bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attenuated Total Reflection Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption (ATR SEIRA) Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Fatty Acids on Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Kato Yuichi , Kikugawa Masashi , Sudo Eiichi
Published: June 2017

The application of attenuated total reflection surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR SEIRA) to the analysis of fatty acids on silver nanoparticles was investigated. Attenuated total reflection measurements using four types of internal reflection elements (IREs)—zinc selenide, diamond, silicon, and germanium—were performed for silver nanoparticles modified with fatty acids, and germanium IRE was shown to be suitable for the analysis of silver nanoparticles, even when the sample had a high refractive index. Fatty acids coating the silver nanoparticles could be directly identified by SEIRA enhancement, because both symmetric carboxylate stretching vibration and methylene wagging vibration were strongly detected. Furthermore, the peak positions for methylene wagging vibration differed depending on the carbon number of the fatty acid, so that information from the ATR SEIRA spectra makes it possible to identify substances coating silver nanoparticles. Therefore, ATR SEIRA would appear to have significant potential as a technique for the identification of substances coated on metal nanoparticle surfaces.
Sanctioned Violence in the New Testament
Authors: Carter Warren
Published: June 2017

After describing key interpretive categories of sanctioned and structural violence, the article identifies some forms of sanctioned structural violence evident in Matthew’s Gospel. It concludes with a brief consideration of contemporary strategies for identifying and resisting scriptural inscribing and sanctioning of violence.
Delayed and Unreported Drug-Susceptibility Testing Results in the US National Tuberculosis Surveillance System, 1993-2014
Authors: Jones Jefferson Michael , Armstrong Lori R.
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

Drug-susceptibility testing (DST) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is necessary for identifying drug-resistant tuberculosis, administering effective treatment regimens, and preventing the spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis. DST is recommended for all culture-confirmed cases of tuberculosis. We examined trends in delayed and unreported DST results in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Tuberculosis Surveillance System.

Methods:

We analyzed culture-confirmed tuberculosis cases reported to the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System during 1993-2014 for annual trends in initial DST reporting for first-line antituberculosis drugs and trends in on-time, delayed, and unreported results. We defined on-time reporting as DST results received during the same calendar year in which the patient’s case was reported or ≤4 months after the calendar year ended and delayed reporting as DST results received after the calendar year. We compared cases with on-time, delayed, and unreported DST results by patient and tuberculosis program characteristics.

Results:

The proportion of cases with reported results for all first-line antituberculosis drugs increased during 1993-2011. Reporting of pyrazinamide results was lower than reporting of other drugs. However, during 2000-2012, of 134 787 tuberculosis cases reported to the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System, reporting was on time for 125 855 (93.4%) cases, delayed for 5332 (4.0%) cases, and unreported for 3600 (2.7%) cases.

Conclusions:

Despite increases in the proportion of cases with on-time DST results, delayed and unreported results persisted. Carefully assessing causes for delayed and unreported DST results should lead to more timely reporting of drug-resistant tuberculosis.
An architecture for multi-robot localization and mapping in the Gazebo/Robot Operating System simulation environment
Authors: Uslu Erkan , Çakmak Furkan , Altuntaş Nihal , Marangoz Salih , Amasyalı Mehmet Fatih , Yavuz Sırma
Published: June 2017

Robots are an important part of urban search and rescue tasks. World wide attention has been given to developing capable physical platforms that would be beneficial for rescue teams. It is evident that use of multi-robots increases the effectiveness of these systems. The Robot Operating System (ROS) is becoming a standard platform for the robotics research community for both physical robots and simulation environments. Gazebo, with connectivity to the ROS, is a three-dimensional simulation environment that is also becoming a standard. Several simultaneous localization and mapping algorithms are implemented in the ROS; however, there is no multi-robot mapping implementation. In this work, two multi-robot mapping algorithm implementations are presented, namely multi-robot gMapping and multi-robot Hector Mapping. The multi-robot implementations are tested in the Gazebo simulation environment. Also, in order to achieve a more realistic simulation, every incremental robot movement is modeled with rotational and translational noise.
The resistible rise of the temporary employment industry in France
Authors: Brook Paul , Purcell Christina
Published: June 2017

This article is an historical account of the contested growth of the temporary employment agency sector in France. It utilises a variegated capitalism conceptual framework to explain the evolution of a distinctive temporary employment agency sector and regulatory environment under French politico-institutional conditions that was contingent upon global developments. The article charts the role of large agencies in constructing a market for agency labour despite wide-scale cultural, political and trade union opposition. In order to build legitimacy, agencies sought partners in the labour movement from the late 1960s onwards. By the late 1990s, the sector had grown significantly within a gradually more permissive regulatory framework, despite ongoing but fragmenting opposition. The article demonstrates that the growth of agency labour was not an inevitable outcome of global pressure for labour market deregulation. It also reveals how national regulatory institutions alone are not a sufficient bulwark against global labour market pressures.
Endoscopic Lateral Cartilage Graft Tympanoplasty
Authors: Wick Cameron C. , Arnaoutakis Demetri , Kaul Vivian F. , Isaacson Brandon
Published: June 2017

Objective

To describe a novel technique for lateral graft tympanoplasty.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care university hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Pediatric and adult patients with tympanic membrane perforations deemed unfavorable for a medial graft technique due to the perforation characteristics or myringitis.

