bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional foot shape analysis in children: a pilot analysis using three‐dimensional shape descriptors
Authors: Varga Matyas , Price Carina , Morrison Stewart C.
Published: January 2020

Background

Existing clinical measures to describe foot morphology are limited in that they are commonly two‐dimensional, low in resolution and accuracy, and do not accurately represent the multi‐planar and complex changes during development across childhood. Using three‐dimensional (3D) scanner technology provides the opportunity to understand more about morphological changes throughout childhood with higher resolution and potentially more relevant 3D shape measures. This is important to advance the prevailing arguments about the typical development of children's feet and inform the development of appropriate clinical measures. 3D shape descriptors derived from 3D scanning can be used to quantify changes in shape at each point of the 3D surface. The aim of this study was to determine whether 3D shape descriptors derived from 3D scanning data can identify differences in foot morphology between children of different ages.

Methods

Fifteen children were recruited from three age groups (2, 5, and 7 years of age). Both feet were scanned in bipedal stance, using the Artec Eva (Artec Group, Luxembourg, Luxembourg) hand‐held scanner. Three dimensional shape descriptors were extracted from the 3D scans of the right foot, to create histograms for each age group and heat maps of representative participants for comparison.

Results

There were changes to the dorsal, medial and lateral surfaces of the feet with age. The surfaces became less round along with an increase in indented areas. This is supported by the heat maps which demonstrated that the surfaces of the anatomical landmarks (e.g. the malleoli and navicular tuberosity) became more rounded and protruding, with indented surfaces appearing around these landmarks. On the plantar surface, the concavity of the midfoot was evident and this concavity extended into the midfoot from the medial aspect as age increased.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicated that with increasing age the foot becomes thinner in 3D, with bony architecture emerging, and the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) increases in area and concavity. Three‐dimensional shape descriptors have shown good potential for locating and quantifying changes in foot structure across childhood. Three‐dimensional shape descriptor data will be beneficial for understanding more about foot development and quantifying changes over time.
Sudan red dye: a new agent causing type-2 occupational asthma
Authors: Clofent David , de Homdedeu Miquel , Muñoz-Esquerre Mariana , Cruz María Jesús , Muñoz Xavier
Published: January 2020

Background

Sudan red or 1-[(2-methoxyphenyl)azo]-2-naphthol is a low molecular weight azoic agent widely used in industry, particularly in the production of hair dyes. The use of this product in the food industry is prohibited due to its potential carcinogenic effect, but no respiratory involvement has been reported to date.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 46-year-old female patient who had been working in a cosmetics packaging company for 20 years. The patient developed occupational asthma to a red azo dye known as Sudan red. The diagnosis was confirmed by specific bronchial provocation test. Induced sputum samples were obtained previously and in the 24 h following the procedure, with a rise in the percentage of eosinophils from 10 to 65%.

Conclusions

This report describes the case of a patient who developed OA caused by exposure to an azoic dye called Sudan red. The clinical and analytical features suggest a type 2-related asthma; however, we are not yet able to confirm the specific pathophysiological mechanism. The extensive use of azo dyes in industry means that it is particularly important to describe their implications for health, which are probably underestimated at present.
A double inequality for tanhx
Authors: Zhang Bo , Chen Chao-Ping
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we prove that, for $x>0$x>0,
$$ \sqrt{1-\exp \biggl(-\frac{x^{2}}{\sqrt{x^{2}+1}} \biggr)}< \tanh x< \sqrt[3]{1-\exp \biggl(- \frac{x^{3}}{\sqrt{x^{3}+1}} \biggr)}. $$1−exp(−x2x2+1)<tanhx<1−exp(−x3x3+1)3.This solves an open problem proposed by Ivády.
On a new extended half-discrete Hilbert’s inequality involving partial sums
Authors: Huang Xing Shou , Luo Ricai , Yang Bicheng
Published: January 2020

By applying the weight functions, the idea of introducing parameters, and Euler–Maclaurin summation formula, a new extended half-discrete Hilbert’s inequality with the homogeneous kernel and the beta, gamma function is given. The equivalent statements of the best possible constant factor related to a few parameters are considered. As applications, a corollary about the case of the non-homogeneous kernel and some particular cases are obtained.
Existence and uniqueness of nontrivial solution for nonlinear fractional multi-point boundary value problem with a parameter
Authors: Sang Yanbin , He Luxuan
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a class of fractional boundary value problems with a parameter are discussed. We give some sufficient conditions to guarantee that above problems have a unique solution and construct the corresponding iterative sequences for approximating the unique solution.
Identification and characterization of methylation-mediated transcriptional dysregulation dictate methylation roles in preeclampsia
Authors: Zhao Shuyu , Lv Nan , Li Yan , Liu Tianyi , Sun Yuhong , Chu Xiaodan
Published: January 2020

Background

Preeclampsia (PE) is a heterogeneous, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, with no robust biomarkers or effective treatments. PE increases the risk of poor outcomes for both the mother and the baby. Methylation-mediated transcriptional dysregulation motifs (methTDMs) could contribute the PE development. However, precise functional roles of methTDMs in PE have not been globally described.

