bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermomechanical and acidic treatments to improve plasticization and properties of chitosan films: A comparative study of acid types and glycerol effects
Authors: Chenni Abdenour , Djidjelli Hocine , Boukerrou Amar , Grohens Yves , Saulnier Benjamin
Published: January 2018

Plasticized and unplasticized chitosan films were successfully prepared by thermomechanical treatment, as a possible alternative route to solvent casting method. Acetic acid and lactic acid were used as solvents and glycerol was used as plasticizer with a fixed concentration of 25 wt.-%. The properties of the prepared samples were investigated demonstrating the effects of acid type and the addition of glycerol. Microstructure analysis results revealed a homogeneous and cohesive matrix, indicating a smooth surface without pores, cracks and irregularities. Unplasticized samples with lactic acid showed lower stiffness, higher elongation at break, more thermal stability, higher water uptake and water vapor permeability compared to the samples prepared with acetic acid. The introduction of glycerol affected all properties of the samples, but the samples prepared with lactic acid were more influenced. The rheological and mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation at break) were improved when glycerol was added, resulting in a ductile behavior with a small plastic deformation and higher elongation at break compared to unplasticized films. On the other side, thermal properties were negatively affected by a decrease in the thermal stability. The water uptake and WVP measurements verified that the hydrophilic character of the material was enhanced by the addition of glycerol.
Efficient reduction of graphene oxide film by low temperature heat treatment and its effect on electrical conductivity
Authors: Hu Xuebing , Yu Yun , Chen Zheng , Zhang Xiaozhen , Wang Yongqing , Zhou Jianer
Published: January 2018

Graphene-based conductive films have already attracted great attention due to their unique and outstanding physical properties. In this work, in order to develop a novel, effective method to produce these films with good electrical conductivity, a simple and green method is reported to rapidly and effectively reduce graphene oxide film using a low temperature heat treatment. The reduction of graphene oxide film is verified by XRD, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Compared with graphene oxide film, the obtained reduced graphene oxide film has better electrical conductivity and its sheet resistance decreases from 25.3 kΩ × sq−1 to 3.3 kΩ × sq−1 after the heat treatment from 160 to 230 °C. The mechanism of thermal reduction of the graphene oxide film mainly results from the removal of the oxygen-containing functional groups and the structural changes. All these results indicate that the low temperature heat treatment is a suitable and effective method for the reduction of graphene oxide film.
Long-term outcomes of coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Koyanagi Masaomi , Ishii Akira , Imamura Hirotoshi , Satow Tetsu , Yoshida Kazumichi , Hasegawa Hitoshi , Kikuchi Takayuki , Takenobu Yohei , Ando Mitsushige , Takahashi Jun C. , Nakahara Ichiro , Sakai Nobuyuki , Miyamoto Susumu
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE

Long-term follow-up results of the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) by means of coil embolization remain unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of rupture, retreatment, stroke, and death in patients with coiled UIAs who were followed for up to 20 years at multiple stroke centers.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively analyzed data from cases in which patients underwent coil embolization between 1995 and 2004 at 4 stroke centers. In collecting the late (≥ 1 year) follow-up data, postal questionnaires were used to assess whether patients had experienced rupture or retreatment of a coiled aneurysm or any stroke or had died.

RESULTS

Overall, 184 patients with 188 UIAs were included. The median follow-up period was 12 years (interquartile range 11–13 years, maximum 20 years). A total of 152 UIAs (81%) were followed for more than 10 years. The incidence of rupture was 2 in 2122 aneurysm-years (annual rupture rate 0.09%). Nine of the 188 patients with coiled UIAs (4.8%) underwent additional treatment. In 5 of these 9 cases, the first retreatment was performed more than 5 years after the initial treatment. Large aneurysms were significantly more likely to require retreatment. Nine strokes occurred over the 2122 aneurysm-years. Seventeen patients died in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a low risk of rupture of coiled UIAs with long-term follow-up periods of up to 20 years. This suggests that coiling of UIAs could prevent rupture for a long period of time. However, large aneurysms might need to be followed for a longer time.
Traumatic midline subarachnoid hemorrhage on initial computed tomography as a marker of severe diffuse axonal injury
Authors: Mata-Mbemba Daddy , Mugikura Shunji , Nakagawa Atsuhiro , Murata Takaki , Ishii Kiyoshi , Kushimoto Shigeki , Tominaga Teiji , Takahashi Shoki , Takase Kei
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that midline (interhemispheric or perimesencephalic) traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) on initial CT may implicate the same shearing mechanism that underlies severe diffuse axonal injury (DAI).