Results

Between 2014 and 2016, 34 ears from 31 patients underwent a transcanal endoscopic lateral cartilage graft tympanoplasty. The mean age was 24.4 years (range, 6‐71 years), and 22 patients (65%) were younger than 18 years. All patients had tympanic membrane perforations. Eighteen patients (53%) had total or near‐total perforations, leaving a minimal anterior remnant, and 16 patients (47%) had extensive myringitis. A bisected tragal cartilage‐perichondrium shield graft was used in 33 patients (97%). The mean (SD) follow‐up length was 9.8 (5.7) months. Initial perforation closure rate was 88.2% (30/34). Three of the persistent perforations underwent a revision endoscopic medial graft tympanoplasty with successful closure, leaving a final closure rate of 97.1% (33/34). Five patients (15%) required topical therapy for postoperative myringitis. Mean (SD) pure‐tone average and air‐bone gap significantly improved by 11.5 (10.7) dB (P <. 001) and 11.4 (10.6) dB (P <. 001), respectively. Twenty‐seven patients (79%) closed their air‐bone gap within 20 dB.

Conclusion

Transcanal endoscopic lateral cartilage graft tympanoplasty is feasible, and initial data support favorable outcomes. Further data are necessary for evaluation of long‐term results and efficacy comparisons.
Experimental Models of Autoimmune Demyelinating Diseases in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Stimmer Lev , Fovet Claire-Maëlle , Serguera Ché
Published: June 2017

Human idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating diseases (IIDD) are a heterogeneous group of autoimmune inflammatory and demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). These include multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common chronic IIDD, but also rarer disorders such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Great efforts have been made to understand the pathophysiology of MS, leading to the development of a few effective treatments. Nonetheless, IIDD still require a better understanding of the causes and underlying mechanisms to implement more effective therapies and diagnostic methods. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a commonly used animal model to study the pathophysiology of IIDD. EAE is principally induced through immunization with myelin antigens combined with immune-activating adjuvants. Nonhuman primates (NHP), the phylogenetically closest relatives of humans, challenged by similar microorganisms as other primates may recapitulate comparable immune responses to that of humans. In this review, the authors describe EAE models in 3 NHP species: rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta), cynomolgus macaques ( Macaca fascicularis), and common marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus), evaluating their respective contribution to the understanding of human IIDD. EAE in NHP is a heterogeneous disease, including acute monophasic and chronic polyphasic forms. This diversity makes it a versatile model to use in translational research. This clinical variability also creates an opportunity to explore multiple facets of immune-mediated mechanisms of neuro-inflammation and demyelination as well as intrinsic protective mechanisms. Here, the authors review current insights into the pathogenesis and immunopathological mechanisms implicated in the development of EAE in NHP.
TGF-β1 Improves Biomechanical Strength by Extracellular Matrix Accumulation Without Increasing the Number of Tenogenic Lineage Cells in a Rat Rotator Cuff Repair Model
Authors: Arimura Hitoshi , Shukunami Chisa , Tokunaga Takuya , Karasugi Tatsuki , Okamoto Nobukazu , Taniwaki Takuya , Sakamoto Hidetoshi , Mizuta Hiroshi , Hiraki Yuji
Published: June 2017

Background:

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) positively regulates the tenogenic marker genes scleraxis ( Scx) and tenomodulin ( Tnmd) in mesenchymal progenitors in vitro. However, little is known about the effect of TGF-β1 on the expression of tenogenic markers during rotator cuff (RC) healing in rats.

Hypothesis:

TGF-β1 improves the biomechanical properties and histological maturity of reparative tissue in a rat RC repair model by stimulating the growth of tenogenic cells.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 180) underwent unilateral supraspinatus tendon-to-bone surgical repair and were randomly treated with a gelatin hydrogel presoaked in TGF-β1 (100 ng) or phosphate-buffered saline. The effects of TGF-β1 on RC healing were investigated at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively by immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen, by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization or immunostaining for enthesis-related markers (SRY-box containing gene 9 [ Sox9], Scx, and Tnmd), and by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining for type I and III collagen. At 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively, biomechanical testing, micro–computed tomography, and biochemical analysis were also performed. At 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively, mesenchymal stem cell–related markers, phospho-Smad2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and MMP-13 were assessed by immunostaining.