Methods

Here, we develop a comprehensive and computational pipeline to identify PE-specific methTDMs following TF, gene, methylation expression profile, and experimentally verified TF-gene interactions.

Results

The regulation patterns of methTDMs are multiple and complex in PE and contain relax inhibition, intensify inhibition, relax activation, intensify activation, reverse activation, and reverse inhibition. A core module is extracted from global methTDM network to further depict the mechanism of methTDMs in PE. The common and specific features of any two kinds of regulation pattern are also analyzed in PE. Some key methylation sites, TFs, and genes such as IL2RG are identified in PE. Functional analysis shows that methTDMs are associated with immune-, insulin-, and NK cell-related functions. Drug-related network identifies some key drug repurposing candidates such as NADH.

Conclusion

Collectively, the study highlighted the effect of methylation on the transcription process in PE. MethTDMs could contribute to identify specific biomarkers and drug repurposing candidates for PE.
Contrast-enhanced CT radiomics for predicting lymph node metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a pilot study
Authors: Li Ke , Yao Qiandong , Xiao Jingjing , Li Meng , Yang Jiali , Hou Wenjing , Du Mingshan , Chen Kang , Qu Yuan , Li Lian , Li Jing , Wang Xianqi , Luo Haoran , Yang Jia , Zhang Zhuoli , Chen Wei
Published: January 2020

Background

We developed a computational model integrating clinical data and imaging features extracted from contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) images, to predict lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Methods

This retrospective study included 159 patients with PDAC (118 in the primary cohort and 41 in the validation cohort) who underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography examination between 2012 and 2015. All patients underwent surgery and lymph node status was determined. A total of 2041 radiomics features were extracted from venous phase images in the primary cohort, and optimal features were extracted to construct a radiomics signature. A combined prediction model was built by incorporating the radiomics signature and clinical characteristics selected by using multivariable logistic regression. Clinical prediction models were generated and used to evaluate both cohorts.

Results

Fifteen features were selected for constructing the radiomics signature based on the primary cohort. The combined prediction model for identifying preoperative lymph node metastasis reached a better discrimination power than the clinical prediction model, with an area under the curve of 0.944 vs. 0.666 in the primary cohort, and 0.912 vs. 0.713 in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrated that a noninvasive radiomics signature extracted from contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging can be conveniently used for preoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis in patients with PDAC.
A case of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with bilateral ligamentum teres hepatis treated with hepatopancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Terasaki Fumihiro , Yamamoto Yusuke , Sugiura Teiichi , Okamura Yukiyasu , Ito Takaaki , Ashida Ryo , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Akamoto Shintaro , Uesaka Katsuhiko
Published: January 2020

Background

Bilateral ligamentum teres (BLT) hepatis is a very rare anomaly defined as the connection of the bilateral fetal umbilical veins to both sides of the paramedian trunk, and it has never been reported in the English literature.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old man who presented with obstructive jaundice was referred to our hospital. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed that the patient had right-sided ligamentum teres (RSLT) and left-sided ligamentum teres (LSLT). The umbilical portion of the left portal vein, which the LSLT connected, became relatively atrophic in this patient. The RSLT attached to the tip of the right anterior pedicle and formed the umbilical portion of the right portal vein. The patient was diagnosed with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma which had invaded the root of the posterior branch of the bile duct, LHD, and intrapancreatic bile duct. The central bisectionectomy, in which the liver parenchyma was resected along the RHV on the right side and the LSLT on the left side, and caudate lobectomy combined with pancreatoduodenectomy were performed.

The presence of the patient with BLT is important for ascertaining the mechanism of the development of RSLT. Two umbilical veins are present initially during the embryonic stage. In general, the right-sided vein disappears, and the atrophic left-sided vein remains connected to the left portal vein originating from the vitelline vein. Several papers on the mechanism of the development of RSLT have been published. Some authors have mentioned that a residue of the right umbilical vein and the disappearance of the left umbilical vein are the causes of RSLT. On the other hand, some authors have asserted that RSLT is the result of atrophy of the medial liver area. The presence of BLT in patients indicates that the mechanism of the development of RSLT is characterized by a residue of the right umbilical vein and the disappearance of the left umbilical vein.

Conclusions

The mechanism and origin of RSLT can be understood through cases of BLT, and surgeons must pay attention to anomalies of the portal and hepatic veins in patients with abnormal ligamentum teres.
First report on the reproduction of captive Chinese many-toothed snake (Sibynophis chinensis) in Jeju Island, South Korea
Authors: Banjade Maniram , Jeong Young-Hun , Han Sang-Hyun , Kim Yoo-Kyung , Kim Byung Soo , Oh Hong-Shik
Published: January 2020

