bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to Regenerate Emphysema: On the Horizon?
Authors: Kruk Dennis M.L.W. , Heijink Irene H. , Slebos Dirk-Jan , Timens Wim , ten Hacken Nick H.
Published: May 2018

Mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that play a pivotal role in various phases of lung development and lung homeostasis, and potentially also lung regeneration. MSCs do not only self-renew and differentiate into renew tissues, but also have anti-inflammatory and paracrine properties to reduce damage and to support tissue regeneration, constituting a promising cell-based treatment strategy for the repair of damaged alveolar tissue in emphysema. This review discusses the current state of the art regarding the potential of MSCs for the treatment of emphysema. The optimism regarding this treatment strategy is supported by promising results from animal models. Still, there are considerable challenges before effective stem cell treatment can be realized in emphysema patients. It is difficult to draw definitive conclusions from the available animal studies, as different models, dosage protocols, administration routes, and sources of MSCs have been used with different measures of effectiveness. Moreover, the regrowth potential of differentiated tissues and organs differs between species. Essential questions about MSC engraftment, retention, and survival have not been sufficiently addressed in a systematic manner. Few human studies have investigated MSC treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, demonstrating short-term safety but no convincing benefits on clinical outcomes. Possible explanations for the lack of beneficial effects on clinical outcomes could be the source (bone marrow), route, dosage, frequency of administration, and delivery (lack of a bioactive scaffold). This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the (pre)clinical studies on MSC effects in emphysema and discuss the current challenges regarding the optimal use of MSCs for cell-based therapies.
Acute Obstructive Hydrocephalus due to a Giant Posterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Sarica Can , Tanrikulu Bahattin , Sahin Yener , Dağçınar Adnan , Baltacioglu Feyyaz , Bayri Yasar
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Intracranial aneurysms are very rare in children. Although subarachnoidal hemorrhage (SAH) is by far the most common presentation of aneurysms in the majority of the pediatric case series, it is not rare for an unruptured aneurysm to present with a mass effect. Acute hydrocephalus is a common finding following aneurysmal SAH. However, this malady may develop even in the absence of SAH but secondary to direct obstruction by a giant aneurysm. This situation is extremely rare in children, with only a few known case reports in the literature. Case Report: We report the case of a 10-year-old girl who presented with signs and symptoms of acute hydrocephalus; further radiological evaluation revealed obstructive hydrocephalus and a giant posterior cerebral artery aneurysm. Following endovascular treatment of the aneurysm, hydrocephalus was completely resolved, and the patient was symptom free. Conclusion: Although they are very rare, giant intracranial aneurysms must be kept in mind during the differential diagnosis of pediatric acute hydrocephalus cases. Hydrocephalus may resolve spontaneously after the successful treatment of these aneurysms.
Serum Exosomal MiR-92b-5p as a Potential Biomarker for Acute Heart Failure Caused by Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wu Tao , Chen Yichen , Du Yantao , Tao Jin , Zhou Zhong , Yang Zhuo
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases, especially for heart failure. However, there are few reports on serum exosomal miRNA biomarkers in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) due to Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods: We analyzed 3 different serum exosomal miRNAs (exo-miR-92b-5p, exo-miR-192-5p, and exo-miR-320a) in 43 patients with DCM-AHF and 34 healthy volunteers as a control group (CG) by using exosome separation followed by a quantitative reverse-transcript PCR assay. Exosomes were identified by electron microscopy, NaNOZS-90, and western blot analyses (CD63 and Hsp70). Results: Serum exo-miR-92b-5p expression was increased in DCM-AHF patients compared to the CG (Mann–Whitney U-test: P < 0.001). Exo-miR-92b-5p was positively related to age and some ultrasound data (Spearman’s correlation: exo-miR-92b-5p vs. age, r = 0.297, P = 0.014; exo-miR-92b-5p vs. left atrial diameter, r = 0.431, P < 0.001; exo-miR-92b-5p vs. left ventricular diastolic diameter, r = 0.419, P < 0.001; exo-miR-92b-5p vs. left ventricular systolic diameter, r = 0.446, P < 0.001). Exo-miR-92b-5p was also negatively related to other ultrasound data (Spearman’s correlation: exo-miR-92b-5p vs. left ventricular fraction shortening, r = -0.497, P < 0.001; exo-miR-92b-5p vs. left ventricular ejection fraction, r = -0.482, P < 0.001). The discrimination of DCM-AHF patients from the CG by exo-miR-92b-5p was demonstrated by a receiver operating characteristic curve (exo-miR-92b-5p: cutoff value = 0.0023, area under the curve = 0.808, P < 0.001, sensitivity = 62.8%, specificity = 85.3%). Conclusion: Serum exo-miR-92b-5p is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of DCM-AHF.
Quando o campo são os patrimônios: conhecimento e práticas científicas na esfera pública
Authors: Tamaso Izabela
Published: May 2018

