bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability and predictability in human control of complex objects
Authors: Bazzi Salah , Ebert Julia , Hogan Neville , Sternad Dagmar
Published: October 2018

Previous research on movement control suggested that humans exploit stability to reduce vulnerability to internal noise and external perturbations. For interactions with complex objects, predictive control based on an internal model of body and environment is needed to preempt perturbations and instabilities due to delays. We hypothesize that stability can serve as means to render the complex dynamics of the body and the task more predictable and thereby simplify control. However, the assessment of stability in complex interactions with nonlinear and underactuated objects is challenging, as for existent stability analyses the system needs to be close to a (known) attractor. After reviewing existing methods for stability analysis of human movement, we argue that contraction theory provides a suitable approach to quantify stability or convergence in complex transient behaviors. To test its usefulness, we examined the task of carrying a cup of coffee, an object with internal degrees of freedom. A simplified model of the task, a cart with a suspended pendulum, was implemented in a virtual environment to study human control strategies. The experimental task was to transport this cart-and-pendulum on a horizontal line from rest to a target position as fast as possible. Each block of trials presented a visible perturbation, which either could be in the direction of motion or opposite to it. To test the hypothesis that humans exploit stability to overcome perturbations, the dynamic model of the free, unforced system was analyzed using contraction theory. A contraction metric was obtained by numerically solving a partial differential equation, and the contraction regions with respect to that metric were computed. Experimental results showed that subjects indeed moved through the contraction regions of the free, unforced system. This strategy attenuated the perturbations, obviated error corrections, and made the dynamics more predictable. The advantages and shortcomings of contraction analysis are discussed in the context of other stability analyses.
Refined drift-diffusion model for the simulation of charge transport across layer interfaces in organic semiconductor devices
Authors: Altazin S. , Kirsch C. , Knapp E. , Stous A. , Ruhstaller B.
Published: October 2018

We present a new approach to simulate the transport of charges across organic/organic layer interfaces in organic semiconductor devices. This approach combines the drift-diffusion formalism away from the interface with a hopping description of the charge transport in the vicinity of the interface. It has been implemented in the commercial software SETFOS allowing for fast simulations of the complete device. This new model takes into account both recombination and generation mechanisms across the interface enabling the modeling of charge-generation/recombination interfaces for the numerical simulation of tandem devices. Using this approach, it is also possible to simulate devices using 1,4,5,8,9,11-Hexaazatriphenylenehexacarbonitrile as a hole-injection layer. This particular material has a very deep HOMO level (approximately 9.5 eV), which would seemingly prevent such a layer to be used as a hole-injection material in the framework of traditional drift-diffusion models.
Mixing in nearwall regions downstream of a sonic jet in a supersonic crossflow at Mach 2.7
Authors: Sun Ming-bo , Hu Zhi-wei
Published: October 2018

The mixing status downstream of a transverse sonic jet in a supersonic crossflow at a Mach number of 2.7 was studied. Direct numerical simulations were performed to investigate the transport of a passive scalar of jet fluid for jet-to-cross-flow momentum flux ratios (denoted as J) of 1.85 and 5.5. Results showed that a counter-rotating vortex pair (CVP) with two branches generates in the jet nearfield, grows, and breaks into small eddies in the farfield, which enhances the local mixing. A nearwall region in the jet lee between the CVP branches is identified to have a low mass fraction of the jet fluid and this region expands as J increases. Analysis of the streamlines originating from the jet orifice and the crossflow suggests that the jet fluid in the downstream nearwall region is entrained by the lateral crossflow upstream of the jet, which travels around the jet and mixes with the injectants downstream of the jet. Higher J leads to a lower mass fraction of the jet fluid in the nearwall region of the jet nearfield, but produces a higher mass fraction in the nearwall region of the farfield. A three-dimensional schematic of the jet wakes is presented and explains the formation of the nearwall low mass fraction zone in the jet nearfield.
Resonances between high energy particles and ideal magnetohydrodynamic modes in tokamaks
Authors: White R. B. , Gorelenkov N. N. , Duarte V. N. , Berk H. L.
Published: October 2018

Particle trajectory surfaces in an ideal magnetohydrodynamic high energy particle resonance are studied using kinetic Poincaré plots and through a calculation by perturbing near the resonance and finding canonical variables in the resonance, allowing the study of the distortion of the structure from that of a simple pendulum and to assist in the construction of models for the modification of particle distributions due to the modes. It is found that the narrow structure of an ideal mode eigenfunction can lead to a significant decrease in the resonance width compared to a case in which the eigenfunction does not vary within the resonant island.
Quantum interference in InAs/InAlAs core-shell nanowires
Authors: Song Y. P. , Hu Y. W.
Published: October 2018

