bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal design of power generation equipment for autonomous underwater vehicle
Authors: Guo Fen , Song Baowei , Mao Zhaoyong , Tian Wenlong
Published: November 2018

Autonomous underwater vehicle with the ability to generate electricity is an effective solution for detecting the ocean. In this article, a vertical-axis current generator for underwater vehicle is designed. The blades used for power generation are attached to the surface of the underwater vehicle and can be freely deployed and closed so as not to affect the fluid performance of the underwater vehicle. Comparing the experimental data of an ordinary impeller with simulation data, the initial error of the experiment is obtained. Through the experimental method with adjusting the spread angle and blade curvature, the best configuration of the impeller was eventually obtained. When the radian and expansion angle are both set to 120°, the maximum power of 0.599 W can be provided.
Reliability optimization of systems with component improvement cost based on importance measure
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhao Jiang-bin , Jiang Zhong-yu , Zhang Shuai
Published: November 2018

The reliability optimization problem arises along with the increasing demands for products’ performance in practical engineering. Importance measures are capable of selecting critical components to gain the greatest improvement in system reliability with the constraint of maintenance cost. The characteristics of importance measure for four kinds of typical systems are discussed to illustrate the usage of importance measure in the practical reliability optimization. A reliability optimization model is eventually established and importance measure–based genetic algorithms are developed to solve the reliability optimization problem efficiently. Finally, two numerical experiments are implemented based on the smoke alarm systems. Experiment I is to illustrate the effectiveness of the importance measure–based genetic algorithms compared with standard genetic algorithm. Finally, the relationship between the order of component reliability improvement and the component parameters is analyzed in Experiment II.
An effective multivariate control chart for detecting small mean shifts using support vector data description
Authors: Xia Beixin , Jian Zheng , Liu Lei , Li Long
Published: November 2018

Conventional multivariate cumulative sum control charts are more sensitive to small shifts than [Formula: see text] control charts, but they cannot get the knowledge of manufacturing process through the learning of in-control data due to the characteristics of their own structures. To address this issue, a modified multivariate cumulative sum control chart based on support vector data description for multivariate statistical process control is proposed in this article, which is named [Formula: see text] control chart. The proposed control chart will have both advantages of the multivariate cumulative sum control charts and the support vector data description algorithm, namely, high sensitivities to small shifts and learning abilities. The recommended values of some key parameters are also given for a better application. Based on these, a bivariate simulation experiment is conducted to evaluate the performance of the [Formula: see text] control chart. A real industrial case illustrates the application of the proposed control chart. The results also show that the [Formula: see text] control chart is more sensitive to small shifts than other traditional control charts (e.g. [Formula: see text] and multivariate cumulative sum) and a D control chart based on support vector data description.
Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy using Rotarex catheter in peripheral artery occlusion diseases – Experience from a single center
Authors: Liu Jinbo , Li Tianrun , Huang Wei , Zhao Na , Liu Huan , Zhao Hongwei , Wang Hongyu
Published: November 2018

Aims

The aim of this retrospective single-center study was to analyze the immediate results, failures and complications of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy using the Rotarex catheter in the treatment of peripheral artery occlusion.

Methods

In this study, we identified a total of 42 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy using Rotarex catheter at our institution. Procedural outcomes and complications were evaluated.

Results

The cohort consisted of 42 patients (31 men and 11 women), aged 32–93 years (median 68 years). The number of external iliac artery occlusion was 5, with common femoral artery 5, superficial femoral artery 28, femoral profound artery 2, popliteal artery 12, and brachial artery 2. The causes of occlusion were thrombosis (29 cases, 69%), embolism (6 cases, 14%), and reocclusion after percutaneous intervention (7 cases, 17%). We achieved primary success in 100% of the patients with mechanical thrombectomy, associated with balloon angioplasty (40/42, 95.2%) and stent deployment (16/42, 38.1%). The median time of the interventional procedure was 145 min. We encountered lower percentage of distal embolization (2.4%) and artery dissection (2.4%) during usage of Rotarex catheter in our cohort.

Conclusions

Rotarex thrombectomy was a useful tool to recanalize occluded vessels with additional treatment such as balloon angioplasty or stent deployment, with a low rate of failures and complications. And prospective studies in this issue are recommended.
Design and manufacturing of shin pads with multi-material additive manufactured features for football players: A comparison with commercial shin pads
Authors: Cazón-Martín Aitor , Iturrizaga-Campelo Macarena , Matey-Muñoz Luis , Rodríguez-Ferradas María Isabel , Morer-Camo Paz , Ausejo-Muñoz Sergio
Published: November 2018

