bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Lateral Flow Assay Based on Size-Controlled Gold Nanoparticles for Detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
Authors: Kim Dong , Kim Yong , Hong Seok , Kim Jinwoon , Heo Nam , Lee Moon-Keun , Lee Seok , Kim Byeong , Kim In , Huh Yun , Choi Bong
Published: December 2016

In this study, we developed lateral flow assay (LFA) biosensors for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigens using well-controlled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). To enhance colorimetric signals, a seeded growth method was used for the preparation of size-controlled AuNPs with a narrow size distribution. Different sizes of AuNPs in the range of 342–137.8 nm were conjugated with antibodies and then optimized for the efficient detection of LFA biosensors. The conjugation stability was investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy of AuNP dispersion at various pH values and concentrations of antibody. Based on optimized conjugation conditions, the use of 42.7 ± 0.8 nm AuNPs exhibited superior performance for the detection of LFAs relative to other sizes of AuNPs.
Bi-Directional Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analyzer System for Long Range Distributed Sensing
Authors: Guo Nan , Wang Liang , Wang Jie , Jin Chao , Tam Hwa-Yaw , Zhang A. , Lu Chao
Published: December 2016

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel scheme of bi-directional Brillouin time domain analyzer (BD-BOTDA) to extend the sensing range. By deploying two pump-probe pairs at two different wavelengths, the Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) distribution over each half of the whole fiber can be obtained with the simultaneous detection of Brillouin signals in both channels. Compared to the conventional unidirectional BOTDA system of the same sensing range, the proposed BD-BOTDA scheme enables distributed sensing with a performance level comparable to the conventional one with half of the sensing range and a spatial resolution of 2 m, while maintaining the Brillouin signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the BFS uncertainty. Based on this technique, we have achieved distributed temperature sensing with a measurement range of 81.9 km fiber at a spatial resolution of 2 m and BFS uncertainty of ~0.44 MHz without introducing any complicated components or schemes.
A Photonic Crystal Magnetic Field Sensor Using a Shoulder-Coupled Resonant Cavity Infiltrated with Magnetic Fluid
Authors: Su Delong , Pu Shengli , Mao Lianmin , Wang Zhaofang , Qian Kai
Published: December 2016

A kind of photonic crystal magnetic field sensor is proposed and investigated numerically. The shoulder-coupled resonant cavity is introduced in the photonic crystal, which is infiltrated with magnetic fluid. Through monitoring the shift of resonant wavelength, the magnetic field sensing is realized. According to the designed infiltration schemes, both the magnetic field sensitivity and full width at half maximum increase with the number of infiltrated air holes. The figure of merit of the structure is defined to evaluate the sensing performance comprehensively. The best structure corresponding to the optimal infiltration scheme with eight air holes infiltrated with magnetic fluid is obtained.
The Spatiotemporal Variation of Drought in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Metropolitan Region (BTHMR) Based on the Modified TVDI
Authors: Liu Haixin , Zhang Anbing , Jiang Tao , Lv Haitao , Liu Xinxia , Wang Hefeng
Published: December 2016

This study proposes a modified vegetation-dependent temperature-vegetation dryness index (TVDI) model for analyzing regional drought disasters in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Metropolitan Region (BTHMR) of China. First, MODIS monthly normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land surface temperature (LST) data and land use/cover data (Land cover type2) were pre-processed as a consistent big dataset. The land use/cover data were modified and integrated into six primary types. Then, these land types were used as the base data layer to calculate the TVDI by parameterizing the relationship between the MODIS NDVI and LST data. By emphasizing different types of land uses, this study was able to compare and analyze the differences of the TVDI indices between the entire study area (no consideration of the land types) and the six classified land uses. The soil moisture data were used to validate the modified TVDI values based on different land uses, which confirmed that the modified model more effectively reflected drought conditions. Finally, the aforementioned model was used to analyze the temporal and spatial variation of drought experienced by vegetation cover from 2000 to 2014. The results of the modified model were validated with the synchronized soil moisture and precipitation data. The case study clearly demonstrated that the modified TVDI model, which is based on different vegetation indexes, could better reflect the drought conditions of the study area.
Genetic Structure and Molecular Variability Analysis of Citrus sudden death-associated virus Isolates from Infected Plants Grown in Brazil
Authors: Matsumura Emilyn , Coletta Filho Helvécio , De Oliveira Dorta Silvia , Nouri Shahideh , Machado Marcos
Published: December 2016

Citrus sudden death-associated virus (CSDaV) is a monopartite positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus that was suggested to be associated with citrus sudden death (CSD) disease in Brazil. Here, we report the first study of the genetic structure and molecular variability among 31 CSDaV isolates collected from both symptomatic and asymptomatic trees in CSD-affected areas. Analyses of partial nucleotide sequences of five domains of the CSDaV genomic RNA, including those encoding for the methyltransferase, the multi-domain region (MDR), the helicase, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the coat protein, showed that the MDR coding region was the most diverse region assessed here, and a possible association between this region and virus adaption to different host or plant tissues is considered. Overall, the nucleotide diversity (π) was low for CSDaV isolates, but the phylogenetic analyses revealed the predominance of two main groups, one of which showed a higher association with CSD-symptomatic plants. Isolates obtained from CSD-symptomatic plants, compared to those obtained from asymptomatic plants, showed higher nucleotide diversity, nonsynonymous and synonymous substitution rates and number of amino acid changes on the coding regions located closer to the 5’ end region of the genomic RNA. This work provides new insights into the genetic diversity of the CSDaV, giving support for further epidemiological studies.
Generation of a Design Flood-Event Scenario for a Mountain River with Intense Sediment Transport
Authors: Radice Alessio , Longoni Laura , Papini Monica , Brambilla Davide , Ivanov Vladislav
Published: December 2016