Results:

The TGF-β1-treated group had significantly higher ultimate load to failure and tissue volume at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively and a higher collagen content at 12 weeks compared with the saline group. Tendon-related gene expression, histological maturity, cell proliferation, and mesenchymal stem cell–related marker immunoreactivity were not affected by exogenously administrated TGF-β1 at all time points. In the TGF-β1-treated group, the percentage of phospho-Smad2-positive cells within the healing tissue increased, whereas the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-13 significantly decreased at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively.

Conclusion:

TGF-β1 enhances formation of tough fibrous tissues at the healing site by inhibiting MMP-9 and MMP-13 expression to increase collagen accumulation but without the growth of tenogenic lineage cells.

Clinical Relevance:

These findings suggest that TGF-β1 could be used for enhancing biomechanical strength after RC surgical repair.
Assessing the prospects for physician supply and demand in Canada: Wishing it was rocket science
Authors: Adams Owen , Chauhan Tara S. , Buske Lynda
Published: June 2017

“It’s not rocket science” is an often used phrase to describe tasks that are not very difficult. Although rocketry has proven to be an exacting science with highly predictable results, the same cannot be said for physician workforce planning in Canada. The “boom” in physician supply in the 1960s and 1970s was followed by a “bust” in the early 1990s and a further boom in the 2000s. A large generational shift in the physician population is anticipated between now and 2030; the proportion of “boomers” (1946-1964) will drop from 43% to 16% of the practising profession. Canada has not been alone in increasing physician supply. Any judgement as to whether too many or too few physicians are being trained must consider the drivers and mitigators of both supply and demand. Although there are current concerns about a shortage of practice opportunities for some specialties, the available data do not indicate a physician surplus on the horizon in Canada.
Impact of language barriers on access to healthcare for official language minority Francophones in Canada
Authors: de Moissac Danielle , Bowen Sarah
Published: June 2017

While there is strong international evidence that language barriers present obstacles to healthcare access, quality and safety, little research has been conducted on the experience of official language minorities in Canada. This multiple method research used on-line and paper-based surveys, combined with semi-structured individual interviews to explore the experience with access to care of Francophone minorities living in four Canadian provinces. The majority of Francophones surveyed reported limited access to French language services and described an environment where low importance is given to addressing language barriers within the health system. Even when services are available, the lack of services in French sometimes results in avoidance of care. Results confirm that many Francophones face similar barriers to care as other language minorities in Canada. Strategies to improve access for official language minorities are discussed.
Fabrication and characterization of electrospun poly lactic-co-glycolic acid/zeolite nanocomposite scaffolds using bone tissue engineering
Authors: Davarpanah Jazi Rahele , Rafienia Mohammad , Salehi Rozve Hossein , Karamian Ebrahim , Sattary Mansooreh
Published: June 2017

Poly lactic- co-glycolic acid/zeolite nanocomposite scaffolds were prepared with 17 (wt%) poly lactic- co-glycolic acid (75:25) and 3, 7, and 10 (wt%) nanocrystalline zeolite particles by electrospinning poly lactic- co-glycolic acid and nanocrystalline zeolite with an average diameter of crystals equal to 42 nm. The field-emission scanning electron microscope images confirmed that fibers had no beads. In vitro mineralization in the simulated body fluid revealed that the poly lactic- co-glycolic acid/zeolite nanoscaffolds had strong bioactivity behavior and apatite crystals were formed on the scaffolds. Mechanical properties were improved in the nanocomposite scaffolds compared to the poly lactic- co-glycolic acid scaffold. Biodegradation of scaffolds was tested by being immersed and incubated in phosphate-buffered saline for 90 days, and the effect of zeolite on the degradation rate was also studied. The biological performance of nanoscaffolds and poly lactic- co-glycolic acid was assessed by in vitro culture of MG63 osteosarcoma cell line, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-dimethiyltetrazolium-bromide assay, and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining. All types of scaffolds were cell compatible and could support cell proliferation. Poly lactic- co-glycolic acid/zeolite (3 and 7 (wt%)) showed cell viability and proliferation since 1, 4, and 7 days after the implantation. The cell adherence to the scaffolds was also studied by scanning electron microscope images. The results showed that MG63 cells adhered to the nanocomposites. Besides, all the results illustrated that nanocomposite scaffold with 7 (wt%) zeolite is the most suitable scaffold for bone tissue engineering.
Enhanced antitumor activity of epigallocatechin gallate–conjugated dual-drug-loaded polystyrene–polysoyaoil–diethanol amine nanoparticles for breast cancer therapy
Authors: Karahaliloğlu Zeynep , Kilicay Ebru , Alpaslan Pınar , Hazer Baki , Baki Denkbas Emir
Published: June 2017

