bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le « groupe des filles » : réflexions à partir d'une expérience institutionnelle
Authors: Merucci Margherita , Jaillet Juliette
Published: October 2012

Résumé Dans cet article, les auteurs (une psychologue et une psychomotricienne) relatent une expérience de groupe pour jeunes filles pré-adolescentes et adolescentes polyhandicapées avec compromission du langage. Les hypothèses de ce travail ont été posées à partir des théories de H. Wallon sur les émotions, l’empathie, comme éléments structurant la communication sociale. Dans le contexte d’un groupe à médiation, ces jeunes filles ont pu se reconnaître comme des êtres sexués et inscrits dans le temps.
Sur un fil...
Authors: Maruani Guy
Published: October 2012

Résumé Pris par son identification à Goethe comme Idéal du Moi d’un Juif de culture allemande en recherche d’émancipation et d’universalité, Sigmund Freud a dévidé le fil rouge, métaphore empruntée par Goethe à la marine anglaise. L’âge venant, Freud, au-delà du refoulement, retrouve la figure du Sur-Moi juif, à savoir Moïse, et le fil bleu du châle de prière qui lie son « irrédentiste » judéité.
La division du travail de contrôle des élèves au collège
Authors: Chevit Bénédicte
Published: October 2012

Résumé Le contrôle des élèves comprend le traitement des comportements déviants mais aussi l’encadrement du comportement ordinaire des élèves, en classe et hors la classe. Il donne lieu à une division du travail impliquant les enseignants et les cpe mais également les documentalistes, les surveillants, les chefs d’établissement et le cas échéant les infirmières. Cette répartition des tâches de contrôle repose sur des attentes inter-catégorielles parfois peu connues. Par conséquent, tout en admettant que son travail comporte une part de contrôle des élèves, chaque catégorie est confrontée aux attentes des autres catégories et est plus ou moins en mesure d’y résister. C’est pourquoi la division du travail effectivement mise en œuvre dans chaque collège n’est jamais tout à fait stabilisée.
Expérimentation dans un collège ECLAIR : le travail enseignant entre logique scolaire et logique artistique
Authors: Carraud Françoise
Published: October 2012

Résumé La constitution d’une classe artistique expérimentale, dans un collège d’éducation prioritaire, conduit-elle à des changements dans la forme scolaire ? Et modifie-t-elle le travail ordinaire des enseignants ? L’enquête montre que le travail des enseignants reste fortement normalisé par la forme scolaire et l’objectif de transmission de savoirs scripturaux dans un cadre règlementé. Mais des modifications apparaissent dans l’organisation du temps et surtout dans la relation pédagogique devenue plus personnelle, davantage fondée sur l’estime et la reconnaissance, ce qui permet un meilleur engagement des élèves et une plus grande satisfaction des enseignants dans leur travail.
Le coaching scolaire face aux nouvelles injonctions scolaires
Authors: Oller Anne-Claudine
Published: October 2012

Résumé Cet article, issu d’une recherche doctorale, interroge le coaching scolaire en tant que pratique émergente d’accompagnement non disciplinaire. Venu du monde de l’entreprise, le coaching scolaire semble faire écho à de nouvelles injonctions scolaires appréhendables sous le prisme du projet de l’élève. En s’appuyant sur une méthodologie variée (entretiens, observations, données de nature quantitatives), l’article permet de mettre en évidence le hiatus qui existe entre les élèves les plus soumis, par l’institution, à la formulation d’un projet et ceux, alors même qu’ils sont porteurs de la culture du projet, qui recourent au coaching scolaire.
Le langage analogique, une articulation entre l'interactionnel et l'intrapsychique
Authors: Platteau Geneviève
Published: October 2012

Résumé L’utilisation du langage analogique et des objets tiers (médias qui aident à symboliser), ouvre un espace intermédiaire où le sujet peut dans un contexte privilégié rendre présent ce qui « s’est absenté » de son histoire familiale. Cette « mise en représentation » reconstruit une nouvelle histoire créée par le sens donné à ce qui est symbolisé, aux objets utilisés, et où les interactions s’organisent différemment. Ce processus intrapsychique et systémique permet une liaison entre la réalité externe et la réalité interne du sujet.
Comment faire Peuple ? Le cas des protestations publiques au Maghreb
Authors: Laarcher Smaïn , Terzi Cédric
Published: October 2012

Rendre compte des activités des cyberactivistes, c’est être conduit à étudier les protestations publiques et les nombreux lieux dans lesquels elles s’expriment. Le cyberactivisme ne constitue pas un domaine d’activité autonome. Bien au contraire, il participe d’un large mouvement d’élaboration d’enjeux publics. Autrement dit, nous ne sommes pas en présence de deux sphères distinctes : la sphère des cyberactivistes, « communauté virtuelle », et celle de la société, territoire de l’action politique et des luttes entre des groupes aux intérêts à la fois différents et contradictoires. Dans ces circonstances, mener une enquête comparative permet d’observer combien des dispositifs de communications, pourtant techniquement identiques, peuvent faire l’objet d’usages sociaux et politiques différents. Ces usages s’inscrivent avant tout dans des cadres nationaux contraignants qui leur donnent forme, consistance et signification symbolique. Si les liens existent entre le militantisme cyberactiviste et les contestations populaires dans les trois pays du Maghreb, il n’en est pas moins vrai que l’assemblage entre ces univers de protestations s’organise et se déploie différemment en fonction des histoires nationales, de l’état des rapports de force et du développement des revendications. Mais la vertu de la comparaison, c’est de mettre en scène un invariant central : celui de la difficulté à faire peuple et à produire collectivement son unité en institutionnalisant la division ; c’est-à- dire en accordant leur droit et leur légitimité à la mésentente et au politique.C’est bien à cet enjeu majeur que sont confrontés aujourd’hui, au travers des multiples protestations publiques (sous forme d’émeutes ou non), les trois pays du Maghreb.
L’émergence au prisme du tourisme chinois
Authors: Taunay Benjamin , Violier Philippe
Published: October 2012

