bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of sleeper support conditions using micro-tremor analysis
Authors: Lazarević Luka , Vučković Dejan , Popović Zdenka
Published: November 2015

An irregular geometry of the track can influence the safe passage of railway traffic. Therefore, maintenance activities on railways are mostly directed towards the correction of track geometry. It has been shown that unevenly supported and unsupported sleepers make major contributions to the effect of track geometry deterioration. In addition, irregular sleeper support conditions can contribute to ballast fouling, thus reducing its service life. Therefore, assessing the support conditions of the sleepers in a railway track is essential. This paper reviews methods that can be used for this purpose. Then, we propose a method for the assessment of sleeper support conditions and present results obtained in field investigations. The proposed method is based on sampling of the micro-tremor on sleepers and interpretation of obtained data. The obtained results prove that the proposed method is reliable and therefore usable in practice.
Neural Discriminability of Object Features Predicts Perceptual Organization
Authors: Ward Emily J. , Chun Marvin M.
Published: November 2015

How does the neural representation of simple visual features affect perceptual operations, such as perceptual grouping? If the strength of feature representations in the brain is indicative of how the perceptual system partitions information into visual elements, then identifying the underlying neural representation may determine why things look the way they do. During functional MRI, participants viewed objects that varied along three feature dimensions: shape, color, and orientation. Afterward, participants performed an independent perceptual-grouping task outside the scanner to measure the strength of feature grouping. In lateral occipital cortex, neural feature discriminability, characterized using functional MRI multivariate pattern classification, positively predicted feature grouping strength: The more distinct the neural representations of a particular feature, the stronger the grouping was for that feature outside the scanner. Thus, variation in neural feature representation can be quantified to predict perceptual organization.
Heuristic modeling and inverse compensation of hysteresis in piezoelectric actuators based on time series similarity
Authors: Xiong Rui , Liu Xiang-Dong , Lai Zhi-Lin
Published: November 2015

Hysteresis behavior of piezoelectric actuators degrades the accuracy and performance of the micro or nano positioning stage. As a remedy to this problem, a hysteresis model and a compensator based on time series similarity are proposed in this article. To generate this dynamic hysteresis model, geometric and time scale similarity of output displacement time series of piezoelectric actuators are studied. Furthermore, to compensate for hysteresis behavior, an inverse model based on time series similarity and an inverse model–based feedforward compensator are proposed. This novel model–based compensator is validated against the Prandtl–Ishlinskii model–based one and is assessed for effectiveness and practicality.
A new approach for modeling of magnetorheological elastomers
Authors: Norouzi Mahmood , Sajjadi Alehashem Seyed Masoud , Vatandoost Hossein , Ni Yi Qing , Shahmardan Mohammad Mohsen
Published: November 2015

This article presents a novel model to portray the behavior of magnetorheological elastomer in oscillatory shear test. The dynamic behavior of an isotropic magnetorheological elastomer is experimentally investigated at different input conditions. A modified Kelvin–Voigt viscoelastic model is developed to describe relationships between shear stress and shear strain of magnetorheological elastomers based on input frequency, shear strain, and magnetic flux density. Unlike the previous models of magnetorheological elastomers, the coefficients of this model, calculated by nonlinear regression method, are constant at various harmonic shear loads and different magnetic flux densities. The results show that the new phenomenological model can effectively predict the viscoelastic behavior of magnetorheological elastomers. Also, the results demonstrate that the trend of shear storage modulus of magnetorheological elastomer based on the frequency is nonlinear from 0.1 to 8 Hz, which is predicted by the present model. The proposed model is beneficial to simulate vibration control strategies in magnetorheological elastomer base devices under harmonic shear loadings.
Current Approaches to Management of Potassium Deficiency
Authors: Stanaszek Walter F. , Romankiewicz John A.
Published: November 2015

Current issues related to oral potassium supplementation are reviewed, with emphasis on recommendations for the appropriate use of potassium supplementation for both replacement and preventive therapy. Dietary potassium intake, potassium-sparing diuretics, and the various forms of oral potassium supplements are reviewed in terms of indications for use, advantages, and limitations. Attention is given to controversial areas, i.e., gastrointestinal tolerance of controlled-release potassium oral dosage preparations and the need for potassium supplementation in hypertensive patients treated with diuretics.
Review of the New Second-Generation Cephalosporins: Cefonicid, Ceforanide, and Cefuroxime
Authors: Tartaglione Teresa A. , Polk Ronald E.
Published: November 2015

