bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Income-related inequality in quality-adjusted life expectancy in Korea at the national and district levels
Authors: Lim Dohee , Bahk Jinwook , Ock Minsu , Kim Ikhan , Kang Hee-Yeon , Kim Yeon-Yong , Park Jong Heon , Khang Young-Ho
Published: February 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to measure differences in quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) by income in Korea at the national and district levels.

Methods

Mortality rates and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) scores were obtained from the National Health Information Database of the National Health Insurance Service and the Korea Community Health Survey, respectively. QALE and differences in QALE among income quintiles were calculated using combined 2008–2014 data for 245 districts in Korea. Correlation analyses were conducted to investigate the associations of neighborhood characteristics with QALE and income gaps therein.

Results

QALE showed a graded pattern of inequality according to income, and increased over time for all levels of income and in both sexes, except for low-income quintiles among women, resulting in a widened inequality in QALE among women. In all 245 districts, pro-rich inequalities in QALE were found in both men and women. Districts with higher QALE and smaller income gaps in QALE were concentrated in metropolitan areas, while districts with lower QALE and larger income gaps in QALE were found in rural areas. QALE and differences in QALE by income showed relatively close correlations with socioeconomic characteristics, but relatively weak correlations with health behaviors, except for smoking and indicators related to medical resources.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of income-based inequalities in health measured by QALE in all subnational areas in Korea. Furthermore, QALE and differences in QALE by income were closely associated with neighborhood-level socioeconomic characteristics.
Outcomes of stereotactic body radiotherapy 60 Gy in 8 fractions when prioritizing organs at risk for central and ultracentral lung tumors
Authors: Zhao Yizhou , Khawandanh Eman , Thomas Steven , Zhang Susan , Dunne Emma M. , Liu Mitchell , Schellenberg Devin
Published: February 2020

Background

For stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to central (C) and ultracentral (UC) lung tumors, our provincial practice has been to prioritize organs at risk (OARs) constraints by compromising target volume coverage if needed. The objectives are to report the treatment’s efficacy and safety.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of all provincial patients who underwent SBRT at 60Gy in 8 fractions to C and UC lung tumors, from 2013 to 2017.

Results

Ninety-eight lesions were treated, 57 (58.2%) C and 41 (41.8%) UC. The median follow-up was 22.9 months (range 2.5–64.8 months). The 1- and 3-year local control (LC) was 97.8 and 84.5% respectively, with no differences between C and UC groups (p = 0.662). Fifty-three (54.1%) cases had optimal dose coverage (V60Gy ITV&PTV > 95%), 29 (29.6%) had compromised PTV coverage (V60Gy ITV > 95%/PTV < 95%), and 16 (16.3%) had both compromised ITV and PTV coverage (V60Gy ITV&PTV < 95%). No significant difference in LC was detected at 2 years between the 3 groups (95.6, 91.8 and 90.9%, p = 0.717). There were 3 episodes of grade 3 toxicity in the C group (2 dyspnea, 1 pneumonitis) and 2 in the UC group (1 dyspnea, 1 hemoptysis). There were no gr4/5 toxicities. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, ITV size was found to be a predictor for LC (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

SBRT at 60Gy in 8 fractions achieves high rates of LC with low risks of significant toxicities, even if target volume coverage is reduced to meet OARs constraints.
Neoadjuvant radiotherapy improves overall survival for T3/4N+M0 rectal cancer patients: a population-based study of 20300 patients
Authors: Zhao Feng , Wang Jili , Yu Hao , Cheng Xiaofei , Li Xinke , Zhu Xuan , Xu Xiangming , Lin Jianjiang , Chen Xin , Yan Senxiang
Published: February 2020

Background

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT) has been shown to improve local control; however, whether it can improve overall survival (OS) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients remains controversial. We therefore aimed to examine the benefits of surgery alone, neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT), adjuvant RT, and surgery plus chemotherapy in stage II (T3/4N0M0) and III (any T and N + M0) on the OS of rectal cancer patients.

Methods

Date from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database diagnosed between 2004 and 2016 were used. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to compare patient prognoses across different treatment modalities. Cox hazard regression analysis were used to identify independent predictors of OS.

Results

For stage T3/4N0M0 patients, neoadjuvant RT, adjuvant RT, and surgery plus chemotherapy resulted in similar OS (all p > 0.05; mean survival, 115.89 months (M), 111.97 M, and 117.22 M, respectively), with better OS observed in these patients than in patients who underwent surgery alone (all p < 0.001, mean survival, 88.96 M). For stage T1/2N + M0 patients, neoadjuvant RT, adjuvant RT, and surgery plus chemotherapy resulted in similar OS (all p > 0.05; mean survival, 121.50 M, 124.25 M, and 121.20 M, respectively), with better OS observed in these patients than in patients who underwent surgery alone (all p < 0.001, mean survival 83.81 M). For stage T3/4N + M0 patients, neoadjuvant RT (HR = 0.436; 95% CI, 0.396~0.478; p < 0.001) resulted in significantly longer OS than adjuvant RT and surgery plus chemotherapy (mean survival, 104.47 M, 93.94 M, and 93.62 M, respectively), with better OS observed in these patients than in patients who underwent surgery alone (all p < 0.001, mean survival 54.87 M). Older age (> 60 years), black race, unmarried status, high tumour grade, and tumour size > 5 cm were all associated with a poor prognosis (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant RT, adjuvant RT, and surgery plus chemotherapy results in better OS than surgery alone in LARC patients. Neoadjuvant RT has the potential to be highly recommended over adjuvant RT and surgery plus chemotherapy for T3/4N + M0 patients; however, it showed no OS advantage over adjuvant RT or surgery plus chemotherapy for T3/4N0M0 and T1/2N + M0 patients.
Matching actual treatment with patient administration-route-preference improves analgesic response among acute low back pain patients—a randomized prospective trial
Authors: Shani Adi , Granot Michal , Mochalov Gleb , Raviv Bennidor , Rahamimov Nimrod
Published: February 2020

