bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Method for Weak Fault Feature Extraction Based on Improved MED
Authors: Li Junlin , Jiang Jingsheng , Fan Xiaohong , Wang Huaqing , Song Liuyang , Liu Wenbin , Yang Jianfeng , Chen Liangchao
Published: January 2018

Because of the characteristics of weak signal and strong noise, the low‐speed vibration signal fault feature extraction has been a hot spot and difficult problem in the field of equipment fault diagnosis. Moreover, the traditional minimum entropy deconvolution (MED) method has been proved to be used to detect such fault signals. The MED uses objective function method to design the filter coefficient, and the appropriate threshold value should be set in the calculation process to achieve the optimal iteration effect. It should be pointed out that the improper setting of the threshold will cause the target function to be recalculated, and the resulting error will eventually affect the distortion of the target function in the background of strong noise. This paper presents an improved MED based method of fault feature extraction from rolling bearing vibration signals that originate in high noise environments. The method uses the shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA), finds the set of optimal filter coefficients, and eventually avoids the artificial error influence of selecting threshold parameter. Therefore, the fault bearing under the two rotating speeds of 60 rpm and 70 rpm is selected for verification with typical low‐speed fault bearing as the research object; the results show that SFLA‐MED extracts more obvious bearings and has a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio than the prior MED method.
Bioinspired Computational Approach to Missing Value Estimation
Authors: Agbehadji Israel Edem , Millham Richard C. , Fong Simon James , Yang Hongji
Published: January 2018

Missing data occurs when values of variables in a dataset are not stored. Estimating these missing values is a significant step during the data cleansing phase of a big data management approach. The reason of missing data may be due to nonresponse or omitted entries. If these missing data are not handled properly, this may create inaccurate results during data analysis. Although a traditional method such as maximum likelihood method extrapolates missing values, this paper proposes a bioinspired method based on the behavior of birds, specifically the Kestrel bird. This paper describes the behavior and characteristics of the Kestrel bird, a bioinspired approach, in modeling an algorithm to estimate missing values. The proposed algorithm (KSA) was compared with WSAMP, Firefly, and BAT algorithm. The results were evaluated using the mean of absolute error (MAE). A statistical test (Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Friedman test) was conducted to test the performance of the algorithms. The results of Wilcoxon test indicate that time does not have a significant effect on the performance, and the quality of estimation between the paired algorithms was significant; the results of Friedman test ranked KSA as the best evolutionary algorithm.
Cyclooxygenase-2 Selectively Controls Renal Blood Flow Through a Novel PPARβ/δ-Dependent Vasodilator Pathway
Authors: Kirkby Nicholas S. , Sampaio Walkyria , Etelvino Gisele , Alves Daniele T. , Anders Katie L. , Temponi Rafael , Shala Fisnik , Nair Anitha S. , Ahmetaj-Shala Blerina , Jiao Jing , Herschman Harvey R. , Wang Xiaomeng , Wahli Walter , Santos Robson A. , Mitchell Jane A.
Published: January 2018

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible enzyme expressed in inflammation and cancer targeted by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. COX-2 is also expressed constitutively in discreet locations where its inhibition drives gastrointestinal and cardiovascular/renal side effects. Constitutive COX-2 expression in the kidney regulates renal function and blood flow; however, the global relevance of the kidney versus other tissues to COX-2–dependent blood flow regulation is not known. Here, we used a microsphere deposition technique and pharmacological COX-2 inhibition to map the contribution of COX-2 to regional blood flow in mice and compared this to COX-2 expression patterns using luciferase reporter mice. Across all tissues studied, COX-2 inhibition altered blood flow predominantly in the kidney, with some effects also seen in the spleen, adipose, and testes. Of these sites, only the kidney displayed appreciable local COX-2 expression. As the main site where COX-2 regulates blood flow, we next analyzed the pathways involved in kidney vascular responses using a novel technique of video imaging small arteries in living tissue slices. We found that the protective effect of COX-2 on renal vascular function was associated with prostacyclin signaling through PPARβ/δ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ). These data demonstrate the kidney as the principle site in the body where local COX-2 controls blood flow and identifies a previously unreported PPARβ/δ-mediated renal vasodilator pathway as the mechanism. These findings have direct relevance to the renal and cardiovascular side effects of drugs that inhibit COX-2, as well as the potential of the COX-2/prostacyclin/PPARβ/δ axis as a therapeutic target in renal disease.
New records of the family Crangonidae (Decapoda: Caridea) from Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: ALVES-JÚNIOR FLAVIO DE ALMEIDA , VIANA GIRLENE FÁBIA SEGUNDO , ARAÚJO MARINA DE SÁ LEITÃO CÂMARA DE , SOUZA-FILHO JESSER F.
Published: January 2018

The family Crangonidae comprises 22 genera and 219 species. Six species are recorded in the Southwestern Atlantic. In this paper, two species of this family, Pontophilus brevirostris Smith, 1881 and Sabinea hystrix (A. Milne-Edwards, 1881) are recorded for the first time to southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, we record the occurrence of Parapontocaris caribbaea (Boone, 1927), Parapontophilus gracilis (Smith, 1882) and Philocheras gorei (Dardeau, 1980) to the Northeast of Brazil. Through this paper, we raised the number of Cragonidae species to eight from recorded from southwestern Atlantic (Brazilian deep waters).
Eudorylaimus kahaqensis sp. n. (Nematoda: Dorylaimida: Qudsianematidae), an interesting new species from Iran
Authors: KAZEMI E. , NIKNAM G. , JABBARI H. , PEÑA-SANTIAGO R.
Published: January 2018

