bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Unscented Kalman Filter for Target Tracking in the Presence of Nonlinear Systems Involving Model Mismatches
Authors: Zhou Huan , Huang Hanqiao , Zhao Hui , Zhao Xin , Yin Xiang
Published: June 2017

In order to improve filtering precision and restrain divergence caused by sensor faults or model mismatches for target tracking, a new adaptive unscented Kalman filter (N-AUKF) algorithm is proposed. First of all, the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) problem to be solved for systems involving model mismatches is described, after that, the necessary and sufficient condition with third order accuracy of the standard UKF is given and proven by using the matrix theory. In the filtering process of N-AUKF, an adaptive matrix gene is introduced to the standard UKF to adjust the covariance matrixes of the state vector and innovation vector in real time, which makes full use of normal innovations. Then, a covariance matching criterion is designed to judge the filtering divergence. On this basis, an adaptive weighted coefficient is applied to restrain the divergence. Compared with the standard UKF and existing adaptive UKF, the proposed UKF algorithm improves the filtering accuracy, rapidity and numerical stability remarkably, moreover, it has a good adaptive capability to deal with sensor faults or model mismatches. The performance and effectiveness of the proposed UKF is verified in a target tracking mission.
Research on a Novel Exciting Method for a Sandwich Transducer Operating in Longitudinal-Bending Hybrid Modes
Authors: Liu Yingxiang , Shen Qiangqiang , Shi Shengjun , Deng Jie , Chen Weishan , Wang Liang
Published: June 2017

A novel exciting method for a sandwich type piezoelectric transducer operating in longitudinal-bending hybrid vibration modes is proposed and discussed, in which the piezoelectric elements for the excitations of the longitudinal and bending vibrations share the same axial location, but correspond to different partitions. Whole-piece type piezoelectric plates with three separated partitions are used, in which the center partitions generate the first longitudinal vibration, while the upper and lower partitions produce the second bending vibration. Detailed comparisons between the proposed exciting method and the traditional one were accomplished by finite element method (FEM) calculations, which were further verified by experiments. Compared with the traditional exciting method using independent longitudinal ceramics and bending ceramics, the proposed method achieves higher electromechanical coupling factors and larger vibration amplitudes, especially for the bending vibration mode. This novel exciting method for longitudinal-bending hybrid vibrations has not changed the structural dimensions of the sandwich transducer, but markedly improves the mechanical output ability, which makes it very helpful and meaningful in designing new piezoelectric actuators operated in longitudinal-bending hybrid vibration modes.
Flexible Packaging by Film-Assisted Molding for Microintegration of Inertia Sensors
Authors: Hera Daniel , Berndt Armin , Günther Thomas , Schmiel Stephan , Harendt Christine , Zimmermann André
Published: June 2017

Packaging represents an important part in the microintegration of sensors based on microelectromechanical system (MEMS). Besides miniaturization and integration density, functionality and reliability in combination with flexibility in packaging design at moderate costs and consequently high-mix, low-volume production are the main requirements for future solutions in packaging. This study investigates possibilities employing printed circuit board (PCB-)based assemblies to provide high flexibility for circuit designs together with film-assisted transfer molding (FAM) to package sensors. The feasibility of FAM in combination with PCB and MEMS as a packaging technology for highly sensitive inertia sensors is being demonstrated. The results prove the technology to be a viable method for damage-free packaging of stress- and pressure-sensitive MEMS.
Integration of Sensors, Controllers and Instruments Using a Novel OPC Architecture
Authors: González Isaías , Calderón Antonio , Barragán Antonio , Andújar José
Published: June 2017

The interconnection between sensors, controllers and instruments through a communication network plays a vital role in the performance and effectiveness of a control system. Since its inception in the 90s, the Object Linking and Embedding for Process Control (OPC) protocol has provided open connectivity for monitoring and automation systems. It has been widely used in several environments such as industrial facilities, building and energy automation, engineering education and many others. This paper presents a novel OPC-based architecture to implement automation systems devoted to R&D and educational activities. The proposal is a novel conceptual framework, structured into four functional layers where the diverse components are categorized aiming to foster the systematic design and implementation of automation systems involving OPC communication. Due to the benefits of OPC, the proposed architecture provides features like open connectivity, reliability, scalability, and flexibility. Furthermore, four successful experimental applications of such an architecture, developed at the University of Extremadura (UEX), are reported. These cases are a proof of concept of the ability of this architecture to support interoperability for different domains. Namely, the automation of energy systems like a smart microgrid and photobioreactor facilities, the implementation of a network-accessible industrial laboratory and the development of an educational hardware-in-the-loop platform are described. All cases include a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to automate and control the plant behavior, which exchanges operative data (measurements and signals) with a multiplicity of sensors, instruments and supervisory systems under the structure of the novel OPC architecture. Finally, the main conclusions and open research directions are highlighted.
Algorithms for Lightweight Key Exchange
Authors: Alvarez Rafael , Caballero-Gil Cándido , Santonja Juan , Zamora Antonio
Published: June 2017

