bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term (1-Year) Safety and Efficacy of a Single 6-mL Injection of Hylan G-F 20 in Indian Patients with Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Pal Sarvajeet , Thuppal Sreedhar , Reddy K.J , Avasthi Sachin , Aggarwal Anish , Bansal Himanshu , Mohanasundaram Senthilnathan , Bailleul Francois
Published: October 2014

Introduction:

The prevalence of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) among Asians ≥65 years is estimated to double by 2040. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single, 6-mL intra-articular injection of hylan G-F 20 in Indian patients with knee OA at 26 weeks through to 52 weeks.

Methods:

This study was an open-label, multicentre, phase 4 clinical trial. Enrolled patients (N=394) were ≥30 years old with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1–3 OA; all patients received hylan G-F 20. WOMAC, SF-12, PTGA, and COGA scores, and OA medication use were evaluated at weeks 1, 4, 12, 26, 39, and 52 (initial treatment phase). At 26, 39, or 52 weeks, eligible patients could participate in a repeat treatment phase. McNemar-Bowkers, paired t-tests and ANOVA analyses were performed (alpha=0.05).

Results:

At 26 weeks, statistically significant changes from baseline were observed in all efficacy parameters, including the primary efficacy endpoint of WOMAC A1 (p<0.0001). Improvements continued for 52 weeks. No significant changes occurred in concomitant medication use. Eleven patients (2.8%) were re-injected at week 26 or 52. After repeat injection, statistically significant decreases were observed in WOMAC A1, WOMAC C and PTGA scores (p≤0.028). Twenty-three (5.8%) patients reported 26 local target knee AEs.

Conclusion:

Among Indian patients within this study, a 6-mL hylan G-F 20 injection was well tolerated and effective in treating symptomatic knee OA with significant long-term (1 year) improvement of outcomes. When needed, repeat treatment was safe and efficacious for 4 weeks.

Trial Registration:

Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2010/091/000052) www.ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/login.php.
In Vivo Confocal Microscopic Evaluation of Corneal Langerhans Cells in Dry Eye Patients§
Authors: Machetta Federica , Fea Antonio M , Actis Alessandro G , Sanctis Ugo de , Dalmasso Paola , Grignolo Federico M
Published: October 2014

Purpose.

To assess inflammatory involvement of cornea in dry eye by means of confocal microscopy, evaluating the presence and distribution of Langherans cells (LCs).

Methods:

98 eyes of 49 subjects were enrolled: 18 subjects affected by Sjögren Syndrome Dry Eye (SSDE), 17 with Non-Sjögren Syndrome Dry Eye (NSSDE), 14 healthy volunteeers. Dry eye symptoms, tear film, ocular surface damage and corneal confocal microscopy were analized.

Results:

A significant increase of LCs density was observed at sub-basal nerve plexus (SSDE = 79 cells/mm2andNDE = 22 cells/mm2;p= 0,0031) and sub-epithelial nerve plexus (SSDE = 38 cells/mm2and NDE = 3 cells/mm2;p= 0,0169) in central cornea of SSDE group. An increased number of LCs from the center to the periphery of the cornea was observed, significant only in healthy volunteers group. In dry eye patients there was an increase in LCs density in both peripheral and central cornea with a significant difference between NDE (14,66 cells/mm2) and SSDE (56,66 cells/mm2) only in central cornea (p= 0,0028). In SSDE group, mean density of LCs in central cornea results also superior to NSSDE group (29,33 cells/mm2).

There was no correlation between LCs density and dry eye symptoms, tear film deficiency and ocular surface damage.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates the activation of an inflammatory and immunological reaction in cornea of NSSDE and SSDE patients. Confocal microscopy can be an important diagnostic tool in evaluation and follow-up of dry eye disease.
Distributed Treatment Systems
Authors: Baideme Matthew , Haith Matty , Nahabedian Robert , Quell Kimberly
Published: October 2014

This section presents a review of the literature published in 2013 on topics relating to distributed treatment systems. This review is divided into the following sections with multiple subsections under each: nutrient and chemical removal; treatment technologies; and planning and treatment system management.
Effects of Pollution on Freshwater Organisms
Authors: Choudri B.S. , Baawain Mahad
Published: October 2014

This review includes works published in the general scifintific literature during 2013 on the effects of anthropogenic pollutants on freshwater organisms. It begins with two broad sections: research reviews and broad field studies and surveys. This is followed by reviews of research categorized in sections to reflect the pollutant class. These sections include wastewater, tonnwater and non‐point source pollution, nutrients, sediment cap materials and suspended clays, botanical extracts, surfactants, metals, persistent organic pollutants, phanllaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons and pol cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), ionic liquids, and nanomalerials.
Biological Fixed Film
Authors: Islam Md. Shahinoor , Tumpa Fahmida , Xue Jinkai , Huang Chunkai , Sharma Kusumakar , Shi Yijing , Liu Yang
Published: October 2014

Literature published during the year 2013 regarding the use of biofilms and bioreactors to treat water and wastewater is revie\ ed herein. The review is organized into the following sections: biofilm fornl. ationand factors Ulat impact biofilm fom13tion; xtracellular polymeric substance and its e rtraction from biofihns; biofilm consortia and quorum sensing; biofilm imaging teclmiques; biofilm carriers and biofilm reactors.
Epistemology in Mulla Sadra Shirazi’s thought
Authors: Halilovic Muamer
Published: October 2014