A new species of the genus Eudorylaimus is described from Kahaq region, Maragheh, East Azarbaijan province in Iran. Eudorylaimus kahaqensis sp. n. is characterized by its 1.40–1.75 mm long body, lip region nearly continuous and 17–21 µm wide and bearing a weakly sclerotized but distinct cephalic framework, cheilostom broad and with convex walls, odontostyle 21–23 µm long with aperture occupying 33–44% of its length, presence of a dorsal coelomocyte a short distance behind the nerve ring, neck 347–397 µm long, DN rather posterior (66–70%), pharyngeal expansion 162–205 µm or occupying 45–53% of total neck length, presence a dorsal cell mass at level of pharyngo-intestinal junction, V = 48–52, caudal region conical elongate (50–73 µm, c = 24–30, c’ = 1.9–2.6 in females; 45–68 µm, c = 22–32, c’ = 1.7–2.3 in males) and regularly curved ventrad with large hyaline portion, spicules 48–55 µm long and 7–9 irregularly spaced ventromedian supplements lacking hiatus.
Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Visiana Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae), with the description of two new species from Indonesia
Authors: SCHMIDT OLGA
Published: January 2018

The present study contributes to the knowledge of the Indo-Pacific genus Visiana Swinhoe based on historic specimens collected in Indonesia and deposited in the collections of the Natural History Museum (London, UK) and Naturalis Biodiversity Center (Leiden, the Netherlands). Two new species V. cyclopsensis, sp. nov. from the Cyclops Mountains (West Papua) and V. minahasensis, sp. nov. from Minahasa (Sulawesi) are described and illustrated. These belong to two different species groups. An updated checklist of the genus Visiana, comprising 18 species is included.
A Comparative Study of Atmospheric Moisture Recycling Rate between Observations and Models
Authors: Kao Angela , Jiang Xun , Li Liming , Trammell James H. , Zhang Guang J. , Su Hui , Jiang Jonathan H. , Yung Yuk L.
Published: January 2018

Precipitation and column water vapor data from 13 CMIP5 models and observational datasets are used to analyze atmospheric moisture recycling rate from 1988 to 2008. The comparisons between observations and model simulations suggest that most CMIP5 models capture two main characteristics of the recycling rate: 1) long-term decreasing trend of the global-average maritime recycling rate (atmospheric recycling rate over ocean within 60°S–60°N) and 2) dominant spatial patterns of the temporal variations of the recycling rate (i.e., increasing in the intertropical convergence zone and decreasing in subtropical regions). All models, except one, successfully simulate not only the long-term trend but also the interannual variability of column water vapor. The simulations of precipitation are relatively poor, especially over the relatively short time scales, which lead to the discrepancy of the recycling rate between observations and the CMIP5 models. Comparisons of spatial patterns also suggest that the CMIP5 models simulate column water vapor better than precipitation. The comparative studies indicate the scope of improvement in the simulations of precipitation, especially for the relatively short-time-scale variations, to better simulate the recycling rate of atmospheric moisture, an important indicator of climate change.
Religion and CSR: An Islamic “Political” Model of Corporate Governance
Authors: Murphy Maurice J. , Smolarski Jan M.
Published: January 2018

This article examines the political perspective of corporate social responsibility from the standpoint of normative Islam. We argue that large firms within Muslim majority countries have the moral obligation to assist governments in addressing challenges related to sustainable socioeconomic development and in advancing human rights. In substantiating our argument, we draw upon the Islamic business ethics, stakeholder theory, and corporate governance literatures, as well as the concepts of Maqasid al Shariah (the objectives of Islamic law) and fard al ‘ayn (obligation upon all individuals within society) versus fard al kifayah (obligation upon some individuals within society) to introduce a normative model elucidating critical Islamic precepts. Finally, we propose an Islamic “political” corporate governance framework, which democratizes firm decision making by embedding “core” stakeholders, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and Shariah scholars in the corporate board, thereby enhancing the ability of businesses to respond to stakeholder concerns and priorities, while mitigating interstakeholder and intraboard power asymmetries.
Oil Price–Migration Nexus in India
Authors: John Raju
Published: January 2018

Given that India is globally the top recipient of migrant remittances and over 90 per cent of Indian worker emigration is to oil-producing nations in the Gulf region, such significant economic relations between the two regions raise concerns that decreasing oil prices may lead to serious negative economic impacts. This article attempts to understand the association between emigration and oil price, assuming that fluctuations in oil price will adversely affect the economic prosperity of oil-producing nations and thus the emigration prospects of a significant section of global migrant workers, including millions of South Asians. Examining the association between changes in oil price and emigration from India more specifically aims to ascertain whether there is a direct correlation, so that reasonable precautions may be made regarding the impact of oil price changes on South Asian worker migrant flows.
Examining sources of variability in repeaters’ L2 writing scores: The case of the PTE Academic writing section
Authors: Barkaoui Khaled
Published: January 2018