Public-key cryptography is too slow for general purpose encryption, with most applications limiting its use as much as possible. Some secure protocols, especially those that enable forward secrecy, make a much heavier use of public-key cryptography, increasing the demand for lightweight cryptosystems that can be implemented in low powered or mobile devices. This performance requirements are even more significant in critical infrastructure and emergency scenarios where peer-to-peer networks are deployed for increased availability and resiliency. We benchmark several public-key key-exchange algorithms, determining those that are better for the requirements of critical infrastructure and emergency applications and propose a security framework based on these algorithms and study its application to decentralized node or sensor networks.
Active Multimodal Sensor System for Target Recognition and Tracking
Authors: Qu Yufu , Zhang Guirong , Zou Zhaofan , Liu Ziyue , Mao Jiansen
Published: June 2017

High accuracy target recognition and tracking systems using a single sensor or a passive multisensor set are susceptible to external interferences and exhibit environmental dependencies. These difficulties stem mainly from limitations to the available imaging frequency bands, and a general lack of coherent diversity of the available target-related data. This paper proposes an active multimodal sensor system for target recognition and tracking, consisting of a visible, an infrared, and a hyperspectral sensor. The system makes full use of its multisensor information collection abilities; furthermore, it can actively control different sensors to collect additional data, according to the needs of the real-time target recognition and tracking processes. This level of integration between hardware collection control and data processing is experimentally shown to effectively improve the accuracy and robustness of the target recognition and tracking system.
Towards Mobile Gait Analysis: Concurrent Validity and Test-Retest Reliability of an Inertial Measurement System for the Assessment of Spatio-Temporal Gait Parameters
Authors: Kluge Felix , Gaßner Heiko , Hannink Julius , Pasluosta Cristian , Klucken Jochen , Eskofier Björn
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was to assess the concurrent validity and test–retest reliability of a sensor-based gait analysis system. Eleven healthy subjects and four Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients were asked to complete gait tasks whilst wearing two inertial measurement units at their feet. The extracted spatio-temporal parameters of 1166 strides were compared to those extracted from a reference camera-based motion capture system concerning concurrent validity. Test–retest reliability was assessed for five healthy subjects at three different days in a two week period. The two systems were highly correlated for all gait parameters ( r > 0.93 ). The bias for stride time was 0 ± 16 ms and for stride length was 1.4 ± 6.7 cm. No systematic range dependent errors were observed and no significant changes existed between healthy subjects and PD patients. Test-retest reliability was excellent for all parameters (intraclass correlation (ICC) > 0.81) except for gait velocity (ICC > 0.55). The sensor-based system was able to accurately capture spatio-temporal gait parameters as compared to the reference camera-based system for normal and impaired gait. The system’s high retest reliability renders the use in recurrent clinical measurements and in long-term applications feasible.
Energy Efficiency Gain of Cellular Base Stations with Large-Scale Antenna Systems for Green Information and Communication Technology
Authors: Lee Byung
Published: June 2017

Due to the ever-increasing data demand of end users, the number of information and communication technology (ICT)-related devices and equipment continues to increase. This induces large amounts of heat emissions, which can cause serious environmental pollution. In recent times, signal transmission systems such as cellular base stations (BSs) have been constructed everywhere and these emit a large carbon footprint. Large-scale antenna systems (LSASs) that use a large amount of transmission antennas to serve a limited number of users can increase energy efficiency (EE) of BSs based on the beamforming effect, and thus can be a promising candidate to reduce the carbon footprint of the ICT field. In this paper, we discuss the necessary schemes to realize LSASs and show the expected EE gain of the LSAS with enough practicality. There are many obstacles to realize the high EE LSAS, and even though several studies have shown separate schemes to increase the EE and/or throughput (TP) of LSASs, few have shown combinations of schemes, and presented how much EE gain can be achieved by the schemes in the overall system. Based on the analysis in this paper, we believe more detailed work for the realization of high energy efficient BSs with LSASs is possible because this paper shows the necessary schemes and the maximum achievable energy efficiency gain as a reference. Extensive analysis and simulation results show that with proper implementation of the power amplifier/RF module and a robust channel estimation scheme, LSASs with 600 transmitter (TX) antennas can achieve 99.4 times more EE gain compared to the current systems, thereby resulting in significant reduction of carbon footprints.
The Impact of Vegetative Slope on Water Flow and Pollutant Transport through Embankments
Authors: Sheng Liting , Zhang Zhanyu , Xia Jihong , Yang Jie , Tang Dan , Chen Xiao-an
Published: June 2017

Embankments are common structures along rivers or lakes in riparian zones in plain areas. They should have natural slopes instead of slopes covered by concrete or other hard materials, in order to rebuild sustainable ecosystems for riparian zones. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of vegetative slopes on water flow and pollutant transport through the embankments. Three embankments with different slope treatments (a bare slope, a slope covered in centipede grass, a slope covered in tall fescue) were examined, and three inflow applications of pollute water with different concentration of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) used to simulate different agricultural non-point pollution levels. The results showed that the water flux rates of the three embankments were relatively stable under all inflow events, and almost all values were higher than 80%. The embankments with vegetative slopes had better nitrogen removal than the bare slope under all events, and the one with tall fescue slope was best, but the benefits of vegetative slopes decreased with increasing inflow concentration. Moreover, there were no significant differences between the embankments on phosphorus removal, for which the reductions were all high (above 90%) with most loads remaining in the front third of embankment bodies. Overall, the embankments with vegetative slopes had positive effects on water exchange and reducing non-point pollutant into lake or river water, which provides a quantitative scientific basis for the actual layout of lakeshores.
Making Marine Noise Pollution Impacts Heard: The Case of Cetaceans in the North Sea within Life Cycle Impact Assessment
Authors: Middel Heleen , Verones Francesca
Published: June 2017

