bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subfoveal Choroidal and Macular Thickness Changes after Phacoemulsification Using Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Jiang Huizhong , Li Zhen , Sun Ran , Liu Dachuan , Liu Ningpu
Published: October 2017

Purpose: To assess changes in the thickness of the subfoveal retina and choroid after phacoemulsification using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 100 patients. The subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was measured at 7 points and the retinal thickness was measured at 5 points (before surgery, and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery). Results: The foveal choroidal thickness showed a thickening trend (but p > 0.05). Compared to the change from baseline to day 1, the changes from baseline were significantly different at nasal 3 mm and 6 mm at all other time points (all p < 0.05). Choroidal thickness changes at temporal 6 mm correlated negatively with intraocular pressure (IOP) at 1 week and 1 month; changes at nasal 3 mm correlated negatively with IOP at 1 week and 1 month (all p < 0.05); changes at nasal 3 mm, temporal 3 mm, and temporal 6 mm correlated with average ultrasonic energy. Choroidal thickness changes correlated with ultrasound (US) time at day 1. Conclusions: Uncomplicated phacoemulsification led to changes in choroidal thickness. IOP and choroidal thickness changes were negatively correlated. The foveal retinal thickness was correlated with age. SFCT was correlated with sex, axial length, IOP, and US time.
PI3K/mTOR Inhibitors in the Treatment of Luminal Breast Cancer. Why, When and to Whom
Authors: Schettini Francesco , Buono Giuseppe , Trivedi Meghana V. , De Placido Sabino , Arpino Grazia , Giuliano Mario
Published: October 2017

Estrogen receptor (ER) signaling represents the main driver of tumor growth and survival in luminal breast cancer (BC). Despite the efficacy of endocrine agents, many patients with luminal BC do not respond to endocrine therapy and many others develop endocrine resistance over time, due to the activation of escape pathways such as the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Several clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of mTOR and PI3K inhibitors in overcoming endocrine resistance in hormone receptor-positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic BC (MBC) patients. Nevertheless, to date, everolimus is the only agent targeting the PI3K/mTOR pathway that has been approved for clinical use. Recently, the introduction of CDK 4/6 inhibitors into clinical practice has significantly changed the therapeutic scenarios in luminal MBC. In the absence of direct comparisons among the new treatment combinations and predictive biomarkers of response, the choice of optimal therapeutic algorithms is very challenging. Future trials should focus on identifying more effective and safe combination therapies and defining the best treatment sequences in luminal BC.
Adenovirus-Mediated Expression of BMP-2 and BFGF in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined with Demineralized Bone Matrix For Repair of Femoral Head Osteonecrosis in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Peng Wu-Xun , Wang Lei
Published: October 2017

Background: This study investigated the effect of using adenovirus-mediated expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Ad-BMP-2) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in combination with a demineralized bone matrix (DBM) to repair osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in Beagle dogs. Methods: A total of 30 Beagle dogs were selected for the isolation of BMSCs, which were cultured and transfected with the recombinant adenovirus vector Ad-BMP2-bFGF-GFP (carrying BMP-2 and bFGF) or a control adenovirus plasmid (encoding green fluorescent protein (Ad-GFP)). The expression of the transfected BMP-2 and bFGF proteins was detected by Western blotting. After transfection, the BMSCs were induced to undergo osteoblastic differentiation. The DBM was prepared to construct a DBM/BMSC complex. Beagle models of canine femoral head defects and necrosis were established and divided into control, DBM, DBM/BMSC, vector Ad-BMP2-bFGF-GFP and Ad-GFP groups. The composite graft was then implanted, and new bone morphology was visualized via X-ray at 3, 6 and 12 weeks after the operation. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson’s trichrome staining were used to identify new bone formation. Immunohistochemistry was performed to calculate the density of new blood vessels. The compressive and bending strength of the BMSCs was evaluated at 12 weeks after the operation. Results: BMSCs were successfully isolated. The protein expression of BMP-2 and bFGF was significantly higher in the Ad-BMP-2/bFGF group than the normal and Ad-GFP groups. Compared with the control group, at 12 weeks after the operation, the DBM, DBM/BMSC, vector Ad-BMP2-bFGF-GFP and Ad-GFP groups showed a larger area of new bone, higher X-ray scores, greater neovascularization density, and increased compressive and bending strength. The most significant modifications occurred in thevector Ad-BMP2-bFGF-GFP group. Conclusion: The results indicate that the use of Ad-BMP-2/bFGF-modified BMSCs in conjunction with DBM could successfully repair ONFH in a dog model by promoting bone formation and angiogenesis.
Low Prevalence of Inappropriate Shocks in Patients With Inherited Arrhythmia Syndromes With the Subcutaneous Implantable Defibrillator Single Center Experience and Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: Rudic Boris , Tülümen Erol , Berlin Veronika , Röger Susanne , Stach Ksenija , Liebe Volker , El‐Battrawy Ibrahim , Dösch Christina , Papavassiliu Theano , Akin Ibrahim , Borggrefe Martin , Kuschyk Jürgen
Published: October 2017

Background

Up to 40% of patients with transvenous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator
(ICD)
experience lead‐associated complications and may suffer from high complication rates when lead extraction is indicated. Subcutaneous
ICD
may represent a feasible alternative; however, the efficacy of the subcutaneous
ICD
in the detection and treatment of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with hereditary arrhythmia syndromes has not been fully evaluated.