International directives encourage the incorporation of sediment transport analyses into flood risk assessment, in recognition of the significant role played by sediment in flood hazard. However, examples of risk analysis frameworks incorporating the effect of sediment transport are still not widespread in the literature, resulting in a lack of clear guidelines. This manuscript considers a study site in the Italian Alps and presents a hydro-morphologic model for generation of flood scenarios towards hazard assessment. The analysis is concentrated on a design flood event with 100-year return period, for which an outflowing discharge is computed as a result of the river modeling. However, it is also argued how suitable model input parameter values can be obtained from analyses of river flows in a yearly duration curve. Modeling tools are discussed with respect to their capabilities and limitations. The results of the analysis are site-specific, but the proposed methodology can be exported to other hydro-graphic basins.
The Development of Sustainable Saltwater-Based Food Production Systems: A Review of Established and Novel Concepts
Authors: Gunning Daryl , Maguire Julie , Burnell Gavin
Published: December 2016

The demand for seafood products on the global market is rising, particularly in Asia, as affluence and appreciation of the health benefits of seafood increase. This is coupled with a capture fishery that, at best, is set for stagnation and, at worst, significant collapse. Global aquaculture is the fastest growing sector of the food industry and currently accounts for approximately 45.6% of the world’s fish consumption. However, the rapid development of extensive and semi-extensive systems, particularly intensive marine-fed aquaculture, has resulted in worldwide concern about the potential environmental, economic, and social impacts of such systems. In recent years, there has been a significant amount of research conducted on the development of sustainable saltwater-based food production systems through mechanical (e.g., recirculatory aquaculture (RAS) systems) methods and ecosystem-based approaches (e.g., integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA)). This review article will examine the potential negative impacts of monocultural saltwater aquaculture operations and review established (RAS) and novel (IMTA; constructed wetlands; saltwater aquaponics) saltwater-based food production systems and discuss their (potential) contribution to the development of sustainable and environmentally-friendly systems.
Indicator and Pathogen Removal by Low Impact Development Best Management Practices
Authors: Peng Jian , Cao Yiping , Rippy Megan , Afrooz A. , Grant Stanley
Published: December 2016

Microbial contamination in urban stormwater is one of the most widespread and challenging water quality issues in developed countries. Low impact development (LID) best management practices (BMPs) restore pre-urban hydrology by treating and/or harvesting urban runoff and stormwater, and can be designed to remove many contaminants including pathogens. One particular type of LID BMP, stormwater biofilters (i.e., vegetated media filters, also known as bioinfiltration, bioretention, or rain gardens), is becoming increasingly popular in urban environments due to its multiple co-benefits (e.g., improved hydrology, water quality, local climate and aesthetics). However, increased understanding of the factors influencing microbial removal in biofilters is needed to effectively design and implement biofilters for microbial water quality improvement. This paper aims to provide a holistic view of microbial removal in biofilter systems, and reviews the effects of various design choices such as filter media, vegetation, infauna, submerged zones, and hydraulic retention time on microbial removal. Limitations in current knowledge and recommendations for future research are also discussed.
Estimation of Investment Perspectives in the Baltic Stock Market
Authors: Plevokaitė Jurgita , Martinkutė-Kaulienė Raimonda
Published: December 2016

Short analysis of stock market and stock indices of Baltic countries is presented in the article. Theoretical aspects of importance of fundamental economic analysis, presented by Lithuanian and foreign authors for investigation of investment market is analysed and presented in the research. Research of correlation analysis and stochastic dependence test between chosen stock indices and macroeconomic indicators of Baltic countries is fulfilled. After analysis of the 2004–2013 year period statistics, the relationship between macroeconomic indicators and stock indices in the long term is established. After evaluating the results of the research, macroeconomic indicators, mostly influencing the changes in Baltic stock markets are picked out and their influence on stock indices is described. Investment perspectives in the Baltic stock market are estimated in the near future using macroeconomic forecastings of every country.
On Securities Portfolio Optimization, Preferences, Payoff Matrix Estimation and Uncertain Mixed Decision Making
Authors: Gaspars-Wieloch Helena
Published: December 2016

Securities portfolio optimization has been analysed so far on the assumption that the estimation of the probability distribution concerning future rates of return is possible thanks to historical data. However, sometimes it is desirable to forecast profits by considering factors which are not included in past and present results. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the stocks portfolio optimization in the context of decision making under complete uncertainty, i.e. uncertainty with unknown probabilities, which allows the investor to refer to scenario planning. In the contribution, we propose the use of a decision rule for portfolio optimization under complete uncertainty. The procedure takes into account the decision maker’s nature and enables one to select the optimal mixed strategy, which is characteristic of portfolio optimization where variables denoting the share of particular securities are continuous (not binary). The decision process is discussed for two types of decision makers: an active one (who estimates the profit matrix on his own) and a passive one (who uses a profit matrix generated by experts). Additionally, we analyse the impact of the profit matrix estimation (subjectively or objectively) on the decision making process.
Bank Soundness in the Latvian Banking Market
Authors: Titko Jelena
Published: December 2016

