bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm Based on Self-Updating Mechanism
Authors: Wu Shuyue
Published: November 2017

The living mechanism has limited life in nature; it will age and die with time. This article describes that during the progressive process, the aging mechanism is very important to keep a swarm diverse. In the quantum behavior particle swarm (QPSO) algorithm, the particles are aged and the algorithm is prematurely convergent, the self-renewal mechanism of life is introduced into QPSO algorithm, and a leading particle and challengers are introduced. When the population particles are aged and the leading power of leading particle is exhausted, a challenger particle becomes the new leader particle through the competition update mechanism, group evolution is completed and the group diversity is maintained, and the global convergence of the algorithm is proven. Next in the article, twelve Clement2009 benchmark functions are used in the experimental test, both the comparison and analysis of results of the proposed method and classical improved QPSO algorithms are given, and the simulation results show strong global finding ability of the proposed algorithm. Especially in the seven multi-model test functions, the comprehensive performance is optimal.
An Investigation and Classification of ERP Project Managers' Required Skills
Authors: Amalnik Mohsen Sadegh , Ravasan Ahad Zare
Published: November 2017

Implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERPs) is a complex and costly process that is usually accompanied with serious risks. Numerous research projects have been conducted to illuminate ERP Critical Success Factors (CSFs) so as to identify the main factors in enhancing success rate. Although project managers' skills of ERP system implementation projects are viewed as one of the most effective factors in the success of such projects, scant attention has been paid to them and their unique aspects have not been sufficiently discussed in the extant literature. Hence, this article aims at identifying the most relevant skills of ERP project managers and proposing a classification scheme. Based on the results of the robust Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), 16 identified skills were grouped into four distinct categories: “managerial,” “project management,” “human resource,” and “technical.” The results of this article can help scholars and managers to grasp an in-depth understanding of the skills required for project managers and the challenges they have to mitigate while implementing ERP projects.
E-Service Performance of Apparel E-Retailing Websites
Authors: Kim Jung-Hwan , Kim Minjeong , Lennon Sharron J.
Published: November 2017

This article takes a longitudinal approach to examine the evolution of e-retail sites in reference to service delivery performance. Using a content analysis approach, product-related e-service attributes currently available on women's apparel websites were identified and quantified in order to compare them to data collected in an earlier time frame. A Chi-square Goodness-of-Fit test was conducted to compare availability of e-service attributes in 2011 and 2016. The current retailers provided more product description/presentation attributes on their websites than in the 2011 research. However, they are still at an unsatisfactory level that need further improvement. This article offers practical insights for fashion websites in terms of the areas of strengths and weakness in e-service performance by exploring how e-service performance of apparel e-retailers has changed over the past five years.
Study on the Resistive Heat Source in a Two-Phase Medium at High-Frequency Electrosurgical Intervention
Authors: Sydorets Volodymyr , Dubko Andrey , Korzhyk Volodymyr
Published: November 2017

Numerical analysis of distribution of resistive heat source in two-phase conducting medium (copper electrode – biological tissue) was carried out. Axisymmetric two-dimensional elliptic problem, with boundary conditions of the first and second kind was solved in the environment of MATLAB mathematical package, using the method of finite differences. Analysis results show that heat source concentration and other parameters are determined by skin effect. This fact should be taken into account in development of new effective methods of surgical treatment and respective instruments. This mathematical model can be applied in a wide frequency range for conducting materials with different conductivities.
Metallographic Determination for Porosity of Zirconia Ceramic Knives
Authors: Bi Ge Ping , Tan Wen Hua , Ma Ai Jin
Published: November 2017

Porosity has many effects on performance of ceramic knife including sharpness, durability, etc, the metallographic detection for porosity of food contact ceramic knife was established in this study. Bycompared the relation ofsharpness, durabilityand porosity, Calculated quantitative metallographicofporosity, andestablishedthestandardatlasofmetallographicsample, the porosity was detected. The results showed that not only the <0.5% porosity could be detected, and the opening, the closing porositywould be detected quickly and accuratelyat the same time. It could be used in optimizing process and monitoring quality and safety of food contact ceramic knife.
Experimental Application Study on Iron Ore Tailings in the Mortar
Authors: Chen Ying Jie , Song Ying Wei , Li Gen , Teng Teng , Yang Jian Xun
Published: November 2017

The development of the national economy has been always depended on natural resources. The massive development of resource has resulted in large amounts of waste, and tailings sand is one of them. How to change waste into treasure, to solve the contradiction between environmental protection, energy supply and resource exploitation, more and more attention has been payed on it. This paper combined the development situation of iron ore tailings at home and abroad, based on its engineering properties, make it used in mortar. After replacing the cement and natural sand of mortar, we studied the influence on the engineering properties of mortar which are compressive strength, workability, and water consumption. The experimental results show that when the tailings ofreplacingratio is in a certain range, the adding tailings produce beneficial effect on the performance of mortar, whichcan meet the engineering requirements, save production costs, and improve economic efficiency.
Criteria and Characteristics of Elevator Noise in Apartments
Authors: Jeong A Yeong , Kim Kyoung Woo , Shin Hye Kyung , Yang Kwan Seop
Published: November 2017