METHODS

The authors enrolled 270 consecutive patients (mean age [± SD] 43 ± 23.3 years) with a history of head trauma who had undergone initial CT within 24 hours and brain MRI within 30 days. Six initial CT findings, including intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and tSAH, were used as candidate predictors of DAI. The presence of tSAH was determined at the cerebral convexities, sylvian fissures, sylvian vallecula, cerebellar folia, interhemispheric fissure, and perimesencephalic cisterns. Following MRI, patients were divided into negative and positive DAI groups, and were assigned to a DAI stage: 1) stage 0, negative DAI; 2) stage 1, DAI in lobar white matter or cerebellum; 3) stage 2, DAI involving the corpus callosum; and 4) stage 3, DAI involving the brainstem. Glasgow Outcome Scale–Extended (GOSE) scores were obtained in 232 patients.

RESULTS

Of 270 patients, 77 (28.5%) had DAI; tSAH and IVH were independently associated with DAI (p < 0.05). Of tSAH locations, midline tSAH was independently associated with both overall DAI and DAI stage 2 or 3 (severe DAI; p < 0.05). The midline tSAH on initial CT had sensitivity of 60.8%, specificity of 81.7%, and positive and negative predictive values of 43.7% and 89.9%, respectively, for severe DAI. When adjusted for admission Glasgow Coma Score, the midline tSAH independently predicted poor GOSE score at both hospital discharge and after 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Midline tSAH could implicate the same shearing mechanism that underlies severe DAI, for which midline tSAH on initial CT is a probable surrogate.
Previously unreported complications associated with integrated cage screws following anterior lumbar interbody fusion: report of 2 cases
Authors: Saini Neginder , Zaidi Mohammad , Barry Maureen T. , Heary Robert F.
Published: January 2018

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a widely performed surgical treatment for various lumbar spine pathologies. The authors present the first reports of virtually identical cases of complications with integrated screws in stand-alone interbody cages. Two patients presented with the onset of S-1 radiculopathy due to screw misplacements following an ALIF procedure. In both cases, an integrated screw from the cage penetrated the dorsal aspect of the S-1 cortical margin of the vertebra, extended into the neural foramen, and injured the traversing left S-1 nerve roots. Advanced neuroimaging findings indicated nerve root impingement by the protruding screw tip. After substantial delays, radiculopathic symptoms were treated with removal of the offending instrumentation, aggressive posterior decompression of the bony and ligamentous structures, and posterolateral fusion surgery with pedicle screw fixation. Postoperative radiographic findings demonstrated decompression of the symptomatic nerve roots via removal of the extruded screw tips from the neural foramina.
Value of whole-body low-dose computed tomography in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts: a retrospective study
Authors: Pala Andrej , Awad Fadi , Braun Michael , Hlavac Michal , Wunderlich Arthur , Schmitz Bernd , Wirtz Christian Rainer , Coburger Jan
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE

The gold standard for evaluation of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt position, dislocation, or disconnection is conventional radiography. Yet, assessment with this modality can be challenging because of low image quality and can result in repetitive radiation exposure with high fluctuation in the radiation dose. Recently, CT-based radiation doses have been significantly reduced by using low-dose protocols. Thus, whole-body low-dose CT (LDCT) has become applicable for routine use in VP shunt evaluation. The authors here compared image quality and approximate radiation dose between radiography and LDCT in patients with implanted VP shunt systems.

METHODS

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt systems have been investigated with LDCT scanning at the authors’ department since 2015. A consecutive series of 57 patients (70 investigations) treated between 2015 and 2016 was retrospectively assessed. A historical patient cohort that had been evaluated with radiography was compared with the LDCT patients in terms of radiation dose and image quality. Three independent observers evaluated projection of the valve pressure level and correct intraperitoneal position, as well as complete shunt projection, using a Likert-type scale of 1–5, where 1 indicated “not assessable” and 5 meant “assessable with high accuracy.” Descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U-test were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven radiographs (38.6%) and 43 LDCT scans (61.4%) were analyzed. The median dose-length product (DLP) of the LDCT scans was 100 mGy·cm (range 59.9–183 mGy·cm). The median total dose-area product (DAP) of the radiographic images was 3177 mGy·cm2 (range 641–13,833 mGy·cm2). The estimated effective dose (EED) was significantly lower with the LDCT scan (p < 0.001). The median EED was 4.93 and 1.90 mSv for radiographs and LDCT, respectively. Significantly better identification of the abdominal position of the distal shunt catheter was achieved with LDCT (p < 0.001). Simultaneously, significantly improved visualization of the entire shunt system was realized with this technique (p < 0.001). On the contrary, identification of the valve settings was significantly worse with LDCT (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Whole-body LDCT scanning allows good visualization of the distal catheter after VP shunt placement. Despite the fact that only a rough estimation of effective doses is possible in a direct comparison of LDCT and radiography, the data showed that shunt assessment via LDCT does not lead to greater radiation exposure. Thus, especially in difficult anatomical conditions, as in patients who have undergone multiple intraabdominal surgeries, have a high BMI, or are immobile, the use of LDCT shunt evaluation has high clinical value. Further data are needed to determine the value of LDCT for the evaluation of complications or radiation dose in pediatric patients.
Head shape at age 36 months among children with and without a history of positional skull deformation
Authors: Collett Brent R. , Leroux Brian G. , Wallace Erin R. , Gallagher Emily , Shao Jason , Speltz Matthew L.
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the authors examined head shape through age 36 months for children with and without a history of positional plagiocephaly and/or brachycephaly (PPB).