Bank soundness is crucially important for the stability of the whole financial system. The goal of the paper is to reveal the contributing factors to bank soundness in the Latvian banking market. Multifactor regression analysis was applied as a core research method. Bank soundness was proxied by Risk index calculated for Latvian banks. Profitability, liquidity and asset quality ratios of individual banks extracted from BankScope data warehouse were used as explanatory variables. Research period covers 2007–2014. The regression model was created, based on financials of Latvian banks as for 2013. The reliability of the model was tested, using the financials from 2014 reports.
Competitiveness, Clustering and Knowledge Management of Greek Manufacturing Industry at Post-Crisis Era
Authors: Voulgaris Fotini , Lemonakis Christos , Vassakis Konstantinos
Published: December 2016

The globalization and the increasing competition especially during the latest years of crisis provide a new environment for SMEs. In the “knowledge-based economy”, firms’ competitiveness is strongly related to technical know-how and skills. The important keys for the survival, growth and development of SMEs are related to technological and scientific improvements, cooperation, innovation capacity and knowledge management. This is the first study which attempts to present the above characteristics of Greek manufacturing SMEs at the post-crisis era.
Baseline Shoulder Ultrasonography Is Not a Predictive Marker of Response to Glucocorticoids in Patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A 12-month Followup Study
Authors: Miceli Maria Concetta , Zoli Angelo , Peluso Giusy , Bosello Silvia , Gremese Elisa , Ferraccioli Gianfranco
Published: December 2016

Objective.

In this study, we evaluated whether ultrasound (US) subdeltoid bursitis (SB) and/or biceps tenosynovitis (BT) presence at baseline could represent a predictive marker of response to standard therapy after 12 months of followup, and whether a positive US examination could highlight the need of higher maintenance dosage of glucocorticoids (GC) at 6 and 12 months in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).

Methods.

Sixty-six consecutive patients with PMR underwent bilateral shoulder US evaluations before starting therapy and after 12 months of followup. Absence of girdle pain and morning stiffness (clinical remission) and laboratory variables were evaluated. After diagnosis, all patients were treated with prednisone.

Results.

At baseline, SB and/or BT were present in 46 patients (70%), of whom 33 (72%) became negative while 13 (28%) remained positive at the 12-month US evaluation. All patients rapidly achieved a clinical remission, and at 6 months 26 (39%) also achieved a laboratory variable normalization. According to US positivity at baseline, no difference was found in remission or relapse rate after 12 months. Thirty patients (46%) at 6 months and 7 (11%) at 12 months were still taking more than 5 mg/day of prednisone. According to the US pattern at baseline, no difference was found in the mean GC dose at 6 and 12 months.

Conclusion.

In patients with PMR, the presence of SB and/or BT on US at diagnosis is not a predictive marker of GC response or of a higher GC dosage to maintain remission in a 12-month prospective followup study.
Understanding How the Diagnostic Delay of Spondyloarthritis Differs Between Women and Men: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis
Authors: Jovaní Vega , Blasco-Blasco Mar , Ruiz-Cantero M. Teresa , Pascual Eliseo
Published: December 2016

Objective.

To identify empirical evidence of diagnostic delay in spondyloarthritis (SpA), determine whether sex-related differences persist, and conduct an analysis from that perspective of the possible causes, including the influence of quality research, in this group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Methods.

A systematic review was done of delay in diagnosis of SpA in MEDLINE and EMBASE and other sources. Study quality was determined in line with the Strengthening The Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. A metaanalysis of 13 papers reporting sex-disaggregated data was performed to evaluate sex-related differences in diagnostic delay. The global effect of diagnostic delay by sex was calculated using means difference (D) through a fixed effects model.

Results.

The review included 23,883 patients (32.3% women) from 42 papers. No significant differences between the sexes were detected for symptoms at disease onset or during evolution. However, the mean for delay in diagnosis of SpA showed sex-related differences, being 8.8 years (7.4–10.1) for women and 6.5 (5.6–7.4) for men (p = 0.01). Only 40% of papers had high quality. A metaanalysis included 12,073 participants (31.2% women). The mean global effect was D = 0.6 years (0.31–0.89), indicating that men were diagnosed 0.6 year (7 months) before women.

Conclusion.

Delay in diagnosis of SpA persists, and is longer in women than in men. There are no significant sex-related differences in symptoms that could explain sex-related differences in diagnostic delay. Methodological and possible publication bias could result in sex-biased medical practice.
The Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics, and Safety of Arhalofenate in Combination with Febuxostat When Treating Hyperuricemia Associated with Gout
Authors: Steinberg Alexandra S. , Vince Bradley D. , Choi Yun-Jung , Martin Robert L. , McWherter Charles A. , Boudes Pol F.
Published: December 2016

Objective.

Arhalofenate (ARH), in development for gout, has uricosuric and anti-flare activities. ARH plus febuxostat (FBX) were evaluated in subjects with gout for serum uric acid (SUA) lowering, drug interaction, and safety.

