bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Infrastructures and Militarised Environments
Authors: Likavčan Lukáš
Published: April 2018

This paper presents the idea of multispecies diplomacy on the background of unstable and violent political geographies of the Anthropocene. The idea is first defined in terms of associated notions of sympoiesis and habilitation. After the preliminary arrangement of the conceptual framework of the paper, the possibilities of multispecies diplomacy are assessed in relation to current militarisation of environment, that prevents any diplomatic solution of climate change and leads to increased environmental injustices worldwide. This is illustrated with an example of conflict in the Negev desert, where changing climate is inherently integrated into the structure of conflict. Secondly, digital infrastructures are identified as an ambiguous factor influencing the outlooks of future practices of multispecies diplomacy. Thanks to their capacity to redesign existing environment, they can act as forces of deterritorialisation that can either stabilise existing hegemonies or lead to subversive appropriation. As far as digital platforms are open to ideological reframing, ecosocialist politics engaging in multispecies diplomacy is encouraged to appropriate them in terms of cognitive mapping and habilitation.
Female Gynecologists and Their Birth Control Clinics: Eugenics in Practice in 1920s–1930s China
Authors: David Mirela
Published: April 2018

Yang Chao Buwei, the first Chinese translator of Margaret Sanger's What Every Girl Should Know, was the first female gynecologist to open up a birth control clinic in China. By the 1930s, other female gynecologists, like Guo Taihua, had internalized and combined national and eugenic concerns of race regeneration to focus on the control of women's reproduction. This symbiosis between racial regeneration and birth control is best seen in Yang Chongrui's integration of birth control into her national hygiene program. This article traces the efforts of pioneer gynecologists in giving contraceptive advice at their birth control clinics, which they framed as a humanitarian effort to ease the reproductive burden of working-class women. It also examines their connections with Sanger's international birth control movement, and their advocacy of contraception as practitioners, translators, and educators. The author argues that these Chinese female gynecologists not only borrowed, but adapted, Western scientific knowledge to Chinese social conditions through their writings and translations and in their clinical work.
Psychiatry in American Medical Education: The Case of Harvard's Medical School, 1900–1945
Authors: Abraham Tara H.
Published: April 2018

As American psychiatrists moved from the asylum to the private clinic during the early twentieth century, psychiatry acquired a growing presence within medical school curricula. This shift in disciplinary status took place at a time when medical education itself was experiencing a period of reform. By examining medical school registers at Harvard University, records from the Dean's office of Harvard's medical school, and oral histories, this paper examines the rise in prominence of psychiatry in medical education. Three builders of Harvard psychiatry – Elmer E. Southard, C. Macfie Campbell, and Harry C. Solomon – simultaneously sought to mark territory for psychiatry and its relevance. In doing so, they capitalized on three related elements: the fluidity that existed between psychiatry and neurology, the new venues whereby medical students gained training in psychiatry, and the broader role of patrons, professional associations, and certification boards, which sought to expand psychiatry's influence in the social and cultural life of twentieth-century America.
When Ernest Jones First Arrived in Toronto; or, Reappraising the Bruce Letter
Authors: Kuhn Philip
Published: April 2018

In July 1962, Toronto-based surgeon, Herbert Bruce, wrote a private and confidential letter to social worker and historian Cyril Greenland with some memories and impressions of Sigmund Freud's lifelong friend and biographer, Ernest Jones, in Toronto (1908–1913). In the letter, Bruce described Jones as a “sexual pervert.” Despite Bruce's condemnation of Jones, historians and biographers have largely ignored his controversial memories of Jones in Toronto. The article traces how scholars have handled the existence of the Bruce letter, and the consequences for how this history has been understood. In the latter half of the article, the author considers how the existence of this letter might offer insights into how the Toronto medical establishment regarded Ernest Jones.
The Healing Arts and Social Capital: The Paston Women of Fifteenth-Century England
Authors: Barwell Ashlee
Published: April 2018