Ballistic transport of electrons has been experimentally observed in InAlAs/InAs core-shell nanowires. The presence of InAlAs epitaxial shells offers significant improvement to the quality of nanoelectronic devices, leading to the quantum interference in phase coherent electron transport. Regular conductance oscillations are observed due to Fabry-Perot interference by the resonant transmission via quantized states in 1D sub-bands of the InAs nanowire. The simulated transmission of resonance tunneling matches the experimentally observed conductance oscillation patterns, implying the Fabry-Perot interference and ballistic nature of the observed electron transport.
Uniaxial strain tuning of the Verwey transition in flexible Fe3O4/muscovite epitaxial heterostructures
Authors: Zheng W. C. , Zheng D. X. , Wang Y. C. , Jin C. , Bai H. L.
Published: October 2018

Fe3O4 with high Curie temperature and 100% spin polarization is a potential candidate for practical applications in flexible spintronics. In this work, combined with flexible muscovite substrates, the dynamic strain influenced Verwey transition of Fe3O4 has been studied. The Verwey transition temperature increases (decreases) in the inward (outward) bending heterostructures. From the analyses of Fe L2,3 edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, the reversible modulation originates from the charge reconstruction effect with the valence variations of Fe ions on the tetrahedral site and octahedral site in different bending states. Meanwhile, the charge reconstruction effect enhances the net magnetic moments of the Fe3O4/muscovite heterostructures in bending states.
Collective mode reductions for populations of coupled noisy oscillators
Authors: Goldobin Denis S. , Tyulkina Irina V. , Klimenko Lyudmila S. , Pikovsky Arkady
Published: October 2018

We analyze the accuracy of different low-dimensional reductions of the collective dynamics in large populations of coupled phase oscillators with intrinsic noise. Three approximations are considered: (i) the Ott-Antonsen ansatz, (ii) the Gaussian ansatz, and (iii) a two-cumulant truncation of the circular cumulant representation of the original system’s dynamics. For the latter, we suggest a closure, which makes the truncation, for small noise, a rigorous first-order correction to the Ott-Antonsen ansatz, and simultaneously is a generalization of the Gaussian ansatz. The Kuramoto model with intrinsic noise and the population of identical noisy active rotators in excitable states with the Kuramoto-type coupling are considered as examples to test the validity of these approximations. For all considered cases, the Gaussian ansatz is found to be more accurate than the Ott-Antonsen one for high-synchrony states only. The two-cumulant approximation is always superior to both other approximations.
Study provides mathematical proof of nonlinear stability in spectrally stable periodic waves
Authors: Kim Meeri
Published: October 2018

Results of a proof using the Lugiato-Lefever equation may have practical implications for technology related to Kerr frequency combs, such as high-capacity telecommunications and chemical sensing.
Contraction analysis unveils the task dynamics of carrying a cup of coffee
Authors: Michaud Sarah
Published: October 2018

Contraction analysis — a differential form of stability analysis — can study human interactions with dynamically complex objects and could advance the fields of movement science and robotics.
Cambial Regeneration in Approach Grafts Between Petioles and Stems
Authors: M Warren Wilson Pamela , Warren Wilson J
Published: October 2018

This study of the positions in which cambia regenerate in grafts between petioles and stems aims at discovering whether principles of cambial regeneration proposed for organs with radial symmetry are applicable also to dorsiventral petioles.
Physical Environment and Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Gibson AH
Published: October 2018

The effect of root temperatures (5-30�0) on the growth and symbiotic nitrogen fixation by nodulated plants of four varieties of Trifolium subterraneum L., inoculated with each of two strains of Rhizobium trifolii, was examined.
Studies on Endemic Goitre III an Investigation of the Antithyroid Aotivities of Isothiocyanates and Derivatives With Observations on Fractions of Milk From Goitrous Areas
Authors: Bachelard HS , T Mcquillan Mary , Trikojus VM
Published: October 2018

Certain isothiocyanates and thioureas, in particular 3-methylsulphonylpropyl isothiocyanate (cheirolin) and dicheirolin thiourea, were tested for their antithyroid activity by an acute 1311 test and by chronic administration to rats. Cheirolin proved more active in the acute test than n-propyl isothiocyanate, but dicheirolin thiourea, the major product resulting from the incubation of cheirolin with rumen liquor, was without activity, whereas di-n-propylthiourea had a marked effect. Dicheirolin thiourea was also inactive when tested in the human. The response to cheirolin when chronically administered, either as such or in the form of its thioglucoside present in turnip weed fruit, appeared to be less than in the acute test. Its possible mode of action is discussed.
The Isolation and Properties of Some Soluble Proteins From Wool V. The Isolation of the High-Sulphur Protein Scmkb2
Authors: Gillespie JM
Published: October 2018

A protein fraction almost-devoid -of lysine and histidine and comparatively poor in arginine has been, separated from the S.carhoxymethyl derivatives of the high-sulphur proteins of :Mel'ino wool. The purification wa,;.; carried ~ut in throe stages: fractional precipitation by salting-out from dilute phosphoric acid solution, fractional precipitation at 'pH 6 ,with ammonium sulphate, and finally column chromatography at pH 8�6 on DEAE�cellulose. The protein is rich in S-carboxymethyl cysteine, serine, threonine, and proline. It has been isolated from three samples of l\ierino wool.
Susceptibility to Damping-Off in Seedlings of Medioago Dentioulata Willd. And M. Minima (l.) Bart. During the Early Post-Emergence Period
Authors: Andrew WD
Published: October 2018