Este artigo apresenta algumas notas que visam refletir sobre os desafios enfrentados por antropólogos/as que pesquisam em campo patrimonial. A narrativa breve de dois casos específicos visa apontar obstáculos que se apresentam nesse fazer antropológico e iluminar o caminho para (1) a reflexão sobre o papel dos antropólogos e da antropologia face aos dilemas e desafios que se delineiam em determinadas agendas de ações do Estado no caso dos patrimônios e (2) sobre que tipo de conhecimento tem sido produzido e como tem impactado questões de interesse público.
Conhecimento e práticas científicas na esfera pública: antropologia, gênero e sexualidade
Authors: Carrara Sérgio , França Isadora Lins , Simões Júlio Assis
Published: May 2018

Nas últimas décadas, gênero e sexualidade circunscreveram um inovador campo de crescente produção intelectual, tornando-se ao mesmo tempo foco significativo de incidência política para antropólogas e antropólogos no Brasil. Com vistas a iluminar disputas em jogo no contexto brasileiro atual, em que o conhecimento que produzimos vem sendo duramente atacado, revisitaremos alguns documentos de posicionamento público, divulgados pelo Comitê de Gênero e Sexualidade da Associação Brasileira de Antropologia (ABA) ao longo dos últimos anos. Propomos uma reflexão sobre o tipo de conhecimento que temos produzido sobre gênero e sexualidade, como ele tem impactado o debate público acerca dessas questões e como tem afetado os modos como nossa própria prática científica vem sendo socialmente percebida e avaliada.
A produção de conhecimento em tempos de conflito: o lugar das Ciências Sociais
Authors: Lima Márcia
Published: May 2018

O artigo procura fornecer uma breve análise sobre os desafios colocados para os intelectuais das Ciências Sociais brasileiras tendo em vista o cenário conservador em curso no país. O texto identifica dois processos importantes e correlatos. O primeiro envolve a restrição econômica e o crescimento do conservadorismo no Congresso e no Executivo, enquanto o outro envolve os resultados das mudanças produzidas pela redução das desigualdades sociais e raciais que alteraram o cenário e os atores envolvidos nos espaços de produção de conhecimento
A singularidade de Dadi no Teatro de Bonecos: um olhar na brincadeira do João Redondo no RN
Authors: Pereira Maria das Graças Cavalcanti
Published: May 2018

O presente artigo tem por objetivo evidenciar a singularidade da “calungueira” Dadi, ressaltando as transgressões realizadas por essa fazedora de bonecos num campo marcado pela genealogia historicamente masculina da tradição no Teatro de Bonecos do Rio Grande do Norte. Com 76 anos, Maria Ieda da Silva Medeiros – conhecida como Dadi –, constrói, veste, dá vida e movimento aos bonecos. A subversão dessa lógica na criação e no brincar perante bonecos e bonequeiros traduz seu diferencial ao provocar o riso nas pessoas apresentadas no decorrer da pesquisa. Para o arcabouço teórico foi utilizado o aporte teórico-metodológico das Ciências Sociais e da Antropologia, referências dos estudos culturais com abordagens sobre Memória e Tradição de autores como Halbwachs (1990) e Paul Zumthor (1993, 1997, 2005), entre outros, proporcionando ao trabalho uma atualidade relevante ao dialogar com diversos elementos e significados na produção de sentidos da singularidade da Mestra Dadi.
Práticas colaborativas em redes agroecológicas no agreste pernambucano
Authors: Silveira Pedro Castelo Branco , Rosas Júlia Costa
Published: May 2018

Este artigo aborda as contribuições das redes agroecológicas para os debates sobre o acesso aos conhecimentos tradicionais. O material empírico que trazemos é o de pesquisa no agreste pernambucano, sobre as redes de produção de conhecimento de que fazem parte agricultores que desenvolvem práticas agroecológicas. Neste campo, agricultores e organizações de assessoria estão envolvidos em uma série de experiências que se baseiam na incorporação de conhecimentos dos agricultores, de técnicos e em testes e experimentos, não necessariamente em bases científicas, de novas práticas agrícolas. O pano de fundo destas experiências é o fortalecimento de propostas ecopolíticas conhecidas como “convivência com o Semiárido” que se afastam de pacotes tecnológicos e se aproximam de modos criativos e colaborativos de praticar conhecimentos.
A caminho da Cidade das Onças: diálogos sobre sonhos no percurso para a Serra Grande-Metrópole dos Hupd’äh
Authors: Ramos Danilo Paiva
Published: May 2018

Nesse trabalho, procuro entender como meus interlocutores Hupd’äh relacionam conversas sobre sonhos e eventos ocorridos durante uma viagem que fizemos à /Paç Pög/, “Serra Grande”. A questão da relação entre sonhos e deslocamentos cósmicos vem sendo amplamente discutida tanto em estudos sobre os povos ameríndios, como para povos da melanésia. Chama a atenção o modo como tais itinerários oníricos levam a vivências em diversos planos cósmicos e também em cidades grandes, onde encontros, diálogos e interações com militares, missionários, comerciantes. Tomando como referência a teoria dialógica da enunciação de Bakhtin (1981) e a abordagem centrada no discurso de Urban (2000), procuro mostrar como, nas interações verbais entre os viajantes sobre sonhos, processos intersubjetivos de instituição de sentidos vão emaranhando as situações do percurso àquelas vividas oniricamente através de um modo específico de indexicalização. Em que medida a justaposição ontológica da Cidade das Onças que emerge desses diálogos sobre sonhos vai delineando uma percepção crítica quanto aos acelerados processos de mudança, expropriação e violência suscitados pelos cada vez mais constantes deslocamentos para a cidade de São Gabriel da Cachoeira (AM)?
Relações exteriores nas políticas indígenas em São Gabriel da Cachoeira: indigenização da prefeitura e incorporação de alteridades
Authors: Iubel Aline Fonseca
Published: May 2018