Mulla Sadra Shirazi (1571-1636) explains the process of knowledge in three
different phases. Prior to this, he introduces the differences between the
presential knowledge (al-?ilm al-huzuri) and acquired knowledge (al-?ilm
al-husuli). The founder of the Islamic Transcendent Philosophy states that
the first form of knowledge is direct, because no terms appear in it, whereas
the second is realized by means of concepts. For this reason, epistemic error
is not possible in the presential knowledge, because the subject of the
knowledge is present in the knower. After this introduction, Mulla Sadra
explains the process of certain knowledge. He claims that in the first phase
man learns of his existence in a present and immediate way. In the second
phase - which is also within the scope of the knowledge by presence - man
considers the relationship between his existence and some aspects of his
existence, and thus immediately draws conclusions and generalizes certain
principles such as causality (al-?ilija) and causal relatedness (as-sinhija).
Finally, in the third phase, he explains various divisions of acquired
knowledge.
The general will and the jury theorem
Authors: Matic Ivan
Published: October 2014

The subject of this paper is the description and analysis of some elements of
Jean-Jacques Rousseau?s political theory, primarily his understanding of the
process of democratic decision-making, aimed at reaching decisions that are
in accordance with the principle of the general will. The first part of the
paper analyses Rousseau?s understanding of the general will and the system of
political decision-making. The second part compares Rousseau?s and
Condorcet?s understanding of politics, further analysing Rousseau?s theory
through certain elements of Condorcet?s jury theorem, based on the works of
B. Grofman, S. Feld, D. Estlund and J. Waldron. The third part focuses on
interpretations and critiques of Rousseau?s political theory by authors B.
Barry and R. Dagger.
Meta-axiological buck-passing account of value
Authors: Dobrijevic Aleksandar
Published: October 2014

In this paper we consider an incomplete T. M. Scanlon?s meta-axiological
project, analysis of the relationship between values and reasons which he
referred to as the ?buckpassing account of value?. We will try to show the
necessity of distinguishing between the ?broader? and ?narrower? buck-passing
conception of value, a difference that critics of the conception usually
ignored. This will also show that the objection which has been defined as the
?wrong kind of reason problem? is unjustifiably expanded to the conception as
a whole.
Being and Becoming Cosmopolitan in Early Childhood Curriculum: ‘Roots’, ‘Wings’ and Cosmopolitan Citizenship
Authors: Duhn Iris
Published: October 2014

This article focuses on the notion of cosmopolitan citizenship as comprised of ‘roots' (belonging and local) and ‘wings' (becoming and global) to critically investigate how the concepts of local, global, belonging and becoming are held in tension in educational discourse in New Zealand and Australia. The complexities of thinking cosmopolitanism in early childhood discourse are explored through the following questions as a guide in the discussion: what is the historical relationship between concepts of ‘roots' and ‘wings' and cosmopolitanism in educational thought? Why might it be relevant to investigate how cosmopolitanism as a concept has shaped core aspects of the early childhood curriculum in New Zealand and Australia? How can the past help us to imagine possible futures as citizens of this planet? A key argument is that cosmopolitanism in educational policy has a tendency to diffuse foci on difficult issues around difference, which makes it a seductive discourse that ultimately supports global educational trends towards ‘learning societies’. It is argued that critical engagement with cosmopolitanism may generate new perspectives on how we may live together in a rapidly changing, diverse world.
Best Practice Recommendations for the Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of Online Knowledge Translation Resources in Rehabilitation
Authors: Levac Danielle , Glegg Stephanie M.N. , Camden Chantal , Rivard Lisa M. , Missiuna Cheryl
Published: October 2014

The knowledge-to-practice gap in rehabilitation has spurred knowledge translation (KT) initiatives aimed at promoting clinician behavior change and improving patient care. Online KT resources for physical therapists and other rehabilitation clinicians are appealing because of their potential to reach large numbers of individuals through self-paced, self-directed learning. This article proposes best practice recommendations for developing online KT resources that are designed to translate evidence into practice. Four recommendations are proposed with specific steps in the development, implementation, and evaluation process: (1) develop evidence-based, user-centered content; (2) tailor content to online format; (3) evaluate impact; and (4) share results and disseminate knowledge. Based on KT evidence and instructional design principles, concrete examples are provided along with insights gained from experiences in creating and evaluating online KT resources for physical therapists. In proposing these recommendations, the next steps for research are suggested, and others are invited to contribute to the discussion.
An Investigation of Cervical Spinal Posture in Cervicogenic Headache
Authors: Farmer Peter K. , Snodgrass Suzanne J. , Buxton Anthony J. , Rivett Darren A.
Published: October 2014

Background

Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is defined as headache symptoms originating from the cervical spine. Cervical dysfunction from abnormal posture has been proposed to aggravate or cause CGH, but there are conflicting reports as to whether there is an association between posture and CGH.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in cervical spinal posture, measured on radiographs, between patients with probable CGH and asymptomatic control participants.

Design

A single-blinded comparative measurement design was used.