The Chinese many-toothed snake (Sibynophis chinensis) is an endangered species in South Korea. To determine its reproductive activity, here we captured a gravid S. chinensis from Mulyeongari Oreum Wetland Conservation Area, Jeju Island, on May 27, 2018, and reared it at Animal Taxonomy and Morphology Laboratory, Jeju National University, South Korea. The snake oviposited a clutch of six eggs between June 12 and 20, 2018, with an average size of 24.86 ± 1.36 mm in length and 9.86 ± 0.49 mm in width, which were artificially incubated at a constant temperature of 27 °C. After incubating for 34–41 days, five of these six eggs successfully hatched. Average snout-vent length (SVL), tail length (TL), and body weight (BW) of hatchlings were 136.5 ± 5.17 mm, 47.76 ± 2.80 mm, and 1.66 ± 0.12 g, respectively. This study observed the reproductive activity of S. chinensis and characterized its eggs and hatchlings for the first time, providing valuable information for the long-term conservation plan of S. chinensis in South Korea.
Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and response to plasmapheresis in Guillain–Barré syndrome: a prospective observational study
Authors: Hashim Noha Ali , Mohamed Wafaa Samir , Emad Engy Mohammed
Published: January 2020

Background

Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) is one of the most severe neurological diseases that causes marked disability and even death.

Aim

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a prognostic marker for GBS and response to treatment with plasmapheresis.

Methods

Seventy-five subjects (35 GBS patients and 40 healthy controls) were recruited. Complete general and neurological examinations were performed and Hughes disability scale score was evaluated for assessing functional motor deficits in GBS patients. In addition, NLR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein level were calculated.

Results

NLR was significantly higher in GBS patients than in controls (p < 0.001) and was significantly higher in axonal form than other demyelinating and mixed subtypes (p < 0.02). Patients with a poor outcome had a significantly high NLR than patients with a good outcome (p = 0.006). NLR was also positively correlated with Hughes disability scale score (p < 0.001). The cut-off value for NLR to predict a good response of patients to plasmapheresis was ≤ 4.4.

Interpretation

NLR may be a rapid, simple, inexpensive biomarker for predicting the severity of GBS, outcome of patients, and their response to plasmapheresis.
Autonomic Hyperactivity
Authors: Rabinstein Alejandro A.
Published: January 2020

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Autonomic hyperactivity is a relatively common consequence of severe acute brain injury and can also be seen with spinal cord and peripheral nerve disorders. This article reviews basic pathophysiologic concepts regarding autonomic hyperactivity, its various forms of clinical presentation, and practical management considerations.

RECENT FINDINGS

Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity is most common after traumatic brain injury but can also occur after other forms of severe acute diffuse or multifocal brain injury. Formal criteria for the diagnosis and severity grading of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity have now been proposed. A growing body of literature is beginning to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this disorder, but treatment remains based on observational data. Our mechanistic understanding of other distinct forms of autonomic hyperactivity, such as autonomic dysreflexia after traumatic spinal cord injury and dysautonomia after Guillain-Barré syndrome, remains rudimentary, yet clinical experience shows that their appropriate management can minimize the risk of serious complications.

Syndromes of autonomic hyperactivity can result from injury at all levels of the neuraxis. Much more research is needed to refine our understanding of these disorders and guide optimal management decisions.
Postural Tachycardia Syndrome and Neurally Mediated Syncope
Authors: Cutsforth-Gregory Jeremy K.
Published: January 2020

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews the diagnosis and management of the most common disorders of orthostatic intolerance: postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and neurally mediated syncope.

RECENT FINDINGS

POTS is a heterogeneous syndrome caused by several pathophysiologic mechanisms that may coexist (limited autonomic neuropathy, hyperadrenergic state, hypovolemia, venous pooling, joint hypermobility, deconditioning). Neurally mediated syncope occurs despite intact autonomic reflexes. Management of orthostatic intolerance aims to increase functional capacity, including standing time, performance of daily activities, and exercise tolerance. Nonpharmacologic strategies (fluid and salt loading, physical countermaneuvers, compression garments, exercise training) are fundamental for patients with POTS, occasionally complemented by medications to raise blood pressure or slow heart rate. Neurally mediated syncope is best managed by recognition and avoidance of triggers.

Significant negative effects on quality of life occur in patients with POTS and in patients with recurrent neurally mediated syncope, which can be mitigated through targeted evaluation and thoughtful management.
Being Ocean as Praxis
Authors: Gumbs Alexis Pauline
Published: January 2020

This essay offers a meditation on how the idea of being human as praxis, as developed by Sylvia Wynter and Katherine McKittrick, applies to a melting planet. What is the intersubjectivity demanded by (and causing) the deadly heating of the ocean, and how is it informed by theories of blackness impacted by transatlantic oceanic encounter?
Relationship between postpartum depression and lactation status at a Japanese perinatal center: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Suzuki Shunji
Published: January 2020

Background:  Some studies have demonstrated that breastfeeding can protect mothers from postpartum depression; therefore, we examined the association between postpartum depression and lactation status at one month after delivery at a Japanese perinatal center.

Methods: We reviewed the obstetric records of all (total 809) nulliparous healthy women with vaginal singleton delivery at 37-41 weeks’ gestation at our institute between July 2018 and June 2019. A face-to-face interview with the women was conducted on admission for delivery to ask whether or not they hoped to perform exclusive breastfeeding for their babies, and an additional interview was conducted one month after delivery to ask about their feeding methods currently. Maternal mental status was examined based on the scores using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and women with EPDS scores of ≥9 points were regarded as ‘positive screening’.