Whilst it is recognized that substantial seedling losses can occur in crop and horticultural species from damping-off and similar causes, little attention has been given to this aspect of seedling loss in pasture plants.
Australian general practitioners' perspective on the role of the workplace Return-to-Work Coordinator
Authors: Bohatko-Naismith Joanna , Guest Maya , James Carole , Pond Dimity , Rivett Darren A.
Published: October 2018

General practitioners (GPs) play a key role in the return-to-work process, and yet their experiences working with workplace Return-to-Work Coordinators (RTWCs) have rarely been studied. The aim of this paper is to provide insights from the GP perspective about their experiences with workplace RTWCs and their preparedness for the role. GPs from Australian states and territories where legislation mandates workplaces employ a RTWC were requested to complete a questionnaire on their experiences with workplace RTWCs. Fifty GPs completed a questionnaire on the preparedness of RTWCs in relation to their role, with 58% (n=29) indicating RTWCs require more training. A total of 78% (n=39) of respondents considered RTWCs were important in assisting injured workers return to work, with 98% (n=49) ranking trustworthiness, respectfulness and ethicalness as the most important or an important trait for a RTWC to possess. Interestingly, 40% (n=20) of respondents themselves reported having no training in the return-to-work process. GPs acknowledge the importance of the workplace RTWC in the return-to-work process, and the results highlight the need for RTWCs to possess specific traits and undergo appropriate training for the facilitation of a successful return to work for injured workers.
National and ethnic identifications among the Slovak diaspora in Serbia: Stranded between state(s) and ethnicity?
Authors: Surova Svetluša
Published: October 2018

Identity has been treated in relevant literature predominantly as a dynamic, fluid, multidimensional, and ongoing process. Currently, identity is viewed as a process, as something achieved, and as a product of social relations. Scholars have acknowledged that members of minorities and diasporas can have very complex multiple identities, which are both dependent on social context and changeable over time. This article explores the national and ethnic identifications of Slovaks living in Serbia. Its main objective is to examine how the members of the Slovak diaspora identify themselves and what kind of national and ethnic awareness and pride they hold. As well, this paper explores their opinions and attitudes on language and cultural identity. This study used a web-based survey and basic statistics. The results of the explorative study indicate that members of the Slovak diaspora living in Serbia have multiple identities that coexist, do not conflict, and vary in their importance for respondents. Distinct national and ethnic identifications are perceived in different ways and have divergent emotional intensities. This study proposes further research on the importance of civic and ethnic values and on different perceptions of identity, citizenship, length of residency, and minority rights for collective identifications of minorities and/or diasporas.
Planning and design approach in Islamic green city towards sustainable city: the case of Martapura
Authors: Caesarina H M , Aina N
Published: October 2018

Global climate is changing and the green dimension of sustainable development has becoming an imperious agenda for all countries to pursue. Indonesia as part of Asia (which is the most populous Muslim majority country in the world) faces serious environmental problem, and uses the green city concept in most of its Islamic cities. Martapura, as one of the capital city in Indonesia is famous as an Islamic city with great vision and mission for green city. This study analyses the context of urban planning and design approach in Islamic Green city to help improving the quality of environment towards sustainable city. This is a descriptive-analysis study, and data collection conducted by documents and field survey. It concludes lessons learned from the practice of planning and design in Martapura and presents recommendations in planning and design approach for urban planner and designer to make a city more sustainable from an Islamic green city context.
Depletion of SMC5/6 sensitizes male germ cells to DNA damage
Authors: Hwang G. , Verver D. E. , Handel M. A. , Hamer G. , Jordan P. W.
Published: October 2018

The structural maintenance of chromosomes complex SMC5/6 is thought to be essential for DNA repair and chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis. To determine the requirements of the SMC5/6 complex during mouse spermatogenesis we combined a conditional knockout allele for Smc5, with four germ cell–specific Cre-recombinase transgenes, Ddx4-Cre, Stra8-Cre, Spo11-Cre, and Hspa2-Cre, to mutate Smc5 in spermatogonia, in spermatocytes before meiotic entry, during early meiotic stages, and during midmeiotic stages, respectively. Conditional mutation of Smc5 resulted in destabilization of the SMC5/6 complex. Despite this, we observed only mild defects in spermatogenesis. Mutation of Smc5 mediated by Ddx4-Cre and Stra8-Cre resulted in partial loss of preleptotene spermatocytes; however, spermatogenesis progresses and mice are fertile. Mutation of Smc5 via Spo11-Cre or Hspa2-Cre did not result in detectable defects of spermatogenesis. Upon exposure to gamma irradiation or etoposide treatment, each conditional Smc5 mutant demonstrated an increase in the number of enlarged round spermatids with multiple acrosomes and supernumerary chromosome content. We propose that the SMC5/6 complex is not acutely required for premeiotic DNA replication and meiotic progression during mouse spermatogenesis; however, when germ cells are challenged by exogenous DNA damage, the SMC5/6 complex ensures genome integrity, and thus, fertility.
Inferring mobility measures from GPS traces with missing data
Authors: Barnett Ian , Onnela Jukka-Pekka
Published: October 2018