Shin pads are part of the mandatory equipment footballers must wear so as to prevent lesions. Most players wear commercially available shin pads made from a variety of common materials (polypropylene or polyethylene) and high-resistance materials (glass fibre, carbon fibre or Kevlar) using traditional manufacturing techniques. Additive manufacturing was used years ago to deliver customised rigid shin pads, but they did not offer any significant advantage in terms of materials or design compared to traditional shin pads. This project analyses a novel approach to the design and manufacture of shin pads for football players that combines existing digitisation tools, lattice structures and a multi-material additive manufacturing device. A total of 24 different additive manufacturing geometries were evaluated using a customised rig where a 1-kg impactor was released from several heights (100–400 mm). The impact acceleration, the transmitted force to the leg and penetration were calculated. Results were compared against two commercially available shin pads. Results show that two of the additive manufacturing specimens tested at the highest drop height had lower impact accelerations than commercial shin pads. They had an acceleration reduction between 42% and 68% with respect to the commercial shin pads. Regarding the penetration, the improvement achieved with additive manufacturing specimens ranged from 13% to 32%, while the attenuation and the contact times were similar.
Untrustworthy News and the Media as “Enemy of the People?” How a Populist Worldview Shapes Recipients’ Attitudes toward the Media
Authors: Fawzi Nayla
Published: November 2018

A common feature among populist parties and movements is their negative perspective on the media’s role in society. This paper analyzes whether citizens with a populist worldview also hold negative attitudes toward the media. From a theoretical point of view, the paper shows that both the anti-elite, anti-outgroup and people centrism dimension of populism contradicts the normative expectations toward the media. For instance, the assumption of a homogeneous people and the exclusion of a societal outgroup is incompatible with a pluralistic media coverage. The results of a representative survey in Germany predominantly confirmed a relation between a populist worldview and negative media attitudes. However, the three populism dimensions influenced the evaluations not in a consistent way. A systematic relation could only be found for antielite populism, which is negatively associated with all analyzed media evaluations such as media trust or satisfaction with the media’s performance. This indicates that in a populist worldview, the media are perceived as part of a detached elite that neglects the citizens’ interests. However, the results confirm the assumption of a natural ally between populism and tabloid or commercial media. Individuals with people centrist and anti-outgroup attitudes have higher trust in these media outlets.
Weathering the Storm: Conditional Effects of Natural Disasters on Retrospective Voting in Gubernatorial Elections—A Replication and Extension
Authors: Stout Kevin R.
Published: November 2018

Previous research shows that uncontrollable events like natural disasters hinder incumbent leaders’ chances at re-election, but also suggests that competent responses to such crises can benefit incumbents. Replicating and extending the work of other researchers, I show that disasters are informative events in retrospective voting where leaders have the opportunity to demonstrate competence and be rewarded by voters while incapable leaders face punishment for their failure to respond to such a crisis. Governors see greater electoral rewards for demonstrating competence when disaster damage is high as well as when the political situation is more difficult. In the context of a leader’s decision-making process, this reveals a complex and conditional relationship between voters and the leaders they are evaluating.
Populist hangover: Lessons from Southeast Asia
Authors: Matijasevich David
Published: November 2018

This article explores the concept of “populist hangover” in the context of Southeast Asia. Its intention is to provide analysts of populism with a series of lessons derived from the Southeast Asian experience. “Populist hangover” is the notion that, though democrats bemoan the arrival of the populist due to the use of popular support to dismantle effective democratic institutions, the departure of the populist does not return the polity to its previous institutional standard. The primary reason for this is the fact that populism’s emergence is both a cause and symptom of social/political exclusion. As a result, the departure of the populist prior to the resolution of this exclusion creates social/political circumstances not conducive to a “return to normal”, democratic or otherwise. The article uses two “populist hangover” cases to support its theoretical argument – the “short hangover” of the Thai military’s political re-emergence and the “long hangover” of the continued hegemonic authoritarian rule of the People’s Action Party in Singapore.
Iatrogenic Bowel Injury Following Minimally Invasive Lateral Approach to the Lumbar Spine: A Retrospective Analysis of 3 Cases
Authors: Rustagi Tarush , Yilmaz Emre , Alonso Fernando , Schmidt Cameron , Oskouian Rod , Tubbs R. Shane , Chapman Jens R. , Hopkins Sarah , Schildhauer Thomas A. , Fisahn Christian
Published: November 2018

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

Anterior approaches are often used during lumbar interbody fusion procedures. Visceral injuries (bowel injuries) are rare but represent a primary risk during anterior approaches to the lumbar spine. Left untreated, these injuries can result in significant complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the presentation and management of bowel injury cases following anterior approaches to the lumbar spine to raise the surgeon’s awareness of this rare complication.

Methods:

All direct anterior, oblique anterior, and transpsoas lumbar interbody fusion surgeries performed at our institution between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Charts were screened for cases requiring return to the operating room owing to a suspected bowel injury and details of the case were extracted for illustrative purposes.