Methods and Results

Patients with primary hereditary arrhythmia syndromes who fulfilled indication for defibrillator placement were eligible for enrollment. Between 2010 and 2016, 62 consecutive patients with primary hereditary arrhythmia syndromes, without indication for antibradycardia therapy, were enrolled in the study. Mean follow‐up was 31.0±14.2 months. The study cohort comprised of 24 patients with Brugada syndrome, 17 with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, 6 with long‐
QT
syndrome, 1 with short‐
QT
syndrome, 3 with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, 8 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and 3 with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Thirty‐nine patients were implanted for secondary prevention. Twenty‐two patients had a previous transvenous
ICD
implanted, but required revision because of infection or lead defects. A total of 20 spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmias requiring shock intervention occurred in 10 patients during follow‐up. All episodes were terminated within the first
ICD
shock delivery with 80 J. Two patients had inappropriate therapies caused by oversensing following an uneventful implantation. No pocket‐site infections and no premature revisions have occurred during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Our study supports the use of the subcutaneous
ICD
for both secondary and primary prevention of sudden cardiac death as a reliable alternative to the conventional transvenous
ICD
.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Using Quadripolar Versus Non‐Quadripolar Left Ventricular Leads Programmed to Biventricular Pacing With Single‐Site Left Ventricular Pacing: Impact on Survival and Heart Failure Hospitalization
Authors: Leyva Francisco , Zegard Abbasin , Qiu Tian , Acquaye Edmund , Ferrante Gaetano , Walton Jamie , Marshall Howard
Published: October 2017

Background

In cardiac resynchronization therapy (
CRT
), quadripolar (
QUAD
) left ventricular (
LV
) leads are less prone to postoperative complications than non‐
QUAD
leads. Some studies have suggested better clinical outcomes.

Methods and Results

Clinical events were assessed in 847 patients after
CRT
‐pacing or CRT‐defibrillation using either
QUAD
(n=287) or non‐
QUAD
(n=560), programmed to single‐site site
LV
pacing. Over a follow‐up period of 3.2 years (median [interquartile range, 1.90–5.0]),
QUAD
was associated with a lower total mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [
aHR
]: 0.32, 95% confidence interval [
CI
], 0.20–0.52), cardiac mortality (
aHR
: 0.36, 95%
CI
, 0.20–0.65), and heart failure (
HF
) hospitalization (
aHR
: 0.62, 95%
CI
, 0.39–0.99), after adjustment for age, sex, New York Heart Association class,
HF
etiology, device type (
CRT
‐pacing or
CRT
‐defibrillation), comorbidities, atrial rhythm, medication, left ventricular ejection fraction, and creatinine. Death from pump failure was lower with
QUAD
(
aHR
: 0.33; 95%
CI
, 0.18–0.62), but no group differences emerged with respect to sudden cardiac death. There were no differences in implant‐related complications. Re‐interventions for
LV
displacement or phrenic nerve stimulation, which were lower with
QUAD
, predicted total mortality (
aHR
: 1.68, 95%
CI
, 1.11–2.54), cardiac mortality (
aHR
: 2.61, 95%
CI
, 1.66–4.11) and
HF
hospitalization (
aHR
: 2.09, 95% CI, 1.22–3.58).

Conclusions

CRT
using
QUAD
, programmed to biventricular pacing with single‐site
LV
pacing, is associated with a lower total mortality, cardiac mortality, and
HF
hospitalization. These trends were observed for both
CRT
‐defibrillation and
CRT
‐pacing, after adjustment for
HF
cause and other confounders. Re‐intervention for
LV
lead displacement or phrenic nerve stimulation was associated with worse outcomes.
Spiritual Exercises in the Hodayot? 1QHa as Perfective Trajectory
Authors: Leroy Christine
Published: October 2017

Recent scholarship has tended to view the Hodayot from the perspective of their liturgical function. Although the Hodayot are texts that participate in the continuities of late Second Temple wisdom traditions the question of the formative features of the psalms deserves greater critical attention. This article explores the possibility of a pedagogical dimension to the psalms and offers a new direction for understanding the dialogical orientation of the compositions. A cursory review of scholarship in favor of the predominantly liturgical function of the Hodayot follows the introduction. The question of a didactic dimension for 1QHa is then taken up by considering a conceptual parallel to a family of practices observed from the Greco-Roman paideutic tradition. A sequence of psalms is examined to illustrate the pedagogy and function of the prayers from within the broader spectrum of embodied ascetic practices and a perfective trajectory of spiritual exercises directed towards ritual transformation.
Between Theoretical Principles and Practice in Slovene Regulatory Impact Assessment Procedures
Authors: Kovač Polonca
Published: October 2017