Methods.

Open phase II trial in gout volunteers (NCT02252835). Cohort 1 received ARH 600 mg for 2 weeks, followed by sequential 1-week co-administration of FBX 80 mg followed by 40 mg. FBX 40 mg was continued alone for 2 weeks. Cohort 2 received ARH 800 mg for 2 weeks, followed by sequential 1-week co-administration of FBX 40 mg followed by 80 mg. FBX 80 mg was continued alone for 2 weeks. SUA, its fractional excretion (FEUA), and plasma oxypurines were assessed. Pharmacokinetics of FBX and ARH were determined alone and in combination for cohort 2.

Results.

Baseline mean SUA was 9.4 mg/dl for cohort 1 (n = 16) and 9.2 mg/dl for cohort 2 (n = 16). The largest SUA decrease (63%) was observed with ARH 800 mg + FBX 80 mg, with all subjects reaching SUA < 6 mg/dl and 93% < 5 mg/dl. The area under the curve (AUC)(0-t)of ARH acid + FBX/ARH acid was 108%. The AUC(0-t)of FBX + ARH acid/FBX was 87%. As expected, FBX increased oxypurines and increases were unaffected by ARH co-administration. Baseline FEUA were low (3.5%–4.6%) and ARH increased them toward normal without overexcretion of UA. ARH was well tolerated and appeared safe.

Conclusion.

ARH and FBX lowered SUA by complementary mechanisms. The combination provided greater decreases than each drug alone. The combination was well tolerated and appeared safe. Trial registration:NCT02252835.
Consommation d’énergie et croissance économique en Afrique subsaharienne
Authors: Grosset Florian , Nguyen Van Phu
Published: December 2016

Cet article étudie la relation entre consommation d’énergie par habitant et revenu par habitant, ainsi que les déterminants de cette relation, sur un échantillon de données de panel de 29 pays d’Afrique subsaharienne observés sur la période 1980-2011. Notre spécificité est la prise en compte explicite de l’hétérogénéité entre pays à l’aide d’un modèle de données de panel à coefficients hétérogènes. Les résultats montrent que la relation énergie-revenu est effectivement très hétérogène et que la courbe de Kuznets environnementale existe dans seulement quatre pays. Cette hétérogénéité est également observée dans les effets des variables affectant cette relation. Classification JEL : C23, O55, Q40
Projets d’accès à l’électricité : comment en mesurer les bénéfices ?
Authors: Kayser-Bril Clara , Augareils Pascal
Published: December 2016

Si le caractère bénéfique des programmes d’électrification fait consensus, ces bénéfices sont rarement définis et quantifiés. La méthode de la chaîne causale permet d’en définir l’étendue – mais comment les mesurer en pratique ? Les auteurs proposent plusieurs approches et présentent deux exemples d’application sur des projets concrets : calcul du surplus du consommateur dans le cadre d’un projet d’électrification rurale au Libéria, enquête sur les perceptions des bénéficiaires dans un contexte d’électrification périurbaine au Tchad. Classification JEL : O12, O22, O55
Convergence éducative et déterminants socio-économiques : analyse spatiale sur des données marocaines
Authors: Ibourk Aomar , Amaghouss Jabrane
Published: December 2016

Le rapprochement des niveaux de développement économique constitue une préoccupation majeure des politiques régionales au Maroc. Ce problème se manifeste en particulier par l’existence d’un grand nombre de régions pauvres dont les performances scolaires sont faibles. Basé sur des données provinciales du recensement général de la population et de l’habitat de 2004 et 1994 et sur l’analyse des données spatiales, l’objet de ce travail est d’analyser les disparités dans le système éducatif marocain et, ensuite, de montrer dans quelle mesure les inégalités spatiales dans l’éducation sont conditionnées par les inégalités socio-économiques. Classification JEL: C01, I24, R23
Nonresponse and Recurrence of Retinopathy of Prematurity After Intravitreal Ranibizumab Treatment
Authors: Chuluunbat Tsengelmaa , Chan R.V. Paul , Wang Nan-Kai , Lien Reyin , Chen Yen-Po , Chao An-Ning , Chen Kuan-Jen , Chen Tun-Lu , Hwang Yih-Shiou , Lai Chi-Chun , Wu Wei-Chi
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the surgical outcome of type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) after intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) (Lucentis; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This was a prospective case series. Premature infants with treatment-requiring ROP who received IVR injections from 2013 to 2015 were included.

RESULTS:

Twenty-two eyes of 12 children were included in the study. Complete resolution of ROP after a single IVR was noted in 73% of eyes. Retreatment was needed in 27% of eyes due to nonresponse to IVR (18%) or recurrence of ROP (9%). After that, all treated eyes (100%) demonstrated regressed ROP with attached retina. The median visual acuity was 0.3 LogMAR (range: 0 LogMAR to 0.8 LogMAR) with a mean follow-up of 25.2 months ± 6.8 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

IVR is effective and well-tolerated for patients with treatment-requiring ROP. However, nonresponse to IVR or recurrence of ROP after IVR was noted in 27% of treated eyes and required additional treatment.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:1095–1105.]
Photodynamic Therapy for Pseudophakic Eyes Compared to Eyes With Cataract
Authors: Mimouni Karin , Mimouni Michael , Eldar Ido , Axer-Siegel Ruth , Kramer Michal , Shani Ludmila , Weinberger Dov
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) plays a role in the treatment of chorioretinal conditions. The purpose of this study was to compare vPDT outcomes between cataractous and pseudophakic eyes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