In late-medieval England, women's informal and gratis healthcare services helped them to accumulate and recompense social capital, which improved their families' and their own status and resources. Given the precariousness of health, special skills in the healing arts had a particular power to create a sense of gratitude and obligation. Evidence comes from the 15th-century letter collection of the Pastons, an ambitious gentry family from Norfolk. The Paston women appear both performing as healers in their kin networks and sending medical recipes and advice to their male and female relatives. Furthermore, seeking patronage at court, male relatives solicited medical secrets from the Paston women to pass along to their betters in an effort to advance their social status. This article argues that healthcare was a distinctly feminine form of participation in the Paston family's quest for social capital.
Epidemiology of candidemia at a tertiary Canadian hospital, 2004–2013
Authors: Remington Tamara Leah , Isaac Abraam , Vickers David Michael , Fuller Jeffrey , Wrenn Smith Stephanie
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Candidemia carries significant morbidity and mortality for hospitalized patients. Local epidemiology is needed to develop strategies to reduce infections. This article describes the epidemiology of candidemia at a tertiary-care hospital in Edmonton, Canada. Methods: Between 2004 and 2013, 250 episodes of candidemia were identified using an infection control database. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for non-albicans isolates and for mortality. Results: The candidemia rate increased significantly, from 0.387/10,000 patient days (PD) in 2004 to 1.45/10,000 PD in 2013 (p=0.0061). The 30-day and overall in-hospital mortality rates were 38% and 47%, respectively. Candida albicans and C. glabrata represented 80% of isolates. Overall, 48% of episodes were attributable to central venous catheter (CVC) infections. The ratio of C. albicans to non-albicans isolates and the rate of CVC infections did not change significantly over the study period (p=0.98 and 0.14, respectively). Preceding azole therapy within 30 days of candidemia conferred an increased risk of a non-albicans isolate (odds ratio [OR] 2.59, 95% CI 1.24 to 5.43). Mortality was increased with immunosuppression (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.74 to 6.24) and age, with an OR of 2.78 (95% CI 1.21 to 6.38) for the 61- to 68-year-old age group and an OR of 4.30 (95% CI 1.84 to 10.04) for the >69-year-old age group. Mortality was similar among C. albicans and non-albicans infections (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.45). Conclusion: Candidemia at the authors' institution increased during the study period without a significant change in the ratio of C. albicans to other Candida spp. The risk of non-albicans candidemia was affected by previous azole therapy, and the risk of mortality was higher with increased age and immunosuppression. The etiology of the increased candidemia rate is likely complex, and strategies to address this, as well as the high mortality rate seen with candidemia, are needed.
Integrating molecular detection into public health definitions
Authors: Zelyas Nathan , Zhou Hong Yuan , Lee Bonita E , Pang Xiao-Li , Chui Linda , Louie Marie , Freedman Stephen B
Published: April 2018

In Canada, most notifiable disease case definitions use only traditional non-molecular tests, such as culture or direct examination for pathogens and serological tests, as evidence of disease. Because nucleic acid tests are generally superior to traditional tests in terms of sensitivity and turnaround time, these newer assays are highly appealing approaches for diagnosing infectious diseases. However, interpretation of molecular assays is not straightforward and requires caution and a firm understanding of the technology to optimize adoption for public health purposes. Accepting nucleic acid testing as evidence for “probable cases” is a prudent approach, enabling the integration of these methodologies into existing public health notifiable disease case definitions.
Surveillance of antimicrobial use in Québec acute-care hospitals: A survey
Authors: Dolcé Laurie , Quach Caroline , Thirion Daniel JG , Bergeron Luc , Gonzales Milagros , Papenburg Jesse , Dionne Marc , Fortin Anne , Fortin Élise
Published: April 2018

Objectives: In 2011, the Québec Ministry of Health required that hospitals implement surveillance for antimicrobial use in inpatients. This study aims to describe hospitals' available pharmacy data, antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs), quantitative antimicrobial surveillance programs (QASPs), and hospitals' motivation to perform surveillance of antimicrobial use. Methods: In 2014, a web-based questionnaire was sent to all acute-care hospitals in the province of Québec for chief pharmacists or pharmacists in charge of antimicrobial use surveillance to complete. Results: The participation rate was 40% (44/109). A pharmacy database describing antimicrobial use was available in 88% of hospitals (86% had aggregated data; 31% had individual-level data). The proportions of hospitals with an ASP or a QASP (or planning to implement one shortly) were 90% and 80%, respectively. Defined daily dose was the most popular indicator used, available in nearly all aggregated pharmacy databases (97%) and in most QASPs (87%). In 80% of hospitals, the respondent supported the implementation of a provincial quantitative surveillance program. The problem participants foresaw was a lack of resources; comparisons between hospitals were seen as both a methodological challenge and useful information. Conclusion: Antimicrobial surveillance programs and the use of defined daily doses were implemented in most participating hospitals, and in higher proportions than in a similar 2006 survey. However, databases were not always readily available, and indicator definitions vary. Most participants favoured a future quantitative provincial surveillance program with appropriate benchmarking.
Oral fistula caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis
Authors: Kassim Sameer S , Penner Carla , Hyman Gary , Kerr Paul , Trepman Elly , Embil John M
Published: April 2018

Blastomycosis is caused by the dimorphic fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis that primarily affects the lungs. Oral blastomycosis is uncommon and typically includes ulcers of the oral mucosa and/or the tongue. A 26-year-old woman from Manitoba, Canada, presented with a 3-year history of progressive swelling on the left side of the face. She had an oral ulcer and fistula associated with pain and difficulty chewing. She also had occipital and frontal headache, fatigue, and somnolence. Transoral biopsy and culture showed B. dermatitidis. She had no pulmonary fungal infection. Treatment with oral itraconazole resulted in complete resolution of all clinical symptoms and signs. Blastomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of isolated oral lesions and fistulas in patients exposed to geographic regions endemic for B. dermatitidis. Antifungal treatment is recommended when specimens have confirmed the diagnosis.
Recurrent echinocandin-resistant Candida glabrata candidemia following prolonged micafungin treatment of multiple intra-abdominal abscesses
Authors: Zhou Hong Yuan , Fuller Jeffrey
Published: April 2018