Regulatory Impact Assessment (ria) is a system of approaches applied worldwide, which is designed to implement Better and Smart Regulation programs at both the European and national levels, as well as to support reforms aimed at promoting good governance. Its purpose is to enable public consultation in the regulatory cycle and to simplify legislation. To this end, public authorities strive for the implementation of several key principles related to the regulatory process, such as transparency, participation, proportionality, accountability, etc. This article examines the above principles over various stages of the regulatory process, analyzing regulatory stakeholders, the relations between them, and the introduction of ria in administrative procedures. In addition to certain general principles, selected legal sources are considered, particularly with regard to Slovenia, which is used as a case study of compliance with international guidelines by an eu and oecd member. In 2009, the Slovene Parliament adopted the Resolution on Legislative Regulation, followed by adoption of the Government’s Rules of Procedure in pursuing ria in 2010. In order to identify a possible gap between declaratory principles and reality, a study on ria in the Government’s practice was conducted in 2011 and 2016. The results reveal that there is indeed a gap between the goals and principles as set out in the ria meta-regulation and theory and what occurs in reality, which is, furthermore, a condition that does not seem to be improving over time. This article explains the reasons behind such deficiencies and suggests the actions to be taken to bridge the gap and to develop effective public governance in the future. In particular, the deregulation of ria and a further systematic awareness of the role and benefits of ex-ante and ex-post assessment at the political level – and involving all sections of public administration – will need to be strongly enforced in this respect, both in Slovenia and in other countries that face similar circumstances.
Religious Associations as a National Security Threat: The Russian View in Light of European Standards
Authors: Kudriashova Olga
Published: October 2017

This article focuses on the Russian practice of suppressing non-traditional religious associations under the guise of protecting national security. Russian legislation and case law are discussed in light of European standards concerning limitations of human rights, including the principles of legal certainty and proportionality. The author concludes that despite the declaration of the principle of ideological diversity and religious freedom in the Constitution of the Russian Federation (hereinafter, “the rf Constitution”), Russian lawmakers and the judiciary are wary of non-traditional religions, regarding them as a national security threat. This tendency is demonstrated by an analysis of registration requirements, as well as the country’s anti-extremism law and the relevant case law. The author examines the following problems of Russian regulation: the vagueness of the law on which the limitations are based and the weak argumentation of judicial decisions by which limitations are imposed. The author concludes that Russian legislation and the relevant case law strongly deviate from the standards set in the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (echr) and in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). Meanwhile, according to the rf Constitution, the echr is part of the Russian legal system and prevails over Russian laws. The author’s aim is to outline the space provided in Russian law for the abuse of non-traditional religions by Russian authorities.
The Clash of Architects: Impending Developments and Transformations in International Law
Authors: Slawotsky Joel
Published: October 2017

The world stands at the precipice of a transitional moment in the international law writ caused by the reasonable likelihood that new architects will be joining (and eventually supplanting) the present-day architects. Transformative geo-political and economic developments such as obor, the aiib, ndb and the increasing internationalization of the Yuan all herald potentially significant changes to the existing international governance architecture. “Revisionist” states with strong motivations and global ambitions, may will become international law creators as these new architects influence the economic and legal orders. International law is not static and several of the new architects’ customs and norms inherently conflict with current Western ideals. Will international law norms converge? Will Western notions gravitate towards the other spectrum in enlightened self-interest? The impact on international law norms, enforcement, human rights, sustainability, trade and investment treaties and arbitration will be far-reaching. Understanding how this potential re-orientations in power will affect international law is of critical importance.
Description of the helminth communities of sympatric rodents (Muroidea: Cricetidae) from the Atlantic Forest in northeastern Argentina
Authors: PANISSE GUILLERMO , ROBLES MARÍA DEL ROSARIO , DIGIANI MARÍA CELINA , NOTARNICOLA JULIANA , GALLIARI CARLOS , NAVONE GRACIELA TERESA
Published: October 2017

Taxonomic and ecological aspects of the helminths found in the assemblage of sigmodontine rodents (Cricetidae-Muroidea) of the Atlantic Forest in Argentina are studied in this paper. The following species Akodon montensis, Brucepattersonius sp. and Thaptomys nigrita (Tribe Akodontini), as well as, Euryoryzomys russatus, Nectomys squamipes, Oligoryzomys nigripes, and Sooretamys angouya (Tribe Oryzomyini) are analyzed. A complete taxonomic list with a total of 25 species of helminths, including Digenea (Dicrocoeliidae), Cestoda (Hymenolepididae) and Nematoda (Trichuridae, Capillariidae, Cooperidae, Helligmonellidae, Oxyuridae, and Onchocercidae) is provided. Twenty new host and locality records for Misiones, Argentina, are reported and the results of the ecological descriptors of component communities are given. The highest value of richness was observed for A. montensis (S=8) and E. russatus (S=7). The diversity index (H´) reached values between 1.03 and 1.39 in all rodents, with the exception of N. squamipes that reached 0.75. The equitability indeces with highest value were observed for T. nigrita and E. russatus. The Berger-Parker index of dominance was similar for all host species. The highest prevalence, mean abundance and mean intensity values corresponded to Nippostrongylinae, followed by Syphacinii. This survey constitutes the report with the most diverse parasitic assemblage of rodents described for the Atlantic Forest ecoregion and for Argentina.
The current status of Neocnus Arredondo, 1961 (Mammalia: Edentata: Pilosa: Megalonichidae) and a replacement name for its junior homonym in the sea cucumber family Cucumariidae (Echinodermata :Holothuroidea: Dendrochirotida: Cucumariidae)
Authors: THANDAR AHMED S. , VINOLA LAZARO W. V.
Published: October 2017

