bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tibiofemoral Instability After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: Posterior-Stabilized Implants for Obese Patients
Authors: Can Ata , Erdogan Fahri , Erdogan Ayse Ovul
Published: June 2017

Tibiofemoral instability is a common complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), accounting for up to 22% of all revision procedures. Instability is the second most common cause of revision in the first 5 years after primary TKA. In this study, 13 knees with tibiofemoral instability after TKA were identified among 693 consecutive primary TKA procedures. Patient demographics, body mass index, clinical symptoms, previous deformity, previous knee surgery, complications, interval between index TKA and first tibiofemoral instability, causes of instability, and interval between index TKA and revision TKA were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale. All patients were women, and mean body mass index was 37.7 kg/m
2
(range, 27.2–52.6 kg/m
2
). Mean interval between index TKA and first tibiofemoral instability was 23.4 months (range, 9–45 months), and mean interval between index TKA and revision TKA was 25.6 months (range, 14–48 months). All patients had posterior cruciate ligament-retaining implants. Of the 13 knees, 11 had flexion instability and 2 had global instability. In all patients, instability was caused by incompetence of the posterior cruciate ligament; additionally, 1 patient had undersized and malpositioned implants. In 4 knees, the polyethylene insert was broken as well. All patients underwent revision TKA. Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale score had improved from a mean of 35.8 (range, 30–46) to a mean of 68.3 (range, 66–76). All patients included in this study were female and obese. The main cause of instability was secondary posterior cruciate ligament rupture and incompetence. The use of posterior-stabilized implants for primary TKA may prevent secondary instability in obese patients. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(5):e812–e819.]
Abnormal Spontaneous Brain Activity in Patients With Anisometropic Amblyopia Using Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Tang Angcang , Chen Taolin , Zhang Junran , Gong Qiyong , Liu Longqian
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To explore the abnormality of spontaneous activity in patients with anisometropic amblyopia under resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (Rs-fMRI).

Methods:

Twenty-four participants were split into two groups. The anisometropic amblyopia group had 10 patients, all of whom had anisometropic amblyopia of the right eye, and the control group had 14 healthy subjects. All participants underwent Rs-fMRI scanning. Measurement of amplitude of low frequency fluctuations of the brain, which is a measure of the amplitudes of spontaneous brain activity, was used to investigate brain changes between the anisometropic amblyopia and control groups.

Results:

Compared with an age- and gender-matched control group, the anisometropic amblyopia group showed increased amplitude of low frequency fluctuations of spontaneous brain activity in the left superior temporal gyrus, the left inferior parietal lobe, the left pons, and the right inferior semi-lunar lobe. The anisometropic amblyopia group also showed decreased amplitude of low frequency fluctuations in the bilateral medial frontal gyrus.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated abnormal spontaneous brain activities in patients with anisometropic amblyopia under Rs-fMRI, and these abnormalities might contribute to the neuropathological mechanisms of anisometropic amblyopia.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2017;54(5):303–310.]
IL-17 Receptor A Maintains and Protects the Skin Barrier To Prevent Allergic Skin Inflammation
Authors: Floudas Achilleas , Saunders Sean P. , Moran Tara , Schwartz Christian , Hams Emily , Fitzgerald Denise C. , Johnston James A. , Ogg Graham S. , McKenzie Andrew N. , Walsh Patrick T. , Fallon Padraic G.
Published: June 2017

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease affecting up to 20% of children and 3% of adults worldwide and is associated with dysregulation of the skin barrier. Although type 2 responses are implicated in AD, emerging evidence indicates a potential role for the IL-17A signaling axis in AD pathogenesis. In this study we show that in the filaggrin mutant mouse model of spontaneous AD, IL-17RA deficiency (Il17ra−/−) resulted in severe exacerbation of skin inflammation. Interestingly, Il17ra−/− mice without the filaggrin mutation also developed spontaneous progressive skin inflammation with eosinophilia, as well as increased levels of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and IL-5 in the skin. Il17ra−/− mice have a defective skin barrier with altered filaggrin expression. The barrier dysregulation and spontaneous skin inflammation in Il17ra−/− mice was dependent on TSLP, but not the other alarmins IL-25 and IL-33. The associated skin inflammation was mediated by IL-5–expressing pathogenic effector Th2 cells and was independent of TCRγδ T cells and IL-22. An absence of IL-17RA in nonhematopoietic cells, but not in the hematopoietic cells, was required for the development of spontaneous skin inflammation. Skin microbiome dysbiosis developed in the absence of IL-17RA, with antibiotic intervention resulting in significant amelioration of skin inflammation and reductions in skin-infiltrating pathogenic effector Th2 cells and TSLP. This study describes a previously unappreciated protective role for IL-17RA signaling in regulation of the skin barrier and maintenance of skin immune homeostasis.
Cutting Edge: The Aging Immune System Reveals the Biological Impact of Direct Antigen Presentation on CD8 T Cell Responses
Authors: Uhrlaub Jennifer L. , Smithey Megan J. , Nikolich-Žugich Janko
Published: June 2017