Background

Accommodating a patient’s treatment preference has been reported to promote greater responsiveness and better clinical outcomes. The effect of administration route preference (ARP) on the individual analgesic response has not been extensively examined to date. This study aimed to investigate whether ARP-matched treatment, i.e., individualized intramuscular (IM) or oral (PO) analgesic administration according to patient choice, would increase the analgesic effect.

Methods

In this prospective randomized study, we collected 38 patients with acute low back pain (aLBP) presenting at the emergency room of the Galilee Medical Center (Naharia, Israel) and asked them to report their ARP for analgesics. Regardless of their reported preference, they received either PO or IM diclofenac according to the treating physician’s preference. Pain intensity was self-reported using the numeric pain score (NPS) before and during the first hour after drug administration.

Results

Both groups receiving PO or IM administration reported similar initial pain on admission, (NPS 8.63 ± 1.5 and 8.74 ± 1.6, respectively) and the same magnitude of pain reduction. However, patients who received the drug in their desired route (oral or injection) had a significantly greater reduction in pain levels (4.05 ± 2.8) as compared with patients who received the undesired route (2.08 ± 1.8),p< 0.05.

Conclusions

These findings support the hypothesis that individualized ARP-matched treatment in aLBP improves therapeutic outcomes, although further studies with larger cohorts are needed.
Effect of time to first ambulation on recurrence after PELD
Authors: Qin Fengwei , Zhang Zhaofei , Zhang Caixia , Feng Yonghui , Zhang Sineng
Published: February 2020

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of time to first ambulation on recurrence after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD).

Methods

From July 2017 to August 2018, 90 patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation underwent PELD surgery. According to the initial walking time, i.e., the time until the patient could walk after the operation, the operations were divided into three groups: early stage, middle stage, and late stage. The follow-up period was 3 months, and complete follow-up data were obtained. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores before the operation, at first ambulation, 1 month after the operation, and 3 months after the operation and the recurrence and incidence rates of high magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal in the vertebral endplate area were recorded after the operation.

Results

The success rate was 100% for these 90 cases. The VAS and ODI scores at the first ambulation after the operation significantly improved compared with those before the operation, and the difference was statistically significant. The improvements in the lumbar VAS and ODI scores of the middle- and late-stage groups were better than that of the early-stage group at 1 and 3 months after the operation, and the differences were statistically significant; however, there was no significant difference between the middle- and late-stage groups. The postoperative recurrence rate and rate of high MRI signal in the vertebral endplate area were significantly higher in the early-stage group than in the other two groups, and the difference was statistically significant.

Conclusion

The time to first ambulation after PELD is an important factor affecting the curative effect of the operation. Early ambulation may be one of the factors affecting recurrence after PELD.
Detection of neopterin in the urine of captive and wild platyrrhines
Authors: Sacco Alexandra J. , Mayhew Jessica A. , Watsa Mrinalini , Erkenswick Gideon , Binder April K.
Published: February 2020

Background

Non-invasive biomarkers can facilitate health assessments in wild primate populations by reducing the need for direct access to animals. Neopterin is a biomarker that is a product of the cell-mediated immune response, with high levels being indicative of poor survival expectations in some cases. The measurement of urinary neopterin concentration (UNC) has been validated as a method for monitoring cell-mediated immune system activation in multiple catarrhine species, but to date there is no study testing its utility in the urine of platyrrhine species. In this study, we collected urine samples across three platyrrhine families including small captive populations ofLeontopithecus rosaliaandPithecia pithecia, and larger wild populations ofLeontocebus weddelli,Saguinus imperator, Alouatta seniculus, andPlecturocebus toppini,to evaluate a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the measurement of urinary neopterin in platyrrhines.

Results

Our results revealed measured UNC fell within the sensitivity range of the assay in all urine samples collected from captive and wild platyrrhine study species via commercial ELISA, and results from several dilutions met expectations. We found significant differences in the mean UNC across all study species. Most notably, we observed higher UNC in the wild population ofL. weddelliwhich is known to have two filarial nematode infections compared toS. imperator, which only have one.

Conclusion

Our study confirms that neopterin is measurable via commercial ELISA in urine collected from captive and wild individuals of six genera of platyrrhines across three different families. These findings promote the future utility of UNC as a promising biomarker for field primatologists conducting research in Latin America to non-invasively evaluate cell-mediated immune system activation from urine.
Fully-automated production of [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor on the module Modular Lab-PharmTracer
Authors: Spreckelmeyer Sarah , Schulze Oliver , Brenner Winfried
Published: February 2020

Background

PentixaFor is a promising radiopharmaceutical for positron emission tomography in the detection of different tumor entities and other diseases. Until now, the synthesis of [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor was reported for the automated synthesis module from Scintomics® only. Our aim was to evaluate the automated synthesis of this radiopharmaceutical on a different module in order to make it available for a broader community.