Oceans represent more than 95% of the world’s biosphere and are among the richest sources of biodiversity on Earth. However, human activities such as shipping and construction of marine infrastructure pose a threat to the quality of marine ecosystems. Due to the dependence of most marine animals on sound for their communication, foraging, protection, and ultimately their survival, the effects of noise pollution from human activities are of growing concern. Life cycle assessment (LCA) can play a role in the understanding of how potential environmental impacts are related to industrial processes. However, noise pollution impacts on marine ecosystems have not yet been taken into account. This paper presents a first approach for the integration of noise impacts on marine ecosystems into the LCA framework by developing characterization factors (CF) for the North Sea. Noise pollution triggers a large variety of impact pathways, but as a starting point and proof-of-concept we assessed impacts on the avoidance behaviour of cetaceans due to pile-driving during the construction of offshore windfarms in the North Sea. Our approach regards the impact of avoidance behaviour as a temporary loss of habitat, and assumes a temporary loss of all individuals within that habitat from the total regional population. This was verified with an existing model that assessed the population-level effect of noise pollution on harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the North Sea. We expanded our CF to also include other cetacean species and tested it in a case study of the construction of an offshore windfarm (Prinses Amalia wind park). The total impact of noise pollution was in the same order of magnitude as impacts on other ecosystems from freshwater eutrophication, freshwater ecotoxicity, terrestrial acidification, and terrestrial ecotoxicity. Although there are still many improvements to be made to this approach, it provides a basis for the implementation of noise pollution impacts in an LCA framework, and has the potential to be expanded to other world regions and impact pathways.
Audition and Hemispheric Specialization in Songbirds and New Evidence from Australian Magpies
Authors: Kaplan Gisela
Published: June 2017

The neural processes of bird song and song development have become a model for research relevant to human acquisition of language, but in fact, very few avian species have been tested for lateralization of the way in which their audio-vocal system is engaged in perception, motor output and cognition. Moreover, the models that have been developed have been premised on birds with strong vocal dimorphism, with a tendency to species with complex social and/or monomorphic song systems. The Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) is an excellent model for the study of communication and vocal plasticity with a sophisticated behavioural repertoire, and some of its expression depends on functional asymmetry. This paper summarizes research on vocal mechanisms and presents field-work results of behavior in the Australian magpie. For the first time, evidence is presented and discussed about lateralized behaviour in one of the foremost songbirds in response to specific and specialized auditory and visual experiences under natural conditions. It presents the first example of auditory lateralization evident in the birds’ natural environment by describing an extractive foraging event that has not been described previously in any avian species. It also discusses the first example of auditory behavioral asymmetry in a songbird tested under natural conditions.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling Enhances the Proinflammatory Effects of Staphylococcus aureus Gamma-Toxin on the Mucosa
Authors: Gillman Aaron , Breshears Laura , Kistler Charles , Finnegan Patrick , Torres Victor , Schlievert Patrick , Peterson Marnie
Published: June 2017

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) produces many different exotoxins including the gamma-toxins, HlgAB and HlgCB. Gamma-toxins form pores in both leukocyte and erythrocyte membranes, resulting in cell lysis. The genes encoding gamma-toxins are present in most strains of S. aureus, and are commonly expressed in clinical isolates recovered from menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome (mTSS) patients. This study set out to investigate the cytotoxic and proinflammatory effects of gamma-toxins on vaginal epithelial surfaces. We found that both HlgAB and HlgCB were cytotoxic to cultured human vaginal epithelial cells (HVECs) and induced cytokine production at sub-cytotoxic doses. Cytokine production induced by gamma-toxin treatment of HVECs was found to involve epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and mediated by shedding of EGFR ligands from the cell surface. The gamma-toxin subunits displayed differential binding to HVECs (HlgA 93%, HlgB 97% and HlgC 28%) with both components (HlgAB or HlgCB) required for maximum detectable binding and significant stimulation of cytokine production. In studies using full thickness ex vivo porcine vaginal mucosa, HlgAB or HlgCB stimulated a dose-dependent cytokine response, which was reduced significantly by inhibition of EGFR signaling. The effects of gamma-toxins on porcine vaginal tissue and cultured HVECs were validated using ex vivo human ectocervical tissue. Collectively, these studies have identified the EGFR-signaling pathway as a key component in gamma-toxin-induced proinflammatory changes at epithelial surfaces and highlight a potential therapeutic target to diminish toxigenic effects of S. aureus infections.
Economic and Energy Criteria for District Meter Areas Design of Water Distribution Networks
Authors: Di Nardo Armando , Di Natale Michele , Giudicianni Carlo , Santonastaso Giovanni , Tzatchkov Velitchko , Varela José
Published: June 2017