Depuis le milieu des années 1990, une nouvelle classe de « loisirs » a vu le jour dans les métropoles chinoises. De plus en plus aisés, les Chinois accèdent au tourisme et on fait ici l’hypothèse que les loisirs sont structurants dans la compréhension de la société chinoise contemporaine. Un tournant recréatif est à l’œuvre en Chine : il y a un avant et un après développement du tourisme intérieur chinois. L’ouverture de la société chinoise au tourisme constitue donc un des volets les plus spectaculaires de l’émergence en Chine. Le tourisme apparaît de ce fait comme un observatoire pertinent pour questionner le concept de l’émergence. C’est ce que soutient cet article à partir de l’analyse des pratiques touristiques chinoises et des enjeux spatiaux de celles-ci.
Géographie du changement social en Égypte
Authors: Pagès-El Karoui Delphine
Published: October 2012

Les forces du changement social en Égypte, comme dans le monde arabe, sont restées invisibles pour des nombreux observateurs occidentaux, rendant incompréhensibles et « miraculeux » les soulèvements de 2011. Pour éclairer ces changements en amont de la révolution, nous reviendrons d’abord sur les transformations structurelles, liés à l’individualisation de la société – facilitée par l’urbanisation du territoire –, et ses traductions au niveau de la famille et de la religion. Nous mettrons ensuite en relation ces processus avec les mutations économiques globales (néo-libéralisation, règne de la société de consommation et de loisirs, essor des nouvelles technologies). Enfin, nous interrogerons le rôle d’une catégorie d’acteurs, les émigrés, qui apparaissent souvent dans les médias égyptiens comme les boucs-émissaires du changement social.
Trastuzumab for Her2/neu-positive metastatic salivary gland carcinoma: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Firwana Belal , Atassi Bassel , Hasan Rim , Hasan Nour , Sukari Ammar
Published: October 2012

Salivary gland carcinomas metastasize to distant organs in 20% of salivary gland malignancies. Applying immunohistochemistry (IHC) measures, salivary gland tumors showed a wide range of oncogene markers expression, including the human epidermoid receptor 2 (Her2/neu), which could be targeted with monoclonal antibody. Treating salivary gland tumors, which have Her2/neu over-expression, with trastuzumab was reported in a few case reports. We report a 61-year-old Caucasian male, with a history of salivary gland tumor, who presented after 20 years of complete surgical resection with kidney mass. He was treated as primary renal cell carcinoma, unclassified, with nephrectomy and adjuvant clinical trail where he received placebo. Subsequently, he developed multiple hepatic lesions and retroperitoneal mesenteric lymphadenopathy; CT-guided biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma with Her2/neu, 3+ by IHC. The patient was treated successfully with trastuzumab with near-complete response.
Myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma of the thigh: A morphologic diversity
Authors: Raghavan Vanisri H , Satish Suchitha , Ravishankar Sunila , Manjunath Gubbanna V
Published: October 2012

Myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma (MIFS)/acralmyxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma (AMFS) is a rare, painless, low-grade neoplasm which commonly occurs in the extremities. It has a distinctive morphology and can be a diagnostic challenge, simulating inflammatory conditions as well as neoplastic conditions. They are low-grade sarcomas with a protracted clinical course, a high rate of local recurrence and a low rate of metastasis. We report a case of proximal MIFS in a 50-year-old woman who presented with a mass in the thigh.
Posterior circulation aneurysms: A 10-year institutional analysis
Authors: Sharma Saurabh , Abuzer Ansari , Suri Ashish , Gaikwad Shailesh , Mishra N.K. , Dash H.H. , Sharma B.S. , Mahapatra A.K. , Sarat Chandra P.
Published: October 2012

Aneurysms are uncommon and challenging to manage.

A retrospective study was designed to report 53 patients who are treated from June 2002 to June 2011.

The mean age at presentation was 46.34 ± 13.67 years (males, 26). Clinical features included subarachnoid hemorrhage (median Hunt and Hess Grade II, n = 42), cranial nerve palsies (9), hydrocephalus (5), and incidentally diagnosed (5). Locations included superior cerebellar artery (3), posterior cerebral artery (2), basilar trunk (4), vertebral (8), anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) (5), posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) (13), vertebrobasilar junction (6), and basilar top (13). Management included both endovascular intervention (26) and surgery (19), and both (2). Five patients presented as poor grade and underwent only extraventricular drain placement while one patient had thrombosed aneurysm and was managed conservatively. Mortality was 26.4% (n = 14) and morbidity included vasospasm (10), meningitis (2), pseudomeningocele (2), pneumonitis (2), and myocardial infarction (1).

