bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurocognitive Dysfunction in HIV-Infected Youth: Investigating the Relationship with Immune Activation
Authors: Eckard Allison Ross , Rosebush Julia C , O'Riordan Mary Ann , Graves Chanda C , Alexander Ashley , Grover Anita K , Lee S Thera , Habib Jakob G , Ruff Joshua H , Chahroudi Ann , McComsey Grace A
Published: March 2017

Background

HIV-infected individuals are at increased risk of neurocognitive impairment compared to the general population. Studies suggest that, despite combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV infection causes immune activation which results in neural damage; however, few data exist in HIV-infected youth.

Methods

HIV-infected youth 8–26-years-old on cART with virological suppression were prospectively enrolled along with healthy controls. Neurocognitive performance was assessed by age-appropriate Wechsler Intelligence Scales. Soluble and cellular markers of T-lymphocyte and monocyte activation were measured by ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively.

Results

45 HIV-infected subjects and 21 controls were enrolled. Markers of T-cell and monocyte activation were higher in the HIV-infected subjects compared to controls, but proportions of inflammatory and patrolling monocytes were similar. Although there were no significant differences in neurocognitive scores between the HIV-infected and control groups, scores were low-average for four of five testing domains for the HIV-infected subjects and average for all five in the controls, and % of HIV-infected subjects with scores classified as ‘low average’ or below was higher than in the controls. Variables most associated with neurocognitive performance among HIV-infected subjects included activated CD4+ T-cells (% CD4+CD38+HLA-DR), monocyte activation (soluble CD14), HIV duration, age and sex.

Conclusions

HIV-infected youth on cART with virological suppression show subtle evidence of neurocognitive impairment compared to healthy controls, and increased immune activation appears to play a role. Additional studies are needed to develop strategic interventions beyond cART to potentially improve neurocognitive performance and/or minimize further impairment in this vulnerable population. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01523496.
Peramivir Susceptibilities of Recombinant Influenza A and B Variants Selected with Various Neuraminidase Inhibitors
Authors: Fage Clément , Tu Véronique , Carbonneau Julie , Abed Yacine , Boivin Guy
Published: March 2017

Background

Peramivir is a parenteral neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) approved for treating influenza infections in a few countries. We determined peramivir susceptibilities of several uncharacterized influenza A and B neuraminidase (NA) and haemagglutinin (HA) mutants selected with different NAIs.

Methods

Recombinant wild-type (WT) and mutant NA proteins were expressed in 293T cells and susceptibility to peramivir, oseltamivir and zanamivir was determined by NA inhibition assay using the MUNANA substrate. Recombinant/reassortant influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and B HA mutants were rescued by reverse genetics and assessed by plaque size or viral yield assays for drug susceptibility.

Results

Recombinant R152K, I222K/T, G248R+I266V, Q312R+I427T and R371K (A[H1N1]pdm09); E41G, 1222L/V, Q226H and S247P (A[H3N2]) and D198Y, A246D/S/T and G402S (B) mutant NA proteins (N2 numbering) were analysed. Peramivir exhibited the lowest IC50 values against both influenza A and B WT NAs. Peramivir and oseltamivir generally shared similar phenotypes. Of note, peramivir retained activity against I222K/T (A[H1N1]pdm09), I222L/V (A[H3N2]) and A246T (B) mutants, which had reduced inhibition (RI) or highly RI (HRI) against oseltamivir. Cross-RI/HRI against the three NAIs was observed for R152K, R371K and Q312R+I427T (A[H1N1]pdm09); S247P (A[H3N2]) and D198Y (B) mutants. All tested recombinant/reassortant R208K (A/ Puerto Rico/8/34 [H1N1]); A28T, R124M and K189E (A/ Victoria/3/75 [H3N2]) and T139N (B/Phuket/3073/13) HA mutants were susceptible to peramivir in cell culture experiments.

Conclusions

Peramivir is highly active against seasonal influenza subtypes. Although peramivir and oseltamivir generally share similar phenotypes, peramivir still possesses activity against some variants with RI/HRI against oseltamivir. Finally, NAI-induced HA substitutions alone did not significantly impact NAI susceptibility.
Correlation between Soil-Transmitted Helminths Infection and Serum Iron Level among Primary School Children in Medan
Authors: Arrasyid Nurfida Khairina , Sinambela Monica Nadya , Tala Zaimah Z. , Darlan Dewi Masyithah , Warli Syah Mirsya
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND: The latest estimates indicate that more than 2 billion people worldwide are infected by Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH). The burden of STH infection is mainly attributed to the chronic effect on health and quality of life of those infected. It is also contributed to micronutrient deficiencies such as iron-deficiency anaemia. The prevalence of worm infection in Public Primary School students in Medan was quite high (40.3%), and 33.3% was anaemic in the latest study.AIM: To determine the correlation between STH infection with serum iron (SI) level on primary school children, as well as to determine the prevalence of SI level and worm infection, and the type of worm that infects the most of them.METHODS: This study was conducted in the cross-sectional method. Consecutive sampling technique was used and a total of 132 students age 8-12 years old were included. The study took places in Public Primary School 060925 Amplas, Medan and 101747 Hamparan Perak, Deli Serdang throughout May-October 2016. Fisher Exact test was used to analyse the correlation between STH infection and SI level.RESULTS: The prevalence of STH infection was 7.6%, and low SI was 11.4%.CONCLUSION: There was no significant correlation between STH infection and SI level (P = 0.317). The prevalence of low SI level was not significantly dependent on STH infection (RP = 1.877, 95% CI = 0.481-7.181).
No Association between 25 (OH) Vitamin D Level And Hypothyroidism among Females
Authors: Musa Imad R. , Gasim Gasim I. , Khan Sajjad , Ibrahim Ibrahim A. , Abo-alazm Hamdi , Adam Ishag
Published: March 2017