Water Network Partitioning (WNP) improves water network management, simplifying the computation of water budgets and, consequently, allowing the identification and reduction of water losses. It is achieved by inserting flow meters and gate valves into a network which has been previously clustered into subsystems. Generally, the procedures are subdivided into two main steps: the clustering and partitioning phases. At first, network nodes are assigned to each cluster and then the appropriate pipes are selected, in which flow meters or gate valves are to be inserted. In this paper, an improved multilevel-recursive bisection algorithm was used to achieve network clustering. To better allocate the hydraulic devices, the partitioning phase was carried out through the minimization of a novel, multi-objective function, taking simultaneous account of energy and economic aspects. The aim is to define a solution that occupies a minimum possible number of flow meters, simplifying the water budget computation, preserving the hydraulic performances, and minimizing the capital and the operational costs. The procedure was tested on an extensive and real Mexican network, providing different optimal solutions and a smart Decision Support System (DSS) (based on visual diagrams and innovative energy, robustness, and balancing metrics).
Early Warning and Forecasting System of Water Quality Safety for Drinking Water Source Areas in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China
Authors: Ding Xiaowen , Zhang Jianjie , Jiang Guihong , Zhang Shanghong
Published: June 2017

Nowadays, the effects of water pollution accidents on water quality safety and regional residents’ living have attracted worldwide attention. Therefore, the objective of this research is to propose an early warning and forecasting model and develop a visual system of water quality safety for drinking water source areas in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area under accident conditions. Based on an Instantaneous Point Source Two-dimensional Water Quality Model and the security requirements of water quality, an early warning and forecasting model was presented, and then the system was advanced by a MATLAB platform. In addition, a hypothetical case was also carried out for the Fenghuangshan drinking water source area. Within 0.040 h to 0.096 h after the accident, the water quality could meet the standard, and the warning level was primary and intermediate, sequentially. From 0.096 h to 11.960 h after the accident, the pollutant concentration exceeded the standard, under which conditions advanced warning started. Then the intermediate and primary warnings restarted in sequence until the pollutant concentration decreased to the background value. Therefore, the proposed model could accurately predict the spatial-temporal change trend of pollutant concentration, and the developed system could efficiently realize early warnings and the forecasting of water quality safety.
Effect of Non-Alcoholic Liver Disease on Recurrence Rate and Liver Regeneration after Liver Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Molla N. W. , Hassanain M. M. , Fadel Z. , Boucher L. M. , Madkhali A. , Altahan R. M. , Alrijraji E. A. , Simoneau E. B. , Alamri H. , Salman A. , Gao Z. , Metrakos Peter P.
Published: June 2017

Background: Resection of metastases is the only potential cure for patients with liver metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC-LM). But despite an improved overall 5-year survival, the recurrence rate is still as high as 60%. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can decrease the liver’s capacity to regenerate after resection and might also affect cancer recurrence, potentially by elevating transforming growth factor β, levels of specific metalloproteinases, and oxidative stress. The objective of the present work was to determine the effect of the histologic features of nafld on cancer recurrence and liver regeneration. Methods: This retrospective analysis considered 60 patients who underwent an R0 hepatectomy for CRC-LM. Volumetric analysis of the liver was calculated using axial view, portovenous phase, 2.5 mm thickness, multiphasic computed tomography images taken before and after surgery. The histologic features of NAFLD (steatosis, inflammation, and ballooning) were scored using the nafld activity score, and the degree of fibrosis was determined. Results: The hepatic recurrence rate was 38.33%. Median overall survival duration was 56 months. Median disease-free survival duration was 14 months, and median hepatic disease-free survival duration was 56 months. Multivariate analysis revealed significant correlations of hepatic disease-free survival with hepatocyte ballooning (p = 0.0009), lesion diameter (p = 0.014), and synchronous disease (p = 0.006). Univariate and multivariate analyses did not reveal any correlation with degree of steatosis or recurrence rate. Conclusions: This study reveals an important potential negative effect of hepatocyte ballooning on hepatic disease-free survival.
Trastuzumab-Induced Cardiotoxicity: Testing a Clinical Risk Score in a Real-World Cardio-Oncology Population
Authors: Rushton M. , Johnson C. , Dent Susan
Published: June 2017