Elevator noise in apartments can make annoying sounds depending on locations of elevators and the sensitivity of the residents. Some nations have their own criteria regarding noise from elevators, however, South Korea has no such criteria, which makes it difficult to handle the damage due to noise from elevators. Thus, the present study investigated noise criteria in elevators in other nations and identified the noise characteristics during elevator operation to provide foundational data at the time of setup on noise criteria forelevators. The noise criteria in other nations recommend the maximum noise level to be below NC-20–30 and 25–30 dB(A). The noise measurement in elevators showed that the maximum noise level at the adjacent room was NC-29, 31.4 dB(A) in A Apartment, and NC-26~29, 30.8–32.7 dB(A) in B Apartment.
Progressive Deformation on Defective Pile Reinforced Slope
Authors: Hou Shi Wei , Ma Shi He , Liu Xu Li , Liu Ying
Published: November 2017

The slopes reinforced by anti-slide piles were simulated in this paper. The setting position, pile spacing and anchorage depth of integrated piles were discussed with strength reduction method. The results show that the pile position should depart slope into two stages, and the further strain would be limited. When the spacing of the anti-slide piles is 2-3 times of pile diameter, it has a soil arching effect to wedge the soil. The anchorage depth can affect the form of the potential sliding surface. Three kinds of defective piles were studied to research deformation of slope reinforced by defective piles. The defective piles were namely expanded pile, necking pile and segregationpile. The equivalent plastic strain zone was used to judge the slope failure, and then the stability and deformation process of the three-dimensional slope were simulated. By comparing the plastic strain, safety coefficient curve and pile-soil stress curve, between the defective pile and integrated pile, the progressive failure process of the reinforced slope was analyzed, including the formation process of the macroscopic shear zone.
The Depth of Cut in Drilling Mode of Rock Cutting
Authors: Sun Yong , Li Xing Sheng
Published: November 2017

Drilling and lateral cutting are two cutting modes used by roadheaders in rock cutting. Accurate estimation of the depth of cut (DOC) of the cutterhead of a roadheader is critical for improving the performance and reliabilityofthe roadheader. Some models have been developed for calculating the DOC of a cutterhead in lateral cutting mode. However, an effective method for computing the DOC of a cutterhead in drilling mode is yet to be developed. As thecharacteristicsof the drilling process are significantly different from those of the lateral cutting process, the models developed for calculating the DOC in lateral cutting mode are not suitable for estimating the DOC ofacutterhead indrilling mode. In this study, a quantitative analysis of the DOC in drilling mode is developed via an investigation ofrock breakout patterns. The results show that in anydrilling case, the DOC of the picks on the cylindrical and conical parts of a cutterhead cannot be calculated by using the advance distance per revolution of the cutterhead. The DOC of a pick is affected by the difference between the cutting radii of the pick and its adjacent picks. It is also affected by the interaction between cutting lines. While the distance between two cutting lines in lateral cutting mode is fixed, the distance betweentwo cutting lines inthe drilling mode can vary. The outcome of the studycan help optimisation of cutterhead design and operation.
Effect of Citric Acid Addition at Anthocyanin Solubility of Red Color Melinjo Peels in Solvent Ethanol, Hehane and Petroleum Ether
Authors: Ermiziar Tarmizi , Raskita Saragih , Latifa Hanum
Published: November 2017

The result from a research by Ermiziar, et al(2009) shows that the content of anthocyanin pigment in red colour melinjo peels with ethanol solvent is 10.87 %. Anthocyanin structure which consists of Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Benzene) and the R groups that contain OCH3 is a reason why anthocyanin can also be isolated with non-polar solvents. Nevertheless, the acid environment would be desirable to get more contains of anthocyanin and it can be more stable so it can be used as natural dyes. The research objectives are to isolate anthocyanin pigments using, Etanol, hexane solvent and Petroleum Ether (PE) and to determine the effect of using the citric acid 0.5% to the anthocyanin pigments which are produced by this research. The types of solvent that are used in this research are Etanol, Hexane and PE. The slices melinjo peels are macerated using etanol, hexane and PE, respectively for 24 hours and the separation of the solvent by means of rotary evaporator.The results were obtained the concentration of anthocyanin with ethanol solvent was 1200 ppm, hexane solvent was 0.864 ppm and PE solvent was 0.800 ppm by the addition of citric acid. Without the addition of citric acid,anthocyanin concentration was ethanolsolvent was 4.000 ppm, hexane solvent was 0.634 ppm and PE solvent was 0.415 ppm
Strategies to Improve Bioactivity of Hydroxyapatite Bone Scaffolds
Authors: Scalera Francesca , Gervaso Francesca , Palazzo Barbara , Scialla Stefania , Izzo Daniela , Cancelli Nadia , Barca Amilcare , Padmanabhan Sanosh Kunjalukkal , Sannino Alessandro , Piconi Corrado
Published: November 2017