Results: 592 women (73.1%) hoped to perform exclusive breastfeeding for their babies on admission. Of these, at one month, 442 (74.7%) performed exclusive breastfeeding, while 150 (25.3%) performed mixed or artificial feeding. The average EPDS scores and the incidence of EPDS scores ≥9 points in the women performing exclusive breastfeeding were 4.3 ± 3.6 and 14.3% (63/442), respectively. They did not differ from those in the women performing mixed or artificial breast feeding [4.2 ± 3.7, p = 0.60 and 13.3% (20/150), p = 0.78].

Conclusion: Development of postpartum depression does not seem to be associated with incomplete breastfeeding at our hospital, and therefore there are other risk factors indicated in the development of postpartum depression.
Advances in the pathophysiology of adult-onset focal dystonias: recent neurophysiological and neuroimaging evidence
Authors: Conte Antonella , Defazio Giovanni , Mascia Marcello , Belvisi Daniele , Pantano Patrizia , Berardelli Alfredo
Published: January 2020

Focal dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that determine abnormal postures. The traditional hypothesis that the pathophysiology of focal dystonia entails a single structural dysfunction (i.e. basal ganglia) has recently come under scrutiny. The proposed network disorder model implies that focal dystonias arise from aberrant communication between various brain areas. Based on findings from animal studies, the role of the cerebellum has attracted increased interest in the last few years. Moreover, it has been increasingly reported that focal dystonias also include nonmotor disturbances, including sensory processing abnormalities, which have begun to attract attention. Current evidence from neurophysiological and neuroimaging investigations suggests that cerebellar involvement in the network and mechanisms underlying sensory abnormalities may have a role in determining the clinical heterogeneity of focal dystonias.
Transitions in metabolic and immune systems from pre-menopause to post-menopause: implications for age-associated neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Wang Yiwei , Mishra Aarti , Brinton Roberta Diaz
Published: January 2020

The brain undergoes two aging programs: chronological and endocrinological. This is particularly evident in the female brain, which undergoes programs of aging associated with reproductive competency. Comprehensive understanding of the dynamic metabolic and neuroinflammatory aging process in the female brain can illuminate windows of opportunities to promote healthy brain aging. Bioenergetic crisis and chronic low-grade inflammation are hallmarks of brain aging and menopause and have been implicated as a unifying factor causally connecting genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss metabolic phenotypes of pre-menopausal, peri-menopausal, and post-menopausal aging and their consequent impact on the neuroinflammatory profile during each transition state. A critical aspect of the aging process is the dynamic metabolic neuro-inflammatory profiles that emerge during chronological and endocrinological aging. These dynamic systems of biology are relevant to multiple age-associated neurodegenerative diseases and provide a therapeutic framework for prevention and delay of neurodegenerative diseases of aging. While these findings are based on investigations of the female brain, they have a broader fundamental systems of biology strategy for investigating the aging male brain. Molecular characterization of alterations in fuel utilization and neuroinflammatory mechanisms during these neuro-endocrine transition states can inform therapeutic strategies to mitigate the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in women. We further discuss a precision hormone replacement therapy approach to target symptom profiles during endocrine and chronological aging to reduce risk for age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Mobilizing National Identity and Othering Practices as Means of Resistance
Authors: Baikovich Avital , Wasserman Varda
Published: January 2020

This paper explores the everyday practices, forms, and means by which employees mobilize national identity as a tool of resistance in opposing managerial demands of their dual, global/Western and local/Japanese, organizational identity. Drawing on an ethnographic study of a Japanese subsidiary of a multinational corporation, we show how employees use national identity to invoke three forms of othering in constructing various resistant identities: individual employees’ resistant identities through verbal othering, expressed in employees’ talk; departmental resistant identities through spatial othering, referring to employees’ use of space; and subsidiary resistant identity through ritual othering, illustrating employees’ collective use of ritual practices and symbolic artifacts. Our study makes three significant theoretical contributions: First, by illustrating the ways and means by which employees take on different national identities to construct diverse and often contradictory resistant identities to their expected dual organizational identity, we highlight the changeable nature of national identity. Second, this study contributes to our understanding of contextual constituents that shape individuals’ identity-related resistance. By unraveling employees’ various resistance forms, we show how resistance dynamically takes on assorted manifestations according to the organizational level in which it occurs and the managerial demands being resisted. Third, we illustrate the constitutive resources of resistance by highlighting the diverse means used by employees to construct their resistant identities.
A Jurisprudência sobre os “Rolezinhos” e a Crise da Dicotomia Público-Privado
Authors: Gaspardo Murilo , Aniceto Dalisa Caroline de Assis
Published: January 2020

O presente artigo, a partir da análise da fundamentação de decisões liminares em primeira instância e de agravos de instrumento julgados pelos Tribunais de Justiça dos Estados de São Paulo e do Rio de Janeiro sobre os casos dos “rolezinhos”, procura verificar se seria possível notar uma abertura da jurisprudência para categorias jurídicas mais complexas, ou se utilizam como suporte a dicotomia público – privado, cujo potencial explicativo e adequação para operação do direito são objetos de fortes questionamentos em um contexto caracterizado por crescente complexidade social e profundas transformações no Estado e na normatividade jurídica.
TENSÃO ENTRE PROPRIEDADE PRIVADA E MEIO AMBIENTE À LUZ DA MULTIPOLARIDADE
Authors: Araujo Giselle Marques
Published: January 2020

