bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metreleptin Treatment in Three Patients with Generalized Lipodystrophy
Authors: Musso Carla , Major Maria Laura , Andres Eugenia , Simha Vinaya
Published: October 2017

Generalized lipodystrophy (GL) is a rare inherited or acquired disease characterized by widespread loss of subcutaneous fat, leading to leptin deficiency, ectopic fat deposition, and severe metabolic abnormalities. Previous studies have shown the benefit of leptin replacement (metreleptin) in ameliorating metabolic complications, but little is known about the experience of metreleptin treatment outside of a research setting. We report on post-marketing clinical experience with metreleptin therapy in three patients with GL and marked hypoleptinemia, uncontrolled diabetes, and hypertriglyceridemia. After metreleptin treatment for 12–168 weeks, the mean glycated hemoglobin decreased from 10.9% to 5.8%, and serum triglycerides were normalized (a mean decline of 90%). These benefits were observed within weeks of starting therapy, were durable, and were accompanied by subjective improvements in quality of life, decreased need for concomitant medications, and no significant adverse effects. Metreleptin was safe and effective in normalizing certain severe metabolic abnormalities in the clinic setting.
Pathological Rupture of the Spleen in Uncomplicated Myeloma
Authors: Ho Vincent , Shearer Andrew , Jagusch Mark
Published: October 2017

Pathological rupture of the spleen in uncomplicated myeloma is extremely rare. We present a case of a splenic rupture which occurred in a 52 year old woman with uncomplicated multiple myeloma. The patient required an urgent splenectomy and had an uneventful recovery. Pathophysiological mechanisms leading to splenic rupture are discussed. Plasma cell leukaemias have been previously documented to present with splenic rupture. A subgroup of aggressive multiple myelomas such as in our case may have a similar tendency for splenic rupture.
Monitoring Gastric Filling, Satiety and Gastric Emptying in a Patient with Gastric Balloon Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging–-A Feasibility Report
Authors: Juchems Markus S. , Uyak Deniz , Ernst Andrea S. , Brambs Hans-Juergen
Published: October 2017

Backround

Intragastric balloons are used for short term weight loss therapy in obese. It is possible to monitor the ballon with sonography, however this method is sometimes insufficient in obese patients. Therefore MRI seems to be a potential therapy-monitoring option.

Purpose

In this feasibility report we want to demonstrate the potential use of functional MRI in monitoring gastric filling, patient satiation and gastric emptying in a obese patient who previously received intragastric balloon placement.

Material and methods

We selected one patient (male, 178 cm, 127 kg, BMI = 40,5 kg/m2) who recently received a gastric balloon and visualized gastric motility in presence of the gastric balloon before and after food intake. Fast cross-sectional images in one breathhold spin echo or gradient echo sequences were aquired. Real-time gastric motion was performed with cine mode.

Results

MRI offers perfect visualisation of gastric balloons in obese patients. Gastric filling and emptying can be monitored in correlation to patient satiety sensation. MRI can visualize the gastric balloon with degree of filling and possible leakages. Cine mode sequences demonstrate gastric motility and gastric wall peristalsis.

Conclusion

MR is a valuable imaging alternative for patients with intragastric balloons
Insufficiency Fracture in the Para-Acetabulum, with Features Mimicking those of a Malignant Bone Tumor
Authors: Sakamoto Akio , Yamamoto Takuaki , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Matsuda Shuichi , Yoshida Tatsuya , Iwamoto Yukihide
Published: October 2017

Para-acetabular insufficiency fractures are rare and exceedingly difficult to diagnose without a high index of suspicion, since the images mimic those of bone tumors. We herein present the case of a 55-year-old woman who suffered from hip pain with subacute onset. She had undergone a hysterectomy-ovariectomy due to endometriosis when she was 41 years old. Her bone mineral density was normal due to supplemental treatment with female hormones. About 3 months after onset, she was referred to our institute with a diagnosis of pelvic bone tumor. Plain radiographs and computed tomography showed irregular osteosclerosis in the para-acetabulum. Bone scintigraphy demonstrated uptake in the para-acetabulum. Magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal signal with low-signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high-signal intensity on T2-weighted images throughout the entire hemipelvic bone. Since the pain continued for more than 3 months, open biopsy was undertaken and the lesion was found to be non-neoplastic. Six months after onset, the pain disappeared. The clinical course suggested a diagnosis of insufficiency fracture in the para-acetabulum. Para-acetabular insufficiency fractures should always be considered in cases of hip pain, even in patients with prolonged symptoms.
Surgical Anatomy of Large Retroperitoneal Teratomas in Infants: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Tröbs Ralf-Bodo , Geyer Christian , Hirsch Wolfgang , Tannapfel Andrea
Published: October 2017