Two different approaches are proposed in this study to enhance the bioactivity of hydroxyapatite-based scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration. The first method consists in a structural modification of Hydroxyapatite (HA) through doping it with Magnesium (1,3% wt) while the second one in using HA in combination with a calcium silicate, i.e. Wollastonite (WS), to form a composite bioceramic. Scaffolds with high and strongly interconnected porosity (pores ranging from 300 to 800 µm) were produced throughout both procedures. Higher mechanical properties in compression were obtained when the composite Ws/HA bioceramic was adopted. That one showed a weight loss after 6 months in physiological solution seven times higher than doped HA. Preliminary in vitro tests highlighted that both kinds of scaffold allowed the adhesion of MG63, without significant differences in terms of vitality, indicating a good biocompatibility of both used biomaterials.
Protein Adsorption on Spark Plasma Sintered Mesoporous Silicate Compacts
Authors: Yokogawa Yoshiyuki , Fumimoto Ryota , Inamura Suguru
Published: November 2017

The preparation of mesoporous silica compact through spark plasma sintering (SPS) and adsorption / desorption of protein onto SPS mesoporous silica (MPS) compact is reported. MPS powders, prepared using triblock copolymer, PEO20PPO70PEO20, were compacted in carbon die and heated at 400 or 500 °C for 5 min under uniaxial pressure. The products are referred to as MPS-400 and MPS-500, respectively. The MPS sinters keep the mesoporous configuration, but the mode diameter of MPS-400 was smaller than that of MPS powders and MPS-500. The adsorbed amounts of protein on MPS-400 was higher than that on MPS-500, while the pore diameter, BET surface area, pore volume of MPS-400 are less than those of MPS-500. The interstices in MPS-500 are narrower than that in MPS-400, which may restrict the protein to penetrate through the narrow channels to reach the mesopores of MPS. The quantity of adsorbed amount of protein on MPS sinters does not depend on mesopore configuration but on the macropore configuration of the MPS sinters.
Silica Interlayer Formation of Mesoporous Silica Coatings on Hydroxyapatite Granules
Authors: Yokogawa Yoshiyuki , Shishido Atsumasa , Hiroyasu K.
Published: November 2017

Mesoporous silica (MPS) coatings on hydroxyapatite (HAp) granules and their protein adsorptive capabilities were studied. MPS particles were coated on HAp granules using a dip-coating method, but the HAp granules were not totally covered by the MPS particles. A silica interlayer was formed on the HAp granules via magnetron sputtering or the sol-gel method prior to the coating of the MPS. The HAp granules coated with the silica interlayer were fully covered by the MPS particles. An silica interlayer may offer bonding between the HAp granules and MPS coating. The adsorption of protein on the MPS-coated HAp granules was evaluated by UV-VIS spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity of protein on the HAp granules was improved by the MPS coatings on the HAp granules, and that of the HAp granules coated with the silica interlayer showed a higher protein adsorption capacity.
Preparation and Characterization of β-Tricalcium Phosphate Powders with High Solubility for Chelate-Setting Calcium-Phosphate Cements
Authors: Nagata Kohei , Konishi Toshiisa , Honda Michiyo , Aizawa Mamoru
Published: November 2017

We have previously developed a novel chelate-setting β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) cement with non-fragmentation property in vivo. This novel cement has been set on the basis of chelate-setting mechanism of inositol phosphate (IP6). In this study, β-TCP powders were synthesized by mechanochemical method, and the as-prepared powders were heated at 600-1300°C for 1 h. Some properties of the resulting powders were examined. The crystalline phase of the resulting powders in the range of 600-1100°C was of β-TCP single phase. In the cases at 1200°C and 1300°C, the resulting powders were composed of β-TCP and α-TCP. Median particle sizes of the resulting powders increased with heating temperature from 5.35 μm up to 47.7 μm. Dissolution rate of Ca2+ ions from the β-TCP powders was measured by Japanese Industrial Standard T 0330-3. When the heating temperature was at 700°C, the Ca2+ ions solubility was highest among examined ones. The β-TCP powder heated at 700°C for 1 h will be expected as the starting powder for paste-like artificial bone filler with excellent bioresorbability.
Synthesis and Characterization of Biomimetic Strontium Substituted Carbonated Calcium-Deficient Hydroxyapatite Deposited on Carbon Fiber Cloths
Authors: Olivier Florian , Picard Q. , Delpeux S. , Fayon F. , Chancolon J. , Warmont F. , Rochet N. , Bonnamy S.
Published: November 2017

Calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramics, e.g. hydroxyapatite Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 (HAP) and tricalcium phosphate Ca3(PO4)2 (TCP), are widely employed in the field of bone tissue engineering due to their controlled biodegradability and excellent biocompatibility. In the present study, the chemical composition, microtexture and structure of CaP deposits on carbon fiber cloths (CFC) are investigated. Coatings of CaP or strontium-substituted calcium phosphate (Sr-CaP) on CFC are obtained by sono-electrodeposition process using cathodic polarization. At constant potential, the deposits consist in a biomimetic carbonated calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CaD-HAP), having a plate-like morphology with the possibility to control the Sr2+ incorporation. In orthopaedic field, CaP or Sr-CaP coated carbon fiber cloths offer new promising bioceramic materials for bone repair and regeneration.
CD169+ Macrophages Restrain Systemic Inflammation Induced by Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxin A Lung Response
Authors: Svedova Julia , Ménoret Antoine , Yeung Stephen T , Tanaka Masato , Khanna Kamal M , Vella Anthony T
Published: November 2017