Resumo: O objetivo deste artigo é investigar em que medida o direito de propriedade vem sendo atingido pelo processo de constitucionalização, em especial verificando se poderia continuar a ser considerado um “direito fundamental”, já que frontalmente atingido pela obrigatoriedade de atender à função social e ambiental. A reflexão se desenvolve sob o referencial teórico da Teoria Geral dos Direitos Fundamentais, trazendo à luz a proposta de ponderação na perspectiva multipolar elaborada por Christian Calliess, que destaca a proteção ambiental como verdadeira condição de legitimidade do Estado de Direito. A conclusão é no sentido de que a propriedade continua a ser um direito fundamental, porém apresentando atualmente um novo perfil ambientalmente qualificado, no qual a intervenção do Estado em favor da sociedade e do ambiente pode e deve ocorrer, porém adstrita a limitar o mínimo possível os direitos de liberdade. O artigo apresenta, ainda, estudos acerca de como as Constituições de outros países, em especial a Alemanha, tratam a questão da proteção ambiental.
UMA INTERLOCUÇÃO ENTRE O DIREITO E A PSICANÁLISE: FAMÍLIAS MONOPARENTAIS PODEM PROPICIAR UMA CONVIVÊNCIA FAMILIAR E SEREM ESTRUTURANTES PARA A FORMAÇÃO DO PSIQUISMO DE CRIANÇAS E ADOLESCENTES?
Authors: Goldenberg Gita Wladimirski , Ramos Catarina
Published: January 2020

O ordenamento jurídico brasileiro tem passado por mudanças no que concerne à importância dada à afetividade. Se antes o Código Civil de 1916 dava ênfase às relações patrimoniais e ao casamento entre homem e mulher, o mesmo não se pode dizer do Código Civil de 2002. Isso é corroborado pelo Direito Civil-Constitucional e o efeito normativo dado aos princípios positivados pela Constituição de 1988, que versam sobre afetividade e igualdade. A psicanálise, por sua vez, exerce papel crucial nessa forma de interpretar o Direito, uma vez que tem estudos bem desenvolvidos sobre relações interpessoais e o convívio profundo e continuado. A interdisciplinaridade torna factível um conhecimento mais aprofundado de diversas áreas jurídicas e, em consequência disso, um resultado prático positivo para uma ciência que trata com pessoas e suas relações com a sociedade e o Estado. Após estudo aprofundado sobre o afeto e a sua relevância para o desenvolvimento e respeito da dignidade humana em famílias monoparentais – aquelas compostas por apenas um genitor e seus descendentes –, fica claro como esse diálogo com a psicanálise pode ajudar o Direito, conhecidamente conservador, a evoluir para superar paradigmas. Assim, é possível afirmar que as famílias monoparentais estão igualmente aptas a propiciar um ambiente saudável para o desenvolvimento do psiquismo da criança ou do adolescente, bem como podem proporcionar uma estrutura familiar capaz de observar os princípios da Constituição e do Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente. Ante o exposto, fica claro que a interdisciplinaridade só traz benefícios para todas as áreas envolvidas.
Cultural adaptation and reliability of the ‘Global Physical Activity Questionnaire’ in patients with heart failure in Greece
Authors: Siettou Katerina , Fotos Nikolaos V. , Brokalaki Hero , Giannakopoulou Margarita
Published: January 2020

Background

Physical activity constitutes an important factor for the assessment of quality of life of people with heart failure. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire has never been used for the evaluation of physical activity of people with heart failure.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to translate the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire into Greek and examine its reliability in 120 patients with heart failure.

Methods

The reliability of the tool was examined in a sub-population of the sample (30 patients with heart failure), 15 days after the first completion of the questionnaire.

Findings

Total score of physical activity was low (458.99 METs-minutes/week), whereas sedentary behaviour was very high (741.43 minutes/week). There was no decline between the first and second measurements, and the two measurements were statistically significantly correlated.

Conclusions

The findings provide evidence that the Greek version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire is a reliable tool for assessing the physical activity of Greek patients with heart failure.
A Conversation with British Heart Foundation Research Training Fellowship Awardee Hannah Waterhouse
Authors: Deaton Christi , Waterhouse Hannah
Published: January 2020

This month's issue of BANCC looks at the achievements of Hannah Waterhouse, former president of BANCC and awardee of their research training fellowship.
Disrupting disproportionality proceedings: the recommendations
Authors: Archibong Uduak , Kline Roger , Eshareturi Cyril , McIntosh Bryan
Published: January 2020

Background/Aims

Previous research indicated that BAME staff are disproportionately represented in NHS disciplinary proceedings.

Methods

To review the findings from part one of this two-part series and give appropriate recommendations.

Results

Six factors explaining this disproportionality emerged: closed culture and climate; subjective attitudes and behaviour; inconclusive disciplinary data; unfair decision making; poor disciplinary support and disciplinary policy misapplication.