À luz de algumas considerações etnográficas sobre o ethos rionegrino de valorização e incorporação da alteridade, este artigo reflete sobre a avaliação feita pelos próprios índios a respeito da “gestão indígena” na prefeitura de São Gabriel da Cachoeira (AM). O argumento é que, sendo a prefeitura um elemento que implica em relações exteriores ao mundo indígena, a tentativa de indigenizá-la exigiria pelo menos dois procedimentos: a incorporação de relações e “elementos de alteridade”, e a incorporação de índios na prefeitura. Segundo alguns dos envolvidos nessa experiência, a gestão “não teria sido indígena”, pelo excesso de “gente de fora” e por uma certa “contaminação” do prefeito pela “política dos brancos”. Pergunta inescapável, no entanto, é referente ao quanto o próprio Estado suportaria uma dinâmica que implica na simultaneidade de diferenças intrínsecas às relações entre índios na região. A análise sugere que, antes de uma suposta incapacidade indígena para a gestão do Estado, há a incapacidade do Estado em lidar com/incorporar diferenças e alteridades.
Erotismo lésbico e experiência mística: uma leitura de Perfis Decadentes, de Judith Teixeira
Authors: Samyn Henrique Marques
Published: May 2018

Este artigo visa a apresentar uma leitura em profundidade de Perfis decadentes, poema publicado por Judith Teixeira em sua obra de estreia Decadência (1923). Só recentemente reconhecida como um vulto importante da literatura portuguesa, Judith Teixeira permaneceu esquecida por mais de sete décadas, tendo sido envolvida na polêmica em torno de Sodoma divinizada – ocasião em que Decadência foi acusada de imoralidade, devido a seu tratamento da temática lesboerótica. Argumento que, em Perfis decadentes, o erotismo lésbico está profundamente associado a uma experiência mística de cunho não-metafísico, enraizada em uma singular reconfiguração do corpo feminino. Isso permitiu a Judith Teixeira libertar-se das determinações moralizantes que, em sua época, cerceavam a expressão da lesbianidade, constituindo um discurso lírico emancipatório.
Falar em língua abolida: a tradução de Desglaç de Maria-Mercè Marçal para o português
Authors: Marsal Meritxell Hernando , Barboza Beatriz Regina Guimarães
Published: May 2018

Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar aspectos da poética e escrita ensaística de Maria-Mercè Marçal para abordar a interpretação e tradução de poemas seus dedicados às relações lésbicas, presentes no livro Desglaç (1989). Considerando sua importância tanto como poeta catalã e como pela qualidade de sua literatura, buscamos expor brevemente algumas das dimensões de suas reflexões e de seus versos sobre o tema, recorrendo aos seus próprios escritos (2004) e aos de Llüisa Julià (2001) para tal. Com essas leituras e outras mais, a tradução a quatro mãos entre acadêmicas, uma catalã e a outra brasileira, teve nessa prática um gesto que ecoa as próprias propostas feministas de Marçal. Desse modo, reconhece-se que este artigo pode ser tanto fértil por apresentar uma autora que trouxe à visibilidade a sexualidade lésbica através de uma complexa obra poética, quanto por ter oportunidade de relacionar seus critérios de tradução, tendo em vista seu diálogo com a tradição literária e as peculiaridades do catalão com relação ao português.
Narrativas de mulheres e da lesbianidade: discursos do "outro lugar"
Authors: Pontes Isadora Araújo
Published: May 2018

O objetivo deste trabalho é discutir a literatura escrita por mulheres de modo descentrado ao atribuído culturalmente ao feminino e à própria noção de mulher, que supõe, compulsoriamente, também a heterossexualidade. A leitura proposta tem como basilar o conceito de “outro lugar” (DE LAURETIS, 1994) para se pensar os discursos que habitam espaços dentro e fora da cultura dominante, o “ponto cego” implícito mas invisível, numa posição de contradição e resistência capaz de (re)construir e (re)inscrever o gênero. Inicialmente, busco demonstrar porque é aqui tensionada a noção de feminino, optando-se por pensar a literatura escrita por mulheres e sobre a lesbianidade como um discurso que provém desse espaço alternativo, das brechas do discurso hegemônico, ameaçando sua estabilidade. Em seguida, a obra Thérèse et Isabelle (2000) de Violette Leduc é aqui analisada para se pensar como esse discurso, cujo tema é não apenas uma experiência da mulher, mas a relação entre duas moças, se articula em um texto que explora o corpo desejante em sua pluralidade. Tal obra é apontada como pertencente ao “continuum lésbico” pensado por Adrienne Rich (2010), cuja própria existência já representa uma forma de ruptura do discurso hegemônico através das fendas que vão irrompendo dentro dele mesmo.
Self‐Reported Smoking, Urine Cotinine, and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Findings From the PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End‐Stage Disease) Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kunutsor Setor K. , Spee Julia M. , Kieneker Lyanne M. , Gansevoort Ron T. , Dullaart Robin P. F. , Voerman Albert‐Jan , Touw Daan J. , Bakker Stephan J. L.
Published: May 2018

Background

We aimed to compare the associations of smoking exposure as assessed by self‐reports and urine cotinine with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and determine the potential utility of cotinine for CVD risk prediction.