The development of novel combination anticancer drug delivery systems is an important step to improve the effectiveness of anticancer treatment in metastatic breast cancer and to overcome increased toxicity of the currently used combination treatments. The aim of this study was to assess efficient targeting, therapeutic efficacy, and bioavailability of a combination of drugs (curcumin and α-tocopheryl succinate) loaded polystyrene–polysoyaoil–diethanol amine nanoparticles. Polystyrene–polysoyaoil–diethanol amine nanoparticles encapsulating two drugs, individually or in combination, were prepared by double-emulsion solvent evaporation method, resulting in particle size smaller than 250 nm with a surface negative charge between −30 and −40 mV. Entrapment efficiency of curcumin and α-tocopheryl succinate in the epigallocatechin gallate–conjugated dual-drug-loaded nanoparticles was found to be 68% and 80%, respectively. The release kinetics of curcumin and α-tocopheryl succinate from the nanoparticles exhibited a gradual and continuous profile followed by an initial burst behavior with a release over 20 days in vitro. Next, we have investigated the anticancer activity of nanoparticles encapsulating both the drugs and individually drug in human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) using double-staining-based cell death analysis, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assessment of cytotoxicity and flow cytometer. In vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed that epigallocatechin gallate–α-tocopheryl succinate/curcumin–polystyrene–polysoyaoil–diethanol amine nanoparticles are more potent than the corresponding α-tocopheryl succinate/curcumin–polystyrene–polysoyaoil–diethanol amine nanoparticles and their single-drug-loaded forms and show a synergistic and breast tumor targeting function. Thus, here, we propose epigallocatechin gallate–conjugated curcumin and α-tocopheryl succinate–loaded polystyrene–polysoyaoil–diethanol amine nanoparticles which effectively inhibit tumor growth and reduce toxicity compared to single-drug chemotherapy.
Environment, Equity, and Economic Development Goals: Understanding Differences in Local Economic Development Strategies
Authors: Zhang Xue , Warner Mildred E. , Homsy George C.
Published: June 2017

What role do local governments play in promoting sustainable economic development? This study uses a 2014 national survey to analyze the relationship between local environment and social equity motivations and the kinds of economic development strategies local governments pursue (business incentives or community economic development policies). Municipalities that pay more attention to environmental sustainability and social equity use higher levels of community economic development tools and lower levels of business incentives. These places are also more likely to have written economic development plans and involve more participants in the economic development process. In contrast, communities that use higher levels of business incentives have lower income and are more dependent on manufacturing employment. Other capacity measures do not differentiate types of economic development strategies used. This suggests that sustainable economic development strategies can be pursued by a broad array of communities, especially if the motivations driving their economic development policy include environment and equity goals.
Inter-American case law on femicide
Authors: Sosa Lorena P. A.
Published: June 2017

The Inter-American Human Rights System has broken new ground in the field of violence against women (VAW) by delineating the concept of femicide, the principle of due diligence, clarifying the obligations of the States regarding violence and a adopting a gender perspective on reparations. In recent years, ‘intersectionality’, the study of the interconnections of race, ethnicity, religion, age, class, sexual orientation and other categories of difference in relation to inequality, has been promoted in human rights law for tackling VAW. This approach poses new challenges for the interpretation of cases. This article examines to what extent the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission have incorporated an intersectional view of violence against women into cases of femicide and discusses the potential of doing so in the future.
On substandard substantive theory and axing axioms of measurement: A response to Humphry
Authors: Michell Joel
Published: June 2017

My response to Humphry begins with some reflections upon why it is that after more than a century, psychometrics still lacks plausible substantive theories underwriting its claims to measure mental attributes and I explore the possibility that it is more myth-based technology than science. Historically, psychometrics has lacked any interest in coming to grips scientifically with the logical commitments of the presumption, implicit in the theories it does have (e.g., its Item Response Theories), that the attributes it aspires to measure are continuous quantities. This lack of interest might also explain Humphry’s misunderstanding of what is involved in the measurement theory axiom of continuity and his curious claim to have located a paradox therein. However, his attempt to rule the entire corpus of measurement theory as irrelevant to the enterprise of constructing and investigating substantive, psychometric theories betrays a failure to recognise that the form of substantive, quantitative theories also raises issues requiring empirical investigation.
Embedding exercise interventions as routine mental health care: implementation strategies in residential, inpatient and community settings
Authors: Lederman Oscar , Suetani Shuichi , Stanton Robert , Chapman Justin , Korman Nicole , Rosenbaum Simon , Ward Philip B , Siskind Dan
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

Evaluation of physical activity (PA) programs among populations with severe mental illness (SMI) has predominately focused on efficacy and therapeutic benefits. There is now strong evidence to support the benefits of PA in people with SMI. What remains is a gap in the implementation of pragmatic and sustainable PA interventions in mental-health settings. The current paper provides examples of interventions that have been successfully implemented in Australian settings, identifies key components of successful PA interventions and outlines practical strategies that can assist with widespread implementation of PA interventions in mental-health settings.