With increasing availability of smartphones with Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities, large-scale studies relating individual-level mobility patterns to a wide variety of patient-centered outcomes, from mood disorders to surgical recovery, are becoming a reality. Similar past studies have been small in scale and have provided wearable GPS devices to subjects. These devices typically collect mobility traces continuously without significant gaps in the data, and consequently the problem of data missingness has been safely ignored. Leveraging subjects’ own smartphones makes it possible to scale up and extend the duration of these types of studies, but at the same time introduces a substantial challenge: to preserve a smartphone’s battery, GPS can be active only for a small portion of the time, frequently less than $10\%$, leading to a tremendous missing data problem. We introduce a principled statistical approach, based on weighted resampling of the observed data, to impute the missing mobility traces, which we then summarize using different mobility measures. We compare the strengths of our approach to linear interpolation (LI), a popular approach for dealing with missing data, both analytically and through simulation of missingness for empirical data. We conclude that our imputation approach better mirrors human mobility both theoretically and over a sample of GPS mobility traces from 182 individuals in the Geolife data set, where, relative to LI, imputation resulted in a 10-fold reduction in the error averaged across all mobility features.
Predictors of Success for Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Wiegersma Marian , Panman Chantal M C R , Hesselink Liesbeth C , Malmberg Alec G A , Berger Marjolein Y , Kollen Boudewijn J , Dekker Janny H
Published: October 2018

Background

Although the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training in women with prolapse has been demonstrated in several studies, there seem to be subgroups of responders and nonresponders.

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify factors that predict treatment success in women receiving pelvic floor muscle training for prolapse.

Design

The design was a secondary analysis of data from 2 randomized controlled trials comparing conservative prolapse treatments.

Methods

After 12 months, 172 women subjectively assessed treatment success ("better") or failure ("the same" or "worse"). Potential predictors were identified by a literature search and by consultation with experts in the field of urogynecology and pelvic floor muscle training. The relationship between potential predictors and treatment success was explored using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Treatment was successful in 94 women (55%) and unsuccessful in 78 women (45%). The presence of ≥1 indicators of obstetric trauma (eg, high birth weight, episiotomy, perineal laceration during vaginal delivery, forceps delivery, or vacuum extraction) (odds ratio = 4.4; 95% CI = 1.6–12.0) and younger age (odds ratio = 0.94 per year; 95% CI = 0.9–1.0) independently predicted treatment success. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the final model was 0.65 (95% CI = 0.57–0.74), and the model explained 11.7% of the variance.

Limitations

Although attempts were made to include all relevant predictors, the selection or operationalization of variables could have been incomplete or insufficient.

Conclusions

Identifying women who have prolapse and are likely to benefit most from pelvic floor muscle training is of great importance to clinical practice. In this study, 2 factors that independently predicted favorable outcomes were identified with this management approach. However, further research is needed to identify other predictive factors and to validate a new model in another population.
Adherence to a Long-Term Physical Activity and Exercise Program After Stroke Applied in a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gunnes Mari , Langhammer Birgitta , Aamot Inger-Lise , Lydersen Stian , Ihle-Hansen Hege , Indredavik Bent , Reneflot Kristine H , Schroeter Walburga , Askim Torunn ,   LAST Collaboration group
Published: October 2018

Background

Persistent physical activity is important to maintain motor function across all stages after stroke.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate adherence to an 18-month physical activity and exercise program.

Design

The design was a prospective, longitudinal study including participants who had had a stroke randomly allocated to the intervention arm of a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

The intervention consisted of individualized monthly coaching by a physical therapist who motivated participants to adhere to 30 minutes of daily physical activity and 45 minutes of weekly exercise over an 18-month period. The primary outcome was the combination of participants' self-reported training diaries and adherence, as reported by the physical therapists. Mixed-effect models were used to analyze change in adherence over time. Intensity levels, measured by the Borg scale, were a secondary outcome.

Results

In total, 186 informed, consenting participants who had had mild-to-moderate stroke were included 3 months after stroke onset. Mean age was 71.7 years (SD = 11.9). Thirty-four (18.3%) participants withdrew and 9 (4.8%) died during follow-up. Adherence to physical activity and exercise each month ranged from 51.2% to 73.1%, and from 63.5% to 79.7%, respectively. Adherence to physical activity increased by 2.6% per month (odds ratio = 1.026, 95% CI = 1.014–1.037). Most of the exercise was performed at moderate-to-high intensity levels, ranging from scores of 12 to 16 on the Borg scale, with an increase of 0.018 points each month (95% CI = 0.011–0.024).

Limitations

Limitations included missing information about adherence for participants with missing data and reasons for dropout.

