bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Condensation of Neutral Vector Bosons with Magnetic Moment
Authors: Angulo Gretel Quintero , Martínez Aurora Pérez , Rojas Hugo Pérez
Published: August 2017

We study the equation of motion of neutral vector bosons bearing a magnetic moment (MM). The effective rest mass of vector bosons is a decreasing function of the magnetic field intensity. Consequently a diffuse condensation of the bosons appears below a critical value of the field. For typical values of densities and magnetic fields the magnetization is positive and the neutral boson system can maintain a magnetic field self-consistently. A discussion of the relevance in astrophysics is presented.
Transverse Momentum Distribution in Ψ(1S,2S) Photoproduction in PP and AA Collisions at the LHC
Authors: Martins Sony , de Leone Gay Ducati Maria Beatriz
Published: August 2017

The exclusive photoproduction of the heavy vector mesons [Formula: see text] is investigated in the context of ultra-peripheral collisions proton-proton and nucleus-nucleus for the energies available at the LHC run 2. Using the light-cone color dipole formalism, it was calculated the transverse momentum distribution in the central rapidity region, in which it is expected major contribution for the process.
Horn Fragments of the Halpern-Shoham Interval Temporal Logic
Authors: Bresolin Davide , Kurucz Agi , Muñoz-Velasco Emilio , Ryzhikov Vladislav , Sciavicco Guido , Zakharyaschev Michael
Published: August 2017

We investigate the satisfiability problem for Horn fragments of the Halpern-Shoham interval temporal logic depending on the type (box or diamond) of the interval modal operators, the type of the underlying linear order (discrete or dense), and the type of semantics for the interval relations (reflexive or irreflexive). For example, we show that satisfiability of Horn formulas with diamonds is undecidable for any type of linear orders and semantics. On the contrary, satisfiability of Horn formulas with boxes is tractable over both discrete and dense orders under the reflexive semantics and over dense orders under the irreflexive semantics but becomes undecidable over discrete orders under the irreflexive semantics. Satisfiability of binary Horn formulas with both boxes and diamonds is always undecidable under the irreflexive semantics.
Linking Urbanization and the Environment: Conceptual and Empirical Advances
Authors: Bai Xuemei , McPhearson Timon , Cleugh Helen , Nagendra Harini , Tong Xin , Zhu Tong , Zhu Yong-Guan
Published: August 2017

Urbanization is one of the biggest social transformations of modern time, driving and driven by multiple social, economic, and environmental processes. The impacts of urbanization on the environment are profound, multifaceted and are manifested at the local, regional, and global scale. This article reviews recent advances in conceptual and empirical knowledge linking urbanization and the environment, focusing on six core aspects: air pollution, ecosystems, land use, biogeochemical cycles and water pollution, solid waste management, and the climate. We identify several emerging trends and remaining questions in urban environmental research, including (a) increasing evidence on the amplified or accelerated environmental impacts of urbanization; (b) varying distribution patterns of impacts along geographical and other socio-economic gradients; (c) shifting focus from understanding and quantifying the impacts of urbanization toward understanding the processes and underlying mechanisms; (d) increasing focus on understanding complex interactions and interlinkages among different environmental, social, economic, and cultural processes; and (e) conceptual advances that call for articulating and using a systems approach in cities. In terms of governing the urban environment, there is an increasing focus on public participation and coproduction of knowledge with stakeholders. Cities are actively experimenting toward sustainability under a plethora of guiding concepts that manifests their aspirational goals, with varying levels of implementation and effectiveness.
A Primer on Portfolio Choice with Small Transaction Costs
Authors: Muhle-Karbe Johannes , Reppen Max , Soner H. Mete
Published: August 2017

This review is an introduction to asymptotic methods for portfolio choice problems with small transaction costs. We outline how to derive the corresponding dynamic programming equations and how to simplify them in the small-cost limit. This allows one to obtain explicit solutions in a wide range of settings, which we illustrate for a model with mean-reverting expected returns and proportional transaction costs. For more complex models, we present a policy iteration scheme that allows one to numerically compute the solution.
The Magnetic Memory Effect of Ferromagnetic Materials in the Process of Stress-Magnetism Coupling
Authors: Wang Guoqing , Yan Ping , Wei Liwa , Deng Zilong
Published: August 2017

Ferromagnetic materials can produce the magnetic memory effect under stress. This provides a practical method to measure stress concentration. The relation between stress and magnetic characteristic is analyzed through energy balance theory. Force-magnetism coupling process of Fe-C crystal system is simulated by CASTEP software which is based on first principle. Electron band structure, electron density of states, and atomic magnetic moment in the process of force-magnetism coupling process are calculated. Experimental investigation of the magnetic memory effect of ferromagnetic material under different stresses has been undertaken in X52 pipeline. The results show that the magnetic characteristic of ferromagnetic material weakens under stress, and the magnetic memory signals intensity linearly decreases with the increasing stress. When material yields, the variation character of magnetic memory signals suddenly changes and the inflection points of the stress-Bcurves emerge. Experimental investigation is in agreement with the theoretical analysis.
A Review of Deep Learning Methods and Applications for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Carrio Adrian , Sampedro Carlos , Rodriguez-Ramos Alejandro , Campoy Pascual
Published: August 2017