Conclusions:

There is an emergence of PA interventions being imbedded within a variety of mental-health settings. These interventions vary in terms of mode and intensity of service delivery. Yet, all aim to increase PA and reduce sedentary behaviour. Adopting the identified strategies may help facilitate successful implementation and increase access to PA interventions for mental-health service users.
Why post-cognitivism does not (necessarily) entail anti-computationalism
Authors: Villalobos Mario , Dewhurst Joe
Published: June 2017

Post-cognitive approaches to cognitive science, such as enactivism and autopoietic theory, are typically assumed to involve the rejection of computationalism. We will argue that this assumption results from the conflation of computation with the notion of representation, which is ruled out by the post-cognitivist rejection of cognitive realism. However, certain theories of computation need not invoke representation, and are not committed to cognitive realism, meaning that post-cognitivism need not necessarily imply anti-computationalism. Finally, we will demonstrate that autopoietic theory shares a mechanistic foundation with these theories of computation, and is therefore well-equipped to take advantage of these theories.
Safety of Outpatient Total Ankle Arthroplasty vs Traditional Inpatient Admission or Overnight Observation
Authors: Mulligan Ryan P. , Parekh Selene G.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Total joint surgeons have successfully performed hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty procedures in the outpatient setting without compromising safety, satisfaction, or results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outpatient total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) as compared with overnight or extended inpatient stay, with regard to 90-day medical and operative complications, reoperations, readmissions or emergency room visits, and pain control.

Methods:

The medical records of patients who underwent TAA with 1 fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon were reviewed. Outcome measures included operative complications, adverse medical events, readmission or emergency room visit for any reason, or reoperation within 90 days following surgery; surgeon’s office contact before first postoperative visit regarding pain or other issues; visual analog scale pain score at the first postoperative visit; and need for narcotic refill. Outcomes were assessed by admission status: outpatient, overnight observation, or inpatient admission. Standard statistical analysis was used, and P < .05 was considered significant.

Results:

Eighty-one patients underwent TAA who met inclusion criteria, and 8 had a complication (10%). A significant difference in complication rate was seen among groups ( P = .01) but not rate of readmission or reoperation. Of 16 patients, 5 (31%) who were admitted for 2 or more nights following surgery had a complication, as opposed to 3 of 65 (5%) who were outpatient or admitted overnight ( P = .01). There were no differences in frequency of postoperative phone calls, narcotic refills, or visual analog scale pain scores at the first postoperative visit. There were no adverse medical events.

Conclusion:

With proper instruction, TAA was performed safely in the outpatient setting. As health care policy continues to evolve in the United States, safe and efficient practices will remain a priority.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Robust finite-time synchronization of a class of chaotic systems via adaptive global sliding mode control
Authors: Xi Xiaojian , Mobayen Saleh , Ren Haipeng , Jafari Sajad
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes an adaptive robust finite-time control method based on a global sliding surface for the synchronization of a class of chaotic systems. New chattering-free control laws are designed to guarantee the removal of the reaching mode and realize the existence of the sliding mode around the designed surface right from the first moment. The proposed adaptive-tuning controllers eliminate the requirement of knowledge about disturbance bounds. Using the suggested control technique, superior master–slave synchronization is achieved, the chattering problem is fully solved, and the amplitudes of the control signals are noticeably decreased. Demonstrative simulation results for a Lü chaotic system are presented to indicate the efficiency and usefulness of the proposed scheme. In the end, using a state-feedback controller, we obtain a four-dimensional system with two interesting features. First, some hyperchaotic solutions are proposed, and then a continuous bifurcation diagram showing chaos for a wide range of bifurcation parameter is presented.
An Evaluation of Adolescent and Young Adult (Re)Victimization Experiences: Problematic Substance Use and Negative Consequences
Authors: Angelone D. J. , Marcantonio Tiffany , Melillo Jessica
Published: June 2017

We investigated substance use and negative consequences in women who experienced an initial sexual assault (SA) in high school and subsequently in college. More than 650 participants completed questionnaires assessing substance use/consequences, SA history, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology. Revictimized women reported differential substance use/consequences relative to controls underscoring the need to conceptualize adolescence as a key developmental period with a unique pathway to a subsequent SA, especially in association with substance use. We propose that prevention interventions should begin no later than ninth grade to limit the risk for an initial experience of SA and any consequential substance use and abuse.
Real-time simulation of a cat-scale artificial cerebellum on PEZY-SC processors
Authors: Yamazaki Tadashi , Igarashi Jun , Makino Junichiro , Ebisuzaki Toshikazu
Published: June 2017