The vertebrate immune system uses multiple, sometimes redundant, mechanisms to contain pathogenic microorganisms that are always evolving to evade host defenses. Thus, the cowpox virus (CPXV) uses genes encoding CPXV12 and CPXV203 to prevent direct MHC class I presentation of viral peptides by infected cells. However, CD8 T cells are effectively primed against CPXV by cross-presentation of viral Ags in young mice. Old mice accumulate defects in both CD8 T cell activation and cross-presentation. Using a double-deletion mutant (∆12∆203) of CPXV, we show that direct priming of CD8 T cells in old mice yields superior recall responses, establishing a key contribution of this mechanism to host antipoxvirus responses and enhancing our fundamental understanding of how viral manipulation of direct presentation impacts pathogenesis. This also provides a proof of principle that suboptimal CD8 T cell in old organisms can be optimized by manipulating Ag presentation, with implications for vaccine design.
Thalidomide for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due to Angiodysplasia in a Patient with Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia
Authors: Duarte Bruno , de Souza Silvia , Costa-Lima Carolina , Medina Samuel , Ozelo Margareth
Published: June 2017

Angiodysplasia is a frequent cause of persistent gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage in elderly patients. Although GI bleeding isn’t the most common manifestation in patients with bleeding disorders, when present, it represents a challenging complication. We describe a 62-year-old patient with Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia, who used thalidomide for severe and recurrent GI bleeding. For 6 months, the patient experienced temporary control of GI bleeding with thalidomide in a daily oral dose of 100 mg. The anti-angiogenic effects of thalidomide have recently been explored by several groups, particularly in the management of bleeding from angiodysplasia, including cases with von Willebrand disease. Here, we review the relevant descriptions of the use of thalidomide in this situation, and also discuss potential reasons why we observed only a temporary control of the GI bleeding in our patient, such as the use of low-dose regimen due to limitations posed by thalidomide side effects.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis Mimicking Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Delayed Diagnosis?
Authors: Koker Sultan Aydin , Gözmen Salih , Oymak Yeşim , Karapinar Tuba Hilkay , Can Demet , Genç Sinan , Vergin Raziye Canan
Published: June 2017

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is an uncommon chronic disorder in children. It is characterized by recurrent pulmonary hemorrhage and may result in hemoptysis and pulmonary insufficiency. The most common hematologic manifestation of IPH is iron deficiency anemia. The etiology of IPH is not known and its diagnosis may be difficult due to the variable clinical courses. The most helpful signs for identifying IPH are iron deficiency anemia and recurrent or chronic cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea, wheezing. We report here 5 pediatric cases of IPH presenting with iron deficiency anemia and without pulmonary symptoms. Mean corpuscular volume was low in all patients; iron was low in 4 out of 5 cases; total iron binding capacity was high in all of them; ferritin was low in 3 patients. At follow up, none of them had responded successfully to the iron therapy. Although they didn’t present with pulmonary symptoms, chest radiographs incidentally revealed diffuse reticulonoduler shadows in all of them. Computed tomography revealed diffuse ground-glass opacities, consolidation, increased density. The diagnosis was confirmed by the detection of hemosiderinladen macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and gastric aspirate. If patients with iron deficiency anemia don’t respond to iron therapy, they should be examined for IPH. Chest radiographs should be taken even in absence of pulmonary symptoms. Early diagnosis is important for a timely management of IPH.
Bridging-to-Transplant with Azacitidine for Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Reduces the Incidence of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease
Authors: Murakami Koichi , Ueno Hironori , Okabe Takashi , Kagoo Toshiya , Boku Saigen , Yano Takahiro , Yokoyama Akihiro
Published: June 2017

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is the only curative option for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Azacitidine (AZA) has a good toxicity profile compared with intensive chemotherapy and can be considered a pre-transplant regimen in elderly patients and in patients with comorbidities. To investigate the impact of pre-transplant AZA on patient outcome after allo-SCT, we conducted a retrospective analysis of AZA pre-treatment followed by allo-SCT in patients with high-risk MDS and AML. Twenty patients who were divided into two groups according to AZA treatment given prior to allo-SCT (AZA vs non- AZA group, 10 each). Overall survival, event-free survival and incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were not significantly different between the two groups. The overall incidence of grade II to IV acute GVHD in the AZA group was significantly lower than that in the non-AZA group (p = 0.004). Bridging to transplant with AZA should be considered as an immunomodulator and effective treatment strategy for patients with MDS and AML.
Antiretroviral Therapy Containing Raltegravir to Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Infected Pregnant Women
Authors: Cecchini Diego M. , Martinez Marina G. , Morganti Laura M. , Rodriguez Claudia G.
Published: June 2017

We conducted a retrospective study in a general hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina (2009-2015) aimed at evaluating outcomes in HIV-infected pregnant women (HIPW), who were prescribed raltegravir (RAL)- containing antiretroviral therapy (ART). A total of 239 HIPW were enrolled in our study; among them 31 received RAL (12.9%) at different clinical stages: i) intensification (INS): addition of RAL to current ART because of detectable antepartum viral load, 13 (41.9%); ii) late presenter (LP): standard ART + RAL as fourth drug, 15 (48.4%); iii) treatment of resistant-HIV: 3 (9.7%). Median gestational age at RAL initiation was 34 weeks and median exposure was 30 days. In INS-group, median viral load (VL) decrease was 1.48 log10. In LPgroup, median VL decline was 2.15 log10. No clinical adverse events or maternal intolerance attributable to RAL were observed. Elective cesarean section was done in 51.7%; mild elevation of transaminases was observed in 35% of neonates. No vertical transmission was documented.
On the shape of the free boundary of variational inequalities with gradient constraints
Authors: Safdari Mohammad
Published: June 2017

In this article we derive an estimate on the number of local maxima of the free boundary of the minimizer of

I[v]:=\int_{U}\frac{1}{2}|Dv|^{2}-\eta v\,dx,

subject to the pointwise gradient constraint

(|D_{1}v|^{q}+|D_{2}v|^{q})^{\frac{1}{q}}\le1.