Methods and Results

Smoking status by self‐reports and urine cotinine were assessed at baseline in 4737 participants (mean age, 53 years) of the PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End‐Stage Disease) prospective study. Participants were classified as never, former, light current (≤10 cigarettes/day), and heavy current smokers (>10 cigarettes/day) according to self‐reports and analogous cutoffs for urine cotinine. During a median follow‐up of 8.5 years, 296 first CVD events were recorded. Compared with self‐reported never smokers, the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of CVD for former, light current, and heavy current smokers were 0.86 (0.64–1.17), 1.28 (0.83–1.97), and 1.80 (1.27–2.57) in multivariate analysis. Compared with urine cotinine–assessed never smokers, the corresponding hazard ratios of CVD for urine cotinine–assessed former, light current, and heavy current smokers were 1.70 (1.03–2.81), 1.62 (1.15–2.28), and 1.95 (1.39–2.73) respectively. The C‐index change on adding urine cotinine–assessed smoking status to a standard CVD risk prediction model (without self‐reported smoking status) was 0.0098 (0.0031–0.0164;
P
=0.004). The corresponding C‐index change for self‐reported smoking status was 0.0111 (0.0042–0.0179;
P
=0.002).

Conclusions

Smoking status as assessed by self‐reports and urine cotinine is associated with CVD risk; however, the nature of the association of urine cotinine with CVD is consistent with a dose‐response relationship. The ability of urine cotinine to improve CVD risk assessment is similar to that of self‐reported smoking status.
Declining Rate and Severity of Hospitalized Stroke From 2004 to 2013
Authors: Koton Silvia , Geva Diklah , Streifler Jonathan Y. , Harnof Sagi , Pougach Yoav , Azrilin Olga , Hadar Shoshana , Bornstein Natan M. , Tanne David
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose—

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and disability. We assessed trends in rates of hospitalized stroke and stroke severity on admission in a prospective national registry of stroke from 2004 to 2013.

Methods—

All 6693 acute ischemic strokes and intracerebral hemorrhage in the National Acute Stroke Israeli participants ≥20 years old were included. Data were prospectively collected in 2004 (February–March), 2007 (March–April), 2010 (April–May), and 2013 (March–April). Rates of hospitalized stroke from 2004 to 2013 were studied using generalized linear models assuming a quasi-Poisson error distribution with a log link. Stroke severity on admission was determined using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and trends were studied. Analysis was performed for stroke overall and by sex and age-group as well as by stroke type.

Results—

Estimated average annual rates of hospitalized stroke decreased from 24.9/10 000 in 2004 to 19.5/10 000 in 2013. The age and sex-adjusted rates ratio (95% confidence interval) for hospitalized stroke overall was 0.82 (0.76–0.89) for 2007, 0.71 (0.65–0.77) for 2010, and 0.72 (0.66–0.78) for 2013 compared with 2004. Severity on admission decreased over time: rates (95% confidence interval) of severe stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of ≥11) decreased from 27% (25%–29%) in 2004 to 19% (17%–21%) in 2013, whereas rates (95% confidence interval) of minor stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of ≤5) increased from 46% (44%–49%) in 2004 to 60% (57%–62%) in 2013 (
P
<0.0001). Findings were consistent by sex, age-group, and stroke type.

Conclusions—

Based on our national data, rates of hospitalized stroke and severity of stroke on admission have decreased from 2004 to 2013 overall and by stroke type, in men and women. Despite the observed declines in rates and severity, stroke continues to place a considerable burden to the Israeli health system.
Cost-Effectiveness of Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Versus Medical Therapy for Secondary Stroke Prevention
Authors: Leppert Michelle H. , Poisson Sharon N. , Carroll John D. , Thaler David E. , Kim Chong H. , Orjuela Karen D. , Ho P. Michael , Burke James F. , Campbell Jonathan D.
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose—

Percutaneous transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO closure) plus antiplatelet therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke compared with medical therapy alone in carefully selected patients after cryptogenic stroke presumed to be from paradoxical embolism. Our objective was to determine the cost-effectiveness of PFO closure after cryptogenic stroke compared with conservative medical management from a US healthcare payer perspective.

Methods—

A decision analytic Markov model estimated the 15-year cost and outcomes associated with the additional benefit of PFO closure compared with medical management alone. Model inputs were obtained from published literature, national databases, and a meta-analysis of 5 published randomized clinical trials on PFO closure. Health outcomes were measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALY). Cost-effectiveness used the incremental cost per QALY gained, whereas the net monetary benefit assumed a willingness to pay of $150 000/QALY. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses estimated the uncertainty of model results.