Conclusions

Participants with mild and moderate impairments after stroke who received individualized regular coaching established and maintained moderate-to-good adherence to daily physical activity and weekly exercise over time.
Comparison of Progress of Brown Rust and Orange Rust and Conditions Conducive for Severe Epidemic Development During the Sugarcane Crop Season in Florida
Authors: Sanjel Santosh , Chaulagain Bhim , Small Ian M. , Comstock Jack C. , Hincapie Martha , Raid Richard N. , Rott Philippe
Published: October 2018

Brown rust (caused by Puccinia melanocephala) and orange rust (caused by P. kuehnii) are two major diseases of sugarcane in Florida. To better understand the epidemiology of these two rusts, disease severity and weather variables were monitored for two seasons in cultivars CL90-4725 (susceptible to brown rust and resistant to orange rust) and CL85-1040 (susceptible to orange rust and resistant to brown rust). Brown rust was most severe during mid-May to mid-July, whereas orange rust severity peaked during two periods: mid-May to early August and then November to December. Overall, disease severity was higher for orange rust than for brown rust. Maximum disease severity was correlated with the number of hours at night with an average temperature of 20 to 22.2°C for brown rust one season and orange rust both seasons. Slightly higher correlation was obtained when relative humidity above 90% was included in the number of hours at night with an average temperature of 20 to 22.2°C for brown rust but not orange rust, suggesting that leaf wetness is not a limiting factor for either disease in Florida. Epidemics of brown rust began at lower night temperatures (16.7 to 22.2°C) in one season, but epidemics of orange rust lasted longer under higher temperatures. The correlation of rust severity on recently emerged leaves with conducive temperatures recorded in 10-, 20-, or 30-day windows starting 7 days before disease assessment suggested that earlier inoculum production is needed to create severe epidemics that result in yield loss.
What Are People Looking for When They Google “Self-Abortion”?
Authors: Jerman Jenna , Onda Tsuyoshi , Jones Rachel K.
Published: October 2018

(Abstracted from Contraception 2018;97:510–514)

Some adolescents and young women may seek to terminate pregnancies outside of a clinical setting when clinical abortion services are unavailable, inaccessible, or unacceptable. Lack of information about abortion options is one barrier for these women.
Prenatal Correction of X-Linked Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia
Authors: Schneider Holm , Faschingbauer Florian , Schuepbach-Mallepell Sonia , Körber Iris , Wohlfart Sigrun , Dick Angela , Wahlbuhl Mandy , Kowalczyk-Quintas Christine , Vigolo Michele , Kirby Neil , Tannert Corinna , Rompel Oliver , Rascher Wolfgang , Beckmann Matthias W. , Schneider Pascal
Published: October 2018

(Abstracted from N Engl J Med 2018;378:1604–1610)

Infants with a genetic deficiency of ectodysplasin A (EDA), resulting from a loss of function variant of the gene EDA, have a condition known as X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED). This condition results in irreversible impairment of the sweat glands and can lead to life-threatening hyperthermia after birth.
Precision Medicine in Assisted Conception: A Multicenter Observational Treatment Cohort Study of the Annexin A5 M2 Haplotype as a Biomarker for Antithrombotic Treatment to Improve Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Fishel Simon , Baker Deborah , Elson Janine , Ragunath Maha , Atkinson Glenn , Shaker Adel , Omar Ahmed , Kazem Rahnuma , Beccles Ashley , Greer Ian A.
Published: October 2018

(Abstracted from EBioMedicine 2016;10:298–304)

More than 25% of pregnancies are affected by pregnancy failure and placenta-mediated pregnancy complications (PMPCs). Although there is biological plausibility for coagulation activation being an underlying mechanism for a proportion of PMPC events, several trials of antithrombotic intervention in women at risk of PMPC have found it to be ineffective.
Flexor to Extensor Tendon Transfer and Weil Osteotomy to Treat Grade IV Plantar Plate Tears
Authors: Nery Caio , Baumfeld Tiago , Raduan Fernando , Baumfeld Daniel
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

The plantar plate (PP) plays an important role in the stabilization of the lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints. Lesser toes’ gross deformities are associated with high-grade PP tears, according to the anatomic classification. The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes of 11 patients with PP tears grade IV, treated with the Girdlestone-Taylor-Parrish (GTP) technique, associated with a Weil osteotomy.

Materials and Methods:

Seventeen MTP joints with instability were treated with the GTP technique associated with a Weil osteotomy. All individuals had forefoot pain and some degree of crossover of the second (or second and third) toe(s) with clinical signs of complete rupture of the PP. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively (12-month follow-up) with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score, visual analog pain scale, toe purchase, toe elevation, joint stability, and joint congruency. Eight patients (8/11) declared that they were satisfied or very satisfied at the final follow-up.

Results:

The second MTP joint was the most commonly affected (14/17), followed by the third MTP joint (3/17). Our results reached high positive findings with 15/17 congruent joints at the postoperative radiograph, 8/17 joints presenting no elevation in the postoperative observation, and 17 joints with stability improvements and no major complications.