AIM: The aim was to investigate serum vitamin D (25-OH) level among females with hypothyroidism.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study (58 in each arm) was conducted in Arar Central Hospital, Kingdom Saudi Arabia. The cases were females with hypothyroidism, and healthy females were controls. TSH, thyroid hormones: Free T3 (FT3) and Free T4 (FT4) and haemoglobin levels were measured in all participants. Serum vitamin D (25-OH) level was measured using the spectrophotometry.RESULTS: While there was no significant difference in the age and haemoglobin level, body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in the cases. Compared with the controls, cases had significantly higher TSH, had significantly lower T4, and there was no significant difference in FT3 and 25 (OH) vitamin D, [16.1 (8.8-26.7) vs. 14.0 (9.5-20.3 ng/ml; P = 0.577]. Linear regression showed no association between, age, BMI, haemoglobin, TSH, FT3, FT4 and the log of 25 (OH) vitamin D levels.CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in vitamin D level among females with hypothyroidism and healthy controls.
Leptin and Lipid Profile in Overweight Patient with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Abd El Dayem Soha M. , Abd El Kader Mona , Ibrahim Soheir , Mokhtar Enas , Abd El Megeed Eman
Published: March 2017

AIM: To evaluate leptin and lipid profile in overweight patients with type 1 diabetes.PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 50 overweight patients with type 1 diabetes and 50 age and sex matched healthy controls. Blood samples were taken for evaluation of glycosylated haemoglobin, lipid profile and leptin. Also, urine samples were taken for evaluation of albumin/creatinine ratio.RESULTS: Leptin level was significantly lower in overweight with type 1 diabetes and showed a significant positive correlation with hip circumference and body mass index and negative correlation with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Leptin level was significantly lower in overweight diabetic patients with HbA1c > 7.5 %. The best cut-off point between overweight diabetic group and control group regarding leptin levels was found at 16.9 (ng/ml) with a sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 56%, area under the curve 0.623.CONCLUSION: Leptin levels were found to be low in overweight patients with type 1 diabetes and showed correlation with the body mass index and hip circumference. LDL was significantly higher while HDL was significantly lower in the diabetic, overweight group indicating increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Leptin level in overweight diabetic patients might be related to the metabolic control.
Factors Influencing Antenatal Haematinics Prescription Behaviour of Physicians in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Akpan Ubong Bassey , Agan Thomas Udagor , Monjok Emmanuel , Okpara Chinedu , Etuk Saturday
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND: Routine iron and folic acid supplementation in pregnancy have been proved to be effective in reducing the prevalence and morbidities of anaemia. However, there is limited data regarding the prescription habits of physician obstetric care givers.AIM: This study set to investigate the attitudes and factors which influence the practice among physicians in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey was conducted among randomly recruited physician offering antenatal services between August and September 2015. Systemic sampling was used to select 70 doctors in the departmental duty roster. Data were presented in percentages and proportion. Chi-square test was used to test the association between variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.RESULTS: The response rate was 100%. The mean age of the respondents was 30.26 Â± 6.67 years. All the respondents routinely prescribed haematinics to pregnant women but 34.3% of them did not prescribe to apparently healthy clients in their first trimester. Only 30% and 11.4% of them prescribed it in the postnatal and preconception periods respectively. Brands that contained iron, folate and vitamins as a single capsule were mostly favoured, and information about brands of drugs was mostly provided by the pharmaceutical sales representatives. Younger doctors were more likely to offer haematinics with nutritional counselling compared to older respondents. However, there was no significant relationship between haematinics prescription and sex (p = 0.3560), Age (p = 0.839), current professional status (p = 0.783), and client complaint of side effect of medication (p = 0.23). Oral medication was mostly utilised.CONCLUSION: Effort to effectively control anaemia in pregnancy should involve re-orientation of physician obstetric care providers especially about prenatal and postnatal medication and counselling.
La croissance de Micro et Très Petites Entreprises féminines au Cameroun : une analyse par les modes de financement
Authors: Kaoutoing Sadjo , Maï Django Wambé Thérèse , Hourenatou
Published: March 2017

Au premier rang des préoccupations actuelles de la recherche dans le domaine du financement de la Micro et Très Petite Entreprise (MTPE) africaine, figure, notamment, l’évaluation des parts occupées par les circuits institutionnels (officiels) et par les réseaux informels, ainsi que l’appréciation du potentiel de soutien dynamique aux activités d’entreprise représenté par les institutions de micro finance (IMF). Une enquête menée au Cameroun, auprès des femmes propriétaires de micro et très petites entreprises, met en évidence le rôle essentiel joué par le mode de financement (formel et informel) pour la croissance. Après une enquête réalisée auprès de 74 MTPE féminines, il en ressort que ce type d’entreprise a une préférence pour le financement informel. Cette recherche montre aussi la relation positive qui existe entre le financement informel et la croissance des MTPE féminines. Ce résultat diffère avec l’idée de Guérin (2001) selon laquelle le financement informel contribue faiblement au financement des besoins en fonds de roulement, à la croissance et à l’extension des TPE.
Déploiement de la RSE dans les projets événementiels, une analyse à partir de la théorie de l’acteur-réseau
Authors: Clergeau Cécile , Paulus Krystel
Published: March 2017