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are considered the first line of defense in the airways. Exposure to harmful substances and certain infections can lead to dysfunction or depletion of AMs. Importantly, these conditions have been associated with increased risk of sepsis and acute lung injury. Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins are superantigens that induce oligoclonal activation of T cells and a robust cytokine release, leading to systemic inflammatory response and tissue injury. In this study we investigated the relationship between S. aureus enterotoxins and AMs. Following inhalation, S. aureus enterotoxin was preferentially bound to AMs and MHC class II was not required. Furthermore, the enterotoxin was internalized and its presence in the cells decreased by 24 h after exposure. Ablation of AMs in CD169–diphtheria toxin receptor mice was associated with increased activation of enterotoxin-specific T cells and enhanced cytokine release into circulation. Thus, conditions causing depletion of AMs may increase the risk of S. aureus enterotoxin–induced diseases.
Calling Injury Timeouts for the Medical Evaluation of Concussion: Determinants of Collegiate Football Officials' Behavior
Authors: Kroshus Emily , Parsons John , Hainline Brian
Published: November 2017

Context: 

Sports officials can play an important role in concussion safety by calling injury timeouts so that athletic trainers can evaluate athletes with possible concussions. Understanding the determinants of whether officials call an injury timeout when they suspect a concussion has important implications for the design of interventions to better support officials in this role.

Objective: 

To assess the knowledge of US collegiate football officials about concussion symptoms and to determine the associations between knowledge, perceived injunctive norms, and self-efficacy in calling injury timeouts for suspected concussions.

Design: 

Cross-sectional study.

Setting: 

Electronic survey.

Patients or Other Participants: 

Of the 3074 US collegiate football officials contacted, 1324 (43% response rate) participated.

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

Concussion knowledge, injunctive norms (belief about what others would want them to do), and behavioral self-efficacy (confidence in their ability to call injury timeouts for suspected concussions in athletes during challenging game-day conditions).

Results: 

Officials reported calling approximately 1 injury timeout for a suspected concussion every 4 games during the 2015 season. Structural equation modeling indicated that officials with more concussion-symptom knowledge had greater self-efficacy. Independent of an official's symptom knowledge, injunctive norms that were more supportive of calling an injury timeout were associated with greater self-efficacy.

Conclusions: 

Concussion education for officials is important because when officials are aware of concussion symptoms, they are more confident in calling injury timeouts. Beyond increasing symptom knowledge, fostering sports environments that encourage concussion safety can support officials in calling injury timeouts. Athletic trainers can help by educating stakeholders, including officials, about the importance of concussion safety. When officials believe that other stakeholders support concussion safety, they are more likely to call injury timeouts if they suspect a concussion has occurred.
A cost-effective model for monitoring medicine use in Namibia: outcomes and implications
Authors: Kibuule Dan , Lates Jennie , Kagoya Harriet R. , Bayobuya Phulu , Niaz Qamar , Rennie Timothy W.
Published: November 2017

Background: Routine monitoring of medicine use is costly. Medicine use monitoring in most low- and middle-income countries is heavily reliant on donor support, which is not sustainable. Innovative models to close gaps in monitoring of medicine use are critical towards strengthening pharmaceutical services.Objective: To pilot an inter-institutional collaborative model for monitoring medicine use in Namibia over a three-year period, 2013–2015.Methods: An interventional analytical design that piloted an inter-institutional collaborative model for monitoring medicine use in public health facilities in Namibia was followed. Three key stakeholders – the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) division of pharmaceutical services, University of Namibia School of Pharmacy and United States Agency for International Development–funded Systems for Improved Access to Pharmaceutical Services (SIAPS) project – collaboratively designed and implemented a concept model, tools and guidelines for routine medicine use assessment. The model integrated medicine use monitoring as a component of the annual rural placements of Bachelor of Pharmacy students at public hospitals. The pharmacists at the hospitals and MoHSS provided support and supervised the students prior to, during and after the placement. Each student undertook a mini-project on medicine use at the facilities which included data collection, analysis as well as reporting using the World Health Organization or International Network of Rational Use of Drugs indicators. These were subsequently aggregated by the university with technical assistance from SIAPS and findings reported to the Ministry. Data collected by the students on hospital placements were entered in Microsoft Excel® template for descriptive analysis for patient care indicators. All students discussed their findings with health facility supervisors.Results: The collaborative efforts enhanced local institutional and students’ capacity on analysing, reporting and presentation of data on medicine use. A total of three medicine use surveys (MUS) involving over 1938 patients were conducted from 2013 to 2015. The local capacity to conduct medicine use evaluation (MUE) was increased among 74 pharmacy students. At least 15 public hospitals in 12–14 regions participated in the MUS. Findings reveal 83% of prescribed medicines were dispensed; 53%–57% patients were satisfied with medicine information; 50%–59% of patients felt they waited too long (consultation time of more than 3 h) before getting their medicines; over 80% patients did not know how to take their medicines correctly; 56%–80% of dispensed medicines were labelled correctly.Conclusions: A multisectoral collaborative model is cost-effective in medicine surveys, if there are mutual benefits. Student placements provide an opportunity to build local capacity for routine MUE. Ministries of Health should utilise this innovative approach to assess service delivery.
Predictors of Dropout from Outpatient Mental Health Services; A Study from Rohtak, India
Authors: Jain Nikhil , Arya Sidharth , Gupta Rajiv
Published: November 2017

