bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Messiah and the Great Architect: On the Difference Between the Messianic and the Utopian
Authors: Bielik-Robson Agata
Published: July 2018

This articles criticizes utopian thinking—but not from the conservative perspective, seeing human society as inherently flawed and unable to progress, morally and politically. It opposes utopia in the name of messianic philosophico-theological heritage, often confused with the utopian strain or overshadowed by it. Today, mostly thanks to Derrida and his own philosophical version of “messianicity” derived from Abrahamic religions, though by no means reducible to them—the messianic idea is undergoing a revival. The article examines this revival as an interesting alternative to utopian thinking: equally optimistic anthropologically and politically, yet free of certain “architectonic” aspirations that Derrida criticizes as too strongly rooted in the “social ontology” and thus defending the political status quo. What Bloch and Derrida propose is a serious investment in the “objective fantasy,” not to be fully actualized but operative as a spectral source of “in-spiration” in the progressive transformation of social laws.
15 de septiembre: moral, civismo y cultura nacional. Conferencia Magistral
Authors: Romero Matías
Published: July 2018

No hay resúmenes disponiblesAKADEMOS, Año 11, Vol. 2, No 29, Julio-Diciembre 2017: 81-85
Culturally Affirming Clinical Supervision in Graduate Field Education: Enhancing Transformative Dialogue in the Supervisory Dyad
Authors: Ashley Wendy , Lipscomb Allen E.
Published: July 2018

This article is aimed at raising critical consciousness, accountability and empowerment in the supervisory relationship in graduate field education. As more clinicians with intersecting identities navigate rigorous Master’s degree programs, there is a growing need for field instructors to utilize cultural humility in their supervision approach and style. In addition, burgeoning clinicians need to be affirmed, empowered and aware of the intra/inter-cultural dynamics inherent in the supervision process, giving specific attention to power and privilege. In order to navigate culturally relevant supervision for new therapists with a level of humility, field instructors and supervisors face a tall order; it is essential they address cultural differences, validate cultural identities and experiences, and explore power, privilege and intersectionality in the supervisory space while concurrently supporting clinical growth. These difficult dialogues require specific skills, self-awareness and vulnerability on the part of the supervisor. As supervisors attempt to initiate this transformative process, it is important to consider similarities and differences in how supervisors and supervisees experience efforts to engage in difficult dialogues. The authors utilized an anonymous online survey to explore the experiences of supervision among supervised clinicians (n=51) and supervisors (n=39). Qualitative data reflect beneficial supervision regarding clinical content, with a consistent lack of discussion and recognition of power and privilege dynamics; lack of affirmations regarding cultural identities; and superficial exploration of cultural nuances in the supervisor dyad. Findings suggest supervisees need authentic, validating, process oriented exchanges in clinical supervision, especially in field internships where they are learning how to manage clients, their own lived experiences and authenticity in supervision. Recommendations for initiating transformative supervisory practices are included.
De actualiteit en toekomst van de toepassing van whiplashjurisprudentie buiten whiplashzaken
Authors: Boer S. , van der Roest C.
Published: July 2018

De actualiteit en toekomst van de toepassing van whiplashjurisprudentie buiten whiplashzaken

Steeds vaker wordt in niet-whiplashzaken een beroep gedaan op de zogenaamde whiplashjurisprudentie. Met een beroep op de redeneringen uit deze jurisprudentie wordt door benadeelden getracht om het bestaan van veelal substraatloze klachten en het (juridisch) causaal verband tussen deze klachten en beperkingen en het incident aan te tonen. Is toepassing van de whiplashjurisprudentie in niet-whiplashzaken gerechtvaardigd, of is daarmee het spreekwoordelijke hek van de dam? Door middel van een analyse van de whiplashjurisprudentie en recente jurisprudentie in niet-whiplashzaken komen de auteurs tot de conclusie dat een juiste toepassing van de zogenoemde causaliteitsregels uit de whiplashjurisprudentie in niet-whiplashzaken tot rechtvaardige uitkomsten leidt, mits men daarbij de hoofdregel en de beginselen van het bewijsrecht niet uit het oog verliest.
Reseña del libro La práctica de la terapia sistémica, de A. Moreno
Authors: Yuguero Carmen
Published: July 2018

Book review
Strategies for Maintaining Work–Life Balance and Their Consequences for Quality of Life and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Andersz Nina , Czarnota-Bojarska Joanna , Wojtkowska Katarzyna
Published: July 2018

Interest in issues surrounding work–life balance has increased in recent years. Some studies stress the consequences of work–life balance, while others put emphasis on the ways in which people manage to keep the balance. We decided to combine both points of view. The presented study focuses on personal strategies for combining family and work roles and their consequences for maintaining the work–family balance and satisfaction with work and quality of life. There were 289 participants in the study. The instruments used were Work–Family Linkage Questionnaire, Work–Family Fit Questionnaire, Satisfaction of Life Scale and Job Satisfaction Scale. The procedure of adapting the Work–Family Linkage Questionnaire (WFLQ) into Polish was conducted to enable the use of the tool in Poland for the first time. Good psychometric properties of WFLQ were confirmed. The results showed that the individual strategy for combining family and work roles determines the work–home balance, as well as satisfaction with life and career. For example, the amount of negative spillover from home and from work was correlated positively with role conflict and negatively with satisfaction with life, while the amount of positive spillover correlated positively with facilitation and experienced satisfaction with life.
Episódio Queermuseu: reflexos do despreparo social em torno da Arte
Authors:   Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Rech Alessandra Paula , Schutz Danielle ,   Universidade de Caxias do Sul
Published: July 2018