Cette recherche propose de s’appuyer sur la théorie de l’acteur-réseau pour comprendre les démarches RSE dans l’évènementiel, démarches que nous considérons comme un processus de traduction. Elle s’appuie sur une étude de cas : celui d’une société d’économie mixte, regroupant un centre de congrès et un parc d’expositions, qui s’est engagée dans une démarche RSE. L’analyse a porté sur cette démarche et l’éco-socio-conception d’un des salons organisés. Notre étude se focalise sur le processus de traduction de la RSE dans l’entreprise considérée et au sein du réseau des parties prenantes du salon. Nous analysons les modalités de la conduite du changement induit par la démarche RSE dans le cadre inter-organisationnel de l’événement et mettons en avant les controverses soulevées.
Intégration des innovations Web : défi relevé pour les OGD français ?
Authors: Zaman Mustafeed , Botti Laurent , Boulin Jean-Luc , Corne Aurélie
Published: March 2017

Cet article concerne la capacité des Organismes de Gestion de Destination (OGD) français à intégrer les innovations Web. La question de recherche tire sa légitimité de la nécessité pour ces organisations de s’adapter aux usages contemporains des touristes. Ceux-ci sont fortement documentés par la littérature qui fait état d’une autonomisation croissante des touristes vis-à-vis des voyagistes classiques. Les sites Web d’OGD interviennent de fait comme l’outil principal de la promotion des destinations touristiques. Pour atteindre son objectif, l’article propose dans un premier temps un cadre d’analyse des sites Web des 30 destinations touristiques les plus visitées en France. Il emploie ensuite une méthode multicritères d’aide à la décision, la méthode TOPSIS, et mobilise les nombres flous pour analyser dans quelle mesure les sites des OGD correspondent à un idéal en termes d’innovation Web. Le résultat donne un classement des 30 sites Web d’OGD selon leur innovativité définie sur la base de 6 critères et de 13 sous-critères. Les résultats laissent apparaître une hétérogénéité certaine dans le caractère innovant des sites Web d’OGD traduisant des degrés différents d’adaptation aux changements de comportement de la clientèle touristique. L’article n’apporte donc pas de réponse tranchée à la question posée et interroge in fine les facteurs d’adoption de l’innovation Web dans les organisations que sont les OGD.
Stratégies d’acteurs et démarche prospective : Essai de formalisation des mécanismes de pouvoir au sein du secteur touristique marocain
Authors: Belfellah Younes , Gassemi Karim
Published: March 2017

Cet article représente une analyse approfondie des jeux des acteurs au sien du secteur touristique marocain. Une étude empirique a été conduite auprès des acteurs du secteur en suivant la démarche Mactor (Méthode Acteurs, Objectifs, Rapports de force) afin d’analyser la structure des influences entre les acteurs et de définir la position de chacun d’eux vis-à-vis des objectifs. Les résultats obtenus montrent une gestion participative du secteur patentée par le ministère et la représentation des professionnels, mais aussi un besoin immense de transparence, d’organisation du pouvoir et de dynamisation afin d’avoir des répercussions positives sur la performance du secteur touristique. Nous avons terminé ce travail par des scénarios proposés en tant que des perspectives de développement du secteur touristique marocain.
Performance du bouche à oreille sur la visite d’une exposition : une interaction socialement déterminée
Authors: Sommier Béatrice
Published: March 2017

Cet article s’intéresse à la compréhension du bouche à oreille dans le management des activités culturelles. Il s’inscrit dans le champ du marketing. L’objectif est de comprendre l’influence du bouche à oreille sur la visite d’une exposition temporaire. L’article s’appuie sur une méthodologie ethnographique. Il envisage le bouche à oreille à un niveau microsocial telle une interaction sociale de type performance théâtrale dont l’influence provient de la qualité de jeu d’un acteur proche sentimentalement et considéré comme expert par son public. L’article adopte ensuite une perspective macrosociale et démontre que l’influence du bouche à oreille est indissociable des conditions sociales de production de ce discours issu de personnes disposant d’une position dominante dans le champ, liée à un fort capital culturel.
La mobilisation des outils de contrôle de gestion et la socialisation des administrateurs : le cas d’une banque coopérative
Authors: Marsal Christine
Published: March 2017

L’objectif de cet article est de comprendre comment les outils de contrôle de gestion influencent les connaissances et les perceptions des administrateurs d’une banque coopérative. Nous montrons que les dispositifs mis en place, réduisent les biais cognitifs entre dirigeants et élus, et génèrent de l’apprentissage organisationnel au sens de Nonaka et Takeuchi (1995) ce qui conduit à la socialisation des administrateurs.
Efecto de la velocidad de rotación y la indentación en soldadura de punto por fricción agitación de aleaciones de aluminio disimilares
Authors: Piccini Joaquín M. , Svoboda Hernán G.
Published: March 2017