Context: Dropout from mental health services is problematic in both developed and developing nations and often leads to poor outcomes. There is a lack of hospital-based studies assessing the factors responsible for treatment dropout from mental health services in Indian settings. This study aims to contribute in that direction by presenting a study done in a tertiary care hospital in North India. Methodology: This was a hospital-based retrospective chart review carried out on randomly selected 139 patients at a tertiary hospital from January 1, 2014, to June 30, 2014. For this chart review, an abstraction form was designed that recorded six sociodemographic variables, nine clinical factors, and two outcome variables (more than one follow-up and active follow-up till 6 months). Results: Out of 139 patients, 53 patients dropped out after the first visit and 105 patients dropped out by the end of 6 months. Lower education status (odds ratio [OR] = 8.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.30–29.50), severe mental illness (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.05–6.49), and early referral to clinical psychologist (CP) (OR = 7.8, 95% CI: 1.87–6.49) were predictors of better rates of follow-up after first visit. Lower education status (OR = 4.9, 95% CI: 1.45–17.08), early referral to CP (OR = 5.8, 95% CI: 2.09–38.35), and previous treatment history (OR = 8.9, 95% CI: 1.97–17.52) were predictors of better rates of follow-up at the end of 6 months. Conclusion: The findings that education status, diagnosis, utilizing services of CP, and psychiatric services in past are correlated with dropout rates may be helpful in targeting patients who are more vulnerable to dropping out of care in the given setting.
Sir Hugh Cairns: The Neurosurgeon Who Introduced Crash Helmets
Authors: Sundaravadhanan Shahsivadhanan Col
Published: November 2017

Statistics prove that more Indians die in Road traffic related accidents than in wars. Prior to World War II, the death toll across the world used to be very high. It was at this juncture that a Military Neurosurgeon named Hugh Cairns introduced the compulsory wearing of crash helmets and brought about a reduction in mortality by more than 50%. Within a decade of introduction of crash helmets in Britain, the entire world followed suit. The results of his efforts are here for all of us to see. This innovative military neurosurgeon is credited as the one who introduced the concept of mobile neurosurgical units during world war and also the first proponent of usage of penicillin in war. His concepts in war surgery are still followed by militaries across the world. This article comes as a tribute to this great Neurosurgeon who helped in saving millions of lives.
How Long does Denervation Take in Poliomyelitis? Or is it a Lifetime?”
Authors: Şenol Mehmet Güney , Kaplan Cengiz , Ozdağ Fatih , Saraçoğlu Mehmet
Published: November 2017

Background and Objective: This study aims to determine the period of reinnervation in patients with poliomyelitis. This research was conducted to identify the appearance of denervation potentials in patients with poliomyelitis as indicators for reinnervation. Materials and Methods: A total of 246 male patients with poliomyelitis were assessed electrophysiologically between 1988 and 2007. The mean age was 22.8 (18±42). It has been an average of 19.9 ± 4.9 years since the beginning of complaints from the patients. Results: The patients had no complaints of newly developing muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and difficulties in breathing and swallowing. Neurological examinations revealed the absence of myotomal pain and sensory loss. Upon assessment of the patients' limbs, the following findings were revealed: two patients had left upper and lower limb involvement, two patients had left upper and right lower limb involvement, 6 patients had left upper limb involvement, 12 patients had both lower limb involvement, 105 patients had left lower limb involvement, 1 patient had both upper limb involvement, 2 patients had right lower and upper limb involvement, 12 patients had right upper limb involvement, 6 patients had both lower limb involvement, 95 patients had right lower limb involvement, and 3 had all the three extremities affected. The needle electromyography revealed the presence of denervation potentials in 25.2% (62) of the patients. Conclusion: When poliovirus attacks the motor neuron, this neuron may be completely destroyed, damaged, or unaffected. Reinnervation occurs when nearby functioning motor units send out terminal axon sprouts to reinnervate the damaged muscle fibers. As a consequence of poliomyelitis, several muscle fibers become atrophic and fibrotic, but others continue to survive. This study showed that patients with a history of poliomyelitis experienced denervation with subsequent reinnervation for many years.
Clinical Evaluation and Diagnostic Utilities of Different Nerve Conduction Tests in 100 Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Chaurasia Rameshwar Nath , Kawale Sagar S. , Pathak Abhishek , Mishra Vijaya Nath , Joshi Deepika
Published: November 2017