Este artigo propõe uma abordagem crítico-reflexiva acerca do analfabetismo visual na sociedade contemporânea, considerando que o despreparo permitiu que a manipulação protagonizada por grupos com interesses políticos levasse ao fechamento da exposição Queermuseu. A análise documental e revisão bibliográfica sugerem que mesmo entre frequentadores e apreciadores de espaços expositivos, há um desconhecimento acerca do papel da Arte. Em um eixo transdisciplinar, autores como Dondis, Cocchiarale, Eco e Hobsbawm fundamentam as investigações acerca dos conceitos e definições sobre Arte contemporânea e a abordagem sobre o processo de construção de linguagens visuais, que vem se desenvolvendo, muitas vezes, distante da formação do público. Foucault, Marcuse, Berman, entre outros na linha da crítica cultural, amparam as considerações a respeito do papel político da Arte e dos instrumentos de alienação que se valem do desconhecimento das massas.
A arte e os discursos intolerantes que a cercam
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Jantorno Alessandra Azevedo , Rebouças Moema Martins ,   Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo
Published: July 2018

Neste artigo o objetivo é de analisar discursos veiculados na mídia que propõem censura às Artes, para refletir e examinar como estas manifestações expõem valores e ideologias que disseminam a intolerância. Com referencial em Adorno a metodologia analítica para o estudo dos textos tem como base a proposição de Barros (2011)para o exame da construção discursiva de discursos intolerantes. O que se pretende é a contribuição para este debate por meio dos estudos da linguagem, possibilitando ao professor de artes intervenções críticas pautadas em argumentações que desvelem a intolerância que estes discursos carregam.
Entrevista com Afonso Medeiros
Authors:   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Sabiá Ana Paula
Published: July 2018

Entrevista com Afonso Medeiros.
Mostra Sem Censura
Authors:   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Silva Anna Karoline de Moraes
Published: July 2018

Mostra sem censura
Do papel das relações entre palavra e imagem nas questões de gênero
Authors:   Universidade de Brasília, Tavares Leonardo Motta
Published: July 2018

Nestes últimos anos de criação visual e produção teórica1 centrada nas relações entre a palavra e a imagem, tenho me deparado com problematizações que interligam este tema a outras esferas que até então me pareciam fora de alcance de sua espinha dorsal. O interesse explícito em meu projeto de pesquisa de Doutorado era localizar os pontos de fusão, a partir da análise dos pontos de distanciamento entre as artes visuais e a literatura. Desde o começo da pesquisa, no entanto, tenho percebido a necessidade de retornar, irremediavelmente, para a homologia estrutural, e analisar o que disseram os adeptos da não separação entre as artes, mas, mais fortemente, debruçar-me sobre aqueles que insistiram na sua diferenciação.
O sistema de patentes e a política de acesso aos medicamentos: um olhar acerca da biotecnologia e propriedade intelectual
Authors: Barros Bruno Mello Correa de , Pereira Marília Do Nascimento , Oliveira Rafael Santos de
Published: July 2018

O presente estudo tem como escopo principal tratar da inserção da biotecnologia no âmbito de proteção da propriedade intelectual, em especial nos seus reflexos no acesso aos medicamentos pela população. Coloca-se em evidência o acordo TRIP’s que instaurou a matéria em âmbito internacional envolvendo os países integrantes da Organização Mundial do Comércio – OMC, incluindo-se o Brasil. Destaca-se o embate entre o direito constitucional à saúde e o sistema de patenteamento da propriedade intelectual. Para tanto, utilizou-se em sede de metodologia o método de abordagem dedutivo e método de procedimento monográfico que propiciaram um ensaio amplo sobre a temática. Em sede de conclusão, observou-se que o patenteamento de medicamentos tem consequências drásticas no acesso a essas substâncias, contribuindo para o aumento de doenças negligenciadas e a desigualdades sociais.
O caso da floresta nacional do Jamanxim: uma análise jurídica da Medida Provisória 756/2016 e do projeto de Lei de Conversão nº 4/2017
Authors: Molinaro Carlos Alberto , Leal Augusto Antônio Fontanive
Published: July 2018

O presente artigo tem por objetivo efetuar uma análise jurídica do caso que envolve a Flona do Jamanxim quando da edição da Medida Provisória 756/2016 e da criação, no momento de sua análise pelo plenário, do Projeto de Lei de Conversão nº 4/2017. Para tanto, o estudo será dividido em três seções: a) contextualização da Medida Provisória e do Projeto de Lei de Conversão em conjunto com a perspectiva da própria estrutura da Flona do Jamanxim; b) consideração do direito de propriedade a partir da instituição de unidades de conservação que compõe o caso analisado; c) exame jurídico propriamente dito do caso a partir da natureza e características próprias da Flona do Jamanxim. A pesquisa será qualitativa, amparada pelo método hermenêutico e realizada por meio de pesquisa documental e bibliográfica.
Desafios da implementação da política de concessões florestais federais no Brasil
Authors: Chules Eric Luis , Scardua Fernando Paiva , MARTINS Rosana De Carvalho de Cristo
Published: July 2018