In this prospective study of consecutive patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with vPDT, cataract and pseudophakic eyes were compared for number and timing of vPDT treatments, duration of follow-up, angiographic features, and changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

RESULTS:

Overall, 103 eyes (n = 95) were included in the final analysis; 44 eyes in the cataract group and 59 eyes in the pseudophakic group. No significant difference in change in BCVA (
P
= .19) or leakage-free CNV lesions (
P
= .58) was found between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study of vPDT for nAMD, there was no significant difference between eyes with cataract and pseudophakic eyes. It seems that cataract does not clinically alter the effect of vPDT.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:1132–1136.]
Bilateral Prefoveal Sub-Internal Limiting Membrane Hemorrhage in Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Thomas Akshay S. , Walter Scott D. , Fekrat Sharon
Published: December 2016

Severe anemia can cause multilayered retinal hemorrhages. A 65-year-old woman noted “red spheres” in the central vision of both eyes during a hospital admission for autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Examination revealed extensive multilayered retinal hemorrhages, including bilateral foveal preretinal hemorrhage. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography localized the preretinal blood to the sub-internal limiting membrane (ILM) space. Various options are available for management of such hemorrhage, including observation for spontaneous resolution, YAG laser membranotomy, or pars plana vitrectomy with ILM peeling. In the authors' patient, the size of the sub-ILM hemorrhage spontaneously improved during the course of 1 month, with both subjective and objective visual improvement.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:1151–1153.]
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography for Detecting Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Punctate Inner Choroidopathy
Authors: Nakao Shintaro , Kaizu Yoshihiro , Oshima Yuji , Sakamoto Taiji , Ishibashi Tatsuro , Sonoda Koh-hei
Published: December 2016

Punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) is a relatively uncommon inflammatory multifocal chorioretinopathy that predominantly affects young, myopic women. Subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) often leads to rapid loss of sight. Fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) remain the existing gold standards for CNV diagnosis. However, these methods are invasive and time-consuming. Recently, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) has been used more frequently as an adjunct to FA/ICGA. In this report, a 38-year-old woman with PIC and idiopathic CNV presented with blurred vision despite 18/20 visual acuity. FA revealed positive staining and possible leakage, but did not provide clear evidence of CNV. OCTA detected abnormal flow in the outer retina, corresponding to type 2 CNV, that decreased following intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. Furthermore, OCTA could show remodeling of the choroidal capillaries after the treatment. OCTA may be helpful in the detection, follow-up, and evaluation of therapeutic strategies to treat CNV secondary to PIC.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:1157–1161.]
Les masques de Claude de Malleville
Authors: Brottier Béatrice
Published: December 2016

L’œuvre de Claude Malleville, homme de lettres reconnu de ses pairs et de ses contemporains, et secrétaire du maréchal de Bassompierre, grand seigneur de la cour, permet d’étudier, à travers les différents genres dans lesquels il a composé, une diversité d’éthos discursifs, ou de masques, tous différents du visage de celui qui écrit. Ces fluctuations de l’éthos, à la fois génériques et contextuelles, révèlent aussi les spécificités de la fonction des poètes au XVIIe siècle et doivent être analysées en tenant compte de la compétence des lecteurs, en fonction des clefs dont ceux-ci disposent pour discerner quelle figure se cache derrière le masque de l’énonciation.
Le poète et son lecteur : les deux faces de l’éthos dans la poésie française du XIXe siècle
Authors: Laroche Hugues
Published: December 2016

Même si les critiques du XIXe siècle n’utilisent pas le terme d’éthos, la notion semble centrale, sous le terme d’ « âme », dans la réception de la poésie lyrique. Cette lecture, qui s’impose avec le romantisme, reste ensuite prégnante dans les poétiques qui veulent le dépasser, mais qui toutes jouent sur l’effet miroir du texte poétique, que ce soit pour le truquer (Corbière) ou se l’approprier par la dénégation (Leconte de Lisle).
Heredia « en gloire »
Authors: Schotter Vladimir
Published: December 2016

Ce propos invite à envisager la construction singulière d’un éthos poétique, celui de José-Maria de Heredia. Fondée en amont sur un éthos discursif (celui à l’œuvre dans les Trophées), son image d’auteur, véhiculée par la presse et la critique d’époque, réinvestie par l’enseignement jusqu’au premier tiers du XXe siècle, sera notamment responsable de l’activation d’un nouvel horizon d’attente, sur la base duquel va s’élaborer la quasi-totalité du spectre mimétique qui se réclame de ce canevas.
L’énonciateur textuel dans l’œuvre de Vittorio Sereni
Authors: Gouchan Yannick
Published: December 2016