This also gives an estimate on the number of connected components of the free boundary. In addition, we further study the free boundary when

U

is a polygon with some symmetry.
Weak solutions to thin-film equations with contact-line friction
Authors: Chiricotto Maria , Giacomelli Lorenzo
Published: June 2017

We consider the thin-film equation with a prototypical contact-line condition modeling the effect of frictional forces at the contact line where liquid, solid, and air meet. We show that such condition, relating flux with contact angle, naturally emerges from applying a thermodynamic argument due to Weiqing Ren and Weinan E [Commun. Math. Sci. 9 (2011), 597–606] directly into the framework of lubrication approximation. For the resulting free boundary problem, we prove global existence of weak solutions, as well as global existence and uniqueness of approximating solutions which satisfy the contact line condition pointwise. The analysis crucially relies on new contractivity estimates for the location of the free boundary.
Convergence of thresholding schemes incorporating bulk effects
Authors: Laux Tim , Swartz Drew
Published: June 2017

In this paper we establish the convergence of three computational algorithms for interface motion in a multi-phase system, which incorporate bulk effects. The algorithms considered fall under the classification of thresholding schemes, in the spirit of the celebrated Merriman–Bence–Osher algorithm for producing an interface moving by mean curvature. The schemes considered here all incorporate either a local force coming from an energy in the bulk, or a non-local force coming from a volume constraint. We first establish the convergence of a scheme proposed by Ruuth-Wetton for approximating volume-preserving mean-curvature flow. Next we study a scheme for the geometric flow generated by surface tension plus bulk energy. Here the limit is motion by mean curvature (MMC) plus forcing term. Last we consider a thresholding scheme for simulating grain growth in a polycrystal surrounded by air, which incorporates boundary effects on the solid-vapor interface. The limiting flow is MMC on the inner grain boundaries, and volume-preserving MMC on the solid-vapor interface.
Use of Fellow as Clinical Teacher (FACT) Curriculum for Teaching During Consultation: Effect on Subspecialty Fellow Teaching Skills
Authors: Miloslavsky Eli M. , Degnan Kathleen , McNeill Jenna , McSparron Jakob I.
Published: June 2017

Background

Subspecialty consultation in inpatient care is increasing. Teaching by subspecialty fellows in a consultation setting may be an important source of work-based learning for students and residents. However, teaching and evaluation of learners in this context may be challenging due to personal and systems-based barriers.

Objective

We developed and evaluated a framework designed to overcome barriers to teaching and to improve fellow teaching skills during inpatient consultation.

Methods

The PARTNER (Partner with resident, Assess the learner, Reinforce positives, Teaching objectives, New knowledge, Execute recommendations, Review) framework was delivered to rheumatology and pulmonary and critical care medicine fellows at 3 academic medical centers as part of a 2-session Fellow as Clinical Teacher (FACT) curriculum. Fellows' teaching skills were evaluated using an objective structured teaching exercise (OSTE) pre- and postcurriculum, and at the end of the academic year. Self-assessment surveys were used to evaluate fellows' self-perception of teaching skills.

Results

Twelve of 16 eligible fellows (75%) participated in the program and completed 73 OSTE cases. Teaching skills measured by OSTEs and self-assessment surveys improved after administration of the FACT curriculum. There was no significant skill decay at the end-of-year evaluation. The curriculum was rated highly, and 73% (8 of 11) of fellows stated they would teach more frequently as a result of the intervention.