Deep learning is recently showing outstanding results for solving a wide variety of robotic tasks in the areas of perception, planning, localization, and control. Its excellent capabilities for learning representations from the complex data acquired in real environments make it extremely suitable for many kinds of autonomous robotic applications. In parallel, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are currently being extensively applied for several types of civilian tasks in applications going from security, surveillance, and disaster rescue to parcel delivery or warehouse management. In this paper, a thorough review has been performed on recent reported uses and applications of deep learning for UAVs, including the most relevant developments as well as their performances and limitations. In addition, a detailed explanation of the main deep learning techniques is provided. We conclude with a description of the main challenges for the application of deep learning for UAV-based solutions.
Absorption Spectrum and Density of States of Square, Rectangular, and Triangular Frenkel Exciton Systems with Gaussian Diagonal Disorder
Authors: Avgin Ibrahim , Huber David
Published: August 2017

Using the coherent potential approximation, we investigate the effects of disorder on the optical absorption and the density of states of Frenkel exciton systems on square, rectangular, and triangular lattices with nearest-neighbor interactions and a Gaussian distribution of transition energies. The analysis is based on an elliptic integral approach that gives results over the entire spectrum. The results for the square lattice are in good agreement with the finite-array calculations of Schreiber and Toyozawa. Our findings suggest that the coherent potential approximation can be useful in interpreting the optical properties of two-dimensional systems with dominant nearest-neighbor interactions and Gaussian diagonal disorder provided the optically active states are Frenkel excitons.
A Grey Wolf Optimizer for Modular Granular Neural Networks for Human Recognition
Authors: Sánchez Daniela , Melin Patricia , Castillo Oscar
Published: August 2017

A grey wolf optimizer for modular neural network (MNN) with a granular approach is proposed. The proposed method performs optimal granulation of data and design of modular neural networks architectures to perform human recognition, and to prove its effectiveness benchmark databases of ear, iris, and face biometric measures are used to perform tests and comparisons against other works. The design of a modular granular neural network (MGNN) consists in finding optimal parameters of its architecture; these parameters are the number of subgranules, percentage of data for the training phase, learning algorithm, goal error, number of hidden layers, and their number of neurons. Nowadays, there is a great variety of approaches and new techniques within the evolutionary computing area, and these approaches and techniques have emerged to help find optimal solutions to problems or models and bioinspired algorithms are part of this area. In this work a grey wolf optimizer is proposed for the design of modular granular neural networks, and the results are compared against a genetic algorithm and a firefly algorithm in order to know which of these techniques provides better results when applied to human recognition.
On the Existence of Positive Solutions for a Fourth-Order Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Zou Yumei
Published: August 2017

By using the method of order reduction and the fixed point index, the existence of positive solutions for a fourth-order boundary value problem is studied. We provide conditions under which the existence results hold. Such conditions are related to the first eigenvalue corresponding to the relevant linear differential equation with dependence on the derivatives of unknown function.
Gender, Success, and Drop-Out during a Resistance Exercise Program in Community Dwelling Old Adults
Authors: Geirsdottir O. G. , Chang M. , Briem K. , Jonsson P. V. , Thorsdottir I. , Ramel A.
Published: August 2017

Background. Resistance exercise training can be effective against sarcopenia. We identified predictors of drop-out and compared physical outcomes between men and women after such training.Methods. Subjects (N=236,73.7±5.7years) participated in a 12-week resistance exercise program. Outcome variables were measured at baseline and endpoint.Results. Drop-out was 11.9% and not significantly different between genders. Drop-outs were significantly older and had poorer strength and physical function in comparison to completers. Anthropometrics, QoL, and cognitive function were not related to drop-out. According to multivariate analysis, gait speed and physical activity were the strongest predictors of drop-out. After the training, gains in lean mass or appendicular muscle were significantly higher in men than women; however relative gains in appendicular muscle as well as absolute improvements in strength and function were similar in men and women, respectively.Conclusions. Participants who drop out are older, have poorer physical function, and are less physically active. Old women do not drop out more frequently than men and show meaningful improvements in relevant outcomes similar to men after such a training program. The trial is registered at the US National Library of Medicine (NCT01074879).
Experimental Study of a Pack of Supercapacitors Used in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Mansour Amari , Mohamed Hedi Chabchoub , Faouzi Bacha
Published: August 2017