La définition d’un éthos prend, dans l’œuvre du poète italien Vittorio Sereni (1913-1983), une forme particulière car elle est liée, selon nous, à une poétique de la disparition. En effet, l’énonciateur textuel présent dans les poèmes – et dans certains textes en prose qui en constituent souvent des pendants – subit des formes d’effacement et de réduction qui ont trait à une double volonté d’oubli de soi et de sondage du vide. L’œuvre de Sereni manifeste ainsi l’impact d’une condition existentielle marquée, très tôt, par le sentiment de l’absence (eu égard à la détention du soldat durant la guerre) et la nécessité de problématiser, dans l’écriture, la présence au monde d’un Je considéré comme coupable. L’affaiblissement des marques de l’énonciateur dans le discours permet de questionner les modalités d’expression d’un éthos discursif spécifique. Le corpus d’étude comprend des textes en vers ainsi que des textes en prose narrative, intimement liés à la poésie, d’où le questionnement intratextuel sur l’éthos d’un même auteur, entre vers et prose. Il s’agira donc de sonder l’œuvre de ce grand poète de la difficulté discursive afin de mieux définir le rapport entre l’image qu’il donne de soi et un style fondé sur l’absence, le silence, l’oubli.
L’éthos en poésie contemporaine : le cas de James Sacré et d’Antoine Émaz
Authors: Monte Michèle
Published: December 2016

Nous proposons dans cet article de comparer l’éthos de deux poètes contemporains, James Sacré et Antoine Émaz et, ce faisant, de mettre à l’épreuve notre conception de l’éthos discursif. Nous faisons l’hypothèse que celui-ci est construit par le lecteur sur la base d’une série de marques matérielles : structure du livre, dispositif énonciatif, choix lexicaux, syntaxiques et prosodiques créateurs d’un rythme spécifique, lequel peut être relié à une corporalité de l’énonciateur textuel. Sa construction est également influencée par les textes métapoétiques des auteurs ou par leurs adresses au lecteur au sein même des œuvres étudiées. Le lecteur peut alors adhérer à ce monde éthique ou se tenir à distance de la relation qui lui est proposée.
La voix, elle, ne ment pas : créativité et mystification éthiques dans la chanson
Authors: Chaudier Stéphane , July Joël
Published: December 2016

Si la chanson semble pouvoir bénéficier de ses divers supports multisémiotiques pour enrichir l’éthos textuel et poétique en le confirmant et en l’étayant, ceux-ci peuvent tout aussi bien servir au contraire à amplifier et déjouer la mystification éthique. Reste alors la part de l’auditeur, sujet désirant et confiant, qui arrange le portrait du canteur.
QUALIDADE DO SONO E SONOLÊNCIA ENTRE UNIVERSITÁRIOS FORMANDOS
Authors: Oliveira Bianchi Larissa Renata , Guizellini Vincius Silva , Depieri Natalia Brita , Cicero Lidia Rodrigues
Published: December 2016

Este artigo tem a finalidade de avaliar a qualidade do sono e a sonolência diurna excessiva (SDE) de acadêmicos do último ano de graduação do curso de Ciências Biológicas de uma universidade pública brasileira. Para a avaliação da qualidade do sono, foi utilizado o Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburg e para avaliar a sonolência diurna, o instrumento utilizado foi a Escala de Sonolência de Epwoorth. É importante ressaltar que entre esses estudantes, 100% trabalham ou fazem estágio. À partir disso, os resultados obtidos mostram que: 73,68% apresentam sono ruim, 10,53% tem boa qualidade de sono e 15,79% demonstram ter algum distúrbio de sono. Em relação à sonolência diurna excessiva, 63,16% dos entrevistados apresentaram dificuldade de ficar acordados em situações cotidianas. Além disso, 15,79% dos alunos demonstraram ter SDE patológica. Concluí-se que a inúmeras exigências apresentadas no último ano de graduação, somadas com trabalho e estágio interferem diretamente na qualidade do sono dos acadêmicos.
Unworthy peer review process and publishing method
Authors: Dadkhah Mehdi , Bianciardi Giorgio
Published: December 2016

Not available
Management of sepsis: from evidence to clinical practice
Authors: Gerloni Riccardo , Mucci Luciano , Casati Carlotta , Crociani Andrea , Para Ombretta , Benetti Elisabetta , Gnerre Paola , Bovero Anna , Romagnoli Elisa , Tarquinio Nicola , Canale Clelia , Brancato Davide , Massarelli Laura , Piras Salvatora
Published: December 2016

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death in hospitalized patients and its management involves a lot of specialist. Internist is required to demonstrate his competence since the beginning when the diagnosis is not so easy to be clarified. A rapid clinical suspicion permits a prompt management of the patient that means important mortality reduction. However, it is essential to understand the source of infection and echography represents a rapid, economic, useful and widespread tool with whom Internist should become more and more confident. The following review is a practical guide to manage septic patients according to the most recent literature, underlining aspects of antibiotic therapy, hemodynamic stabilization and supportive therapy. To limit sepsis mortality, a valid Internist should be culturally prepared and especially able to cooperate with other specialists, because a strong enemy requires a strong team.
Sepsis in frail patient
Authors: Beltrame Andrea , Malfatto Emanuele Nadir , Anselmo Marco
Published: December 2016