We report on two infants of 11 and 12 months of age, respectively, with large solid-cystic retroperitoneal tumors. Complete resection was achieved, and both children are doing well over a follow-up of more than 17 months. The presented paper focuses on surgical anatomy of this very rare type of tumor. Teratomas were located mainly within the upper abdominal cavity, and both tumors displaced the pancreas in an anterior position. The following anatomical features were observed (1) displacement of surrounding organs, (2) deformation and elongation of large retroperitoneal vessels, (3) fibrous incorporation of large vessels by the tumor pseudocapsule, (4) wrapping of anterior aortic branches by lobes and fingers of the tumor.
A Rare Embryologic Variation: Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Associated with Carotid–-Anterior Cerebral Artery Anastomosis or Infraoptic Course of the Anterior Cerebral Artery
Authors: Yurt Alaattin , Uçar Kubilay , özer Füsun , Oran İsmail , Arda Nuri
Published: October 2017

Aneurysms of the complex of the anterior cerebral artery are frequently associated with anatomic variations of the circle of Willis. We describe a case of aneurysmal rupture of the anterior communicating artery, a variant of the anterior cerebral artery. The aneurysm appeared to be situated on this vessel proximal to the infered site of the AcoA. Surgery was performed at the 6th day after hemorrhage. The anterior communicating artery aneurysm was clipped. The post operative course was unventful, with complete recovery. In our case, an extremely rare variation of the proximal tract of the anterior cerebral artery, i.e. an infraoptic course of the proximal precommunicating tract under the optic nerve, with the distal A1 tract anterior to the chiasm and positioned between the optic nerves, is presented.
Genetics and Epigenetics of the TET-ETS Translocation Network
Authors: Staege Martin S. , Max Daniela
Published: October 2017

In the present paper we review the translocation network involving TET and ETS family members with special focus on the Ewing family of tumors. FUS (fusion, involved in t(12;16) in malignant liposarcoma = TLS, Translocated in liposarcoma), EWSR1 (Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1) and TAF15 (TATA box-binding protein-associated factor, 68-KD) are the three human members of the TET family of RNA binding proteins. In addition, two EWSR1 pseudogenes are present in the human genome. TET family members are involved in several oncogenic gene fusions. Five of the 18 known fusion partners belong to the E26 (E twenty-six, ETS) family of transcription factors. Gene fusions between TET or ETS family members and other fusion partners link these gene fusions to a large network of oncogenic gene rearrangements.
Global Genetic Profiles of Gene Network Disruption in Bovine Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Induced by Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) Infection
Authors: Li Congjun , Li Robert W. , Elsasser Theodore H. , Kahl Stanislaw
Published: October 2017

Efficient nutrient assimilation into useful animal-derived products is the ultimate requirement for successful animal production. Infection in young growing animals can decrease energy and nutrient use required for growth rate by redirection of nutrients to support immune defense processes. Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection is prevalent in several regions of the world including the U.S. Most BLV infections are characterized by viral latency in the majority of infected cells. Few, if any, definitive studies in cattle have addressed the potential perturbations of gene expression induced in host cells by BLV infection. This study uses integrated global gene expression information and knowledge of the regulatory events in cells to identify transcription regulation networks that control peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) responses to BLV infection. The aim is to identify the molecular and cellular pathway responses that are functioning during the viral latency stage of BLV infection. The data and regulatory network analysis indicate that CDC25A and transcription factors such as STAT1 and STAT3 may serve as important signaling pathways for the BLV-induced cellular responses. These findings provide vital information for the functional role of genes that participate in PBMC responses to BLV infection and pinpoint these newly characterized genes as potential molecular targets and biomarkers for animal infectious diseases.
UHRF1 Links the Histone Code and DNA Methylation to Ensure Faithful Epigenetic Memory Inheritance
Authors: Bronner Christian , Fuhrmann Guy , Chédin Frédéric L , Macaluso Marcella , Dhe-Paganon Sirano
Published: October 2017

Epigenetics is the study of the transmission of cell memory through mitosis or meiosis that is not based on the DNA sequence. At the molecular level the epigenetic memory of a cell is embedded in DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, RNA interference and histone isoform variation. There is a tight link between histone post-translational modifications (the histone code) and DNA methylation, as modifications of histones contribute to the establishment of DNA methylation patterns and vice versa. Interestingly, proteins have recently been identified that can simultaneously read both methylated DNA and the histone code. UHRF1 fulfills these requirements by having unique structural domains that allow concurrent recognition of histone modifications and methylated DNA. Herein, we review our current knowledge of UHRF1 and discuss how this protein ensures the link between histone marks and DNA methylation. Understanding the molecular functions of this protein may reveal the physiological relevance of the linkage between these layers of epigenetic marks.
Rezensionen
Authors: Leuenberger Chr.
Published: October 2017