Electric vehicles have recently attracted research interest. An electric vehicle is composed of two energy sources, such as fuel cells and ultracapacitors, which are employed to provide, respectively, the steady-state and transient power demanded by the vehicle. A bidirectional DC-DC converter is needed to interface the ultracapacitor to a DC bus. The pack of ultracapacitor consists of many cells in series and possibly also in parallel. In this regard, this paper introduces a comparative study between two packs of supercapacitors. The first supercapacitor pack is composed of ten cells in series but the second supercapacitor pack is composed of five cells in series and two parallel circuits. Each cell is characterized by 2.5 V and 100 F. A number of practical tests are presented.
Why It Is Not Always Anxiety: A Tough Diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome
Authors: Cervantes Carmen Elena , Lee Lau Hsien , Binazir Tina Ataian , O’Brien Keith O. , Cross Jonathan S.
Published: August 2017

Anxiety disorder is a commonly used diagnosis that may mask underlying conditions. Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neuroimmunological disorder characterized by progressive rigidity and painful muscle spasms affecting axial and lower extremity musculature. These episodes can be triggered by sudden movement, noise, or emotional stress, which may present as a psychiatric condition. We report the case of a 30-year-old female who presented with recurrent panic attacks with multiple prior hospital admissions for anxiety, rigidity, and difficulty in walking. Previous electroencephalogram (EEG) and brain and cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were unremarkable. She was empirically treated with diazepam and beta-blockers for SPS, which was confirmed by positive glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies. The patient’s symptoms became refractory to benzodiazepines and required steroids with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Her rigidity subsequently responded to plasmapheresis. In SPS, antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) most commonly target the GAD antigen on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons. The goal of treatment is to ameliorate symptoms and improve quality of life. Our case of SPS was masked as generalized anxiety disorder for at least six years since onset of symptoms. The criteria for both diagnoses may overlap as seen in this patient.
Increased Levels of Oxidative Stress Markers, Soluble CD40 Ligand, and Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness Reflect Acceleration of Atherosclerosis in Male Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis in Active Phase and without the Classical Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Stanek Agata , Cholewka Armand , Wielkoszyński Tomasz , Romuk Ewa , Sieroń Karolina , Sieroń Aleksander
Published: August 2017

Objective. The primary aim of the study was to assess levels of oxidative stress markers, soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A), and placental growth factor (PlGF) as well as carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with active phase without concomitant classical cardiovascular risk factors. Material and methods. The observational study involved 96 male subjects: 48 AS patients and 48 healthy ones, who did not differ significantly regarding age, BMI, comorbid disorders, and distribution of classical cardiovascular risk factors. In both groups, we estimated levels of oxidative stress markers, lipid profile, and inflammation parameters as well as sCD40L, serum PAPP‐A, and PlGF. In addition, we estimated carotid IMT in each subject. Results. The study showed that markers of oxidative stress, lipid profile, and inflammation, as well as sCD40L, PlGF, and IMT, were significantly higher in the AS group compared to the healthy group. Conclusion. Our results demonstrate that ankylosing spondylitis may be associated with increased risk for atherosclerosis.
Treatment Effects of Ischemic Stroke by Berberine, Baicalin, and Jasminoidin from Huang‐Lian‐Jie‐Du‐Decoction (HLJDD) Explored by an Integrated Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Zhang Qian , Fu Xiaowei , Wang Junsong , Yang Minghua , Kong Lingyi
Published: August 2017

Berberine, baicalin, and jasminoidin were major active ingredients of Huang‐Lian‐Jie‐Du‐Decoction (HLJDD), a famous prescription of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which has been used for the treatment of ischemic stroke. The aim of the present study was to classify their roles in the treatment effects of ischemic stroke. A rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was constructed to mimic ischemic stroke and treatment effects of berberine, baicalin, and jasminoidin, and HLJDD was assessed by neurologic deficit scoring, infarct volume, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, biochemistry, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and Western blotting. In addition, the 1H NMR metabolomics approach was used to assess the metabolic profiles, which combined with correlation network analysis successfully revealed metabolic disorders in ischemic stroke concerning the treatment of the three principal compounds from HLJDD for the first time. The combined results suggested that berberine, baicalin, and jasminoidin are responsible for the effectiveness of HLJDD on the treatment of ischemic stroke by amelioration of abnormal metabolism and regulation of oxidative stress, neuron autophagy, and inflammatory response. This integrated metabolomics approach showed its potential in understanding the function of complex formulae and clarifying the role of its components in the overall treatment effects.
Prevalence of Hyponatremia in Elderly Patients with Hip Fractures: A Two-Year Study
Authors: Aicale Rocco , Tarantino Domiziano , Maffulli Nicola
Published: August 2017