METHODS

Infants with PPB (cases) were identified through a craniofacial clinic at the time of diagnosis. Infants without diagnosed PPB were identified through a participant registry. Clinician ratings of 3D cranial images were used to confirm the presence or absence of PPB. The cohort included 235 case infants (diagnosed PPB, confirmed with 3D imaging), 167 unaffected controls (no diagnosed PPB, no deformation detected), and 70 affected controls (no diagnosed PPB, discernible skull deformation). Participants were seen in infancy (age 7 months, on average) and again at ages 18 and 36 months. At each visit, automated 3D measures of skull deformation quantified posterior flattening and generated an absolute asymmetry score. The authors also used automated 2D measures to approximate overall asymmetry (approximate oblique cranial length ratio) and calculate the cephalic index. They used linear regression to compare cases to unaffected controls and to compare affected versus unaffected controls on all measures. They also calculated the proportion of children in each group with “persistent PPB,” defined as one or more head shape measures above the 95th percentile relative to unaffected controls at 36 months.

RESULTS

Head shape became more rounded and symmetric for children with and without PPB, particularly between infancy and age 18 months. However, children with PPB continued to show greater skull deformation and asymmetry than unaffected controls at age 36 months. These differences were large in magnitude, ranging from 1 to 2 standard deviations (SDs), and in most (85.6%) of the cases, there was evidence of persistent PPB at 36 months. Similarly, although differences were more modest (i.e., 0.26–0.94 SD), affected controls continued to exhibit skull deformation on most measures relative to unaffected controls and approximately 30% had persistent PPB. Within the case group, head shape at 36 months was similar for untreated patients with PPB and for those who received helmet treatment and for patients with and without a history of torticollis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although head shape continues to improve, children with a history of skull deformation in infancy continue to exhibit measureable cranial flattening and asymmetry through age 36 months.
Biomechanics of unilateral and bilateral sacroiliac joint stabilization: laboratory investigation
Authors: Lindsey Derek P. , Parrish Robin , Gundanna Mukund , Leasure Jeremi , Yerby Scott A. , Kondrashov Dimitriy
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE

Bilateral symptoms have been reported in 8%–35% of patients with sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction. Stabilization of a single SI joint may significantly alter the stresses on the contralateral SI joint. If the contralateral SI joint stresses are significantly increased, degeneration may occur; alternatively, if the stresses are significantly reduced, bilateral stabilization may be unnecessary for patients with bilateral symptoms. The biomechanical effects of 1) unilateral stabilization on the contralateral SI joint and 2) bilateral stabilization on both SI joints are currently unknown. The objectives of this study were to characterize bilateral SI joint range of motion (ROM) and evaluate and compare the biomechanical effects of unilateral and bilateral implant placement for SI joint fusion.

METHODS

A lumbopelvic model (L5–pelvis) was used to test the ROM of both SI joints in 8 cadavers. A single-leg stance setup was used to load the lumbar spine and measure the ROM of each SI joint in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Both joints were tested 1) while intact, 2) after unilateral stabilization, and 3) after bilateral stabilization. Stabilization consisted of lateral transiliac placement of 3 triangular titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) implants.

RESULTS

Intact testing showed that during single-leg stance the contralateral SI joint had less ROM in flexion-extension (27%), lateral bending (32%), and axial rotation (69%) than the loaded joint. Unilateral stabilization resulted in significant reduction of flexion-extension ROM (46%) on the treated side; no significant ROM changes were observed for the nontreated side. Bilateral stabilization resulted in significant reduction of flexion-extension ROM of the primary (45%) and secondary (75%) SI joints.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that during single-leg loading the ROMs for the stance (loaded) and swing (unloaded) SI joints are significantly different. Unilateral stabilization for SI joint dysfunction significantly reduces the ROM of the treated side, but does not significantly reduce the ROM of the nontreated contralateral SI joint. Bilateral stabilization is necessary to significantly reduce the ROM for both SI joints.
Functional outcome in pediatric hydrocephalus: results of applying the Spanish version of the Hydrocephalus Outcome Questionnaire
Authors: Iglesias Sara , Ros Bienvenido , Martín Álvaro , Carrasco Antonio , Rius Francisca , Arráez Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE

The aims of the study were to assess whether the Spanish version of the Hydrocephalus Outcome Questionnaire (HOQ) could be useful for the evaluation and comparison of outcomes in the patients in the authors’ region with those in patients in other institutions and to analyze predictors of functional outcome in patients with a shunt.

METHODS

The authors performed this cross-sectional study between March 2015 and April 2016. All the parents of a pediatric patient with hydrocephalus who attended the Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga neurosurgery outpatient clinic were invited to enroll in the study and complete the HOQ–Spanish version. Age at diagnosis and at the time of the study, clinical data, shunt complications, and socioeconomic factors were also recorded. A descriptive analysis was performed, and independent variables related to the HOQ scores were studied.