Conclusions

Disciplinary policy needs streamlining, and greater clarity needs to be achieved regarding the difference between disciplinary, capability and performance issues. This article makes several recommendations to help reach equality in disciplinary hearings.
Financial sustainability of NHS Foundation Trusts in England five years after the enactment of the Health and Social Care Act of 2012
Authors: Coates Rachael S , Mofidi Reza
Published: January 2020

Background/Aims

The enactment of the Health and Social Care Act (2012) led to significant structural changes in how hospital services are commissioned and has introduced direct competition with the private sector. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the act on the financial position of the Shelford Group of NHS Trusts, 5 years after the act's enactment.

Methods

The levels of clinical activity, annual accounts and statements of financial position produced by the 10 Trusts for the financial years 2010/2011 to 2017/2018 were examined.

Findings

The key financial indicators for each organisation were collected. Key financial indicators for the period just before the Act were compared with the corresponding values for the period of 5 years after the enactment of the Act. The Shelford group of NHS Trusts provided 15 047 304 patient care episodes in 2017/2018, which represented a rise of 6.34% over 5 years. This was a significant slowdown in clinical, which had grown by 18.57% in the 4 years immediately before the act. There were no significant differences in the mean operating surplus returned by the Shelford Group in the 5 years after the Act, compared to before its implementation. The median cost of finance for each organisation increased by 35.4% from £18 245 000 to £24 703 000. The total capital employed remained static over the 5 years following enactment of the Act. There were no significant differences in levels of liquidity and leverage of the Shelford Group in the 5 years after the Act compared to before.

Conclusions

The financial position of the Shelford Group of Trusts has not been adversely affected by the Health and Social Care Act (2012) , although there was some evidence that the operational finances of these NHS Trusts were less robust in the 5 years following the Act.
What next for children's centres?
Authors: Cowley Sue
Published: January 2020

It is estimated that almost a thousand children's centres have closed in England during the last decade. Sue Cowley weighs their value and makes a powerful case for renewed investment.
Space to lead learning
Authors: Martland Rebecca
Published: January 2020

Providing a truly ‘enabling environment’ puts children in charge of their own learning and should be a priority when it comes to implementing a curriculum under the new inspection framework.
Working its magic
Authors: Lee Maureen
Published: January 2020

Maureen Lee describes how a study visit to Denmark has inspired a group of practitioners to take their forest school practice to the next level and use it as a springboard for important research.
Dictated by data?
Authors: Archer Nathan
Published: January 2020

Nathan Archer explores the idea that an outcome-driven, accountability culture is shaping a limited and limiting research agenda. He calls for richer, more diverse perspectives.
Reviews
Authors: Faux Karen
Published: January 2020

How to Succeed at School makes a powerful argument for home-school partnerships and provides valuable perspectives for teachers who wish to achieve this. Reviews by Karen Faux.
Having their own ideas
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: January 2020

‘Creating and thinking critically’ focuses on your child's process of thought behind their learning. Annette Rawstrone suggests ways in which you can support them to develop this important ‘Characteristic of Effective Learning’.
Unwanted sex with third parties in domestic abuse relationships and its impact on help-seeking and justice
Authors: Matolcsi Andrea
Published: January 2020

This paper describes the experiences of ten victims-survivors in the United Kingdom whose abusive partners coerced them into unwanted sex with third parties, or attempted to do so. In some cases, this took place in the context of prostitution, in other cases not. This paper discusses these victims’-survivors’ experiences of unwanted sex with third parties as an element of their wider abusive relationships, and how this form of violence/abuse affected their experiences seeking and obtaining help and justice. Unwanted sex with third parties is a potential element of abuse by intimate partners that should be identified and addressed together with other harms experienced by victims-survivors.
Super-resolution optical mapping of floating macroalgae from geostationary orbit
Authors: Cui Tingwei , Li Feng , Wei Yunhong , Yang Xue , Xiao Yanfang , Chen Xiaoying , Liu Rongjie , Ma Yi , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2020

The spatial resolution of an observation from a geostationary orbiting satellite is usually too coarse to track small scale macroalgae blooms. For macroalgae mapping to benefit from a geostationary orbit’s staring monitoring and frequent revisit intervals, we introduced a super-resolution method that reconstructs a high-resolution (HR) image of a region from a sequence of raw geostationary low-resolution images of the same region. We tested our method with GF-4 images at 50 m spatial resolution and demonstrated that the spatial resolution increased to 25 m. In addition, the derived HR image had better image quality characterized by a higher signal-to-noise ratio, clarity, and contrast. The increased spatial resolution and improved image quality improved our ability to distinguish macroalgae patches from the surrounding waters, especially tiny patches of macroalgae, and to precisely delineate the patch boundaries. Lastly, we more accurately estimated the areal coverage of the patches by reducing underestimation of the coverage of tiny patches and overestimation of the coverage of large patches.
Mid-infrared dual-comb generation via the cross-phase modulation effect in a normal-dispersion microcavity
Authors: Guo Liujun , Wang Leiran , Sun Qibing , Liu Mulong , Wang Guoxi , Wang Weiqiang , Xie Peng , Fan Weichen , Zhao Wei
Published: January 2020