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of hyponatremia in elderly patients (≥65 years old) with hip fractures. Subjects and Methods: All records containing clinical and laboratory data on the 334 elderly patients admitted to the San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona Hospital of Salerno, Italy, with hip fractures during 2014 and 2015, were retrieved from the hospital database. Patients were divided into 4 groups, according to their sex and the type of hip fracture. Sodium serum concentrations were retrieved from the medical records. Hyponatremia was defined as the presence of at least 1 episode of hyponatremia during the hospital stay. Results: Of 334 elderly patients, hyponatremia was found in 64 (19%). The prevalence of hyponatremia was 18% (28/157) for female patients with extracapsular proximal femoral fracture, 22% (17/79) for female patients with intracapsular proximal femoral fracture, 20% (12/60) for male patients with extracapsular proximal femoral fracture, and 18% (7/38) for male patients with intracapsular proximal femoral fracture. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of hyponatremia in the elderly patients with hip fractures. Hence, serum sodium concentrations should be regularly assessed to prevent occurrence of hyponatremia.
REMARKS ON WITTGENSTEIN’S PHILOSOPHY: PHILOSOPHICAL METHOD AND CONTRADICTIONS
Authors: Hansen Kaj Børge
Published: August 2017

This essay is a critical analysis of some themes in Wittgenstein’s later philosophy. It is not primarily Wittgenstein-exegesis. Much more modestly, my purpose is to express my own thoughts about some questions which Wittgenstein has treated in his writings. It is the second in a series of two articles. The first article, “Remarks on Wittgenstein’s Philosophy: Private Language and Meaning", was published in Volume 42, 2007, of the present YEARBOOK.

Section 1, “Philosophical Method”. Wittgenstein’s conception of philosophy as language therapy is criticised. Instead philosophy is construed as foundational research. Wittgenstein’s statement that mathematical logic cannot contribute to progress in philosophy is repudiated. Several examples of ideas and results in mathematical logic which have led to the solution of philosophical problems are given.

Section 2, “Contradictions: The Wittgenstein- Turing Debate”. In lectures on the foundations of mathematics given in 1939, Wittgenstein claimed that contradictions in mathematical theories are harmless. A debate ensued on this question between him and Alan Turing. In support of Turing's standpoint, I use the theorem on Taylor series, Church's Theorem, and Gentzen’s Cut-Elimination Theorem to show that Wittgenstein’s standpoint is untenable.

For orientation, I also include here the abstract for the first article in the series, “Remarks on Wittgenstein’s Philosophy: Private Language and Meaning”.

Section 1, “The Private Language Argument”. An independent argument is given for Wittgenstein’s thesis that there is no private language. I show that psychological terms in ordinary language, in contrast to an implication of Wittgenstein’s own private language argument, in their meanings do contain references to inner states, processes, and events.

Section 2, “Meaning”. Wittgenstein’s definition of meaning as use in the language is criticised. Meaning is instead identified with something in the content of a conscious mind. Applications are given to some suggestions in the philosophy of language by Chomsky, Harman and Fodor, Grice, and Kripke.
DEONTOLOGY – BORN AND KEPT IN SERVITUDE BY UTILITARIANISM
Authors: Sørensen Asger
Published: August 2017

The distinction between teleology and deontology is today almost universally accepted within practical philosophy, but deontology is and has from the beginning been subordinate to utilitarianism. ‘Deontology’ was constructed by Bentham to signify the art and science of private morality within a utilitarian worldview. The classical distinction was constructed by Broad as a refinement of Sidgwick’s utilitarianism, and then adopted by Frankena. To Broad it signified two opposite tendencies in ethics, in Frankena’s textbooks, however, it becomes an exclusive distinction, where deontology signifies disregard for consequences, and it is therefore almost impossible to think of deontology as a framework for a comprehensive ethical theory. This conception, however, is adopted by Rawls, and in his contractarian interpretation of deontology it is in fact no more within the sphere of ethics.
Dynamical Heating of the Arctic Atmosphere during the Springtime Transition
Authors: Long Xiaoyu , Robinson Walter A.
Published: August 2017

The Arctic undergoes an abrupt transition from the quasi-steady climate of winter to a period of rapid warming in spring. To explore the atmospheric dynamics of this transition, an extended simulation using a global atmospheric model driven by a fixed repeating annual cycle of sea surface temperatures and sea ice cover is analyzed. The model reproduces the timing, structure, and interannual variability of the observed spring onset, thus providing a platform for addressing its dynamics. It is found that atmospheric eddy heat fluxes across the Arctic boundary, highly variable in winter but much less so in spring, shape the transition and determine its timing. Together with the rapid springtime increase of solar heating, the decreased variability in dynamical heating creates the abrupt appearance of the spring transition. Perpetual season simulations for winter, early spring, and late spring further reveal the dynamics of seasonally varying dynamical heating. The eddy heat flux is less variable in spring than winter because the variance of the eddy meridional wind and the stationary wave in temperature, resulting from land–sea contrast, both weaken. Further analysis shows that the strong wintertime variance in meridional wind is associated with traveling planetary wavenumber 1, which amplifies when its phase corresponds to an east–west dipole spanning the Greenland Sea. In this configuration the transient wind–stationary thermal interaction releases zonal available potential energy into wavenumber 1. Thus the highly variable wintertime dynamical heating of the Arctic arises from a baroclinic mechanism, but one distinct from baroclinic instability or cyclogenesis.
Multivariate Analysis of Mixed Lipid Aggregate Phase Transitions Monitored Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Neal Sharon L.
Published: August 2017