Background and Purpose: The purpose of the study is to determine whether the clinical profile of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has been same over the years with the help of routine and comparative electrodiagnostic tests. Methods: A prospective study of 100 patients with suspected CTS was conducted without controls. Three provocative maneuvers were performed. Routine and comparison nerve conduction tests were performed, i.e., second lumbrical interossei motor latency difference (2 LIMLD), digit 4 median-ulnar sensory latency difference (D4MUSLD), palm wrist distal sensory latency difference (PWDSLD), and digit 1 median-radial sensory latency difference (D1MRSLD). Data entry, analysis, and statistical evaluation were done using International Business Machines Corporation Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistics package (IBM, SPSS). Results: A total of 195 hands of 100 patients met the criteria for CTS. Forty-three percentage of patients were homemakers. Considering the rapidly changing communication technology, we observed 84% patients had aggravation of symptoms with continuous long-term daily mobile phone use (>30 min per session per day). We noted positive Tinel's sign in only 25%. Phalen's sign was positive in 53 right hands with mean duration of 11.49s (standard deviation [SD] ± 2.54 s) and was positive in 26 left hands with mean being 10.4 s (SD ± 1.91 s). The mean motor distal latency of median was 4.67 ms (SD ± 1.71 ms) and mean sensory distal latency of median was 3.24 ms (SD ± 1 ms). On internal comparison testing, mean difference in 2 LIMLD was 0.7 ± 0.3 ms, in D4MUSLD was 0.81 ± 0.32, in PWDSLD was 0.71 ± 0.20, and in D1MRSLD was 0.76 ± 0.32. Conclusion: Further analysis of clinical profile needs to be done, and new risk or provoking factors should be analyzed in patients with CTS.
Staged Multimodality Treatment of a Large Ruptured Fusiform Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm: Microsurgical Clip.assisted Endovascular Coiling
Authors: Ding Dale , Buell Thomas J. , Chen Ching-Jen , Raper Daniel M. , Liu Kenneth C. , Vollmer Dennis G.
Published: November 2017

In the contemporary era of aneurysm management, large fusiform aneurysms presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remain particularly challenging lesions to successfully manage. We describe a staged, multimodal treatment strategy for a 71-year-old patient who presented with a large ruptured fusiform aneurysm of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) and a fetal posterior communicating artery which originated from the inferomedial aspect of the aneurysm. In the first stage, we performed a partial microsurgical clip reconstruction of the fusiform aneurysm and secured its rupture site, which was identified intraoperatively. This left two residual saccular components of the aneurysm, which were targeted with endovascular coiling in the same hospitalization after the patient had convalesced from the SAH and was beyond the vasospasm window. We believe that this combined approach of clip-assisted coiling can be employed instead of endovascular flow diversion or microsurgical bypass for appropriately selected patients with ruptured fusiform ICA aneurysms.
Histopathologic Review of Previously Negative Prostatic Core Needle Biopsies following a New Diagnosis of Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate by Core Needle Biopsies: Implications for Quality Assurance Programs
Authors: Patel Jay , Layfield Lester J.
Published: November 2017

Programs for quality assurance are increasingly important in surgical pathology. Many quality assurance (QA) techniques for surgical pathology were adopted from procedures introduced in cytopathology. Surgical pathology specimens have diminished in size such that the majority of diagnostic biopsies of prostatic lesions are now core needle biopsies. These specimens raise issues similar to those of cytology specimens, including concerns regarding adequacy and the representative nature of the biopsy. Due to sample size, some neoplasms may not be diagnosed on initial biopsy, raising concerns regarding false negative results. Cytopathologists have instituted QA procedures including review of all previously negative slides received within five years prior to the new diagnosis of high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or gynecologic malignancy. No such requirement exists in surgical pathology for review of core biopsies.

The Department of Pathology at the University of Utah instituted a QA policy requiring review of prior negative prostatic needle biopsies following a new diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma. We reviewed five years of QA records of prostate needle biopsy review. During this time, nine hundred and fifty-eight core biopsy sets were performed. Two hundred and ninety-five of these contained at least one biopsy with a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. Two hundred and eight patients had a prior set of prostatic needle biopsies with a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. The remaining 87 had prior biopsies with either a diagnosis of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (23), small atypical acinar proliferation (21) or no evidence of malignancy (43). QA review of these 87 cases revealed two biopsies which revealed foci of adenocarcinoma. Both had been initially diagnosed as no evidence of malignancy. The false negative rate for core biopsy was 0.68%. In an additional twenty-one cases, microscopic foci of atypical small acinar proliferations were found in core biopsies antedating the positive core biopsy (7.1%).
Combination of Immunohistochemistry and Ploidy Analysis to Assist Histopathological Diagnosis of Molar Diseases
Authors: Osterheld M.C. , Caron L. , Chaubert P. , Meagher-Villemure K.
Published: November 2017

Background

Differential diagnosis between hydropic abortion, partial mole and complete mole is still a challenge for pathologists but really important for patient management.

Material and Method

In this study, we have evaluated 111 products of conception from the first trimester. Histological analysis was made according to the main diagnostic histopathological features described in the literature and the cases were categorized in hydropic abortus (HA), partial mole (PM) and complete mole (CM). Immunohistochemistry was performed using monoclonal antibody against p57kip protein a putative paternally imprinted inhibitor gene and DNA ploidy was analysed in all cases by image cytometry.

Results

All 23 HAs presented a diploid DNA content and were p57kip2 positive. From the 28 CMs, 12 cases (43%) were diploid and 16 cases (57%) were tetraploid but no expression of p57kip2 was found with positive internal controls. From the 60 PMs, 58 cases were positive for p57kip2 expression and 53 cases (88%) were triploid, 6 cases (10%) tetraploid and 1 case (2%) diploid.