Conclusions:

The GTP technique associated with the Weil osteotomy is a reliable option for treating grade IV PP tears. The limitations of our study were the small number of patients analyzed, the absence of a control group, and the minimum follow-up period of 12 months.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic Level 4. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Symbrachydactyly: Assessing Indications for Operative Treatment
Authors: Goodell Parker B. , Bauer Andrea S.
Published: October 2018

Symbrachydactyly is a congenital hand difference which is sporadic and generally unilateral that presents with shortened or absent central digits. The treatment of symbrachydactyly is multifaceted and optimized when opportunities to enhance innate ability through nonoperative interventions and surgical procedures are applied effectively. There is a significant, meaningful role for hand therapy, normalizing hand differences through hand camps or peer relationships, and, when appropriate, referral to mental health professionals. Surgical management is targeted at the associated features of symbrachydactyly including syndactyly, shortened first web space, short and/or unstable digits, and addressing absent digits.
Evaluation of Infliximab and Anti-infliximab LISA-TRACKER Immunoassays for the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of SB2 Infliximab Biosimilar
Authors: Jentzer Alexandre , Berger Anne-Emmanuelle , Labetoulle Rémi , Haccourt Alice , Roblin Xavier , Paul Stephane
Published: October 2018

Background:

SB2, an infliximab (IFX) biosimilar to the reference infliximab (R.I.) product (Remicade), received approval in the European Union for all IFX indications. Many decision algorithms based on the measurement of IFX trough levels and antibodies to infliximab are being increasingly used to optimize IFX treatment. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the biosimilar SB2 could be efficiently monitored using the LISA-TRACKER IFX and anti-IFX assays developed by Theradiag (Croissy Beaubourg, France).

Methods:

Standard curves of R.I. and SB2 were compared, and then accuracy of the LISA-TRACKER IFX assay in detecting the spiked concentration of SB2 was measured. Levels of IFX from SB2 spiked samples and R.I. clinical samples were calculated. Intra-run and inter-run imprecision were also measured with SB2 spiked samples. The ability of polyclonal antibodies directed against R.I. to block the detection of SB2 using the LISA-TRACKER IFX assay and the capacity of SB2 to block the detection of anti-R.I. antibodies using the LISA-TRACKER anti-IFX assay were tested.

Results:

Twelve patients treated with SB2 including 2 patients with SB2-specific antibodies were measured with the LISA-TRACKER anti-IFX assay. We demonstrated that the LISA-TRACKER assay is suitable for the quantification of SB2 in human serum samples. The percentage of recovery was between 82% and 113%. High intra-run and inter-run imprecisions were obtained with the LISA-TRACKER infliximab assay for the quantification of SB2 (SD ranged from 3.3% to 17.9%). The SB2-blocking capacity of R.I. polyclonal antibodies in spiked samples was demonstrated with inhibition between 80% and 97%. SB2 trough levels and anti-SB2 antibodies have also been confirmed in SB2-treated patients.

Conclusions:

LISA-TRACKER IFX and anti-IFX assays are suitable for the monitoring of patients treated with SB2.
Home-Based, Moderate-Intensity Exercise Training Using a Metronome Improves the Breathing Pattern and Oxygen Saturation During Exercise in Patients With COPD
Authors: Bernardi Eva , Pomidori Luca , Cassutti Francesca , Cogo Annalisa
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

One of the well-known but less-investigated effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the change in breathing pattern toward a more efficient one (higher tidal volume [VT], lower breathing frequency). Evidence suggests this change can be obtained only with supervised, high-intensity exercise training (ExTr). However, some patients either do not have such programs available or are unable to exercise at higher intensity. We evaluated the effects of a 12-wk, moderate-intensity, home-monitored ExTr program using a metronome on the breathing pattern, oxygen saturation (Spo
2), and dyspnea during exercise in patients with COPD.

Methods:

Twenty-one patients with COPD (7 female, aged 64-85 yr) performed spirometry, incremental, and endurance walking tests (at 60% of maximal walking speed) on a treadmill before and after training. During the endurance test, patients were equipped with an instrument that continuously monitored ventilation (

JOURNAL/jcprh/04.03/01273116-201811000-00020/20FSM1/v/2023-09-11T074638Z/r/image-gif

E), breathing pattern, and Spo
2. Patients trained at home for 12 wk, 30 min/d for at least 4 d/wk at moderate intensity. A metronome paced the walking speed.

Results:

Sixteen patients completed the program. After training, a significant change was observed in breathing pattern (lower

JOURNAL/jcprh/04.03/01273116-201811000-00020/20FSM1/v/2023-09-11T074638Z/r/image-gif

E and

JOURNAL/jcprh/04.03/01273116-201811000-00020/20FSM1/v/2023-09-11T074638Z/r/image-gif

E/VT ratio; P < .001), a higher Spo
2 (P < .001), and a lower dyspnea perception at the same work intensity (P < .01). The

JOURNAL/jcprh/04.03/01273116-201811000-00020/20FSM1/v/2023-09-11T074638Z/r/image-gif

E/VT ratio and Spo
2 during exercise were significantly related (r = 0.56, P = .001).