The new second-generation cephalosporins, cefonicid, ceforanide, and cefuroxime, have recently become available. These agents are generally less active against gram-positive cocci than first-generation cephalosporins and, at best, equal to cefoxitin and cefamandole against many gram-negative bacteria. Cefuroxime, however, is the most active cephalosporin for β-lactamase-producing Haemophilus influenzae. These newer agents have superior pharmacokinetic characteristics over cefoxitin and cefamandole. Smaller doses, longer dosing intervals and, potentially, a reduction in total drug cost may be the real advantage of these agents. Open trials and a limited number of comparative studies have documented the effectiveness of cefonicid, ceforanide, and cefuroxime in the treatment of most mild-to-serious infectious diseases, although failures with cefonicid in the treatment of staphylococcal infections have been reported. Notably, cefuroxime has received approval for the treatment of common pediatric bacterial meningitis infections. Replacement of cefamandole or cefoxitin with one of these “longer-acting” agents may be cost-beneficial; however, clinicians must be on alert for the development of bacterial resistance or decreased efficacy.
Gout-Like Arthritis following Cimetidine and Ranitidine
Authors: Einarson Thomas R. , Turchet Enzo N. , Goldstein Jill E. , MacNay Kenneth R.
Published: November 2015

A case report is presented of a patient having a history of gouty arthritic attacks who suffered similar attacks subsequent to receiving cimetidine and ranitidine. The patient was rechallenged twice with each drug and reacted on each occasion. During the therapy with H2-receptor antagonists, he suffered no attacks that were not immediately preceded by one of these drugs. It is suggested that alternate forms of therapy such as antacids, sucralfate, or carbenoxalone may be preferable in patients suffering from ulcers and gouty arthritic problems.
Family Practice Residents' Prescribing Patterns
Authors: Jackson Max G. , Drechsler-Martell Clifford R. , Jackson Eric A.
Published: November 2015

Prescription patterns of physicians in a family practice residency office were analyzed retrospectively from the following perspectives: Frequency of prescribing for individual drugs and drug categories; effect of the level of postgraduate training on prescribing patterns; and effect of patient payment systems (Medicare-Medicaid, self-pay, third-party insurance) on the number of prescriptions. Antibiotics, antihistamine-decongestants, and antihypertensive medications were the most commonly prescribed medications. Psychotropic medications were used infrequently. An average of 0.70 prescriptions was issued on each office visit. Per office visit, first-year residents averaged 0.59 prescriptions, second-year residents averaged 0.69 prescriptions, third-year residents averaged 0.72 prescriptions, and the faculty averaged 0.98 prescriptions. Patients on Medicare-Medicaid averaged 0.78 prescriptions per office visit, self-pay patients averaged 0.25 prescriptions per visit, and patients with third-party insurance averaged 1.49 prescriptions per visit. The differences in the prescription rates between each payment group were significant.
Postgraduate Pharmacy Fellowships (1984–85)
Authors: Kaul Alan F. , Powell Stephen H. , Stachowski J. Scott
Published: November 2015

During July and August 1984, the Pharmacy Services Department of the Brigham and Women's Hospital conducted its fourth annual national mail questionnaire survey of postgraduate pharmacy fellowships. It was found that 91 fellowships are offered at 36 fellowship sites. Information regarding type of specialty fellowship, fellowship characteristics, fellowship location and contact person, and qualifications of applicants is presented.
Responses and energy transmissibility of a viscoelastic isolation system with a power-form restoring force under delayed feedback control
Authors: Huang Dongmei , Xu Wei , Xie Wenxian , Liu Wei
Published: November 2015

In this paper, combination of cubic nonlinearity and time delay is designed to improve the performance of a viscoelastic isolation system with a power-form restoring force. By the method of multiple scales, the amplitude-frequency response, stability, backbone curve and energy transmissibility are considered. More specifically, three nonlinear cubic delayed feedback control methodologies are examined: position, velocity and acceleration delayed feedback. It is found that the viscoelastic damping coefficient can induce multi-valued response, especially frequency island phenomenon. In this regard, the isolation system indicates the softening behavior for under-linear restoring force and hardening behavior for over-linear restoring force. And equivalent damping and jump avoidance condition are first proposed to interpret the effect of feedback control loop on dynamical behaviors. Furthermore, with the purpose of improving the stability and reducing the vibration, suitable feedback parameter pairs are determined by the frequency response together with stability conditions. Finally, the vibration isolation property is predicted based on energy transmissibility in different cases. Results show that the strategy proposed in this paper is practicable and feedback control parameters are significant factors to alter dynamical behaviors, and more importantly, to improve the isolation effectiveness for the viscoelastic isolation system.
Signal de-noising method for vibration signal of flood discharge structure based on combined wavelet and EMD
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Jiang Qi , Ma Bin , Zhao Yu , Zhu Lianghuan
Published: November 2015

A new de-noising method combining Wavelet threshold and empirical mode decomposition (EMD) (WTEMD for short) is proposed to improve the precision of de-noising performance for vibration signal of flood discharge structure in low signal to noise ratio (SNR). White noise is partially filtered out by decomposing the vibration signal with wavelet. Then conducting the further EMD on wavelet reconstructed signal to obtain Intrinsic Mode Function (IMF), through analyzing spectrum diagram of every IMF component, low-frequency waterflow noise and the rest of high-frequency white noise are filtered out, regarding SNR and root mean square error (RMSE) as evaluation index for noise reduction effect. The novelty of this method is that it can reduce the endpoint effect of EMD. By comparing the filtering effect of WTEMD with other methods on simulation signals, study shows that, WTEMD has a higher precision and a better de-noising effect. The dominant vibration information of dam structure is achieved by using WTEMD in Laxiwa arch dam hydro-elastic model and Three Gorges Dam, which can provide the basis for safe operation and on-line monitoring of the dam structure. This method can effectively solve the problem of dominant information extraction for large flood discharge structure.
Manuel, Recovering the Sense of the Democratic Movement Through Living Solidarity in Dialogic Literary Gatherings
Authors: Pulido-Rodríguez Miguel A. , Amador Jelen , Rodrigo Eva Alonso
Published: November 2015