Posterior circulation aneurysms are highly challenging. They require the multimodality approach, and decision regarding surgery or embolization has to be individualized.
Legal sanctity of consent for surgical procedures in India
Authors: Sharma Gauri , Sarat Chandra P. , Tandon Vivek
Published: October 2012

As surgeons, we are morally committed to respecting the right of self-determination of patients, thus an informed consent is necessary before any operative intervention. Many neurosurgical patients are incapable of giving consent because of impaired consciousness. Moreover, neurosurgical procedures involve high risks and often are time sensitive; therefore obtaining consent is a challenging job. Patients and their family members need immense courage, understanding, and trust before giving consent for a surgical procedure to a doctor. Lawsuits against doctors are on the rise and it is important to understand “what is consent?” in legal parlance.
Giant tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula treated by a combination of trans-arterial embolization and surgery
Authors: Akdemir Hidayet , Aydın Kubilay , Karancı Türker
Published: October 2012

Tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulae are uncommon lesions but can be life-threatening. A 34-year-old male presented with intractable headache, seizures, and visual disturbance. Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) angiography and digital subtraction angiography demonstrated a right tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula supplied by both internal and external carotid systems and draining into a giant venous ampula. Transarterial embolization of the external carotid feeders with Onyx (TM, ev3, Irvine, CA) was carried out. Postembolization angiography revealed persistence of a portion of the fistula supplied by the temporo-occipital branch of right middle cerebral artery. The patient underwent right temporo-occipital craniotomy, division of the feeders and resection of the entire fistula and coagulation of the leptomeningeal arterialized veins. Complete elimination of the fistula was demonstrated by angiography. Postoperative recovery was uneventful; the patient did not develop any fresh neurologic deficits. We review the relevant literature and discuss the rationale for managing these lesions.
Supratentorial hematoma during infratentorial surgery: A short series of three cases
Authors: Savardekar Amey , Luthra Ankur , Tripathi Manjul , Mohindra Sandeep
Published: October 2012

Distant site hematoma formation may complicate an otherwise uneventful surgery. The authors describe three cases of such unexpected complications, while operating upon infratentorial lesions in prone position. Pathophysiology behind such complications and changes in intraoperative monitoring is discussed, along with all the previously reported cases. Of the three cases, there was one death, while rest of the two cases made eventless recovery. Meticulous hemostasis, isolation of operative site, avoidance of cerebrospinal fluid over-drainage during surgery may prevent such a complication. Careful interpretation of vital-monitoring may indicate the occurrence of such a complication.
Fourth ventricular meningioma in an adult: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Shrestha Rajendra , Yue-Kang Zhang , Chao You
Published: October 2012

Meningiomas are one of the most common clinical entities in everyday neurosurgical practice. Most meningiomas are extra-axial dural-based lesions. They typically occur along intradural venous sinuses, at the confluences of multiple cranial sutures and also others sites where arachnoid granulations and arachnoid cell rests occur. Most of these tumors also do occur within the lateral ventricles than third ventricle but they are exceptional in fourth ventricle thought to arise from the choroid plexus without dural attachment. Here we present two cases of fourth ventricle meningiomas.
Image guidance in trans-sphenoidal surgery for giant pituitary adenomas: Luxury or necessity?
Authors: Agrawal Deepak
Published: October 2012

In spite of availability of image guidance (neuronavigation) at major centers around the world, most trans-sphenoidal surgeries for pituitary adenomas continue to be done under fluoroscopic control. On the other hand, the high mortality and morbidity for giant pituitary adenomas is mainly due to inadequate tumor removal.

The objective of this study was to study to utility of image guidance in trans-sphenoidal surgeries for optimizing tumor removal in giant pituitary adenomas.

This was a prospective study carried out over a two years (January 2009-December 2010) in the Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Patients with giant pituitary adenomas who underwent trans-sphenoidal surgery by the author were included. All surgeries were done under image-guidance only and no fluoroscopy was employed. Trajectory was defined using the image guidance and bone work done accordingly to optimize tumor removal. All patients had a contrast CT of the head done within 48 h of surgery to see for residual tumor.

Sixteen patients with pituitary adenomas were operated using only image-guidance in the study period. Twelve patients had virgin tumors and four patients had recurrent/residual tumors. In four patients, noncontrast MR images were used in for image guidance and contrast CT images were used in the rest. The mean set up time for image-guidance was 11 min (range 7–15 min). The mean “overall accuracy of registration” was 1.6 mm (range 1.4–2.1 mm). The mean operating time was 72 min (range 52–96 min). In all cases, midline and the relation of the carotid artery to the sella could be confirmed using the image-guidance. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative scans showed residual tumor in nine patients. The residual tumor was <10% in four patients, <25% in four patients and >25% in one patient (with a fibrous recurrent/residual tumor).