Background: Trastuzumab has improved survival for women with HER2-positive breast cancer, but its use is associated with an increased risk of cardiotoxicity. With increased survivorship, the long-term effects of cancer treatment are an important consideration for clinicians and patients. We reviewed the current literature on predicting trastuzumab-related cardiotoxicity and tested a clinical risk score (CRS) in a real-world breast cancer population to assess its utility in predicting permanent cardiotoxicity. Methods: In this retrospective exploratory cohort study of breast cancer patients referred to a cardio-oncology clinic at a tertiary care centre between October 2008 and August 2014, a CRS was calculated for each patient, and a sensitivity analysis was performed. Results: Of the 143 patients included in the study, 62 (43%) experienced a cardiac event, and of those 62 patients, 43 (69%) experienced full recovery of cardiac function. In applying the CRS, 119 patients (83%) would be considered at low risk, 14 (10%) at moderate risk, and 10 (7%) at high risk to develop heart failure or cardiomyopathy. When applied to the study population, the high-risk cut-off score had a sensitivity of 0.13 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08 to 0.20] and a specificity of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.87 to 0.97). The positive predictive value was 0.07 (95% CI: 0.03 to 0.13), and the negative predictive value was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.87 to 0.96). Conclusions: The CRS demonstrated good specificity and negative predictive value for the development of permanent cardiotoxicity in a real-world population of breast cancer patients, suggesting that intensive cardiac monitoring might not be warranted in low-risk patients, but that high-risk patients might benefit from early referral to cardio-oncology for optimization. Further study using the CRS in a larger breast cancer population is warranted to identify patients at low risk of long-term trastuzumab-related cardiotoxicity.
Budget Impact Analysis of a Breast Rapid Diagnostic Unit
Authors: Elmi M. , Hussein H. , Nofech-Mozes S. , Curpen B. , Leahey A. , Hong Nicole J. Look
Published: June 2017

Background: The Odette Cancer Centre’s recent implementation of a rapid diagnostic unit (RDU) for breast lesions has significantly decreased wait times to diagnosis. However, the economic impact of the unit remains unknown. This project defined the development and implementation costs and the operational costs of a breast RDU in a tertiary care facility. Methods: From an institutional perspective, a budget impact analysis identified the direct costs associated with the breast RDU. A base-case model was also used to calculate the cost per patient to achieve a diagnosis. Sensitivity analyses computed costs based on variations in key components. Costs are adjusted to 2015 valuations using health care–specific consumer price indices and are reported in Canadian dollars. Results: Initiation cost for the RDU was $366,243. The annual operational cost for support staff was $111,803. The average per-patient clinical cost for achieving a diagnosis was $770. Sensitivity analyses revealed that, if running at maximal institutional capacity, the total annual clinical cost for achieving a diagnosis could range between $136,080 and $702,675. Conclusions: Establishment and maintenance of a breast rdu requires significant investment to achieve reductions in time to diagnosis. Expenditures ought to be interpreted in the context of institutional patient volumes and trade-offs in patient-centred outcomes, including lessened patient anxiety and possibly shorter times to definitive treatment. Our study can be used as a resource-planning tool for future rdus in health care systems wishing to improve diagnostic efficiency.
Resource Utilization and Costs of Managing Patients with Advanced Melanoma: A Canadian Population-Based Study
Authors: Gwadry-Sridhar F. , Nikan Soodeh , Hamou A. , Seung S. J. , Petrella T. , Joshua A. M. , Ernst S. , Mittmann N.
Published: June 2017

Background: The use and detailed costs of services provided for people with advanced melanoma (aMEL) are not well known. We conducted an analysis to determine the use of health care services and the associated costs delineated by relevant attributable costs, which we defined for subjects in the province of Ontario. Methods: Through the Ontario Cancer Data Linkage Project, a cohort of amel patients with diagnoses between 31 August 2005 and 2012 (follow-up to 2013) and with valid International Classification of Diseases (9th revision, Clinical Modification) 172 codes and histology codes was identified. A cohort of individuals with amel having a combination of at least 1 palliative, 1 medical oncology, and 1 hospitalization code was generated. The health system services used by this population were clustered into hospitalization, palliation, physician medical visits, medication, homecare, laboratory, diagnostics, and other resources. Overall rates of use and disaggregated costs were determined by phase of care for the entire cohort. Results: The mean age for the 2748 individuals in the cohort was 67 years. The greater proportion of the patients were men (65.6%) and were more than 65 years of age (>50%). In this advanced cohort, fewer than 45% of patients were alive 3 years after the malignant melanoma diagnosis. The average annual cost per patient over the time horizon was $6551. At $15,830, year 1 after diagnosis was the most expensive, followed by year 2, at $8166. Conclusions: Our data provide a baseline for the costs associated with aMEL treatment. Future studies will include newer agents and comparative effectiveness research for personalized therapies.
Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Are Those Who Need It Getting It?
Authors: Tan Stephanie , David J. , Lalonde L. , El Khoury M. , Labelle M. , Younan R. , Patocskai E. , Richard J. , Trop I.
Published: June 2017