The phase behavior of aqueous 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (DMPC)/1,2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DHPC) mixtures between 8.0 ℃ and 41.0 ℃ were monitored using Raman spectroscopy. Temperature-dependent Raman matrices were assembled from series of spectra and subjected to multivariate analysis. The consensus of pseudo-rank estimation results is that seven to eight components account for the temperature-dependent changes observed in the spectra. The spectra and temperature response profiles of the mixture components were resolved by applying a variant of the non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithm described by Lee and Seung (1999). The rotational ambiguity of the data matrix was reduced by augmenting the original temperature-dependent spectral matrix with its cumulative counterpart, i.e., the matrix formed by successive integration of the spectra across the temperature index (columns). Successive rounds of constrained NMF were used to isolate component spectra from a significant fluorescence background. Five major components exhibiting varying degrees of gel and liquid crystalline lipid character were resolved. Hydrogen-bonded water networks exhibiting varying degrees of organization are associated with the lipid components. Spectral parameters were computed to compare the chain conformation, packing, and hydration indicated by the resolved spectra. Based on spectral features and relative amounts of the components observed, four components reflect long chain lipid response. The fifth component could reflect the response of the short chain lipid, DHPC, but there were no definitive spectral features confirming this assignment. A minor component of uncertain assignment that exhibits a striking response to the DMPC pre-transition and chain melting transition also was recovered. While none of the spectra resolved exhibit features unequivocally attributable to a specific aggregate morphology or step in the gelation process, the results are consistent with the evolution of mixed phase bicelles (nanodisks) and small amounts of worm-like DMPC/DHPC aggregates, and perhaps DHPC micelles, at low temperature to suspensions of branched and entangled worm-like aggregates above the DMPC gel phase transition and perforated multi-lamellar aggregates at high temperature.
Early-onset schizophrenia: Symptoms and social class of origin
Authors: Gallagher Bernard J , Jones Brian J
Published: August 2017

Background:

The genesis of schizophrenia is multifactorial, including biological and environmental risk factors. We tested for an interactive effect between early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) and social class of origins (socioeconomic status (SES)). Data were further analyzed for a possible connection to type of schizophrenic symptoms.

Sampling/Methods:

Data for the study are taken from the medical records of 642 patients from a large state hospital in the northeastern United States. Clinical assessments were divided into positive and negative symptomatology through application of the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Detailed information about age of onset and SES of origin was obtained through Social Service Assessment interviews.

Results:

We uncovered a significant impact of EOS among the poor that elevates risk for negative symptomatology.

Conclusion:

Poor SES alone does not increase the likelihood of EOS, but it magnifies the deleterious effect of EOS on negative symptoms. Future research on these variables may inform the relative contribution of each.
Violence, victimization and mental health
Authors: Bhavsar Vishal , Ventriglio Antonio
Published: August 2017

Introduction:

Violence and victimization are often viewed in black and white terms by mental health professionals, an approach which is belied by more nuanced perspectives from outside psychiatry.

Methods:

Given increasing empirical evidence of the pervasive burden of victimization in people with mental illness, authors focused on the available theories and evidences from the literature.

Results:

Authors summarize the theories of victimizations, the possible measures of this phenomenon and underlie the role of research to clarify the link between psychiatry, violence and victimization.

Conclusion:

Violence and victimization need more space in the psychiatric research. This could have important implications for the lives of patients, but also for public understanding.
Mental health social work in Malaysia: A study exploring its importance
Authors: Yusof Yusmarhaini , Ahmad Ramli Fatimah Zailly , Mohd Noor Norfarahin
Published: August 2017

This article describes the importance of mental health/clinical social workers in Malaysia. Convenience sampling was utilised and an in-depth, semi-structured interview methodology was employed. Four participants – two social workers, a psychiatrist and a community nurse – were involved. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Participants reported that mental health social workers are important in providing psychoeducation and conducting assessments. Specialised training in the field of mental health would benefit social workers and their health care counterparts.
Polypyrrole and silver particles coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) nonwoven composite for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Kalkan Erdoğan Meryem , Karakışla Meral , Saçak Mehmet
Published: August 2017