This short communication addresses the problem associated with the current taxonomic status of the prehistoric edentate genus Neocnus Arredondo, 1961 (with type species Micronocnus gliriformis Matthew, 1931) which has long been considered a senior homonym of the dendrochirotid sea cucumber genus Neocnus Cherbonnier, 1972 (type species Neocnus incubans Cherbonnier, 1972) and replaces the latter (junior homonym) with Incubocnus n.g. The diagnosis of the new genus is the same as the cucumariid Neocnus as amended by O’Loughlin & O’Hara (1992). A brief history of the senior homonym Neocnus (Edentata) is given followed by a short literature survey dealing with its junior homonym.
A new species of Sweltsa (Plecoptera: Chloroperlidae) from China, with a key to the Sweltsa males of China
Authors: CHEN ZHI-TENG , DU YU-ZHOU
Published: October 2017

A new species of the alloperline genus Sweltsa, Sweltsa hamula sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Sichuan Province of southwestern China. The male of the new species is distinguished from other known Chinese Sweltsa species by the hook-shaped apex of the epiproct. A provisional key is presented to the known Sweltsa males from China.
Numerical investigation of the potential contamination of a shallow aquifer in producing coalbed methane
Authors: Su Xianbo , Zhou Fengde , Tyson Stephen
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a study on the impact of well integrity failure on coalbed methane (also known as coal seam gas) production and potential shallow water contamination using numerical simulations with a finite-difference method. Two connection types and 12 cases were simulated: Type A – leakage through cement sheath and Type B – impaired zonal isolation at the aquifer interval. The effect of the distance between the aquifer and the coal seam, drainage area and desorption time on gas and water production was also inspected. Results show that both connection types have strong effects on the gas and water production; the cumulative water and gas production increases with increasing drainage radius; the distance between aquifer and the coal seam has a negative effect on the water production but a negligible effect on the gas production; desorption time, ranging from 5 to 30 days, has a negligible effect on the water and gas production. Connection Type A yields a potential water contamination but connection Type B does not. Gas concentration in the shallow aquifer decreases sharply with an increase of distance away from the producer and the unsafe area are within an area with a radius ranging from approximately 50 m to 90 m away from the producer in this study.
Work and Identity in an Era of Precarious Employment: How Workers Respond to “Personal Branding” Discourse
Authors: Vallas Steven P. , Christin Angèle
Published: October 2017

Recent efforts to understand the significance of precarious work have been limited in at least two important respects. One is the neglect of the ideological constructs that workers are led to embrace concerning the employment relation, and the other is the undertheorized nature of much research in this field. To address these limits, the authors adopt a two-pronged strategy in this article. In empirical terms, the authors focus on an important source of popular thinking about work: the career advice genre, which has recently evolved into a growing literature on “personal branding.” In theoretical terms, the authors appeal to Foucault’s theory of governmentality in order to understand how and why workers respond to personal branding discourses. Data are drawn from two linked qualitative studies bearing on workers employed in distinct settings: freelance journalists in Paris and New York ( N = 101) and a broader set of white-collar employees who have faced market adversity in Boston ( N = 62). Findings reveal that personal branding discourse has become both prevalent and potent, encouraging many workers to conform to what Foucault referred to as the “enterprising self.” Yet the authors also find that workers respond to personal branding in a multiplicity of ways, some of which Foucault left unaddressed. The article thus finds qualified support for Foucault’s arguments but identifies issues—especially that of agency and resistance—which stand in need of additional elaboration.
Informed Consent for Comparative Effectiveness Research Should Not Consider the Risks of the Standard Therapies That Are Being Studied as Risks of the Research
Authors: Lantos John D.
Published: October 2017

There is a debate at the highest levels of government about how to classify the risks of research studies that evaluate therapies that are in widespread use. Should the risks of those therapies be considered as risks of research that is designed to evaluate those therapies? Or not? The Common Rule states, “In evaluating risks and benefits, the IRB should consider only those risks and benefits that may result from the research (as distinguished from risks and benefits of therapies subjects would receive even if not participating in the research).” (CFR 46.111 (a)(2)). By contrast, the Office of Human Research Protections, in a proposed “guidance” states, “The reasonably foreseeable risks of research include already-identified risks of the standards of care being evaluated as a purpose of the research.” (emphasis added).

In this paper, I argue that the Common Rule got it right and OHRP got it wrong. When treatments are in widespread use, the risks of those treatments are ever-present for all patients. By enrolling in formal studies that use rigorous methods to compare one treatment with another and that carefully monitor outcomes and adverse events, patients are protected from the risks of idiosyncratic practice variation. Their risks are decreased, rather than increased.