Conclusions

The FACT curriculum was practical and feasible, and significantly improved fellows' teaching skills teaching during inpatient consultation.
Temporal variability of tidal and gravity waves during a record long 10 day continuous lidar sounding
Authors: Baumgarten Kathrin , Gerding Michael , Baumgarten Gerd , Lübken Franz-Josef
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Gravity waves (GW) as well as solar tides are a key driving mechanism for the circulation in the Earth's atmosphere. The propagation of gravity waves is strongly infected by tidal waves as they modulate the mean background wind field and vice versa, which is not yet fully understood and not implemented in many circulation models. The daylight capable Rayleigh-Mie-Raman (RMR) lidar at Kühlungsborn (54° N, 12° E) typically provides temperature data to investigate both wave phenomena during one full day or several consecutive days in the middle atmosphere between 30 and 75 km altitude. Outstanding weather conditions in May 2016 allowed for an unprecedented 10-day continuous lidar measurement which shows a large variability of gravity waves and tides on time scales of days. Using a 1-dimensional spectral filtering technique, gravity and tidal waves are separated according to their specific periods or vertical wavelengths, and their temporal evolution is studied. During the measurement a strong 24 h-wave occurs only between 40 and 60 km and vanishes after a few days. The disappearance is related to an enhancement of gravity waves with periods of 4–8 h. Wind data provided by ECMWF are used to analyze the meteorological situation at our site. The local wind structure changes during the observation period, which leads to different propagation conditions for gravity waves in the last days of the measurement and therefore a strong GW activity. The analysis indicates a further change in wave-wave interaction resulting in a minimum of the 24 h tide. The observed variability of tides and gravity waves on timescales of a few days clearly demonstrates the importance of continuous measurements with high temporal and spatial resolution to detect interaction phenomena, which can help to improve parametrization schemes of GW in general circulation models.
Formulation of scale transformation in a stochastic data assimilation framework
Authors: Liu Feng , Li Xin
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Understanding the errors caused by spatial-scale transformation in Earth observations and simulations requires a rigorous definition of scale. These errors are also an important component of representativeness errors in data assimilation. Several relevant studies have been conducted, but the theory of the scale associated with representativeness errors is still not well developed. We addressed these problems by reformulating the data assimilation framework using measure theory and stochastic calculus. First, measure theory is used to propose that the spatial scale is a Lebesgue measure with respect to the observation footprint or model unit, and the Lebesgue integration by substitution is used to describe the scale transformation. Second, a scale-dependent geophysical variable is defined to consider the heterogeneities and dynamic processes. Finally, the structures of the scale-dependent errors are studied in the Bayesian framework of data assimilation based on stochastic calculus. All the results were presented on the condition that the scale is one-dimensional, and the variations in these errors depend on the differences between scales. This new formulation provides a more general framework to understand the representativeness error in a non-linear and stochastic sense and is a promising way to address the spatial-scale issue.
Water flow in the active layer along an arctic slope – An investigation based on a field campaign and model simulations
Authors: Zastruzny Sebastian F. , Elberling Bo , Nielsen Lars , Jensen Karsten H.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. As climate conditions change, the hydrological regime in the active layer is subject to change too. This influences the transport of solutes and the availability of nutrients, e.g. nitrogen particularly, along slopes. There is a lack of understanding the pathways and travel times of water and nutrients along slopes in discontinuous permafrost regions and how to scale changes along transects to the rest of the landscape. This study presents a comprehensive data set of a field site in Disko Island in Greenland aiming at constructing a hydrological model of the area. Data from automated weather stations, geophysical surveys, soil samples and soil sensors and tracer experiments are combined to describe the spatial variability in the field and to serve as input to a two-dimensional model (SUTRA) for simulating water and solute transport in the summer period. The model is calibrated and validated against volumetric water content and breakthrough curves of the applied tracers. Observed and simulated results suggest that the flow velocity in the active layer is directly influenced by annual precipitation patterns leading to water flow during the summer and rapid movement at the end of summer. Yearly travel times for the specific field site are simulated to be approximately 14 m/a and the highest peak velocities are most likely caused by preferential flow paths. The spatial heterogeneities linked to the frost topography seem to control the direction and velocity of flow. The observed discontinuous movement of a conservative tracer suggests that the movement of dissolved nitrogen compounds such as nitrate, being released along the slope in consequence of permafrost thawing, could possibly quickly influence nitrogen cycling at the end of the slope. This may trigger a feedback of climate changes in terms of increasing carbon sequestration due to additional plant growth in these otherwise nitrogen-limited Arctic ecosystems.
Skank, or the Queer Fascination with Animalic Notes in Contemporary Niche Perfume
Authors: Jensen Lee
Published: June 2017

This article looks at the popularity and overt foregrounding of animalic notes in contemporary niche perfume. Although the natural animal notes are rarely used in contemporary perfume and are usually replaced by synthetic aroma chemicals, the idea of them still intrigues. This article proposes the importance of understanding this desire for the animalic in terms of the psychology of disgust, theories of the abject, and a Western history of scatologic art. It examines some of the spaces and places in which the author encounters perfume and the related affects. The article also proposes that the fascination with animalic fragrance also speaks to the ontology of the sense of smell, a fragile ontology that rests on the unreliable narration of memory. The possibility of developing a queer understanding of this subjectively disrupting fascination with the animalic through the lens of postcontinental queer theories is examined.
Non-Identifiability of Simultaneous Spatial Autoregressive Model and Singularity of Fisher Information Matrix
Authors: Rikimaru Yuuki , Shibata Ritei
Published: June 2017

Simultaneous spatial autoregressive model is widely used for spatial data analysis, observed at a set of grid points in a space. However a problem, not so well known, is that there exists no unique model unlike time series AR model for given autocovariances or spectral density. We show that such a non-identifiability of the model implies existence of multiple maximum likelihood estimates under Gaussianity and causes non-estimability of parameters and the singularity of Fisher information matrix. Several types of necessary and sufficient conditions for the singularity are given.
Yes or no to no oral modification clauses?
Authors: Van Wechem T.H.M. , Schelhaas H.N.
Published: June 2017

Ja of Nee, geen clausules voor mondelinge wijziging?