Manuel’s biography shows a valuable process of re-enchantment and belief in the possibility of social change. Manuel was strongly disenchanted with the bureaucratization established in Spain during the transition from the Franco regime to democracy in the mid-70s. He recovered his enchantment with democratic movements through contact with the social and educational movement of adult education in La Verneda (Barcelona) and especially through his participation in the Dialogic Literary Gatherings held in the school for adults. In Manuel’s words, the gathering was the best expression of democracy in the school; it was the democratic experience that he had always imagined. In this outstanding space, he could listen to his friends, who, just like him, had lowly academic backgrounds, and share in the reading of the best universal classic literature. For Manuel, this gathering held the germ of a great debate on social, cultural, and democratic transformation.
Transforming the Vision of Classic Literature
Authors: Ruiz Laura
Published: November 2015

This article presents a personal narrative about how the protagonist transforms her vision of universal classic literature. She began to work in the “1001 Dialogic Literary Gatherings Worldwide” movement, transforming her attitude of rejection toward universal classic literature. Her social context was marked by an alternative atmosphere, where classic culture was associated with tradition and considered boring. Through in-depth conversations with nonacademic adult participants in the dialogic literary gathering (DLG) and the direct exposure to reading classic books, she had the opportunity to personally experience the transformative potential of this successful educational action. She experienced herself how the DLG breaks with the stereotype that universal classic works belong to the cultural elite. The researcher narrates how she learnt to enjoy reading this literature, which reinforced her commitment to overcome social, educational, and cultural inequalities. This experience was a turning point in her academic career as a researcher, fully devoted to the creation of new educational and cultural opportunities for working-class people.
Intraoperative end-tidal concentration of isoflurane in cats undergoing ovariectomy that received tramadol, buprenorphine or a combination of both
Authors: Bellini Luca , Mollo Antonio , Contiero Barbara , Busetto Roberto
Published: November 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the end-tidal concentration of isoflurane required to maintain heart and respiratory rate within ± 20% of basal measurement in cats undergoing ovariectomy that received buprenorphine, tramadol or a combination of both.

Methods

Thirty cats, divided into three groups, were enrolled in a simple operator-blinded, randomised study. Cats received acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg) and one of the following treatments: buprenorphine (0.02 mg/kg), tramadol (2 mg/kg) or a combination of both. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane titrated in order to maintain heart and respiratory rate within the target values recorded before premedication.

Results

Groups were similar for age, weight, dose of propofol administered, sedation and recovery scores. Cats receiving tramadol with buprenorphine were extubated earlier after isoflurane discontinuation. No statistical differences were detected in end-tidal fraction of isoflurane between buprenorphine alone or with tramadol. In cats that received tramadol or buprenorphine alone, ovarian pedicle traction caused a statistical increase in end-tidal isoflurane concentration compared with that measured during incision and suture of the skin. In cats that received the combination of tramadol plus buprenorphine no differences among surgical time points were observed.

Conclusions and relevance

Tramadol added to buprenorphine did not provide any advantage in decreasing the end-tidal fraction of isoflurane compared with buprenorphine alone, although it is speculated there may be an infra-additive interaction between tramadol and buprenorphine in cats.
Considering the glass case: Material encounters between museums, visitors and religious objects
Authors: Berns Steph
Published: November 2015

This article considers the often overlooked, or looked through, museum display case. Glass cases provide physical barriers between museum exhibits and visitors. Their efficacy is what keeps them hidden. But when the case obstructs a visitor–object interaction, their presence becomes strikingly obvious. The usually discerning cases are blamed for disrupting, distancing and inhibiting museum experiences. Yet, cases can facilitate many encounters that aid visitors’ abilities to connect devotionally with exhibits. To explore the active role that glass cases play, this article employs an actor–network approach to examine interactions at an exhibition on medieval Christian relics, where the cases acted as channels and barriers within the process of veneration, as well as the means to erase traces of religious practices. Situated in debates about materiality and lived religion, this article considers the role of mundane material objects in visitor–object encounters and the mediated nature of religious experiences in non-devotional spaces.
From sick role to narrative subject: An analytic memoir
Authors: Frank Arthur W
Published: November 2015

Questions of illness experience and identity are discussed, based on the analysis of a story told by the breast-cancer activist Audre Lorde. Displacing Parsons’ conceptualization of illness as a sick role, I understand the ill person as a narrative subject, defined by discursive possibilities. Three discourses of illness are proposed: the medical institutional discourse, the discourse of illness experience, and the pink-ribbon discourse. Each has its preferred narratives. These discourses overlap and mutually affect each other. Problems with the Foucauldian conceptualization of the subject are considered, and a dialogical imagination of relations of governmentality is proposed.
Inducing similarities and differences in imagined contact: A mutual intergroup differentiation approach
Authors: Ioannou Maria , Hewstone Miles , Al Ramiah Ananthi
Published: November 2015