If OHRP's approach becomes the law of the land, patients will be misinformed about the relative risks of treatment and research in ways that undermine autonomy rather than promoting it and that make truly informed consent impossible.
Healthcare Provider Limitation of Life-Sustaining Treatment without Patient or Surrogate Consent
Authors: Courtwright Andrew , Rubin Emily
Published: October 2017

In June 2015, the major North American and European critical care societies released new joint guidelines that delineate a process-based approach to resolving intractable conflicts over the appropriateness of providing or continuing LST.2 This article frames the new guidelines within the history, ethical arguments, legal landscape, and empirical evidence regarding limitation of LST without surrogate consent in cases of intractable conflict.
Progressive MS trials: Lessons learned
Authors: Tur Carmen , Montalban Xavier
Published: October 2017

Up to very recently, no treatments had proved effective in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). In 2016, four drugs, two tested in phase 3 and two in phase 2 trials, showed a beneficial effect in primary or secondary progressive MS. Although this could indicate a turning point in progressive MS treatment, most of these successes have been modest and mainly restricted to patients with active inflammation, in the context of trials with powerful anti-inflammatory agents. This paper summarises these reasons, particularly focusing on the main lessons learned for the design of future trials. First, a drug’s mechanism of action should tackle the specific pathogenic mechanisms that characterise progressive MS. Second, trial populations where new drugs are to be tested should be carefully chosen, possibly including younger patients with shorter disease durations, which have greater chances of showing active deterioration during the trial, therefore increasing the power to detect treatment effects. Third, outcome measures used in future phase 2 and phase 3 trials should be highly sensitive and be accompanied by smart trial designs.
A CD200R-CD28 fusion protein appropriates an inhibitory signal to enhance T-cell function and therapy of murine leukemia
Authors: Oda Shannon K. , Daman Andrew W. , Garcia Nicolas M. , Wagener Felecia , Schmitt Thomas M. , Tan Xiaoxia , Chapuis Aude G. , Greenberg Philip D.
Published: October 2017

Key Points

IFPs can convert signals from inhibitory ligands into activating signals. Costimulation was most effectively achieved by engineering the IFP to promote the ability to localize in the immunological synapse.
Use of Ketamine in a Multimodal Analgesia Setting for Rapid Opioid Tapering in a Profoundly Opioid-Tolerant Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Strickler Elise M. , Schwenk Eric S. , Cohen Mitchell J. , Viscusi Eugene R.
Published: October 2017

Opioids are frequently used for the treatment of chronic pain, and patients taking high doses are at increased risk of complications and adverse opioid-related events. Ketamine is appealing as an opioid adjunct because of its lack of respiratory depression and potential prevention of hyperalgesia and central sensitization. We present a case in which a ketamine infusion was utilized over a 7-day period to provide rapid taper of a daily dose of 400 mg of morphine equivalents to less than one-third of that dose on discharge with unchanged pain levels and no symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
High diving metabolic rate indicated by high-speed transit to depth in negatively buoyant long-finned pilot whales
Authors: Aoki Kagari , Sato Katsufumi , Isojunno Saana , Narazaki Tomoko , Miller Patrick J. O.
Published: October 2017

To maximize foraging duration at depth, diving mammals are expected to use the lowest cost optimal speed during descent and ascent transit and to minimize the cost of transport by achieving neutral buoyancy. Here, we outfitted 18 deep-diving long-finned pilot whales with multi-sensor data loggers and found indications that their diving strategy is associated with higher costs than those of other deep-diving toothed whales. Theoretical models predict that optimal speed is proportional to (basal metabolic rate/drag)1/3 and therefore to body mass0.05. The transit speed of tagged animals (2.7±0.3 m s−1) was substantially higher than the optimal speed predicted from body mass (1.4–1.7 m s−1). According to the theoretical models, this choice of high transit speed, given a similar drag coefficient (median, 0.0035) to that in other cetaceans, indicated greater basal metabolic costs during diving than for other cetaceans. This could explain the comparatively short duration (8.9±1.5 min) of their deep dives (maximum depth, 444±85 m). Hydrodynamic gliding models indicated negative buoyancy of tissue body density (1038.8±1.6 kg m–3, ±95% credible interval, CI) and similar diving gas volume (34.6±0.6 ml kg−1, ±95% CI) to those in other deep-diving toothed whales. High diving metabolic rate and costly negative buoyancy imply a ‘spend more, gain more’ strategy of long-finned pilot whales, differing from that in other deep-diving toothed whales, which limits the costs of locomotion during foraging. We also found that net buoyancy affected the optimal speed: high transit speeds gradually decreased during ascent as the whales approached neutral buoyancy owing to gas expansion.
Life history adjustments to intestinal inflammation in a gut nematode
Authors: Lippens Cédric , Guivier Emmanuel , Ollivier Anthony , Faivre Bruno , Sorci Gabriele
Published: October 2017

Many parasitic nematodes establish chronic infections. This implies a finely tuned interaction with the host immune response in order to avoid infection clearance. Although a number of immune interference mechanisms have been described in nematodes, how parasites adapt to the immune environment provided by their hosts remains largely unexplored. Here, we used the gastrointestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus to investigate the plasticity of life history traits and immunomodulatory mechanisms in response to intestinal inflammation. We adopted an experimental model of induced colitis and exposed worms to intestinal inflammation at two different developmental stages (larvae and adults). We found that H. polygyrus responded to intestinal inflammation by up-regulating the expression of a candidate gene involved in the interference with the host immune response. Worms infecting mice with colitis also had better infectivity (earlier adult emergence in the intestinal lumen and higher survival) compared with worms infecting control hosts, suggesting that H. polygyrus adjusted its life history schedule in response to intestinal inflammation.
Fatores prognósticos da infeção respiratória aguda baixa grave em crianças menores de 5 anos na Colômbia
Authors: Delgado Romero Andrés Kamilo , Salazar Palechor Yined Marcela , Díaz Rosalba , Solano Victoria Eugenia , Ruiz Beltrán Germán , García Chaves María Andrea , Calvache José Andrés
Published: October 2017