Results:

A total of 775 anterior lumbar surgeries were conducted at a single tertiary care institution between July 2012 and June 2017. A total of 590 transpsoas lumbar interbody fusion (TPIF) surgeries were performed. Four patients, each having undergone TPIF, were suspected of bowel injury and underwent an exploratory laparotomy. At surgery, 3 patients were confirmed to have a bowel injury, giving a procedure-specific incidence of 0.51% and overall incidence of 0.39%. Among the 3 confirmed bowel injury cases, average delay between surgery and visceral injury diagnosis was 4.7 days (range 3-7 days).

Conclusions:

We noted abdominal pain, distention, and fever as the most common findings in the setting of a visceral injury. A high index of suspicion and computed tomography imaging remain critical for identifying postoperative bowel injuries.
Risk Factors for Concomitant Collateral Ligament Injuries in Children and Adolescents With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears
Authors: Lee R. Jay , Margalit Adam , Nduaguba Afamefuna , Gunderson Melissa A. , Ganley Theodore J.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Risk factors for concomitant ligament injuries (CLIs) of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in children and adolescents with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are unknown.

Purpose:

To determine whether body mass index (BMI), sex, age, and injury mechanism are associated with CLIs in children and adolescents with ACL tears and whether CLIs are associated with meniscal and chondral injuries and a delay to surgery.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We reviewed the records of patients aged ≤18 years with ACL tears from 2009 through 2013 for sex, age, height, weight, CLI, injury mechanism, intra-articular injury, and time to surgery. Patients were assigned to groups according to the presence of a CLI (CLI group) compared with the presence of an isolated ACL tear (ACL group). BMI was categorized as underweight, normal weight, or overweight/obese. The older group was defined as age ≥14 years for girls and ≥16 years for boys. Logistic regression, Mann-Whitney U tests, and chi-square tests were performed (alpha = 0.05).

Results:

We included 509 patients (267 girls) with a mean age of 15 years (range, 6-18 years) at the time of injury. There were 396 patients (78%) in the ACL group and 113 patients (22%) in the CLI group (90 with MCL, 11 with LCL, and 12 with both MCL and LCL injuries). Groups had similar proportions of overweight/obese patients ( P = .619) and girls ( P = .104). Older age (odds ratio [OR], 2.0 [95% CI, 1.3-3.3]) and contact injuries (OR, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.4-3.4]) were associated with CLIs. The CLI group had a higher proportion of chondral injuries ( P = .001) but not meniscal injuries ( P = .295) and presented to surgery earlier than the ACL group ( P = .002).

Conclusion:

Older age and contact injuries were associated with CLIs in children and adolescents with ACL tears, whereas BMI category and sex were not. CLIs were associated with a higher proportion of chondral injuries but not meniscal injuries and were not associated with a delay to surgery.
Nurses’ Perception of a Tailored Web-Based Intervention for the Self-Management of Pain After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Martorella Geraldine , Graven Lucinda , Schluck Glenna , Bérubé Mélanie , Gélinas Céline
Published: November 2018

Background

Cardiac surgeries rank among the most frequent surgical procedures and present a risk of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP). A continuum approach is required to prevent the development of CPSP. As a first step, a tailored web-based intervention was developed and successfully tested to tackle pain management during hospitalization. Before proceeding to further development, preliminary acceptability of the intervention including the postdischarge phase must be evaluated.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine nurses’ perception of a tailored Web-based intervention for pain management in the early recovery phase. The objectives were to evaluate intervention’s acceptability and to identify ways to enhance its acceptability.

Methods

A parallel mixed methods approach was used to assess the acceptability of the intervention in the early recovery phase (first month after surgery).

Results

In total, 249 participants completed the online survey and 10 participants were individually interviewed. Overall, the intervention was rated as acceptable. No difference was found in acceptability ratings by demographics. The intervention was rated as appropriate to very much appropriate by 79% of participants. Although nurses seemingly would recommend it to their patients, they did not perceive that their patients would be as highly willing to use it. Interviews highlighted several strengths of the intervention, such as postoperative pain awareness, customization of content, and flexible dosage and schedule. However, the main weakness was related to patient adherence. Opting for a hybrid format and integrating individual preferences could enhance the coaching experience.

Conclusion

The innovative intervention was judged as acceptable for pain management in the early recovery phase. Considering that the intervention has demonstrated positive effects on the pain experience in the first week after cardiac surgery, it seems logical to explore its potential impact after discharge on the transition to CPSP.
TNF Inhibitor-Induced Psoriasis: Proposed Algorithm for Treatment and Management
Authors: Li Sara Jiayang , Perez-Chada Lourdes M. , Merola Joseph F.
Published: November 2018