Image guidance markedly improves the visualization of sellar floor and its relation to the carotid arteries, thereby improving the safety and quality of the surgical procedure, besides being free of limitations of fluoroscopy. More importantly the trajectory can be defined for optimizing tumor removal in such patients. Image-guidance can easily replace flouroscopy for trans-sphenoidal surgeries and when available should be the first choice when operating pituitary tumors trans-sphenoidally.
Pulmonary complications in neurosurgical patients
Authors: Madan Karan , Guleria Randeep
Published: October 2012

Pulmonary complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neurosurgical patients. The common pulmonary complications in neurosurgical patients include pneumonia, postoperative atelectasis, respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, and neurogenic pulmonary edema. Postoperative lung expansion strategies have been shown to be useful in prevention of the postoperative complications in surgical patients. Low tidal volume ventilation should be used in patients who develop acute respiratory distress syndrome. An antibiotic use policy should be put in practice depending on the local patterns of antimicrobial resistance in the hospital. Thromboprophylactic strategies should be used in nonambulatory patients. Meticulous attention should be paid to infection control with a special emphasis on hand-washing practices. Prevention and timely management of these complications can help to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with pulmonary complications.
Scrotal migration of ventriculoperitoneal catheter and hydrocele resolving spontaneously
Authors: Alladi Anand , Ramareddy Raghu
Published: October 2012

Shunt migration is a rare, but reported complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt and migration of the same through the processus vaginalis is known. We present a 20-month-old boy who presented with migration of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt tube through the patent processus vaginalis and a subsequent hydrocele. The hydrocele and migrated shunt resolved spontaneously.
Higher-dimensional cluster combinatorics and representation theory
Authors: Oppermann Steffen , Thomas Hugh
Published: October 2012

Higher Auslander algebras were introduced by Iyama generalizing classical concepts from representation theory of finite-dimensional algebras. Recently these higher analogues of classical representation theory have been increasingly studied. Cyclic polytopes are classical objects of study in convex geometry. In particular, their triangulations have been studied with a view towards generalizing the rich combinatorial structure of triangulations of polygons. In this paper, we demonstrate a connection between these two seemingly unrelated subjects. We study triangulations of even-dimensional cyclic polytopes and tilting modules for higher Auslander algebras of linearly oriented type

A

which are summands of the cluster tilting module. We show that such tilting modules correspond bijectively to triangulations. Moreover mutations of tilting modules correspond to bistellar flips of triangulations. For any

d

-representation finite algebra we introduce a certain

d

-dimensional cluster category and study its cluster tilting objects. For higher Auslander algebras of linearly oriented type

A

we obtain a similar correspondence between cluster tilting objects and triangulations of a certain cyclic polytope. Finally we study certain functions on generalized laminations in cyclic polytopes, and show that they satisfy analogues of tropical cluster exchange relations. Moreover we observe that the terms of these exchange relations are closely related to the terms occurring in the mutation of cluster tilting objects.
On the Lawrence–Doniach model of superconductivity: magnetic fields parallel to the axes
Authors: Alama Stan , Bronsard Lia , Sandier Etienne
Published: October 2012

We consider periodic minimizers of the Lawrence–Doniach functional, which models highly anisotropic superconductors with layered structure, in the simultaneous limit as the layer thickness tends to zero and the Ginzburg–Landau parameter tends to infinity. In particular, we consider the properties of minimizers when the system is subjected to an external magnetic field applied either tangentially or normally to the superconducting planes. For normally applied fields, our results show that the resulting “pancake” vortices will be vertically aligned. In horizontal fields we show that there are two-parameter regimes in which minimizers exhibit very different characteristics. The low-field regime resembles the Ginzburg–Landau model, while the high-field limit gives a “transparent state” described in the physical literature. To obtain our results we derive sharp matching upper and lower bounds on the global minimizers of the energy.
A Remark on Hausdorff Measure in Obstacle Problems
Authors: Zheng Jun , Zhao Peihao
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we consider the identical zero obstacle problem for the second order elliptic equation

-\text { div}\ a(\nabla u)=-1\quad \text{in}\ \mathcal {D}'(\Omega),

where

\Omega

is an open bounded domain of

\mathbb{R}^{N},N\geq 2

. We prove that the free boundary has finite

(N-1)

-Hausdorff measure, which extends the previous works by Caffarelli, Lee and Shahgholian for

p

-Laplacian equations with

p=2,p>2

respectively and contains the singular case of

1< p <2

.
2-Modified Characteristic Fredholm Determinants, Hill’s Method, and the Periodic Evans Function of Gardner
Authors: Zumbrun Kevin
Published: October 2012

Using the relation established by Johnson-Zumbrun between Hill’s method of aproximating spectra of periodic-coefficient ordinary differential operators and a generalized periodic Evans function given by the 2-modified characteristic Fredholm determinant of an associated Birman-Schwinger system, together with a Volterra integral computation introduced by Gesztesy-Makarov, we give an explicit connection between the generalized Birman-Schwinger-type periodic Evans function and the standard Jost function-type periodic Evans function defined by Gardner in terms of the fundamental solution of the eigenvalue equation written as a first-order system. This extends to a large family of operators the results of Gesztesy-Makarov for scalar Schrödinger operators and of Gardner for vector-valued second-order elliptic operators, in particular recovering by independent argument the fundamental result of Gardner that the zeros of the Evans function agree in location and (algebraic) multiplicity with the periodic eigenvalues of the associated operator.
Bolting Cabin Assistance System Using a Sensor Network
Authors: Mo Yung-Hak , Choe Yun-Geun , Woo Byung-Wook , Park Jung-Min , Lim Myo-Taeg
Published: October 2012