Introdução: a infeção respiratória aguda baixa (IRAB) é um dos principais problemas de saúde pública em crianças menores de 5 anos em países em desenvolvimento. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a incidência, mortalidade e fatores prognósticos em pacientes menores de 5 anos com diagnóstico de IRAB grave em 2 hospitais de referência de Popayán, Colômbia. Materiais e métodos: estudo de coorte. Incluíramse crianças entre 2 meses e 5 anos com diagnóstico de IRAB grave (pneumonia adquirida em comunidade e/ou bronquite). Coletaramse dados sociodemográficos, paraclínicos e de prognóstico. Os desenlaces de interesse foram a incidência de morte, de ingresso a UCI e o tempo de estadia hospitalar. Se realizou uma análise multivariada para avaliar o efeito de fatores prognósticos. Resultados: incluíramse 121 casos. A incidência de irab grave durante seis meses de seguimento foi 4% IC95% [3,3-4,7]. A mortalidade estimada durante o seguimento foi 0,8% IC95% [0,1-4,4] (1 paciente). O 33% de crianças requereu ingresso a ucip. A mediana de hospitalização global foi 5 dias e de estadia na ucip 4 dias. O antecedente de nascimento prétermo associouse de forma independente com o ingresso à UCIP (or=5,1 ic95% [1,3-20] p=0,019). Discussão: a incidência de IRAB grave foi de 4%. A mortalidade associada foi baixa e o tempo de estadia hospitalar curto. Os fatores relacionados à apresentação de IRAB são consistentes com os documentados na literatura nacional e internacional e o único fator prognóstico de importância para ingresso à ucip foi a história de prematuridade.
New NICE guidance aims to help improve ADHD diagnosis
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: October 2017

Children and young people with undiagnosed ADHD are missing out on treatment and support. Dorothy Lepkowska provides an overview of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's new draft guidance on the condition.
Language and labelling used by university students when discussing mental health
Authors: Rodwell Judith , Cole Jenny , Grogan Sarah
Published: October 2017

This study aimed to explore university students' understandings of mental health issues, mental health labels, and their attitudes towards these concepts. Five participants (four women aged 18–20, and one 24-year-old man) discussed in a focus group aspects of their childhood that they considered had affected their attitudes towards mental health and labelling. The three themes produced by inductive thematic analysis were ‘the language and context of labelling’, ‘stereotypes and social stigma’, and ‘personal experiences’. Findings have important implications for school nurses who work in primary schools, and who need to be aware of language use.
Helping children and young people overcome shyness
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: October 2017

It has been estimated that around half the population describes itself as ‘shy’, but in some cases shyness can lead to suffering. Stephanie Thornton looks at some strategies that can be used to help those children and young people who wish to overcome their shyness.
Latest clinical research
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: October 2017

Mark Greener presents key studies published in healthcare journals
The nutritional advantage of cow's milk in children and young people
Authors: Patience Sara
Published: October 2017

Sara Patience examines the nutritional role of milk in the diets of pre-school and adolescent groups
Vitamin D and other supplements: the latest findings
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: October 2017

Mark Greener investigates our changing understanding of this vital nutrient and how to use it
Automatically Determining the Segmentation Lines between Images of Adherent Rice Grains
Authors: Chen Yongming , Lin Ping
Published: October 2017

Abstract.

A new strategy for accurately and automatically determining the segmentation lines between images of adherent rice grains was explored based on the characteristics of contour and the techniques of image analysis. The images were captured by using an optical scanner. The original images of touching rice particles were preprocessed by the techniques of image analysis including de-noise, segmentation, and contour extraction. The extracted contours were smoothed by convoluting with Gaussian kernel. The first-derivative of the smoothed vectors was computed to look for the local peaks which corresponded to the segmentation nodes. A radiate triangle region was proposed to determine the confidence region for the potential matching nodes. The direction of radiate region was determined in terms of the axis tilted from the normal through the curvature center. The nodes which fell into the triangle region might become the candidate matching nodes. The splitting line linking between the matching nodes with the shortest distance was considered as the correct splitting path. The results demonstrated that the proposed method could be successfully used to split the images of touching rice particles. Keywords: Confidence region, Image analysis, Matching, Rice particles, Segmentation.
Economic Analysis of Agricultural Tractors in South Korea: Classified Based on Energy Efficiency Grades
Authors: Shin C S , Kim K U , Kwon Patrick
Published: October 2017