Conclusion

This study on 111 cases of early pregnancies confirms the usefulness of immunohistochemistry and cytometry but demonstrates the importance of the combination of both techniques to assist histology for the best reliable diagnosis.
Production and Peripheral Roles of 5-HTP, a Precursor of Serotonin
Authors: Nakamura Kazuhiro , Hasegawa Hiroyuki
Published: November 2017

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) has been implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological functions. Multiple steps of enzyme reactions enable biosynthesis of 5-HT. The first and rate-limiting step of the reaction is the synthesis of 5-hydroxy- L-tryptophan (5-HTP) from L-tryptophan. This step is dictated by an enzyme, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH). TPH requires 6R- L-erythro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as a co-substrate of TPH. 5-HTP has been simply regarded as a precursor of 5-HT and it is believed that the biological significance of 5-HTP is essentially ascribed to the production of 5-HT. However, recent works shed light on the specific functions of 5-HTP in the periphery. In this review article, we focus on the specific roles of exogenous 5-HTP as well as the endogenous 5-HTP in the gut epithelial cells. Since systemic treatment with 5-HTP is applied to patients with lower 5-HT levels, the studies on the specific role of 5-HTP might create an opportunity to explore the effects of exogenously-applied 5-HTP in the gut in man.
Detección y Localización de Ruptura Súbita mediante Transformada Wavelet Discreta y Correlación Cruzada
Authors: Trutié-Carrero Eduardo , Valdés-Santiago Damian , León-Mecías Ángela , Ramírez-Beltrán Jorge
Published: November 2017

La ruptura súbita en los sistemas de distribución de agua provoca gran pérdida de este recurso natural, interrumpe el abastecimiento, daña las calles y edificaciones y aumenta la transmisión de enfermedades infecciosas. En este artículo se propone un nuevo algoritmo que permite la detección y localización automática de rupturas súbitas en los sistemas de distribución de agua. En cuanto a la detección, la novedad consiste en usar el criterio de correlación wavelet para computar la decisión estadística y compararla con un umbral de detección. La novedad en la localización consiste en usar el operador estadístico correlación cruzada. El algoritmo se implementó en Octave y fue validado con 32 señales adquiridas en el laboratorio en una tubería de acero de 26.7 m de longitud. En 16 señales se provocó ruptura súbita las cuales fueron detectadas bajo una probabilidad de falsos positivos de 2 %. No se presentaron falsos positivos en las 16 señales donde solamente estaba la presencia de ruido.
Arquitectura de Automatización basada en Sistemas Ciberfísicos para la Fabricación Flexible en la Industria de Petróleo y Gas
Authors: García Marcelo V , Irisarri Edurne , Pérez Federico , Estévez Elisabet , Marcos Marga
Published: November 2017

Es evidente que en los próximos años gran parte de las tecnologías recogidas bajo el marco de la denominada Industria 4.0 tendrá un profundo impacto en todas las empresas y entre ellas, en las relacionadas con la explotación y producción de petróleo y gas. La automatización de bajo coste promueve arquitecturas de referencia rentables y nuevos enfoques de desarrollo para aumentar la flexibilidad y la eficiencia de las operaciones de producción en una planta industrial. En este sentido, OPC UA, proporciona acceso local y remoto a la información de planta, facilitando un mecanismo reconocido de integración tanto horizontal como vertical de manera correcta, segura y eficiente. El objetivo principal de este artículo es presentar una arquitectura abierta para la integración vertical basada en sistemas ciber-físicos de producción, configurados bajo la norma IEC 61499 y usando OPC UA, apta para su utilización en la fabricación flexible en la industria de petróleo y

gas.
Control IDA-PBC de un Vehículo Submarino Subactuado
Authors: García Diego , Sandoval Jesús , Gutiérrez–Jagüey Joaquín , Bugarin Eusebio
Published: November 2017

En este trabajo se presenta el diseño de un IDA-PBC (Interconnection and Damping Assignment-Passivity Based Control) para la regulación de un vehículo submarino subactuado. Se consideran seis grados de libertad y cuatro propulsores como actuadores, lo cual es un desafío para su control de movimiento. Específicamente, el IDA-PBC diseñado permite llevar el vehículo a una profundidad y orientación deseadas y constantes. Resultados de simulación sobre el modelo del vehículo submarino utilizado validan el desempeño del sistema de control propuesto.
O corpo na contemporaneidade: Uma análise psicanalítica do trabalho na alta complexidade hospitalar
Authors: Santana Cunha Larissa , Mandelli de Marsillac Ana Lúcia
Published: November 2017