Results

The synthesis of [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor with different amounts of PentixaFor (50 μg, 30 μg and 20 μg) on the Modular Lab PharmTracer (MLPT) from Eckert & Ziegler with the already established synthesis template for [68Ga]Ga-DOTATOC yielded best results with 50 μg PentixaFor for clinical multi-dose application. All different quality control parameters tested (e.g. sterility, stability and radiochemical purity) were in accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia.

Conclusions

[68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor was successfully synthesized fully-automated on the synthesis module Modular Lab PharmTracer and can be used for multi-dose application in clinical settings.
68Ga-DOTATATE PET imaging in clinically non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas
Authors: Boertien Tessel M. , Booij Jan , Majoie Charles B. L. M. , Drent Madeleine L. , Pereira Alberto M. , Biermasz Nienke R. , Simsek Suat , Veldman Ronald Groote , Stokkel Marcel P. M. , Bisschop Peter H. , Fliers Eric
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Clinically non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFMA) have been reported to express somatostatin receptors (SSTR), but results are inconsistent across different studies. This may be related to limited sensitivity and specificity of techniques used to date, i.e. immunohistochemistry in surgical specimens and 111In-DTPA-octreotide scintigraphy in vivo. The aim of this study was to assess SSTR expression in NFMA in vivo using 68Ga-DOTATATE PET, which offers superior sensitivity and spatial resolution as compared with planar scintigraphy or SPECT.

Methods

Thirty-seven patients diagnosed with NFMA underwent 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT of the head in the framework of a randomised controlled trial assessing the effect of the somatostatin analogue lanreotide on NFMA size. Individual co-registered T1-weighted pituitary MRIs were used to assess 68Ga-DOTATATE uptake (SUVmean) in the adenoma. An SUVmean of > 2 was considered positive.

Results

68Ga-DOTATATE uptake was positive in 34/37 patients (92%), with SUVmean of positive adenomas ranging from 2.1 to 12.4 (mean ± SD 5.8 ± 2.6).

Conclusions

This is the first report of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET performed in NFMA patients, demonstrating in vivo SSTR expression in the vast majority of cases. The high positivity rate when compared with results obtained with 111In-DTPA-octreotide scintigraphy probably reflects the superior sensitivity of PET imaging.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register, NL5136, registered on 18 August 2015; EudraCT, 2015-001234-22, registered on 10 March 2015, https://eudract.ema.europa.eu/
Rheumatoid artrhitis treatment in Brazil: data from a large real-life multicenter study
Authors: Gomides Ana Paula Monteiro , de Albuquerque Cleandro Pires , Santos Ana Beatriz Vargas , Bértolo Manoel Barros , Júnior Paulo Louzada , Giorgi Rina Dalva Neubarth , Radominski Sebastião Cezar , Resende Guimarães Maria Fernanda B. , Bonfiglioli Karina Rossi , de Fátima Lobato da Cunha Sauma Maria , Pereira Ivânio Alves , Brenol Claiton Viegas , da Mota Licia Maria Henrique , da Rocha Castelar Pinheiro Geraldo
Published: February 2020

Background

Last decades witnessed great technological advances in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management, but their implementation in clinical practice might prove difficult. Despite the efficacy demonstrated in controlled trials this information needs to be confirmed by real life data. This study assessed real-life treatment among RA patients.

Methods

REAL study included Brazilian RA patients from eleven centers. Interview and medical records were performed. Continuous variables were compared using Student’s t or Mann-Whitney and categorical variables were assessed with chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests.

Results

1115 patients were included, women 89.5%. Median age 56.6 years, disease duration 152.5 months; 78.7% were rheumatoid fator positive; 55.2% had erosive disease; DAS28 (disease activity index-28 joints) = 3.5, HAQ (health assessment questionnaire) =0.875. The median duration of symptoms until the start of first DMARD was 12 months. A total of 529 (47.2%) patients used corticosteroids; 1022 (90.8%) were on conventional synthetic (cs) DMARDs and 406 (36.1%) on biological (b) DMARDs. Methotrexate (MTX) was the most frequent csDMARD: 748 (66.5%) patients, followed by leflunomide (LFN), used by 381 (33.9%) of patients. MTX was associated to LFN in 142 (12.6%) patients. Only five (0.4%) patients used triple therapy (MTX + hydroxychloroquine + sulfasalazine) or sulfasalazine in monotherapy.

Conclusions

Despite advances in therapeutic resources, roughly half RA patients failed achieve T2T goals and 55.2% developed erosive disease. The frequent use of corticosteroids and delay in initiating DMARDs were demonstrated. Issues concerning timely access to medical care are crucial for effective management.
A deep error correction network for compressed sensing MRI
Authors: Sun Liyan , Wu Yawen , Fan Zhiwen , Ding Xinghao , Huang Yue , Paisley John
Published: February 2020

Background

CS-MRI (compressed sensing for magnetic resonance imaging) exploits image sparsity properties to reconstruct MRI from very few Fourier k-space measurements. Due to imperfect modelings in the inverse imaging, state-of-the-art CS-MRI methods tend to leave structural reconstruction errors. Compensating such errors in the reconstruction could help further improve the reconstruction quality.