Rezension zu:
P. Jolissaint:
Fonctions génératrices et relations de récurrence
. 108 Seiten, CHF 35.00. Presses polytechniques et universitaires romandes (PPUR), 2015; ISBN 978-2-88915-157-8.
A growing threat to the ozone layer from short-lived anthropogenic chlorocarbons
Authors: Oram David E. , Ashfold Matthew J. , Laube Johannes C. , Gooch Lauren J. , Humphrey Stephen , Sturges William T. , Leedham Elvidge Emma C. , Forster Grant L. , Harris Neil R. P. , Mead Mohammed Iqbal , Samah Azizan Abu , Phang Siew Moi , Ou-Yang Chang-Feng , Lin Neng-Huei , Wang Jia-Lin , Baker Angela K. , Brenninkmeijer Carl A. M. , Sherry David
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Large and effective reductions in emissions of long-lived ozone-depleting substance (ODS) are being achieved through the Montreal Protocol, the effectiveness of which can be seen in the declining atmospheric abundances of many ODSs. An important remaining uncertainty concerns the role of very short-lived substances (VSLSs) which, owing to their relatively short atmospheric lifetimes (less than 6 months), are not regulated under the Montreal Protocol. Recent studies have found an unexplained increase in the global tropospheric abundance of one VSLS, dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), which has increased by around 60 % over the past decade. Here we report dramatic enhancements of several chlorine-containing VSLSs (Cl-VSLSs), including CH2Cl2 and CH2ClCH2Cl (1,2-dichloroethane), observed in surface and upper-tropospheric air in East and South East Asia. Surface observations were, on occasion, an order of magnitude higher than previously reported in the marine boundary layer, whilst upper-tropospheric data were up to 3 times higher than expected. In addition, we provide further evidence of an atmospheric transport mechanism whereby substantial amounts of industrial pollution from East Asia, including these chlorinated VSLSs, can rapidly, and regularly, be transported to tropical regions of the western Pacific and subsequently uplifted to the tropical upper troposphere. This latter region is a major provider of air entering the stratosphere, and so this mechanism, in conjunction with increasing emissions of Cl-VSLSs from East Asia, could potentially slow the expected recovery of stratospheric ozone.
Typical meteorological conditions associated with extreme nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution events over Scandinavia
Authors: Thomas Manu Anna , Devasthale Abhay
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Characterizing typical meteorological conditions associated with extreme pollution events helps to better understand the role of local meteorology in governing the transport and distribution of pollutants in the atmosphere. The knowledge of their co-variability could further help to evaluate and constrain chemistry transport models. Hence, in this study, we investigate the statistical linkages between extreme nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution events and meteorology over Scandinavia using observational and reanalysis data. It is observed that the south-westerly winds dominated during extreme events, accounting for 50–65 % of the total events depending on the season, while the second largest annual occurrence was from south-easterly winds, accounting for 17 % of total events. The specific humidity anomalies showed an influx of warmer and moisture-laden air masses over Scandinavia in the free troposphere. Two distinct modes in the persistency of circulation patterns are observed. The first mode lasts for 1–2 days, dominated by south-easterly winds that prevailed during 78 % of total extreme events in that mode, while the second mode lasted for 3–5 days, dominated by south-westerly winds that prevailed during 86 % of the events. The combined analysis of circulation patterns, their persistency, and associated changes in humidity and clouds suggests that NO2 extreme events over Scandinavia occur mainly due to long-range transport from the southern latitudes.
Multi-decadal records of stratospheric composition and their relationship to stratospheric circulation change
Authors: Douglass Anne R. , Strahan Susan E. , Oman Luke D. , Stolarski Richard S.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Constituent evolution for 1990–2015 simulated using the Global Modeling Initiative chemistry and transport model driven by meteorological fields from the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications version 2 (MERRA-2) is compared with three sources of observations: ground-based column measurements of HNO3 and HCl from two stations in the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC, ∼ 1990–ongoing), profiles of CH4 from the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS, 1992–2005), and profiles of N2O from the Microwave Limb Sounder on the Earth Observing System satellite Aura (2005–ongoing). The differences between observed and simulated values are shown to be time dependent, with better agreement after ∼ 2000 compared with the prior decade. Furthermore, the differences between observed and simulated HNO3 and HCl columns are shown to be correlated with each other, suggesting that issues with the simulated transport and mixing cause the differences during the 1990s and that these issues are less important during the later years. Because the simulated fields are related to mean age in the lower stratosphere, we use these comparisons to evaluate the time dependence of mean age. The ongoing NDACC column observations provide critical information necessary to substantiate trends in mean age obtained using fields from MERRA-2 or any other reanalysis products.
Flow rate and source reservoir identification from airborne
chemical sampling of the uncontrolled Elgin platform gas
release
Authors: Lee James D. , Mobbs Stephen D. , Wellpott Axel , Allen Grant , Bauguitte Stephane J.-B. , Burton Ralph R. , Camilli Richard , Coe Hugh , Fisher Rebecca E. , France James L. , Gallagher Martin , Hopkins James R. , Lanoiselle Mathias , Lewis Alastair C. , Lowry David , Nisbet Euan G. , Purvis Ruth M. , O'Shea Sebastian , Pyle John A. , Ryerson Thomas B.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. An uncontrolled gas leak from 25 March to 16 May 2012 led to evacuation of the Total Elgin well head and neighbouring drilling and production platforms in the UK North Sea. Initially the atmospheric flow rate of leaking gas and condensate was very poorly known, hampering environmental assessment and well control efforts. Six flights by the UK FAAM chemically-instrumented BAe-146 research aircraft, were used to quantify the flow rate. Where appropriate, two different methods were used to calculate the flow rate: 1. Gaussian plume fitting in the vertical and 2. Direct integration of the plume. When both methods were used, they compared within 6 % of each other and within combined errors. Data from the first flight on 30 March 2012 showed the flow rate to be 1.3 ± 0.2 kg CH4 s−1, decreasing to less than half that by the second flight on 17 April 2012. δ13CCH4 in the gas was found to be −43 ‰, implying that the gas source was unlikely to be from the main high-pressure high-temperature Elgin gas field at 5.5 km depth, but more probably from the overlying Hod Formation at 4.2 km depth. This was deemed to be smaller and more manageable than the high-pressure Elgin field and hence the response strategy was considerably simpler. The first flight was conducted within 5 days of the blowout and allowed a flow rate estimate within 48 hours of sampling, with δ13CCH4 characterisation soon thereafter, demonstrating the potential for a rapid-response capability that is widely applicable to future atmospheric emissions of environmental concern. Knowledge of the Elgin flow rate helped inform subsequent decision making. This study shows that leak assessment using appropriately designed airborne plume sampling strategies is well suited for circumstances where direct access is difficult or potentially dangerous. Measurements such as this also permit unbiased regulatory assessment of potential impact, independent of the emitting party, on timescales that can inform industry decision-makers and assist rapid response-planning by government.
Drainage reorganization and divide migration induced by the excavation of the Ebro basin (NE Spain)
Authors: Vacherat Arnaud , Bonnet Stéphane , Mouthereau Frédéric
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Intracontinental endorheic basins are key elements of source-to-sink systems as they preserve sediments eroded from surrounding catchments. Drainage reorganization in such a basin has strong implications on the sediment routing system and on the landscape evolution at a cratonic scale. The Ebro and Duero basins in the north Iberian plate represent two foreland basins, which were filled in relation with the growing of surrounding compressional orogens as the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian mountains to the north, the Iberian and Central Ranges to the south, and the Catalan Coastal Range to the east. They were once connected as endorheic basins in the Early Oligocene. By the end of the Miocene, they were disconnected and started to flow into the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, respectively, in a post-orogenic context. Although these two hydrographic basins recorded similar histories, they are characterized by very different morphologic features. The Ebro basin is highly excavated, whereas the Duero basin is well preserved and may be considered as almost still endorheic. These two bordering basins then show contrasting preservation states of their endorheic stages and represent an ideal natural laboratory to study what factors (internal / external) control drainage divide mobility, and drainage network and landscape evolution in post-orogenic basins. To that aim, we use field and map observations and we apply the Chi-analysis of river profiles across the divide along the boundary between the Ebro and Duero drainage basins in the Northern Iberian Peninsula to evaluate the migration of their divide. We show here that contrasting excavation of the Ebro and Duero basins drives a reorganization of their drainage network through a series of captures and resulted in the southwestward migration of their main drainage divide. Fluvial captures have strong impact on drainage areas, fluxes, and so on incision capacity, especially for the captured basin. Thus, we conclude that drainage reorganization, and capture of the Duero rivers by the Ebro ones, independently from tectonics and climate, enable endorheism in the Duero basin due to drainage area loss.
Re-establishing glacier monitoring in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, Central Asia
Authors: Hoelzle Martin , Azisov Erlan , Barandun Martina , Huss Matthias , Farinotti Daniel , Gafurov Abror , Hagg Wilfried , Kenzhebaev Ruslan , Kronenberg Marlene , Machguth Horst , Merkushkin Alexandr , Moldobekov Bolot , Petrov Maxim , Saks Tomas , Salzmann Nadine , Schöne Tilo , Tarasov Yuri , Usubaliev Ryskul , Vorogushyn Sergiy , Yakovlev Andrey , Zemp Michael
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Glacier mass loss is among the clearest indicators of atmospheric warming. The observation of these changes is one of the major objectives of the international climate monitoring strategy developed by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS). Long-term glacier mass balance measurements are furthermore the basis for calibrating and validating models simulating future runoff of glacierised catchments. This is essential for Central Asia, which is one of the driest continental regions of the Northern Hemisphere. In the highly populated regions, water shortage due to decreased glacierisation potentially leads to pronounced political instability, drastic ecological changes and endangered food security. As a consequence of the collapse of the former Soviet Union, however, many valuable glacier monitoring sites in the Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains were abandoned. In recent years, multinational actors have re-established a set of important in situ measuring sites to continue the invaluable long-term data series. This paper introduces the applied monitoring strategy for selected glaciers in the Kyrgyz and Uzbek Tien Shan and Pamir, highlights the existing and the new measurements on these glaciers, and presents an example for how the old and new data can be combined to establish multi-decadal mass balance time series. This is crucial for understanding the impact of climate change on glaciers in this region.
A representation of the phosphorus cycle for ORCHIDEE (revision 4520)
Authors: Goll Daniel S. , Vuichard Nicolas , Maignan Fabienne , Jornet-Puig Albert , Sardans Jordi , Violette Aurelie , Peng Shushi , Sun Yan , Kvakic Marko , Guimberteau Matthieu , Guenet Bertrand , Zaehle Soenke , Penuelas Josep , Janssens Ivan , Ciais Philippe
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Land surface models rarely incorporate the terrestrial phosphorus cycle and its interactions with the carbon cycle, despite the extensive scientific debate about the importance of nitrogen and phosphorus supply for future land carbon uptake. We describe a representation of the terrestrial phosphorus cycle for the ORCHIDEE land surface model, and evaluate it with data from nutrient manipulation experiments along a soil formation chronosequence in Hawaii. ORCHIDEE accounts for the influence of the nutritional state of vegetation on tissue nutrient concentrations, photosynthesis, plant growth, biomass allocation, biochemical (phosphatase-mediated) mineralization, and biological nitrogen fixation. Changes in the nutrient content (quality) of litter affect the carbon use efficiency of decomposition and in return the nutrient availability to vegetation. The model explicitly accounts for root zone depletion of phosphorus as a function of root phosphorus uptake and phosphorus transport from the soil to the root surface. The model captures the observed differences in the foliage stoichiometry of vegetation between an early (300-year) and a late (4.1 Myr) stage of soil development. The contrasting sensitivities of net primary productivity to the addition of either nitrogen, phosphorus, or both among sites are in general reproduced by the model. As observed, the model simulates a preferential stimulation of leaf level productivity when nitrogen stress is alleviated, while leaf level productivity and leaf area index are stimulated equally when phosphorus stress is alleviated. The nutrient use efficiencies in the model are lower than observed primarily due to biases in the nutrient content and turnover of woody biomass. We conclude that ORCHIDEE is able to reproduce the shift from nitrogen to phosphorus limited net primary productivity along the soil development chronosequence, as well as the contrasting responses of net primary productivity to nutrient addition.
ObspyDMT: a Python toolbox for retrieving and processing large seismological data sets
Authors: Hosseini Kasra , Sigloch Karin
Published: October 2017