Background: Indications for breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a very sensitive but less-specific tool for breast investigation, remain controversial, and accessibility is limited. The purposes of our study were to determine the proportion of breast MRI exams performed for various clinical indications, to assess the wait times for breast MRI, and to create a list of evidence-based indications for breast MRI. Methods: The indications for breast MRI exams performed in September 2013 at our academic centre were audited. A multidisciplinary meeting held in May 2014 established a list of evidence-based indications for breast MRI, after which, in September 2014 and 2015, breast MRI exams were re-audited for clinical indications, and pending requests were calculated. Results: In September 2013, surveillance of women with a prior diagnosis of breast cancer represented 21% of breast MRI exams (24 of 113), with preoperative staging representing 18% of exams (20 of 113) and high-risk screening representing 12% (13 of 113). Of pending MRI requests, 230 were within the recommended delay period, and 457 exceeded the recommended delay. After elaboration of evidence-based guidelines, repeat audits in September 2014 and September 2015 showed that MRI performed for women with a prior breast cancer diagnosis represented 23% (33 of 141) and 7% (10 of 143) of exams respectively, with preoperative staging having declined to 9% (13 of 141) and 11% (16 of 143) of exams, and high-risk screening having increased to 36% (51 of 141) and 46% (66 of 143) of exams. Overall, wait times were improved for all breast MRI indications. Conclusions: Through multidisciplinary discussion, we actualized a list of breast MRI indications, prioritized requests more adequately, and improved wait times.
Molecular Progression in Unusual Recurrent Non-Pediatric Intracranial Clear Cell Meningioma
Authors: Domingo-Arrué B. , Gil-Benso Rosario , Megías J. , Navarro L. , San-Miguel T. , Muñoz-Hidalgo L. , López-Ginés C. , Cerdá-Nicolás M.
Published: June 2017

We report a case of a recurrent clear cell meningioma (CCM) in the frontal lobe of the brain of a 67-year-old man. The patient developed three recurrences: at 3, 10, and 12 years after his initial surgery. Histopathology observations revealed a grade 2 CCM with positivity for vimentin and epithelial membrane antigen. Expression of E-cadherin was positive only in the primary tumour and in the first available recurrence. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses demonstrated 1p and 14q deletions within the last recurrence. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification studies revealed a heterozygous partial NF2 gene deletion, which progressed to total loss in the last recurrence. The last recurrence showed homozygous deletions in CDKN2A and CDKN2B. The RASSF1 gene was hypermethylated during tumour evolution. In this report, we show the genetic alterations of a primary ccm and its recurrences to elucidate their relationships with the changes involved in the progression of this rare neoplasm.
Observational Evidence for High Neutronization in Supernova Remnants: Implications for Type Ia Supernova Progenitors
Authors: Martínez-Rodríguez Héctor , Badenes Carles , Yamaguchi Hiroya , Bravo Eduardo , Timmes F. X. , Miles Broxton J. , Townsley Dean M. , Piro Anthony L. , Mori Hideyuki , Andrews Brett , Park Sangwook
Published: June 2017

The physical process whereby a carbon–oxygen white dwarf explodes as a Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) remains highly uncertain. The degree of neutronization in SN Ia ejecta holds clues to this process because it depends on the mass and the metallicity of the stellar progenitor, and on the thermodynamic history prior to the explosion. We report on a new method to determine ejecta neutronization using Ca and S lines in the X-ray spectra of Type Ia supernova remnants (SNRs). Applying this method to Suzaku data of Tycho, Kepler, 3C 397, and G337.2−0.7 in the Milky Way, and N103B in the Large Magellanic Cloud, we find that the neutronization of the ejecta in N103B is comparable to that of Tycho and Kepler, which suggests that progenitor metallicity is not the only source of neutronization in SNe Ia. We then use a grid of SN Ia explosion models to infer the metallicities of the stellar progenitors of our SNRs. The implied metallicities of 3C 397, G337.2−0.7, and N103B are major outliers compared to the local stellar metallicity distribution functions, indicating that progenitor metallicity can be ruled out as the origin of neutronization for these SNRs. Although the relationship between ejecta neutronization and equivalent progenitor metallicity is subject to uncertainties stemming from the 12C + 16O reaction rate, which affects the Ca/S mass ratio, our main results are not sensitive to these details.
The SOFIA Massive (SOMA) Star Formation Survey. I. Overview and First Results
Authors: De Buizer James M. , Liu Mengyao , Tan Jonathan C. , Zhang Yichen , Beltrán Maria T. , Shuping Ralph , Staff Jan E. , Tanaka Kei E. I. , Whitney Barbara
Published: June 2017

We present an overview and first results of the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy Massive (SOMA) Star Formation Survey, which is using the FORCAST instrument to image massive protostars from ∼10 to 40 μm. These wavelengths trace thermal emission from warm dust, which in Core Accretion models mainly emerges from the inner regions of protostellar outflow cavities. Dust in dense core envelopes also imprints characteristic extinction patterns at these wavelengths, causing intensity peaks to shift along the outflow axis and profiles to become more symmetric at longer wavelengths. We present observational results for the first eight protostars in the survey, i.e., multiwavelength images, including some ancillary ground-based mid-infrared (MIR) observations and archival Spitzer and Herschel data. These images generally show extended MIR/FIR emission along directions consistent with those of known outflows and with shorter wavelength peak flux positions displaced from the protostar along the blueshifted, near-facing sides, thus confirming qualitative predictions of Core Accretion models. We then compile spectral energy distributions and use these to derive protostellar properties by fitting theoretical radiative transfer models. Zhang and Tan models, based on the Turbulent Core Model of McKee and Tan, imply the sources have protostellar masses m
* ∼ 10–50 M
⊙ accreting at ∼10−4–10−3
M
⊙ yr−1 inside cores of initial masses M

c
 ∼ 30–500 M
⊙ embedded in clumps with mass surface densities Σcl ∼ 0.1–3 g cm−2. Fitting the Robitaille et al. models typically leads to slightly higher protostellar masses, but with disk accretion rates ∼100× smaller. We discuss reasons for these differences and overall implications of these first survey results for massive star formation theories.
Prospects for Measuring Abundances of >20 Elements with Low-resolution Stellar Spectra
Authors: Ting 丁源 Yuan-Sen 森 , Conroy Charlie , Rix Hans-Walter , Cargile Phillip
Published: June 2017