The bolting cabin assistance system prevents operators from facing dangerous situations. This system consists of a bolting robot control system and a top view supervisory system. In order to control the bolting robot, circular Hough transforms and fuzzy reasoning are used. First, the circular Hough transform roughly estimates the location of the bolt hole. After that, errors of estimation are compensated for using fuzzy reasoning. In order to track a bolt hole, a region of interest (ROI) is used. By setting the region in which to search for a bolt hole, the algorithm tracks the location of the bolt hole. In order to choose an ROI, a template-based matching algorithm is used. In order to make the top view supervisory system, four cameras are installed at the left, right, front and back of the robot. The four individual images from the various cameras are combined to make the top view image after correcting for distortion.
Human Long Jump — A Deductive Approach
Authors: Jovanović Miloš
Published: October 2012

This paper presents a useful application of a generalized approach to the modelling of human and humanoid motion using the deductive approach. It starts with formulating a completely general problem and deriving different real situations as special cases. The concept and the software realization are verified by comparing the results with the ones obtained using “classical” software for one well-known particular problem – biped walking. New applicability and potentials of the proposed method are demonstrated by simulation of a selected example – the long jump. The simulated motion included jumping and landing on the feet (after a jump). Additional analysis is done in the paper regarding the joint torque and joint angle during the jumping. Separate stages of the simulation are defined and explained.
A Ground-Based Validation System of Teleoperation for a Space Robot
Authors: Wang Xueqian , Liu Houde , Xu Wenfu , Liang Bin , Zhang Yingchun
Published: October 2012

Teleoperation of space robots is very important for future on-orbit service. In order to assure the task is accomplished successfully, ground experiments are required to verify the function and validity of the teleoperation system before a space robot is launched. In this paper, a ground-based validation subsystem is developed as a part of a teleoperation system. The subsystem is mainly composed of four parts: the input verification module, the onboard verification module, the dynamic and image workstation, and the communication simulator. The input verification module, consisting of hardware and software of the master, is used to verify the input ability. The onboard verification module, consisting of the same hardware and software as the onboard processor, is used to verify the processor's computing ability and execution schedule. In addition, the dynamic and image workstation calculates the dynamic response of the space robot and target, and generates emulated camera images, including the hand-eye cameras, global-vision camera and rendezvous camera. The communication simulator provides fidelity communication conditions, i.e., time delays and communication bandwidth. Lastly, we integrated a teleoperation system and conducted many experiments on the system. Experiment results show that the ground system is very useful for verified teleoperation technology.
Performance and process mechanisms of a high‐rate direct filtration plant targeting 0.1 ntu
Authors: Barkay‐Arbel Yoav , Hatukai Samir , Asheri Tehila , Vaizel‐Ohayon Dalit , Rebhun Menahem
Published: October 2012

The central filtration plant (CFP) of Israel's National Water Carrier treats 1.7 × 106 m3/d of surface water in direct filtration mode at a maximum filtration rate of 20 m/h through anthracite media with a depth of 2 m. The CFP produces filtered water of < 0.2 ntu, thereby receiving accreditation for 3‐log removal credit for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Precise dosing of chemicals in the pretreatment stage—particularly preoxidation with chlorine dioxide—was found to be a critical factor in achieving low filtered water turbidities and particle counts as well as effective removal of algae and parasitic cysts and oocysts. Although these findings were for the conditions at this specific site, the effect of preoxidation with chlorine dioxide is considered applicable to other water types. This article describes results of pilot‐plant studies conducted to develop design and performance criteria for the CFP. The authors explain and discuss the processes and mechanisms involved in achieving low filtered water turbidities and high removals of algae and parasites.
Screening for Ischemic Heart Disease with Cardiac CT: Current Recommendations
Authors: Budoff Matthew J.
Published: October 2012

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality in the US and worldwide, and no widespread screening for this number one killer has been implemented. Traditional risk factor assessment does not fully account for the coronary risk and underestimates the prediction of risk even in patients with established risk factors for atherosclerosis. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) represents calcified atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. It has been shown to be the strongest predictor of adverse future cardiovascular events and provides incremental information to the traditional risk factors. CAC consistently outperforms traditional risk factors, including models such as Framingham risk to predict future CV events. It has been incorporated into both the European and American guidelines for risk assessment. CAC is the most robust test today to reclassify individuals based on traditional risk factor assessment and provides the opportunity to better strategize the treatments for these subjects (converting patients from intermediate to high or low risk). CAC progression has also been identified as a risk for future cardiovascular events, with markedly increased events occurring in those patients exhibiting increases in calcifications over time. The exact intervals for rescanning is still being evaluated.
Gender Development in 46,XY DSD: Influences of Chromosomes, Hormones, and Interactions with Parents and Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Wisniewski Amy B.
Published: October 2012

Variables that impact gender development in humans are difficult to evaluate. This difficulty exists because it is not usually possible to tease apart biological influences on gender from social variables. People with disorders of sex development, or DSD, provide important opportunities to study gender within individuals for whom biologic components of sex can be discordant with social components of gender. While most studies of gender development in people with 46,XY DSD have historically emphasized the importance of genes and hormones on gender identity and gender role, more recent evidence for a significant role for socialization exists and is considered here. For example, the influence of parents’ perceptions of, and reactions to, DSD are considered. Additionally, the impact of treatments for DSD such as receiving gonadal surgeries or genitoplasty to reduce genital ambiguity on the psychological development of people with 46,XY DSD is presented. Finally, the role of multi-disciplinary care including access to peer support for advancing medical, surgical and psychosexual outcomes of children and adults with 46,XY DSD, regardless of sex of rearing, is discussed.
Cochlear implants: our experience and literature review
Authors: de Lima Francis Vinicius Fontes , Santos Ronaldo Carvalho , Santos Arlete Cristina Granizo , Barreto Valéria Maria Prado , de Jesus Eduardo Passos Fiel , Martins Mariane Barreto Brandão
Published: October 2012

Introduction: Cochlear Implants are important for individuals with severe to profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

Objective: Evaluate the experience of cochlear implant center of Otorhinolaryngology through the analysis of records of 9 patients who underwent cochlear implant surgery.