This study aimed to examine the sources of variability in the second-language (L2) writing scores of test-takers who repeated an English language proficiency test, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, multiple times. Examining repeaters’ test scores can provide important information concerning factors contributing to changes in test scores across test occasions. Data consisted of the scores and background data (e.g., gender, age) and other covariates (e.g., context, interval between tests, number of tests attempted) for a sample of 1,000 test-takers who each took PTE Academic three times or more. Multilevel modeling was used to estimate the contribution of various factors to variability in repeaters’ PTE Academic writing scores across test-takers and test occasions. The findings indicated that changes in PTE Academic writing scores followed a quadratic trajectory (i.e., initial score increases followed by a decline) and that, as expected, test-taker initial overall English language proficiency (as measured on other sections of the test) was the strongest predictor of differences in PTE Academic writing scores at test occasion one as well as variance (across test-takers) in the rate of change in writing scores over time. Measures of retesting effects were not significantly associated with changes in writing scores, while test-taker factors (e.g., age, gender, and purpose for taking the test) were significantly associated with writing scores at test occasion one, but not with the rate of change in writing scores over time. The study highlights the value of examining repeater’ L2 test scores and concludes with a call for more research on the sensitivity of L2 proficiency tests to changes in L2 proficiency over time and in relation to L2 instruction.
Temporal Trends in Mental Health Service Utilization across Outpatient and Acute Care Sectors: A Population-Based Study from 2006 to 2014
Authors: Chiu Maria , Gatov Evgenia , Vigod Simone N. , Amartey Abigail , Saunders Natasha R. , Yao Zhan , Pequeno Priscila , Kurdyak Paul
Published: January 2018

Objective:

Although evidence suggests that treatment seeking for mental illness has increased over time, little is known about how the health system is meeting the increasing demand for services. We examined trends in physician-based mental health service use across multiple sectors.

Method:

In this population-based study, we used linked health-administrative databases to measure annual rates of mental health–related outpatient physician visits to family physicians and psychiatrists, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations in adults aged 16+ from 2006 to 2014. We examined absolute and relative changes in visit rates, number of patients, and frequency of visits per patient, and assessed temporal trends using linear regressions.

Results:

Among approximately 11 million Ontario adults, age- and sex-standardized rates of mental health–related outpatient physician visits declined from 604.8 to 565.5 per 1000 population over the study period ( Ptrend = 0.04). Over time, the rate of visits to family physicians/general practitioners remained stable ( Ptrend = 0.12); the number of individuals served decreased, but the number of visits per patient increased. The rate of visits to psychiatrists declined ( Ptrend < 0.001); the number of individuals served increased, but the number of visits per patient decreased. Concurrently, visit rates to emergency departments and hospitals increased (16.1 to 19.7, Ptrend < 0.001 and 5.6 to 6.0, Ptrend = 0.01, per 1000 population, respectively). Increases in acute care service use were greatest for anxiety and addictions.

Conclusions:

The increasing acute care service use coupled with the reduction in outpatient visits suggest, overall, an increase in demand for mental health care that is not being met in ambulatory care settings.
Developing an Assessment Method of Active Aging: University of Jyvaskyla Active Aging Scale
Authors: Rantanen Taina , Portegijs Erja , Kokko Katja , Rantakokko Merja , Törmäkangas Timo , Saajanaho Milla
Published: January 2018

Objective: To develop an assessment method of active aging for research on older people. Method: A multiphase process that included drafting by an expert panel, a pilot study for item analysis and scale validity, a feedback study with focus groups and questionnaire respondents, and a test–retest study. Altogether 235 people aged 60 to 94 years provided responses and/or feedback. Results: We developed a 17-item University of Jyvaskyla Active Aging Scale with four aspects in each item (goals, ability, opportunity, and activity; range 0-272). The psychometric and item properties are good and the scale assesses a unidimensional latent construct of active aging. Discussion: Our scale assesses older people’s striving for well-being through activities pertaining to their goals, abilities, and opportunities. The University of Jyvaskyla Active Aging Scale provides a quantifiable measure of active aging that may be used in postal questionnaires or interviews in research and practice.
Liberal militarism as insecurity, desire and ambivalence: Gender, race and the everyday geopolitics of war
Authors: Basham Victoria M
Published: January 2018

The use and maintenance of military force as a means of achieving security makes the identity and continued existence of states as legitimate protectors of populations intelligible. In liberal democracies, however, where individual freedom is the condition of existence, citizens have to be motivated to cede some of that freedom in exchange for security. Accordingly, liberal militarism becomes possible only when military action and preparedness become meaningful responses to threats posed to the social body, not just the state, meaning that it relies on co-constitutive practices of the geopolitical and the everyday. Through a feminist discursive analysis of British airstrikes in Syria and attendant debates on Syrian refugees, I examine how liberal militarism is animated through these co-constitutive sites, with differential effects. Paying particular attention to gender and race, I argue that militarism is an outcome of social practices characterized as much by everyday desires and ambivalence as by fear and bellicosity. Moreover, I aim to show how the diffuse and often uneven effects produced by liberal militarism actually make many liberal subjects less secure. I suggest therefore that despite the claims of liberal states that military power provides security, for many militarism is insecurity.
Intravascular neoplastic cells in canine cutaneous plasmacytomas
Authors: Ehrensing Gordon , Craig Linden E.
Published: January 2018