Understanding the evolution of the Milky Way calls for the precise abundance determination of many elements in many stars. A common perception is that deriving more than a few elemental abundances ([Fe/H], [α/Fe], perhaps [C/H], [N/H]) requires medium-to-high spectral resolution, R ≳ 10,000, mostly to overcome the effects of line blending. In a recent work, we presented an efficient and practical way to model the full stellar spectrum, even when fitting a large number of stellar labels simultaneously. In this paper, we quantify to what precision the abundances of many different elements can be recovered, as a function of spectroscopic resolution and wavelength range. In the limit of perfect spectral models and spectral normalization, we show that the precision of elemental abundances is nearly independent of resolution, for a fixed exposure time and number of detector pixels; low-resolution spectra simply afford much higher S/N per pixel and generally larger wavelength range in a single setting. We also show that estimates of most stellar labels are not strongly correlated with one another once R ≳ 1000. Modest errors in the line-spread function, as well as small radial velocity errors, do not affect these conclusions, and data-driven models indicate that spectral (continuum) normalization can be achieved well enough in practice. These results, to be confirmed with an analysis of observed low-resolution data, open up new possibilities for the design of large spectroscopic stellar surveys and for the reanalysis of archival low-resolution data sets.
G2 and Sgr A*: A Cosmic Fizzle at the Galactic Center
Authors: Morsony Brian J. , Gracey Brandon T. , Workman Jared C. , Yoon DooSoo
Published: June 2017

We carry out a series of simulations of G2-type clouds interacting with the black hole at the galactic center, to determine why no large changes in the luminosity of Sgr A* were seen, and to determine the nature of G2. We measure the accretion rate from the gas cloud onto Sgr A* for a range of simulation parameters, such as cloud structure, background structure, background density, grid resolution, and accretion radius. For a broad range of parameters, the amount of cloud material accreted is small relative to the amount of background material accreted. The total accretion rate is not significantly effected for at least 30 yr after periapsis. We find that reproducing observations of G2 likely requires two components for the object: an extended, cold gas cloud responsible for the Br-γ emission, and a compact core or dusty stellar object dominating the bolometric luminosity. In simulations, the bolometric and X-ray luminosity have a peak lasting from about one year before to one year after periapsis, a feature not detected in observations. Our simulated Br-γ emission is largely consistent with observations leading up to periapsis, with a slight increase in luminosity and a large increase in the FWHM of the line velocity. All emission from a gaseous component of G2 should fade rapidly after periapsis and be undetectable after one year, due to shock heating and expansion of the cloud. Any remaining emission should be from the compact component of G2.
Face à l’obscénité du monde
Authors: Léger Nicolas
Published: June 2017

L’expression de la sexualité dans la littérature contemporaine (Bret Easton Ellis, Michel Houellebecq) ne tient plus à l’érotisme, à la confession ou à la transgression des tabous ; elle dénonce l’obscénité du monde marchand qui privatise les désirs les plus intimes.
La représentation et l’événement
Authors: Fœssel Michaël
Published: June 2017

Dans l’hypothèse libérale, l’individu se représente librement son désir alors que, dans l’hypothèse disciplinaire, cette représentation assigne l’individu à une identité. Dans les deux cas, la sexualité est réduite à une représentation qui empêche le plaisir de faire événement.
Les formes du capital sexuel
Authors: Illouz Eva , Kaplan Dana , Chalier Jonathan , Clet Lambert
Published: June 2017

La liberté sexuelle incarne l’accomplissement personnel dans la société moderne occidentale. L’envisager comme un capital permet de reconnaître l’aliénation des capacités sexuelles des femmes par l’économie. Dans la modernité tardive, elle est aussi la capacité, inégalement répartie, des individus de prendre confiance en soi.
Aux bords de l’intime
Authors: Nancy Jean-Luc , Fœssel Michaël
Published: June 2017

Le sexe, comme le langage, est une expérience de la liberté et de l’au-delà. La vérité du désir était déjà contenue dans la « chair » chrétienne mais, désormais libérée de la tutelle des prêtres, elle peine toujours à se révéler sous la domination de la technique : poussée ou tension dans l’épreuve de l’existence.
Équivalence, adversité et populisme
Authors: Vanackere Simon
Published: June 2017

Dans le sillage du philosophe argentin Laclau, des mouvements populistes récents tentent de faire converger des luttes disparates en désignant un adversaire commun. Stratégie politique redoutable, elle présente le danger, une fois au pouvoir, de transformer l’adversaire en ennemi.
Des paralysés étudiants aux handicapés méchants
Authors: Bas Jérôme
Published: June 2017