Methods: This is a retrospective study performed with the patients records. Number 0191.0.107.000-11 ethics committee approval. We evaluated gender, etiology, age at surgery, duration of deafness, classification of deafness, unilateral or bilateral surgery, intraoperative and postoperative neural response and impedance of the electrodes in intraoperative and preoperative tests and found those that counter-indicated surgery.

Results: There were 6 pediatric and 3 adult patients. Four male and 5 female. Etiologies: maternal rubella, cytomegalovirus, ototoxicity, meningitis, and sudden deafness. The age at surgery and duration of deafness ranged from 2–46 years and 2–18 years, respectively. Seven patients were pre-lingual. All had profound bilateral PA. There were 7 bilateral implants. Intraoperative complications: hemorrhage. Complications after surgery: vertigo and internal device failure. In 7 patients the electrodes were implanted through. Telemetry showed satisfactory neural response and impedance. CT and MRI was performed in all patients. We found enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct in a patient and incudomalleolar malformation.

Conclusion: The cochlear implant as a form of auditory rehabilitation is well established and spreading to different centers specialized in otoaudiology. Thus, the need for structured services and trained professionals in this type of procedure is clear.
Engagement With a Mobile Chat-Based Intervention for Smoking Cessation
Authors: Li Yajie , Luk Tzu Tsun , Cheung Yee Tak Derek , Zhao Shengzhi , Zeng Yingpei , Tong Henry Sau Chai , Lai Vienna Wai Yin , Wang Man Ping
Published: June 2024

Importance

Determining how individuals engage with digital health interventions over time is crucial to understand and optimize intervention outcomes.

Objective

To identify the engagement trajectories with a mobile chat-based smoking cessation intervention and examine its association with biochemically validated abstinence.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A secondary analysis of a pragmatic, cluster randomized clinical trial conducted in Hong Kong with 6-month follow-up. From June 18 to September 30, 2017, 624 adult daily smokers were recruited from 34 community sites randomized to the intervention group. Data were analyzed from March 6 to October 30, 2023.

Intervention

Chat-based cessation support delivered by a live counselor via a mobile instant messaging app for 3 months from baseline.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify engagement trajectories using the participants’ weekly responses to the messages from the counselor over the 3-month intervention period. The outcome measures were biochemically validated tobacco abstinence at 3-month (end of treatment) and 6-month follow-ups. Covariates included sex, age, educational level, nicotine dependence, past quit attempt, and intention to quit at baseline.

Results

Of 624 participants included in the analysis, 479 were male (76.8%), and the mean (SD) age was 42.1 (16.2) years. Four distinct engagement trajectories were identified: low engagement group (447 [71.6%]), where participants maintained very low engagement throughout; rapid-declining group (86 [13.8%]), where participants began with moderate engagement and rapidly decreased to a low level; gradual-declining group (58 [9.3%]), where participants had high initial engagement and gradually decreased to a moderate level; and high engagement group (58 [5.3%]), where participants maintained high engagement throughout. Compared with the low engagement group, the 6-month validated abstinence rates were significantly higher in the rapid-declining group (adjusted relative risk [ARR], 3.30; 95% CI, 1.39-7.81), gradual-declining group (ARR, 5.17; 95% CI, 2.21-12.11), and high engagement group (ARR, 4.98; 95% CI, 1.82-13.60). The corresponding ARRs (95% CI) of 3-month validated abstinence were 4.03 (95% CI, 1.53-10.59), 5.25 (95% CI, 1.98-13.88), and 9.23 (95% CI, 3.29-25.86).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study suggest that higher levels of engagement with the chat-based smoking cessation intervention were associated with greater biochemically validated tobacco abstinence. Improving engagement with digital interventions may increase intervention benefits.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03182790
Preventing Surgical Site Infections in the Era of Escalating Antibiotic Resistance and Antibiotic Stewardship
Authors: Long Dustin R. , Cifu Adam , Salipante Stephen J. , Sawyer Robert G. , Machutta Kaylie , Alverdy John C.
Published: June 2024

Importance

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and governing bodies within the American College of Surgeons, the administration of antibiotics as prophylaxis against infection prior to a planned elective procedure is, with rare exception, routinely recommended. The goal of “getting to zero” infections remains a high priority for policymakers, practitioners, and certainly for patients.

Observations

Despite the many advances in surgical technique, skin decontamination, sterile procedure, and enhanced recovery programs, surgical site infections continue to adversely affect procedures as diverse as dental implant surgery, joint arthroplasty, and major abdominal surgery. Although surgical site infection rates are at historically low levels, progress has stalled in recent reporting periods and such infections remain disabling, costly, and occasionally lethal. Stakeholders in the field, including surgeons, infectious diseases specialists, and industry, advocate for strategies emphasizing greater levels of intraoperative sterility or broader-spectrum antibiotic coverage as the most appropriate path forward.