To enhance the prejudice-reducing effects of imagined contact we investigated a novel form of imagined contact (“balanced similarity”) which emphasized both similarities and differences between the ingroup(er) and the outgroup(er). Experiment 1 compared balanced similarity with conditions inducing only differences or only similarities. “Balanced similarity” led to more positive outgroup attitudes; its differences with the “high similarity” condition were mediated by reduced distinctiveness threat, whereas its differences with the “low” similarity condition were mediated by higher perceived intergroup similarity. Experiment 2 compared the “balanced similarity” imagined contact scenario with the “standard” (positive) imagined contact scenario (Crisp, Stathi, Turner, & Husnu, 2008), and found that both conditions promoted equally favourable attitudes that were significantly more positive than in the control condition. However, only the “balanced similarity” imagined contact condition differed from the control condition on intergroup anxiety and contact self-efficacy. The “balanced similarity” condition also had an indirect effect (via self-efficacy) on positive action tendencies towards the outgroup. We discuss the utility of “balanced similarity” imagined contact, especially where contact is limited and conflict is present.
Have community sanctions and measures widened the net of the European criminal justice systems?
Authors: Aebi Marcelo F , Delgrande Natalia , Marguet Yann
Published: November 2015

Analysing the evolution of imprisonment and community sanctions in Europe from 1990 to 2010 this article tests whether community sanctions have been used as alternatives to imprisonment or as supplementary sanctions. The results show that both the number of persons serving community sanctions and the number of inmates have continuously increased in almost all European countries during the period studied. A comparison with the evolution of crime rates shows that the latter cannot explain such trends and suggests that, instead of being alternatives to imprisonment, community sanctions have contributed to widening the net of the European criminal justice systems. The analyses also show a wide diversity in the use of community sanctions across Europe where, in 2010, the ratio between inmates and persons serving community sanctions varied from 2:1 to 1:3. In a comparative perspective, Finland, Norway and Switzerland seem to have found a reasonable balance between the use of imprisonment and community sanctions.
Design of Scotch yoke mechanisms with improved driving dynamics
Authors: Arakelian Vigen , Le Baron Jean-Paul , Mkrtchyan Manuk
Published: November 2015

Input torque balancing through addition of an auxiliary mechanism is a well-known way to improve the dynamic behavior of mechanisms. One of the more efficient methods used to solve this problem is creating a cam-spring mechanism. However, the use of a cam mechanism is not always possible or desirable because of the wear effect due to the contact stresses and high friction between the roller and the cam. The Scotch yoke mechanism is most commonly used in control valve actuators in high-pressure oil and gas pipelines, as well as in various internal combustion engines, such as the Bourke engine, SyTech engine and many hot air engines and steam engines. This mechanism does not create lateral forces on the piston. Therefore, the main advantages of applications include reducing friction, vibration and piston wear, as well as smaller engine dimensions. However, the input torque of the Scotch yoke mechanism is variable and can be balanced. This paper proposes to balance the input torque of Scotch yoke mechanisms without any auxiliary linkage just by adding linear springs to the output slider. It is shown that after cancellation of inertial effects the input torque due to friction in joints becomes constant, which facilitates the control of the mechanism. An optimal control is considered to improve the operation of balanced Scotch yoke mechanisms. The efficiency of the suggested technique is illustrated via simulations carried out by using ADAMS software.
Parasagittal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Treated With Embozene Microspheres
Authors: Hlavica Martin , Ineichen Benjamin Victor , Fathi Ali-Reza , Remonda Luca , Diepers Michael
Published: November 2015

Purpose: To describe the use of Embozene microspheres as an alternative treatment for intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF). Case Report: The DAVF was located close to the vertex and mainly fed by the left medial meningeal artery (MMA). Embolization was performed using Embozene microspheres due to stenosis in the posterior branch of the left MMA and a conglomerate of tortuous courses in the anterior branch. Complete occlusion was achieved without complication. Neurological symptoms improved, and the patient remained asymptomatic during 1-year follow-up. Angiography at 1 year did not reveal any revascularization. Conclusion: Use of microspheres may be a safe and effective alternative treatment, particularly in patients with impeded access to the DAVF.
Changes in Aortic Volumes Following Endovascular Sealing of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms With the Nellix Endoprosthesis
Authors: Shaikh Usman , Chan Tze Y. , Oshin Olufemi , McWilliams Richard G. , Fisher Robert K. , England Andrew , Torella Francesco
Published: November 2015