A Lei de Gestão de Florestas Públicas representa um instrumento legal brasileiro criado com apoio ímpar de diversos setores da sociedade, inclusive algumas das principais ONGS ambientalistas. Prevê que o Manejo Florestal Sustentável gere “benefícios econômicos, sociais e ambientais, respeitando-se os mecanismos de sustentação do ecossistema objeto do manejo”. Passados alguns anos do início da primeira concessão florestal federal empresarial é possível estudar a situação da implementação da política com vistas a monitorar seus desafios. Este estudo se propõe a realizar o levantamento de entraves identificados a partir da literatura, documentos oficiais, processos judiciais e procedimento de auditoria. Os achados indicam que política tem apresentado pontos positivos, como, por exemplo, a redução da taxa de desmatamento em área concedida. Entretanto, ampliar o sucesso da política depende de ações efetivas para melhorar a comunicação entre os órgãos envolvidos no processo de concessão e de ações de fomento para assegurar a viabilidade econômica da atividade madeireira exercida de forma sustentável, o que pode se dar por meio de melhorias nos procedimentos licitação e de licenciamento, instituição de incentivos tributários, aplicação de técnicas de equilíbrio econômico dos contratos e realização de compras públicas pautadas por critérios de sustentabilidade.
Editorial
Authors: Folloni André , Hachem Daniel Wunder
Published: July 2018

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Identifying early decline of daily function and its association with physical function in chronic kidney disease: performance-based and self-reported measures
Authors: Chen Hui-Mei , Hsiao Shih-Ming , Kuo Mei-Chuan , Lo Yi-Ching , Huang Mei-Feng , Yeh Yi-Chun , Yen Cheng-Fang , Chen Cheng-Sheng
Published: July 2018

Objective

To verify self-reported basic and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) with a disability and the results of performance-based tests (namely the Taiwan performance-based IADL (TPIADL), the 2-minute step test (2MST), the 30-second chair-stand test (30-s CST), and handgrip dynamometer measurement) to identify disability early and assess the associations with functional fitness in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 99 patients with stage 4–5 CKD and 57 healthy elderly adults were recruited. Self-reported measures were used to collect information on basic (Barthel Index) and IADL (Lawton–Brody scale). Objective measures of the TPIADL and functional fitness (2MST, 30-s CST, handgrip dynamometer) were also assessed.

Results

Only IADL, as detected by the TPIADL, were impaired to a greater extent in the CKD patients than those of healthy elderly adults. Among all the patients with CKD, a greater impairment in the TPIADL remained statistically associated with a lower ability in the 2MST. A one step increase in the 2MST score was significantly associated with an improvement of 0.2 s in the total performance time of the TPIADL.

Conclusion

Performance-based measures, such as the TPIADL, may detect a functional limitation before it becomes measurable by traditional self-reported basic and IADL scales; functional limitation is mainly associated with cardiac endurance for advanced CKD.
Postoperative pain management after sinus surgery: a survey of the American Rhinologic Society
Authors: Gray Mingyang L. , Fan Caleb J. , Kappauf Catharine , Kidwai Sarah , Colley Patrick , Iloreta Alfred Marc , Govindaraj Satish
Published: July 2018

Background

Postoperative pain management is controversial as there are no current guidelines to direct clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate prescribing patterns for pain management after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Methods

A 15‐item web‐based survey was electronically distributed to 1770 members of the American Rhinologic Society (ARS). Linear regression analysis was used to determine associations between providers and prescribing patterns.

Results

The survey was completed by 168 members (9.49%), representing all regions of the United States. The most commonly prescribed medications were opioid/non‐opioid combination pills. One hundred fifty‐seven of 168 members (94.05%) prescribed at least one kind of opioid after FESS, with an average of 27.38 pills. The majority of surveyed members worked in private or academic settings. Academic physicians were less likely to prescribe ibuprofen (p = 0.0407), and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in general (p = 0.032). Physicians in private practice were less likely to refer patients to pain management (p = 0.0117), but more likely to refer patients to nontraditional forms of pain management (p = 0.0164). Academic physicians were more likely to refer patients to pain management (p = 0.00121). There was no association between perception of pain control and the prescription of NSAIDs or with number of opioid pills prescribed.

Conclusion

Most providers prescribed opioids after FESS. There was no significant difference in the number of opioids prescribed based on geography or practice setting. There was significant heterogeneity in the adjuvant pain management strategy between academic and private practitioners. Most members provided patient education and few reported poor pain control. However, there was a gap in understanding of appropriate medication disposal and evidence‐based postoperative pain management.
Mechanochemical Activation of Zinc and Application to Negishi Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Cao Qun , Howard Joseph L. , Wheatley Emilie , Browne Duncan L.
Published: July 2018

A form independent activation of zinc, concomitant generation of organozinc species and engagement in a Negishi cross‐coupling reaction via mechanochemical methods is reported. The reported method exhibits a broad substrate scope for both C(sp3)–C(sp2) and C(sp2)–C(sp2) couplings and is tolerant to many important functional groups. The method may offer broad reaching opportunities for the in situ generation organometallic compounds from base metals and their concomitant engagement in synthetic reactions via mechanochemical methods.
Utilizing Room Temperature Liquid Metals for Mechanically Robust Silicon Anodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hapuarachchi Sashini N. S. , Nerkar Jawahar Y. , Wasalathilake Kimal C. , Chen Hao , Zhang Shanqing , O'Mullane Anthony P. , Yan Cheng
Published: July 2018