Results

In this work, we propose a DECN (deep error correction network) for CS-MRI. The DECN model consists of three parts, which we refer to as modules: a guide, or template, module, an error correction module, and a data fidelity module. Existing CS-MRI algorithms can serve as the template module for guiding the reconstruction. Using this template as a guide, the error correction module learns a CNN (convolutional neural network) to map the k-space data in a way that adjusts for the reconstruction error of the template image. We propose a deep error correction network. Our experimental results show the proposed DECN CS-MRI reconstruction framework can considerably improve upon existing inversion algorithms by supplementing with an error-correcting CNN.

Conclusions

In the proposed a deep error correction framework, any off-the-shelf CS-MRI algorithm can be used as template generation. Then a deep neural network is used to compensate reconstruction errors. The promising experimental results validate the effectiveness and utility of the proposed framework.
RCS Senior Clinical Fellowship Survey: motivations, outcomes and cost of senior surgical fellowships
Authors: Daniels S , Elanko A , Court S , O’Flynn P , Wyld L
Published: February 2020

Completing a surgical fellowship increases specialist skills and raises the chances of securing a consultant post, but at what cost?
Reflecting on the Education Position Statement of AAIDD and The Arc
Authors: Rodriguez Anthony M. , Taub Debbie , Scott LaRon , Copeland Susan R. , Williams-Diehm Kendra , Landmark Leena Jo , Sinclair Tracy E. , Black Rhonda S. , Palmer Susan B. , Thoma Colleen A.
Published: February 2020

This article expands on 10 critical actions within the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) and The Arc's 2018 joint position statement on the right of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to have a free and appropriate public education (FAPE): (a) zero reject; (b) nondiscriminatory and comprehensive eligibility evaluations and appropriate assessments; (c) high expectations and FAPE; (d) autonomy, self-determination, and decision-making supports; (e) inclusion and least restrictive environments (LRE); (f) safe and supportive education environments; (g) school choice; (h) family and student participation; (i) lifelong education, transition, and postsecondary education; and (j) system capacity development, funding, oversight, and accountability. Research findings documenting positive outcomes associated with implementing each area of action are described and relevant legal mandates and case law are discussed. Recommendations are made for changes to educational systems and practices that create barriers to the access of FAPE for students with IDD.
Fast and accurate tilt-shift-immune phase-shifting algorithm based on self-adaptive selection of interferogram subblocks and principal component analysis
Authors: Yang Shuai , Zhao Weiqian , Qiu Lirong , Wang Yun , Tian Songmei
Published: February 2020

To eliminate the effect of tilt-shift error on the accuracy of phase-shifting interferometry (PSI), a fast and accurate tilt-shift-immune phase-shifting algorithm based on the self-adaptive selection of interferogram subblocks and principal component analysis (SSPCA) is proposed. First, each interferogram is divided into several subblocks, and principal component analysis and the least-squares method (LSM) are applied to obtain the phase-shift value of each subblock. Next, according to the correlation coefficients between each phase-shift curve, valid and invalid subblocks can be distinguished. Finally, all phase-shift values of the valid subblocks are used to fit the tilt phase-shift plane, and phase results can be obtained using the LSM. Simulations indicate that the accuracy of SSPCA can reach 0.03 rad both for small (1 rad) and large (

2

π

rad) tilt amplitudes, and it takes only one-tenth or less of the processing time of iterative algorithms. Experiments proved that SSPCA can be applied even without a precision phase shifter and thus provides a low-cost approach for PSI with both high precision and speed.
Neutral attenuating pinhole for x-ray imaging of high-intensity sources
Authors: Wengrowicz Jonathan M. , Hurvitz Gilad
Published: February 2020

Pinhole imagers are common x-ray diagnostics in high energy density physics experiments, where temperatures exceeding

10
7

K

are reached in the laboratory. In such extreme conditions, self-emitted black-body x-ray radiation is the main drive for physical phenomena (energy transport, shock waves). In order to avoid damages to the detector, high-pass filters are commonly used. The passed photons are

∼

10

times more energetic than the common photon (maximum of the Planckian) and may fail to show the main drive in the experiment. Here we propose a neutral attenuation pinhole (NAP)—a novel, to the best of our knowledge, pinhole design that provides uniform x-ray attenuation over wavelength while keeping the optimal pinhole diameter. Semi-random distribution of thousands of sub-holes, all located within optimal diameter, results in essential large attenuation while keeping image resolution. Simulations and experimental results of the NAP spatial resolution are similar to a regular pinhole. By using a thick enough substrate, the attenuation is uniform over a wide spectrum. A NAP consisting of a 1 µm thick Au substrate allows constant 1:100 attenuation up to 1.5 keV, while a 3 µm thick substrate can be used up to 5 keV.
Photonic crystal lightsail with nonlinear reflectivity for increased stability
Authors: Myilswamy Karthik Vijay , Krishnan Aravind , Povinelli Michelle L.
Published: February 2020

Recent research has studied the feasibility of using laser radiation pressure to propel lightweight spacecraft, such as sails, at relativistic speeds. One major challenge is the effect of laser beam distortion on sail stability. We propose and investigate the use of lightsails based on Kerr nonlinear photonic crystals as a passive method for increasing sail stability. The key concept is to flatten the dependence of reflected intensity on incident intensity at the laser wavelength, using a specially designed, guided-resonance mode of the nonlinear photonic crystal. We use coupled-mode theory to analyze the resonance characteristics that yield the flattest curve. We then design a silicon nitride photonic crystal that supports a resonance with the desired properties. We show that our design simultaneously provides both high stability and high thrust on the sail, unlike designs based on linear materials.
Intensity-enhanced deep network wavefront reconstruction in Shack–Hartmann sensors
Authors: DuBose Theodore B. , Gardner Dennis F. , Watnik Abbie T.
Published: February 2020

The Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor (SH-WFS) is known to produce incorrect measurements of the wavefront gradient in the presence of non-uniform illumination. Moreover, the most common least-squares phase reconstructors cannot accurately reconstruct the wavefront in the presence of branch points. We therefore developed the intensity/slopes network (ISNet), a deep convolutional-neural-network-based reconstructor that uses both the wavefront gradient information and the intensity of the SH-WFS’s subapertures to provide better wavefront reconstruction. We trained the network on simulated data with multiple levels of turbulence and compared the performance of our reconstructor to several other reconstruction techniques. ISNet produced the lowest wavefront error of the reconstructors we evaluated and operated at a speed suitable for real-time applications, enabling the use of the SH-WFS in stronger turbulence than was previously possible.
Layered WSe2 Q-Switched Tm/Ho composite laser in a resonance-enhanced hybrid cavity
Authors: Huang Haizhou , Ge Yan , Li Jinhui , Hu Huawen , Huang Jianhong , Zhen Hui , Liu Huagang , Lin Wenxiong
Published: February 2020

Layered WSe2 membrane prepared via chemical vapor deposition was used as the saturable absorber (SA) for seeking Q-switching in a direct 808 nm LD pumped Tm/Ho composite laser. For separating the Tm laser from modulated by the SA which leads to the failure in Q-switching, a spectral filter was inserted intra-cavity to form a hybrid cavity, where resonance enhancement in the Ho laser compared with using the conventional cavity was observed. Successful Q-switching with maximum average output power of 141 mW at 2090 nm was obtained under output coupling of 2%, where the shortest pulse width was 185 ns at repetition rate of 33 kHz, corresponding to a pulse energy of 4.36 µJ and peak power of 23.1 W. It is the first presentation of 2D material applied in the Tm/Ho composite laser at 2.1 µm, where the current SA could be replaced by other pulse modulation materials such as topological insulator, graphene, or golden nano-rod for seeking novel pulse Ho lasers.
LGS electro-optically Q-switched Er,Pr:YAP crystal laser operated at 2.7 µm
Authors: Quan Cong , Sun Dunlu , Luo Jianqiao , Zhang Huili , Zhao Xuyao , Hu Lunzhen , Han Zhiyuan , Dong Kunpeng , Cheng Maojie
Published: February 2020

We demonstrate an optimized 2.7 µm Er,Pr:YAP laser in both free-running and Q-switched modes. In free running mode, a maximum energy of 346 mJ is obtained with repetition frequency of 5 Hz. In Q-switched mode, a giant pulse with 63.4 mJ energy and 40 ns pulse width is realized at 5 Hz, which corresponds to an energy extraction efficiency of 47% and a peak power of 1.59 MW. Additionally, the M2 factor and laser spectrum are also measured in two modes. These results indicate that the LGS Q-switched 2.7 µm Er,Pr:YAP laser is a promising candidate for the mid-infrared pulse laser device.
In the Presence of Other Bodies: Ear-Opening Internal Sound in Nicolas Philibert’s In the Land of the Deaf
Authors: McGregor Brynne
Published: February 2020

Silence: for hearing individuals, it is difficult to find and even more difficult to imagine. Even in situations devoid of human speech, sound is unavoidable. Relative silence is often found in rooms with creaks in the floors or trains in the distance. One of the last places someone might look for silence is in film, and since the late 1920s this would be logical. There are rare moments in cinema where music and dialogue are completely absent; both storytelling tools are so readily used. In French documentarian Nicolas Philibert’s In the Land of the Deaf (1992), silence is loud. As Philibert captures insightful interviews and slice-of-life moments, dialogue is refused as the principal storytelling instrument. In a suitable anomaly, the culture of deaf persons is filmed and edited with sonic consciousness.
The Grand Bizarre and Hoarders Without Boarders 1.0 at The Wexner Center for the Arts
Authors: Dunn Austin Graham
Published: February 2020

The Grand Bizarre (2018)

USA

Director Jodie Mack Runtime 61 minutes

Hoarders Without Borders 1.0 (2018)

USA

Director Jodie Mack Runtime 4 minutes and 45 seconds
Platería guipuzcoana. Caja para llevar los últimos sacramentos de Antonio Usarralde
Authors: Cruz Valdovinos José Manuel
Published: February 2020

En la platería religiosa guipuzcoana existen unas piezas peculiares, unas cajas para colgar al cuello cuyo interior contiene un recipiente para Hostias y otro para el óleo de los enfermos. Estudiamos su etimología, tipología y difusión y añadimos a su corto catálogo un ejemplar especialmente bien conservado y completo aparecido en una subasta madrileña. Su autor es el pllatero tolosano Antonio Usarralde, activo en la segunda mitad del siglo XVIII, contraste y marcador desde 1760 y autor de una docena de obras, de las que tres son dadas a conocer en este trabajo.
De versmaading der wereltsche ydelheden: emblematizando La Vanidad del mundo de Estella. Una edición ilustrada neerlandesa
Authors: Cazalla Canto Silvia
Published: February 2020