RESULTS

A total of 132 patients participated in the study (100% participation rate). The mean ages were 16.74 months (range 0–142 months) at diagnosis and 10.45 years (range 5–16 years) at the time of the study. The mean overall HOQ score was 0.68 (on a scale from 0 [worse] to 1.0 [best]). Factors related to a worse quality of life were seizures, motor or visual impairment, shunt infection, need for shunt revision, need for more than 2 shunt revisions (range 0–8 revisions), symptomatic overdrainage, and older age at the time of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The HOQ–Spanish version is useful in the authors’ region; the dimension scores found in this study were comparable to those previously reported by referral centers. Future goals should be to prevent shunt complications, routinely get children to reach functional status, and refer patients for adjuvant therapy promptly.
Complications following intracranial pressure monitoring in children: a 6-year single-center experience
Authors: Ma Ruichong , Rowland David , Judge Andrew , Calisto Amedeo , Jayamohan Jayaratnam , Johnson David , Richards Peter , Magdum Shailendra , Wall Steven
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is an important tool in the neurosurgeon’s armamentarium and is used for a wide range of indications. There are many different ICP monitors available, of which fiber-optic intraparenchymal devices are very popular. Here, the authors document their experience performing ICP monitoring from 2005 to 2015 and specifically complication rates following insertion of the Microsensor ICP monitor.

METHODS

A retrospective case series review of all patients who underwent ICP monitoring over a 10-year period from 2005 to 2015 was performed.

RESULTS

There were 385 separate operations with an overall complication rate of 8.3% (32 of 385 cases). Hardware failure occurred in 4.2% of cases, the CSF leakage rate was 3.6%, the postoperative hemorrhage rate was 0.5%, and there was 1 case of infection (0.3% of cases). Only patients with hardware problems required further surgery as a result of their complications, and no patient had any permanent morbidity or mortality from the procedure. Younger patients (p = 0.001) and patients with pathologically high ICP (13% of patients with high ICP vs 6.5% of patients with normal ICP; p = 0.04) were significantly more likely to have complications. There was no significant difference in the complication rates between general neurosurgical patients and craniofacial patients (7.6% vs 8.8%, respectively; p = 0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraparenchymal ICP monitoring is a safe procedure associated with low complications and morbidity in the pediatric craniofacial and neurosurgical population and should be offered to appropriate patients to assess ICP with the reassurance of the safety record reported in this study.
Drought and Disaster in a Revolutionary Age: Colonial Antigua during the American Independence War
Authors: Berland Alexander Jorge , Endfield Georgina
Published: January 2018

The American War of Independence (1775-1783) spelled crisis for the British West Indies. Trade embargos between rebelling and loyal territories, losses to American pirates, and hostilities with other European states left the Crown's tropical Atlantic colonies short of the imports that normally sustained their populations and commerce. Historians have studied the dynamics of these developments in considerable detail, but have tended to focus on economic, social and political dimensions of the subject matter. Although some investigations have highlighted that climate variability compounded agricultural and subsistence problems in certain locations, the role of climate has rarely been subject to the same level of scrutiny. The present paper addresses this theme by focusing on the island of Antigua (Lesser Antilles) and the severe drought it experienced during the war period. Based on extensive analysis of original, largely unpublished archival sources, the implications of deficient rainfall for human livelihoods, fiscal stability and governmental crisis management are examined. By supplementing findings with evidence from other episodes of warfare and extreme climate phenomena in the late 1700s and early 1800s, it is argued that successive years of drought were pivotal in defining the severe human and economic losses sustained in Antigua during the American independence conflict. The agency of this weather event must, however, be understood as the product of its dynamic interaction with the backdrop of a colonial regime under profound socio-economic and geopolitical stress.
Are There Echoes of the AD 536 Event in the Viking Ragnarok Myth? A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Nordvig Mathias , Riede Felix
Published: January 2018

Recent scholarship suggests that the Nordic apocalypse, Ragnarok, can be linked historically to one or several geological or climate events in the sixth century ad. Climatic fluctuations and a 'dust veil' during the period of ad 536-550 have been recorded across the Northern Hemisphere, and in Scandinavia this seems to coincide with considerable changes in settlement patterns. Consequently, much later literary sources on Nordic mythology have been interpreted as local memories of the cooling of the Northern Hemisphere. In this article we offer a critical perspective on the combining of Nordic literary sources from the thirteenth century with archaeological records of the sixth century. We address the need for developing a viable method within the scope of what we identify as the palaeoenvironmental humanities perspective on past ecological changes. By defining a palaeoenvironmental humanities perspective through the interdisciplinary conjoining of archaeology, social theory and literature, we attempt to strike a balance between material and non-material sources in the study of pre-historical environmental changes.
Photocatalytic formation of carbon–sulfur bonds
Authors: Wimmer Alexander , König Burkhard
Published: January 2018