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)-targeted therapies have expanded the therapeutic options for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and have significantly improved patients’ quality of life. Paradoxically, anti-TNF-α agents may induce psoriatic eruptions or worsen preexisting psoriatic skin disease. Currently, there is no standard approach for the management of TNF inhibitor-induced psoriasis. Here, we conduct a literature review on TNF inhibitor-induced psoriasis and introduce a novel treatment algorithm for maintaining otherwise effective anti-TNF therapy versus switching to a different class as appropriate in the management of patients with IBD, RA, psoriasis, or PsA.
Drug-drug interactions in an era of multiple anticoagulants: a focus on clinically relevant drug interactions
Authors: Vazquez Sara R.
Published: November 2018

Oral anticoagulants are commonly prescribed but high risk to cause adverse events. Skilled drug interaction management is essential to ensure safe and effective use of these therapies. Clinically relevant interactions with warfarin include drugs that modify cytochrome 2C9, 3A4, or both. Drugs that modify p-glycoprotein may interact with all direct oral anticoagulants, and modifiers of cytochrome 3A4 may interact with rivaroxaban and apixaban. Antiplatelet agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and serotonergic agents, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, can increase risk of bleeding when combined with any oral anticoagulant, and concomitant use should be routinely assessed. New data on anticoagulant drug interactions are available almost daily, and therefore, it is vital that clinicians regularly search interaction databases and the literature for updated management strategies. Skilled drug interaction management will improve outcomes and prevent adverse events in patients taking oral anticoagulants.
Current opinions for the management of asthma associated with ear, nose and throat comorbidities
Authors: Tiotiu Angelica , Plavec Davor , Novakova Silviya , Mihaicuta Stefan , Novakova Plamena , Labor Marina , Bikov Andras
Published: November 2018

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) comorbidities are common in patients with asthma and are frequently associated with poorer asthma outcomes. All these comorbidities are “treatable traits” in asthma. Identification and management of these disorders may spare medication usage and contribute to improved asthma control and quality of life, and a decrease in exacerbation rates.

This review summarises recent data about the prevalence, clinical impact and treatment effects of ENT comorbidities in asthma including allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyposis, aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, obstructive sleep apnoea and vocal cord dysfunction.

Many of these comorbidities are possible to be managed by the pulmonologist, but the collaboration with the ENT specialist is essential for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis or vocal cord dysfunction. Further rigorous research is needed to study the efficacy of comorbidity treatment to improve asthma outcomes, in particular with the development of biotherapies in severe asthma that can also be beneficial in some ENT diseases.
Risk factors for mortality and mortality rates in interstitial lung disease patients in the intensive care unit
Authors: Huapaya Julio A. , Wilfong Erin M. , Harden Christopher T. , Brower Roy G. , Danoff Sonye K.
Published: November 2018

Data on interstitial lung disease (ILD) outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU) is of limited value due to population heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to examine risk factors for mortality and ILD mortality rates in the ICU.

We performed a systematic review using five databases. 50 studies were identified and 34 were included: 17 studies on various aetiologies of ILD (mixed-ILD) and 17 on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In mixed-ILD, elevated APACHE score, hypoxaemia and mechanical ventilation are risk factors for mortality. No increased mortality was found with steroid use. Evidence is inconclusive on advanced age. In IPF, evidence is inconclusive for all factors except mechanical ventilation and hypoxaemia. The overall in-hospital mortality was available in 15 studies on mixed-ILD (62% in 2001–2009 and 48% in 2010–2017) and 15 studies on IPF (79% in 1993–2004 and 65% in 2005–2017). Follow-up mortality rate at 1 year ranged between 53% and 100%.

Irrespective of ILD aetiology, mechanical ventilation is associated with increased mortality. For mixed-ILD, hypoxaemia and APACHE scores are also associated with increased mortality. IPF has the highest mortality rate among ILDs, but since 1993 the rate appears to be declining. Despite improving in-hospital survival, overall mortality remains high.
Calcium release and physical properties of modified carbonate apatite cement as pulp capping agent in dental application
Authors: Zakaria Myrna Nurlatifah , Cahyanto Arief , El-Ghannam Ahmed
Published: November 2018

Background

Carbonate apatite (CO
3
Ap) and silica-calcium phosphate composite (SCPC) are bone substitutes with good prospect for dental application. SCPC creates a hydroxyapatite surface layer and stimulate bone cell function while, CO
3
Ap induce apatite crystal formation with good adaptation providing good seal between cement and the bone. Together, these materials will add favorable properties as a pulp capping material to stimulate mineral barrier and maintain pulp vitality. The aim of this study is to investigate modification of CO
3
Ap cement combined with SCPC, later term as CO
3
Ap-SCPC cement (CAS) in means of its chemical (Calcium release) and physical properties (setting time, DTS and pH value).

Methods

The study consist of three groups; group 1 (100% calcium hydroxide, group 2 CO
3
Ap (60% DCPA: 40% vaterite, and group 3 CAS (60% DCPA: 20% vaterite: 20% SCPC. Distilled water was employed as a solution for group 1, and 0.2 mol/L Na
3
PO
4
used for group 2 and group 3.