Methods

Differences in postural variables from radiographs between participants with CGH (n=30) and age- and sex-matched asymptomatic control participants (n=30) were determined using paired t tests or the nonparametric equivalent. Postural variables were general cervical lordosis (GCL, Cobb angle C2–C7), upper cervical lordosis (UCL, sagittal alignment C2 compared with C3–C4), and C2 spinous process horizontal deviation. Logistic regression determined postural variables, increasing the likelihood of CGH.

Results

There were no significant differences in posture between the CGH and control groups. The mean GCL was 10.97 degrees (SD=7.50) for the CGH group and 7.17 degrees (SD=5.69) for the control group. The mean UCL was 11.86 degrees (SD=6.46) for the CGH group and 9.44 degrees (SD=4.28) for the control group. The mean C2 spinous process horizontal deviation was 3.00 mm (SD=1.66) for the CGH group and 2.86 mm (SD=2.04) for the control group. However, there was a significant association between greater GCL and an increased likelihood of having CGH (odds ratio=1.08; 95% confidence interval=1.001, 1.191).

Limitations

The findings are limited to an association between GCL and posture, as cause and effect cannot be determined.

Conclusions

The association between greater GCL and increased likelihood of having CGH suggests that GCL might be considered in the treatment of patients with CGH. However, as the data do not support posture as a cause of CGH, it is unknown whether addressing posture would reduce CGH.
Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder Play Active Virtual Reality Games Differently Than Children With Typical Development
Authors: Gonsalves Leandra , Campbell Amity , Jensen Lynn , Straker Leon
Published: October 2014

Background

Active virtual reality gaming (AVG) may be useful for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) to practice motor skills if their movement patterns are of good quality while engaged in AVG.

Objective

This study aimed to examine: (1) the quality of motor patterns of children with DCD participating in AVG by comparing them with children with typical development (TD) and (2) whether differences existed in the motor patterns utilized with 2 AVG types: Sony PlayStation 3 Move and Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect.

Design

This was a quasi-experimental, biomechanical laboratory–based study.

Methods

Twenty-one children with DCD, aged 10 to 12 years, and 19 age- and sex-matched children with TD played a match of table tennis on each AVG type. Hand path, wrist angle, and elbow angle were recorded using a motion analysis system. Linear mixed-model analyses were used to determine differences between DCD and TD groups and Move and Kinect AVG type for forehands and backhands.

Results

Children with DCD utilized a slower hand path speed (backhand mean difference [MD]=1.20 m/s; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=0.41, 1.98); greater wrist extension (forehand MD=34.3°; 95% CI=22.6, 47.0); and greater elbow flexion (forehand MD=22.3°; 95% CI=7.4, 37.1) compared with children with TD when engaged in AVG. There also were differences in movement patterns utilized between AVG types.

Limitations

Only simple kinematic measures were compared, and no data regarding movement outcome were assessed.

Conclusions

If a therapeutic treatment goal is to promote movement quality in children with DCD, clinical judgment is required to select the most appropriate AVG type and determine whether movement quality is adequate for unsupervised practice.
Bone morphogenetic protein–associated complications in pediatric spinal fusion in the early postoperative period: an analysis of 4658 patients and review of the literature
Authors: Rocque Brandon G. , Kelly Mick P. , Miller Joseph H. , Li Yiping , Anderson Paul A.
Published: October 2014

Object

Use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein–2 has risen steadily since its approval by the FDA for use in anterior lumbar interbody fusion in 2002. The FDA has not approved the use of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in children. Age less than 18 years or lack of evidence of epiphyseal closure are considered by the manufacturer to be contraindications to BMP use. In light of this, the authors performed a query of the database of one of the nation's largest health insurance companies to determine the rate of BMP use and complications in pediatric patients undergoing spinal fusion.

Methods

The authors used the PearlDiver Technologies private payer database containing all records from United Health-Care from 2005 to 2011 to query all cases of pediatric spinal fusion with or without BMP use. A review of the literature was also performed to examine the complications associated with BMP use in pediatric spinal fusion.

Results

A total of 4658 patients underwent spinal fusion. The majority was female (65.4%), and the vast majority was age 10–19 years (94.98%) and underwent thoracolumbar fusion (93.13%). Bone morphogenetic protein was used in 1752 spinal fusions (37.61%). There was no difference in the rate of BMP use when comparing male and female patients or age 10 years or older versus less than 10 years. Anterior cervical fusions were significantly less likely to use BMP (7.3%). Complications occurred in 9.82% of patients treated with versus 9.88% of patients treated without BMP. The complication rate was nearly identical in male versus female patients and in patients older versus younger than 10 years. Comparison of systemic, wound-related, CNS, and other complications showed no difference between groups treated with and without BMP. The reoperation rate was also nearly identical.