This review summarizes recent developments in photocatalyzed carbon–sulfur bond formation. General concepts, synthetic strategies and the substrate scope of reactions yielding thiols, disulfides, sulfoxides, sulfones and other organosulfur compounds are discussed together with the proposed mechanistic pathways.
High-resolution Observations of Cen A: Yellow and Red Supergiants in a Region of Jet-induced Star Formation?*
Authors: Markakis K. , Eckart A. , Castro N. , Sánchez-Monge Á. , Labadie L. , Nishiyama S. , Britzen S. , Zensus J. A.
Published: January 2018

We present the analysis of near-infrared (NIR), adaptive optics Subaru and archived HST imaging data of a region near the northern middle lobe of the Centaurus A (Cen A) jet, at a distance of ∼15 kpc northeast from the center of NGC5128. Low-pass filtering of the NIR images reveals a strong—

above the background mean—signal at the expected position of the brightest star in the equivalent HST field. Statistical analysis of the NIR background noise suggests that the probability to observe a

signal at the same position, in three independent measurements due to stochastic background fluctuations alone is negligible (

) and, therefore, that this signal should reflect the detection of the NIR counterparts of the brightest HST star. An extensive photometric analysis of this star yields V − I, visual–NIR, and NIR colors expected from a yellow supergiant with an estimated age

Myr. Furthermore, the second and third brighter HST stars are, likely, also supergiants in Cen A, with estimated ages

Myr and

Myr, respectively. The ages of these three supergiants are in good agreement with the ages of the young massive stars that were previously found in the vicinity and are thought to have formed during the later phases of the jet-H i cloud interaction that appears to drive the star formation in the region for the past ∼100 Myr.
What Are “X-shaped” Radio Sources Telling Us? II. Properties of a Sample of 87
Authors: Saripalli Lakshmi , Roberts David H.
Published: January 2018

In an earlier paper, we presented Jansky Very Large Array multi-frequency, multi-array continuum imaging of a unique sample of low-axial ratio radio galaxies. In this paper, the second in the series, we examine the images to learn the phenomenology of how the off-axis emission relates to the main radio source. Inversion-symmetric offset emission appears to be bimodal and to originate from one of two strategic locations: outer ends of radio lobes (outer-deviation) or from inner ends (inner-deviation). The latter sources are almost always associated with edge-brightened sources. With S- and Z-shaped sources being a subset of outer-deviation sources, this class lends itself naturally to explanations involving black hole axis precession. Our data allow us to present a plausible model for the more enigmatic inner-deviation sources with impressive wings; as for outer-deviation sources these too require black hole axis shifts, although they also require plasma backflows into relic channels. Evolution in morphology over time relates the variety in structures in inner-deviation sources including XRGs. With features such as non-collinearities, central inner-S “spine,” corresponding lobe emission peaks, double and protruding hotspots not uncommon, black hole axis precession, drifts, or flips could be active in a significant fraction of radio sources with prominent off-axis emission. At least 4% of radio galaxies appear to undergo black hole axis rotation. Quasars offer a key signature for recognizing rotating axes. With a rich haul of sources that have likely undergone axis rotation, our work shows the usefulness of low-axial ratio sources in pursuing searches for binary supermassive black holes.
Effects of Planetesimal Accretion on the Thermal and Structural Evolution of Sub-Neptunes
Authors: Chatterjee Sourav , Chen Howard
Published: January 2018

A remarkable discovery of NASA’s Kepler mission is the wide diversity in the average densities of planets of similar mass. After gas disk dissipation, fully formed planets could interact with nearby planetesimals from a remnant planetesimal disk. These interactions would often lead to planetesimal accretion due to the relatively high ratio between the planet size and the hill radius for typical planets. We present calculations using the open-source stellar evolution toolkit mesa (Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics) modified to include the deposition of planetesimals into the H/He envelopes of sub-Neptunes (∼1–20 M
⊕). We show that planetesimal accretion can alter the mass–radius isochrones for these planets. The same initial planet, as a result of the same total accreted planetesimal mass, can have up to ≈5% difference in mean densities approximately several gigayears after the last accretion due to the inherent stochasticity of the accretion process. During the phase of rapid accretion, these differences are more dramatic. The additional energy deposition from the accreted planetesimals increase the ratio between the planet’s radius to that of the core during rapid accretion, which in turn leads to enhanced loss of atmospheric mass. As a result, the same initial planet can end up with very different envelope mass fractions. These differences manifest as differences in mean densities long after accretion stops. These effects are particularly important for planets that are initially less massive than ∼10 M
⊕ and with envelope mass fractions less than ∼10%, thought to be the most common type of planets discovered by Kepler.
Early X-Ray Flares in GRBs
Authors: Ruffini R. , Wang Y. , Aimuratov Y. , Almeida U. Barres de , Becerra L. , Bianco C. L. , Chen Y. C. , Karlica M. , Kovacevic M. , Li L. , Fuksman J. D. Melon , Moradi R. , Muccino M. , Penacchioni A. V. , Pisani G. B. , Primorac D. , Rueda J. A. , Shakeri S. , Vereshchagin G. V. , Xue S.-S.
Published: January 2018