Results—

At 15 years, PFO closure compared with medical therapy alone improved QALY by 0.33 at a cost saving of $3568, representing an incremental net monetary benefit of $52 761 (95% interval −$8284 to $158 910). When the meta-analysis hazard ratio for stroke was increased to the 95% interval’s upper bound of 0.77, one-way sensitivity analyses suggested that PFO closure’s cost-effectiveness was $458 558 per additional QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis suggested cost-effectiveness in 90% of simulation runs.

Conclusions—

PFO closure for cryptogenic strokes in the right setting is cost-effective, producing benefit in QALYs gained and potential cost savings. However, patient selection remains vitally important as marginal declines in treatment effectiveness can dramatically affect cost-effectiveness.
Combining Spot Sign and Intracerebral Hemorrhage Score to Estimate Functional Outcome
Authors: Schneider Hauke , Huynh Thien J. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Dowlatshahi Dar , Rodriguez-Luna David , Silva Yolanda , Aviv Richard , Dzialowski Imanuel
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose—

The intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) score is the most commonly used grading scale for stratifying functional outcome in patients with acute ICH. We sought to determine whether a combination of the ICH score and the computed tomographic angiography spot sign may improve outcome prediction in the cohort of a prospective multicenter hemorrhage trial.

Methods—

Prospectively collected data from 241 patients from the observational PREDICT study (Prediction of Hematoma Growth and Outcome in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using the CT-Angiography Spot Sign) were analyzed. Functional outcome at 3 months was dichotomized using the modified Rankin Scale (0–3 versus 4–6). Performance of (1) the ICH score and (2) the spot sign ICH score—a scoring scale combining ICH score and spot sign number—was tested.

Results—

Multivariable analysis demonstrated that ICH score (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.2–4.8) and spot sign number (n=1: odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–7.4; n>1: odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–17.1) were independently predictive of functional outcome at 3 months with similar odds ratios. Prediction of functional outcome was not significantly different using the spot sign ICH score compared with the ICH score alone (spot sign ICH score area under curve versus ICH score area under curve:
P
=0.14).

Conclusions—

In the PREDICT cohort, a prognostic score adding the computed tomographic angiography–based spot sign to the established ICH score did not improve functional outcome prediction compared with the ICH score.
A common Bistorta was misidentified as a novel species in Fagopyrum (Polygonaceae): the confirmation of the taxonomic identify of F. hailuogouense by morphological and molecular evidences
Authors: JIN JINGWAN , LI BO , LI DERONG , CHEN SHAOFENG
Published: May 2018

A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the subfamily Polygonoideae (Polygonaceae) indicated that Fagopyrum hailuogouense is a member of Bistorta. Morphological investigations also confirmed that F. hailuogouense is identical to B. pergracilis which is a widely distributed species in E-Asia. F. hailuogouense is here proposed as a synonym (new synonymy) of Bistorta pergracilis. A lectotype for the name Bistorta pergracilis is designated here on a specimen preserved at K (iso lectotype at NY).
Optical Properties of Oilfield Wastewater and its Application in Measuring Oil Content
Authors: Qi Hanbing , Yang Lu , Hu Xinhao , Li Dong , Wang Qiushi , Wu Guozhong
Published: May 2018

Optical properties of oilfield wastewater play an important role in the on-line measurement of oil content. As an important parameter of optical properties, absorption coefficient is usually obtained by indirectly modeling transmittance spectra. In this work, transmittance spectra of oilfield wastewater in the wavelength range of 190–900 nm at normal incidence were measured by TU-1900 double beam ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer. The absorption coefficient of oilfield wastewater was obtained by a double thickness method, and the relationship between the oil content in oilfield wastewater and its absorption coefficient was studied. The results show that the transmittance spectra of oilfield wastewater decrease with the increase of oil content. The oil content of oilfield wastewater is found to correlate negatively with its transmittance. The oil content of oilfield wastewater and its absorption coefficient have a good fitting effect at 234 nm, and the fitting error of three order polynomial fitting is minimal, with a range of 0.02–5.39%, and the fitting accuracy is 0.9940.
The Danger of Relying on Database Spectra
Authors: Kiefer Johannes
Published: May 2018

With the availability of easy-to-use commercial instrumentation for infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy, the number of users is growing very fast. Even in labs in which no personnel with experience in spectroscopy is around, spectra can be recorded and analyzed. However, for an inexperienced person it is virtually impossible to check whether a spectrum is plausible. In this Note, it is demonstrated that even comparing an experimental spectrum with data from a database may lead to significant errors. The vibrational spectrum of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is presented as an example.
Synchronization control of complex dynamical networks with piecewise constant arguments
Authors: Yu Tianhu , Su Menglong
Published: May 2018

The pinning synchronization problem is investigated for complex dynamical networks with hybrid coupling via impulsive control. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, some novel synchronization criteria are derived and an impulsive pinning control law is proposed. By introducing a differential inequality for systems with piecewise constant arguments, it is not necessary to establish any relationship between the norms of the error states with or without piecewise constant arguments. Typical numerical examples are utilized to illustrate the validity and improvements as regards conservativeness of the theoretical results.
Adaptive interval type-2 fuzzy dynamic surface control for uncertain nonlinear systems with unknown asymmetric dead-zone input
Authors: Shahriari-kahkeshi Maryam , Rahmani Sanaz
Published: May 2018