Purpose: To investigate the effects on aortic volumes of endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS) with the Nellix device. Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients (mean age 78±7 years; 17 men) with abdominal aortic aneurysms containing thrombus were treated with EVAS. Their pre- and post-EVAS computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed to document volume changes in the entire aneurysmal aorta, the lumen, and the intraluminal thrombus. The changes are reported as the mean and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Total aortic volume was greater on postoperative scans by a mean 17 mL (95% CI 10.0 to 23.5, p<0.001). The volume occupied by the endobags was greater than the preoperative lumen volume by a mean 28 mL (95% CI 24.7 to 31.7, p=0.002). Postoperatively, the aortic volume occupied by thrombus had decreased by a mean 11 mL (95% CI 4.7 to 18.2, p<0.001). There were good correlations between changes in aneurysm and thrombus volumes (r=0.864, p<0.001), between the planning CT/EVAS time interval and the change in aneurysm volume (r=0.640, p=0.001), and between the planning CT/EVAS time interval and the change in thrombus volume (r=0.567, p=0.003). Conclusion: There are significant changes in aortic volumes post EVAS. These changes may be a direct consequence of the technique and have implications for the planning and performance of EVAS.
Occluded Superficial Femoral and Popliteal Artery Stents Can Have a Negative Impact on Bypass Target
Authors: Conway Allan M. , Qato Khalil , Bottalico Danielle , Lugo Joanelle , Giangola Gary , Carroccio Alfio
Published: November 2015

Purpose: To identify whether occluded femoropopliteal stents influence previously available lower extremity bypass (LEB) targets. Methods: Among 621 consecutive patients who had undergone stenting of a superficial femoral artery or popliteal artery lesion from January 2009 to December 2013, 30 patients (mean age 69.9±10.2 years; 16 women) were found to have occluded stents. Angiograms before stent placement were analyzed to determine what would have been the optimal distal bypass site, which was compared with the angiogram following stent occlusion. Results: Seven (22%) limbs lost the bypass target. In one limb, the target changed from above-knee to below-knee popliteal, in 2 limbs from above-knee popliteal to tibial, and in 4 limbs from below-knee popliteal to tibial artery. Eleven (34%) limbs required LEB during follow-up. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p=0.007), chronic renal insufficiency (p=0.026), a popliteal artery stent (p=0.001), and the below-knee popliteal artery as an optimal bypass target (p=0.026) were associated with loss of bypass target following stent occlusion. Conclusion: Superficial femoral artery and popliteal artery stent occlusion can affect target vessels in patients who may require subsequent LEB. This should be considered when performing stenting.
Combined Directional Atherectomy and Drug-Eluting Balloon Angioplasty for Isolated Popliteal Artery Lesions in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Stavroulakis Konstantinos , Bisdas Theodosios , Torsello Giovanni , Stachmann Arne , Schwindt Arne
Published: November 2015

Purpose: To evaluate the midterm results of combined directional atherectomy (DA) and drug-eluting balloon (DEB) angioplasty for atherosclerotic lesions of the popliteal artery. Methods: In a single-arm, prospective study, 21 patients (mean age 63±16 years; 16 men) with isolated popliteal artery lesions were enrolled and underwent treatment with combined DA and DEB angioplasty under filter protection between October 2009 and February 2014. The majority (18, 86%) presented with lifestyle-limiting intermittent claudication and 3 with critical limb ischemia. Fifteen (71%) target sites were de novo lesions; 4 were occlusions. The main outcome was primary patency; secondary outcomes were technical success, secondary patency, and early and midterm morbidity and mortality. Results: The TurboHawk atherectomy device was used in 15 (71%) patients and the SilverHawk peripheral plaque excision system in the remaining 6 patients. The In.Pact Admiral/Pacific DEB was used in the majority of cases (15, 71%). The technical success rate was 90% (n=19). One flow-limiting dissection was treated with bailout stenting. Complications included a perforation of the popliteal artery and 2 puncture site hematomas; there was no distal embolic event. The mean follow-up was 18±12 months. Two restenoses were retreated successfully. Kaplan-Meier estimates of primary patency at 12 and 18 months were 95% and 90%, respectively; the secondary patency was 100%. One (5%) patient died in follow-up. None of the patients had an amputation. Conclusion: In this prospective single-arm study, the combined therapy of DA and DEB angioplasty for popliteal artery lesions showed promising midterm performance. The combination of DA and DEB may, in highly selected patients, overcome the challenges presented by the mobility of the knee joint.
One-Year Outcomes Following Directional Atherectomy of Infrapopliteal Artery Lesions
Authors: Rastan Aljoscha , McKinsey James F. , Garcia Lawrence A. , Rocha-Singh Krishna J. , Jaff Michael R. , Noory Elias , Zeller Thomas ,   on behalf of the DEFINITIVE LE Investigators
Published: November 2015