Candida glabrata is the second leading cause of candidemia in North America and reports of treatment failure attributed to echinocandin-resistant C. glabrata are increasing. This report describes a case of clinical failure of C. glabrata treatment associated with de novo resistance to micafungin (MICA) after prolonged MICA therapy in a patient with multiple intra-abdominal abscesses. The decreased susceptibility to MICA was associated with acquired mutations in Fks1p and Fks2p subunits of the 1,3-β-D-glucan synthase complex.
Effects of Exergaming in People with Dementia: Results of a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: van Santen Joeke , Dröes Rose-Marie , Holstege Marije , Henkemans Olivier Blanson , van Rijn Annelies , de Vries Ralph , van Straten Annemieke , Meiland Franka
Published: April 2018

Background:

Physical exercise benefits functioning, health, and well-being. However, people living with dementia in particular hardly engage in exercise. Exergaming (exercise and gaming) is an innovative, fun, and relatively safe way of exercising in a virtual reality or gaming environment. It may help people living with dementia overcome barriers they can experience regarding regular exercise activities.

Objective:

This systematic literature review aims to provide an overview of the cost-effectiveness of exergaming and its effects on physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning, as well as the quality of life in people living with dementia.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, Cinahl, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science Core Collection were searched. Selection of studies was carried out by at least two independent researchers.

Results:

Three studies were found to be eligible and were included in this review. Two of these showed some statistically significant effects of exergaming on physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning in people living with dementia, although based on a very small sample. No articles were found about the cost-effectiveness of exergaming.

Conclusions:

Only a few controlled studies have been conducted into the effectiveness of exergaming, and these show very little significant benefits. More well-designed studies are necessary to examine the effects of exergaming.
Quantitative Magnetization Transfer of White Matter Tracts Correlates with Diffusion Tensor Imaging Indices in Predicting the Conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Makovac Elena , Serra Laura , Di Domenico Carlotta , Marra Camillo , Caltagirone Carlo , Cercignani Mara , Bozzali Marco
Published: April 2018

Patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) have higher probability to develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD) than elderly controls. The detection of subtle changes in brain structure associated with disease progression and the development of tools to identify patients at high risk for dementia in a short time is crucial. Here, we used probabilistic white matter (WM) tractography to explore microstructural alterations within the main association, limbic, and commissural pathways in aMCI patients who converted to AD after 1 year follow-up (MCIconverters) and those who remained stable (MCIstable). Both diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) parameters have been considered for a comprehensive pathophysiological characterization of the WM damage. Overall, tract-specific parameters derived from qMT and DTI at baseline were able to differentiate aMCI patients who converted to AD from those who remained stable in time. In particular, the qMT exchange rate, RMB 0, of the right uncinate fasciculus was significantly decreased in MCIconverters, whereas fractional anisotropy was significantly decreased in the bilateral superior cingulum in MCIconverters compared to MCIstable. These results confirm the involvement of WM and particularly of association fibers in the progression of AD, highlighting disconnection as a potential mechanism.
Effect of Education on Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Neuroimaging Biomarkers in Healthy Controls, and Participants with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wada Masataka , Noda Yoshihiro , Shinagawa Shunichiro , Chung Jun Ku , Sawada Kyosuke , Ogyu Kamiyu , Tarumi Ryosuke , Tsugawa Sakiko , Miyazaki Takahiro , Yamagata Bun , Graff-Guerrero Ariel , Mimura Masaru , Nakajima Shinichiro ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: April 2018

Background:

Cognitive reserve is the acquired capacity reflecting a functional brain adaptability/flexibility in the context of aging. Educational attainment is thought to be among the most important factors that contribute to cognitive reserve.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships among duration of education and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) related neuroimaging biomarkers such as amyloid-β deposition, glucose metabolism, and brain volumes in each stage of AD.

Methods:

We reanalyzed a part of the datasets of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Participants were between 55 and 90 years of age and diagnosed as one of the following: healthy controls (HC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or AD. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships among duration of education and amyloid-β deposition ( n = 825), brain metabolism ( n = 1,304), and brain volumes ( n = 1,606) among three groups using data for 18F-Florbetapir (AV-45) imaging, fludeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography, and T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:

Duration of education had no correlations with amyloid-β deposition or brain metabolism in any groups. However, duration of education was positively associated with the total brain volume only in participants with MCI.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that education may exert a protective effect on total brain volume in the MCI stage but not in HC or AD. Thus, education may play an important role in preventing the onset of dementia through brain reserve in MCI.
Evaluation of Children with SMA Type 1 Under Treatment with Nusinersen within the Expanded Access Program in Germany
Authors: Pechmann Astrid , Langer Thorsten , Schorling David , Stein Sabine , Vogt Sibylle , Schara Ulrike , Kölbel Heike , Schwartz Oliver , Hahn Andreas , Giese Kerstin , Johannsen Jessika , Denecke Jonas , Weiß Claudia , Theophil Manuela , Kirschner Janbernd
Published: April 2018

Background:

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and muscle atrophy. Nusinersen acts as a splicing modifier and has recently been approved for intrathecal treatment of SMA.