Abstract. We present obspyDMT, a free, open-source software toolbox for the query, retrieval, processing and management of seismological data sets, including very large, heterogeneous and/or dynamically growing ones. ObspyDMT simplifies and speeds up user interaction with data centers, in more versatile ways than existing tools. The user is shielded from the complexities of interacting with different data centers and data exchange protocols and is provided with powerful diagnostic and plotting tools to check the retrieved data and metadata. While primarily a productivity tool for research seismologists and observatories, easy-to-use syntax and plotting functionality also make obspyDMT an effective teaching aid. Written in the Python programming language, it can be used as a stand-alone command-line tool (requiring no knowledge of Python) or can be integrated as a module with other Python codes. It facilitates data archiving, preprocessing, instrument correction and quality control – routine but nontrivial tasks that can consume much user time. We describe obspyDMT's functionality, design and technical implementation, accompanied by an overview of its use cases. As an example of a typical problem encountered in seismogram preprocessing, we show how to check for inconsistencies in response files of two example stations. We also demonstrate the fully automated request, remote computation and retrieval of synthetic seismograms from the Synthetics Engine (Syngine) web service of the Data Management Center (DMC) at the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS).
El modelo europeo de estatuto de la víctima
Authors: Pérez-Rivas Natalia
Published: October 2017