Purpose: To report a subgroup analysis of the prospective, multicenter, single-arm DEFINITIVE LE trial to assess the effectiveness of directional atherectomy for the treatment of infrapopliteal artery lesions at 1 year. Methods: In the DEFINITIVE LE trial, follow-up assessments occurred up to 1 year postprocedure. Of the 800 patients enrolled, 145 subjects with 189 infrapopliteal lesions met the criteria for this analysis. Seventy (48.3%) and 75 (51.7%) patients were suffering critical limb ischemia (CLI) and intermittent claudication, respectively; 68.3% (99/145) had diabetes. The mean lesion length was 58±44 mm (all lesions); 20.2% were occluded. The primary endpoint for patients with claudication was duplex ultrasound–derived primary patency, while for subjects with CLI it was freedom from major amputation of the target limb at 1 year. Endpoints and adverse events were independently assessed. Results: Procedure success (≤30% residual stenosis) was achieved in 84% of treated lesions. The 1-year primary patency rate was 84% (claudicants 89.6% and CLI patients 78%, p=0.11), and the freedom from major amputation rate was 97.1% (claudicants 100% and CLI 93.8%, p=0.03). In both claudication and CLI patients, significant improvements in Rutherford category and objective measures of walking distance and quality of life were seen at 1 year in comparison to baseline. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that directional atherectomy in infrapopliteal arteries results in promising technical and clinical results at 1 year for claudicant as well as CLI patients.
Biomechanical Changes After Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in Type B Dissection
Authors: Nauta Foeke J. H. , Conti Michele , Kamman Arnoud V. , van Bogerijen Guido H. W. , Tolenaar Jip L. , Auricchio Ferdinando , Figueroa C. Alberto , van Herwaarden Joost A. , Moll Frans L. , Trimarchi Santi
Published: November 2015

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has evolved into an established treatment option for type B aortic dissection (TBAD) since it was first introduced 2 decades ago. Morbidity and mortality have decreased due to the minimally invasive character of TEVAR, with adequate stabilization of the dissection, restoration of true lumen perfusion, and subsequent positive aortic remodeling. However, several studies have reported severe setbacks of this technique. Indeed, little is known about the biomechanical behavior of implanted thoracic stent-grafts and the impact on the vascular system. This study sought to systematically review the performance and behavior of implanted thoracic stent-grafts and related biomechanical aortic changes in TBAD patients in order to update current knowledge and future perspectives.
An Optical Coherence Tomography Assessment of Stent Strut Apposition Based on the Presence of Lipid-Rich Plaque in the Carotid Artery
Authors: Liu Rui , Jiang Yongjun , Xiong Yunyun , Li Min , Ma Minmin , Zhu Wusheng , Yin Qin , Li Wei , Xu Gelin , Liu Xinfeng
Published: November 2015

Purpose: To evaluate the rate of stent malapposition, plaque prolapse, and fibrous cap rupture detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) after carotid artery stenting (CAS) based on the presence of lipid-rich plaque, which may be associated with acute stent thrombosis. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving 26 consecutive patients who underwent CAS with OCT imaging acquired before stent deployment and after stent dilation. Adequate imaging quality could not be obtained in 6 patients (out-of-screen images and residual blood), which left 20 patients (mean age 63 years; 13 men) for analysis. Plaque characteristics were determined from 500 selected OCT cross sections; a lipid-rich plaque was defined by lipid present in ≥2 quadrants. Cross-sectional OCT images within the stented segment were evaluated at 1-mm intervals for the presence of malapposition, plaque prolapse, and fibrous cap rupture. The data were compared between patients with and without lipid-rich plaques. The patients were examined at 6 months to determine the degree of in-stent restenosis (ISR). Results: Patients with lipid-rich plaque demonstrated a higher rate of embedded stent struts (29.4% vs 23.7%, p<0.001) and a lower rate of well apposed struts (54.6% vs 59.6%, p<0.001) compared to patients with non–lipid-rich plaque. Rates of plaque prolapse (65.5% vs 49.1%, p<0.001) and fibrous cap rupture (65.5% vs 49.1%, p<0.001) were significantly higher in patients with lipid-rich plaque. ISR ranged from none to 42% in 12 patients; malapposed stent struts and fibrous cap ruptures were not more frequent in the patients with obvious ISR. The 8 patients with no obvious restenosis still had malapposed struts, embedded struts, plaque prolapse, and fibrous cap rupture. Conclusion: Embedded stent struts, plaque prolapse, and fibrous cap rupture were more frequent and well-apposed stent struts were less frequent after CAS in patients with lipid-rich plaque.
Acute Inflammatory Response to Low-, Moderate-, and High-Load Resistance Exercise in Women With Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema
Authors: Cormie Prue , Singh Benjamin , Hayes Sandi , Peake Jonathan M. , Galvão Daniel A. , Taaffe Dennis R. , Spry Nigel , Nosaka Kazunori , Cornish Bruce , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Newton Robert U.
Published: November 2015