The cerebellum is a part of the brain that plays essential roles in real-time motor learning and control and even cognitive functions. Thanks to the large amount of anatomical and physiological data, we implemented a spiking network model of the cerebellum on Shoubu, an energy-efficient supercomputer with 1280 PEZY-SC processors at RIKEN. Our artificial cerebellum consists of more than one billion neurons, which is comparable to the whole cerebellum of a cat. Using 1008 of 1280 processors on Shoubu, we achieved real-time simulation, that is, a computer simulation of the model for 1 s completes within 1 s of the real world with temporal resolution of 1 ms. Effective performance was estimated as 68 teraflops in single-precision floating points, suggesting 2.6% of peak performance. We expect that the artificial cerebellum will be applicable to various engineering applications, such as robotics and brain-style artificial intelligence.
Legionnaires’ Disease: Clinicoradiological Comparison of Sporadic Versus Outbreak Cases
Authors: Hashmi Hafiz Rizwan Talib , Saladi Lakshmi , Petersen Frances , Khaja Misbahuddin , Diaz-Fuentes Gilda
Published: June 2017

Background:

In 2015, New York City experienced the worst outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the history of the city. We compare patients seen during the 2015 outbreak with sporadic cases of Legionella during the past 5 years.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 90 patients with Legionnaires’ disease, including sporadic cases of Legionella infection admitted from 2010 to 2015 (n = 55) and cases admitted during the 2015 outbreak (n = 35).

Results:

We saw no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding demographics, smoking habits, alcohol intake, underlying medical disease, or residence type. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that patients with sporadic case of Legionella had a longer stay in the hospital and intensive care unit as well as an increased stay in mechanical ventilation. Short-term mortality, discharge disposition, and most clinical parameters did not differ significantly between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

We found no specific clinicoradiological characteristics that could differentiate sporadic from epidemic cases of Legionella. Early recognition and high suspicion for Legionnaires’ disease are critical to provide appropriate treatment. Cluster of cases should increase suspicion for an outbreak.
Treatment of Movement Disorders With Focused Ultrasound
Authors: Fishman Paul S , Frenkel Victor
Published: June 2017

Although the use of ultrasound as a potential therapeutic modality in the brain has been under study for several decades, relatively few neuroscientists or neurologists are familiar with this technology. Stereotactic brain lesioning had been widely used as a treatment for medically refractory patients with essential tremor (ET), Parkinson disease (PD), and dystonia but has been largely replaced by deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, with advantages both in safety and efficacy. However, DBS is associated with complications including intracerebral hemorrhage, infection, and hardware malfunction. The occurrence of these complications has spurred interest in less invasive stereotactic brain lesioning methods including magnetic resonance imaging–guided high intensity–focused ultrasound (FUS) surgery. Engineering advances now allow sound waves to be targeted noninvasively through the skull to a brain target. High intensities of sonic energy can create a coagulation lesion similar to that of older radiofrequency stereotactic methods, but without opening the skull, recent Food and Drug Administration approval of unilateral thalamotomy for treatment of ET. Clinical studies of stereotactic FUS for aspects of PD are underway. Moderate intensity, pulsed FUS has also demonstrated the potential to safely open the blood-brain barrier for localized delivery of therapeutics including proteins, genes, and cell-based therapy for PD and related disorders. The goal of this review is to provide basic and clinical neuroscientists with a level of understanding to interact with medical physicists, biomedical engineers, and radiologists to accelerate the application of this powerful technology to brain disease
Stitched together, torn apart: The keffiyeh as cultural guide
Authors: Renfro Evan
Published: June 2017

While the political and cultural importance of the keffiyeh, as well as its attendant commodification as a fashion accessory in the West, is established, this article seeks to analyze the precise theoretical coordinates of this cultural artifact’s affective power, and its relationship to current politico-cultural trends. That is, we know what cultural work the keffiyeh does, but here we show how that work is carried out, its theoretical underpinnings, and its implications for better understanding the interrelationship between current events, the ideological, and the cultural. Symbolic interactionism, along with affect theory, are leveraged as tools to answer these questions of serious and timely political importance. Indeed, the keffiyeh is used here as the theoretical vehicle that may elucidate the broader implications for cultural studies internationally.
The maintenance of white privilege: The case of white South African migrants in the UK
Authors: Halvorsrud Kristoffer
Published: June 2017

White South Africans constitute a privileged migrant group compared to many other, and particularly ‘non-white’, migrants in the UK. Little research has been conducted on this particular group, however. Through an interview study, this gap in research will be addressed. Based on 30 qualitative and semi-structured interviews, the paper argues that some white South Africans in the UK emphasise aspects of their group status deemed to be ‘desirable’ by the white host society population – and thereby maintain the white privileges with which they have historically been bestowed – in order to offset any negative connotations associated with their status as a migrant group. The privileges accrued by their whiteness that white South Africans are shown to be maintaining include the relevance of British ancestral ties privileging certain white South Africans, the relevance of their socio-cultural background stemming from the colonial ties between Britain and South Africa, the significance attached to English language proficiency as well as their socio-economic status in the global transnational employment market. In the process, it will be shown how some white South Africans construct themselves in a manner that works to distinguish them from more stigmatised groups. It is shown how participants buy in to anti-immigration rhetoric – as commonly associated with the host country’s immigration and citizenship policy environment – in order that this can continue to be directed at more stigmatised groups rather than themselves. This, then, references markers of difference such as ancestry, culture and language, essentially enabling the stigmatisation even of other white migrants, such as Eastern Europeans who are predominantly white but perceived to be lower down in the ‘social hierarchy’ of the host society than white South Africans.
The failure of state multiculturalism in the UK? An analysis of the UK’s multicultural policy for 2000–2015
Authors: Mathieu Félix
Published: June 2017