En 1712 el neerlandés Everardus van der Hooght publicó una edición única de lujo de La Vanidad del mundo (Salamanca, 1574) de fray Diego de Estella ilustrada con láminas a modo de emblemas. Este trabajo analiza la primera parte del tratado para conocer cuáles fueron los argumentos a los que el predicador protestante otorgó mayor relevancia, que nos ayudarán a comprender los motivos que le llevaron a emblematizar el libro de oro del predicador de Felipe II.
Aurelio Arteta, director del Museo de Arte Moderno de Bilbao (1924-1936)
Authors: Garate Mikel Onandia
Published: February 2020

Creado con los fondos de arte moderno del Museo de Bellas Artes, en 1924 abrió sus puertas el Museo de Arte Moderno de Bilbao. Su director, el pintor Aurelio Arteta, orientó el museo sobre dos principios fundamentales: una política de compras regular y la organización de exposiciones temporales. A pesar de sufrir la incomprensión de las instituciones públicas, perfiló la vocación del futuro Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, con la fusión de ambos tras la Guerra Civil, como una institución comprometida con la creación contemporánea de su entorno más cercano.
La fábrica de papeles pintados Santa Isabel de Vitoria a mediados del siglo XIX
Authors: Bartolomé García Fernando R.
Published: February 2020

La fábrica de papeles pintados de Santa Isabel de Vitoria fue fundada en 1846 y, aunque no tuvo una vida productiva muy larga, se convirtió en uno de los establecimientos artísticos artesanales más importantes del País Vasco en esos años. Fue diseñada a imitación de las francesas, dotada de maquinaria moderna y de operarios cualificados, y gracias a ello consiguió producir papeles pintados de gran calidad y variedad. Lamentablemente, no pudo superar la competencia extranjera y la presión fiscal sobre la materia prima y los productos elaborados, lo que la llevó a su rápida desaparición.
How Physics Makes Us Free (Jenann Ismael)
Authors: Esnaola Beñat
Published: February 2020

Fisikak duen munduaren ulerkera eta askatasuna (edo nork bere burua gobernatzeko gaitasuna) uztartu daitezkeela defendatu nahi du Ismaelek liburuan. Askatasuna ez dago modan, ordea. Fatalismoa da nagusi. Alde handia dago bizi dugun munduaren eta fisikak deskribatzen duenaren artean, eta ohikoa da “Bizi duguna fisikak ilusioa dela erakusten du” eta horrelakoak entzutea. Beste askori, askatasunaren defentsa metafisikoa lekuz kanpokoa irudituko zaio. Horiek, askatasuna orain eta hemen behar dela defendatuko dute. Ez duela inongo zentzurik askatasuna termino horietan pentsatzeak.
Telewizja interaktywna w Polsce (na przykładzie kanału aMazing Multimedia Polska)
Authors: Robert Kuciński Robert Kuciński
Published: February 2020

The article is an attempt to describe the essence of interactive television based on the example of aMazingTV – the first interactive channel in Poland, established by Multimedia Polska in September 2009. The author presents the development of interactivity in life, art and media and reflects on the future of one of the most important features of the so-called new media.
Studium przypadku słoweńskich obyczajów łowieckich i etyki łowieckiej: rola łowiectwa w zrównoważonej gospodarce środowiskowej
Authors: Čarga Dolores
Published: February 2020

Obyczaje, zwyczaje i rytuały myśliwskie są ważną częścią kultury i tradycji łowieckiej. Odgrywają niezwykle istotną rolę w tworzeniu tożsamości kulturowej we wszystkich narodach, w każdej epoce. W Słowenii do dziś przestrzega się na co dzień wielu obyczajów myśliwskich, takich jak dekorowanie kapelusza zieloną gałązką (złomem), ostatni kęs, złom, składanie hołdu upolowanej zwierzynie, chrzty myśliwskie, pogrzeby myśliwych, tradycyjny strój myśliwski i inne. Te obyczaje, zakorzenione w ponad stuletniej słoweńskiej tradycji łowieckiej, wraz z „Kodeksem etycznym słoweńskich myśliwych” reprezentują istotne wartości. Pomimo zmian w sposobie życia, umacniają kulturę myśliwską, odzwierciedlając szacunek myśliwego wobec przyrody i zwierzyny, a także wobec społeczeństwa, towarzyszy polowania i psów myśliwskich. Łowiectwo, mimo całej swojej złożoności, jest działalnością społeczną, której podstawą są społeczności łowieckie, wspólne dobro i kultura, dlatego musi podążać za dynamiką społeczną. Jest więc społecznym filarem idei podtrzymania środowiska naturalnego i umożliwia prowadzenie zrównoważonej gospodarki środowiskowej. Człowiek jest istotą społeczną, a myślistwo należy do najstarszych jego działalności kształtujących kulturę i relacje pomiędzy ludźmi w obrębie społeczności. Niewątpliwa jest rola myślistwa w kształtowaniu ludzkiej kultury, a także w zrównoważonym wykorzystaniu zasobów naturalnych.
Tekstualizm, materializm, imersja, interpretacja
Authors: Uniłowski Krzysztof
Published: February 2020