Abstract

. This study involved performing an economic analysis on agricultural tractors classified based on energy efficiency grades using the energy efficiency index. Specifically, 131 models of agricultural tractors commonly used between 2006 and 2010 in South Korea were classified into five categories. The relationship between energy efficiency and economic value was evaluated by a numerical method, and a method of predicting cost and fuel savings based on energy efficiency was developed. Grades of energy efficiency labeled from 1–5 were assumed in order to calculate annual fuel and cost savings. The results indicated that the use of the proposed method resulted in fuel and cost savings given an upgrade from the 5th level of energy efficiency to the 1st level and indicated subsequent improvements with each grade level. This method was applied to data from the year 2008, and total fuel and cost savings were obtained. This indicated that fuel and cost savings in an arbitrary year could be predicted using the proposed method and assuming data from an arbitrary year. Keywords: Agricultural tractors, Economic analysis, Energy efficiency classification grade, Energy efficiency index.
Using Microwave Sensing to Investigate Kernel Moisture Content at the Front and Back of Semitrailers during Peanut Drying
Authors: Lewis Micah A. , Trabelsi Samir , Nelson Stuart O.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Several factors influence the effectiveness of peanut drying. Such factors include temperature and relative humidity of the air used for aeration, air velocity through the peanuts, and the presence of foreign material that could obstruct air flow. All of these factors can vary at any location in a semitrailer holding 20 to 25 tons of peanuts being dried. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that a volume of peanuts >71 m3 (2500 ft3) will dry uniformly. During the drying process, an operator removes samples of peanuts for kernel moisture content testing every 3 to 4 h to validate the estimated drying time determined by peanut-drying models used in the peanut industry. However, if samples are only taken from one location, it is likely that other locations differ in kernel moisture content. To investigate kernel moisture content near the front and back of the semitrailer, two peanut drying monitoring systems, each equipped with a microwave moisture sensor, were deployed at a peanut buying point in central Georgia during the 2014 and 2015 peanut harvest seasons. Each system monitored in-shell kernel moisture content and drying parameters in real-time, every 12 s. In-shell kernel moisture content was determined with a standard error of prediction of 0.55% moisture when compared to the reference oven-drying moisture tests. The two monitoring systems were placed in 13.7-m (45-ft) drying semitrailers, one 3 m (10 ft) from the front and the other 3 m (10 ft) from the back. Data from the measurements were time-stamped and reconciled accordingly, and they were analyzed to compare the moisture loss in real-time at both locations in the trailer. The 12-s resolution provided a continuous moisture profile to analyze rather than the discrete profile currently provided by sampling every few hours. Results show that moisture loss, and therefore resulting kernel moisture content, can vary from one end of the trailer to the other during peanut drying. Therefore, systems that monitor peanut drying at various locations throughout the semitrailer would improve peanut drying efficiency. Keywords: Dielectric properties, In-shell kernel moisture content, Microwave sensing, Peanut drying, Real-time monitoring, Sensors.
An Overhead Optical Yield Monitor for a Sugarcane Harvester Based on Two Optical Distance Sensors Mounted above the Loading Elevator
Authors: Price Randy R. , Johnson Richard M. , Viator Ryan P.
Published: October 2017

Abstract

. A yield monitor was constructed for a billet-type sugarcane harvester that uses two laser distance sensors mounted above the loading elevator to measure the height and length of the billet piles per slat. By using this method, a volume-to-mass relationship can be established for the weight flow of sugarcane through the combine for the measurement of yield. Testing of the system indicated that the cumulative billet pile length had the best relationship to harvested weight with a linear line relationship and coefficients of determinations ranging from 0.93 and 0.97. Estimated yields matched actual yields very well with a 0.99 slope and a coefficient of determination of 0.87 and yields were predicted to be within 7.3 metric tons/ha of actual values. Material height did not perform as well as material length and exhibited a power-type curve relationship to harvested weight with coefficients of determination ranging from 0.66 to 0.93, and estimated yields only matched actual yields with a coefficient of determination of 0.46. A third parameter, the product of material height to material length, also returned a power-type curve relationship to harvested weight with coefficients of determination ranging from 0.74 to 0.96 and yield comparisons for this parameter achieved a coefficient of determination of 0.74 which was better than the material height alone, but not as good as material length by itself. Statistical testing indicated that variances in material length were strongly correlated to material flow, but not to sugarcane variety, direction of cut, nor day of testing. Sample analysis indicated that the monitor can predict yields to within 2.2 metric tons/ha of actual values on 0.4 ha (or larger) precision farming blocks. Installation times were fast, easy, and can be performed in the field with little changes to the combine as the sensor bar merely clamps to the upper rails of the elevator. This yield monitoring system may provide yield monitoring in sugarcane on a per field basis that is easy-to-mount, non-contact, and robust from dirt and debris. Keywords: GPS, Harvesting, Precision agriculture, Sugarcane, Yield monitor.
X-Ray Detection of Fissures in Rough Rice Kernels
Authors: Odek Zephania R. , Prakash Bhagwati , Siebenmorgen Terry J.
Published: October 2017

Abstract.