If the 1997 New Labour’s winning election seems to correlate with an upsurge in both the political arena and in public favour for multiculturalism in the UK, the overall decade and a half that ensued took the very opposite path. For example, Prime Minister David Cameron declared in 2011 that state multiculturalism was a failure. In this article, I question the impact of such declarations onto the UK’s immigrant multicultural policy. In particular, using and updating the Multicultural Policy Index, I show evidence of the evolution, between 2000 and 2015, of the UK’s multicultural policy. In turn, this provides a satisfactory framework for having a clear understanding of the public policy dynamic in matters of multiculturalism in the following of David Cameron’s declarations concerning the failure of state multiculturalism. Then, echoing Meer and Modood’s argument of a ‘civic-thickening’ for the UK’s integration policy, I discuss citizenship education programs of the four constituent nations of the UK – where such integration policies have been implemented. This shows that while such curriculums all put forward approaches for ‘thickening’ togetherness, it is nonetheless consistent with a ‘multiculturalist advance’. Hence, one must invalidate the thesis following which multicultural policy and integration policy should be understood through the strict prism of a zero-sum game.
Evaluation of the Radiation Dose–Volume Effects of Optic Nerves and Chiasm by Psychophysical, Electrophysiologic Tests, and Optical Coherence Tomography in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Ozkaya Akagunduz Ozlem , Guven Yilmaz Suzan , Yalman Deniz , Yuce Berna , Demirkilinc Biler Elif , Afrashi Filiz , Esassolak Mustafa
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the radiation dose–volume effects of optic nerves and chiasm by visual psychophysical, electrophysiologic tests, and optical coherence tomography in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Materials and Methods:

A series of visual tests including visual acuity, visual field, contrast sensitivity, visual evoked potential, and optical coherence tomography were administered to 20 patients with locally advanced (T3-T4) nasopharyngeal carcinoma who were treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy. Volume that received 55 Gy (V55), mean dose ( Dmean), highest dose to 5% of the volume (D5), and maximum dose (Dmax) for optic nerves and chiasm were evaluated for each patient. Cutoff values were identified as V55: 50%, Dmean: 50 Gy, D5: 55 Gy, and Dmax: 60 Gy. The effects of radiation dose–volume on ophthalmologic tests were evaluated.

Results:

Ophthalmological evaluation revealed optic neuropathy with simultaneous retinopathy in 6 eyes of 4 patients and radiation retinopathy alone in both eyes of 1 patient. Regarding radiation dose–volume effects of the optic nerve, significant detrimental effect of all parameters was observed on visual acuity. Visual field and contrast sensitivity were affected significantly with V55 ≥ 50% and Dmean ≥ 50 Gy. Visual evoked potential latency was affected significantly with Dmean ≥ 50 Gy, D5 ≥ 55 Gy, and Dmax ≥ 60 Gy. For the chiasm, significant detrimental effect of all parameters was observed on visual acuity as well. Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and visual evoked potential amplitude were not affected by any of the dose–volume parameters neither optic nerves nor chiasm.

Conclusion:

The volume receiving the threshold dose, mean dose, and 5% of the volume receiving the maximum dose are important parameters besides maximum dose to optic nerves and chiasm. A comprehensive ophthalmological evaluation including visual field, contrast sensitivity, visual evoked potential latency, and amplitude should be performed for these patients. Visual evoked potential latency is an objective predictor of vision loss before the onset of clinical signs.
Transport in Mikrorayons
Authors: Hess Daniel Baldwin
Published: June 2017

Residential housing compounds known as mikrorayons were enclosed within vast housing estates and served as central features of socialist urbanism in the Eastern Bloc. To reduce daily travel, designers located the communities on well-considered metropolitan sites and proposed embedded commercial opportunities and community services. This article examines, twenty-five years after the disintegration of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), the vision and implementation of transport planning in these modernist residential districts. A novel source of information is a rich literature, published during the operative years of the USSR, which explains and promotes contemporaneous socialist urbanization. This literature is enhanced with subsequently published critique and commentary to explore commuting, mobility, and transport-land use interaction vis-à-vis the legacy of central planning for housing estates. Findings suggest that various elements of built environments that were vital to access and mobility significantly lagged the timing, quality, and completeness of housing construction. The Soviet system substituted proximity for mobility in certain aspects of urban life, but incomplete service networks in residential districts meant that the promises of propinquity were unrealized.
Flucytosine and Amphotericin B Coadministration Induces Dose-Related Renal Injury
Authors: Folk Alexandra , Balta Cornel , Herman Hildegard , Ivan Alexandra , Boldura Oana Maria , Paiusan Lucian , Ardelean Aurel , Hermenean Anca
Published: June 2017