Krzysztof Uniłowski zmarł na początku grudnia. Przez ostatnie dwadzieścia lat był wśrod kluczowych figur polskiego literaturoznawstwa. Pisząc na bardzo zróżnicowane tematy - od recenzji współczesnych polskich powieści po eseje o ideach nowoczesności, od klasowo podbudowanych analiz fantastyki i seriali telewizyjnych po komentarze dotyczące polityczności i etosu krytyki literackiej - Uniłowski rozwinął imponującą i wyjątkową krytyczną perspektywę, a wręcz szczególny język krytyki, który zainspirował - i bez wątpienia nadal będzie inspirować - krytyków wszystkich pokoleń. W swojej pracy Uniłowski czerpał chętnie z materializmu historycznego, stale balansując swoje intuicyjne skupienie na tym, co polityczne (w szczególności na kategorii klasy) z równie intuicyjnym przekonaniem co do niezastępowalności formy literackiej. Chociaż nie zawsze się z nim zgadzaliśmy - co jest na lewicy normą, jeśli nie tradycją - to jako redaktorzy i redaktorki „Praktyki Teoretycznej” cieszymy się, mogąc nazwać go nietylko punktem odniesienia, ale towarzyszem. Uniłowski zmarł w trakcie końcowych prac nad esejem, który prezentujemy poniżej. Niestety, nie zdążył przesłać nam gotowego abstraktu/streszczenia, musimy więc sami podjąć próbę podsumowania jego głównych punktów. Kwestie podniesione w tym erudycyjnym i formalnie złożonym artykule dotyczą spraw zasadniczych: w jakim sensie fikcyjne światy przypominają świat niefikcyjny, i w jaki sposób owe światy zamieszkujemy? Jak wygląda relacja między imersją i interpretacją? Jakie figury mogą pomóc nam w wyobrażeniu sobie - zwizualizowaniu - naszej intymnej, lecz przecież nieuchronnie społecznej relacji z tym, co fikcyjne (czy jesteśmy gośćmi, mieszkańcami, przechodniami...)? Uniłowski szuka odpowiedzi we współczesnej krytyce marksistowskiej (Eagleton, Jameson, Berardi), w pisarstwie sci-fi i fantasy (Lem, Sapkowski, Martin), a także w nowoczesnej filozofii kontynentalnej (Gadamer, Heidegger) oraz - w ostatniej części eseju - we współczesnych badaniach gier. Cieszymy się, mogąc przedstawić artykuł Uniłowskiego w dwóch wersjach - w polskim oryginale oraz w angielskim tłumaczeniu (autorstwa Jakoba Zigurasa). Po to, by zachować trudny do pomylenia flow myśli Uniłowskiego w języku angielskim, do tekstu wprowadzono na etapie tłumaczenia - przy pełnej współpracy autora - drobne zmiany. Mamy nadzieję, że dla naszych polskojęzycznych czytelniczek i czytelników porównanie obu wersji okaże się ciekawe i pożyteczne - wydaje sie bowiem oferować szczególny wgląd w warsztat pisarski Uniłowskiego.
The Challenges of Assurance on Non-financial Reporting
Authors: Sonnerfeldt Amanda Ling Li , Pontoppidan Caroline Aggestam
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this paper is to enhance our understanding of the notions and conceptual foundations of assurance in the standard setting arena. This will facilitate an informed discussion of the challenges and the role of assurance within an increasingly complex and fragmented corporate reporting regulatory landscape. The study draws on relevant literature on sustainability assurance and an analysis of how the assurance concept has been framed by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) through the construction of standards. The analysis highlights that the fragility of the conceptual foundations of assurance, broad-based nature of standards and diversity in practice contribute to the persistent challenges of sustainability assurance. This paper makes an important contribution to the discussions and contemporary debates on the regulation of and through assurance as well as the complex newer concept of integrated assurance. It further contributes to a more informed policy discussion as to how it can(not) strengthen the role of non-financial reporting as an agent of change to encourage more sustainable companies.
El modelo económico y su influencia en el desarrollo sustentable de cinco municipios de Guanajuato
Authors: Flores Casamayor Horacio , Morales Martínez Jorge Luis , Tagle Zamora Daniel , Delgado Galván Xitlali V.
Published: February 2020

El actual modelo de desarrollo económico en el Bajío guanajuatense, basado en la producción industrial y manufacturera, fue implementado por el gobierno estatal buscando hacer más eficiente el uso de sus recursos bióticos y abióticos para obtener productos de mayor valor agregado respecto a los agropecuarios. Sin embargo, los supuestos beneficios de esta política generan serias dudas en muchos especialistas respecto a su viabilidad. Por lo tanto, este trabajo busca determinar cómo ha impactado esta industrialización en diferentes parámetros ambientales, sociales, económicos e hidrológicos en los municipios de Celaya, Irapuato, León, Salamanca y Silao a través de un estudio de sus datos históricos para observar su comportamiento en el tiempo, con la intención de determinar las posibles mejoras y desbalances ocasionados en ellos. Los resultados mostraron los diferentes niveles de deterioro que presentan los municipios en muchos parámetros, especialmente los hídricos, concluyendo en la necesidad de replantear este modelo de desarrollo.

Los resultados mostraron la necesidad de replantear el actual modelo de desarrollo económico en vista del deterioro ambiental, social, económico e hidrológico que presentan los municipios y las nulas mejoras en la gestión del agua.
Mechanism of Variation in High-Temperature Grain Stability of Aluminum in Dissimilar Friction Stir Welds
Authors: Kar Amlan , Kailas Satish V. , Suwas Satyam
Published: February 2020