We evaluated 134 cutaneous plasmacytomas in 125 dogs submitted to the University of Tennessee surgical biopsy service between 2009 and 2012 to determine whether the presence of intravascular neoplastic cells had prognostic significance. Tumors occurred in middle-aged to geriatric dogs (range: 5–16 y, mean: 9.6 y) and most frequently involved the skin of the head and distal limbs. Diagnoses were made based on light microscopy, and in some cases confirmed by immunoreactivity of neoplastic cells for MUM1. Tumors were categorized as having or not having intravascular neoplastic cells within sections examined. The intravascular location of tumor cells was confirmed by immunoreactivity of endothelial cells for factor VIII–related antigen in 3 cases. Neoplastic cells within vessel lumens were identified in 20 of 125 dogs (16%). Submitting veterinary practices were contacted for follow-up data on patients including local recurrence and cutaneous plasmacytomas in other locations. Follow-up information was acquired on 99 dogs (79%). Recurrence was documented in one dog with cutaneous plasmacytomas; both masses had incomplete margins and intravascular neoplastic cells. Additional distant cutaneous plasmacytomas were later diagnosed in 3 patients; none of these dogs had intravascular neoplastic cells. In no cases were cutaneous plasmacytomas suspected to be a cause of death or reason for euthanasia. Intravascular neoplastic cells were more common in tumors of the distal limbs (36%) compared to other locations (11%; p = 0.0007). The presence of intravascular neoplastic cells did not affect prognosis in cutaneous plasmacytomas.
Culture and Birth Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of Literature
Authors: Lang-Baldé Rachel , Amerson Roxanne
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Almost 830 women die daily in childbirth with 550 of those deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. This region has the highest maternal mortality rates in the world with 546 deaths per 100,000 live births. Research must focus on understanding cultural beliefs and practices to improve maternal health outcomes. The purpose of this review is to provide evidence of relevant cultural beliefs and the impact on birth outcomes for women in sub-Saharan Africa. Method: Using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, the literature focused on 25 articles that defined, directly or indirectly, associations of cultural values, beliefs, and lifeways to pregnancy and birth from the perspective of women of childbearing age. Results: Three relevant categories emerged from the literature: birth outcomes, maternal care-seeking, and maternal culture care. Discussion: Women’s voices and an understanding of cultural constructs of care are required to encourage the use of biomedical health system along with the use of indigenous practices.
Lateral and Posterior Approaches in Hemiarthroplasty
Authors: Hongisto M. T. , Nuotio M. S. , Luukkaala T. , Väistö O. , Pihlajamäki H. K.
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

Hemiarthroplasty is a common treatment for patient with a fragility displaced femoral neck fracture. We compared lateral and posterior approaches with respect to need for mobility aids, mobility level, living arrangements, pain, hip dislocation, and survival 12 months after hip fracture.

Methods:

A total of 393 fragility femoral neck fracture patients aged 65 years or more who underwent hemiarthroplasty were observed for 12 months. Patient information was collected on admission, during hospitalization, and by telephone interview 1 year after the hip fracture. A total of 269 patients were included in the final analysis.

Results:

At 1 year after hip fracture, more patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty with the posterior approach (22%) survived without mobility aids compared to those with the lateral approach (12%; p = 0.026). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the need for mobility aids 1 year after hip fracture was significantly predicted by the use of mobility aids before the fracture (odds ratio = 13.46, 95% confidence interval = 4.29–42.25), age ≥85 years (odds ratio = 3.85, 95% confidence interval = 1.09–13.44), male sex (odds ratio = 3.59, 95% confidence interval = 1.05–12.22), and lateral approach (odds ratio 2.73, 95% confidence interval 1.15–6.50). The posterior approach resulted in four (3.4%) dislocated hips, compared with none by the lateral approach. Survival, mobility level, pain in the operated hip, and living arrangements 1 year postoperatively were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusion:

Hemiarthroplasty using a lateral approach predisposed to the need for ambulatory aids 1 year after hip fracture. The posterior approach, however, predisposed to hip dislocation. Patient selection must be considered when deciding the appropriate surgical approach.
Hostageship: What can we learn from Mauss?
Authors: Colonomos Ariel
Published: January 2018

Hostages have become an important political and security issue in the context of conflicts in the Middle East and in Africa. The work of Marcel Mauss helps us to shed a new light on this phenomenon, which today is portrayed in negative terms as a major violation of fundamental universal rights such as the right to liberty. In The Gift, however, Mauss refers to the granting of hostages as “acts of generosity.” In line with Mauss’ approach, I consider hostageship as a “total social phenomenon,” combining politics, law, and economics, in both domestic and global settings, which reveals structural political and social questions that need to be addressed. The article highlights the role that hostages fulfilled as “gifts” in premodern international relations when hostages were granted and not taken as they are today. I underline the role they notably performed as elements of proto-diplomacy. I show the reasons why the function of hostages has changed over time by underlining the importance of the later Middle Ages as a transitional moment. Finally, I discuss the issue of contemporary hostageship from a normative perspective, arguing along with Mauss, against an interest-based utilitarian vision of hostageship and in favor of a solidarist approach to hostage crises.
Pump Users Clamor for Faster Insulin: Is Fast-Acting Insulin Aspart Ready for Them?
Authors: Muchmore Douglas B.
Published: January 2018