Objective:

Prior to approval, nusinersen was provided to patients with SMA type 1 in Germany within an Expanded Access Program (EAP). In contrast to previous clinical trials, children of different age groups and different stages of the disease were treated with nusinersen.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective, longitudinal data collection of patients treated with nusinersen within the EAP in seven neuromuscular centers in Germany. Standardized assessments including CHOP-INTEND and HINE-2 motor milestones were performed at baseline and 60 and 180 days after start of treatment.

Results:

Data from 61 SMA type 1 patients (mean age 21.08 months, range 1–93) were available for analysis. After six months of treatment, 47 children (77.0%) improved by ≥4 points in CHOP INTEND score. Mean change in CHOP INTEND score was 9.0±8.0 points. Nineteen patients (31.1%) improved by ≥2 points in HINE-2 motor milestones. Regression analysis revealed age at onset of treatment as major determinant of change in CHOP INTEND from baseline.

Conclusion:

When analyzing a broad spectrum of SMA type 1 patients, many children showed an improvement of motor function after six months of treatment with nusinersen, which is generally not expected within the natural course of the disease. Long-term observation and follow-up of patients with later onset types of SMA are crucial to understand the clinical impact of treatment with nusinersen.
Improving outcome in congenital diaphragmatic hernia – experience of a tertiary center without ECMO
Authors: Pimenta J. , Vaz Silva P. , Pinto C. , Dinis A. , Carvalho L. , de Castro O. , Neves F.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND:

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has a high mortality rate, representing a therapeutic challenge. Prenatal diagnosis (PND) is essential in defining optimal perinatal strategy, particularly delivery planning. Hospital Pediátrico de Coimbra is the referral centre for all neonatal surgery, particularly CDH, for the central region of Portugal. The aim was to evaluate clinical management and outcome of newborns with CDH.

METHODS:

An exploratory retrospective study made up of newborns admitted to PICU with CDH was undertaken between January 1995 and December 2014. Two groups were formed based on their year of admission: group A (1995– 2004) and group B (2005– 2014) and were compared.

RESULTS:

The mean birth weight of the 69 newborns admitted was 2.762 ± 696 g; the median of the gestational age was 38 weeks. Associated malformations were observed in 28 (40.5%) and 15 (21.7%) had a right-sided diaphragm defect. The global mortality was 13.0%; in group A was significantly higher than in group B (22.2 vs 3.0%; p = 0.029). A reduction in mortality throughout the years was confirmed after adjusting for POS score (OR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.62– 0.96, p = 0.021). PND was made in 30.6% of cases in the group A and 66.7% in the group B ( p = 0.03). Tertiary perinatal hospital birth was achieved in 60% of newborns in the group A versus 84.8% in group B ( p = 0.022). Maximum fraction of inspired oxygen showed a statistically significant difference between the two study groups (60% vs 40%; p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS:

A significant decrease in mortality was observed throughout the study. The authors highlight the increase in prenatal diagnosis and an improvement in perinatal care with planning delivery as important contributors to these results.
Pleuro-pericardial communication due to pigtail catheters in extreme preterm infants: Diagnosis and intervention
Authors: Kylat Ranjit I.
Published: April 2018

Pneumothorax in preterm infants is associated with an increased risk of chronic lung disease, intraventricular hemorrhage and mortality. In mechanically ventilated preterm infants, for the management of tension pneumothorax if needle aspiration is not successful a thoracostomy is needed. In the last two decades management of tension pneumothorax has changed from the use of traditional chest tubes to percutaneous pigtail catheter thoracostomy (PPCT) as the most commonly used technique. When compared to placement of traditional chest tubes, PPCT is touted as being faster requiring, less analgesia and less training for proficiency and having fewer complications. There are only infrequent reports of complications with this procedure. Here, a rare complication, which previously has only been reported at autopsy, is described in an extreme preterm with prompt diagnosis and early management.
Pilot feasibility study to detect mesenchymal stem cell biomarkers of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the tracheal aspirate fluid of preterm infants
Authors: LaGrandeur R.G. , Singhal M. , Bany-Mohammed F. , Uy C. , Koeppel R. , Zaldivar F. , Haddad F. , Nalbandian A. , Donovan P. , Cooper D.M. , Aslam M.
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to detect novel mesenchymal stem cell peptides/biomarkers of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in the tracheal aspirate fluid (TAF) of preterm infants.

STUDY DESIGN:

Participants included infants less than 32 weeks’ gestational age or birth weight under 1500 grams who required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation within first 24 hours of life. TAF sample collection was performed at the time of the first clinically indicated routine suctioning. Standardization curves for human levels of osteopontin (Opn), macrophage colony stimulating factor 1 (Csf1), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF- β1), and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) were generated for 15 enrolled participants.

RESULTS:

We demonstrated that stem cell biomarkers are secreted into the TAF of preterm infants and their concentrations can be easily measured during the first week of life.