In the dissimilar Friction Stir Welding (FSW) of aluminum to titanium, a large fraction of titanium particles is inhomogeneously distributed in the weld nugget and their distribution is highly complex. Such a distribution can have an immense influence on the grain stability of the weld nugget, which decides its mechanical properties at the high temperatures experienced in critical applications. The present investigation highlights the variation in grain structure at the top surface and center of the weld nugget. The results show that the microstructure at the surface of the weld contains a higher fraction of fine titanium particles, refined grains of aluminum and high-angle grain boundaries, and a lower intensity of shear texture components when compared to the center of the weld nugget. The variation in the grain stability of the weld was correlated with the qualitative variation in the strain rate and temperature in the weld. It is proposed that the formation and distribution of a high fraction of fine titanium particles results in superior grain stability of aluminum at the surface of the weld due to arrest of the grain boundary mobility against grain growth. This mechanism and methodology can be applied in developing metal matrix composites with superior mechanical properties as well.
Peculiarities of Microstructure Evolution and Property Changes of Titanium Alloys In Situ during Electric Forging
Authors: Kommel Lembit
Published: February 2020

The experimental studies of the parameters of hot electric forging were carried out on industrial heat resistance (α + β), (near-α), and (α″ + β) titanium alloys. It was established that simultaneous fast Joule heating with a high-density electric current and an initial temperature of hot intense plastic deformation are important parameters for the electric forging of heat resistance titanium alloys. The heating rate dependence on electric current density and thermophysical properties of metal, as well as deformation temperature dependence on axial compression stress and mechanical strength of heated metal under compression as the main parameters of electric forging, were chosen. To calculate the processing parameters, we investigated the evolution of the thermophysical properties and mechanical strength of selected titanium alloys at a heating rate of 50°C·s−1 at a temperature up to 1,200°C. Microstructural evolution and the phase transformation temperature were determined using optical and scanning electron microscopes. The results show that the grinding efficiency of the coarse-grained microstructure depends on the increase of the heating rate, and the formation of uniaxial ultrafine alpha-phase grains depends on an increase of the compressive stress or decrease in the deformation temperature. It can be argued that the compressor blades made of titanium alloys for aircraft turbojet engines had increased ductility, stability, and high-cyclic fatigue strength, as well as increased operating life at ambient temperatures. The results can be used to model and calculate the rational parameters of electric forging to improve the operational properties of the final products.
Parkinsonian Beta Dynamics during Rest and Movement in the Dorsal Pallidum and Subthalamic Nucleus
Authors: Eisinger Robert S. , Cagle Jackson N. , Opri Enrico , Alcantara Jose , Cernera Stephanie , Foote Kelly D. , Okun Michael S. , Gunduz Aysegul
Published: February 2020

In Parkinson's disease (PD), pathologically high levels of beta activity (12–30 Hz) reflect specific symptomatology and normalize with pharmacological or surgical intervention. Although beta characterization in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) of PD patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) has now been translated into adaptive DBS paradigms, a limited number of studies have characterized beta power in the globus pallidus internus (GPi), an equally effective DBS target. Our objective was to compare beta power in the STN and GPi during rest and movement in people with PD undergoing DBS. Thirty-seven human female and male participants completed a simple behavioral experiment consisting of periods of rest and button presses, leading to local field potential recordings from 19 (15 participants) STN and 26 (22 participants) GPi nuclei. We examined overall beta power as well as beta time-domain dynamics (i.e., beta bursts). We found higher beta power during rest and movement in the GPi, which also had more beta desynchronization during movement. Beta power was positively associated with bradykinesia and rigidity severity; however, these clinical associations were present only in the GPi cohort. With regards to beta dynamics, bursts were similar in duration and frequency in the GPi and STN, but GPi bursts were stronger and correlated to bradykinesia-rigidity severity. Beta dynamics therefore differ across basal ganglia nuclei. Relative to the STN, beta power in the GPi may be readily detected, modulates more with movement, and relates more to clinical impairment. Together, this could point to the GPi as a potentially effective target for beta-based adaptive DBS.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIt is known that subthalamic nucleus (STN) beta activity is linked to symptom severity in Parkinson's disease (PD), but few studies have characterized beta activity in the globus pallidus internus (GPi), another effective target for deep brain stimulation (DBS). We compared beta power in the STN and GPi during rest and movement in 37 people with PD undergoing DBS. We found that beta dynamics differed across basal ganglia nuclei. Our results show that, relative to the STN, beta power in the GPi may be readily detected, modulates more with movement, and relates more to clinical impairment. Together, this could point to the GPi as a potentially effective target for beta-based adaptive DBS.
Comparison of Levosimendan Versus IABP in Patients with Poor Left Ventricular Function Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Omar Alaa , Eldegwy Mahmoud , Allam Mohamed , Rouchdy Amr , Soliman Soliman Abdel Hei , Dawou Omar , Elshihy Ehab
Published: February 2020

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the use of levosimendan versus intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in patients with poor left ventricular function undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with ejection fraction less than 35%.
Methods: Between February 2016 and March 2019, a prospective randomized study was performed on a group of 279 consecutive patients with left ventricular ejection fraction < 35%, who underwent elective CABG without concomitant procedures. These patients were divided into 2 groups, according to the treatment they received – either levosimendan (Group A) or intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (Group B).
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups, regarding mortality and morbidity. In the IABP group, the mean arterial blood pressure (2 hours post cardiopulmonary bypass) significantly was higher, and the heart rate in postoperative Day 1 significantly was lower. The levosimendan group had a significantly lower ICU stay than the IABP group.
Conclusion: We found that starting levosimendan infusion after induction of anesthesia is an acceptable option in comparison to IABP. The use of levosimendan in high-risk cardiac patients is comparable to IABP in improving hemodynamics during and after conventional on-pump CABG and results in a shorter ICU stay.