En los últimos años, dentro de a la industria automotriz, se busca introducir partes de aluminio en reemplazo de componentes de acero para la disminución en peso de los vehículos. Estas piezas deben ser unidas entre sí, por ejemplo, mediante soldadura. El proceso de soldadura más utilizado dentro de la industria automotriz es la soldadura de punto por resistencia (RSW). Sin embargo, la soldadura RSW de aleaciones de aluminio presenta desventajas importantes. Dentro de este contexto se ha desarrollado una variante del proceso de soldadura por Fricción Agitación denominado Soldadura de Punto por Fricción Agitación (FSSW), el cual presenta un fuerte interés en relación a la soldadura de aleaciones de aluminio y de materiales disímiles en chapas finas. Los parámetros de soldadura afectan a las características de las juntas obtenidas. Sin embargo, es escasa la información disponible sobre la influencia de estos sobre las características de la unión, en particular para juntas disimilares y en chapa fina. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar el efecto de la velocidad de rotación y la profundidad de indentación de la herramienta sobre las características de uniones disimilares soldadas por FSSW. Uniones soldadas sin defectos pudieron obtenerse con propiedades mecánicas superiores a lo que se reporta hasta el momento. La carga de rotura máxima fue de 5800 N. La longitud efectiva de unión aumentó con la indentación de la herramienta, mientras que la carga de rotura aumenta y luego disminuye. Finalmente, al soldar con 1200 RPM las propiedades mecánicas de las uniones disminuyeron, respecto a lo obtenido con 680 y 903 RPM.
Tiberius and Hellenistic Poetry
Authors: Klooster Jacqueline
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates how Suetonius uses his representation of the literary taste of the emperor Tiberius to characterize him. Tiberius allegedly loved and imitated Hellenistic poets (Euphorion, Rhianus and Parthenius). How does this characterize him? Another question is whether this taste is modern or old-fashioned in comparison with the tastes of his contemporaries, in particular his predecessor Augustus. Finally I ask whether the fact that a similar literary taste (partly for the same authors) is attributed in the biographical tradition to Hadrian can be connected to Suetonius’ account of Tiberius’ literary interests.
A New Commentary of Lycophron’ Alexandra
Authors: Schade Gerson
Published: March 2017

The monumental new commentary by Simon Hornblower on Lycophron’s “minor masterpiece,” as he calls the Alexandra, much helps our understanding of the text. Focussing rather on the historical evidence that might be alluded to in the work, however, Hornblower fails to take due care of literary interpretation.
La gouvernance des universités par la qualité
Authors: Vinokur Annie
Published: March 2017

Depuis les années 1990 on observe la multiplication à l’échelle mondiale de dispositifs de mesure et de gestion de la qualité à l’université. Empruntés à la boite à outils commerciale et managériale du Nouveau Management Public, ces dispositifs imposent aux universités une définition de la qualité opposée à la conception traditionnelle qu’ont les universitaires de la qualité des savoirs et de leur autonomie professionnelle. Avec le recul du temps on peut maintenant analyser ce phénomène historiquement inédit comme participant activement de l’absorption capitaliste d’un secteur public non marchand. Dans cette transition la France est au milieu du gué, avec encore le choix d’avancer ou de reculer. Cet article propose donc une interprétation de l’origine et des modalités de l’usage des dispositifs de la qualité pour déconstruire l’université traditionnelle. Il montre ensuite un exemple d’aboutissement logique de cette transition. Avec le White Paper de mai 2016 l’Angleterre, qui fut pionnière dans le nouveau management de l’université, envisage maintenant d’ouvrir à tous les fournisseurs, à but lucratif ou non, un marché déréglementé des universités, avec égal accès au financement public par le système de prêts aux étudiants. Ce marché serait régulé exclusivement par une agence autonome de la qualité, qualité mesurée par le rapport bénéfice/coût (« value for money ») pour les étudiants.
Un exemple de démarche qualité dans l’enseignement-apprentissage des langues : le Label international de l’université Lille 1
Authors: Schafier Janine
Published: March 2017

Le projet Label international a été lancé officiellement en septembre 2011 à l’université Lille1, dans un contexte favorable à sa création, après un travail de plusieurs années passées à sa conception et à sa mise en œuvre. Ce dispositif, inscrit dans la démarche qualité de l’établissement et qui a reçu le label européen des langues en 2012, vise à valoriser les compétences linguistiques, la mobilité et l’ouverture interculturelle d’étudiants non spécialistes issus de formations à dominante scientifique. Intégré au projet d’établissement de l’université, il s’adresse à tous les étudiants de la 2ème année de licence au doctorat et justifie d’un positionnement de niveau B2 sur l’échelle du Cadre européen de référence pour les langues (CECRL) prérequis pour candidater. Décliné en deux niveaux validables séparément, l’obtention de ce label repose sur la validation de trois critères : l’acquisition d’une certification externe en langue étrangère (B2 ou C1), une mobilité à l’étranger (stage ou études), ainsi que la validation d’un module de communication interculturelle enseigné en anglais. Dans le cadre de la création de l’université de Lille prévue en 2018, ce label sera accessible aux étudiants des établissements partenaires, et pourra être intégré à l’annexe descriptive au diplôme dite supplément au diplôme1
Les conseillers municipaux de Paris sous la Troisième République (1871-1914)
Authors: Nagaï Nobuhito
Published: March 2017