El 25 de octubre de 2012 fue aprobada la Directiva 2012/29/UE del Par- lamento Europeo y del Consejo, por la que se establecen normas mínimas sobre los derechos, el apoyo y la protección de las víctimas de delitos. Esta Directiva se aplica en relación con los delitos penales cometidos en la Unión y con los procesos penales que tienen lugar en la Unión y su objetivo es garantizar que las víctimas de delitos reciban información, apoyo y protección adecuados y que puedan participar en procesos penales. La regulación de los derechos de las víctimas que se contiene en la Directiva 2012/29/UE tiene carácter mínimo, de tal manera que los Estados miembro pueden articular de forma más amplia su contenido con el fin de proporcionar un nivel más elevado de protección a todas las víctimas o a tipologías concretas. Nuestro estudio se circunscribirá, no obstante, a los catalogados como derechos básicos de la víctima en el marco del proceso penal propiamente dicho.
Análisis del poder disuasorio de la protección de la libre competencia en Colombia: norma jurídica y autoridad pública
Authors: Ortiz Laverde Sandra Milena , Soto Pineda Jesús Alfonso
Published: October 2017

El documento analiza la capacidad disuasiva del sistema de protección de la libre competencia en Colombia mediante el estudio de dos facetas jurídicas: la normativa y la institucional. Así, a partir de la Ley Tipo de Defensa de la Competencia, de la Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre Comercio y Desarrollo, y de la implementación normativa de políticas de competencia disuasivas en terceros sistemas de defensa de la libre competencia, el artículo examina la capacidad disuasoria del sistema implementado en Colombia. Del mismo modo, evalúa el mencionado poder disuasorio de la Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio con base en sus calidades organizativas y su estructura.
Discharge characteristics in inhomogeneous fields under air flow
Authors: Vogel Stephan , Holbøll Joachim
Published: October 2017