CONCLUSIONS:

Further studies are warranted to determine a causal relationship between these biomarkers and BPD development and severity.
The association between alcohol outlet accessibility and adverse birth outcomes: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Seabrook J.A. , Woods N. , Clark A. , de Vrijer B. , Penava D. , Gilliland J.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND:

Alcohol outlet accessibility is positively associated with alcohol consumption, although this relationship has not been thoroughly examined in pregnant women. The present study examines the relationship between proximity and density of alcohol outlets and risk for low birth weight (LBW: <2,500 grams) and preterm birth (PTB: <37 weeks gestational age), and is the first Canadian study to investigate this association.

METHODS:

Maternal accessibility to alcohol outlets was specified using a gravity-type measure of accessibility, which provides the amount of accessibility that a given household has to liquor stores within 30-minutes of their home. All singleton newborns without congenital anomalies that were born between February 2009 and February 2014 at London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario, were included in this cohort.

RESULTS:

The sample consisted of 25,734 live births, of which 5.8% were LBW and 7.6% were PTB. Only 2.0% of women reported alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol outlet gravity was positively correlated with the percentage of mothers living in poverty (rs = 0.33, p < 0.001) and in single-parent families (rs = 0.39, p < 0.001), and who self-identify as visible minorities (rs = 0.45, p < 0.001). Alcohol outlet gravity increased the odds that mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy (OR 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.07), although the association was weak. Furthermore, alcohol outlet gravity did not increase the likelihood of a LBW or PTB infant.

CONCLUSIONS:

Women with high accessibility to alcohol outlets are more likely to consume alcohol during pregnancy, but greater alcohol outlet accessibility does not translate into poor birth outcomes.
Effect of standardized feeding protocol on nutrient supply and postnatal growth of preterm infants: A prospective study
Authors: Khan Z. , Morris N. , Unterrainer H. , Haiden N. , Holasek S.J. , Urlesberger B.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND:

Preterm birth is a medical emergency and it is becoming evident that adequate nutrition starting in the first hours of life is of major importance for short and even more so for long-term health outcomes of the premature newborn. The aim was to analyze postnatal nutrient supply and growth patterns of preterm infants in response to a standardized feeding protocol during stay at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

METHODS:

A prospective cohort study was conducted at NICU, Children Hospital Graz. Infants were divided in two groups:<28 weeks (Extremely preterm infants, EPI); ≥28 weeks (very preterm infants, VPI).

RESULTS:

EPI compared to VPI stayed longer on parenteral nutrition and needed more time to reach full enteral nutrition, required more days on ventilation and had a higher corrected age at discharge. Moreover, fortification of enteral feeds was initiated later in EPI group ( p < 0.001). As a consequence, cumulative supply of protein, fat and energy was significantly lower in EPI. However, both groups exceeded the European Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) recommended glucose intake in week 5. At discharge, we found significant differences in all growth parameters (weight Z scores: EPI = – 1.19 vs VPI = – 0.71, length Z scores: EPI = – 1.62 vs VPI = – 0.84; HC Z scores: EPI = – 1.19 vs VPI = – 0.46).

CONCLUSIONS:

Provision of aggressive parenteral nutrition during first 3 weeks of life and earlier fortification should be ensured. The use of mother milk fortifier resulted in glucose intake above the ESPGHAN recommendations in later weeks – this needs to be evaluated in future studies.
Hydrogen-absorbing alloy-based metal-hydride actuation for application in rehabilitative systems
Authors: Kim Kyong , Kim Seong Hyun , Kim Sung Hoon , Yu Chang Ho
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND:

A lightweight rehabilitation assisting system is required to help the aged and disabled with daily life activities, thereby improving the quality of their lives.

OBJECTIVE:

This paper discusses the development of a metal-hydride (MH) actuator, with excellent heat transfer performance, for application in a rehabilitative system incorporating an MH module.

METHODS:

The operating mechanism of MH actuators requires that the mechanical power of the pneumatic actuator only be generated via heat transfer through a Peltier element and the absorption/desorption of a hydrogen-contained MH module. To achieve this aim, a 3D model was first designed for two MH modules, and a thermal analysis was carried out according to the type of contact with the Peltier elements to fabricate an MH module with improved heat transfer performance. LabVIEW (National Instruments) was used for automatic temperature control of the Peltier element in the MH actuator driving experiment. Zr[Formula: see text]TI[Formula: see text]Cr[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text], which yields a pressure-composition-temperature (PCT) curve of appropriate pressure and temperature ranges for a rehabilitative system, was selected as the hydrogen-absorbing alloy.