Les historiens n'ont pas donné à Paris la place qu'elle méritait. Parce que la capitale française a souvent été assimilée à l'Etat, en raison aussi de sa complexité et de son importance, les institutions parisiennes n'ont pas toujours bénéficié d'études approfondies, notamment pour la période contemporaine. Ce livre, fondé sur la méthode prosopographique, est une approche des conseillers municipaux de Paris de 1871 à 1914, qui se situe à la charnière de l'histoire politique et de l'histoire sociale. Sont analysés différents aspects de cette élite locale : origines sociales, formation, carrières professionnelle et politique, sociabilité, fortune. A quel point les affrontements de formations politiques sont-ils ceux de groupes sociaux ? La diversité sociologique de la ville selon les quartiers se retrouve-t-elle à l'Hôtel de ville ? Ces élus qui ont tant dénoncé la mainmise de l'état sur la politique et l'administration locales, étaient-ils bien des hommes enracinés à Paris ? En répondant à ces questions, l'auteur tente de saisir les caractéristiques de la vie politique française, en mesurant le degré de sa démocratisation, à une période qui aurait dû voir se réaliser l'avènement d'une « couche sociale nouvelle ».
La mécanique quantique vue comme processus dynamique
Authors: Paul Thierry
Published: March 2017

Résumé. La théorie quantique a un peu plus d’un siècle, la mécanique quantique autour de quatre-vingts ans. Le mot quantique, depuis quelques années, dépasse complètement le monde de la microphysique. Le but de cette courte note est d’essayer d’exhiber ce qui, dans l’axiomatique de la mécanique quantique, sort de son propre domaine et traverse des branches aussi éloignées que, par exemple, la logique.
Au-delà du forcing : la notion de vérité essentielle en théorie des ensembles
Authors: Dehornoy Patrick
Published: March 2017

Résumé. Ce texte présente des développements récents de la théorie des ensembles, et en particulier des résultats de H. Woodin sur l’hypothèse du continu. On y introduit la notion de vérité essentielle d’une propriété, qui apparaît comme une des possibilités les plus prometteuses pour dépasser les limitations induites par la méthode du forcing de Cohen. Par ailleurs, on discute brièvement le caractère de vérité d’un axiome tel que l’axiome de détermination projective.
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria in the Differential Diagnosis of Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Gediz Fusun , Payzin Bahriye , Cakmak Ozlem , Uzum Yusuf , Ernur Damla , Sahin Fahri
Published: March 2017

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a disease which diagnosis may be delayed due to variable clinical findings. We describe herein a case of PNH in a 21 year old woman who admitted with complaints of chronic weakness, intermittent spontaneous ecchymoses, and an intermittent abdominal pain. On laboratory tests thrombocytopenia and iron deficiency anemia without any clinical findings were found. Flow cytometric evaluations showed a PNH clone of 15% for erythrocytes, 64% for monocytes, and 60% for granulocytes. The patient was diagnosed with PNH and an eculizumab therapy was initiated. Following initiation of eculizumab therapy, the frequency of abdominal pain attacks decreased, hemoglobin level normalized, and platelet values increased slightly. In patients submitting with a triad of symptoms such as thrombocytopenia, iron deficiency anemia, and abdominal pain attacks of unknown etiology we suggest considering PNH. We also encourage physicians to share their similar observations in order to raise the knowledge on infrequent presentations of PNH.
Experimental and numerical approach for the investigation of interface pressure applied by compression bandages
Authors: Chassagne Fanette , Badel Pierre , Convert Reynald , Giraux Pascal , Molimard Jérôme
Published: March 2017

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An innovative compression system providing low, sustained resting pressure and high, efficient working pressure
Authors: Damm Josefin , Lundh Torbjörn , Partsch Hugo , Mosti Giovanni
Published: March 2017

Not available
The PeriKit: an innovative connected portable device with high level of accuracy and reliability in taking circumferential limb measurements
Authors: Harfouche Joseph
Published: March 2017

Not available
Innovation in compression: smart bandage technology to improve bandage application and monitoring
Authors: Hutchinson Jerry
Published: March 2017

Not available
Compression stockings with interface pressure fall and rise from the ankle to the mid calf
Authors: Jünger Michael , Konschake Wolfgang , Haase Hermann , Riebe Helene
Published: March 2017

Not available
Shape memory textiles for functional compression management
Authors: Kumar Bipin
Published: March 2017

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Medical interest of 3D reconstructed limb to build a customized multicomponent bandage for the treatment of a lower limb lymphedema with partially amputated calf: a case report
Authors: Pastouret Frédéric
Published: March 2017

Not available
Laboratory test result interpretation for primary care doctors in South Africa
Authors: Vanker Naadira , Faull Norman H.B.
Published: March 2017

Background: Challenges and uncertainties with test result interpretation can lead to diagnostic errors. Primary care doctors are at a higher risk than specialists of making these errors, due to the range in complexity and severity of conditions that they encounter.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the challenges that primary care doctors face with test result interpretation, and to identify potential countermeasures to address these.Methods: A survey was sent out to 7800 primary care doctors in South Africa. Questionnaire themes included doctors’ uncertainty with interpreting test results, mechanisms used to overcome this uncertainty, challenges with appropriate result interpretation, and perceived solutions for interpreting results.Results: Of the 552 responses received, the prevalence of challenges with result interpretation was estimated in an average of 17% of diagnostic encounters. The most commonly-reported challenges were not receiving test results in a timely manner (51% of respondents) and previous results not being easily available (37%). When faced with diagnostic uncertainty, 84% of respondents would either follow-up and reassess the patient or discuss the case with a specialist, and 67% would contact a laboratory professional. The most useful test utilisation enablers were found to be: interpretive comments (78% of respondents), published guidelines (74%), and a dedicated laboratory phone line (72%).Conclusion: Primary care doctors acknowledge uncertainty with test result interpretation. Potential countermeasures include the addition of patient-specific interpretive comments, the availability of guidelines or algorithms, and a dedicated laboratory phone line. The benefit of enhanced test result interpretation would reduce diagnostic error rates.
The effect of stressed economic conditions on operational risk loss distributions
Authors: Esterhuysen Ja'nel , Van Vuuren Gary , Styger Paul
Published: March 2017