We numerically demonstrate orthogonally polarized dual-comb generation in a single microcavity with normal dispersion assisted by the cross-phase modulation (XPM) effect. It is found that the XPM effect facilitates the emission of a secondary polarized comb with different temporal properties in a wide existence range covering the blue- to red-detuned regime and thus releases the requirements for delicate control on the detuned region of pump frequency. Also, the energy transfer between two polarization components together with the normal-dispersion property contributes to a more balanced intensity difference and significantly increased conversion efficiency from the pump light into the comb operation. This work could provide a route to a low-cost and compact mid-infrared dual-comb system with a lower power requirement as well as an effective approach to higher comb teeth power with improved efficiency for practical applications.
Phosphor material dependent spot size limitations in laser lighting
Authors: Krasnoshchoka Anastasiia , Hansen Anders Kragh , Thorseth Anders , Marti Dominik , Petersen Paul Michael , Jian Xu , Jensen Ole Bjarlin
Published: January 2020

In laser lighting, a major benefit over other lighting techniques is the possibility to achieve very high luminous exitance. Focusing the exciting laser to a very small spot size on the phosphor, however, does not necessarily provide a very small emitting area for the white light. In this study we investigate experimentally and numerically the relationship between the white light spot size and the incident blue laser spot size. We show that the specific phosphor material properties have significant impact on this relationship and on the achievable minimum spot size. This constitutes a limitation on the minimum spot size achievable in laser lighting and has important implications in applications.
Depth plane adaptive integral imaging system using a vari-focal liquid lens array for realizing augmented reality
Authors: Shin Dooseub , Kim Cheoljoong , Koo Gyohyun , Hyub Won Yong
Published: January 2020

Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where the objects that reside in the real world are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information. Despite its attractive features, AR has not become popular because of the visual fatigue that many people face when they experience it. Many methods have been introduced to solve this visual fatigue problem and one of these methods is an integral imaging system that provides images almost continuous viewpoints and full parallax. However, the integral imaging system, which uses a lens array with a fixed focal length, has limited depth of focus (DOF) range. As a result, images that are outside of the DOF range become distorted. In this paper, a vari-focal liquid lens array was fabricated and the optical characteristics of the lens array were evaluated. Using the vari-focal liquid lens array, the DOF range was extended and high-resolution images are realized without restriction of depth range in an AR system.
Chromaticity-based real-time assessment of melanopic and luminous efficiency of smartphone displays
Authors: Yao Qi , Zhang Lintao , Dai Qi , Wang Yunzhuo , Wu Peiyu
Published: January 2020

We investigate the spectral power distributions of 54 phones (33 measured experimentally in default text mode and 21 downloaded from the web) and estimate the mean ± std. dev. of the luminous efficiency of radiation, melanopic efficiency of radiation, and melanopic/photopic ratio as 287 ± 13 lm/W, 303 ± 26 blm/W, and 1.06 ± 0.13, respectively. We establish the chromaticity–performance characteristics relation to precisely assess the action efficiency of radiation performance using either RGB gray values or CIE xy values. Our real-time assessment of smartphone displays can aid in reducing energy consumption and improving user health.
Measuring laser beam quality, wavefronts, and lens aberrations using ptychography
Authors: Du Mengqi , Loetgering Lars , Eikema Kjeld S. E. , Witte Stefan
Published: January 2020

We report on an approach for quantitative characterization of laser beam quality, wavefronts, and lens aberrations using ptychography with a near-infrared supercontinuum laser. Ptychography is shown to offer a powerful alternative for both beam propagation ratio M2 and wavefront measurements compared with existing techniques. In addition, ptychography is used to recover the transmission function of a microlens array for aberration analysis. The results demonstrate ptychography’s flexibility in wavefront metrology and optical shop testing.
Slow light with photorefractive beam fanning
Authors: Bouldja Nacera , Sciamanna Marc , Wolfersberger Delphine
Published: January 2020

The beam fanning naturally occurring in a photorefractive crystal is shown to slow down a single light pulse at room temperature. Slow light is demonstrated for both visible and infrared wavelength light pulses as short as the response time of the photorefractive crystal and with fractional delay- i.e ratio of delay to output pulse duration- up to 0.4.
Nitrous oxide detection at 5.26  µm with a compound glass antiresonant hollow-core optical fiber
Authors: Jaworski Piotr , Krzempek Karol , Dudzik Grzegorz , Sazio Pier J. , Belardi Walter
Published: January 2020

Laser-based gas sensors utilizing various light-gas interaction phenomena have proved their capacity for detecting different gases. However, achieving reasonable sensitivity, especially in the mid-infrared, is crucial. Improving sensor detectivity usually requires incorporating multipass cells, which increase the light-gas interaction path length at a cost of reduced stability. An unconventional solution comes with the aid of hollow-core fibers. In such a fiber, light is guided inside an air-core which, when filled with the analyte gas can serve as a low-volume and robust absorption cell. Here we report on the use of a borosilicate antiresonant hollow-core fiber for laser-based gas sensing. Due to its unique structure and guidance, this fiber provides low-loss, single-mode transmission