Frailty is defined as a clinical syndrome in which three or more of the following criteria are present: unintentional weight loss, self-reported exhaustion, weakness (grip strength), slow walking speed and low physical activity. Sepsis is defined as an inflammatory response to infection, with severe sepsis and septic shock being the most severe forms. The incidence of severe sepsis increases with older age and several studies have shown that there are many risk factors that predispose the elderly to a higher incidence of sepsis. Pre-existing co-morbidities such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, human immunodeficiency virus, and renal or pulmonary disease can cause sepsis, but other factors including poor lifestyle habits (i.e., smoking, drug or alcohol abuse), malnutrition, and endocrine deficiencies, which are frequent in the elderly, may also predispose to severe infections. Other risk factors for sepsis include recurrent hospitalization, especially in the Intensive Care Unit, and nursing home residence, where interventions such as urinary catheterization or multiple drug use are quite frequent and many studies reported that people above 65 years of age are three times more likely to be admitted to hospital than those aged 16-64 years, and have a higher risk of prolonged hospital stays, institutionalization and death. Clinical evaluation of the frail patient with sepsis poses some challenges. The immune response becomes progressively less efficient with increasing age thereby causing an altered response to infection and it is important to know that the clinical evaluation of the so-called fragile patient with severe infection should take into account the sometimes unusual signs and symptoms that, if identified, can lead to early diagnosis. Laboratory diagnostics can also be of great help in this setting. The treatment of sepsis in the fragile patient can be empirical or based on microbiological culture. Moreover, frail patient population presents many clinical problems with numerous comorbidities, therefore anti-infective treatment is difficult, so the physician’s armamentarium must include many antibiotic drugs, of which there are far more available for the treatment of sepsis caused by Gram-positive bacteria than for sepsis caused by Gram-negative ones or fungi.
Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria-resistant infections: epidemiology, clinical issues and therapeutic options
Authors: Bassetti Matteo , Pecori Davide , Peghin Maddalena
Published: December 2016

In the last decade, we have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of multidrug resistant Gram-negative (MDRGN) bacterial pathogens, both in Italy and worldwide, with Enterobacteriacae (mostly Klebsiella pneumoniae), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii being the major threats in clinical practice. Inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy of severe infections caused by MDR Enterobacteriacae has been associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. However, a careful selection of patients who may receive empirical treatment covering MDR Enterobacteriacae is important to avoid the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The aim of this review is to describe the mechanism of resistance, epidemiology, risk factors, clinical issues, and therapeutic options for MDRGN pathogens.
Sepsis and septic shock: a practical management according to Sepsis-3 diagnostic criteria
Authors: Giorgi-Pierfranceschi Matteo
Published: December 2016

Not available
Biological activity of extract from Styela plicata and Ascidia mentula (Ascidiacea)
Authors: Palanisamy Satheesh Kumar , Morabito Rossana , Remigante Alessia , Spanò Nunziacarla , La Spada Giuseppina , Giacobbe Salvatore , Marino Angela
Published: December 2016

The biological activity of extract obtained from the ascidians Styela plicata and Ascidia mentula, living in the coastal lake Faro (Messina, Italy) was ascertained with specific regard to cytotoxic effect, tested on cultured human embryonic kidney (HEK 293 Phoenix) cells after 12, 24 or 48 h, and to antimicrobial effect (10 mg/mL), assayed on both Gram positive and negative strains. Nitrosative stress, possibly induced by the extract on HEK 293 cells and assessed by NO2 –/NO3 – production measurement, was also verified. With regard to cytotoxic activity, A. mentula extract was more effective than S. plicata one, as shown by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, with toxic action due to nitrosative stress. S. plicata extract had a more significant antimicrobial activity than A. mentula. The present findings provide a first evidence of the biological power exhibited by both S. plicata and A. mentula extracts, thus increasing the knowledge about the biological activity of marine compounds and providing novel information to possibly correlate the different toxicity pattern displayed by both specimens and their distribution in the lake Faro (Messina).
STATISTICS, BIOMEDICINE AND SCIENTIFIC FRAUD
Authors: De Felice C. , Cortelazzo A. , Leoncini S. , Signorini C. , Hayek J. , Ciccoli L.
Published: December 2016

A consistent fraction of published data on scientific journals is not reproducible mainly due to insufficient knowledge of statistical methods. Here, we discuss on the use of proper statistical tools in biomedical research and statistical pitfalls potentially undermining the scientific validity of published data. Apart from unaware errors, a growing concern exists regarding data fabrication and scientific misconduct. Indeed, the social impact of false scientific data can be largely unpredictable and devastating, as shown by the worldwide dramatic effects on vaccinations coverage following a retracted paper published on a highly authoritative medical journal. Unfortunately, statistics shows a quite limited power in detecting false science, although a few statistical tools, such as the Benford’s law, are known. Taken together, statistics in biomedical sciences i) is a powerful tool to interpret experimental data; ii) has limited power in detecting false science; and iii) first and foremost, is not the result of a simple “click of a mouse”, but should be the result of accurate research planning by experienced and knowledgeable users.
Polynomial values in small subgroups of finite fields
Authors: Shparlinski Igor E.
Published: December 2016

For a large prime

p

, and a polynomial

f

over a finite field

\mathbb F_p

of

p

elements, we obtain a lower bound on the size of the multiplicative subgroup of

\mathbb F_p^*

containing

H \ \geq 1

consecutive values

f(x), x = u+1, \ldots, u+H

, uniformly over

f \in \mathbb F_p[X]

and an

u \in \mathbb F_p

.
A characterization of the Gaussian Lipschitz space and sharp estimates for the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck Poisson kernel
Authors: Liu Liguang , Sjögren Peter
Published: December 2016