The depth and duration of the credit crisis has highlighted a number of problems in modern finance. Banks have been accused of excessive risk taking, rating agencies of severe conflicts of interest, central banks of neglecting the inflation of asset price bubbles and national supervisors of lax regulatory controls. Credit and market losses have been considerable. Operational losses have also surged as surviving corporates merge or acquire less fortunate ones without the requisite controls. Furthermore, as more jobs get made redundant it is believed that people are getting forced to play their hand to get involved in internal fraud as their sources of income has dried up drastically and stealing from the institution seems to be their last resort.. The main objective of this paper is to establish if there has been a changed in the nature of operational risk with regards to the number of operational losses as well as their impact pre and during the crisis. The way in which operational losses have been affected will be presented and a comparison will be made between operational loss characteristics pre and during the crisis. Some of the main findings of this paper were that operational losses shown little change in frequency, but shown a significant increase in severity, meaning that their financial impact has been more severe during the crisis.  Therefore it is quite safe to say that the financial crisis most defiantly had an impact on operational risk as the impact of operational losses became much more severe
Why do shareholders require corporate environmental disclosure?
Authors: De Villiers Charl , Van Staden Chris
Published: March 2017

We do a survey of individual shareholders' corporate environmental disclosure needs. We find that South African shareholders require companies to disclose the following specific environmental information:•    Environmental risks and impacts,•    Environmental policy,•    Measurable environmental targets,•    Performance against targets,•    Environmental costs disclosed separately, and•    An independent environmental audit report.Shareholders prefer this information in a separate section of the annual report and on company websites. Shareholders want such disclosure to be prescribed by law and/or stock exchange rules. The most popular reason why they want environmental information disclosed, is to hold companies accountable for their environmental stewardship. A high percentage of shareholders also indicate that they want disclosure, because they are concerned about climate change. These findings imply that legislators and standard setters may have to consider changing disclosure laws and standards.
Dispersive estimates for higher dimensional Schrödinger operators with threshold eigenvalues. II: The even dimensional case
Authors: Goldberg Michael , Green William R.
Published: March 2017

We investigate

L^1(\mathbb R^n)\to L^\infty(\mathbb R^n)

dispersive estimates for the Schrödinger operator

H=-\Delta+V

when there is an eigenvalue at zero energy in even dimensions

n\geq 6

. In particular, we show that if there is an eigenvalue at zero energy then there is a time dependent, rank one operator

F_t

satisfying

\|F_t\|_{L^1\to L^\infty} \lesssim |t|^{2-\frac {n}{2}}

for

|t|>1

such that

\|e^{itH}P_{ac}-F_t\|_{L^1\to L^\infty} \lesssim |t|^{1-\frac {n}{2}},\,\,\,\,\,\text{ for } |t|>1.

With stronger decay conditions on the potential it is possible to generate an operator-valued expansion for the evolution, taking the form

e^{itH} P_{ac}(H)=|t|^{2-\frac {n}{2}}A_{-2}+ |t|^{1-\frac {n}{2}} A_{-1}+|t|^{-\frac {n}{2}}A_0,

with

A_{-2}

and

A_{-1}

mapping

L^1(\mathbb R^n)

to

L^\infty(\mathbb R^n)

while

A_0

maps weighted

L^1

spaces to weighted

L^\infty

spaces. The leading-order terms

A_{-2}

and

A_{-1}

are both finite rank, and vanish when certain orthogonality conditions between the potential

V

and the zero energy eigenfunctions are satisfied. We show that under the same orthogonality conditions, the remaining

|t|^{-\frac {n}{2}}A_0

term also exists as a map from

L^1(\mathbb R^n)

to

L^\infty(\mathbb R^n)

, hence

e^{itH}P_{ac}(H)

satisfies the same dispersive bounds as the free evolution despite the eigenvalue at zero.
Superlevel sets and nodal extrema of Laplace–Beltrami eigenfunctions
Authors: Poliquin Guillaume
Published: March 2017

We estimate the volume of superlevel sets of Laplace–Beltrami eigenfunctions on a compact Riemannian manifold. The proof uses the Green’s function representation and the Bathtub principle. As an application, we obtain upper bounds on the distribution of the extrema of a Laplace–Beltrami eigenfunction over its nodal domains. Such bounds have been previously proved by L. Polterovich and M. Sodin in the case of compact surfaces. Our techniques allow to generalize these results to arbitrary dimensions. We also discuss a dierent approach to the problem based on reverse Hölder inequalities due to G. Chiti.
Rotations of eigenvectors under unbounded perturbations
Authors: Gil' Michael
Published: March 2017

Let

A

be an unbounded selfadjoint positive definite operator with a discrete spectrum in a separable Hilbert space, and

\widetilde A

be a linear operator, such that

\|(A-\widetilde A)A^{-\nu}\| < \infty

(0< \nu\le 1)