RESULTS:

In addition, the temperature conditions of the MH actuator driving experiment were restricted by two temperature control ranges (30–40[Formula: see text]C/30–50[Formula: see text]C) of the Peltier element. Within these Peltier element temperature ranges of 30–40[Formula: see text]C and 30–50[Formula: see text]C, results showed that the MH actuator was driven in the ranges of 2–3 atm and 2.5–3.5 atm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings indicate that the MH actuator proposed in this paper can be utilized to drive a rehabilitative system for elbow and knee joint exoskeletons.
Robust sparse accelerated failure time model for survival analysis
Authors: Shen Haiwei , Chai Hua , Li Meiping , Zhou Zhiming , Liang Yong , Yang Ziyi , Huang Haihui , Liu Xiaoying , Zhang Bowen
Published: April 2018

To identify the bio-mark genes related to disease with high dimension and low sample size gene expression data, various regression approaches with different regularization methods have been proposed to solve this problem. Nevertheless, high-noises in biological data significantly reduce the performances of methods. The accelerated failure time (AFT) modelwas designed for gene selection and survival time estimation in cancer survival analysis. In this article, we proposed a novel robust sparse accelerated failure time model (RS-AFT) through combining the least absolute deviation (LAD) and L[Formula: see text] regularization. An iterative weighted linear programming algorithm without regularization parameter tuning was proposed to solve this RS-AFT model. The results of the experiments show our method has better performancebothin gene selection and survival time estimationthan some widely used regularization methods such as lasso, elastic net and SCAD. Hence we thought the RS-AFT model may be a competitive regularization method in cancer survival analysis.
The impact on human visual performance when viewing 2-D and 3-D movies
Authors: Yang Fan , Gu Huiru , Li Man , Cai Jianqi , Zhou Qianxiang , Lam Wing-Kai
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To examine the human visual performance (wavefront aberration) and subjective questionnaire (SQ) of visual fatigue when viewing 2-D and 3-D movies.

METHODS:

Thirty healthy adults observed 2-D and 3-D movies on the same television from a 3m distances during 2D, 3D-A (with better 3D glasses), and 3D-B (with poorer 3D glasses) viewing conditions. Visual quality index, including modulation transfer function index (MTFI), higher order aberration root mean square (RMS), vertical coma (VC), horizontal coma (HC) and spherical aberration (SA), were assessed before and after each viewing condition. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was performed to assess the changes of each test variable before and after movie viewing.

RESULTS:

Participants watching movies with 3D-B conditions experienced higher change of MTFI, RMS, VC and HC but smaller SQ, compared with 2D and 3D-A ([Formula: see text] 0.05). Additionally, higher MTFI but smaller SQ was found for 3D-A compared with 2D viewing condition ([Formula: see text] 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

While prolonged viewing 2-D and 3-D movies would lead to poorer visual performance, 3-D glasses with better quality can play the major role in reducing visual ability for users. The change of human eye wavefront aberration might be useful for the evaluation of visual fatigue in the future.
Color disease leaf image segmentation using NAMS superpixel algorithm
Authors: Li Hua , Chen Chuanbo , Zhao Shengrong , Lyu Zehua
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND:

Disease leaf segmentation in color image is used to explore the disease shape and lesion regions. It is of great significance for pathological diagnosis and pathological research.

OBJECTIVE:

This paper proposes a superpixel algorithm using Non-symmetry and Anti-packing Model with Squares (NAMS) for color image segmentation of leaf disease.

METHODS:

First of all, the NAMS model is presented for color leaf disease image representation. The model can segment images asymmetrically and preserve the characteristics of image context. Second, NAMS based superpixel (NAMS superpixel) algorithm is proposed for clustering pixels, which can represent large homogeneous areas by super squares. By this way, the impact of complex background and the data redundancy in image segmentation can be reduced.

RESULTS:

Experimental results indicate that compared with segmenting the original image directly and manipulating by Simple Linear Iterative Clustering (SLIC) superpixel, the proposed NAMS superpixel performs more excellently in not only saving storage but also adhering to the lesion region edge.

CONCLUSIONS:

The outcome of NAMS superpixel can be regarded as a preprocess procedure for leaf disease region detection since the method can segment the image into superpixel blocks and preserve the lesion area.
An experimental study of pulse wave measurements with magnetic induction phase shift method
Authors: Sun Jian , Zhuang Wei , Li Gen , Jin Gui , Xu Jia , Ma Ke , Wang Feng , Feng Hua
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND:

Pulse wave monitoring is widely used to evaluate the physiological and pathological states of the cardiovascular system.

OBJECTIVE:

High-sensitivity ring sensors were designed, and a simultaneous acquisition platform based on National Instruments T-Clock technology (NI-TCLK) was used to achieve simultaneous pulse detection using both the traditional method and the magnetic induction phase shift (MIPS) method.

METHODS:

The excitation signal had a frequency of approximately 10.7 MHz and power of about 20 dBm. A total of 30 volunteers (adults, aged 20–30 y) were selected to corroborate the feasibility of our measurement system. The subjects wore the proposed sensor on their right-hand forefingers and for reference, the piezoelectric pulse sensor on the left-hand forefinger. The pulse waves of these 30 subjects were measured over 2 min each.