We analyze the early X-ray flares in the GRB “flare–plateau–afterglow” (FPA) phase observed by Swift-XRT. The FPA occurs only in one of the seven GRB subclasses: the binary-driven hypernovae (BdHNe). This subclass consists of long GRBs with a carbon–oxygen core and a neutron star (NS) binary companion as progenitors. The hypercritical accretion of the supernova (SN) ejecta onto the NS can lead to the gravitational collapse of the NS into a black hole. Consequently, one can observe a GRB emission with isotropic energy

erg, as well as the associated GeV emission and the FPA phase. Previous work had shown that gamma-ray spikes in the prompt emission occur at

cm with Lorentz Gamma factors

. Using a novel data analysis, we show that the time of occurrence, duration, luminosity, and total energy of the X-ray flares correlate with E
iso. A crucial feature is the observation of thermal emission in the X-ray flares that we show occurs at radii ∼1012 cm with

. These model-independent observations cannot be explained by the “fireball” model, which postulates synchrotron and inverse-Compton radiation from a single ultrarelativistic jetted emission extending from the prompt to the late afterglow and GeV emission phases. We show that in BdHNe a collision between the GRB and the SN ejecta occurs at ≃1010 cm, reaching transparency at ∼1012 cm with

. The agreement between the thermal emission observations and these theoretically derived values validates our model and opens the possibility of testing each BdHN episode with the corresponding Lorentz Gamma factor.
Uptake of Tenofovir-Based Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV–HBV-Coinfected Patients in the EuroSIDA Study
Authors: Peters Lars , Mocroft Amanda , Grint Daniel , Moreno Santiago , Calmy Alexandra , Jevtovic Djordje , Sambatakou Helen , Lacombe Karine , Wit Stephane De , Rockstroh Jürgen , Smidt Jelena , Karpov Igor , Grzeszczuk Anna , Haziosmanovic Vesnadarjan , Gottfredsson Magnus , Radoi Roxana , Kuzovatova Elena , Orkin Chloe , Ridolfo Anna Lisa , Zapirain Jose , Lundgren Jens
Published: January 2018

Background

According to guidelines all HIV–HBV-coinfected patients should receive tenofovir-based combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We aimed to investigate uptake and outcomes of tenofovir-based cART among HIV–HBV patients in the EuroSIDA study.

Methods

All hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)+ patients followed up after 1 March 2002 were included. Changes in the proportion taking tenofovir-based cART over time were described. Poisson regression was used to investigate the relationship between tenofovir use and clinical events.

Results

953 HIV–HBV patients were included. Median age was 41 years and patients were predominantly male (85%), White (82%) and ART-experienced (88%). 697 and 256 were from Western and Eastern Europe, respectively. 55 started cART during follow-up, the proportion starting with CD4+ T-cell count <350 cells/mm3 decreased from 85% to 52% in the periods 2002–2006 to 2007–2015. Tenofovir use, among those taking cART, increased from 4% in 2002 to 73% in 2015. Compared to West, tenofovir use was lower in East in 2005 (7% versus 42%), and remained lower in 2015 (63% versus 76%). Among 602 patients taking tenofovir-based cART during follow-up, 155 (26%) discontinued tenofovir. 27 of all discontinuations were due to adverse effects. Only 14 started entecavir and/or adefovir after tenofovir discontinuation, whereas 10 started pegylated interferon. Tenofovir use was not significantly associated with lower risk of liver-related clinical events ( n=51), adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.64 (95% CI 0.35, 1.18) for comparing patients on tenofovir with those off tenofovir.

Conclusions

Although use of tenofovir-based cART among HIV–HBV patients has increased across Europe, a substantial proportion are still starting cART late and are receiving suboptimal HBV therapy.
Enfants placés ? Pas tout à fait ! Présentation d’un dispositif psychologique tout-terrain destiné aux enfants de l’Aide à la Jeunesse placés en internat scolaire
Authors: Aubinet Suzanne
Published: January 2018

Cet écrit présente le processus de pensée qui a accompagné l’exploration, la construction et l’élaboration d’un dispositif psychologique tout-terrain destinés aux enfants de l’Aide à la Jeunesse placés en internat scolaire. La démarche réflexive s’articule sur trois postulats principaux : la théorie du système, l’enfant ET son milieu ; l’analyse de la demande et le cadre spatio-temporel. Cette articulation étayée par de riches vignettes aboutit à la définition d’une pratique concrète. La mobilité au sein du lieu de vie des enfants et sur le lieu de travail des acteurs, l’accessibilité financière du dispositif, l’organisation et l’engagement dans les réunions et dans le partage d’informations et enfin l’attention toute particulière donnée à la demande sont donc les piliers d’une démarche engagée, responsable et motivée par la rencontre et l’accompagnement respectueux des enfants et leurs familles.
David Douillet, Bernard Laporte : les limites de la conversion de la gloire sportive en ressource politique
Authors: Le Bart Christian
Published: January 2018