In this study, an adaptive dynamic surface control (DSC) scheme based on the interval type-2 fuzzy systems is proposed for uncertain nonlinear systems with unknown asymmetric dead-zone input and unknown control gains. The dead-zone nonlinearity is represented as a time-varying system with a bounded disturbance. The proposed approach invokes the interval type-2 fuzzy system to approximate the unknown nonlinear dynamics that appears in the virtual and actual control inputs. Also, it proposes adaptive terms to compensate the effect of the disturbance-like term in the dead-zone constraint. Then, the DSC scheme is designed based on the interval type-2 fuzzy system and the dead-zone model. Adaptive laws are derived to tune the consequent parameters of the interval type-2 fuzzy system and the dead-zone model. Stability analysis of the proposed scheme shows that all the signals of the closed-loop system are uniformly ultimately bounded and the tacking error can be made arbitrary small by proper selection of the design parameters. The proposed scheme avoids the “explosion of complexity” and “singularity” problems, simultaneously. Furthermore, it can compensate the effect of the dead-zone constraint without any need to its parameters. The simulation and comparison results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Internationalized Framing in Social Movements against Mining in India and the Philippines
Authors: Borde Radhika , Rasch Elisabet Dueholm
Published: May 2018

There are several documented cases of indigenous peoples’ conflicts with mining companies, often for the reason that the land planned for mining is sacred or culturally significant to them. This article presents a comparative analysis of two specific anti-mining social movements in India and the Philippines that combined an emphasis on environmental protection with an emphasis on indigenous cultural rights. We show how the emphasis on indigeneity in these social movements played itself out in relation to globalized frames, as well as the other frames within which the movements were also situated.
Towards real-time 3D continuous occupancy mapping using Hilbert maps
Authors: Guizilini Vitor , Ramos Fabio
Published: May 2018

The ability to model the surrounding space and determine which areas are occupied is of key importance in many robotic applications, ranging from grasping and manipulation to path planning and obstacle avoidance. Occupancy modeling is often hindered by several factors, such as: real-time constraints, that require quick updates and access to estimates; quality of available data, that may contain gaps and partial occlusions; and memory requirements, especially for large-scale environments. In this work we propose a novel framework that elegantly addresses all these issues, by producing an efficient non-stationary continuous occupancy function that can be efficiently queried at arbitrary resolutions. Furthermore, we introduce techniques that allow the learning of individual features for different areas of the input space, that are better able to model its contained information and promote a higher-level understanding of the observed scene. Experimental tests were conducted on both simulated and real large-scale datasets, showing how the proposed framework rivals current state-of-the-art techniques in terms of computational speed while achieving a substantial decrease (of orders of magnitude) in memory requirements and demonstrating better interpolative powers, that are able to smooth out sparse and noisy information.
Who starts a self-managed superannuation fund and why?
Authors: Bird Ron , Foster F. Douglas , Gray Jack , Raftery Adrian M , Thorp Susan , Yeung Danny
Published: May 2018

Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) – small retirement savings funds with four or fewer members – now manage almost one-third of retirement savings in Australia, and serve over 1 million members. The number of SMSFs has increased to more than half a million in two decades, yet little is known about the reasons people start the funds and how they operate. We use a survey of more than 500 SMSF members and 500 large superannuation fund members to analyse why SMSF members commence and manage their own fund, compared to similar people who stay with a large fund. We find that control over investments and tax minimisation are the most common reasons for starting a SMSF, while satisfaction with large funds and unwillingness to take on the administrative burden of self-management are the most common reasons for not doing so. SMSF members do not show any greater financial skills than non-members, but they do display overconfidence, a higher risk tolerance and a more trusting attitude to financial professionals. Model results show that the majority of SMSF members start their funds at the suggestion of financial professionals. We also show that those who say they are thinking about starting a SMSF are different in significant ways from the eventual SMSF members, further evidence of the influence of the advice industry.
Bridging Hospital and Community Care for Homeless Adults with Mental Health Needs: Outcomes of a Brief Interdisciplinary Intervention
Authors: Stergiopoulos Vicky , Gozdzik Agnes , Nisenbaum Rosane , Durbin Janet , Hwang Stephen W. , O’Campo Patricia , Tepper Joshua , Wasylenki Don
Published: May 2018

Objective:

This study examines health and service use outcomes and associated factors among homeless adults participating in a brief interdisciplinary intervention following discharge from hospital.

Method:

Using a pre-post cohort design, 223 homeless adults with mental health needs were enrolled in the Coordinated Access to Care for the Homeless (CATCH) program, a 4- to 6-month interdisciplinary intervention offering case management, peer support, access to primary psychiatric care, and supplementary community services. Study participants were interviewed at program entry and at 3- and 6-month follow-up visits and assessed for health status, acute care service use, housing outcomes, mental health, substance use, quality of life, and their working alliance with service providers. Linear mixed models and generalized estimating equations were performed to examine outcomes longitudinally. Additional post hoc analyses evaluated differences between CATCH participants and a comparison group of homeless adults experiencing mental illness who received usual services over the same period.