Clausules waarin vooraf afspraken worden gemaakt over vormvereisten waaraan toekomstige wijzingen van de gemaakte afspraken moeten voldoen, zogenoemde NOM-clausules, laten zich lastig juridische plaatsen. Wat gaat vóór: de oude afspraak die aangeeft dat een nieuwe afspraak slechts schriftelijk kan worden gemaakt, of de nieuwe mondelinge afspraak waarbij klaarblijkelijk van de oude is afgeweken? In het artikel wordt min of meer aangegeven dat het hiervoor bedoelde ‘klaarblijkelijk’ het scharnierelement is. Om vast te stellen of partijen een nieuwe afspraak hebben willen maken, dient met precisie naar artikel 3:35 BW te worden gekeken. Volgens de auteurs zal het antwoord op voornoemde vraag afhangen van het ‘gerechtvaardigd’ vertrouwen dat in de nieuwe situatie al dan niet is opgewekt.
De uitleg van een olympische Topsportersovereenkomst: Van Gelder/NOC*NSF onder de loep
Authors: de Vlieger M.A.
Published: June 2017

De uitleg van een olympische Topsportersovereenkomst: Van Gelder/NOC*NSF onder de loep

In Van Gelder/NOC*NSF heeft de rechter marginaal getoetst of NOC*NSF in redelijkheid tot zijn besluit had kunnen komen om Van Gelder uit te sluiten van verdere deelname aan de Olympische Spelen. De auteur analyseert de juistheid van die normtoepassing. Hij concludeert dat een onjuiste maatstaf is toegepast; tussen partijen gold een Topsportersovereenkomst, en uitleg van die overeenkomst met toepassing van de Haviltex-norm was geboden. Het artikel is relevant voor NOC*NSF en atleten: dient NOC*NSF zijn contracten met olympische atleten te herzien en waar moeten atleten zich van vergewissen?
Houd de vertegenwoordiger kort aangelijnd
Authors: Spanjaard J.H.M.
Published: June 2017

Houd de vertegenwoordiger kort aangelijnd

Op 3 februari 2017 wees de Hoge Raad twee arresten over de schijn van volmachtverlening. In deze arresten stond de vraag centraal wanneer van toerekening sprake kan zijn. Het antwoord: als feiten en omstandigheden aanwezig zijn die aan de achterman kunnen worden toegerekend. Deze arresten worden besproken tegen hun dogmatische achtergrond en in vergelijking met de aansprakelijkheid voor bodes en met het geval waarin is onderhandeld met een voorbehoud.
Comparative Study Between Zero-Order Spectra-Processing and Ratio Spectra-Manipulating Methods Applied for the Determination of Isoxsuprine Hydrochloride in the Presence of Its Oxidative Degradation Product
Authors: Attia Khalid A M , El-Abassawi Nasr M A , Said Ragab A M , El-Olemy Ahmed , Ramzy Sherif
Published: June 2017

Four accurate, precise, and validated stability-indicating spectrophotometric methods handling either zero-order spectra or ratio spectra have been developed and compared for the analysis of isoxsuprine hydrochloride (ISX) in the presence of its oxidative degradation product. The first two methods processed zero-order spectra, namely graphical absorbance ratio or Q-Analysis and area under the curve, whereas the third and fourth methods manipulated ratio spectra, namely the ratio difference spectrophotometric method and derivative ratio. The proposed methods showed good linearity in the range of 2–23 µg/mL. The methods were tested for specificity using laboratory-prepared mixtures containing the drug and its degradation product. The proposed methods were applied for the determination of ISX in Vascular tablets and the obtained results were acceptable, with small percentage RSD values. The validity of the proposed procedures was further assessed by applying the standard addition technique, which showed no interference from excipients. The obtained results were statistically compared with those obtained by the reported method, showing no significant differences when t- and F-tests were applied.
Determination of Several Element Levels in Hardaliye Beverages Using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry After Ultrasound-Probe Extraction
Authors: Bakircioglu Dilek , Topraksever Nukte , Kurtulus Yasemin Bakircioglu
Published: June 2017

In the present study, concentrations of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), and zinc (Zn) in hardaliye samples produced in Turkey were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after ultrasound probe extraction (UPE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and wet extraction procedures. At present, there is limited work in the literature on UPE for the determination of trace elements in beverage samples. Our single-correlation analysis showed that the elements studied with the UPE method in hardaliye were strongly correlated with the MAE procedure. The parameters affecting the UPE experimental conditions—such as ultrasound amplitude, sonication time, sample amount, extractant type, and volume—were studied. Optimal experimental conditions for the extraction of the metals with the UPE procedure were as follows: 2 min of sonication; 30% amplitude; 3 mL sample volume;5% HNO3 extraction solution; and 1 mL extractant volume for Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn, Na, and Zn in thehardaliye samples. The results in the hardaliye samples in minimum–maximum mg/L with the UPE procedure were 33–63 for Ca, 0.10–0.27 forCu, 3.9–14.4 for Mg, 1.0–3.2 for Mn,32–58 for Na, and 0.39–1.1 for Zn. LODs were 0.0032, 0.012, 0.013, 0.009, 0.011, and 0.008 mg/L for Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn, Na, and Zn, respectively. The accuracy of the method was verified with a recovery test (in which recoveries between 95 and 110% wereobserved) and application to a NIST 1643e certified sample (trace elements in water). The UPE procedure was found to be fast, accurate, and simple, with fewer contaminants and lower concentrated reagent consumption in comparison with conventional extraction procedures.
Structure, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of HVOF Sprayed (WC-Co+Al) Composite Coating on Ductile Cast Iron
Authors: Ksiazek Marzanna , Boron Lukasz , Richert Maria , Grzelka Ryszard
Published: June 2017