Recently approved in Europe, Canada, and the United States, fast-acting insulin aspart (FIASP®) is a new rapid acting insulin. Approved for subcutaneous or IV injection use, there is little data available regarding the clinical utility of FIASP in insulin pumps. The article by Zijlstra and colleagues in this issue begins to close this gap by testing pump compatibility of FIASP in the clinic. Reporting on a small (37 subjects) and short (6 weeks) study looking at aspects of infusion set propensity for clogging and malfunction, no cases of infusion set plugging in either FIASP (25 subjects) or insulin aspart (12 subjects) were seen. Unexplained hyperglycemia and premature infusion set changes were more common with FIASP than with insulin aspart. This study demonstrated sufficient safety and efficacy of FIASP in the pump setting to pave the way for longer, larger and more definitive clinical trials.
Comparison of Computer-Guided Versus Standard Insulin Infusion Regimens in Patients With Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Ullal Jagdeesh , Aloi Joseph A. , Reyes-Umpierrez David , Pasquel Francisco J. , McFarland Raymie , Rabinovich Marina , Umpierrez Guillermo E.
Published: January 2018

Background:

This study was performed to investigate the efficacy of Glucommander (GM) (Glytec®), a computer-based algorithm versus standard (paper form-based) continuous insulin infusion (CII) in the treatment of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Methods:

This was a retrospective multicenter study involving 2665 patients with DKA treated with either GM (n = 1750) or standard protocols (n = 915) across 34 institutions in the United States. GM estimates the rate of CII using an insulin sensitivity factor referred to as a “multiplier” that ranges between 0.01 and 0.03. Outcomes of interest were differences in time to resolve DKA (blood glucose [BG] <200 mg/dL and bicarbonate < 18 mmol/L) and number of hypoglycemic events defined as a BG <70 mg/dl.

Results:

Treatment with GM was associated with lower rates of hypoglycemia during the time of the insulin drip (12.9% vs 35%, P = .001), faster time to normalization of blood glucose (9.7 ± 8.9 vs 10.97 ± 10.2 hours, P = .0001) and resolution of metabolic acidosis (13.6 ± 11.8 vs 17.3 ± 19.6 hours, P = .0001), and shorter hospital length of stay (3.2 ± 2.9 vs 4.5 ± 4.8 days, P = .01) compared to standard care. Best treatment outcomes were achieved with an initial multiplier of 0.01 and a glucose target range between 120 and 180 mg/dl.

Conclusion:

The GM algorithm in DKA treatment resulted in lower rates of hypoglycemia and faster DKA resolution over standard paper-based algorithms. Prospective randomized clinical trials comparing the efficacy and cost of computer-based algorithms versus standard CII regimens are warranted.
Evaluation of Several Electronic Glycemic Management Systems
Authors: Alamri Narjes , Seley Jane Jeffrie
Published: January 2018

Computerized insulin dosing software provides decision support in the form of pattern management identification, standardized dosing, and ease of use in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. The purpose of this analysis article is to review the features of all three electronic glycemic management systems available in the United States and to discuss the potential benefits of an automated insulin dosing system compared to a paper protocol or electronic order set. Four articles will be presented in this inpatient focused issue that examine the safety and efficacy of the Glytec® eGlycemic Management system in a variety of patient populations.
System Accuracy and User Performance Evaluation of an Improved System for Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose
Authors: Baumstark Annette , Jendrike Nina , Liebing Christina , Haug Cornelia , Freckmann Guido
Published: January 2018

An improved test cassette for the integrated Accu-Chek® Mobile system (Roche Diabetes Care GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) has been developed. System accuracy of this improved system was evaluated based on ISO 15197:2013, clause 6.3, for three reagent system lots. According to this standard, at least 95% of the system’s measurement results shall be within ±15 mg/dL and ±15% of the results of the comparison method at glucose concentrations <100 mg/dL and ≥100 mg/dL (accuracy criterion A), respectively, and at least 99% of results shall be within consensus error grid zones A and B (accuracy criterion B). In addition, accuracy was evaluated in the hands of users based on ISO 15197:2013, clause 8, with one reagent system lot.
Broncholithiasis associated with lower airway inflammation and subsequent pyothorax in a cat
Authors: Valls Sanchez Ferran , Stewart Jennifer , Bovens Catherine , Puig Jordi
Published: January 2018

Case summary

A 12-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat presented with history of a long-term chronic cough that had worsened during the previous 2 months. Thoracic radiographs revealed numerous mineral opacities throughout the lung fields. Multiple bronchial plugs of pale yellow material were present on bronchoscopy, consistent with broncholithiasis. Bronchoalveolar lavage cytology revealed a mild neutrophilic inflammation and bacterial culture was negative. The cat was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory lower airway disease and broncholithiasis, suspected to be due to mineralisation of secretions in the bronchial lumen. The cat was treated for 6 years with oral prednisolone and responded well to treatment. Six years later, the cat developed severe respiratory distress and died. Post-mortem examination identified chronic multifocal broncholithiasis, pulmonary abscessation and pyothorax.