Conclusions

Bone morphogenetic protein is used in a higher than expected percentage of pediatric spinal fusions. The rate of acute complications in these operations does not appear to be different in patients treated with versus those treated without BMP. Caution must be exercised in interpreting these data due to the many limitations of the administrative database as a data source, including the short length of follow-up.
Lateralized effect of pallidal stimulation on self-mutilation in Lesch-Nyhan disease
Authors: Abel Taylor J. , Dalm Brian D. , Grossbach Andrew J. , Jackson Adam W. , Thomsen Teri , Greenlee Jeremy D. W.
Published: October 2014

Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND) is an X-linked hereditary disorder caused by a deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase. This syndrome is characterized by hyperuricemia, self-mutilation, cognitive impairment, and movement disorders such as spasticity and dystonia. The authors describe the case of a 15-year-old boy who underwent bilateral placement of globus pallidus internus (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes for the treatment of generalized dystonia. His self-mutilating behavior gradually disappeared several weeks after the start of GPi stimulation. The dystonia and self-mutilating behavior returned on the left side only after a right lead fracture. This case is the first reported instance of LND treated with DBS in which the stimulation was interrupted and the self-mutilation returned in a lateralized fashion. The findings indicate that the neurobehavioral aspect of LND is lateralized and that contralateral GPi stimulation is responsible for lateralized improvement in self-injurious behavior.
Treatment of C-2 metastatic tumors with intraoperative transoral or transpedicular vertebroplasty and occipitocervical posterior fixation
Authors: Papp Zoltán , Marosfői Miklós , Szikora István , Banczerowski Péter
Published: October 2014

Object

Metastatic spinal tumors of the atlantoaxial region are quite uncommon, and surgery is challenging. The aim in this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transoral or transpedicular vertebroplasty combined with posterior fixation in C-2 metastatic disease.

Methods

The authors collected from a hospital database all cases of C-2 metastatic tumor treated in the period from January 2009 to December 2012. Cases with histologically confirmed metastatic disease were included, but those with epidural tumorous propagation and signs of spinal cord compression were excluded.

Results

Five patients (3 females, 2 males) with osteolytic C-2 metastasis were eligible for this study. In 3 cases a purely posterior approach was taken to perform a dorsal open C-2 biopsy and transpedicular vertebroplasty followed by posterior occipitocervical fixation. In the other 2 cases a transoral C-2 biopsy and vertebroplasty were performed in combination with dorsal occipitocervical fixation during the same operative session. Patients were followed up with regular fluoroscopy, MRI, and CT studies as well as neurological examinations. During an average follow-up of 13 months (range 8–19 months), no surgical or neurological complications were associated with this combined approach. In all cases spinal stability and pain reduction were detected. The average pain score according to the visual analog scale was 3.5 after surgery (range 2–5); before surgery, the average score was 7 (range 6–8). The average volume of polymethylmethacrylate injected was 4 ml. The body and dens of the C-2 vertebra was filled more than 60% for each patient.

Conclusions

In this small series, simultaneous intraoperative transoral or transpedicular vertebroplasty and dorsal occipitocervical fixation proved to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with osteolytic C-2 metastatic tumors. These techniques may provide excellent pain relief and improvements in quality of life. The true value of these combined techniques should be evaluated in larger series.
Solid radiographic fusion with a nonconstrained device 5 years after cervical arthroplasty
Authors: Heary Robert F. , Goldstein Ira M. , Getto Katarzyna M. , Agarwal Nitin
Published: October 2014

Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) has been gaining popularity as a surgical alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Spontaneous fusion following a CDA is uncommon. A few anecdotal reports of heterotrophic ossification around the implant sites have been noted for the BRYAN, ProDisc-C, Mobi-C, PRESTIGE, and PCM devices. All CDA fusions reported to date have been in devices that are semiconstrained.

The authors reported the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with left C-7 radiculopathy and neck pain for 10 weeks after an assault injury. There was evidence of disc herniation at the C6–7 level. He was otherwise healthy with functional scores on the visual analog scale (VAS, 4.2); neck disability index (NDI, 16); and the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36; physical component summary [PSC] score 43 and mental component summary [MCS] score 47). The patient underwent total disc replacement in which the DISCOVER Artificial Cervical Disc (DePuy Spine, Inc.) was used. The patient was seen at regular follow-up visits up to 60 months. At his 60-month follow-up visit, he had complete radiographic fusion at the C6–7 level with bridging trabecular bone and no motion at the index site on dynamic imaging. He was pain free, with a VAS score of 0, NDI score of 0, and SF-36 PCS and MCS scores of 61 and 55, respectively.

Conclusions

This is the first case report that identifies the phenomenon of fusion around a nonconstrained cervical prosthesis. Despite this unwanted radiographic outcome, the patient's clinical outcome was excellent.
Bucket and straw technique to facilitate passage of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt through the distal tunneling sheath
Authors: Downes Angela E. , Vandergrift William A. , Beckman Joshua M. , Truong Devon , Tuite Gerald F.
Published: October 2014

Placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is a procedure comprising many small steps. Difficulties and delays can arise when passing the distal shunt tubing down the distal tunneling sheath during surgery. The authors of this report describe a simple technique for quickly passing the distal catheter of a VPS through the tunneler sheath, whereby the sheath is used as a fluid tube to allow the distal catheter to be drawn through the fluid tube under suction pressure. The plastic sheath that surrounds the shunt tunneler device is used as a fluid tube, or “straw,” with the proximal aperture submerged into a bucket of sterile irrigation liquid containing the distal catheter. Suction pressure is placed against the distal aperture of the tunneler, and the shunt catheter is quickly drawn through the sheath. No special equipment is required. In time trials, the bucket and straw technique took an average of 0.43 seconds, whereas traditional passage methods took 32.3 seconds.