RESULTS:

The phase shift of the magnetic induction detection signal ranged from 0.6–0.8 degrees. Comparison of detection results for the same subject between the two methods showed that the pulse rate measured by magnetic induction exhibited fewer deviations and better stability than the traditional method. In addition, spectral analysis indicated that the pulse frequencies obtained using the 2 methods were concentrated between 1–3 Hz and were regular in the 1.5 Hz frequency region.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results prove that the magnetic induction pulse wave can be used to accurately measure pulse wave features.
Experimental Evaluation of Fragments from TBM Disc Cutting under Different Load Cases
Authors: Xia Yimin , Shi Yupeng , Lin Laikuang , Zhang Yichao , Tan Qing , Yang Yang
Published: April 2018

The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) tunneling process always contains a certain degree of vibrations due to the step broken phenomenon of the cutting tools. Undoubtedly, there is a quite difference in the fragment characteristics which are related to the construction efficiency of TBM under the static load and the combination of static and impact load. In this study, a series of rock breaking tests with a 216 mm diameter disc cutter and marble samples were conducted under different load cases. Based on the Rosin–Rammler distribution curve, the fragments from the cutting tests were also sieved to calculate the absolute size constant (x’) and coarseness index (CI). The relationship between coarseness index, absolute size parameter and the cutting parameters, specific energy, production rate was evaluated. The results show that there is an increasing trend of x’ and CI with the increase of cut spacing and penetration as well as adding impact load component. An overall downtrend in specific energy and upward trend in production rate which are associated with the high efficiency can be observed with the increasing CI and x’. It is believed that the conclusions are of great significance for improving TBM construction efficiency and cutterhead design.
Two novel blue phosphorescent host materials containing phenothiazine-5,5-dioxide structure derivatives
Authors: Xie Feng-Ming , Ou Qingdong , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Jiang-Kun , Dai Guo-Liang , Zhao Xin , Wei Huai-Xin
Published: April 2018

Two novel D–A bipolar blue phosphorescent host materials based on phenothiazine-5,5-dioxide: 3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-10-ethyl-10H-phenothiazine-5,5-dioxide (CEPDO) and 10-butyl-3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-10H-phenothiazine-5,5-dioxide (CBPDO) were synthesized and characterized. The photophysical, electrochemical and thermal properties were systematically investigated. CEPDO and CBPDO not only have a high triplet energy but also show a bipolar behavior. Moreover, their fluorescence emission peaks are in the blue fluorescence region at 408 nm and the fluorescence quantum efficiency (Φ) of CEPDO and CBPDO were 62.5% and 59.7%, respectively. Both CEPDO and CBPDO showed very high thermal stability with decomposition temperatures (Td) of 409 and 396 °C as well as suitable HOMO and LUMO energy levels. This preferable performance suggests that CEPDO and CBPDO are alternative bipolar host materials for the PhOLEDs.
Les paradoxes de l’anticipation
Authors: Marchais-Roubelat Anne
Published: April 2018

La stratégie regarde vers l’avenir comme l’anticipation à laquelle elle est liée, tandis que l’histoire est tournée vers le passé. Il pourrait donc sembler contradictoire qu’un historien comme Hervé Coutau-Bégarie ait pratiqué la prospective et promu la recherche en stratégie, à moins que le paradoxe ne soit qu’apparent. L’usage même de l’anticipation elle-même apparaît contradictoire : elle est indispensable à l’organisation, nécessaire pour passer à l’acte efficacement au moment voulu et inutilisable à long terme car à ce moment-là les circonstances qui auront justifié l’organisation seront caduques. Cette contradiction pose le problème de la nature et du rôle des événements ainsi que celui de l’articulation au cours du temps des volontés humaines avec les événement et les grandes tendances. 2030, la fin de la mondialisation ? examine ces questions et propose une ligne de conduite pour anticiper l’histoire à venir, bousculant les horizons, les méthodes et les enjeux de la prospective.
Prospective, mondialisation et stratégie internationale
Authors: Roubelat Fabrice
Published: April 2018

Se projeter dans 2030 revient moins à décrire des scénarios globaux qu’à évaluer les capacités d’action des partie prenantes dans les processus d’action dans lesquels ces scénarios s’intègrent. La stratégie prospective internationale conduit à discuter les paradigmes de la mondialisation et les règles d’action des parties prenantes à partir de leurs mouvements au cours du temps. Pour les scénarios de distribution de la puissance, le porte-avions constitue un symbole non seulement des capacités d’action mais aussi des transformations de la mondialisation. A travers l’émergence de stratégies éphémères, ces transformations interrogent le concept même de paradigme et les capacités d’action au sein de communautés d’acteurs et de parties prenantes.
Quel(s) système(s) internationaux en 2030 ?
Authors: Soutou Georges-Henri
Published: April 2018

Plusieurs systèmes internationaux coexistent et s’interpénètrent. Deux tendances d’opposent : mondialisation et régionalisation. Mais dans tous les cas la gouvernance mondialiste et l’UE supranationale comme systèmes reculeraient ou ne seraient pas la voie unique du futur.
Interprétations de la Bible dans le protestantisme
Authors: Macchi Jean-Daniel
Published: April 2018