Samples were evaluated with respect to important properties for pulp capping application such as pH, setting time, mechanical strength and calcium release evaluation.

Results

The fastest setting time was in CO
3
Ap cement group without SCPC, while the addition of 20% SCPC slightly increase the pH value but did not improved the cement mechanical strength, however, the mechanical strength of both CO
3
Ap groups were significantly higher than calcium hydroxide. All three groups released calcium ions and had alkaline pH. Highest pH level, as well as calcium released level, was in the control group.

Conclusion

The CAS cement had good mechanical and acceptable chemical properties for pulp capping application compared to calcium hydroxide as a gold standard. However, improvements and in vivo studies are to be carried out with the further development of this material.
Reverse time migration via frequency-adaptive multiscale spatial grids
Authors: Cho Yongchae , Gibson, Jr. Richard L.
Published: November 2018

Reverse time migration (RTM) is widely used because of its ability to recover complex geologic structures. However, RTM also has a drawback in that it requires significant computational cost. In RTM, wave modeling accounts for the largest part of the computing cost for calculating forward- and backward-propagated wavefields before applying an imaging condition. For this reason, we have applied a frequency-adaptive multiscale spatial grid to enhance the efficiency of the wave simulations. To implement wave modeling for different values of the spatial grid interval, we apply a model reduction technique, the generalized multiscale finite-element method (GMsFEM), which solves local spectral problems on a fine grid to simulate wave propagation on a coarser grid. We can enhance the speed of computation without sacrificing accuracy by using coarser grids for lower frequency waves, while applying a finer grid for higher frequency waves. In the proposed method, we can control the size of the coarse grid and level of heterogeneity of the wave solutions to tune the trade-off between speedup and accuracy. As we increase the expected level of complexity of the wave solutions, the GMsFEM wave modeling can capture more detailed features of waves. After computing the forward and backward wavefield on the coarse grid, we reproject the coarse wave solutions to the fine grid to construct the RTM gradient image. Although wave solutions are computed on a coarse grid, we still obtain the RTM images without reducing the image resolution by projecting coarse wave solutions to the fine grid. We determine the efficiency of the proposed imaging method using the Marmousi-2 model. We compare the RTM images using GMsFEM with a fixed coarse mesh and a multiple frequency-adaptive coarse meshes to indicate the image quality and computational speed of the new approach.
An improved method to estimate Q based on the logarithmic spectrum of moving peak points
Authors: Liu Yanli , Li Zhenchun , Yang Guoquan , Liu Qiang
Published: November 2018

The quality factor ([Formula: see text]) is an important parameter for measuring the attenuation of seismic waves. Reliable [Formula: see text] estimation and stable inverse [Formula: see text] filtering are expected to improve the resolution of seismic data and deep-layer energy. Many methods of estimating [Formula: see text] are based on an individual wavelet. However, it is difficult to extract the individual wavelet precisely from seismic reflection data. To avoid this problem, we have developed a method of directly estimating [Formula: see text] from reflection data. The core of the methodology is selecting the peak-frequency points to linear fit their logarithmic spectrum and time-frequency product. Then, we calculated [Formula: see text] according to the relationship between [Formula: see text] and the optimized slope. First, to get the peak frequency points at different times, we use the generalized S transform to produce the 2D high-precision time-frequency spectrum. According to the seismic wave attenuation mechanism, the logarithmic spectrum attenuates linearly with the product of frequency and time. Thus, the second step of the method is transforming a 2D spectrum into 1D by variable substitution. In the process of transformation, we only selected the peak frequency points to participate in the fitting process, which can reduce the impact of the interference on the spectrum. Third, we obtain the optimized slope by least-squares fitting. To demonstrate the reliability of our method, we applied it to a constant [Formula: see text] model and the real data of a work area. For the real data, we calculated the [Formula: see text] curve of the seismic trace near a well and we get the high-resolution section by using stable inverse [Formula: see text] filtering. The model and real data indicate that our method is effective and reliable for estimating the [Formula: see text] value.
“Destabilized Perception”
Authors: Coley Rob
Published: November 2018

The formerly dissident status of the essay film has, in recent years, been exchanged for a great deal of favorable attention both inside and outside academia. In the more overly moralistic commentary on the form, the contemporary essay film is submitted as a tactical response to a surfeit of audiovisual media, to an era in which most of us have become both consumers and producers of a digital deluge. The work of Adam Curtis is notably absent from these ongoing debates. Yet Curtis is far from an underground figure—he has been making essayistic films for the BBC for more than twenty years and was the first to produce work directly for the iPlayer platform. Using archival images to examine the present, his films produce counterintuitive connections and abrupt collisions that supplant the authority of narrative causality for a precarious network of associations and linkages. This article treats Curtis’s recent body of work diagnostically. It argues that, quite apart from any promise of escape or deliverance, the aesthetic form of his work actively inhabits the rhythms and vectors of contemporary media. For Curtis, the media-technological conditions of the twenty-first century provoke a crisis that is both political and epistemological, one in which sensemaking can no longer claim to take place at a distance from the infrastructure that mediates such processes but is instead thoroughly and inescapably immanent to it, a situation that prevents contact with the outside. His films are about what he calls “destabilized perception,” but importantly they are also a function of this condition, one that in turn demands a shift in how we conceive the essay film in the twenty-first century.
Interrogating Innovation
Authors: Davies Sarah R.
Published: November 2018