Conclusion:

A change in breathing pattern towards more efficient ventilation can be obtained with a moderate, home-monitored ExTr program with a pace that is controlled by a metronome. Decreased

JOURNAL/jcprh/04.03/01273116-201811000-00020/20FSM1/v/2023-09-11T074638Z/r/image-gif

E/VT was associated with an improved Spo
2 during exercise.
Age-Related Changes in the Clinical Phenotype of Compressive Optic Neuropathy in Thyroid Eye Disease
Authors: Campbell Ashley A. , Nanda Tavish , Oropesa Susel , Kazim Michael
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

This study compares the age-related clinical features of thyroid eye disease-compressive optic neuropathy (TED-CON) to those with noncompressive disease (TED-NC).

Methods:

A retrospective case series review of 165 orbits from 121 patients with TED-CON were compared with an age- and gender-matched cohort of 88 orbits from 44 patients with TED-NC with institutional review board approval. Clinical features including exophthalmos, dyschromatopsia, restricted ocular motility, visual acuity, and mean deviation on 24-2 Humphrey Visual Field were compared in 5 age groups. A previously validated formula, the Columbia TED-CON Diagnostic formula, used to mathematically predict the presence or absence of compressive optic neuropathy was applied, and the sensitivity and specificity of the formula was measured in each age group.

Results:

Exophthalmos, dyschromatopsia, restricted ocular motility, and mean deviation on 24-2 Humphrey Visual Field vary significantly across age groups in patients with TED-CON. Conversely, only visual acuity and dyschromatopsia vary significantly across age groups in patients with TED-NC. There was a significant difference between the TED-CON and the TED-NC groups when comparing the 2 groups by decade. The Columbia TED-CON Diagnostic formula had high sensitivity and specificity (74–90%) in all age groups.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to date demonstrating the age-related variability of clinical characteristics in a large series of patients with either TED-CON or TED-NC. The clinical phenotype of TED-CON varies significantly by decade when examining exophthalmos, dyschromatopsia, ocular motility restriction, and mean deviation on 24-2 Humphrey Visual Field. These clinical characteristics are also significantly different when compared with a population of patients with TED-NC.
Angular Vein Varix Congestion From Chronic Glasses Wear
Authors: Oh Daniel J. , Liu Catherine Y. , Putterman Allen M.
Published: October 2018

This is a case report of a symptomatic varicose angular vein exacerbated by chronic glasses wear. Compressing the vein in a recumbent position led to increased fullness of the medial canthal region and reproduced his symptoms. Obliteration by cauterization of the vein led to resolution of symptoms.
Cholera Outbreak in Haiti
Authors: Lucien Mentor Ali Ber , Adrien Paul , Hadid Hind , Hsia Tammy , Canarie Michael F. , Kaljee Linda M. , Kilgore Paul E. , Parke Dana M. , Joseph Gerard A. , Lafosse Elsie , Zervos Marcus J. , Boncy Jacques
Published: October 2018

In October 2010, a massive cholera outbreak struck Haiti, and subsequently, thousands of cholera cases have been documented throughout Haiti. After much controversy about its origin, scientific evidence demonstrated its importation from Nepalese United Nations Peacekeepers. Despite national and international efforts to combat this outbreak (such as oral cholera vaccine campaigns), challenges related to funding, water and sanitation infrastructure, and poverty make it difficult to eliminate cholera from Haiti. This article discusses the recent cholera epidemic in Haiti, its origin and spread throughout Haiti, the specific nature and microbiologic characteristics of the pathogen, and ongoing disease management and control efforts. Importantly, this article suggests a future research agenda identifying best strategies for eliminating cholera in Haiti.
Possible role of neutrophils in itch
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Rosen Jordan D. , Sanders Kristen M. , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: October 2018

Interactions between keratinocytes, immune cells, and sensory nerve endings strongly influence the sensation of itch. Mast cells, eosinophils, and T cells are commonly mentioned as immune cells involved in itch, meanwhile the role of neutrophils in pruritus is rarely discussed. However, neutrophils are capable of producing and releasing a variety of pruritogens such as histamine, proteases (neutrophil elastase and cathepsin S), prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4, and platelet-activating factor. The purpose of this review is to highlight the role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of several pruritic diseases, such as psoriasis, palmoplantar pustulosis, atopic dermatitis, malignant skin tumors (squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma), bullous pemphigoid, dermatitis herpetiformis, chronic prurigo/prurigo nodularis, subacute prurigo, and prurigo pigmentosa.
Thyroid Nodule Classification Using Steerable Pyramid–Based Features From Ultrasound Images
Authors: S Nanda , M Sukumar
Published: October 2018