A conductive polypyrrole/silver/poly(ethylene terephthalate) composite was prepared by the polymerization of pyrrole with AgNO3 oxidant in the presence of poly(ethylene terephthalate) nonwoven. The effect of AgNO3/pyrrole mol ratio and concentrations of the reactants was investigated on the polypyrrole/silver content and surface resistivity of the composite. The deposition of shiny metallic Ag particles was observed on the composite during the polymerization of pyrrole. The weight fraction of the Ag particles in the polypyrrole/silver contents of the composite was determined by thermogravimetric analysis. It was observed from scanning electron micrographs that the morphology of the polypyrrole/silver particles changed with the increase in the polypyrrole/silver contents of the composite. The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness as well as the absorption loss, reflection loss with the values of absorbance and reflectance, showing their contributions to the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness value of the composite were determined within the frequency range of 15–3000 MHz. An absorption dominant shielding was obtained with the value of 13–15.5 desibel for double coated composite.
Mechanisms of unexpected death and autopsy findings in Friedreich ataxia
Authors: Byard Roger W , Gilbert John D
Published: August 2017

A 36-year-old woman with a clinical history of Friedreich ataxia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was found unexpectedly dead at her home. The heart showed asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy, with an interventricular septal thickness of 20–25 mm (the remainder of the left ventricular wall measured 15 mm). Histologically, both ventricles had irregular areas of marked myocyte hypertrophy with associated interstitial fibrosis and focal myofibre disarray. There was neuronal loss within the dentate nucleus of the cerebellum, with vacuolation and axonal loss in the dorsal columns and spinocerebellar tracts of the upper cervical spinal cord. Death was due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy complicating Friedreich ataxia. Other causes of death in this condition include embolic stroke, cerebral haemorrhage, aspiration pneumonia, renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, myocardial infarction, generalised inanition and trauma. Sudden death due to cardiac disease, resulting in presentation for medicolegal autopsy, may be the presenting feature at all ages, including childhood.
Medical textiles based on viscose rayon fabrics coated with chitosan-encapsulated iodine: antibacterial and antioxidant properties
Authors: Zemljič Lidija Fras , Peršin Zdenka , Šauperl Olivera , Rudolf Andreja , Kostić Mirjana
Published: August 2017

Adsorption of chitosan nanoparticles with embedded iodine was implemented onto pristine and oxidized cellulose viscose fabrics in order to introduce antimicrobial and antioxidative functionalization. The adsorption capacity, charging behavior and electrokinetic response of differently functionalized viscose at different pH values were analyzed by determining their zeta potential. Desorption studies, besides zeta potential measurements, were supported by polyelectrolyte titration. Finally, the antimicrobial properties were evaluated by the standard ASTM E2149 method, whilst antioxidative properties were determined by 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation decolorization assay. It was found that the oxidation of viscose fabrics further modified by chitosan–iodine nanoparticles dispersion was a very promising functionalization process, providing good coating stability along with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Analysis of yarn properties in the superconducting magnetic bearing-based ring spinning process
Authors: Hossain Mahmud , Abdkader Anwar , Cherif Chokri
Published: August 2017

The fundamental research work about the superconducting magnetic bearing (SMB) twisting system provides huge potential to eliminate the most important limitation of productivity, that is, the friction in the ring traveler system of the existing ring spinning process. As a continuity of the research work, the functionality of the SMB spinning has been carried out with different angular spindle speeds, yarn counts, and materials in order to determine the influence of the SMB technology. The current paper presents a comparative investigation of the yarn properties, such as yarn tenacity, yarn elongation, yarn evenness, microscopic views, etc., between conventional and SMB ring spun yarn. The intensive analysis confirms that the SMB system enables one to produce satisfactory yarn quality similar to that of conventional ring spun yarn up to 15,000 rpm. The influence of conventional and SMB spinning processes on yarn properties has been further analyzed statistically using an analysis of variance.
The Rural–Urban Dichotomy Effects of Social Grants on Sustainable Poverty Alleviation in Polokwane Local Municipality, South Africa
Authors: Mutyenyoka E.M. , Tsheola J.P.
Published: August 2017

The scope of this contribution was to interrogate the alleged rural–urban dichotomy effects of social grants on sustainable poverty alleviation. One major problem that has marked previous comparative studies in this area is that there is no universally agreed definition of ‘urban’ or ‘rural’. Their inherent contrasts are critical to the applicability and effects of concerted interventions due to the diversity of actors, agendas, underlying intentions and so on. This contribution was anchored in the belief that socio-economic narratives were intrinsically distributed among rural and urban households as well as societies and so, too, were the effects of intervention strategies. The study, by focusing on Polokwane Local Municipality has argued that social grants have dichotomous and differential effects as a strategy for poverty amelioration in rural and urban settings. The paper has engaged on a scholarship synthesis of characteristics and contexts of the rural–urban dichotomy, types of social grants and dimensions of poverty in rural and urban areas. In our conclusion, we consolidated recommendations revolving around the enhancement of the rural–urban effects of social grants so as to optimise sustainable poverty alleviation across space.
Dialectics of Field and Archive: Cases of Displacement and Forest Management in West Bengal
Authors: Guha Abhijit
Published: August 2017