Silicon has attracted attention as one of the most promising anode materials for future generation energy storage devices, owing to its high theoretical specific capacity. However, its use has been impeded by significant volume expansion during electrochemical lithiation. In this work we utilise liquid galinstan (68.5 % Ga, 21.5 % In and 10 % Sn) to repair the cracking caused by volume expansion in Si thin film and Si composite electrodes. A bridging mechanism is observed, through which the electrical conductivity can be significantly improved. The composite electrode delivers an initial capacity of 2697 mAh g−1 and reaches a coulombic efficiency ∼100 % after 140 cycles. In addition, nanoindentation tests show that a better mechanical behavior is achieved with increased flexibility. We believe that these results may provide a way to prepare mechanically robust high capacity electrodes.
Design of Heterogeneous Organocatalyst for the Asymmetric Michael Addition of Aldehydes to Maleimides
Authors: Szőllősi György , Kozma Viktória
Published: July 2018

Asymmetric Michael additions of isobutyraldehyde to maleimides catalyzed by optically pure diamines and their sulfonamides were investigated to develop heterogeneous chiral catalysts for these reactions. Encouraging results, i. e. complete transformations and optically pure products, were obtained using para‐toluenesulfonamide or methanesulfonamide derivatives. Chiral solid materials were prepared by covalent bonding of the diamines on sulfonyl chloride functionalized supports. Immobilization of the amines was confirmed by FT‐IR spectroscopy. The heterogeneous catalyst prepared by bonding optically pure 1,2‐diphenylethane‐1,2‐diamine to polystyrene support was highly enantioselective, giving results approaching those obtained using soluble sulfonamide derivatives. The anchored catalyst was recyclable few times keeping its activity followed by gradual small decrease in conversion, however, still providing high, up to 97 %, enantiomeric excesses. These materials are among the first efficient recyclable catalysts used in the enantioselective Michael addition of aldehydes to maleimides.
Neither an Authentic Product nor a Counterfeit: The Growing Popularity of Shanzhai Products in Global Markets
Authors: Qin Yao , Shi Linda Hui , Stöttinger Barbara , Cavusgil Erin
Published: July 2018

Counterfeits have been a longstanding concern to global brand manufactures. However, recently, a new product category that partly imitates and partly innovates under the term shanzhai has entered into market. Shanzhai products mimic original leading brands through visual or functional similarities and may also provide additional features. Given this new copycat phenomenon, our study for the first time conceptually distinguishes shanzhai products from counterfeits, theoretically compares the values of consumers choosing shanzhai products versus counterfeits, and empirically tests such differences in one integrative model. Specifically, shanzhai buyers value product functional benefits more than counterfeit buyers, while counterfeit buyers value status consumption, yet experience less self‐clarity than shanzhai buyers. Our findings offer important implications for imitative innovation literature as well as for practitioners.
Timing of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase inhibitor initiation and allograft vasculopathy progression and outcomes in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Asleh Rabea , Briasoulis Alexandros , Pereira Naveen L. , Boilson Barry A. , Edwards Brooks S. , Adigun Rosalyn , Maltais Simon , Daly Richard C. , Lerman Amir , Kushwaha Sudhir S.
Published: July 2018

Aims

Early studies from the 1990s have shown that statins improve survival and attenuate cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). However, little contemporary data are available on the incremental benefit of statins with the current use of new‐generation immunosuppressive agents and the use of coronary intravascular ultrasound for assessment of CAV. We sought to investigate the effect of early statin (ES) as compared with late statin (LS) initiation after heart transplantation (HT) on long‐term CAV progression and clinical outcomes in a large contemporary HT cohort.

Methods and results

We analysed a cohort of 409 adult HT recipients. CAV progression was assessed by serial coronary intravascular ultrasound volumetric measurements of the differences between baseline and last follow‐up plaque volume (PV) and plaque index (PV/vessel volume ratio). CAV progression and clinical outcomes were compared between the ES (<2 years after HT) and the LS (>2 years after HT) groups. During a median follow‐up of 8.2 years, ES resulted in significantly lower change (Δ) of plaque index (+3.8% ± 1.7% vs. +8.2% ± 3.6%; P = 0.0008) and PV (+0.8 ± 0.3 vs. +1.9 ± 1.2; P = 0.045) compared with LS group. In a Cox proportional hazards regression model and after adjustment for baseline characteristics, ES was associated with a 52% decreased risk of CAV‐associated events (hazard ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval: 0.27–0.91; P = 0.025) and a 42% decreased risk of the composite endpoint of all‐cause mortality and CAV‐associated events (hazard ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval: 0.38–0.91; P = 0.019).