The maker movement has risen to recent public prominence, imagined by governments, industry, and educators as leading to economic growth. This article examines this movement through analysis of the figure of the hacker and the way in which scientific citizenship is represented through it. Hacking and making’s widely claimed salience to public policy, education, and social enterprise has been enabled by a public imagination of hackers as ideal (scientific) citizens. By using political theory concerning the role and value of silence in citizenship, the article explores what is rendered other through this promotion of the figure of the hacker, suggesting that practices of care, watching and waiting, thinking and reflecting, and sitting with are all valuable aspects of citizenship that are elided in contemporary accounts. The argument has implications for the maker movement, wider conceptions of scientific citizenship, and public imaginations of innovation: by focusing on the “noise” of active participation and personal responsibility, we miss the “silence” of other ways of being.
AMGSEFLamide, a member of a broadly conserved peptide family, modulates multiple neural networks inHomarus americanus
Authors: Dickinson Patsy S. , Dickinson Evyn S. , Oleisky Emily R. , Rivera Cindy D. , Stanhope Meredith E. , Stemmler Elizabeth A. , Hull J. Joe , Christie Andrew E.
Published: November 2018

Recent genomic/transcriptomic studies have identified a novel peptide family whose members share the carboxyl terminal sequence –GSEFLamide. However, the presence/identity of the predicted isoforms of this peptide group have yet to be confirmed biochemically, and no physiological function has yet been ascribed to any member of this peptide family. To determine the extent to which GSEFLamides are conserved within the Arthropoda, we searched publicly accessible databases for genomic/transcriptomic evidence of their presence. GSEFLamides appear to be highly conserved within the Arthropoda, with the possible exception of the Insecta, in which sequence evidence was limited to the more basal orders. One crustacean in which GSEFLamides have been predicted using transcriptomics is the lobster, Homarus americanus. Expression of the previously published transcriptome-derived sequences was confirmed by RT-PCR of brain and eyestalk ganglia cDNAs; mass spectral analyses confirmed the presence of all six of the predicted GSEFLamide isoforms, IGSEFLamide, MGSEFLamide, AMGSEFLamide, VMGSEFLamide, ALGSEFLamide, and AVGSEFLamide, in Homarus brain extracts. AMGSEFLamide, of which there are multiple copies in the cloned transcripts, was the most abundant isoform detected in the brain. Because the GSEFLamides are present in the lobster nervous system, we hypothesized that they might function as neuromodulators, as is common for neuropeptides. We thus asked whether AMGSEFLamide modulates the rhythmic outputs of the cardiac ganglion and the stomatogastric ganglion. Physiological recordings showed that AMGSEFLamide potently modulates the motor patterns produced by both ganglia, suggesting that the GSEFLamides may serve as important and conserved modulators of rhythmic motor activity in arthropods.
Recent advances in the management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lam W. K. Jacky , Chan Jason Y. K.
Published: November 2018

Over the last few years, certain areas in the management nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) that have an impact on the care of these patients have evolved, particularly with regard to liquid biopsies, minimally invasive surgery, and advances in chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Beyond its proven role in the diagnostics, surveillance, and treatment of NPC, liquid biopsy with plasma Epstein–Barr virus DNA in the screening of high-risk populations for NPC is strongly supported by recent evidence. Surgery of the nasopharynx is reserved for locally recurrent NPC, and in recent years there have been great strides in minimally invasive techniques with survival rates similar to those of open techniques in treating NPC. Induction chemotherapy in a recent pooled analysis was shown to be superior to concurrent chemotherapy alone for locoregionally advanced NPC. Finally, immunotherapy with a PD-1 inhibitor in NPC has been shown to have 1-year overall survival rates comparable to those of other patients with heavily pre-treated metastatic or recurrent NPC. In this commentary, we discuss these recent advances and their potential in the clinical management of patients with NPC.
A thermodynamic description for physiological transmembrane transport
Authors: Herrera-Valdez Marco Arieli
Published: November 2018