This research investigates the impact of high velocity air flow on Partial Discharge (PD) patterns generated in strongly inhomogeneous fields. In the laboratory, a needle plane electrode configuration was exposed to a high electrical DC-field and a laminar air flow up to 22 m/s. The needle was connected to a variable DC potential of up to 100 kV over a grounded plate in order to trigger different corona modes. The impact of the air flow on the space charges created in the vicinity of the electrode is evaluated by means of PD measurements in time domain. The results indicate that the wind increases the frequency and magnitude of partial discharges in the vicinity of the electrode due to an increased rate of space charge removal around the tip of the needle and in the gap. The positive polarity shows higher dependency on air flow compared to the negative polarity. It is shown that positive breakdown streamer corona can be extinguished if wind speeds of more than 14.3 m/s are applied to the electrode.
Abstract
Authors: Driessen A.B.J.M. , Van Duivenhode J. , Wouters P.A.A.F.
Published: October 2017

Higher actuator voltages are required for future generation lithography machines to increase productivity. The operating pressures in combination with relevant insulation distances, can be situated near gas breakdown and cause partial discharge activity, making long-term damage conceivable. High voltage cone-shape connectors with pliable insulation can be applied for the low and medium vacuum range. However, materials and space are restricted making a cone shaped connector not ideal. In this paper, a flat connector concept is presented with a pliable insulation material allowed to be used for the aforementioned application. The permittivity of this material is measured and simulation results of the connector reveal critical design points. A prototype connector is made and its partial discharge inception voltage is characterized for the low and medium vacuum range. The results are discussed and compared with simulations.
Prediction of dielectric constant and loss for some polypropylene - additive compounds
Authors: Laihonen Sari J. , Jämbeck Joakim P.M. , Unge Mikael
Published: October 2017

In order to influence properties of polymers, several different type of additives can be used. Often, time consuming experimental work is needed to assess performance and suitable concentrations for the chosen polymer-additive system. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to estimate the properties by means of theoretical work. In the present work, dielectric constant and loss for polypropylene-meso-erythritol compounds were studied. The experimental results were compared to the theoretically assessed properties.The compounds were prepared in three different concentrations. The obtained samples were pressed to plates which were characterized by dielectric responsemeasurements. The dielectric constants were also assessed using Maxwell-Garnett estimation and molecular dynamics simulations. For the later, bothatomistic model and a more coarse multiscale model were used. The Maxwell-Garnett equation gave a good estimation of the dielectric constant level whereas with the molecular dynamics simulations the obtained dielectric constant were in exact accordance to the measured values. With the molecular dynamics simulation, also the loss could be estimated. As expected, the atomistic model gave better correlation to the measured loss levels than the multi-scale model.
Two prelicensure nursing programs assess readiness to standardize palliative and end of life care curriculum
Authors: Davis Andra L. , Lippe Megan E.
Published: October 2017

There is a growing imperative for nurses to be adequately trained to care for patients with serious, life-limiting illness. However, the current nursing education system requires vast content areas be taught, resulting in minimal emphasize on palliative and end-of-life care and inadequate preparation of nurses to care for dying patients upon entering practice. To address the need for enhanced palliative and end-of-life care integration within their respective programs, two universities conducted needs assessments to determine the best next steps in enhancing student preparation to care for patients with serious, life-limiting illness. One university engaged in a three-part needs assessment resulting in the formation of an ad hoc committee to guide discussions for content integration. The second university engaged in a faculty-led survey to identify areas for improvement within the program. The purpose of this paper is to describe the processes and challenges encountered by both schools to aid other programs that may be considering or preparing for a similar endeavor.
Never events and hospital-acquired conditions after kidney transplant
Authors: Moghadamyeghaneh Zhobin , Chen Linda J. , Alameddine Mahmoud , Gupta Anupam K. , Burke George W. , Ciancio Gaetano
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Never events (NE) and hospital-acquired conditions (HAC) after surgery have been designated as quality metrics in healthcare by the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database 2002‒2012 was used to identify patientswho underwent kidney transplant. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was used to identify outcomes and risk factors of HAC and NE after transplantation; however, we were limited by using a retrospective database missing some important variables specified for the kidney transplant, such as some operative factors, donor factors, and cold and warm ischemia times.Results: Among 35 058 patients who underwent kidney transplant, there were 11 NEs, all of which were due to retained foreign bodies. Among HAC after surgery, falling was the most common (44.9%), followed by poor glycemic control (21.7%), vascular catheter-associated infection (21%), and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (8%). HAC and NE after surgery lead to a significant increase in mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.49; p=0.04), hospitalization length (13 vs. 7 days; p<0.01), and total hospital charges ($231 801 vs. $146 717; p<0.01). A significantly higher risk of HAC or NE was seen for patients who had more loss of function before surgey (AOR 3.25; p<0.01) and patients expected to have higher postoperative mortality before operation (AOR 1.62; p=0.03).Conclusions: Despite the limitations of the study, we found HAC and NE significantly increase mortality, hospitalization length, and total hospital charges of kidney transplant patients. Quality improvement initiatives should target HAC and NE in order to successfully reduce or prevent these events.
Feasibility of expert and crowd-sourced review of intraoperative video for quality improvement of intracorporeal urinary diversion during robotic radical cystectomy
Authors: Goldenberg Mitchell G. , Nabhani Jamal , Wallis Christopher J.D. , Chopra Sameer , Hung Andrew J. , Schuckman Anne , Djaladat Hooman , Daneshmand Siamak , Desai Mihir M. , Aron Monish , Gill Inderbir S. , Satkunasivam Raj
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Development of uretero-ileal stricture (UIS) after robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) may be dependent on surgical technique. Video review of intraoperative technique is an emerging paradigm for surgical quality improvement. We examined whether surgeon-perceived risk of UIS or crowd-sourced assessment of robotic skill are associated with the development of UIS.Methods: We conducted a case-control study comparing the operative technique of uretero-ileal anastomoses resulting in clinically significant UIS with the contralateral anastomosis for the same patient. De-identified videos were analyzed by 1) five high-volume surgeons; and 2) crowd workers (Crowd-Sourced Assessment of Technical Skill, C-SATS) to determine Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skill (GEARS) score. Mantel-Haenszel common odds ratio (OR) estimates were calculated to assess the association between surgeon performance and the development of UIS. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between GEARS scores and the development of UIS.Results: A total of 10 UIS videos were compared to eight control videos by five surgeons and 2142 crowd workers. Expert surgeons systematically evaluated intraoperative footage, however, no association between the expert mode response and UIS (OR 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05‒3.45; p=0.91) was identified. Crowd-sourced assessment was not predictive of UIS (p=0.62).Conclusions: We used video review to systematically analyze procedure-specific content and technique. The inability of surgeons to predict UIS may reflect the questionnaire, uncontrolled patient factors, or a lack of power. Crowd-sourced GEARS score was unsuccessful in predicting UIS after RARC.
Platelet to white blood cell ratio predicts 30-day postoperative infectious complications in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for renal malignancy
Authors: Garbens Alaina , Wallis Christopher J.D. , Bjarnason Georg , Kulkarni Girish S. , Nathens Avery B. , Nam Robert K. , Satkunasivam Raj
Published: October 2017