Conclusions

Early initiation of statin therapy after HT results in attenuated CAV progression as well as in decreased CAV‐related events and mortality.
ESI‐TOF mass spectrometry of cationic carbosilane dendrimers: A potent tool for characterization of structural defects
Authors: Cuřínová Petra , Krupková Alena , Červenková Šťastná Lucie , Müllerová Monika , Čermák Jan , Strašák Tomáš
Published: July 2018

Macromolecular polyelectrolytes are gaining considerable attention for the application in medicine that implies their detailed characterization. We have successfully applied electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS) to the analysis of defects in the structure of three generations of polycationic carbosilane dendrimers bearing series of quarternary phosphonium groups at their periphery. Besides expected defects caused by incomplete conversion of particular reaction steps during the synthesis of dendritic scaffold and subsequent peripheral functionalization, also, several products of side reactions were observed together with defects created in the course of measurement (particularly ion exchange products). Defective molecules can be to some extent separated by means of gel permeation chromatography that proves that they are not products of in source fragmentation processes. Within the reaction sequence used for the synthesis of dendrimers under study, hydrosilylation was the source of most defects; the effectivity of quarternization depends on the type of phosphine. Results confirm high sensitivity of ESI MS towards defects, stability of the carbosilane skeleton towards fragmentation under the conditions of ESI ionization, and capability to detect both lower‐ and higher‐molecular weight impurities arising from the synthetic sequence in the same m/z range as the target dendrimer, thus providing valuable view of the polydispersity.
Influence of the welding current intensity and nitrogen content on the corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steels
Authors: Jegdić Bore V. , Bobić Biljana M. , Radojković Bojana M. , Alić Behar
Published: July 2018

The resistance to pitting and intergranular corrosion of the welded joint of X5CrNi18‐10 austenitic stainless steel is analyzed in this paper. The resistance of the welded joint to intergranular corrosion does not depend on the nitrogen content in the shielding gas. It depends on the heat input into the welded joint, that is, on the welding current intensity. The resistance to pitting corrosion depends on the content of nitrogen in the shielding gas and on the welding current intensity. With the increase in the nitrogen content in the shielding gas, the resistance of the heat affected zone (HAZ) to pitting corrosion increases. The welding current intensity (heat input into the welded joint) shows two opposite effects. On the one hand, the increase of the heat input into the welded joint causes a more intensive precipitation of chromium carbides along the grain boundaries, which then leads to depletion in chromium of the grain boundary areas. The sensitization degree of the HAZ is thus increased and the formation of pits easier. On the other hand, with the increase in the welding current intensity, diffusion of nitrogen from the weld metal into the HAZ is facilitated, which contributes to the increased HAZ resistance to pitting corrosion. Possible mechanisms for increasing the HAZ resistance to pitting corrosion in the presence of nitrogen are also considered.
Studies on pitting corrosion in austenitic stainless steel interfered by square‐wave alternating voltage with different parameters using multi‐potential steps method
Authors: Dai Nianwei , Wan Yiting , Liu Yuanyuan , Sun Yangting , Zhang Lai‐Chang , Jiang Yiming , Li Jin
Published: July 2018

A multi‐potential steps (MPS) method was employed to simulate the square‐wave alternating voltage (AV) signals with different parameters. The electrochemical response and pitting propagation in a 316 austenitic stainless steel (SS) interfered by the simulated square‐wave AV in sodium chloride solution was investigated by means of electrochemical method, optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The results reveal that the square‐wave AV signal with amplitude of 800 mV and time step of 2 s triggers the formation of massive pits on 316 SS samples. The pit formation is suppressed with reducing the time step size of AV branches. Both the anodic and cathodic branches of AV contribute to the electrochemical response and pitting behavior on 316 SS samples. Decrease in the amplitude of cathodic branches of AV also suppresses the pit generation on sample surface. The ratio of anodic branch to cathodic branches of AV is discussed in this work. The width of fresh pits formed at different stages has a linear relation with the corresponding depth. The 316 SS exhibits honeycombed pits, which finally lead to an uneven corroded surface under square‐wave AV interference with large amplitudes.
Corrosion and wear properties of biomedical Ti‐Zr‐based alloys
Authors: Zhang Jiaojiao , Wang Hefeng , Yang Shangyu , Xing Xuegang , Shu Xuefeng , Jin Xiaomin
Published: July 2018

In this work, the corrosion and wear behavior of Ti‐1Zr, Ti‐2Zr, and Ti‐16Zr alloys were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy and X‐ray diffractometry were used to analyze the phase structure of the surface of alloys. The corrosion behavior of Ti‐Zr‐based alloys was investigated in Hank's solution at 37 °C with a conventional three‐electrode configuration. The Ti‐2Zr alloy exhibited highest corrosion potential and lowest corrosion current density compared with other alloys. Under wet friction, wear volume loss of Ti‐Zr alloy decreases with increasing Zr content.
On the data acquisition, image reconstruction, cone beam artifacts, and their suppression in axial MDCT and CBCT – A review
Authors: Tang Xiangyang , Krupinski Elizabeth A. , Xie Huiqiao , Stillman Arthur E.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

In the clinic, computed tomography (CT) has evolved into an essential modality for diagnostic imaging by multidetector row CT (MDCT) and image guided intervention by cone beam CT (CBCT). Recognizing the increasing importance of axial MDCT/CBCT in clinical and preclinical applications, and the existence of CB artifacts in MDCT/CBCT images, we provide a review of CB artifacts’ root causes, rendering mechanisms and morphology, and possible solutions for elimination and/or reduction of the artifacts.

