The paper discusses the appearance of unusual – paradoxical – adverse reactions that occur as a result of treatment of rheumatic diseases with biological agents.
On an inverse Regge problem for the Sturm - Liouville operator with deviating argument
Authors: Ignatiev Mikhail Yurievich
Published: September 2018

Исследуется краевая задача вида $Ly=\rho^2 y$, $y(0)=y'(\pi)+i\rho y(\pi)=0$, где $L$ - оператор Штурма - Лиувилля с постоянным запаздыванием $a$. Данная краевая задача является обобщением классической задачи Редже. Потенциал $q( \cdot )$ есть вещественнозначная функция из пространства $L_2(0,\pi)$, обращающаяся в 0 почти всюду на $(0,a)$. Никаких других ограничений на потенциал не налагается, в частности, не предполагается никаких дополнительных условий относительно поведения $q(x)$ при $x\to \pi$. При столь общих предположениях асимптотическое разложение характеристической функции краевой задачи при $\rho\to\infty$ не содержит главного члена. Как следствие, стандартные методы не позволяют получить в явном виде асимптотику спектра. В работе рассматривается обратная задача восстановления оператора по заданному подмножеству спектра краевой задачи. Обратные задачи для дифференциальных операторов с отклоняющимся аргументом существенно сложнее по сравнению с классическими обратными задачами для дифференциальных операторов. «Нелокальность» таких операторов является непреодолимым препятствием для применения классических методов теории обратных задач. Мы рассматриваем обратную задачу в случае запаздывания, большего или равного половине длины интервала, и показываем, что задание подмножества спектра краевой задачи при определенных условиях однозначно определяет потенциал. Соответствующие подмножества спектра описываются в терминах их плотности. В работе также представлена конструктивная процедура решения обратной задачи.
К вопросу о корректности обратных задач для неоднородного уравнения Гельмгольца
Authors: Сабитов Камиль Басирович , Sabitov Kamil Basirovich , Мартемьянова Нина Викторовна , Martem'yanova Nina Viktorovna
Published: September 2018

Для уравнения Гельмгольца в прямоугольной области изучены начально-граничная задача и ее нелокальные модификации, и обратные задачи по отысканию его правой части. Решения прямых задач с нелокальными граничными условиями и обратных задач построены в явном виде как суммы ортогональных рядов по системе собственных функций одномерной спектральной задачи Штурма - Лиувилля. Доказаны соответствующие теоремы единственности решения всех поставленных задач. Установлены достаточные условия на граничные функции, которые гарантируют теоремы существования и устойчивости решения предложенных новых постановок задач.
Математическое моделирование динамического деформирования упруговязкопластических
оболочек конечной длины лучевым методом
Authors: Вервейко Николай Дмитриевич , Verveiko Nikolai Dmitrievich , Егоров Михаил Валерьевич , Egorov Mikhail Valer'evich
Published: September 2018

В работе представлено математическое моделирование динамического напряженно-деформированного состояния оболочки вращения из упруговязкопластического материала. Решается модифицированная система уравнений в частных производных типа С. П. Тимошенко путем построения системы уравнений на подвижных поверхностях разрыва с начальными условиями в виде ударной нагрузки на торце, записанной в виде степенного ряда по времени, коэффициенты которого есть начальные условия для дифференциальных уравнений. Решение представляется в виде лучевого ряда Тейлора с точностью до четвертого порядка по координате оболочки. Для моделирования отраженных волн от границ вводятся условия двух типов на границе (жестко защемленной и свободной от напряжений), не зависящие от времени. Разработан комплекс программ, написанных на языке Fortran 90 на платформе Code::Blocks. Реализованы 2 программы для моделирования динамического деформирования оболочки в упругом и упурговязкопластическом состоянии. Использовано разностное представление производных, вычисление интегралов методом трапеций с заданным шагом разбиения отрезка. Результатом работы программ являются сеточные функции коэффициентов рядов Тейлора, которые используются для построения графиков перемещений как функций времени и продольной координаты оболочки.
Модальная идентификация граничного воздействия в двумерной обратной задаче теплопроводности
Authors: Рапопорт Эдгар Яковлевич , Rapoport Edgar Yakovlevich , Дилигенская Анна Николаевна , Diligenskaya Anna
Published: September 2018

Предлагается метод приближенного решения двумерной граничной обратной задачи теплопроводности на компактном множестве непрерывных вместе со своими первыми производными функций, позволяющий восстановить граничное воздействие, зависящее от времени и пространственной координаты. Используется модальное описание объекта в форме бесконечной системы линейных дифференциальных уравнений относительно коэффициентов разложения температурного поля в ряд по собственным функциям исследуемой начально-краевой задачи. Такой подход приводит к восстановлению искомой величины плотности теплового потока в виде взвешенной суммы конечного числа ее модальных составляющих. Их значения определяются по значениям временных мод температурного поля, которые находятся на основе его модального представления из экспериментальных данных. Использование математической модели объекта в пространстве изображений по Лапласу и метода конечных интегральных преобразований приводит к описанию идентифицируемых воздействий и температурного поля в форме их разложений в ряды по собственным функциям одинаковой пространственной размерности и формированию на этой основе замкнутой системы уравнений относительно искомых величин. Решена задача планирования температурных измерений, обеспечивающая на линии контроля в конечный момент интервала идентификации минимизацию ошибки аппроксимации экспериментального температурного поля его модельным представлением в равномерной метрике оценивания температурных невязок. Предложенный подход позволяет построить последовательность приближений, равномерно сходящихся с увеличением числа учитываемых модальных составляющих, к искомому решению. Численное решение задачи реализовано в среде имитационного моделирования динамических систем Simulink MATLAB$^\circledR$ и показало удовлетворительную точность решения задачи.
Architektur und Städtebau im geteilten Polen des 19. Jahrhunderts im politischen Kontext
Authors: Zabłocka-Kos Agnieszka
Published: September 2018

The essay, focusing on architecture in the nineteenth-century partitioned Poland, is an attempt to read its meanings in the context of the colonial policies of Russia, Prussia, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The analyzed material includes selected buildings and city centers of Poznań, Warsaw, and  Cracow, while the problems addressed are the encoding of urban space  meanings and its deciphering in the context of complex nineteenth-century Polish history.