Este artigo é fruto de uma pesquisa que analisa as inter-relações entre a lógica dominante contemporânea e as práticas de trabalho de profissionais da alta complexidade hospitalar, através de dois analisadores: o corpo e o tempo. Com base na teoria psicanalítica, sustentam-se as concepções destes dois analisadores e o método. A pesquisa envolveu a realização de entrevistas semi-estruturadas com profissionais das unidades de internação e construção de diário de campo. Os resultados revelaram principalmente que há uma forte relação entre o corpo do profissional e do paciente, e que não é simples deparar-se com o corpo enfermo em sua complexidade biopsicossocial. Além disso, indicaram um corpo que cansa e se angustia no trabalho hospitalar em decorrência da relação com o corpo enfermo e com o corpo institucional. Também apontaram um tempo veloz e ágil, que permeia o cotidiano de trabalho do início ao fim, agindo na escassez de reflexões sobre as práticas desenvolvidas na instituição. Conclui-se que estes aspectos interferem nos modos de vivenciar o trabalho e nos processos de produção de saúde. Versión en españolEste trabajo es el resultado de una investigación que analiza las interrelaciones entre la lógica dominante contemporánea y las prácticas de trabajo de profesionales de alta complejidad hospitalaria a través de dos nociones clave: el cuerpo y el tiempo. Los fundamentos de esas nociones y del método se sostienen en la teoría psicoanalítica. La investigación se valió de entrevistas semi-estructuradas con profesionales de las unidades de hospitalización y en el uso de un diario de campo. Los resultados indicaran sobretodo una fuerte relación entre el cuerpo del profesional y del paciente, así como la dificultad de uno encarar el cuerpo enfermo en su complejidad biopsicosocial. Los datos también apuntaran un cuerpo que se cansa y angustia en el trabajo hospitalario frente a la relación con el cuerpo enfermo y el cuerpo institucional. Aún indicaron un tiempo rápido y ágil, que impregna el trabajo diario de principio a fin, influyendo en la escasez de reflexiones sobre las prácticas desarrolladas en la institución. Concluimos que estos aspectos afectan a los modos de experimentar el trabajo, así como a los procesos de producción de salud.
Los procesos de influencia global/local en políticas públicas: Una propuesta metodológica
Authors: Rivera-Aguilera Guillermo
Published: November 2017

Se propone una estrategia metodológica para analizar formas de influencia de los organismos internacionales sobre las políticas nacionales. Tomando como referencia el Análisis Documental, se sugieren nuevas herramientas desde investigación cualitativa que contribuyan a entender formas de acción de las políticas públicas. Siguiendo la Teoría del Actor Red y a los Estudios de la Gubernamentalidad, entenderemos los documentos como actores que se ensamblan entre distintos dominios y niveles que tienen efectos en la interacción social. A partir de esto, se proponen formas de conexión e interrogación de textos de organismos globales con textos de niveles locales. Para ilustrar esta propuesta, nos centraremos en las políticas de empleo de juvenil desarrolladas por la Organización Internacional del Trabajo y su traducción local en el contexto chileno. Finalmente, se presenta una caja de herramientas que permitirá guiar futuras investigaciones que se interesen en desarrollar el análisis propuesto.
Diferencias en sensibilidad parental entre madres y padres de Chile y USA
Authors: Kast María Josefina , Farkas Chamarrita , Vallotton Claire D.
Published: November 2017

Se han observado diferencias de género en distintas áreas de parentalidad, pero aún no existe consenso sobre estas diferencias en la expresión de sensibilidad. Sensibilidad es la capacidad de atender, interpretar y responder adecuadamente a las necesidades del niño. Como variable diádica, es influida por factores contextuales e individuales del adulto y niño que conforman la díada, y género y nacionalidad del adulto podrían ser algunos de ellos. El objetivo fue comparar expresión de sensibilidad de padres y madres con sus hijos de un año, en Chile y U.S.A. 38 díadas de padres y madres (19 chilenas y 19 estadounidenses) fueron evaluadas con la Escala de Sensibilidad del Adulto. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y comparativos de las variables género y nacionalidad. No aparecen diferencias por género en muestra total, pero al compáralos intra-país, Chile presenta más diferencias que U.S.A., siendo estas significativas a favor de los padres en Chile y tendencias a favor de las madres en U.S.A. La muestra estadounidense obtuvo mayor sensibilidad que la chilena, y las madres presentaron mayores diferencias entre sí que los padres.
Las funciones performativas de los instrumentos en las redes de acción pública
Authors: Soto Alvaro , Fardella Carla , Valenzuela Alan , Carvajal Francisca
Published: November 2017

Desde una perspectiva sociotécnica, este trabajo analiza la manera en que los instrumentos que regulan la ejecución de Programas del Estado performan la actividad de los actores de las redes surgidas de alianzas público privadas. Las tecnologías y sus prácticas de calculabilidad interpelan a los actores, dan forma a la actividad y constituyen la experiencia social al interior de la red. Se realizó un estudio basado en una perspectiva cuasi-etnográfica en dos Redes surgidas de Alianzas público-privadas del Estado chileno, a fin de comprender las maneras en que los instrumentos de cálculo performan su actividad. Los resultados dan cuenta de tres funciones performativas de las tecnologías de gestión la acción pública: el encuadre de la red, la traducción de la actividad y la representación de la red. Al mismo tiempo, el análisis permite identificar tipos de instrumentos según la función performativa que ejercen de manera preferente, distinguiendo entre instrumentos marco, instrumentos de ejecución, e instrumentos de evaluación y seguimiento. Se logra una lectura singular del funcionamiento y performatividad de las tecnologías de la gestión pública.