Methods

By examining the null space in Radon and Fourier domain, the root cause of CB artifacts (i.e., data insufficiency) in axial MDCT/CBCT is analytically investigated, followed by a review of the data sufficiency conditions and the “circle +” source trajectories. The rendering mechanisms and morphology of CB artifacts in axial MDCT/CBCT and their special cases (e.g., half/short scan and full scan with latitudinally displaced detector) are then analyzed, followed by a survey of the potential solutions to suppress the artifacts. The phenomenon of imaged zone indention and its variation over FBP, BPF/DBPF, two‐pass and iterative CB reconstruction algorithms and/or schemes are discussed in detail.

Results

An interdomain examination of the null space provides an insightful understanding of the root cause of CB artifacts in axial MDCT/CBCT. The decomposition of CB artifacts rendering mechanisms facilitates understanding of the artifacts’ behavior under different conditions and the potential solutions to suppress them. An inspection of the imaged zone intention phenomenon provides guidance on the design and implementation of CB image reconstruction algorithms and schemes for CB artifacts suppression in axial MDCT/CBCT.

Conclusions

With increasing importance of axial MDCT/CBCT in clinical and preclinical applications, this review article can update the community with in‐depth information and clarification on the latest progress in dealing with CB artifacts and thus increase clinical/preclinical confidence.
Bubble‐echo based deconvolution of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound imaging: Simulation and experimental validations
Authors: Wang Diya , Hu Hong , Zhang Xinyu , Su Qiang , Liu Runna , Zhong Hui , Lu Shukuan , Wang Supin , Wan Mingxi
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Improvement of both the imaging resolution and the contrast‐to‐tissue ratio (CTR) is a current emphasis of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for microvascular perfusion imaging. Based on the strong nonlinear characteristics of contrast agents, the CTRs have been significantly enhanced using various advanced CEUS methods. However, the imaging resolution of these methods is limited by the finite bandwidth of the imaging process. This study aimed to propose a bubble‐echo based deconvolution (BED) method for CEUS with both improved resolution and CTR.

Method

The method is built on a modified convolution model and uses novel bubble‐echo based point‐spread‐functions to reconstruct the images by regularized inverse Wiener filtering. Performances of the proposed BED for three CEUS modes are investigated through simulations and in vivo perfusion experiments.

Results

BED of fundamental imaging was found to have the highest improvement in imaging resolution with the resolution gain up to 2.0 ± 0.2 times, which was comparable to the approved cepstrum‐based deconvolution (CED). BED of second‐harmonic imaging had the best performance in CTR with an enhancement of 9.8 ± 2.3 dB, which was much higher than CED. Pulse inversion BED had both a better resolution and a higher CTR.

Conclusion

All results indicate that BED could obtain CEUS image with both an improved resolution and a high CTR, which has important significance to microvascular perfusion evaluation in deep tissue.
Comparison of cross‐sectional areas and distal‐proximal nerve ratios in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Noto Yu‐Ichi , Garg Nidhi , Li Tiffany , Timmins Hannah C. , Park Susanna B. , Shibuya Kazumoto , Shahrizaila Nortina , Huynh William , Matamala José M. , Dharmadasa Thanuja , Yiannikas Con , Vucic Steve , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: July 2018

Introduction: This study explored potential diagnostic markers of nerve ultrasound in differentiating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from mimic disorders. Methods: Ultrasound of the median, ulnar, and tibial nerves was conducted in 53 patients with ALS, 32 patients with ALS‐mimic disorders, and 30 controls. Nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA) and distal–proximal ratios were calculated. Results: The median nerve CSA in the upper arm was decreased (7.9 ± 1.3 mm2 vs. 9.0 ± 1.4 mm2, P < 0.05), and the median nerve wrist–upper arm ratio was increased in ALS patients compared with controls (1.3 ± 0.4 vs. 1.1 ± 0.2; P < 0.01). In differentiating ALS from mimic presentations, assessment of median nerve CSA in the upper arm and comparison of a median and ulnar nerve CSA distal–proximal ratio provide diagnostic potential. Discussion: Assessment of nerve CSA combined with calculation of nerve CSA distal–proximal ratio provides a useful marker to aid in the diagnosis of ALS. Muscle Nerve 58:777–783, 2018
SMASH: Structured matrix approximation by separation and hierarchy
Authors: Cai Difeng , Chow Edmond , Erlandson Lucas , Saad Yousef , Xi Yuanzhe
Published: July 2018

This paper presents an efficient method to perform structured matrix approximation by separation and hierarchy (SMASH), when the original dense matrix is associated with a kernel function. Given the points in a domain, a tree structure is first constructed based on an adaptive partition of the computational domain to facilitate subsequent approximation procedures. In contrast to existing schemes based on either analytic or purely algebraic approximations, SMASH takes advantage of both approaches and greatly improves efficiency. The algorithm follows a bottom‐up traversal of the tree and is able to perform the operations associated with each node on the same level in parallel. A strong rank‐revealing factorization is applied to the initial analytic approximation in the separation regime so that a special structure is incorporated into the final nested bases. As a consequence, the storage is significantly reduced on one hand and a hierarchy of the original grid is constructed on the other hand. Due to this hierarchy, nested bases at upper levels can be computed in a similar way as the leaf level operations but on coarser grids. The main advantages of SMASH include its simplicity of implementation, its flexibility to construct various hierarchical rank structures, and a low storage cost. The efficiency and robustness of SMASH are demonstrated through various test problems arising from integral equations, structured matrices, etc.
Observer for nonlinear systems with unknown input using mean value theorem and genetic algorithm
Authors: Ben Messaoud Ramzi , Hajji Salah
Published: July 2018