Results:

In the pre-post analyses, CATCH participants had statistically significant improvements in mental and physical health status and reductions in mental health symptoms, substance misuse, and the number of hospital admissions. The strength of the working alliance between participants and their case manager was associated with reduced health care use and mental health symptoms. Post hoc analyses suggest that CATCH may be associated with statistically significant improvements in mental health symptoms in the study population.

Conclusions:

A brief interdisciplinary intervention may be a promising approach to improving health outcomes among homeless adults with unmet health needs. Further rigorous research is needed into the effectiveness of brief interventions following discharge from hospital.
Examination of the Relation Between PTSD Symptoms, Smartphone Feature Uses, and Problematic Smartphone Use
Authors: Contractor Ateka A. , Weiss Nicole H. , Elhai Jon D.
Published: May 2018

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are associated with addictive behaviors including problematic smartphone use (PSU). Drawing from existing theoretical models and empirical work, we examined the relation between PTSD symptoms, social/process-oriented smartphone feature uses, and PSU. Specifically, we examined the correlations between social/process-oriented smartphone feature uses with both PTSD symptom clusters (intrusions, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, alterations in arousal and reactivity) and PSU and the mediating role of social/process-oriented smartphone feature uses in the relation between PTSD symptom clusters and PSU. The current study used data from a sample of 347 community participants recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk platform. Correlation results indicated that process-oriented smartphone feature uses correlated significantly (positively) with all the PTSD symptom clusters and PSU. Further, mediation results indicated that process-oriented smartphone feature use significantly mediated the relationship between each PTSD symptom cluster and PSU. Beyond highlighting the role of process-oriented smartphone feature uses (e.g., watching videos/TV/movies, reading books/magazines, games) in the relation between PTSD symptoms and PSU, our findings suggest that efforts to reduce PSU among individuals with PTSD symptoms should integrate strategies for reducing process-oriented uses of smartphones.
Use of state sequence analysis for care pathway analysis: The example of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Roux Jonathan , Grimaud Olivier , Leray Emmanuelle
Published: May 2018

The concept of care pathways is increasingly being used to enhance the quality of care and to optimize the use of resources for health care. We here propose an innovative method in epidemiology that is derived from social sciences: state sequence analysis (SSA). This method takes into account the chronology of care consumption and allows for identification of specific patterns. A process for using SSA in the health area is proposed and discussed. The main steps are: data coding, measurement of dissimilarities between sequences (focusing on optimal matching methods and the choice of related costs), and application of a clustering method to obtain a typology of sequence patterns. As an example of its use in the health area, SSA was employed to analyse care pathways of a random sample of patients with multiple sclerosis. This sample has been selected from the main French healthcare database covering the period 2007 to 2013 ( n = 1 000). A five-cluster typology was obtained which allowed distinction of care consumption groups. Overall, about half of the patients had low care consumption, about one quarter had medium to high consumption, and another quarter had high consumption. We conclude that state sequence analysis is an innovative and flexible methodology that is worth considering in health care research.
Cox regression analysis with missing covariates via nonparametric multiple imputation
Authors: Hsu Chiu-Hsieh , Yu Mandi
Published: May 2018

We consider the situation of estimating Cox regression in which some covariates are subject to missing, and there exists additional information (including observed event time, censoring indicator and fully observed covariates) which may be predictive of the missing covariates. We propose to use two working regression models: one for predicting the missing covariates and the other for predicting the missing probabilities. For each missing covariate observation, these two working models are used to define a nearest neighbor imputing set. This set is then used to non-parametrically impute covariate values for the missing observation. Upon the completion of imputation, Cox regression is performed on the multiply imputed datasets to estimate the regression coefficients. In a simulation study, we compare the nonparametric multiple imputation approach with the augmented inverse probability weighted (AIPW) method, which directly incorporates the two working models into estimation of Cox regression, and the predictive mean matching imputation (PMM) method. We show that all approaches can reduce bias due to non-ignorable missing mechanism. The proposed nonparametric imputation method is robust to mis-specification of either one of the two working models and robust to mis-specification of the link function of the two working models. In contrast, the PMM method is sensitive to misspecification of the covariates included in imputation. The AIPW method is sensitive to the selection probability. We apply the approaches to a breast cancer dataset from Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program.
Trajectory control and random vibration control of nonlinear system with dielectric elastomer actuator
Authors: Tian Yanping , Wang Yong , Jin Xiaoling , Huang Zhilong
Published: May 2018