Invasive fungal infections remain an important clinical problem, and despite recent approaches, they bring high morbidity and mortality. Combination therapies are the most effective; however, adverse effects need to be considered. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the nephrotoxicity induced by combined therapy of flucytosine (FL) and amphotericin B (AMF) at 3 different doses administered to mice for 14 days: 300 μg/kg AMF+50 mg/kg FL; 600 μg/kg AMF+100 mg/kg FL; 900 μg/kg AMF+150 mg/kg FL. Antifungal coadministration triggered nuclear translocation of NF-κB and upregulated nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells subunit p65 (NF-κB p65) messenger RNA mRNA level in dose-dependent manner. The immunopositivity of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 (IL-6), together with IL-6 gene expression, increased both in tubular and glomerular cells. Amphotericin B–flucytosine cotreatment increased significantly the number of terminal deoxy-nucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling positive nuclei. Apoptotic cells in renal tubuli were confirmed by electron microscopy. Histopathological analysis revealed collagen accumulation at the glomerular level. Collagen was also evidenced in the glomeruli at the dose of 900 μg/kg AMF+150mg/kg FL by Masson-Goldner trichrome staining and electron microscopy. Moreover, antifungal cotherapy induced upregulation of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) gene expression in a dose-dependent manner. Inflammation and epithelial tubular apoptosis are associated with TGF-β1 activation and initiation of the early stage of glomerular fibrosis at higher doses, leading to tubule–interstitial fibrosis.
Acquired intracranial arterial aneurysm and stroke after vessel dissection in a child with coarctation of the aorta
Authors: Donti Andrea , Spinardi Luca , Formigari Roberto , Elisabetta Mariucci Maria , Egidy Assenza Gabriele , Pastore Trossello Marco , Bonvicini Marco
Published: June 2017

Vascular events in patients with coarctation of the aorta have been extensively reported and account for the majority of morbidity and mortality in untreated patients. The exact mechanism for this association is not completely understood and may include acquired anomalies or congenital abnormalities of intracranial vessel. Here we report a case of intracranial internal carotid artery dissection with subsequent formation of acquired large carotid aneurysm in a child with severe systemic hypertension and coarctation of the aorta. Endovascular aneurysm exclusion was pursued and it was able to control this potentially lethal complication. This case supports the notion of acquired nature of intracranial vessel abnormalities and underscores the clinical role of interventional neuroradiology in a subset of patients with congenital heart disease.
Cervical cord decompression following embolisation of a giant cervical vertebro-vertebral arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Tse George H , Patel Umang J , Coley Stuart C , Dyde Richard A
Published: June 2017

Arteriovenous fistulation between the vertebral arteries to extradural (epidural) veins, termed vertebro-vertebral arteriovenous fistulae, are uncommon diagnoses without established diagnostic algorithms or treatment options. Minimal evidence exists describing the management of this pathology. Endovascular treatment was performed under general anaesthesia by coil occlusion of the vertebral artery from the point of the fistula to the mid-vertebral artery. Repeat magnetic resonance angiographic imaging one week following the procedure confirmed an 80% reduction in the size of the epidural vein and decompression of the cervical spinal cord. At four-week follow-up there was significant qualitative improvement in the myelopathic symptoms including walking distance and pain. Normal physiological filling of the collapsed extradural vein was observed on follow-up digital subtraction angiography at five months. Catheter angiography by an experienced interventional neuro-radiologist is critical in defining the anatomy and providing minimally invasive treatment.
Investigation of thermal and optical performance of a phase change material–filled double-glazing unit
Authors: Liu Changyu , Wu Yangyang , Li Dong , Ma Tengfei , Hussein Ahmed Kadhim , Zhou Yingming
Published: June 2017

Phase change material applied in the glazing structure can improve its thermal performance, which has effect on its optical performance. A model to determine thermal and optical performance of a phase change material–filled double-glazing unit was developed, and the effect of optical parameters of phase change material was numerically investigated. The results show that the effect of the refractive index of phase change material on temperature time lag, temperature decrement factor, solar transmittance, solar absorptance, and reflectance of a phase change material–filled double-glazing unit is weak when the refractive index of phase change material is lower than 1.95; however, the effect of the extinction coefficient of phase change material is violent. The liquid phase change material with large extinction coefficient is not recommended from the viewpoint of light utilization, but the large extinction coefficient of solid phase change material is accepted from the viewpoint of energy utilization.