The paper presents the results of examinations of WC-Co coating sprayed on ductile cast iron by high velocity oxygen fuel spray process (HVOF) with powder containing Al particles in an amount of 10%. The impact of Al particles added to the tungsten carbide coating on the structure, mechanical and tribological properties in the system of (WC-C)/ductile cast iron was examined. The microstructure of the thermal sprayed WC-Co+Al coating was characterized by light, scanning electron (SEM) and transmission electron (TEM) microscopes as well as the analysis of chemical and phase composition in micro areas (EDS, XRD). It was found that by supersonic thermal spraying with WC-Co powders with the addition of Al particles, the coatings of low porosity, high hardness, a very good adhesion to the substrate, compact structure with molten Al particles and finely fragmented WC particles embedded in a cobalt matrix, reaching the nanocrystalline sizes were obtained.
Moreover, the results were discussed in reference to examination of bending strength considering cracking and delamination in the system of (WC-Co+Al)/ductile cast iron as well as hardness and wear resistance of the coating. It was found that the addition of Al particles was significantly increase resistance to cracking and wear behaviour in the studied system
Microlecture stylistique de Claude Simon
Authors: Zemmour David
Published: June 2017

Les romans de Claude Simon revêtent une dimension fondamentalement holistique en vertu de laquelle toutes les composantes de l’écriture (thématiques, mais aussi énonciatives, syntaxiques ou encore figurales) entrent en résonance les unes avec les autres pour oeuvrer à l’expression d’une certaine vision du monde hantée par une émotion particulière. Le phénomène est ici illustré à partir de l’étude stylistique d’une page de La bataille de Pharsale (1969) en vue de démontrer, s’agissant de ce roman, que ces résonances entretiennent une tension récurrente entre identité et altérité et permettent au « je » de se dire en creux sur le mode du contournement, dont les manifestations en myriades de réverbérations protéiformes sont constitutives d’une écriture de l’obsession.
Lire Claude Simon lisant Proust
Authors: Genin Christine
Published: June 2017

Comme Roland Barthes, Claude Simon aurait pu écrire « Proust, c’est ce qui me vient », tant Marcel Proust est omniprésent dans l’ensemble de son oeuvre, se cache dans la plupart de ses recoins, les plus lumineux comme les plus sombres. Qu’il le prenne comme modèle de ses propres expérimentations dans ses entretiens, puise dans son oeuvre des leçons de composition, partage avec lui le goût des métaphores, déstructure et parodie ses analyses psychologiques, en fasse un personnage de ses romans, le regarde travailler et relire ses épreuves ou décrive avec lyrisme ses phrases « d’une mortelle somptuosité », il semble le lire et le relire sans fin. En suivant quelques fils de lecture, qui parfois s’entremêlent — la mémoire, les haies d’aubépines, les rats, la peinture ou les poissons cathédrales —, cet article tente de lire Simon lisant Proust, de lire Proust écrit par Simon, de lire Simon en prenant par Proust, de (re)lire Proust à travers Simon, etc.
Modèles littéraires de l’art contemporain : Marcelline Delbecq lectrice de Claude Simon ?
Authors: Mougin Pascal
Published: June 2017

L’influence de Claude Simon sur les artistes contemporains est moins perceptible que celle, entre autres, de Beckett, Duras ou Robbe-Grillet. L’absence de relations directes, malgré les occasions de rencontre, entre Simon lui-même et les artistes des dernières avant-gardes du xxe siècle, explique sans doute en partie le phénomène. Reste que des échos simoniens se font entendre dans le travail de l’artiste française Marcelline Delbecq (en particulier Blackout, 2011). Les similitudes stylistiques (métalepse, flottement énonciatif et ambivalence sémiotique) et thématiques (autour de la production des simulacres) signent l’air de famille derrière l’inversion des enjeux et des effets : chez le romancier, une écriture du monde tel qu’il est, tournée vers l’énigme de la présence et de la représentation ; chez Delbecq, un dispositif de projection fictionnelle, pariant sur l’absence et la ténuité suggestive. Si le sous-texte simonien n’est pas revendiqué par l’artiste, il n’en est pas moins significatif d’une filiation culturelle dont les relais sont à rechercher, d’une manière large et diffuse, dans la réception du Nouveau roman par le minimalisme américain des années 1960, et, d’une manière plus étroite et spécifique, dans une double lecture de Merleau-Ponty, ascendant commun expliquant aussi bien la proximité que les différences entre Delbecq et Simon.
La surface et son envers. Poésie et poétique chez Robert Melançon
Authors: Dumont François
Published: June 2017