Introduction: We sought to examine the relationship between preoperative platelet to white blood cell ratio (PLT/WBC), a hematological marker of the systemic inflammatory response, and postoperative infectious complications following radical nephrectomy for localized renal cell carcinoma.Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients treated with radical nephrectomy for localized kidney cancer between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2014 (n=6235) using the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the association between PLT/ WBC ratio and 30-day infectious complications, including surgical site infection, urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, and sepsis. Secondarily, we examined major complications and bleeding requiring transfusion.Results: A lower PLT/WBC ratio was associated with an increased risk of sepsis, pneumonia, and UTI rates (p<0.05 for all). Furthermore, there was a significant trend of decreasing rates of sepsis and pneumonia with increasing PLT/WBC ratio across quintiles (p<0.05 for all). On multivariate analysis, patients with the lowest PLT/WBC ratios (Quintile 1) had a two-fold risk of having a postoperative infectious complication compared to patients in the highest quintile (odds ratio [OR] 2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42–2.86; p<0.0001). Patients in Quintile 5 had a higher risk of requiring blood transfusion than those in Quintiles 2‒4 (p<0.05 for all).Conclusions: The PLT/WBC ratio represents a widely available and novel index to predict risk of infectious and bleeding complications in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy. External validation is required and the biological underpinning of this phenomenon requires further study
Case: Eosinophilic cystitis presenting as a bladder mass in an 11-year-old girl
Authors: Bey Elsa , Teklali Youssef , Rabattu Pierre-Yves , Grandjean Lapierre Simon , Piolat Christian
Published: October 2017

We report the case of an 11-year-old girl who presented with acute urinary retention and microscopic hematuria. Pelvic imaging revealed a bladder mass for which sarcoma was initially suspected. Surgical biopsies revealed a massive eosinophilic infiltration of the submucosa confirming a diagnosis of eosinophilic cystitis. Clinical evolution was favourable without treatment. Eosinophilic cystitis prognosis is usually benign, but rare severe complications, such as complete bladder fibrosis requiring bladder augmentation or cystectomy, may occur.
Impact of Financial Aid Branding on Public Perception and Favourability
Authors: Baig Lubaina Dawood , -Rehman Sana-ur
Published: October 2017

Since last four or five decades financial aid has remained a major source of finance for underdeveloped and developing countries. Despite giving impressively large amount of aid donors are disappointed in getting to the mark of achieving the good image and favourability from beneficiaries. Hence to create awareness and developing good image amongst the recipient nations, donors have started financial aid branding (Reinhardt, 2010). The basic intent of the present study is to investigate the rationale and impact of financial aid branding to shape public perception about donors. This inquiry is informed by qualitative inductive approach based on semi-structured interviews, conducted from a sample of twenty four Pakistani citizens.The research findings revealed that USAID is the most popular donor amongst Pakistani nation because of intensive branding strategy as compare to other bilateral aid donors. USAID is making its contribution visible through all possible mediums (electronic and print media). The most prominent strategy used is to adhere USAID logo on all items that recipients receive under USAID grant, with a prime motive to revert negative sentiments of Pakistanis and win their minds and hearts. The results exposed that branding have somehow positive impact on people sentiments. But minds and hearts of people, who are well aware of the underlying motives of America, cannot be easily compelled to believe otherwise.
SIMULATION AND COMPARISON OF SELECTED FAST CHARGER
TOPOLOGIES
Authors: Zieliński Dariusz , Tokovarov Mikhail
Published: October 2017