Les mobilisations de différents groupes de personnes handicapées contre les quêtes organisées en leur nom et contre la loi d’orientation du 30 juin 1975 « en leur faveur » passent pour un épiphénomène des années 1970. Le handicap serait le dernier de la liste des « nouveaux mouvements sociaux » émergeant à cette époque. La socio-histoire de ces mouvements restitue dans son contexte ce qui n’est ni un effet mécanique de « l’air du temps », ni le surgissement « spontané » d’une nouvelle subjectivité, au sein d’une population qui serait préconstituée.
Le syndicalisme à l’heure de la transformation de la psychiatrie
Authors: Alfandari François
Published: June 2017

L’hôpital psychiatrique connaît des évolutions profondes au cours de la deuxième moitié du xx e siècle. Au-delà du rôle des médecins ou de l’administration, l’article entend comprendre comment un acteur singulier, la CGT, s’investit dans ces transformations durant les années 1960 et 1970. En saisissant conjointement les contextes de travail et les socialisations militantes, il s’agit de s’intéresser au développement par la CGT de revendications qui portent sur les mutations de la psychiatrie, et de montrer comment certains de ses militants cherchent à en modifier les pratiques.
Trajectoires militantes et reconversions
Authors: Blum Françoise
Published: June 2017

L’article analyse les transformations discursives et de pratiques initiées par la Fédération des étudiants d’Afrique noire en France (FEANF) dans la France des années 68 : manifestations empruntant au répertoire général de ces années ; stratégies d’alliance ; pratiques diplomatiques ; pratiques et stratégies culturelles. Il s’interroge sur le devenir des leaders de la FEANF, dont certains, quand ils n’ont pas été assassinés ou contraints à l’exil, ont occupé des postes à responsabilité, ont été ministres ou président de la République. À côté de l’analyse quantitative, l’article propose quelques histoires de vie, et donne à voir des trajectoires ayant parfois mené du village de brousse aux sommets du pouvoir.
Le petit peuple des sociologues
Authors: Coulmont Baptiste
Published: June 2017

Alors que l’usage des prénoms pour faire référence aux personnes enquêtées était inexistant en 1960, un travail d’objectivation quantitative portant sur un large corpus de textes sociologiques établit qu’un tiers des articles y font recours aujourd’hui. Cette forme d’écriture a quatre justifications : elle permet de saisir l’enquêté comme le personnage d’un récit, d’indiquer son origine sociale, de se positionner théoriquement, et aussi de retranscrire certains modes d’interpellation pendant l’enquête. Si cette volonté de singularisation semble présider au choix du prénom, l’enquête révèle que les enquêtés recevant un prénom sont surtout des membres des classes populaires ou des enfants – un petit peuple.
Présentation. Financement ou financiarisation du développement ? Une question en débat
Authors: Gabas Jean-Jacques , Ribier Vincent , Vernières Michel
Published: June 2017

La financiarisation, qui applique la logique financière de valorisation du capital au financement du développement, est liée à la présence de nouveaux acteurs. Elle se caractérise, pour l’aide publique au développement, par le recours à l’effet de levier qui est censé démultiplier son efficacité mais qui peut entraîner des biais dans le choix des objectifs de développement. Ainsi, pour l’agriculture, il tendrait à défavoriser les exploitations familiales.
La financiarisation des politiques publiques
Authors: Chiapello Ève
Published: June 2017

Cet article porte sur la financiarisation, considérée comme un processus de transformation du monde par des pratiques, théories et instruments nés dans le secteur financier et utilisés désormais pour revisiter des questions a priori très éloignées (sociales, environnementales, éducatives, culturelles,...). Cette financiarisation des politiques publiques semble découler du projet de mobiliser l’épargne privée afin de desserrer les contraintes financières des pouvoirs publics. Nous distinguons différentes opérations qui, prises ensemble, constituent ce que nous appelons le « travail de financiarisation ».
Financer le développement agricole en Afrique du Sud : d’un État-banquier à un État-investisseur ?
Authors: Ducastel Antoine , Anseeuw Ward
Published: June 2017

Le secteur agricole revêt en Afrique du Sud un caractère stratégique depuis le début du XX e siècle. Tout à la fois rouage du système d’accumulation national centré sur les mines, réservoir de voix pour le Parti national pendant l’apartheid et enjeu majeur de la transformation économique et sociale postapartheid, l’agriculture a fait l’objet d’une attention particulière de la part des gouvernements successifs. À ce titre, l’État a mis en place des institutions et des dispositifs originaux pour assurer le financement de la production et de la « modernisation » agricole. L’article propose une analyse de ces instruments de politique publique originaux afin de mieux comprendre les ressorts et les formes de la « financiarisation » de l’action publique, dans ses fins comme dans ses moyens.
Charles Bettelheim et la planification économique à Cuba (1960-1968)
Authors: Leleu Jérôme
Published: June 2017

L’objectif de cet article est de présenter et de commenter les analyses de Charles Bettelheim concernant la planification économique cubaine au cours des années 1960. Ce travail, élaboré essentiellement à travers l’étude de textes non publiés figurant dans ses archives, permet de faire ressortir ses préoccupations principales à propos de la planification cubaine et de leurs modifications, en rapport avec l’évolution du processus révolutionnaire cubain et de sa propre réflexion théorique.