Background. Resistance exercise is emerging as a potential adjunct therapy to aid in the management of breast cancer–related lymphedema (BCRL). However, the mechanisms underlying the relationships between the acute and long-term benefits of resistance exercise on BCRL are not well understood. Purpose. To examine the acute inflammatory response to upper-body resistance exercise in women with BCRL and to compare these effects between resistance exercises involving low, moderate, and high loads. The impact on lymphedema status and associated symptoms was also compared. Methods. A total of 21 women, 62 ± 10 years old, with BCRL participated in the study. Participants completed low-load (15-20 repetition maximum [RM]), moderate-load (10-12 RM), and high-load (6-8 RM) exercise sessions consisting of 3 sets of 6 upper-body resistance exercises. Sessions were completed in a randomized order separated by a 7- to 10-day wash-out period. Venous blood samples were obtained to assess markers of exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation. Lymphedema status was assessed using bioimpedance spectroscopy and arm circumferences, and associated symptoms were assessed using Visual Analogue Scales for pain, heaviness, and tightness. Measurements were conducted before and 24 hours after the exercise sessions. Results. No significant changes in creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were observed following the 3 resistance exercise sessions. There were no significant changes in arm swelling or symptom severity scores across the 3 resistance exercise conditions. Conclusions. The magnitude of acute exercise-induced inflammation following upper-body resistance exercise in women with BCRL does not vary between resistance exercise loads.
Modeling of speed distribution for mixed bicycle traffic flow
Authors: Xu Cheng , Li Qiangwei , Qu Zhaowei , Tao Pengfei
Published: November 2015

Speed is a fundamental measure of traffic performance for highway systems. There were lots of results for the speed characteristics of motorized vehicles. In this article, we studied the speed distribution for mixed bicycle traffic which was ignored in the past. Field speed data were collected from Hangzhou, China, under different survey sites, traffic conditions, and percentages of electric bicycle. The statistics results of field data show that the total mean speed of electric bicycles is 17.09 km/h, 3.63 km/h faster and 27.0% higher than that of regular bicycles. Normal, log-normal, gamma, and Weibull distribution models were used for testing speed data. The results of goodness-of-fit hypothesis tests imply that the log-normal and Weibull model can fit the field data very well. Then, the relationships between mean speed and electric bicycle proportions were proposed using linear regression models, and the mean speed for purely electric bicycles or regular bicycles can be obtained. The findings of this article will provide effective help for the safety and traffic management of mixed bicycle traffic.
Quantitative evaluation of unmanned ground vehicle trajectory based on chaos theory
Authors: Sun Yang , Xiong Guangming , Ma Xiqing , Gong Jianwei , Chen Huiyan
Published: November 2015

The quantitative evaluation of unmanned ground vehicles is difficult. For this problem, we propose a quantitative evaluation method based on chaos theory. First, the ideal trajectory of an unmanned ground vehicle was designed applying the quintic polynomial method, and the deviation time series were obtained by calculating the deviation of the actual trajectory from the ideal trajectory. Then, the phase space of the deviation time series was reconstructed based on the improved algorithm using correlation integral method. Finally, the Lyapunov exponent of the deviation time series was calculated, which was the quantitative presentation of the unmanned ground vehicle’s trajectory. The quantitative presentation of the unmanned ground vehicle’s trajectory for lane keeping, obstacle avoidance, and overtaking lane changing was achieved. The Lyapunov exponent of lane keeping was the least, so the maximum predicted time was the longest. Lane keeping was done the best of all. Experimental results show that the quantitative evaluation method based on chaos theory for unmanned ground vehicle trajectory is feasible and effective.
Social Injunctions and an Unsuccessful Attempt at Chasing Fog
Authors: Waerea Layne
Published: November 2015

This article examines how socio-legal performance in the public realm might operate to question, expose and exploit social and legal norms that can exist in the everyday. With the tactical deployment of humor – and a particular focus on how the Treaty of Waitangi (1840) may continue to operate as a cultural/political force in Aotearoa/New Zealand today – this article explores the contribution that socio-legal artistic performance might make to reveal the tensions, inherent in the 1840 agreement between British colonizers and Māori, as continuing to affect the very foundations of law in Aotearoa/New Zealand and its everyday contemporary articulations.
The role of arthroscopy in carpal instability
Authors: Lindau T. R.
Published: November 2015

Carpal instability is predominantly caused by trauma and presents as a painful wrist with signs and symptoms of weakness, clicking, clunking and a sense of giving way. Wrist arthroscopy is widely regarded as the ‘gold standard’ in diagnosing and understanding carpal instability. This article is based on an extensive literature search to evaluate the evidence behind the use of wrist arthroscopy in the assessment and management of these patients. There is convincing evidence supporting the role of arthroscopy in diagnosis and assessment of factors involved in the development of carpal instability, but weak evidence for the effectiveness of arthroscopic techniques in the actual treatment of this condition. The article reviews mechanisms behind, and the role for arthroscopy in the management of scapholunate, lunotriquetral, midcarpal and radiocarpal instability. It also presents how the author incorporates the ‘evidence-base’ into an ‘experience-based’ clinical practice.
Improving Accuracy of Grading and Referral of Diabetic Macular Edema Using Location and Extent of Hard Exudates in Retinal Photography
Authors: Litvin Taras V. , Weissenberg Camille R. , Daskivich Lauren P. , Zhou Qienyuan , Bresnick George H. , Cuadros Jorge A.
Published: November 2015

Background:

Hard exudates (HE) are used as a surrogate marker for sight-threatening diabetic macular edema (DME) in most telemedicine-based screening programs in the world. This study investigates whether proximity of HE to the center of the macula, and extent of HE are associated with greater clinically significant macular edema (CSME) severity. A novel method for associating optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans with CSME was developed.