In this note, we consider a new unknown inputs observer design for nonlinear systems. The main idea consists in determining the estimation error and theorem mean value parameters to introduce them into the proposed observer structure. This process is designed on the basis of mean value theorem and genetic algorithm. This observer does not use LMI technique for stability study. The stability study relies on the use of quadratic Lyapunov function. Two numerical examples are provided to show the performance of the proposed approach.
Factors contributing to cancer‐related suicide: A study of root‐cause analysis reports
Authors: Aboumrad Maya , Shiner Brian , Riblet Natalie , Mills Peter D. , Watts Bradley V.
Published: July 2018

Objective

Vast efforts are directed toward curing or prolonging the life of patients with cancer. However, less attention is given to mental health aspects of cancer care, and there is elevated incidence of death by suicide in this population. Evaluating Root Cause Analyses (RCAs) of cancer‐related suicides may further our understanding of system‐level factors that may contribute to suicide in patients with cancer and highlight strategies to mitigate this risk.

Methods

We searched the Veterans Health Administration National Center for Patient Safety RCA database for cancer‐related suicides between 2002 and 2017 to evaluate the context of the suicides and identify root causes and suggested actions. These variables were coded by consensus and evaluated using descriptive statistics.

Results

We identified 64 RCA reports involving cancer‐related suicide; 100% were males of older age. Many suicides occurred during treatment with palliative intent (44%, N = 28). Depression (59%, N = 38), medical comorbidities (59%, N = 38), and pain (47%, N = 30) were common suicide risk factors identified. Most suicides occurred within 7 days of a medical visit (67%, N = 43), especially within the first 24 hours (41%, N = 26). Root causes included a need to improve recognition of triggers for assessment and interdisciplinary communication.

Conclusion

This analysis uncovers opportunities to mitigate risk of death by suicide among patients with cancer. Suggested actions include use of comprehensive cancer centers and development of a distress checklist using information from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines. Further studies should assess additional factors that may increase the risk of other adverse mental health outcomes in this population.
Pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis: Diagnostic evaluation and clinical course
Authors: Liptzin Deborah R. , Baker Christopher D. , Darst Jeffrey R. , Weinman Jason P. , Dishop Megan K. , Galambos Csaba , Brinton John T. , Deterding Robin R.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

We sought to describe the phenotype for patients with P.I.G. including presentation, evaluation, cardiac co‐morbidities, high resolution computed tomography findings, and outcomes.

Methods

With institutional review board approval, we performed a retrospective review of patients with biopsy‐proven P.I.G. Biopsies, high resolution chest computed tomography, and cardiac evaluations were reviewed and characterized by experts in each field.

Results

Sixty‐two percent of the patients were male. The median gestational age was 37 weeks (range 27‐40). The median age at biopsy was 1.6 months (range 0.3‐6 months). Structural heart disease was present in 63% of patients. Pulmonary hypertension (diagnosed by echocardiogram and/or cardiac catheterization) was noted in 38% of patients. Alveolar simplification was present in 79% of patients. Fifty percent of available biopsies revealed patchy disease. An increase in age at biopsy was associated with patchy (vs diffuse) disease. Ninety‐two percent of patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids. Median age at last follow‐up was 1234 days with a range of 37 days to 15 years. At the time of last follow‐up, 12 patients were off all support, eight were on supplemental oxygen, two were mechanically ventilated, one underwent lung transplantation, and one died. CT findings commonly included ground glass opacities (86%) and cystic change (50%).

Conclusions

The P.I.G. phenotype has not been comprehensively described, and poor recognition and misconceptions about P.I.G. persist. P.I.G. is a disease that presents in early infancy, requires significant medical intervention, and frequently is seen in association with alveolar simplification and/or cardiovascular disease. CT findings include ground glass opacities and cysts. Patients should be monitored for pulmonary hypertension. Without life‐threatening comorbidities, many patients do well over time, although respiratory symptoms may persist into adolescence.
Disordered linkers in multidomain allosteric proteins: Entropic effect to favor the open state or enhanced local concentration to favor the closed state?
Authors: Li Maodong , Cao Huaiqing , Lai Luhua , Liu Zhirong
Published: July 2018

There are many multidomain allosteric proteins where an allosteric signal at the allosteric domain modifies the activity of the functional domain. Intrinsically disordered regions (linkers) are widely involved in this kind of regulation process, but the essential role they play therein is not well understood. Here, we investigated the effect of linkers in stabilizing the open or the closed states of multidomain proteins using combined thermodynamic deduction and coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations. We revealed that the influence of linker can be fully characterized by an effective local concentration [B]0. When Kd is smaller than [B]0, the closed state would be favored; while the open state would be preferred when Kd is larger than [B]0. We used four protein systems with markedly different domain–domain binding affinity and structural order/disorder as model systems to understand the relationship between [B]0 and the linker length as well as its flexibility. The linker length is the main practical determinant of [B]0. [B]0 of a flexible linker with 40–60 residues was determined to be in a narrow range of 0.2–0.6 mM, while a too short or too long length would dramatically decrease [B]0. With the revealed [B]0 range, the introduction of a flexible linker makes the regulation of weakly interacting partners possible.
On the design and efficacy assessment of self‐assembling peptide‐based hydrogel‐glycosaminoglycan mixtures for potential repair of early stage cartilage degeneration
Authors: Barco A. , Ingham E. , Fisher J. , Fermor H. , Davies R.P.W.
Published: July 2018