Depuis 1978, Robert Melançon a fait paraître de nombreux recueils de poèmes qui constituent une oeuvre cohérente associant l’écriture de la poésie au développement d’une poétique. Celle-ci prend la forme de fragments d’« art poétique » intégrés aux poèmes et d’un certain nombre d’essais. Axée sur l’observation, la poésie de Melançon s’attache d’abord, dans les premiers recueils, à définir ses propres limites, en mettant en oeuvre une critique de la subjectivité, dont la conception est ensuite renouvelée par la pratique du renga, en collaboration avec Jacques Brault. Dans la suite de l’oeuvre, les formes traditionnelles du vers régulier, puis du sonnet, prendront valeur de médiations fondamentales, au même titre que la référence à la peinture et la recherche des fondements de nombreuses oeuvres poétiques, de provenances et d’époques très diverses. Au fil du développement de l’oeuvre, la négativité, tout en restant présente, accorde de plus en plus de place à l’acceptation des limites de la poésie.
Diversity analysis of gut microbiota in osteoporosis and osteopenia patients
Authors: Wang Jihan , Wang Yangyang , Gao Wenjie , Wang Biao , Zhao Heping , Zeng Yuhong , Ji Yanhong , Hao Dingjun
Published: June 2017

Some evidence suggests that bone health can be regulated by gut microbiota. To better understand this, we performed 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing to analyze the intestinal microbial diversity in primary osteoporosis (OP) patients, osteopenia (ON) patients and normal controls (NC). We observed an inverse correlation between the number of bacterial taxa and the value of bone mineral density. The diversity estimators in the OP and ON groups were increased compared with those in the NC group. Beta diversity analyses based on hierarchical clustering and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) could discriminate the NC samples from OP and ON samples. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria constituted the four dominant phyla in all samples. Proportion of Firmicutes was significantly higher and Bacteroidetes was significantly lower in OP samples than that in NC samples (p < 0.05), Gemmatimonadetes and Chloroflexi were significantly different between OP and NC group as well as between ON and NC group (p < 0.01). A total of 21 genera with proportions above 1% were detected and Bacteroides accounted for the largest proportion in all samples. The Blautia, Parabacteroides and Ruminococcaceae genera differed significantly between the OP and NC group (p < 0.05). Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) results showed one phylum community and seven phylum communities were enriched in ON and OP, respectively. Thirty-five genus communities, five genus communities and two genus communities were enriched in OP, ON and NC, respectively. The results of this study indicate that gut microbiota may be a critical factor in osteoporosis development, which can further help us search for novel biomarkers of gut microbiota in OP and understand the interaction between gut microbiota and bone health.
Annual Wellness Visits and Early Dementia Diagnosis Among Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Tzeng Huey-Ming , Raji Mukaila A. , Shan Yong , Cram Peter , Kuo Yong-Fang
Published: October 2024

Importance

Early recognition of cognitive impairment is key to optimal dementia care. No previous research has examined the probability of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) at 5-year follow-up among older adult Medicare beneficiaries by receipt of an annual wellness visit (AWV).

Objective

To assess the association of incident AWV with the first ADRD or MCI diagnosis among older adults with Medicare fee-for-service benefits.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective population-based cohort study used 100% Texas fee-for-service Medicare data from 2015 to 2022. Participants comprised 549 516 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged 68 years or older in 2018, with complete Medicare fee-for-service Parts A and B and no Medicare Advantage plan enrollment for 2015 to 2018.

Exposure

Medicare AWVs.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The first MCI or ADRD diagnosis (reported as MCI or ADRD diagnosis, MCI diagnosis, and ADRD diagnosis) from the AWV index date in 2018 through December 31, 2022.

Results

In this cohort study of 549 516 Medicare beneficiaries with no diagnosis of MCI or ADRD in 2015 to 2017 (mean [SD] age, 76.7 [6.6] years; 289 932 women [52.8%]), 66 433 (12.1%) had an incident AWV in 2018. Annual wellness visit recipients were more likely than those who did not receive an AWV to be female, to be non-Hispanic White (followed by Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and other), to have more education, to reside in a metropolitan area, to have more comorbidities, and to have a primary care professional in the 12 months before the AWV index date. After propensity score matching, AWV receipt was associated with a 21% increase in MCI diagnosis (hazard ratio, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.16-1.27]) and a 4% increase in ADRD diagnosis (hazard ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.02-1.06]). The increase in MCI diagnosis associated with AWV was larger when the AWV was censored or treated as a time-dependent covariate in the follow-up period.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings indicate that AWV recipients had a timelier first MCI diagnosis than those who did not receive an AWV, but first ADRD diagnosis differed little. This study suggests that the Medicare AWV health policy may increase MCI identification, prompting more specialized care.
Risk for Suicide Attempts Assessed Using the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 Modified for Teens
Authors: Tsui Fuchiang , Ruiz Victor M. , Ryan Neal D. , Shi Lingyun , Melhem Nadine M. , Young Jami F. , Davis Molly , Gibbons Robert , Brent David A.
Published: October 2024

Importance

Suicide is a leading cause of death in US youths.

Objective

To assess whether screening with supplemental items 10 to 13 on the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 modified for teens (PHQ-9M) improves prediction of youth suicide attempts beyond the information provided by the first 9 items alone (the PHQ-9).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used a retrospective cohort of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years who were screened for depression in outpatient facilities within a pediatric health care system between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2022, with up to 1 year of follow-up to assess the occurrence of suicidal behavior. Follow-up was completed on December 31, 2023.

Exposure

Screening with the PHQ-9M.