In this methodological paper, field and archival data standing in a dialectical relationship in the wider context of the contributions and limitations of the subaltern school of history in India and the recent methodological innovations of anthropologists towards multi-sited ethnography have been viewed. 1 Accordingly, the complementary role of archival materials and field observations, in the form of a multi-sited ethnography, has been explored. Methodologically, the description revealed the pluralism of anthropology. At the theoretical level, society and culture existed not only in space but also through time, and what has been in the field could be related with the records which human beings preserved, used and manipulated in the archives. It is concluded that ‘field’ and ‘archive’ were cultural artefacts and their underlying unity could be discovered by placing them in a broader context of policy and politics.
Occurrence and predictive factors of heterotopic ossification in severe acquired brain injured patients during rehabilitation stay: cross-sectional survey
Authors: Bargellesi Stefano , Cavasin Luisa , Scarponi Federico , De Tanti Antonio , Bonaiuti Donatella , Bartolo Michelangelo , Boldrini Paolo , Estraneo Anna
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

To report occurrence and identify patient’s features and risk factors of heterotopic ossifications in patients with severe acquired brain injury in intensive rehabilitation centres.

Design:

Multicentre cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

A total of 48 severe acquired brain injury rehabilitation institutes.

Participants:

Traumatic and non-traumatic severe brain-injured patients ( N = 689) in rehabilitation centres on 28 May 2016.

Main Outcome Measure:

Occurrence of heterotopic ossifications diagnosed by standard radiological and/or sonographic evaluation on the basis of clinical suspicion.

Results:

Heterotopic ossification occurred around one or more joints in 94/689 patients (13.6%) with a significantly higher prevalence in young males. Occurrence did not significantly differ in relation to aetiology (16.3% traumatic, 19.2% anoxic, 11.7% vascular and 11.5% other). Prevalence was significantly higher in patients with diffuse (23.3%) rather than focal brain lesions (12.4%) or unspecified lesions (11.2%; chi-square = 7.81, df = 2, P = 0.020); longer duration of coma ( P = 0.0016) and ventilation support ( P = 0.0145); paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (22.6% versus 11.6%; chi-square = 10.81, df = 1, P = 0.001); and spasticity (22.7% versus 10.1%; chi-square = 18.63, df = 1, P < 0.0001). A longer interval between acute brain injury and admission to rehabilitation centre was significantly associated with higher frequency of heterotopic ossifications.

Conclusion:

Occurrence of heterotopic ossifications is frequent in patients with severe traumatic and non-traumatic brain-injury in rehabilitation centres. Our study confirms male gender, young age, paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity, spasticity, longer duration of coma and ventilation and longer interval between brain injury onset and admission to rehabilitation centre as possible risk factors. Further studies are necessary to investigate the role of early appropriate rehabilitation pathways to reduce occurrence of heterotopic ossifications.
Validity and reliability of accelerometry in identification of lying, sitting, standing or purposeful activity in adult hospital inpatients recovering from acute or critical illness: a systematic review
Authors: Anderson Jayne L , Green Angela J , Yoward L Samantha , Hall Howard K
Published: August 2017

Objective:

To investigate the validity and reliability of accelerometers to detect lying, sitting and standing postures or purposeful activity in hospitalized adults recovering from acute or critical illness.

Data sources:

CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, Cochrane Library, PEDro, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscuss were searched from inception to June 2017. Professional networks and reference lists of relevant articles were also searched. The main selection criteria were hospitalized adults with acute or critical illness and studies investigating the validity or reliability of accelerometers to identify body position or purposeful activity.

Review methods:

Two authors individually assessed study eligibility and independently undertook methodological quality assessment and data extraction from selected articles. A narrative synthesis of the data was undertaken.

Results:

Fifteen studies, collectively enrolling 385 hospitalized participants, were identified. Populations included stroke, the elderly, acute exacerbation of chronic respiratory disease, abdominal surgery and those recovering from critical illness. Correlations of r = 0.36 to 0.98 and levels of agreement of κ = 0.28 to 0.98 were reported for identification of lying, sitting or standing postures. Correlations of r = 0.4 to 0.8 with general activity were found, with r = 0.94 and 0.96 reported for step count. The reliability of accelerometry measurement was investigated in one study evaluating step count quantification (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.99–1.00).