Conclusions and Relevance

The current emphasis on ever-increasing levels of intraoperative sterility and extended-spectrum antibiotic use are not sustainable long-term solutions. Continuing to escalate these approaches may contribute to unintended consequences including antimicrobial resistance. Principles of antimicrobial stewardship and microbiome sciences can be applied to inform a more effective and sustainable approach to infection prevention in the field of surgery.
Reinforced Electrons Transfer and Capture in S‐Scheme TiO2@Co(OH)F‐Pt Heterojunction for Excellent Solar Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Li Xinpei , Zhang Wen , Yang Fan , Yao Shuang , Li Lina , An Xuguang , Xi Baojuan , Xiong Shenglin , An Changhua
Published: June 2024

TiO2 with the merits of non‐toxicity, high stability, strong redox capability, and low cost, has garnered considerable attention in the fields of renewable energy. However, the practical application is limited by the rapid recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, posing a challenge to enhance electron utilization without compromising catalytic activity. Herein, S‐scheme TiO2@Co(OH)F‐Pt heterojunction through a simple hydrothermal and photo‐deposition method is constructed. The experimental tests and theoretical computation indicate that Co(OH)F possesses a smaller work function and a more negative conduction band (CB) position, significantly accelerating the separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Furthermore, the built‐in electric field, band bending between TiO2 and Co(OH)F, and the electron sink of Pt nanoparticles, facilitate the reduction of protons to hydrogen. The as‐prepared TiO2@Co(OH)F‐Pt exhibits high‐performance solar hydrogen evolution with an evolution rate of 1401 µmol h−1. The apparent quantum yield (AQY) is determined to be 22.8% at a single wavelength of 365 nm. After reacting 12 h for three cycles, no noticeable performance degradation occurs, showing good stability of the catalyst. This work provides a rational strategy for the design of heterojunction photocatalysts for driving the production of new energy and useful chemicals.
An evaluation of Congressional Budget Office's baseline projections of USDA mandatory farm and nutrition programs
Authors: Regmi Hari P. , Kuethe Todd H.
Published: June 2024

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projections of USDA's mandatory farm and nutrition program outlays are important in shaping US agricultural policy. Using CBO projections and observed outcomes from 1985 through 2020, we examine the degree to which projections of farm, supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), and child nutrition program outlays are unbiased, efficient, and informative. We find that projections for farm and child nutrition program outlays are unbiased, SNAP outlays are unbiased at short‐term but are downward biased beyond a 3‐year horizon. All three series of projections are inefficient. SNAP and child nutrition program outlay projections are informative up to a 5‐year horizon, but the farm program outlay projections are informative for only a 1‐year horizon. Disaggregated farm program data since 2008 suggests that the uninformativeness principally stems from conservation and commodity program projections. The findings may be valuable to CBO, as they continue to improve projections, and to projection users, in adjusting their expectations.
Evidence for female dominance in the Milne‐Edwards' sportive lemur (Lepilemur edwardsi)
Authors: Rasoloharijaona Solofonirina , Randrianambinina Blanchard , Radespiel Ute
Published: June 2024

Female dominance over males is more frequent in Malagasy lemurs than in other primate clades, but patterns of female–male dominance vary among species, and few data are available for one particularly species‐rich genus, Lepilemur. We investigated the types, temporal distribution, and outcome of female–male agonistic conflicts in the Milne‐Edwards' sportive lemur (Lepilemur edwardsi). Ten L. edwardsi belonging to five social units were equipped with radio collars and observed during 79 focal follows between May and November 1998. We quantified agonistic conflicts, monthly conflict rates, and documented the winner and context for all conflicts. Female–male agonistic conflicts (N = 162) occurred at a mean rate of 0.21 conflicts/hour within groups. Agonistic conflicts peaked during the birth season and occurred mostly in unknown or infant proximity contexts. Females won 96% of all decided agonistic conflicts (N = 154). Other outcomes occurred only when females were with infants during the birth season. In that context, one female sometimes withdrew from her pair partner, and another female withdrew or fled from an extra‐group male whose attacks eventually led to infanticide. Our results suggest female dominance in pair‐living L. edwardsi. We hypothesize that elevated female aggression may convey fitness benefits to female Lepilemur because it generally allows females to intervene quickly and efficiently on behalf of their infants against nonfather males who may approach the newborn infants when they are parked in vegetation.
Ln3+ Induced Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence of Chiral Heterometallic Clusters Ln2Ag28
Authors: Wang Xue‐Tao , He Sheng‐Rong , Lv Fang‐Wen , Wang Xue‐Ting , Hong Mei‐Xin , Cao Lingyun , Zhuang Gui‐Lin , Chen Cheng , Zheng Jun , Long La‐Sheng , Zheng Xiu‐Ying
Published: June 2024