Dielectric elastomer actuators have gained extensive attention in scientific and industrial communities with the rapid development of soft robot technology. There still remain some questions on the control aspect of nonlinear system with dielectric elastomer actuator. The first is whether the soft actuator can successfully drive the primary structure to track an arbitrary prescribed trajectory. The second is how to suppress the random vibration around the equilibrium position when the primary structure is disturbed by external excitation. This article seeks the answers for these two questions. By directly solving the governing equation of motion, an open-loop control technique is designed to track a prescribed trajectory. The effectiveness of the trajectory tracking technique is investigated and the limitation is illustrated by the influence of inertia of the primary structure. Based on the stochastic averaging of energy envelope and stochastic dynamic programming principle, a clipped control strategy is proposed by slightly adjusting the voltage in real time to suppress the random vibration around the equilibrium position. The good effectiveness and high robustness of the clipped control strategy are verified numerically. This work may provide some guidelines for the control aspect of nonlinear systems with dielectric elastomer actuators.
Evaluating actuator distributions in simply supported truncated thin conical shell with embedded piezoelectric layers
Authors: Jamshidi Rasa , Jafari Ali A
Published: May 2018

In this investigation, distributed modal actuator forces of simply supported truncated conical shell embedded by a piezoelectric layer are studied. Piezoelectric layer is distributed on the conical shell surface as actuators. Three types of distributions are considered: longitudinal, circumferential, and diagonal distributions. First, electromechanical equations of the conical shell with embedded piezoelectric actuator layer are extracted. Then modal expansion method is used to define independent modal characteristics of the conical shell. For each kind of distribution, three case studies are considered and evaluated. Results showed that in the longitudinal and diagonal distributed actuator, membrane force in the longitudinal direction is the dominant force and in the circumferential distributed actuator, the membrane force in the circumferential direction is the dominant force. The effects of cone angle, piezoelectric thickness, and piezoelectric layer segmentation on modal forces of each distributed actuator are also studied. In circumferential distributed actuator, modal forces increase as the cone angle increases. This phenomenon in the longitudinal and diagonal distributed actuator is almost reversed. The piezoelectric layer segmentation effect on the modal forces distribution is also evaluated, and it showed that this phenomenon has a critical effect on the modal forces distribution.
Oronasal Transfixion Suture to Prevent Uplifted Nasal Floor Deformity in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: A 5-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Nakajima Yuta , Yuzuriha Shunsuke , Nagai Fumio , Fujita Kenya , Noguchi Masahiko
Published: May 2018

Objective:

In unilateral cleft lip and palate, the reconstructed nasal floor is sometimes uplifted regardless of the reconstructive method used. We used a 5-0 absorbable anchoring suture, the oronasal transfixion suture (ONT suture), to fasten the reconstructed nasal floor to the orbicularis oris muscle to prevent this deformity. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of the ONT suture.

Design:

Blind retrospective study of photography and chart review.

Setting:

Shinshu University Hospital, tertiary care, Nagano, Japan. Private practice.

Patients:

Ninety-three consecutive patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate who had undergone primary nasolabial repair in our department and affiliated hospitals between 1999 and 2011 participated in this study. Finally, 45 patients were included.

Interventions:

The ONT suture was put in place at the time of primary nasolabial repair.

Main Outcome Measure:

The height of the nasal floor was evaluated on submental view photographs at 5 years old.

Results:

The ONT suture was applied in 21 patients. The height of the nasal floor on the cleft side was significantly closer to that on the noncleft side with the ONT suture than without the ONT suture ( P = .008).

Conclusions:

The ONT suture is effective to prevent uplifted nasal floor deformity on the cleft side// in unilateral complete cleft lip and palate at the time of primary nasolabial repair.
Evaluation Science
Authors: Patton Michael Quinn
Published: May 2018

Culturally and politically science is under attack. The core consequence of perceiving and asserting evaluation as science is that it enhances our credibility and effectiveness in supporting the importance of science in our world and brings us together with other scientists to make common cause in supporting and advocating for science. Other consequences include communicating our role more clearly and credibly to those who value science. Viewing evaluation as science may affect how we are viewed, treated, and positioned in academia, government, and by funders and users of evaluation. The ramifications of evaluation science for evaluation’s status as a profession, branch of applied social science, discipline, and transdiscipline are reviewed. The conclusion offers implications, caveats, and cautions regarding the identity and practice of evaluation science.
Phosphorus flows on ships: Case study from the Baltic Sea
Authors: Wilewska-Bien Magda , Granhag Lena , Jalkanen Jukka-Pekka , Johansson Lasse , Andersson Karin
Published: May 2018

Material flow analysis is used to identify and quantify the flow of phosphorus (P) in ship-generated food waste and wastewater. Passenger, cruise, RoPax and cargo ships in the Baltic Sea were investigated in three scenarios: (1) if all waste is discharged to sea, (2) if all waste is disposed of ashore or (3) if the food waste fraction is disposed of ashore and wastewater is treated on-board. About 107 tonnes of P is generated annually in the waste streams, with highest contribution of approximately 62 tonnes (58%) from wastewater in the ship-category RoPax. Approximately 24 tonnes of P is contained in the food waste generated by the ships in the study. Forthcoming regulations over allowed nutrient concentrations in sewage will lead to 80% reduction in P from passenger ships and can reduce about 31 tonnes of P entering the Baltic Sea environment. If both sewage and grey water instead are offloaded in port reception facilities, about 76 tonnes of P-reduction to the sea can be reached. As most phosphorus recovery practices currently only are available on land it is recommended to direct the waste streams to port reception facilities for further treatment ashore.