Relevance and novel information

Broncholithiasis is a very rare condition in feline medicine; however, we are reporting a new case and it should be considered as a differential diagnosis for chronic coughing in cats, especially when other common causes have been ruled out and the radiographic findings are suggestive of it. We hypothesise that pathogenesis of the pulmonary abscessation and pyothorax in our patient was, at least partially, due to broncholithiasis. Pleural disease should be considered a complication of broncholithiasis.
Unopposed IL-18 signaling leads to severe TLR9-induced macrophage activation syndrome in mice
Authors: Girard-Guyonvarc’h Charlotte , Palomo Jennifer , Martin Praxedis , Rodriguez Emiliana , Troccaz Sabina , Palmer Gaby , Gabay Cem
Published: January 2018

Key Points

Endogenous IL-18BP is critical to prevent severe MAS on repetitive TLR9 stimulation. IL-18BP deficiency is associated with elevated plasma levels of free IL-18 and an enhanced IFN-γ molecular signature in TLR9-induced MAS.
GPVI signaling is compromised in newly formed platelets after acute thrombocytopenia in mice
Authors: Gupta Shuchi , Cherpokova Deya , Spindler Markus , Morowski Martina , Bender Markus , Nieswandt Bernhard
Published: January 2018

Key Points

Newly formed young platelets produced by MKs in response to acute thrombocytopenia display a selective GPVI-ITAM signaling defect. This signaling defect protects mice from occlusive arterial thrombus formation.
The impact of aging on primate hematopoiesis as interrogated by clonal tracking
Authors: Yu Kyung-Rok , Espinoza Diego A. , Wu Chuanfeng , Truitt Lauren , Shin Tae-Hoon , Chen Shirley , Fan Xing , Yabe Idalia M. , Panch Sandhya , Hong So Gun , Koelle Samson , Lu Rong , Bonifacino Aylin , Krouse Allen , Metzger Mark , Donahue Robert E. , Dunbar Cynthia E.
Published: January 2018

Key Points

Genetic barcoding of HSPCs in aged macaques reveals impaired long-term clonal output from multipotent HSPCs. Aged macaques showed prolonged contributions from lineage-biased HSPCs and late clonal expansions.
Diagnostic Utility of Molecular and Imaging Biomarkers in Cytological Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules
Authors: de Koster Elizabeth J , de Geus-Oei Lioe-Fee , Dekkers Olaf M , van Engen-van Grunsven Ilse , Hamming Jaap , Corssmit Eleonora P M , Morreau Hans , Schepers Abbey , Smit Jan , Oyen Wim J G , Vriens Dennis
Published: January 2018

Indeterminate thyroid cytology (Bethesda III and IV) corresponds to follicular-patterned benign and malignant lesions, which are particularly difficult to differentiate on cytology alone. As ~25% of these nodules harbor malignancy, diagnostic hemithyroidectomy is still custom. However, advanced preoperative diagnostics are rapidly evolving.

This review provides an overview of additional molecular and imaging diagnostics for indeterminate thyroid nodules in a preoperative clinical setting, including considerations regarding cost-effectiveness, availability, and feasibility of combining techniques. Addressed diagnostics include gene mutation analysis, microRNA, immunocytochemistry, ultrasonography, elastosonography, computed tomography, sestamibi scintigraphy, [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

The best rule-out tests for malignancy were the Afirma® gene expression classifier and FDG-PET. The most accurate rule-in test was sole BRAF mutation analysis. No diagnostic had both near-perfect sensitivity and specificity, and estimated cost-effectiveness. Molecular techniques are rapidly advancing. However, given the currently available techniques, a multimodality stepwise approach likely offers the most accurate diagnosis, sequentially applying one sensitive rule-out test and one specific rule-in test. Geographical variations in cytology (e.g., Hürthle cell neoplasms) and tumor genetics strongly influence local test performance and clinical utility. Multidisciplinary collaboration and implementation studies can aid the local decision for one or more eligible diagnostics.
How Do Hours Worked Vary with Income? Cross-Country Evidence and Implications
Authors: Bick Alexander , Fuchs-Schündeln Nicola , Lagakos David
Published: January 2018

This paper builds a new internationally comparable database of hours worked to measure how hours vary with income across and within countries. We document that average hours worked per adult are substantially higher in low-income countries than in high-income countries. The pattern of decreasing hours with aggregate income holds for both men and women, for adults of all ages and education levels, and along both the extensive and intensive margin. Within countries, hours worked per worker are also decreasing in the individual wage for most countries, though in the richest countries, hours worked are flat or increasing in the wage. One implication of our findings is that aggregate productivity and welfare differences across countries are larger than currently thought. (JEL E23, E24, J22, J31, O11, O15)
Initial experience with 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) PET-CT: a viable functional biomarker in symptomatic Os acromiale
Authors: Usmani Sharjeel , Marafi Fahad , Esmail Abdulredha , Ahmed Najeeb
Published: January 2018

Objective:

Os acromiale (OA) is a failure of complete fusion of the acromial process. It is usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. OA can contribute to shoulder impingement symptoms and rotator cuff tears. 18F Sodium Fluoride (NaF) Positron Emission Tomography -CT (PET-CT) is an emerging and highly sensitive modality for oncological skeletal staging, and can show a variety of non-malignant uptake. We have analysed the relationship between 18F-NaF uptake in OA and associated symptoms of shoulder pain.