. It is assumed that

A

has a simple eigenvalue. Under certain conditions

\widetilde A

also has a simple eigenvalue. We derive an estimate for

\|e(A)-e(\widetilde A)\|

, where

e(A)

and

e(\widetilde A)

are the normalized eigenvectors corresponding to these simple eigenvalues of

A

and

\widetilde A

, respectively. Besides, the perturbed operator

\widetilde A

can be non-selfadjoint. To illustrate that estimate we consider a non-selfadjoint differential operator. Our results can be applied in the case when

A

is a normal operator.
Scattering theory of the Hodge–Laplacian under a conformal perturbation
Authors: Bei Francesco , Güneysu Batu , Müller Jörn
Published: March 2017

Let

g

and

\tilde{g}

be Riemannian metrics on a noncompact manifold

M

, which are conformally equivalent. We show that under a very mild
first order
control on the conformal factor, the wave operators corresponding to the Hodge–Laplacians

\Delta_g

and

\Delta_{\tilde{g}}

acting on differential forms exist and are complete. We apply this result to Riemannian manifolds with bounded geometry and more specically, to warped product Riemannian manifolds with bounded geometry. Finally, we combine our results with some explicit calculations by Antoci to determine the absolutely continuous spectrum of the Hodge–Laplacian on

j

-forms for a large class of warped product metrics.
Efficient Anderson localization bounds for large multi-particle systems
Authors: Chulaevsky Victor , Suhov Yuri
Published: March 2017

We study multi-particle interactive quantum disordered systems on a polynomially growing countable connected graph (

\mathcal Z, \mathcal E

). The main novelty is to give localization bounds uniform in finite volumes (subgraphs) in

\mathcal Z^N

as well as for the whole of

\mathcal Z^N

. Such bounds are proved here by means of a comprehensive fixed-energy multi-particle multiscale analysis. We consider – for the first time in the literature – a discrete

N

-particle model with an infinite-range, sub-exponentially decaying interaction, and establish (1) exponential spectral localization, and (2) strong dynamical localization with sub-exponential rate of decay of the eigenfunction correlators with respect to the natural symmetrized distance in the multi-particle configuration space.
Application of Electronic Algorithms to Improve Diagnostic Evaluation for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Murphy Daniel R. , Meyer Ashley N.D. , Vaghani Viralkumar , Russo Elise , Sittig Dean F. , Richards Kyle A. , Wei Li , Wu Louis , Singh Hardeep
Published: March 2017

Background: Strategies to ensure timely diagnostic evaluation of hematuria are needed to reduce delays in bladder cancer diagnosis.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of electronic trigger algorithms to detect delays in hematuria follow-up.

Methods: We developed a computerized trigger to detect delayed follow-up action on a urinalysis result with high-grade hematuria (>50 red blood cells/high powered field). The trigger scanned clinical data within a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national data repository to identify all patient records with hematuria, then excluded those where follow-up was unnecessary (e.g., terminal illness) or where typical follow-up action was detected (e.g., cystoscopy). We manually reviewed a randomly-selected sample of flagged records to confirm delays. We performed a similar analysis of records with hematuria that were marked as not delayed (non-triggered). We used review findings to calculate trigger performance.

Results: Of 310,331 patients seen between 1/1/2012-12/31/2014, the trigger identified 5,857 patients who experienced high-grade hematuria, of which 495 experienced a delay. On manual review of 400 randomly-selected triggered records and 100 non-triggered records, the trigger achieved positive and negative predictive values of 58% and 97%, respectively.

Conclusions: Triggers offer a promising method to detect delays in care of patients with high-grade hematuria and warrant further evaluation in clinical practice as a means to reduce delays in bladder cancer diagnosis.
Effects of atmospheric transport and trade on air pollution mortality
in China
Authors: Zhao Hongyan , Li Xin , Zhang Qiang , Jiang Xujia , Lin Jintai , Peters Glen G. , Li Meng , Geng Guannan , Zheng Bo , Huo Hong , Zhang Lin , Davis Steven J. , He Kebin
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Air quality is a major environmental concern in China, where premature deaths due to air pollution exceed 1 million people per year in recent years. Here, using a novel coupling of economic, physical and epidemiological models, we estimate the premature mortality in seven regions of China related to emissions of PM2.5 and precursor gases in 2010 and show for the first time how the distribution of these deaths in China is determined by a combination of economic activities and physical transport of pollution in the atmosphere. We find that 33 % of China’s air pollution deaths in 2010 were caused by pollutants emitted in a different region of the country and transported in the atmosphere, especially from north to south and from east to west. Similarly, 38 % of deaths were related to goods and services consumed in a different region from where they were produced. For example, 36 % of the deaths number associated to emissions in Central region of China were caused by consumption in other regions. As a combined result from atmospheric transport and trade, 56 % of pollution deaths in China were related to consumption in a different region. Among these, 14 % of China’s pollution deaths were caused by international export. Our results indicate that multilateral and multi-stage cooperation under a regional sustainable development framework is in urgent need to mitigate air pollution and health impacts, and efforts to reduce the health impacts of air pollution in China should be prioritized according to the source and location of emissions, the type and economic value of the emitting activities, and the related patterns of consumption.
Revising short and longwave radiation archives in view of possible revisions of the WSG and WISG reference scales: Methods and implications
Authors: Nyeki Stephan , Wacker Stefan , Gröbner Julian , Finsterle Wolfgang , Wild Martin
Published: March 2017