The “bucket and straw” method for passing distal shunt tubing through the tunneler sheath is a technique that increases surgical efficiency and reduces manual contact with shunt hardware.
Morphology and Microstructure of NiCoCrAlYRe Coatings after Thermal Aging and Growth of an Al2O3-Rich Oxide Scale
Authors: Girolamo Giovanni , Brentari Alida , Serra Emanuele
Published: October 2014

The surface of metal parts operating at high temperature in energy production and aerospace industry is typically exposed to thermal stresses and oxidation phenomena. To this aim, plasma spraying was employed to deposit NiCoCrAlYRe coatings on metal substrates. The effects of early-stage oxidation, at ~1100 °C, on their microstructure were investigated. The partial infiltration of oxygen through some open pores and microcracks embedded in coating microstructure locally assisted the formation of a stable Al2O3 scale at the splat boundary, while the diffusion of Cr and Ni and the following growth of Cr2O3, Ni(Cr,Al)2O4 and NiO were restricted to Al depleted isolated areas. At the same time, a continuous, dense and well adherent Al2O3 layer grew on the top-surface, and was somewhere supported by a thin mixed oxide scale mainly composed of Cr2O3 and spinels. Based on these results, the addition of Re to the NiCoCrAlY alloy is able to enhance the oxidation resistance.
Cross-Scale Interactions and Information Transfer
Authors: Paluš Milan
Published: October 2014

An information-theoretic approach for detecting interactions and informationtransfer between two systems is extended to interactions between dynamical phenomenaevolving on different time scales of a complex, multiscale process. The approach isdemonstrated in the detection of an information transfer from larger to smaller time scales ina model multifractal process and applied in a study of cross-scale interactions in atmosphericdynamics. Applying a form of the conditional mutual information and a statistical test basedon the Fourier transform and multifractal surrogate data to about a century long recordsof daily mean surface air temperature from various European locations, an informationtransfer from larger to smaller time scales has been observed as the influence of the phaseof slow oscillatory phenomena with the periods around 6–11 years on the amplitudes of thevariability characterized by the smaller temporal scales from a few months to 4–5 years.These directed cross-scale interactions have a non-negligible effect on interannual airtemperature variability in a large area of Europe.
Voltage Control Scheme with Distributed Generation and Grid Connected Converter in a DC Microgrid
Authors: Choi Jong-Chan , Jeong Ho-Yong , Choi Jin-Young , Won Dong-Jun , Ahn Seon-Ju , Moon Seung-il
Published: October 2014

Direct Current (DC) microgrids are expected to become larger due to the rapid growth of DC energy sources and power loads. As the scale of the system expends, the importance of voltage control will be increased to operate power systems stably. Many studies have been performed on voltage control methods in a DC microgrid, but most of them focused only on a small scale microgrid, such as a building microgrid. Therefore, a new control method is needed for a middle or large scale DC microgrid. This paper analyzes voltage drop problems in a large DC microgrid and proposes a cooperative voltage control scheme with a distributed generator (DG) and a grid connected converter (GCC). For the voltage control with DGs, their location and capacity should be considered for economic operation in the systems. Accordingly, an optimal DG allocation algorithm is proposed to minimize the capacity of a DG for voltage control in DC microgrids. The proposed methods are verified with typical load types by a simulation using MATLAB and PSCAD/EMTDC.
Prognostics of Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Battery Performance Analysis and Flexible Support Vector Regression
Authors: Wang Shuai , Zhao Lingling , Su Xiaohong , Ma Peijun
Published: October 2014

Accurate prediction of the remaining useful life (RUL) of lithium-ion batteries is important for battery management systems. Traditional empirical data-driven approaches for RUL prediction usually require multidimensional physical characteristics including the current, voltage, usage duration, battery temperature, and ambient temperature. From a capacity fading analysis of lithium-ion batteries, it is found that the energy efficiency and battery working temperature are closely related to the capacity degradation, which account for all performance metrics of lithium-ion batteries with regard to the RUL and the relationships between some performance metrics. Thus, we devise a non-iterative prediction model based on flexible support vector regression (F-SVR) and an iterative multi-step prediction model based on support vector regression (SVR) using the energy efficiency and battery working temperature as input physical characteristics. The experimental results show that the proposed prognostic models have high prediction accuracy by using fewer dimensions for the input data than the traditional empirical models.
Levels of Organochlorine Pesticides in Blood Plasma from Residents of Malaria-Endemic Communities in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Ruiz-Suárez Luz , Castro-Chan Ricardo , Rivero-Pérez Norma , Trejo-Acevedo Antonio , Guillén-Navarro Griselda , Geissen Violette , Bello-Mendoza Ricardo
Published: October 2014