Methods:

Study population included 21 patients (mean age 60.2 ± 12 years; 13 females and 8 males) with OA who underwent PET-CT scan by injecting 2.22 MBq kg−1 of 18F-NaF. The relationship between 18F-NaF uptake and OA as a cause of pain was analysed. A 3-point grading system was used to evaluate uptake of  18F-NaF.

Results:

In total 27 OA (12 symptomatic and 15 asymptomatic) were enrolled. All symptomatic OA showed focal increase tracer uptake of Grade 2, while asymptomatic OA did not have significant activity Grade 0 (n = 11) and Grade 1 (n = 4).

Conclusion:

18F-NaF PET-CT appears to be a useful adjunct in the assessment of symptomatic OA with its particular strength being its high negative predictive value.

Advances in knowledge:

18F-NaF PET-CT may be used as an ancillary tool for identifying symptomatic OA  as a cause of shoulder pain in cases where other obvious causes of shoulder pain have been excluded.
Long-term follow-up after childhood cancer in France supported by the SFCE—force and weakness—current state, results of a questionnaire and perspectives
Authors: Demoor-Goldschmidt Charlotte , Tabone Marie-Dominique , Bernier Valérie , de Vathaire Florent , Berger Claire
Published: January 2018

Objective:

The survival rate of children treated for cancer is currently about 80% at 5 years and we estimate that about 50,000 adults in France have survived childhood cancer. In 2011, there was a call for projects relating to long-term follow-up (LTFU), which led to several studies being conducted. Five years later, we sent a questionnaire to present LTFU in France and describe its strengths and weaknesses and to establish appropriate steps that should be taken.

Methods:

A questionnaire was sent by email to all the members of the French Society of Childhood Cancers in spring 2016. The study involved 44 centres/hospitals with a Paediatric Oncology Department.

Results:

54 answers were analysed, provided by 31/44 (70%) centres working together with the French Society of Childhood Cancers. Screening is the main objective of LTFU care (90%). The main difficulties that arose were: lack of sufficient time to devote to this activity (57%), difficulties contacting adult childhood cancer survivors (aCCSs) (26%), aCCSs who ultimately did not show up to the consultation (19%), cost (15%), and lack of organization (13%). Seven LTFU programmes were identified: two regional organizations (Rhône Alpes and Grand Ouest), four centre-size organizations, and one national study (involving 15 Haematology Centres) relating to Child and Adolescent Leukaemia.

Conclusion:

LTFU is a major concern for French centres specialized in paediatric oncology. Organization is not well defined and difficulties still arise (Who are the best care providers? What frequency of care is most appropriate? etc.).

Advances in knowledge:

LTFU focused on health problems (physical, psychological, social, economic issues) that affect CCSs is needed to ensure that these patients regain the most optimal physical and emotional health possible. Practitioners suggest different ways to improve LTFU, such as national co-operation with Epidemiology Registers to promote homogenous LTFU care.
Paideia dos Degredados: Raízes dos Condicionamentos Inibidores da Universalizaçãodo Direito à Educação no Brasil
Authors: Arruda Gerardo Maia , Gonçalves Flavio Moreira
Published: January 2018

Neste artigo faz-se um esforço para identificar as causas originárias das interposições que se construíram historicamente e que ainda obstaculizam a universalização do direito à educação na sociedade brasileira. Para tanto, as análises remetem para o período colonial e imperial com o intento de se apreender o sentido da colonização, os meandros da dominação e a estrutura hierárquica aí construídos e, posteriormente, consolidados, portanto, averíguam-se as consequências desses processos para o delineamento da dinâmica das relações sociais e de poder. Assim, faz-se uma incursão nas relações econômicas buscando trazer à tona os elementos concretos que definem os interesses das classes dominantes, compreendidos como fundantes da organização política, portanto, que se encontra na base da regulação das relações sociais. Examinam-se ainda as relações de produção com o objetivo de verificar a necessidade de formação da força de trabalho, percebida como essencial para o entendimento da trajetória da normatização e das políticas públicas direcionadas para o campo da educação. Conclui-se, referenciado nessas questões, que a Constituição de 1824 dá início a uma normatização do direito à educação que inaugura um hiato abissal entre o que se propõe como garantia constitucional e a realidade sociopolítica para a qual está direcionada.
A pesquisa com seres humanos e os mecanismos de controle social
Authors: Petterle Selma Rodrigues , Pereira Anderson De Fraga
Published: January 2018

A Constituição brasileira de 1988 protegeu um conjunto de direitos sociais, dentre eles o direito à saúde, sendo que o sistema de saúde no Brasil é organizado através de um sistema único que, dentre outras características, deve ter a participação da comunidade. Essa participação ocorre fundamentalmente através dos conselhos e conferências de saúde. Em âmbito nacional, o Conselho Nacional de Saúde tem sido o órgão normatizador das diretrizes que orientam as pesquisas envolvendo seres humanos, mais recentemente a Resolução 466/2012. Considerando essas premissas, o presente artigo objetiva verificar em que medida se deu a discussão, junto ao Município de Canoas/RS, a respeito do conteúdo da referida resolução, com a pesquisa documental nas atas de reuniões e assembléias.
Justiça restaurativa e crimes culposos de trânsito
Authors: Giamberardino André Ribeiro , Silva Mario Edson Passerino Fischer da
Published: January 2018