>

5

µ

m

. The feasibility of using the fiber as a gas cell was verified by detecting nitrous oxide at 5.26 µm with a minimum detection limit of 20 ppbv.
Experimental observation of internally pumped parametric oscillation and quadratic comb generation in a χ(2) whispering-gallery-mode microresonator
Authors: Hendry Ian , Trainor Luke S. , Xu Yiqing , Coen Stéphane , Murdoch Stuart G. , Schwefel Harald G. L. , Erkintalo Miro
Published: January 2020

We report on the experimental observation of internally pumped parametric oscillation in a high-

Q

lithium niobate microresonator under conditions of natural phase matching. Specifically, launching near-infrared pump light around 1060 nm into a

z

-cut congruent lithium niobate microresonator, we observe the generation of optical sidebands around the input pump under conditions where second-harmonic generation is close to natural phase matching. We find that a wide range of different sideband frequency shifts can be generated by varying the experimental parameters. Under particular conditions, we observe the cascaded generation of several sidebands around the pump—the first steps of optical frequency comb generation via cavity-enhanced second-harmonic generation.
Rwandan diaspora online: Social connections and identity narratives
Authors: Martin Michelle
Published: January 2020

This article explores how Rwandan diaspora living in North America and Europe use social media platforms to establish networked connections and express a range of identity narratives related to their forced displacement and resettlement experiences. Facebook posts (and cross-posted tweets), including status updates and linked artefacts, posted by members of the Rwandan diaspora were analysed using thematic analysis, borrowing concepts from virtual ethnography. Results reveal that Rwandan diaspora active on social media used Facebook and Twitter extensively to connect with homeland compatriots and to express a range of identity narratives with strong historic and cultural connections. Trauma related to their displacement and resettlement experiences was prevalent throughout the data and was strongly integrated into diaspora members’ collective identity. Contributions to migration policy and service providers working with trauma-exposed migrants are explored.
Breath on the windowpane: Precarious aesthetics and diegetic noise in Nick Broomfield’s Ghosts
Authors: Martin Niall
Published: January 2020

This article explores the various ways in which noise acts as an aesthetic marker of precarity in Nick Broomfield’s Ghosts, a documentary account of the death of 23 undocumented Chinese nationals in the United Kingdom in 2004. Taking its cue from recent work on aesthetics and the temporalities of precarity, it considers the ways in which the different forms of noise – medial and informational – index the ways in which the figure of the undocumented migrant labourer disturbs dominant western accounts of the aesthetic predicated on a division between production and consumption. Noise, in the form of Michel Serres’ conceptual figure of the parasite, it argues, registers the ways in which precarious labour has revealed the dependence of aesthetic categories on models of production rendered incoherent by the representation of undocumented migrant labour.
Travelling origins: Migrant belonging in times of post-migration mobilities
Authors: Tissot Anna Xymena
Published: January 2020

This article builds on the recent discussion about migrants’ post-migration mobilities. Although existing studies show the types and patterns of movement that migrants undertake, less attention has been paid to the question of how these movements influence their sense of belonging, their self-understanding and their perception of their origins. On the basis of 47 autobiographical interviews with young adults of Polish heritage in Germany and Canada, this article argues that belonging in times of post-migration mobilities can be grasped through the concepts of contextual self-understanding, accumulating and travelling origins. It thus extends conceptual frameworks by endeavouring to understand the effects of mobility on migrants’ lives.
Interpoetyka autobiograficzna. Wojenna twórczość Franciszki i Stefana Themersonów
Authors: Sroka Honorata
Published: January 2020

Artykuł dotyczy wojennych praktyk autobiograficznych Franciszki i Stefana Themersonów charakteryzujących się interpoetycznością, czyli jednoczesnym uprzywilejowaniem wielu porządków formalnych i dyskursywnych w obrębie całości tekstualno-wizualnej. Autorka analizuje zarówno dokumenty osobiste, jak i działalność artystyczną twórców awangardowych. Sroka proponuje odczytywać piśmienną i wizualną autobiografistykę trzech form reprezentacji: dokumentu, wtórnej estetyzacji, stylizacji. W oparciu o ten paradygmat autorka zwraca uwagę na specyfikę aktywności Themersonów w latach 1940–1942, podkreślając odrębność tego momentu od wcześniejszej i późniejszej twórczości małżeństwa.
Przyjemność intertekstu (w przekładzie). Casus Barthes’a i Lewańskiej
Authors: Szwebs Weronika
Published: January 2020

Tekst jest interpretacją dwóch nietypowych nawiązań intertekstualnych obecnych w polskim przekładzie Przyjemności tekstu Rolanda Barthes’a dokonanym przez Ariadnę Lewańską. Nietypowość owych intertekstów tkwi w tym, że nie są one motywowane intertekstualnością oryginału – aluzje do ważnych tekstów polskiej tradycji literackiej pojawiają się w miejscu niezwracających uwagi, przezroczystych sformułowań tekstu francuskiego. W artykule zostaje skomentowana motywacja, status i potencjalny sposób oddziaływania niespotykanych gestów tłumaczki. Inspirację dla komentarza stanowią obserwacje, tezy i postulaty pochodzące z Przyjemności tekstu, która została potraktowana jako teoria przekładu.