Organochlorine (OC) pesticides have been extensively used for pest control in agriculture and against malaria vectors in the region of Soconusco, Chiapas, in southern Mexico. Our study aimed to identify whether the inhabitants of four Soconusco communities at different locations (i.e., altitudes) and with different history of use of OC pesticides, have been similarly exposed to residues of these pesticides. In particular, we analyzed the potential relationship between levels of OC pesticides in plasma and the age, gender, and residence of the study population (n = 60). We detected seven pesticides in total (γ-HCH, β-HCH, heptachlor, p,pʹ-DDE, p,p'-DDT, β-endosulfan, endrin aldehyde). Of these, p,pʹ-DDE and β-endosulfan were the most frequently found (in 98% and 38% of the samples, respectively). The low-altitude (<20 m above sea level; masl) and mid-altitude (520 masl) locations had the highest levels of p,pʹ-DDE, with geometric means of 50.6 µg/L and 44.46 µg/L, respectively. The oldest subjects (>60 years) had the highest p,pʹ-DDE level (56.94 ± 57.81 µg/L) of all age groups, while men had higher p,pʹ-DDE (34.00 ± 46.76 µg/L) than women. Our results demonstrate that residents of the Soconusco region are exposed to p,pʹ-DDE because of high exposure to DDT in the past and current environmental exposure to this DDT-breakdown product.
Dielectrophoresis for Bioparticle Manipulation
Authors: Qian Cheng , Huang Haibo , Chen Liguo , Li Xiangpeng , Ge Zunbiao , Chen Tao , Yang Zhan , Sun Lining
Published: October 2014

As an ideal method to manipulate biological particles, the dielectrophoresis (DEP) technique has been widely used in clinical diagnosis, disease treatment, drug development, immunoassays, cell sorting, etc. This review summarizes the research in the field of bioparticle manipulation based on DEP techniques. Firstly, the basic principle of DEP and its classical theories are introduced in brief; Secondly, a detailed introduction on the DEP technique used for bioparticle manipulation is presented, in which the applications are classified into five fields: capturing bioparticles to specific regions, focusing bioparticles in the sample, characterizing biomolecular interaction and detecting microorganism, pairing cells for electrofusion and separating different kinds of bioparticles; Thirdly, the effect of DEP on bioparticle viability is analyzed; Finally, the DEP techniques are summarized and future trends in bioparticle manipulation are suggested.
Influence of Sulfur for Oxygen Substitution in the Solvolytic Reactions of Chloroformate Esters and Related Compounds
Authors: D'Souza Malcolm , Kevill Dennis
Published: October 2014

The replacement of oxygen within a chloroformate ester (ROCOCl) by sulfur can lead to a chlorothioformate (RSCOCl), a chlorothionoformate (ROCSCl), or a chlorodithioformate (RSCSCl). Phenyl chloroformate (PhOCOCl) reacts over the full range of solvents usually included in Grunwald-Winstein equation studies of solvolysis by an addition-elimination (A-E) pathway. At the other extreme, phenyl chlorodithioformate (PhSCSCl) reacts across the range by an ionization pathway. The phenyl chlorothioformate (PhSCOCl) and phenyl chlorothionoformate (PhOCSCl) react at remarkably similar rates in a given solvent and there is a dichotomy of behavior with the A-E pathway favored in solvents such as ethanol-water and the ionization mechanism favored in aqueous solvents rich in fluoroalcohol. Alkyl esters behave similarly but with increased tendency to ionization as the alkyl group goes from 1° to 2° to 3°. N,N-Disubstituted carbamoyl halides favor the ionization pathway as do also the considerably faster reacting thiocarbamoyl chlorides. The tendency towards ionization increases as, within the three contributing structures of the resonance hybrid for the formed cation, the atoms carrying positive charge (other than the central carbon) change from oxygen to sulfur to nitrogen, consistent with the relative stabilities of species with positive charge on these atoms.
Micropreconcentrator in LTCC Technology with Mass Spectrometry for the Detection of Acetone in Healthy and Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus Patient Breath
Authors: Rydosz Artur
Published: October 2014

Breath analysis has long been recognized as a potentially attractive method for the diagnosis of several diseases. The main advantage over other diagnostic methods such as blood or urine analysis is that breath analysis is fully non-invasive, comfortable for patients and breath samples can be easily obtained. One possible future application of breath analysis may be the diagnosing and monitoring of diabetes. It is, therefore, essential, to firstly determine a relationship between exhaled biomarker concentration and glucose in blood as well as to compare the results with the results obtained from non-diabetic subjects. Concentrations of molecules which are biomarkers of diseases’ states, or early indicators of disease should be well documented, i.e., the variations of abnormal concentrations of breath biomarkers with age, gender and ethnic issues need to be verified. Furthermore, based on performed measurements it is rather obvious that analysis of exhaled acetone as a single biomarker of diabetes is unrealistic. In this paper, the author presents results of his research conducted on samples of breath gas from eleven healthy volunteers (HV) and fourteen type- 1 diabetic patients (T1DM) which were collected in 1-l SKC breath bags. The exhaled acetone concentration was measured using mass spectrometry (HPR-20 QIC, Hiden Analytical, Warrington, UK) coupled with a micropreconcentrator in LTCC (Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic). However, as according to recent studies the level of acetone varies to a significant extent for each blood glucose concentration of single individuals, a direct and absolute relationship between blood glucose and acetone has not been proved. Nevertheless, basing on the research results acetone in diabetic breath was found to be higher than 1.11 ppmv, while its average concentration in normal breath was lower than 0.83 ppmv.
Assessing Land Degradation and Desertification Using Vegetation Index Data: Current Frameworks and Future Directions
Authors: Higginbottom Thomas , Symeonakis Elias
Published: October 2014