O paradigma restaurativo é proposto como meio de empoderar o indivíduo e emancipá-lo de estado de apatia no que tange à sua relação com os conflitos e a sua resolução. Com foco específico na área dos crimes culposos de trânsito, a pesquisa foi dividida em duas fases, conjugando metodologia qualitativa baseada em entrevistas não estruturadas e revisão bibliográfica. Para tanto, procedeu-se a pesquisa de consulta processual no âmbito da Segunda Vara de Delitos de Trânsito de Curitiba/PR e na interação com familiares de vítimas de delitos de trânsito e infratores que cumpriam pena restritiva de direitos no Instituto Paz no Trânsito. Sendo o rito restaurativo uma experiência voluntária que incita o diálogo, a reflexão sobre as causas da questão e a formulação conjunta de uma solução para o conflito, ele pode demonstrar que o cidadão é capaz de agir de forma responsável e atuar como um agente modificador da própria realidade sem a presença necessária da tutela punitiva estatal. Tem-se, por fim, que o campo dos crimes culposos e de trânsito se mostra como muito permeável para testar-se a eficácia de tal modelo de justiça, devido à ausência de propósito direto na causação do dano, bem como diante da manifesta ineficácia da pena estatal em sentido preventivo.
Das teorias da interpretação à teoria da decisão: por uma perspectiva realista sobre as influências e constrangimentos sobre a atividade judicial
Authors: Horta Ricardo De Lins e , Costa Alexandre Araújo
Published: January 2018

A ideia de que seja possível desenvolver uma metodologia hermenêutica capaz de conduzir a decisões corretas continua sendo um dos elementos centrais dos discursos dogmáticos contemporâneos, especialmente na forma das teorias da argumentação. Em virtude disso, o comportamento judicial configura um elemento secundário no desenvolvimento das teorias tradicionais. As pesquisas descritivas a seu respeito acabaram se inspirando numa peculiar vertente do positivismo, o realismo jurídico, que levou a sério a ideia de que era preciso realizar uma ciência empírica do direito, capaz de explicar o papel das preferências político-ideológicas, pessoais, entre outras, na decisão judicial. Neste artigo, sustentamos que uma teoria realista da interpretação, que encare o direito como uma arena decisória, permite que se vislumbre uma teoria da decisão, que integre não só fatores discursivos, mas também estratégicos, sociais e reputacionais da decisão. Para tanto, apresentamos uma série de estudos empíricos, oriundos da Psicologia Cognitiva e Social, da Ciência Política e da Economia Comportamental, que investigam como os fatores extrajurídicos influenciam e constrangem o processo de tomada de decisão judicial. Por fim, com base em teorizações recentes sobre como o raciocínio humano se articula com o processo argumentativo de justificação, defendemos que, do ponto de vista da formulação de uma teoria da decisão judicial, a oposição entre contextos de “descoberta” e “justificação” não mais se sustenta.
A exceção como dispositivo de governo
Authors: Nuzzo Luciano
Published: January 2018

Por meio da discussão das ideias de Carl Schmitt e Walter Benjamin, Michel Foucault e Giorgio Agamben, este artigo visa a analisar o funcionamento de um dispositivo de governo que usa a exceção como norma. Esse dispositivo é definido como “excepcionalismo soberano” e introduz novas formas de controle, que resultam de uma combinação inédita entre excepcionalismo e governamentalidade, em que o Direito e as instituições democráticas continuam a existir, mas são sempre mais esvaziadas, revogadas por meio de práxis governamentais. O excepcionalismo soberano, em última instância, coloca-nos frente aos paradoxos do Direito e desconstrói radicalmente a geometria política moderna e a razão que constituiu seu pressuposto.
Políticas Públicas de proteção à vítima: uma proposta de arranjo institucional de segurança pública
Authors: Suxberger Antonio Henrique Graciano , Cançado Mayara Lopes
Published: January 2018

O presente artigo analisa a orientação legislativa na última década quanto à conformação das políticas públicas de proteção à vítima no processo penal. A pesquisa menciona a relevância de se observar essas políticas públicas sob a perspectiva de um arranjo institucional de segurança pública, em que o sistema de justiça criminal não atua de forma exclusiva. O estudo observa revisão bibliográfica e documental da doutrina pátria sobre o tema, abordando aproximações conceituais da Vitimologia e de Políticas Públicas. O artigo revisita os principais direitos das vítimas no processo criminal para cotejá-los com a contribuição das políticas públicas, especialmente em relação à conformação dos atores e dos planos de realização das políticas públicas atinentes à vítima de delito. A importância do trabalho reside na compreensão de que as políticas públicas de promoção dos direitos assegurados à vítima no processo penal reclamam políticas de Estado, por meio de uma integração operacional e de um estreito diálogo interorganizacional dos atores de segurança pública.