Cet article traite la question de l’articulation entre lecture critique et historique de la Bible et questionnement théologique dans le protestantisme. Il présente d’abord la manière dont les réformateurs se sont servis de l’Écriture au xvi e siècle. Ensuite, il examine les profonds changements qui se sont produits dans le protestantisme dès le xvii e siècle en réaction à la modernité. Finalement, quelques remarques à propos de la situation contemporaine des études bibliques sont formulées.
Intravitreal Ziv-Aflibercept for Diabetic Macular Edema: 48-Week Outcomes
Authors: de Andrade Gabriel Costa , de Oliveira Dias João Rafael , Maia André , Farah Michel Eid , Meyer Carsten H. , Rodrigues Eduardo Buchele
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To study the safety and efficacy of intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept (IVI-ZA) (Zaltrap; Sanofi-Aventis and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY) during a period of 48 weeks in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Seven consecutive patients with DME were enrolled and submitted to 12 consecutive IVI-ZA with a 4-week interval. The safety parameters included changes in full-field electroretinogram (ERG) and systemic or ocular complications, and the efficacy parameters were the mean change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT).

RESULTS:

No significant differences were found in any ERG component after IVI-ZA, and no systemic or ocular complication was observed. The improvement of BCVA was most significant after the first IVI-ZA and remained until week 48 (
P
< .05). The CRT significantly decreased during the course of 48 weeks.

CONCLUSION:

The 48-week results are consistent with our previous 24-week findings, supporting IVI-ZA as a safe, efficient, and well-tolerated therapy for patients with DME.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:245–250.]
Photodynamic Therapy-Induced Macular Hole
Authors: Greven Margaret A. , Leung Loh-Shan B.
Published: April 2018

A 72-year-old female with neovascular macular degeneration refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections underwent photodynamic therapy and subsequently developed a macular hole (MH) associated with vitreomacular traction. After a period of observation, the MH enlarged. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed, and the MH was closed successfully.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:270–272.]
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography and Ultra-Widefield Optical Coherence Tomography in a Child With Incontinentia Pigmenti
Authors: Kim Sang Jin , Yang Jianlong , Liu Gangjun , Huang David , Campbell J. Peter
Published: April 2018

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare X-linked dominant disorder that can cause retinal nonperfusion, neovascularization, and retinal detachment. Evaluation of the peripheral retinal vasculature and appropriate treatment can reduce the risk of blindness. The authors report the use of a handheld prototype optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and ultra-widefield OCT (UWF-OCT) during exam under anesthesia of a 2-year-old with a history of severe early onset IP. UWF-OCT and OCTA may be used as noninvasive imaging modalities for IP and similar retinal vascular disorders in supine young children.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:273–275.]
Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium Presenting With Secondary Choroidal Neovascularization
Authors: Garoon Robert B. , Harbour J. William
Published: April 2018

The authors report a case of a congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE) associated with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) causing symptomatic vision loss. Two intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) 4 weeks apart resolved the fluid and improved the visual acuity. This case demonstrates that CHRPE can rarely be complicated by CNV, which may respond to intravitreal bevacizumab therapy.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:276–277.]
El jardín del Instituto Torroja
Authors: Hernández-Lamas P.
Published: April 2018

Este artículo pretende completar la historia del proyecto y construcción de la nueva sede del Instituto Torroja. Curiosamente, no se ha tratado en profundidad la importancia de sus jardines, que aunque son citados múltiples veces en toda la bibliografía, no existe ningún texto ni artículo que los analice. Esta investigación que forma parte de una tesis doctoral sobre «El jardín moderno en España (1926-1980)», examina los diferentes jardines y espacios libres del ITCC (trazados, organización espacial, usos y relación con el edificio y el entorno), apoyándose en la cartografía y el archivo fotográfico del edificio (su construcción, fiestas celebradas, visitas y actos) donde se muestra el jardín como testimonio de la vida de este centro de investigación, sin olvidar su relación con las tendencias formales nacionales y extranjeras del siglo XX y su gran aportación para la época en que se construyó, siendo un modelo para ejemplos posteriores.
Sirex noctilio(Hymenoptera: Siricidae) in Ontario (Canada) pine forests: observations over five years
Authors: Haavik Laurel J. , Dodds Kevin J. , Allison Jeremy D.
Published: April 2018

More than a decade after its discovery in North America, the European woodwasp,Sirex noctilioFabricius (Hymenoptera: Siricidae), has not been an aggressive tree killer in northeastern North American pine (PinusLinnaeus; Pinaceae) forests. Concern thatS. noctiliohas potential to become a more aggressive pest as it spreads south, or as environmental conditions change, is warranted, because it has caused extensive pine losses on other continents that it has invaded. We observedS. noctilioimpact and attack behaviour in eight pine stands throughout Ontario, Canada annually for a five-year period (2012–2016).Sirex noctilioimpact was variable in unmanaged pine forests; it killed 3–48% of pine stems, and 3–36% of pine basal area. MostS. noctilio-caused mortality was limited to suppressed and intermediate trees. Of the 17% of pines in the entire study that were affected byS. noctilio, many (44%) were attacked in multiple years. Depending on the year, between 46% and 79% of trees remained alive in the year immediately after attack, which suggests that many study trees were at least initially resistant to attack byS. noctilio. Though its impact appears to be limited in most forests for now, we recommend that observations continue in future years.