Land degradation and desertification has been ranked as a major environmental and social issue for the coming decades. Thus, the observation and early detection of degradation is a primary objective for a number of scientific and policy organisations, with remote sensing methods being a candidate choice for the development of monitoring systems. This paper reviews the statistical and ecological frameworks of assessing land degradation and desertification using vegetation index data. The development of multi-temporal analysis as a desertification assessment technique is reviewed, with a focus on how current practice has been shaped by controversy and dispute within the literature. The statistical techniques commonly employed are examined from both a statistical as well as ecological point of view, and recommendations are made for future research directions. The scientific requirements for degradation and desertification monitoring systems identified here are: (I) the validation of methodologies in a robust and comparable manner; and (II) the detection of degradation at minor intensities and magnitudes. It is also established that the multi-temporal analysis of vegetation index data can provide a sophisticated measure of ecosystem health and variation, and that, over the last 30 years, considerable progress has been made in the respective research.
A Linearity-Enhanced Time-Domain CMOS Thermostat with Process-Variation Calibration
Authors: Chen Chun-Chi , Lin Yi
Published: October 2014

This study proposes a linearity-enhanced time-domain complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) thermostat with process-variation calibration for improving the accuracy, expanding the operating temperature range, and reducing test costs. For sensing temperatures in the time domain, the large characteristic curve of a CMOS inverter markedly affects the accuracy, particularly when the operating temperature range is increased. To enhance the on-chip linearity, this study proposes a novel temperature-sensing cell comprising a simple buffer and a buffer with a thermal-compensation circuit to achieve a linearised delay. Thus, a linearity-enhanced oscillator consisting of these cells can generate an oscillation period with high linearity. To achieve one-point calibration support, an adjustable-gain time stretcher and calibration circuit were adopted for the process-variation calibration. The programmable temperature set point was determined using a reference clock and a second (identical) adjustable-gain time stretcher. A delay-time comparator with a built-in customised hysteresis circuit was used to perform a time comparison to obtain an appropriate response. Based on the proposed design, a thermostat with a small area of 0.067 mm2 was fabricated using a TSMC 0.35-μm 2P4M CMOS process, and a robust resolution of 0.05 °C and dissipation of 25 μW were achieved at a sample rate of 10 samples/s. An inaccuracy of −0.35 °C to 1.35 °C was achieved after one-point calibration at temperatures ranging from −40 °C to 120 °C. Compared with existing thermostats, the proposed thermostat substantially improves the circuit area, accuracy, operating temperature range, and test costs.
Toward Real-Time Automated Detection of Turns during Gait Using Wearable Inertial Measurement Units
Authors: Novak Domen , Goršič Maja , Podobnik Janez , Munih Marko
Published: October 2014

Previous studies have presented algorithms for detection of turns during gait using wearable sensors, but those algorithms were not built for real-time use. This paper therefore investigates the optimal approach for real-time detection of planned turns during gait using wearable inertial measurement units. Several different sensor positions (head, back and legs) and three different detection criteria (orientation, angular velocity and both) are compared with regard to their ability to correctly detect turn onset. Furthermore, the different sensor positions are compared with regard to their ability to predict the turn direction and amplitude. The evaluation was performed on ten healthy subjects who performed left/right turns at three amplitudes (22, 45 and 90 degrees). Results showed that turn onset can be most accurately detected with sensors on the back and using a combination of orientation and angular velocity. The same setup also gives the best prediction of turn direction and amplitude. Preliminary measurements with a single amputee were also performed and highlighted important differences such as slower turning that need to be taken into account.
Pictogram-based Method of Visualizing Dietary Intake
Authors: Liu Y. , Chiu S. , Lin Y. , Chiou W. -K.
Published: October 2014

Background: Pictograms have been shown by many studies to be an effective way of conveying information. An easy-to-understand pictorial description is essential for communication of dietary intake in the computer era.

Objectives: We proposed a novel approach that represents textual descriptions of dietary intake into a pictorial representation with the concept of pictograms. The computational implementation in terms of a web-based tool was investigated on how well the pictograms carry their intended message.

Methods: 1) We investigated how well the pictograms are comprehended in terms of subjects’ accuracy rate and response time. In the study (n = 90), pictorial variants with three types of food images (black-and-white sketch, colored sketch, and colored photograph) were tested. 2) We also investigated how well subjects were able to select the standard food size among various food portions with the use of the tool. A comparison was made against the current standard of an educational session taught by a registered dietitian. We recruited 86 university students who were asked to select a standard size out of five different size categories. Three types of shapes were used. The bowl is the container that is widely used in the participants’ country. The pork strip was to represent foods with elliptical cross-section. The apple was used to represent a baseball-like size and shape.

Results: Two pictograms with black-and-white food image were low of less than 50% in accuracy rate. The rest of the twenty-seven pictograms derived from portions of the nine foods were well understood with high accuracy rates (above 85%). Participants in using the tool without the dietitian’s session was better than participants in the dietitian education session in selecting a standard portion size of an apple (p < 0.0001; p = 0.0009 after adjustment for gender and age). The rate of correct bowl and pork strip size estimates were similar between the two conditions (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The development of pictograms could be used as a computational visual aid for comprehending and identifying dietary intake. Broader investigation is required for considering the effectiveness of the picto-grams on recall, measurement, or estimation as well as for further evaluation in the clinical practice.
Controlling the dispersion of supported polyoxometalate heterogeneous catalysts: impact of hybridization and the role of hydrophilicity–hydrophobicity balance and supramolecularity
Authors: Raj Gijo , Swalus Colas , Arendt Eglantine , Eloy Pierre , Devillers Michel , Gaigneaux Eric M
Published: October 2014