A general formulation for both passive and active transmembrane transport is derived from basic thermodynamical principles. The derivation takes into account the energy required for the motion of molecules across membranes, and includes the possibility of modeling asymmetric flow. Transmembrane currents can then be described by the general model in the case of electrogenic flow. As it is desirable in new models, it is possible to derive other well known expressions for transmembrane currents as particular cases of the general formulation. For instance, the conductance-based formulation for current turns out to be a linear approximation of the general formula for current. Also, under suitable assumptions, other formulas for current based on electrodiffusion, like the constant field approximation by Goldman, can also be recovered from the general formulation. The applicability of the general formulations is illustrated first with fits to existing data, and after, with models of transmembrane potential dynamics for pacemaking cardiocytes and neurons. The general formulations presented here provide a common ground for the biophysical study of physiological phenomena that depend on transmembrane transport.
Financing Agriculture in Nigeria through Agricultural Extension Services of Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs)
Authors: Inegbedion Henry , Obadiaru Eseosa , Obasaju Barnabas , Asaleye Abiola , Lawal Adedoyin
Published: November 2018

The ADPs were designed in response to a fall in agricultural productivity and hence a concern to sustain domestic food supplies. The study examined “Financing Agriculture in Nigeria through Agricultural Extension Services of Agricultural Development Programmes.” It sought to ascertain the extent to which agricultural extension services of the agricultural development programmes have impacted the financing of agriculture in six selected local government areas in Edo South senatorial district, Nigeria using a sample of 120 respondents. Stratified random sampling was used to select the respondents. Interview schedule served as the research instrument. The research data were analyzed using t-test and Pearson correlation, which served as the inferential statistics. The research findings showed that the extension services of ADP have impacted significantly on crop development in the selected communities but have not had significant impact on employment creation and the development of infrastructural facilities. The study also revealed that there was no significant difference between the implementation of the projects in the selected communities, as revealed by the correlation test. On the basis of the research findings, the need for a complete redesign of the project to ensure that it achieves its stated goals as well as ensure proper monitoring of its implementation were suggested, among others.
Behavioural and emotional issues among primary school pupils with congenital colour vision deficiency in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: A case-control study
Authors: Thomas Belina Anne William M , Kaur Sharanjeet , Hairol Mohd Izzuddin , Ahmad Mahadir , Wee Lei Hum
Published: November 2018

Background: Congenital colour vision deficiency (CCVD) is an untreatable disorder which has lifelong consequences. Increasing use of colours in schools has raised concern for pupils with CCVD. This case-control study was conducted to compare behavioural and emotional issues among age, gender and class-matched pupils with CCVD and normal colour vision (NCV).

Methods: A total of 1732 pupils from 10 primary schools in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur were screened, of which 46 pupils (45 males and 1 female) had CCVD. Mothers of male pupils with CCVD (n=44) and NCV (n=44) who gave consent were recruited to complete a self-administered parent report form, Child Behaviour Checklist for Ages 4-18 (CBCL/ 4-18) used to access behavioural and emotional problems. The CBCL/ 4-18 has three broad groupings: Internalising, Externalising and Total Behaviour Problems. Internalising Problems combines the Withdrawn, Somatic Complaints and Anxiety/ Depression sub constructs, while Externalising Problems combines the Delinquent and Aggressive Behaviour sub constructs.

Results: Results from CBCL/ 4-18 showed that all pupils from both groups had scores within the normal range for all constructs. However, results from the statistical analysis for comparison, Mann-Whitney U test, showed that pupils with CCVD scored significantly higher for Externalising Problems (U=697.50, p=0.02) and Total Behaviour Problems (U=647.00, p= 0.01). Significantly higher scores were observed in Withdrawn (U=714.00, p=0.02), Thought Problems (U=438.50, p<0.001) and Aggressive Behaviour (U=738.00, p=0.04). Odds ratios, 95% CI, showed significant relative risk for high Total Behaviour Problem (OR:2.39 ,CI:1.0-5.7), Externalising Problems (OR:2.32, CI:1.0-5.5), Withdrawn (OR:2.67, CI:1.1-6.5), Thought Problems (OR:9.64, CI:3.6-26.1) and Aggressive Behaviour (OR:10.26, CI:3.4-31.0) scores among pupils with CCVD.

Conclusion: Higher scores among CCVD pupils indicates that they present more behavioural and emotional problems compared to NCV pupils. Therefore, school vision screenings in Malaysia should also include colour vision to assist in the early clinical management of CCVD children.
The Problem of Continuity in the Development of Creative Critical Thinking in the System of Modern School and University Education in Russia
Authors: Быкова О. , Bykova O. , Мартынова М. , Martynova M. , Сиромаха В. , Siromaha V.
Published: November 2018