Conclusion:

The validity of accelerometers to determine lying, sitting and standing postures or quantify purposeful activity within hospitalized acute or critically ill populations is variable. The reliability of accelerometry measurement within this setting remains largely unexplored.
Results of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Patellar Tendon Autografts: Objective Factors Associated With the Development of Osteoarthritis at 20 to 33 Years After Surgery
Authors: Shelbourne K. Donald , Benner Rodney W. , Gray Tinker
Published: August 2017

Background:

Few studies exist that report objective radiographic and physical examination results at >20 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Hypothesis:

The risk of osteoarthritis (OA) at >20 years after surgery would be statistically significantly higher if an increased severity of factors was present.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Between 1982 and 1994, 1428 knees met the inclusion criteria of being primary ACL surgery, having no existing OA or other ligamentous laxity, and having no known graft tear. Prospective data analyzed included demographics; meniscus and articular cartilage status; ratings of bilateral standing posteroanterior weightbearing, lateral, and Merchant view radiographs; KT-1000 arthrometer measurements; and range of motion measurements. Radiographs were graded for joint space narrowing, sclerosis, and osteophytes according to International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) criteria. Multivariate and univariate logistic models were used to determine the effect of potential predictors on the odds of having radiographic evidence of OA. IKDC and Cincinnati Knee Rating System (CKRS) subjective surveys were conducted.

Results:

A minimum 20-year objective follow-up was obtained for 423 knees at a mean of 22.5 ± 2.1 years postoperatively. If a patient lacked normal extension or flexion at discharge, the odds of lacking normal extension or flexion at follow-up were 19.7 and 7.97, respectively ( P < .001). Radiographic ratings were normal for 35.2%, nearly normal for 36.2%, abnormal for 20.1%, and severely abnormal for 8.5%. Multivariate analysis showed that the predictive factors for the presence of OA in the long-term were medial meniscectomy, older age at surgery, and less than normal knee extension at discharge. The odds ratios for statistically significant factors for the presence of any OA at follow-up were 2.02 for knee extension loss at discharge, 2.98 for medial meniscectomy, 1.65 for lateral meniscectomy, 1.06 for age at follow-up, 1.62 for chronic injury type, and 2.17 for articular cartilage damage. The IKDC and CKRS subjective scores were progressively and statistically significantly lower as the level of OA was greater.

Conclusion:

The prevalence rate of developing moderate to severe OA at >20 years after ACL reconstruction was 28.6%. Significant factors predictive of OA in the long-term were older age at surgery, medial meniscectomy, and knee extension loss.
The Relationship of Throwing Arm Mechanics and Elbow Varus Torque: Within-Subject Variation for Professional Baseball Pitchers Across 82,000 Throws
Authors: Camp Christopher L. , Tubbs Travis G. , Fleisig Glenn S. , Dines Joshua S. , Dines David M. , Altchek David W. , Dowling Brittany
Published: August 2017

Background:

Likely due to the high level of strain exerted across the elbow during the throwing motion, elbow injuries are on the rise in baseball. To identify at-risk athletes and guide postinjury return-to-throw programs, a better understanding of the variables that influence elbow varus torque is desired.

Purpose:

To describe the within-subject relationship between elbow varus torque and arm slot and arm rotation in professional baseball pitchers.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 81 professional pitchers performed 82,000 throws while wearing a motusBASEBALL sensor and sleeve. These throws represented a combination of throw types, such as warm-up/catch, structured long-toss, bullpen throwing from a mound, and live game activity. Variables recorded for each throw included arm slot (angle of the forearm relative to the ground at ball release), arm speed (maximal rotational velocity of the forearm), arm rotation (maximal external rotation of the throwing arm relative to the ground), and elbow varus torque. Linear mixed-effects models and likelihood ratio tests were used to estimate the relationship between elbow varus torque and arm slot, arm speed, and arm rotation within individual pitchers.

Results:

All 3 metrics—arm slot (χ2 = 428, P < .001), arm speed (χ2 = 57,683, P < .001), and arm rotation (χ2 = 1392, P < .001)—were found to have a significant relationship with elbow varus torque. Within individual athletes, a 1-N.m increase in elbow varus torque was associated with a 13° decrease in arm slot, a 116 deg/s increase in arm speed, and an 8° increase in arm rotation.

Conclusion:

Elbow varus torque increased significantly as pitchers increased their arm rotation during the arm cocking phase, increased the rotational velocity of their arm during the arm acceleration phase of throwing, and decreased arm slot at ball release. Thus, shoulder flexibility, arm speed, and elbow varus torque (and likely injury risk) are interrelated and should be considered collectively when treating pitchers.

Clinical Relevance:

It is well established that elbow varus torque is related to ulnar collateral ligament injuries in overhead throwers. This study describes the relationship of arm slot, arm speed, and arm rotation to elbow varus torque in an attempt to identify modifiable risk factors for injury.