Abstract. A large number of radiometers are traceable to the World Standard Group (WSG) for shortwave radiation and the interim World Infra-red Standard Group (WISG) for longwave radiation, hosted by the Physikalisch Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos/World Radiation Centre (PMOD/WRC, Davos, Switzerland). The WSG and WISG have recently been found to over- and underestimate radiation values, respectively (Fehlmann et al., 2012; Gröbner et al., 2014), although research is still ongoing. In view of a possible revision of the reference scales of both standard groups, this study discusses the methods involved, and the implications on existing archives of radiation time-series, such as the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN). Based on PMOD/WRC calibration archives and BSRN data archives, the downward longwave radiation (DLR) time-series over the 2006–2015 periods were analysed at four stations (polar and mid-latitude locations). DLR was found to increase by up to 3.5 and 5.4 W m−2, respectively, after applying a WISG reference scale correction and a minor correction for the dependence of pyrgeometer sensitivity on atmospheric integrated water vapour content. Similar increases in DLR may be expected at other BSRN stations. Based on our analysis, a number of recommendations are made for future studies.
Laboratory rivers: Lacey's law, threshold theory, and channel stability
Authors: Métivier François , Lajeunesse Eric , Devauchelle Olivier
Published: March 2017

Abstract. More than a century of experiments have demonstrated that many features of natural rivers can be reproduced in the laboratory. Here, we revisit some of these experiments to cast their results into the framework of the threshold-channel theory developed by Glover and Florey (1951). In all the experiments we analyze, the typical size of the channel conforms to this theory, regardless of the river's planform (single-thread or braiding). In that respect, laboratory rivers behave exactly like their natural counterpart. Using this finding, we reinterpret experiments by Stebbings (1963). We suggest that sediment transport widens the channel until it reaches a limit width, beyond which it destabilizes into a braided river. If confirmed, this observation would explain the remarkable scarcity of single-thread channels in laboratory experiments.
Use of GNSS SNR data to retrieve soil moisture and vegetation
variables over a wheat crop
Authors: Zhang Sibo , Roussel Nicolas , Boniface Karen , Ha Minh Cuong , Frappart Frédéric , Darrozes José , Baup Frédéric , Calvet Jean-Christophe
Published: March 2017

Abstract. This work aims to estimate soil moisture and vegetation characteristics from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) data using direct and reflected signals by the land surface surrounding a ground-based antenna. Observations are collected over a rainfed wheat field in southwestern France. The retrievals are compared with two independent reference datasets: in situ observations of soil moisture and vegetation height, and numerical simulations from the ISBA (Interactions between Soil, Biosphere and Atmosphere) land surface model. Results show that changes in soil moisture mainly affect the multipath phase of the SNR data (assuming the relative antenna height is constant) with little change in the dominant period of the SNR data. Changes in vegetation height are more likely to modulate the SNR dominant period derived from a wavelet analysis. Surface volumetric soil moisture can be estimated (R2 = 0.73, RMSE = 0.014 m3 m−3) when the wheat is smaller than 20 cm. The quality of the estimates markedly decreases when the vegetation height increases. This is because the GNSS signal is less affected by the soil contribution. A wavelet analysis provides an accurate estimation of the wheat crop height (R2 = 0.98, RMSE = 6.2 cm). The latter correlates with modeled above-ground biomass of the wheat from stem elongation to ripening. It is found that the vegetation retrievals are sensitive to changes in plant height of at least one wavelength. A simple smoothing of the retrieved plant height allows an excellent matching to in situ observations, and to modeled above-ground biomass.
De Alejandro Sawa a Manuel Verdugo: noticia de una carta olvidada
Authors: Constán Valverde Sergio
Published: March 2017

En este artículo se da a conocer una carta de Alejandro Sawa enviada al poeta Manuel Verdugo Bartlett, y publicada en el Diario de Tenerife en 1909, pocos días después del fallecimiento del célebre bohemio. El documento, que ha pasado desapercibido entre los estudios sobre la obra y figura de Alejandro Sawa, fue anunciado en el rotativo canario como probablemente la última carta escrita por el autor de Crimen legal. Tal afirmación ha motivado en estas páginas un complejo proceso de datación, efectuado a partir del propio contenido de la misiva y de su obligado contraste con el resto de la correspondencia de Sawa hasta hoy conservada. Además, se analiza en profundidad la información ofrecida en la carta, reveladora de nuevos datos sobre el declive físico y mental de Alejandro Sawa, su libro Iluminaciones en la sombra y su relación personal con Manuel Verdugo.
Le Voyage en Orient de Gérard de Nerval en tant que remise en question de la perspective eurocentriste
Authors: Apic Mina
Published: March 2017

Dans son Voyage en Orient, Nerval tente de remettre en question la perspective coloniale et les principales idées reçues européennes concernant les moeurs orientales grâce à son rapprochement à la perspective de l’Autre, et réfutant la conception de la structure fixe de nos identités. La fluidité identitaire élaborée dans son récit de voyage est un moyen de concevoir la distance nécessaire des discours dominants qui construisent les cadres de nos pensées et de nos images de soi et de l’Autre. Nous envisageons mettre en valeur la proximité de cette vision a la pensée gadamérienne d’un dialogue interculturel où le soi serait toujours prêt à se remettre en question et à se reconstruire et avec la conception de l’expérience de l’étranger dans la phénoménologie de Bernhard Waldenfels. Cette expérience créative nous permet reconstituer nos propres fondements intellectuels et notre perception du monde.