The authors of the article note that in the second half of the 20th century, the pedagogy of cooperation, which is a system of methods and tactics of education and training based on the principles of humanism and a creative approach to personal growth, is beginning to develop actively. The implementation of this or that direction in pedagogy takes place on the basis of specific methods and technologies of instruction. The article notes that the education system is a part of the national culture that is formed under the influence of history, geography of the country, social and social conditions of life and which depends on the national mentality and on the activitypsychological characteristics of both students and themselves teachers. Inevitably there are contradictions between very rapidly changing living conditions in the 21st century. and conservative, slowly and difficultly changing traditions. The Russian school, the “school of memory,” does not correspond to the “school of thought,” the problematic education inherent in higher education, which raises the problem of the discrepancy between the skills that a student receives in a modern Russian school and the skills he must master at a university. Thus, one of the fundamental principles of education is violated — the principle of continuity. Given the current state of affairs, too often the progressive movement, the coherence of actions at the stage of obtaining a school education is not observed. The authors of the article offer their own set of solutions to this burning problem. In their view, the implementation of even a part of these decisions could bring schooling closer to university in the way of the creation and development of creative critical thinking among modern students.
Specificity of PR-Communications in the Confessional Sphere
Authors: Аксенова О. , Aksenova O. , Швец Е. , Shvec E.
Published: November 2018

This article discusses the specifics of PR-activity in the religious sphere. Religious environment gradually develops a new space for themselves - public relations. It describes the relationship of the church to the PR, as a rather specific relations with the church community, with the same specific technologies and communication tools. It is concluded that the development of modern information technology has touched, and religion, and now it seeks to use modern technology in communication with the community, in their own PR-treating techniques. It helps faith-based organizations to achieve greater success in their activities.
Media Communications on the Internet
Authors: Чилингир Е. , Chilingir E. , Мытько И. , Myt'ko I.
Published: November 2018

The article describes the changes in the processes of formation of the news information picture of the readership at the beginning of the XXI century. The stages of development of media communications on the Internet, caused by the emergence of new information channels, have been identified. At the first stage, up to 2005, the actively developing online media formed the information field. After 2005, the blogosphere is added to the media, the informational picture begins to be influenced by the phenomenon of “people’s journalism”. After 2010, social networks are included in the distribution of media products. Since 2017, the distribution, and then the production of news content is moved to instant messengers.
Diagnostic Challenges and Laboratory Considerations for Pediatric Sepsis
Authors: Patel Khushbu , McElvania Erin
Published: November 2018

Background

Sepsis is a leading cause of death for children in the US and worldwide. There is a lack of consensus how sepsis is clinically defined, and sepsis definitions and diagnostic guidelines for the pediatric population have remained unchanged for more than a decade now. Current pediatric definitions are largely based on adult guidelines and expert opinion rather than evidence based on outcomes in the pediatric populations. Without a clear definition of sepsis, it is challenging to evaluate the performance of new laboratory tests on the diagnosis and management of sepsis.

Content

This review provides an overview of common etiologies of sepsis in pediatric populations, challenges in defining and diagnosing pediatric sepsis, and current laboratory tests used to identify and monitor sepsis. Strengths and limitations of emerging diagnostic strategies will also be discussed.

Currently there is no single biomarker that can accurately diagnose or predict sepsis. Current biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and lactate are neither sensitive nor specific for diagnosing sepsis. New biomarkers and rapid pathogen identification assays are much needed. Procalcitonin, although having some limitations, has emerged as a biomarker with demonstrated utility in management of sepsis in adults. Parallel studies analyzing the utility of procalcitonin in pediatric populations are lagging but have shown potential to affect sepsis care in pediatric populations. Multibiomarker approaches and stepwise algorithms show promise in the management of pediatric sepsis. However, a major hurdle is the lack of validated clinical criteria for classification of pediatric sepsis, which is necessary for the development of well-designed studies that can assess the clinical impact of these emerging biomarkers.
Advances in Rapid Molecular Blood Culture Diagnostics: Healthcare Impact, Laboratory Implications, and Multiplex Technologies
Authors: She Rosemary C , Bender Jeffrey M
Published: November 2018

Background

For far too long, the diagnosis of bloodstream infections has relied on time-consuming blood cultures coupled with traditional organism identification and susceptibility testing. Technologies to define the culprit in bloodstream infections have gained sophistication in recent years, notably by application of molecular methods.

Content

In this review, we summarize the tests available to clinical laboratories for molecular rapid identification and resistance marker detection in blood culture bottles that have flagged positive. We explore the cost–benefit ratio of such assays, covering aspects that include performance characteristics, effect on patient care, and relevance to antibiotic stewardship initiatives.

Rapid blood culture diagnostics represent an advance in the care of patients with bloodstream infections, particularly those infected with resistant organisms. These diagnostics are relatively easy to implement and appear to have a positive cost–benefit balance, particularly when fully incorporated into a hospital's antimicrobial stewardship program.
From outside to inside: Understanding socially engaged art through curatorial practices
Authors: Lu Sipei
Published: November 2018

This article focuses on a specific area in the life-cycle of socially engaged art in mainland China – the point at which socially engaged art that takes place outside of art institutions enters into the institutional arena. Through two case studies and using field research, this study scrutinizes the complexities of the relationship between socially engaged art and art institutions, including the dimensions of ethics, aesthetics and curatorial responsibility, and their implications for understanding the process and efficacy of socially engaged art.