A series of TADF‐active compounds: 0D chiral Ln−Ag(I) clusters L‐/D‐Ln2Ag28‐0D (Ln=Eu/Gd) and 2D chiral Ln−Ag(I) cluster‐based frameworks L‐/D‐Ln2Ag28‐2D (Ln=Gd) has been synthesized. Atomic‐level structural analysis showed that the chiral Ag(I) cluster units {Ag14S12} in L‐/D‐Ln2Ag28‐0D and L‐/D‐Ln2Ag28‐2D exhibited similar configurations, linked by varying numbers of [Ln(H2O)x]3+ (x=6 for 0D, x=3 for 2D) to form the final target compounds. Temperature‐dependent emission spectra and decay lifetimes measurement demonstrated the presence of TADF in L‐Ln2Ag28‐0D (Ln=Eu/Gd) and L‐Gd2Ag28‐2D. Experimentally, the remarkable TADF properties primarily originated from {Ag14S12} moieties in these compounds. Notably, {Ag14S12} in L‐Eu2Ag28‐0D and L‐Gd2Ag28‐2D displayed higher promote fluorescence rate and shorter TADF decay times than L‐Gd2Ag28‐0D. Combined with theoretical calculations, it was determined that the TADF behaviors of {Ag14S12} cluster units were induced by 4 f perturbation of Ln3+ ions. Specially, while maintaining ΔE(S1–T1) small enough, it can significantly increase k(S1→S0) and reduce TADF decay time by adjusting the type or number of Ln3+ ions, thus achieving the purpose of improving TADF for cluster‐based luminescent materials.
A Small‐Molecule Inhibitor of Factor Inhibiting HIF Binding to a Tyrosine‐Flip Pocket for the Treatment of Obesity
Authors: Wu Yue , Chen Yafen , Corner Thomas P. , Nakashima Yu , Salah Eidarus , Li Zhihong , Zhang Linjian , Yang Le , Tumber Anthony , Sun Zhuoli , Wen Yukang , Zhong Ailin , Yang Fulai , Li Xiang , Zhang Zhihong , Schofield Christopher J. , Zhang Xiaojin
Published: June 2024

In animals, limiting oxygen upregulates the hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) and promotes a metabolic shift towards glycolysis. Factor inhibiting HIF (FIH) is an asparaginyl hydroxylase that regulates HIF function by reducing its interaction with histone acetyl transferases. HIF levels are negatively regulated by the HIF prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) which, like FIH, are 2‐oxoglutarate (2OG) oxygenases. Genetic loss of FIH promotes both glycolysis and aerobic metabolism. FIH has multiple non‐HIF substrates making it challenging to connect its biochemistry with physiology. A structure–mechanism guided approach identified a highly potent in vivo active FIH inhibitor, ZG‐2291, the binding of which promotes a conformational flip of a catalytically important tyrosine, enabling the selective inhibition of FIH over other Jumonji C subfamily 2OG oxygenases. Consistent with genetic studies, ZG‐2291 promotes thermogenesis and ameliorates symptoms of obesity and metabolic dysfunction in ob/ob mice. The results reveal ZG‐2291 as a useful probe for the physiological functions of FIH and identify FIH inhibition as a promising strategy for obesity treatment.
Capturing the Interplay Between TADF and RTP Through Mechanically Flexible Polymorphic Optical Waveguides
Authors: Vinod Kumar Avulu , Pattanayak Pradip , Khapre Ankur , Nandi Arnab , Purkayastha Pradipta , Chandrasekar Rajadurai
Published: June 2024

Polymorphism plays a pivotal role in generating a range of crystalline materials with diverse photophysical and mechanical attributes, all originating from the same molecule. Here, we showcase two distinct polymorphs: green (GY) emissive and orange (OR) emissive crystals of 5′‐(4‐(diphenylamino)phenyl)‐[2,2′‐bithiophene]‐5‐carbaldehyde (TPA‐CHO). These polymorphs display differing optical characteristics, with GY exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) and OR showing room temperature phosphorescence (RTP). Additionally, both polymorphic crystals display mechanical flexibility and optical waveguiding capabilities. Leveraging the AFM‐tip‐based mechanophotonics technique, we position the GY optical waveguide at varying lengths perpendicular to the OR waveguide. This approach facilitates the exploration of the interplay between TADF and RTP phenomena by judiciously controlling the optical path length of crystal waveguides. Essentially, our approach provides a clear pathway for understanding and controlling the photophysical processes in organic molecular crystals, paving the way for advancements in polymorphic crystal‐based photonic circuit technologies.
Modulation of Li+ microenvironment in liquid electrolyte for interface design of Li‐metal anodes
Authors: Lim Minhong , Lee Jiwon , Lee Soyeon , Park Seungsoo , Lee Hongkyung
Published: June 2024

While lithium metal anodes (LMAs) offer the highest energy density, positioning them as a promising material for graphite, they suffer from uneven electroplating morphology and the formation of Li dendrites. Given the pivotal role of the solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI), which is formed by electrolyte decomposition, in mitigating dendritic growth, extensive research has been conducted on liquid electrolytes in Li metal batteries (LMBs). This mini‐review presents the historical advancements in LMB electrolytes, focusing on modulating the Li+ microenvironment and LMA interface chemistry to inhibit Li dendrite formation. We traced the evolution of LMB electrolytes from traditional formulations to advanced designs. In particular, the reinforcement of the SEI and the compact morphology of the deposited Li are deeply discussed at each advancement in liquid electrolytes. We subsequently identify common characteristics among these advanced electrolytes and conclude by discussing future directions and strategies for rational design.