Main Outcomes and Measures

This study developed and compared prediction using 3 Cox proportional hazards regression models (CR-9, CR-13, and CR-3) of subsequent suicide attempts, determined by the hospital’s electronic health records up to 1 year following the last PHQ-9M screening. The CR-9 model used the PHQ-9 and the CR-13 model used all 13 items of PHQ-9M. The CR-3 model used the 3 most impactful variables selected from the 13 PHQ-9M items and PHQ-9 total score. All models were evaluated across 4 prediction horizons (30, 90, 180, and 365 days) following PHQ-9M screenings. Evaluation metrics were the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and the area under the precision recall curve (AUPRC).

Results

Of 130 028 outpatients (65 520 [50.4%] male) with 272 402 PHQ-9M screenings, 549 (0.4%) had subsequent suicide attempts within 1 year following the PHQ-9M screening. The AUROC of the CR-9 model in the 365-day horizon was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.75-0.79); of the CR-13 model, 0.80 (95% CI, 0.78-0.82); and of the CR-3 model, 0.79 (95% CI, 0.76-0.81); the AUPRC of the CR-9 model was 0.02 (95% CI, 0.02-0.03); of the CR-13 model, 0.03 (95% CI, 0.02-0.03); and of the CR-3 model, 0.02 (95% CI, 0.02-0.03). The 3 most impactful items using adjusted hazard ratios were supplemental item 13 (lifetime suicide attempts; 3.06 [95% CI, 2.47-3.80]), supplemental item 10 (depressed mood severity in the past year; 2.99 [95% CI, 2.32-3.86]), and supplemental item 12 (serious suicidal ideation in the past month; 1.63 [95% CI, 1.25-2.12]). All of the models achieved higher AUROCs as prediction horizons shortened.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of adolescent PHQ-9M screenings, the supplemental items on PHQ-9M screening improved prediction of youth suicide attempts compared with screening using the PHQ-9 across all prediction horizons, suggesting that PHQ-9M screening should be considered during outpatient visits to improve prediction of suicide attempts.
Utility of automated CT perfusion software in acute ischemic stroke with large and medium vessel occlusion
Authors: Ashayeri Ahmadabad Rezan , Tran Kim H. , Zhang Yiran , Kate Mahesh P. , Mishra Sachin , Buck Brian H. , Khan Khurshid A. , Rempel Jeremy , Albers Gregory W. , Shuaib Ashfaq
Published: October 2024

Background

Early diagnosis of large vessel occlusion (LVO) in acute stroke often requires CT angiography (CTA). Automated CT perfusion (CTP) software, which identifies blood flow abnormalities, enhances LVO diagnosis and patient selection for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). This study evaluates the sensitivity of automated CTP images in detecting perfusion abnormalities in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and LVO or medium vessel occlusion (MeVO), compared to CTA.

Methods

We screened acute ischemic stroke patients presenting within 24 h who underwent CT, CTA, and CTP as per institutional protocol. RAPID AI software processed CTP images, while neuroradiologists reviewed CTA for intracranial arterial occlusions. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of automated CTP maps in detecting occlusions were assessed.

Results

Of 790 screened patients, 31 were excluded due to lack of RAPID CTP data or poor‐quality scans, leaving 759 for analysis. The median age was 71 years (IQR: 61–81), with 47% female. Among them, 678 had AIS, and 81 had AIS ruled out. CTA identified arterial occlusion in 562 patients (74%), with corresponding CTP abnormalities in 537 patients (Tmax > 6 sec). In the 197 without occlusion, CTP was negative in 161. Automated CTP maps had a sensitivity of 95.55% (CI 95: 93.50–97.10%), specificity of 81.73% (CI 95: 75.61–86.86%), negative predictive value of 98.22% (CI 95: 97.39–98.79%), positive predictive value of 63.54% (CI 95: 56.46–70.09%), and overall accuracy of 85.18% (CI 95: 82.45–87.64%).

Conclusions

Automated CTP maps demonstrated high sensitivity and negative predictive value for LVOs and MeVOs, suggesting their usefulness as a rapid diagnostic tool, especially in settings without expert neuroradiologists.
Low‐Temperature Sodium–Sulfur Batteries Enabled by Ionic Liquid in Localized High Concentration Electrolytes
Authors: Guo Dong , Wang Jiaao , Cui Zehao , Shi Zixiong , Henkelman Graeme , Alshareef Husam N. , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: October 2024

Low ionic migration and compromised interfacial stability pose challenges for low‐temperature batteries. In this work, we discovered that even with the state‐of‐the‐art localized high‐concentration electrolytes (LHCEs), uncontrolled Na electrodeposition occurs with a huge overpotential of >1.2 V at −20 °C, leading to cell failure within tens of hours. To address this, we introduce a new electrolyte category that incorporates an ionic liquid as a key solvation species. Diverging from traditional LHCEs, the IL‐tailored LHCE facilitates an anion–solvent‐molecules exchange within the solvation sheath between Na+ and organic cations at low temperatures. This behavior reduces solvation cluster size and strengthens Na+–anion coordination, which proves instrumental in enabling fast ionic dynamics in both the bulk liquid and at the interface. Therefore, durable Na electrodeposition and shuttle‐free, 0.5 Ah sodium–sulfur pouch cells are achieved at −20 °C, for the first time, surpassing the limitations of typical LHCEs. This tailoring strategy opens a  new design direction for advanced batteries operating in fast‐charge and wide‐temperature scenarios.