En France comme ailleurs, il arrive souvent qu’un ancien champion sportif entre en politique. La notoriété et la visibilité procurées par les exploits sportifs sont-elles des ressources pertinentes pour réussir au sein des professionnels de la politique ? Certains exemples suggèrent une réponse positive : ainsi Guy Drut ou David Douillet sont-ils parvenus à mobiliser la visibilité liée à leurs exploits sportifs aussi bien au niveau de la compétition électorale qu’au niveau de l’activité décisionnelle. Comme si la notoriété sportive était reconnue aussi bien par les décideurs que par les électeurs. L’exemple de Bernard Laporte conduit pourtant à un bilan plus nuancé. Car la condition de sportif est volontiers stigmatisée par les professionnels de la politique.
The Prevalence of Adverse Ocular Hemorrhagic Events in Patients Utilizing Oral Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Therapy in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Sudarshana Dattanand M. , Konstantinou Eleni K. , Arepalli Sruthi , Silva Fabiana Q. , Schachat Andrew P. , Ehlers Justis P. , Singh Rishi P.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Previous literature assessing ocular hemorrhagic complications of anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications in routine clinical practice is limited. This study evaluates the prevalence of spontaneous ocular hemorrhagic events associated with anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A retrospective study was performed to identify patients taking anticoagulants (rivaroxaban [Xarelto; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Beerse, Belgium], bivalirudin [Angiomax; The Medicines Company, Parsippany, NJ], lepirudin [Refludan; Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany], dabigatran [Pradaxa; Boehringer Ingelheim, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany], and argatroban) and antiplatelet agents (clopidogrel [Plavix; Bristol-Myers Squibb, New York City, NY], prasugrel [Effient; Lilly Medical, Indianapolis, IN], and ticagrelor [Brilinta; AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK]) who presented for an eye examination. Location of hemorrhage, relevant systemic and ocular comorbidities, baseline demographics, and concomitant aspirin use were noted.

RESULTS:

A total of 44 patients with spontaneous ocular hemorrhage were identified. Thirty patients had a single episode, whereas 14 patients had multiple episodes (two or more hemorrhagic events). Prevalence of spontaneous ocular hemorrhage on prasugrel (7.2%) and rivaroxaban (3.1%) was higher compared to dabigatran (1.9%), clopidogrel (2.0%), and ticagrelor (2.7%).

CONCLUSION:

Prevalence of spontaneous ocular hemorrhage with use of anticoagulant/antiplatelet agents is higher in routine clinical practice as compared to previously reported literature.

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Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:27–34.]
Double Optic Disc Pit With Glial Plugs Imaged by Wide-Field Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Koulouri Ismini , Gaier Eric D. , Eliott Dean , Vavvas Demetrios G.
Published: January 2018

A rare case of a woman in her thirties with double optic disc pits involving opposing sectors is reported. Significantly decreased vision due to macular schisis was noted. Wide-field optical coherence tomography revealed distinct laminar defects and glial tufts associated with each pit. This case illustrates a rare view into the pathogenesis of optic disc pits.

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Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:52–54.]
Multimodal Imaging Including Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of a Patient With Argus II Retinal Prosthesis One Year After Implantation
Authors: Güven Dilek , Demir Mehmet , Özcan Delil , Kaçar Hakan , Demir Semra Tiryaki , Uzun Saniye Üke
Published: January 2018

A 58-year-old man with end-stage retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and visual acuity of light perception in both eyes received simultaneous phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation and implantation of the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System (Second Sight Medical Products, Sylmar, CA) to his right eye 1 year ago. He accomplished the fitting and rehabilitation sessions, and no extraocular or intraocular complications were encountered perioperatively, postoperatively, or during the follow-up. The patient used the prosthesis actively for 2.5 to 3 hours per day. In this report, the authors compare the multimodal imaging findings including optical coherence tomography angiography of the chronic electrically stimulated retinal prosthesis implanted eye with the fellow eye.

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Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:55–59.]
Creativity in Production and Work: Experiences from Slovenia
Authors: Vodopivec Nina
Published: January 2018

This article deals with creativity in Slovenia in relation to production and work. The focus is on depicting social environments that configure ideas about creativity and the narratives of experiencing it. The author explores creativity in relation to entrepreneurialism, innovation, social concern, and social experimentation. The article addresses ethnographic material, public discourse, and contemporary media (social media, TV, and newspapers).
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Prispevek se ukvarja z ustvarjalnostjo v povezavi s produkcijo in delom v Sloveniji. Avtorica se osredini na družbena okolja, ki vzpostavljajo ideje o ustvarjalnosti in na različne pripovedi o izkušnjah ustvarjalnosti. Ustvarjalnost raziskuje v povezavi s podjetnostjo, inovacijo, družbeno skrbjo in družbenim eksperimentiranjem. Članek se sklicuje na etnografsko gradivo in analize javnega diskurza in sodobnih medijev v Sloveniji (družbenih medijev, TV in časopisja).
The Changing Texts and Contexts of the Easter Dance Ritual in Metlika
Authors: Kunej Rebeka
Published: January 2018