Methods:

Eligible subjects were recruited from a DRS program in a community clinic in Oakland, California. Ocular fundus of each subject was imaged using 3-field 45-degree digital retinal photography and scanned using central 7-line spectral domain OCT. Two certified graders separated subjects into 2 groups, those with and without HE within 500 microns from the center of the macula. A modified DME severity scale, developed from Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study data and adapted to OCT thickness measurements, was used to stratify CSME into severe and nonsevere levels for all subjects.

Results:

The probabilities of severe CSME in groups 1 and 2 were 14.4% (95% CI: 8.2%-23.8%) and 9% (95% CI: 2.4%-25.5%), respectively ( P = .556). In post hoc analysis, increase in the number of sectors affected by HE within the central zone of the macula was associated with the increase in the probability of being diagnosed with severe CSME.

Conclusion:

We have proposed OCT-based classification of DME into severe and nonsevere CSME. Based on this limited analysis, severity of CSME is related more to extent of HE rather than proximity to the center of the macula.
Trenbolone Improves Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Myocardial Tolerance to Ischemia-Reperfusion in Male Rats With Testosterone-Deficient Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Donner Daniel G. , Elliott Grace E. , Beck Belinda R. , Bulmer Andrew C. , Lam Alfred K. , Headrick John P. , Du Toit Eugene F.
Published: November 2015

The increasing prevalence of obesity adds another dimension to the pathophysiology of testosterone (TEST) deficiency (TD) and potentially impairs the therapeutic efficacy of classical TEST replacement therapy. We investigated the therapeutic effects of selective androgen receptor modulation with trenbolone (TREN) in a model of TD with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Male Wistar rats (n=50) were fed either a control standard rat chow (CTRL) or a high-fat/high-sucrose (HF/HS) diet. After 8 weeks of feeding, rats underwent sham surgery or an orchiectomy (ORX). Alzet miniosmotic pumps containing either vehicle, 2-mg/kg·d TEST or 2-mg/kg·d TREN were implanted in HF/HS+ORX rats. Body composition, fat distribution, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity were assessed. Infarct size was quantified to assess myocardial damage after in vivo ischaemia reperfusion, before cardiac and prostate histology was performed. The HF/HS+ORX animals had increased sc and visceral adiposity; circulating triglycerides, cholesterol, and insulin; and myocardial damage, with low circulating TEST compared with CTRLs. Both TEST and TREN protected HF/HS+ORX animals against sc fat accumulation, hypercholesterolaemia, and myocardial damage. However, only TREN protected against visceral fat accumulation, hypertriglyceridaemia, and hyperinsulinaemia and reduced myocardial damage relative to CTRLs. TEST caused widespread cardiac fibrosis and prostate hyperplasia, which were less pronounced with TREN. We propose that TEST replacement therapy may have contraindications for males with TD and obesity-related MetS. TREN treatment may be more effective in restoring androgen status and reducing cardiovascular risk in males with TD and MetS.
A new Critical Care channel in F1000Research
Authors: Vincent Jean-Louis
Published: November 2015

A new channel for Critical Care offers clinicians and medical researchers a platform for publishing new research without the barriers and delays they often encounter in traditional journals. The channel welcomes research and debate across the broad field of acute care and emergency medicine, including confirmatory and negative/null studies supported by new data
Coral health levels of wild ornamental coral in East Belitung waters, Indonesia
Authors: JOHAN OFRI , GINANJAR RENDY , PRIYADI AGUS
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Johan O, Ginanjar R, Priyadi A. 2015. Coral health levels of wild ornamental coral in East Belitung waters, Indonesia. Nusantara Bioscience 7: 133-138. The distribution of coral diseases has been reported in waters having coral reef in the world including Indonesia, but there had been no report from East Belitung, Indonesia. This study was conducted on 25 March 2014 and on 26-27 April 2014 in nine locations, offshore of Belitung, namely in the Islands of Memperak, Bakau, Buku Limau, Pesambung, Muranai, Sembilan, Berlian, Tempuling, and Gresik. The objective of this study was to distinguish the levels of ornamental coral health due to infection and other coral health compromises. Data were collected using line transect method to estimate coral cover condition and using belt transect method to estimate coral disease prevalence. The results showed that the Black Band Disease (BBD), White Syndrome (WS), and Skeleton Eroding Band (SEB) were the main diseases, while the coral health compromisers were competition among coral, algae, sedimentation and pigmentation response. This is the first report of SEB disease from East Belitung, while other diseases have been found frequently. The prevalence of diseases was categorized as normal, and so, no management intervention is needed.
Scholarly Activity in Provider Context
Authors: Lea John
Published: November 2015

College-based Higher Education (CBHE) is contributing positively to raising the profile of its scholarly activities. Rather than seeking to directly emulate more traditional universities, there is evidence that CBHE scholarly activity is much more closely tied to its unique provider context. But, in the process, CBHE is also contributing to debates about widening the scope of research and scholarship throughout higher education.