The article reviews the role of fast chargers in swiftly developing area of electrical energy storage devices. Energy efficient techniques implemented in fast chargers are shown, world standard requirements are mentioned. The models of the two topologies of the greatest interest: soft switched rectifier with diodes at the secondary side and synchronous rectifier are carried out and the results of simulations are presented. Higher efficiency of synchronous rectifier is proven.
SZTUCZNE SIECI NEURONOWE JAKO MOTORYCZNA PAMIĘĆ
ASOCJACYJNA RĘKI ROBOTA HUMANOIDALNEGO
Authors: Olszewski Paweł , Kamiński Wiesław
Published: October 2017

Opisane badania dotyczą użycia sztucznych sieci neuronowych przy realizacji asocjacyjnej pamięci motorycznej zarządzającej ręką robota
humanoidalnego. Zaproponowano model kognitywnego sterowania odwołujący się do struktur i mechanizmów przetwarzania znanych z badań neurofizjologicznych. Do realizacji asocjacji posłużono się dwiema różnymi sieciami: maszyną płynową i jednokierunkową siecią asocjacyjną podobną do BAM.
ZMODYFIKOWANA METODA UŻYCIA FUNKCJI PROGOWYCH W MODELACH RELACYJNYCH ROZMYTYCH MAP KOGNITYWNYCH
Authors: Słoń Grzegorz
Published: October 2017

W artykule przedstawiono sposób wprowadzenia funkcji progowej do modelu Relacyjnej Rozmytej Mapy Kognitywnej, wykorzystującego arytmetykę liczb rozmytych. Funkcyjne przetwarzanie liczby rozmytej powoduje deformacje kształtu liczby i jej nośnika. Zaproponowano „geometryczne”podejście do tego problemu, pozwalające zachować niezmienność nośnika oraz utrzymać kształt przetwarzanej liczby rozmytej przy jednoczesnym odpowiednim przesunięciu centrum tej liczby. Metoda została przetestowana na liczbach rozmytych o różnych funkcjach przy
The Impact of Antithrombin III Use in Achieving Anticoagulant Goals in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Jones Allison J. , O'Mara Keliana L. , Kelly Brian J. , Samraj Ravi S.
Published: October 2017

OBJECTIVES

To determine the percentage of patients with >10% reduction in heparin infusion rate within 48 hours of antithrombin III (ATIII) administration. Secondary objectives include the achievement of therapeutic anticoagulation and determining the days of subtherapeutic infusion prior to supplementation.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of 12 patients younger than 18 years of age who received ATIII concentrate supplementation while on continuous heparin infusion. Specific indications for heparin infusion therapy included extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), treatment of thrombus, and post implantation of ventricular assist device(s).

RESULTS

From time of heparin initiation to ATIII supplementation, patients spent a mean 4.9 ± 2.6 days of subtherapeutic infusion and required uptitration from a mean of 15.3 ± 4.4 units/kg/hr to a mean rate of 40.7 ± 9.5 units/kg/hr. 58.3% of the patients (n = 7) had a ≥10% reduction from the baseline heparin infusion rate within 48 hours of ATIII administration. Those patients considered responders (≥10% reduction from baseline rate) had a slightly higher mean baseline antithrombin level (76.3% ± 22.0% vs. 58.6% ± 2.7% in non-responders, p = 0.1) and were administered comparable doses of ATIII. ATIII supplementation did appear to increase the time of therapeutic anticoagulation within the 48 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of ATIII is associated with >10% decrease in heparin requirements in more than half of the patients identified. In those patients deemed non-responders, there was a trend towards lower baseline antithrombin serum levels. Further studies are warranted to determine if the lack of response in some patients is due to inadequate dosing of ATIII or any patient-related factors.
Bradycardia in a Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipient: Is It the Sugammadex?
Authors: King Adele , Naguib Aymen , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: October 2017

Sugammadex is a novel pharmacologic agent that is used to selectively reverse the effects of the neuromuscular blocking agents rocuronium and vecuronium. Various advantages have been reported when comparing its reversal of neuromuscular blockade to that achieved with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (neostigmine). In heart transplant recipients, bradycardia may occur following the administration of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, due to the denervation of the heart. Theoretically, the combination of rocuronium and sugammadex could be advantageous in this clinical scenario to avoid the potential bradycardia resulting from neostigmine administration. We present a 10-year-old male who developed profound bradycardia immediately following the administration of intravenous sugammadex. The options for reversal of neuromuscular blockade in heart transplant recipients is discussed, previous reports of bradycardia following sugammadex are presented, and the role of sugammadex in the bradycardia in our patient is reviewed.