The most common endocrine cancer is thyroid cancer. The incidental rate of thyroid cancer has significantly increased during the past few decades. Timely identification and suitable treatment are essential for better outcome. High-resolution ultrasound is the preferred modality for the detection of thyroid nodules as it has the capability of locating tiny nodules. This article proposes a feature extraction method by integrating steerable pyramid decomposition and cooccurrence matrix features for the characterization of the thyroid nodule. Steerable pyramid decomposition is carried out both in time domain and frequency domain. Textural features are obtained from the pyramid at different levels and with different filters. ReliefF method is used for feature selection. Support vector machine is used to classify the thyroid nodule as benign or malignant, and its performance is evaluated using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, false alarm rate, and F1_score. The proposed approaches are tested on a dataset containing 110 thyroid ultrasound images (benign, malignant, and borderline cases). A very high overall accuracy of 99.08% with 100% sensitivity (malignant nodule detected as malignant) and 98.16% specificity (benign nodule detected as benign) is obtained for features extracted from steerable pyramid coefficients through convolution using sp1 filter at level 3. Experimental results clearly indicate that steerable pyramid–based cooccurrence matrix features can effectively describe the distinctive nature of the thyroid nodule in ultrasound image.
Shearlet-Based Feature Extraction for the Detection and Classification of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Images
Authors: Rao Sheela N. , L Basavaraj
Published: October 2018

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that usually affects central vision in people older than 50 years owing to accumulation of fluid in the macular region of the retina. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging modality that is being widely used nowadays for the detection of abnormalities in the eye. In this work, a shearlet transform–based method is proposed for automated detection of AMD. The 2-dimensional horizontal slices of spectral domain OCT imaging data are used as input images. Images are first converted to gray scale and denoised using bilateral filter. Denoised images are decomposed by applying shearlet transform and 10 textural features are extracted from the cooccurrence matrices of high-frequency transform coefficients. Based on these features, the OCT images are classified as normal or AMD using support vector machine and k-nearest neighbor classifiers. Results obtained using shearlet-based features are compared with that of wavelet transform–based features. Best results are obtained when shearlet-based features are classified using support vector machine.
Kinematic Parameters for Changing From Sitting to Standing Position and Gait in Poststroke Hemiparetic Patients
Authors: Furtado Claudia , Carneiro Quixadá Ana Paula , Aires Brasil Cristina , Guimarães Moema , Amorim Thiago , Vieira João P. , Pinto Elen Beatriz
Published: October 2018

Hemiparetic individuals present changes that negatively affect the functional activities. The purpose of this article is to identify the kinematic parameters in poststroke hemiplegic patients for the duration of changing from the sitting to standing position and then to walking. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected on the severity of stroke by using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; functional mobility, by the Timed Up and Go test; and the kinematic parameters of changing from the sitting to standing position and then walking by means of the free Computation Vision Mobility software program. There was statistical difference in hip extension associated with ankle dorsiflexion in the final stage of support for walking and dorsiflexion in the beginning (P = .04) and while changing from the sitting to standing position (P = .01), speed (P < .01), cadence (P = .03), and step/stride length (P < .01) of gait. Significant correlations were found between cadence (r
2 = 0.72), speed (r
2 = 0.87), and step/stride length (r
2 = 0.71) and compromised functional mobility. Individuals with hemiparesis after stroke who presented greater ankle dorsiflexion when moving to standing performed a hip extension and dorsiflexion of the ankle in the final support of gait. Individuals who presented this position at this stage of walking had adequate temporal-spatial gait parameters, and these parameters showed significant correlations with impaired functional mobility.
Inside a Genomics Laboratory
Authors: Anderson Lesley , Iyer Ramaswamy , Ahmad Moin
Published: October 2018

With the dizzying array of complex medical equipment tucked into every nook and corner of a hospital, to the clinical engineer, the genomics laboratory may likely present a different set of industrial boxes, closely guarded by a pocket-square-wearing, data-loving group of technicians, molecular biologists, and geneticists, with a hands-off protective stance, whose first response will be “Don’t touch. It’s complicated.” In keeping with a drive for medical advancement, Inova Health System invested heavily over the last decade to integrate precision medicine research and application into its clinical patient care.
Supporting lower-income working women to initiate breastfeeding: Learning who is breastfeeding and what helps
Authors: Middlemiss Wendy , Glaman Ryan , Seddio Kaylee , Suerken Cynthia K. , Reboussin Beth A. , Daniel Stephanie S. , Payne Chris C. , Leerkes Esther , Grzywacz Joseph G.
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose:

Based on the Women, Work, and Wee Ones longitudinal study, mothers' likelihood of breastfeeding is examined across demographic and health variables.

Methods:

Frequencies of breastfeeding and cosleeping by 285 mothers from the Women, Work, and Wee Ones cohort are reported as related to mothers' work schedule, marital status, or mother or infant health.

Conclusions:

Breastfeeding rates were about 30% across most maternal characteristics. The frequency of mothers’ breastfeeding was higher when mothers were both breastfeeding and cosleeping (breastfeeding-cosleeping), in comparison with breastfeeding only, as evident for mothers with nonstandard work schedules. Cosleeping was common across all mothers. Breastfeeding rates were low, perhaps reflecting challenges of early care. Premature infants were more likely to be cosleeping than breastfeeding. Approximately 30% of mothers breastfed across the different factors examined.

Implications for practice:

The information may help nurse practitioners in addressing early care needs and supporting breastfeeding across groups. Younger mothers were least likely to breastfeed and reported higher frequency of cosleeping. Overall breastfeeding frequency was higher when mothers were cosleeping. Nurse practitioners may find it important to provide clear information about safe infant sleep and safe approaches to protecting infants.