X-ray imaging is a viable method of fissure detection in rough rice kernels owing to the ability of X-rays to penetrate hulls, thus allowing visualization of internal rice kernel structure. Traditional methods of fissure detection are only applicable for brown and milled rice, and therefore cannot be used to study fissures developed during rough rice drying. In this study, the fissure detection capability of an X-ray system was evaluated and the relationship between head rice yield (HRY), as measured through laboratory milling, and the percentage of fissured rough rice kernels was determined. Long-grain rice lots of various cultivars were dried using heated air at 60°C, 10% relative humidity (RH) for five drying durations to produce different degrees of fissuring, and then milled to determine HRY. A strong linear correlation (R2 = 0.95) between HRY and the percentage of fissured rough rice kernels after drying was determined. This correlation confirms the substantial impact that kernel fissures have on milling yields. Overall, these findings show the effectiveness of X-ray imaging in rough rice fissure detection, which could allow for drying research that may provide a better understanding of kernel fissuring kinetics. Keywords: Fissures, Grainscope, Head rice yield, Rice drying, X-ray imaging.
Systematic Review and Metaanalysis Comparing the Bias and Accuracy of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration Equations in Community-Based Populations
Authors: McFadden Emily C , Hirst Jennifer A , Verbakel Jan Y , McLellan Julie H , Hobbs F D Richard , Stevens Richard J , O'Callaghan Chris A , Lasserson Daniel S
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

The majority of patients with chronic kidney disease are diagnosed and monitored in primary care. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a key marker of renal function, but direct measurement is invasive; in routine practice, equations are used for estimated GFR (eGFR) from serum creatinine. We systematically assessed bias and accuracy of commonly used eGFR equations in populations relevant to primary care.

CONTENT

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies comparing measured GFR (mGFR) with eGFR in adult populations comparable to primary care and reporting both the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations based on standardized creatinine measurements. We pooled data on mean bias (difference between eGFR and mGFR) and on mean accuracy (proportion of eGFR within 30% of mGFR) using a random-effects inverse-variance weighted metaanalysis. We included 48 studies of 26875 patients that reported data on bias and/or accuracy. Metaanalysis of within-study comparisons in which both formulae were tested on the same patient cohorts using isotope dilution-mass spectrometry-traceable creatinine showed a lower mean bias in eGFR using CKD-EPI of 2.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI, 1.1–3.2; 30 studies; I2 = 74.4%) and a higher mean accuracy of CKD-EPI of 2.7% (1.6–3.8; 47 studies; I2 = 55.5%). Metaregression showed that in both equations bias and accuracy favored the CKD-EPI equation at higher mGFR values.

Both equations underestimated mGFR, but CKD-EPI gave more accurate estimates of GFR.
La semiótica plástica de Algirdas Julien Greimas aplicada a la obra bidimensional La Danza Barnes (1932-1933) de Henri Matisse
Authors: Sainz Gil Ana María
Published: October 2017

La semiótica no es un acto de lectura; sino una actitud de exploración de lo que hay de fondo en toda significación, sus raíces y las maquinarias que la sostienen. La semiótica plástica de Algirdas Julien Greimas entra dentro de las tecnologías blandas que pueden ser exploradas para protegerse del agotamiento de los recursos de las prácticas artísticas. El artículo fundador de A.J. Greimas ‘Semiótica figurativa y semiótica plástica’, es la base de este trabajo donde se expone pormenorizadamente como se articula el plano de la expresión y su correspondiente articulación del plano del contenido en una obra bidimensional. El artista Henrri Matisse analizó, reflexionó y racionalizó sobre arte con su práctica pictórica, su manera de trabajar era similar a la de un semiólogo, por eso se ha elegido a este genio del arte para poner en práctica la teoría del semiólogo Greimas, su obra La Danza Barnes (1932-1933), es clave en su trayectoria artística. Con este análisis ponemos en práctica la teoría de Greimas sobre la semiótica generativa del lenguaje plástico para entender cómo funciona, experimentar con ella y llegar a ser capaces de utilizarla de manera empoderada.
El espacio perdido: Tácticas de contracultura en el arte (2016)
Authors: Pérez Suárez Ventura Alejandro
Published: October 2017

El presente documento analiza la contracultura y cultura de masas bajo la espacialidad. Esta segunda mantendrá su posicionamiento central absorbiendo subculturas y bloqueando contraculturas por medio de métodos de indefinición como la asimilación, coerción y ocultamiento. En estos procesos se parte de diferentes críticos como G. Cortés, Sennett, Roszak, Comité Invisible y las obras propuestas de Paula Artés y Leendert van der Meer, que trabajan desde el espacio como modelo crítico contracultural. De este modo y por un lado, "L.2/86" de Artés se establecerá como un desmantelamiento de aquella estructura cultural basada en la vigilancia especializada. Por otro lado, "Claimming Space" de van der Meer tomará la videocámara como herramienta legada de una arquitectura de control, para finalmente intervenir y retomar el espacio público de manera subversiva.
Ziberfeminismoa, politika identitarioen desegite eta berregitea
Authors: Iragüen Zabala Oihane
Published: October 2017

Ziberfeminismoak artea eta teknologiaren arteko harremanak zehazten eta eraldatzen ditu, nahiz eta esparru ezberdin bi hauek kontrakoen itxura euki gaur egun euren arteko harremana geroz eta estuagoa da, postmodernitatean eta posthumanitatean euren arteko mugak bat egiten dute. Ziberfeminismoak artearen bitartez kontraesanak azaleratzen ditu, semiotikaren aldakortasuna gailentzen du, harremanak eraldatzen eta eztabaidatzen ditu, identitateen eta mugen plastikotasunarekin jokatzen du eta arauen elastikotasunaren hausturara eramaten du edo eraman beharko luke.