Peptide‐based hydrogels are of interest for their potential use in regenerative medicine. Combining these hydrogels with materials that may enhance their physical and biological properties, such as glycosaminoglycans, has the potential to extend their range of biomedical applications, for example in the repair of early cartilage degeneration. The aim of this study was to combine three self‐assembling peptides (P11‐4, P11‐8, and P11‐12) with chondroitin sulphate at two molar ratios of 1:16 and 1:64 in 130 and 230 mM Na+ salt concentrations. The study investigates the effects of mixing self‐assembling peptide and glycosaminoglycan on the physical and mechanical properties at 37°C. Peptide alone, chondroitin sulphate alone, and peptide in combination with chondroitin sulphate were analysed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to determine the β‐sheet percentage, transmission electron microscopy to determine the fibril morphology, and rheology to determine the elastic and viscous modulus of the materials. All of the variables (peptide, salt concentration, and chondroitin sulphate molar ratio) had an effect on the mechanical properties, β‐sheet formation, and fibril morphology of the hydrogels. P11‐4 and P11‐8‐chondroitin sulphate mixtures, at both molar ratios, were shown to have a high β‐sheet percentage, dense entangled fibrillar networks, as well as high mechanical stiffness in both (130 and 230 mM) Na+ salt solutions when compared with the P11‐12/chondroitin sulphate mixtures. These peptide/chondroitin sulphate hydrogels show promise for biomedical applications in glycosaminoglycan depleted tissues.
Microsolvation of small cations and anions
Authors: Hadad Cacier , Florez Elizabeth , Acelas Nancy , Merino Gabriel , Restrepo Albeiro
Published: July 2018

Recent advances in the theoretical treatment of microsolvation of small ions, a problem with practical implications in chemistry, physics, and biology, are exposed. In particular, we discuss sound stochastic approaches to sample complex energy landscapes and delve into the nature of bonding interactions that dictate both structural and energetical preferences. An in‐depth analysis of the effect of formal charges in the surrounding network of solvent to solvent hydrogen bonds is also presented. The problem, as expected, is more complicated than simple definitions may forecast.
Determination of four main components of gentamicin in animal tissues after solid‐phase extraction by high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Congcong , Hu Jian , Sun Fengmei , Jia Man , Chen Gang , Wu Cuiling , Zheng Lufei
Published: July 2018

Rationale

An analytical method for gentamicin in animal tissues was developed and validated. An alkaline mobile phase with an HPH C8 column was selected so that all the four gentamicin components were retained and eluted without using fluorinated ion‐pairing reagents.

Methods

The method is sufficiently sensitive and highly selective, using a strong cation‐exchange solid‐phase extraction cartridge (PCX) to clean up the samples. Different types of solid‐phase extraction columns and membranes were considered to obtain a high recovery. The method was validated on spiking samples, recovery, inter‐ and intra‐assay variation, to ensure its accuracy and precision.

Results

The LOQ (S/N ≥ 10) for gentamicin in goat meat, liver, kidney and adipose tissue was 25, 50, 30 and 30 ng/g, respectively; the LOD (S/N ≥ 3) was 5, 10, 10 and 10 ng/g, respectively. The recoveries were between 88% and 106%. The method in all animal tissues was calibrated from 10 to 1000 μg/L in the matrix‐assisted standard solution.

Conclusions

The novelty of this method is that the commonly used fluorinated ion‐pairing reagent was not used in the mobile phase in our analysis, greatly reducing the contamination of the ESI source in negative mode. Moreover, the four gentamicin components were clearly separated via chromatographic separation.
Mass spectrometry in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics: Current trends and future perspectives
Authors: Cuyckens Filip
Published: July 2018

Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) is a core scientific discipline within drug discovery and development as well as post‐marketing. It helps to design and select the most promising drug candidate and obtain advanced insights on the processes that control absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of the final drug candidate.

Mass spectrometry is one of the key technologies applied in DMPK. Therefore, the continuous advances made in the field of mass spectrometry also directly impact the way in which we investigate the ADME properties of a compound, providing us with new tools to gather more information or improve our efficiency. An overview will be given of some important current trends and future perspectives in the field.
ℤ2 boundary twist fields and the moduli space of D-branes
Authors: Mattiello Luca , Sachs Ivo
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We revisit the boundary conformal field theory of twist fields. Based on the equivalence between twisted bosons on a circle and the orbifold theory at the critical radius, we provide a bosonized representation of boundary twist fields and thus a free field representation of the latter. One advantage of this formulation is that it considerably simplifies the calculation of correlation functions involving twist fields. At the same time this also gives access to higher order terms in the operator product expansions of the latter which, in turn, allows to explore the moduli space of marginal deformation of bound states of D-branes. In the process we also generalize some results on correlation functions with excited twist fields.