The hybridization of polyoxometalates (POMs) through an organic–inorganic association offers several processing advantages in the design of heterogeneous catalysts. A clear understanding of the organization of these hybrid materials on solid surfaces is necessary to optimise their properties. Herein, we report for the first time the organization of Keggin phosphotungstic [PW12O40]3− and Wells–Dawson (WD) phosphomolybdic [P2Mo18O62]6− anions deposited on mica (hydrophilic), and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) (hydrophobic) surfaces. Next, the supramolecular organization of the organic–inorganic hybrid materials formed from the association of POM anions and dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DODA) is investigated as a function of the hydrophilic or hydrophobic nature of the surfaces. The height of the Keggin-POM anions, measured with tapping mode (TM-AFM) is always in good agreement with the molecular dimension of symmetric Keggin-POM anions (ca. 1 nm). However, the asymmetric WD-POM anions form monolayer assemblies on the surfaces with the orientation of their long molecular axis (ca. 1.6 nm) depending on the hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties of the substrate. Namely, the long axis is parallel on mica, and perpendicular on HOPG. When hybridized with DODA, the organization of the hybrid material is dictated by the interaction of the alkyl side chains of DODA with the substrate surface. On HOPG, the DODA–POM hybrid forms small domains of epitaxially arranged straight nanorod structures with their orientation parallel to each other. Conversely, randomly distributed nanospheres are formed when the hybrid material is deposited on freshly cleaved mica. Finally, a UV–ozone treatment of the hybrid material allows one to obtain highly dispersed isolated POM entities on both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. The hybridization strategy to prevent the clustering of POMs on various supports would enable to develop highly dispersed POM-based heterogeneous catalysts with enhanced functionalities.
Les métropoles, locomotives de l'innovation ?
Authors: Ploux-Chillès Adélaïde
Published: October 2014

Les images de pollution de l’air en Chine font de plus en plus souvent la Une des quotidiens nationaux et des journaux télévisés. La concentration urbaine excessive est alors pointée du doigt. Pourtant, les métropoles sont aussi un atout économique essentiel, facteur d’innovation et de croissance économique. Comment faut-il alors gérer le développement de ces métropoles pour limiter leurs externalités négatives et accroître leurs externalités positives ?
La politique de la concurrence
Authors: Cotelette Patrick
Published: October 2014

Face aux difficultés que connaît actuellement l’industrie française, la politique de la concurrence, largement impulsée par l’Union européenne, est souvent mise en accusation. Contribue-t-elle au déclin de l’industrie ou est-elle favorable à son développement ? La conférence organisée lors des Jéco sous la conduite de Philippe Escande 1 , a permis de confronter les points de vue, souvent divergents, des spécialistes David Encaoua 2 , Bernard Esambert 3 , Pierre-Noël Giraud 4 , Jean-Pierre Lac 5 , El Mouhoub Mouhoud 6 , Étienne Pfister 7 et Xavier Ragot 8 .
La religion :
Authors: Le Quang Gaëtan
Published: October 2014

Le rapport du religieux au social, et plus précisément du religieux à l’économique, a souffert d’une attention irrégulière de la part des penseurs en sciences économiques et sociales. Si les sociologues se sont penchés de manière quasi continue sur le lien entre religion et société, les économistes ont attendu les années 1990 pour aborder cette problématique. La conférence organisée lors des Jéco 2013 a permis de discuter la question religieuse sous cet angle économique et, plus globalement, de mesurer l’apport des différentes disciplines constitutives des SES. Ainsi, sous la conduite de Sophie Gherardi 1 , la parole fut partagée entre les économistes Jean-Philippe Platteau 2 , Vincent Somville 3 , Paul Seabright 4 et l’anthropologue Nathalie Luca 5 .
qui est conservateur ?
Authors: Zaoui Pierre
Published: October 2014

Résumé Voici un numéro double : 124 pages, c’est évidemment trop long, et vous êtes accablés, et vous vous dites que nous vous prenons pour ce que vous n’êtes pas, des lecteurs acharnés qui n’ont que cela à faire, et vous avez sûrement raison. Mais c’est ainsi, nous n’avons pas pu couper ou supprimer des textes en plus, censément trop longs, censément trop denses. Nous sommes des conservateurs de ce qui a été fait, c’est ainsi (et que les auteurs que nous avons malgré tout un peu coupés [sic] nous pardonnent). (...)
« qu'est-ce qu'on fait là ? »
Authors: Grelet Stany , Potte-Bonneville Mathieu
Published: October 2014

Résumé entretien avec Rony Brauman
mutation
Authors: Depaigne Anne
Published: October 2014

Résumé « Et jadis fus femme, de fait Homme suis, je ne ment pas, (...) je m’esveillay et fu le cas Tel qu’incontinent et sanz double Transmuée me senti toute (...) Dont m’esbahi, mais j’esprouvay Que vray homme fus devenu. » C’est ainsi que s’achève l’histoire de la transformation en homme de Christine, narratrice et héroïne du Livre de la Mutation de fortune. Le récit de cette métamorphose, écrit par Christine de Pizan (1365-1405), saisit les commentateurs les plus prudents, qui connaissent la distance (...)