The Gaussian Lipschitz space was defined by Gatto and Urbina, by means of the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck Poisson kernel. We give a characterization of this space in terms of a combination of ordinary Lipschitz continuity conditions. The main tools used in the proof are sharp estimates of the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck Poisson kernel and some of its derivatives.
On $L^p$-improving measures
Authors: Dooley Anthony H. , Hare Kathryn E. , Roginskaya Maria
Published: December 2016

We give criteria for establishing that a measure is

L^p

-improving. Many Riesz product measures and Cantor measures satisfy this criteria, as well as certain Markov measures.
Isoperimetric problem in $H$-type groups and Grushin spaces
Authors: Franceschi Valentina , Monti Roberto
Published: December 2016

We study the isoperimetric problem in

H

-type groups and Grushin spaces, emphasizing a relation between them. Under a symmetry assumption that depends on the dimension, we prove existence, additional symmetry, and regularity properties of isoperimetric sets.
A local $Tb$ theorem for matrix weighted paraproducts
Authors: Rosén Andreas
Published: December 2016

We prove a local

Tb

theorem for paraproducts acting on vector valued functions, with matrix weighted averaging operators. The condition on the weight is that its square is in the

L_2

associated matrix

A_\infty

class. We also introduce and use a new matrix reverse Hölder class. This result generalizes the previously known case of scalar weights from the proof of the Kato square root problem, as well as the case of diagonal weights, recently used in the study of boundary value problems for degenerate elliptic equations.
On the $\ell^s$-boundedness of a family of integral operators
Authors: Gallarati Chiara , Lorist Emiel , Veraar Mark
Published: December 2016

In this paper we prove an

\ell^s

-boundedness result for integral operators with operator-valued kernels. The proofs are based on extrapolation techniques with weights due to Rubio de Francia. The results will be applied by the first and third author in a subsequent paper where a new approach to maximal

L^p

-regularity for parabolic problems with time-dependent generator is developed.
The non-hyperbolicity of irrational invariant curves for twist maps and all that follows
Authors: Arnaud Marie-Claude , Berger Pierre
Published: December 2016

The key lemma of this article is: if a Jordan curve

\gamma

is invariant by a given

C^{1+\alpha}

-diffeomorphism

f

of a surface and if

\gamma

carries an ergodic hyperbolic probability

\mu

, then

\mu

is supported on a periodic orbit.

From this lemma we deduce three new results for the

C^{1+\alpha}

symplectic twist maps

f

of the annulus:
Global Hölder regularity for the fractional $p$-Laplacian
Authors: Iannizzotto Antonio , Mosconi Sunra J.N. , Squassina Marco
Published: December 2016

By virtue of barrier arguments we prove

C^\alpha

-regularity up to the boundary for the weak solutions of a non-local, non-linear problem driven by the fractional

p

-Laplacian operator. The equation is boundedly inhomogeneous and the boundary conditions are of Dirichlet type. We employ different methods according to the singular (

p < 2

) of degenerate (

p > 2

) case.
Lusin approximation and horizontal curves in Carnot groups
Authors: Speight Gareth
Published: December 2016

We show that, given an absolutely continuous horizontal curve

\gamma

in the Heisenberg group, there is a

C^{1}

horizontal curve

\Gamma

such that

\Gamma=\gamma

and

\Gamma'=\gamma'

outside a set of small measure. Conversely, we construct an absolutely continuous horizontal curve in the Engel group with no

C^{1}

horizontal approximation.
The Impact of “See the City You Serve” Field Trip: An Educational Tool for Teaching Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Chang Aileen Y. , Bass Tracie L. , Duwell Monique , Berger Jeffrey S. , Bangalore Raksha , Lee Nancy S. , Amdur Richard L. , Andrews Marcus , Fahnestock Esme , Kahsay Lamek , El-Bayoumi Jehan
Published: December 2016

Background 

There has been limited evaluation of tools for teaching social determinants of health (SDOH).

Objective 

We evaluated a field trip as a tool for teaching SDOH to incoming medical interns.

Methods 

Incoming interns from The George Washington University participated in a bus field trip of Washington, DC, guided by community partners. The field trip introduced trainees to local neighborhoods. Pre- and postactivity surveys developed by the authors were analyzed using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Reflection responses were recorded and counted for recurrent themes.

Results 

Incoming interns participated in 2015 (85 of 90, 94%) and in 2016 (96 of 116, 83%). Postactivity, basic knowledge of DC geographic health disparities increased, and a greater percentage of interns reported being at least somewhat comfortable understanding the neighborhoods from which their patients come (2015: 58% versus 89%, P < .0001; 2016: 65% versus 88%, P < .0001); identifying challenges to health care that affect low-income patients (2015: 74% versus 90%, P < .0023); describing community resources (2015: 29% versus 67%, P < .0001; 2016: 29% versus 50%, P < .0001); and referring patients to local community resources (2015: 25% versus 64%, P < .0001; 2016: 36% versus 52%, P < .0001). Interns reported that this experience improved their understanding of patients' background and local resources, and that they would change the way they practice.

Conclusions 

A bus field trip guided by community partners is a feasible way to increase residents' perception of their understanding of local disparities and comfort in addressing SDOH.