Članek obravnava tekstualne in kontekstualne spremembe plesa in iger ob veliki noči v Metliki. Posebnost obravnavanega plesnega izročila je petje pesmi ob plesu. Podatke o prvih spremembah segajo v leto 1888. Tudi pozneje so na performativnost vplivali tako angažirani posamezniki kot splošne družbeno-politične razmere. V teh se je ritual za nekaj časa iz prvotnega časovno-prostorskega konteksta transformiral le v odrsko predstavitev, prav to preoblikovanje tradicije pa je omogočilo njen nadaljnji obstoj.
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The paper deals with textual and contextual changes in Easter dances and games in Metlika, Slovenia. A special feature of this dance tradition is singing songs as the only musical accompaniment to dancing. Research on the first changes in the Easter ritual dance date back to 1888. Later, both particular individuals and the general socio-political situation after the Second World War influenced its performativity. This situation led to the ritual’s temporarily being transformed from its original contextual time and place into merely a stage (re)presentation, but it was precisely this change that facilitated its survival.
Early Field Recordings of Traditional Songs in White Carniola
Authors: Kunej Drago
Published: January 2018

V prispevku so na podlagi analize zvočnih posnetkov predstavljena zgodnja terenska raziskovanja pesemskega izročila v Beli krajini. Predstavljene so okoliščine nastanka treh zgodnjih terenskih snemanj, analizirani so posneti repertoarji, izvajalci in pomen posnetega gradiva za poznejše raziskave in razumevanje pesemskega izročila tega območja.
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Early field research on traditional songs in White Carniola (Bela krajina) is presented through sound recording analysis. The article introduces the circumstances of three early field recording expeditions and analyzes the recorded repertoire, performers, and significance of this recorded material to subsequent research and understanding of the White Carniolan folk song tradition.
Effect of Treatment of Fly Ash on Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene
Authors: Doddipatla Purnima , Agrawal Sourav
Published: January 2018

Recently lot of research is going on for different type of properties of composites and polymers.Fly ash is one source which is available abundantly and is considered an industrial waste. Fly ash can be used in huge amount in polymers.However there will be some problems with adhesion of the polymer matrix and fly ash. The matrix polymer chosen is Polypropylene and the flyash was treated with different material and composites were made . An effect of content of fly ash and study of effect of treatment on mechanical properties of the PP/fly ash composites was done. XRF studies were carried out to study the composition of fly ash.
Refinement Mechanism of Solidification Structure of Au-20Sn Eutectic Alloy by Different Solidification Techniques
Authors: Mao Yong , Guo Jin Xin , Xu Si Yong
Published: January 2018

Au-20Sn (mass fraction) eutectic alloy is a key lead-free solder material for high reliability microelectronics and optoelectronics packaging. The refinement of initial solidification structure can improved the processing performance of Au-20Sn alloy. This paper reported the research progresses on refining solidification structure of Au-20Sn alloy in our research group. The results indicated that the solidification structure of alloy can be effectively refined by rapid solidification with the increasing of cooling rate. The solidification structure can also be refined by incubated nucleation treatment with Au or Sn or by proper melt temperature treatment. The refinement mechanisms of solidification structure by the three types of solidification methods were thoroughly discussed.
Computational Prediction of Trimethylgallium Adsorption on Si(100)(2×1) in Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Sukhasena Seckson , Pansila P. Pungboon
Published: January 2018

The computational prediction of the surface adsorption in atomic layer deposition of gallium oxide by using trimethylgallium (TMG) is investigated. One dimer of Si (100)(2×1) is used as the substrate. The hydroxyl radicals are used to produce the absorption sites for the TMG adsorbed surface as OH–Si–Si–OH surface species. Two sites adsorption of the TMG on the surface are predicted. The geometry, vibrational frequency, and free energy of –OH adsorption sites and TMG adsorption are calculated by Gaussian 09 package by using standard B3LYP method. The results showed that TMG is possible to adsorb on silicon dimer with two sites adsorption. The geometry and vibrational frequencies are also reported in this paper.
Preparation of Chitosan Antioxidant Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery System for Enhancing of Anti-Cancer Drug
Authors: Ibrahim Hassan M. , Farid Omar A. , Samir Amany , Mosaad Rehab M.
Published: January 2018

Chemotherapy is a major therapeutic approach for the treatment of localized and metastasized cancers. Although Doxorubicin (DOX) possesses abroad spectrum of anticancer activity, its clinical use is limited because of it cause heart failure. Chitosan nanoparticles was prepared by using ionic gelation method. These nanoaparticles were used as polyload of anticancer DOX to form safer and non-toxic anticancer drug. infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to characterize the prepared nanoparticles. The cancer animals’ experiments using Ehrlich static cancer, (EAC) cells using six groups of experimental animals were performed to evaluate the efficiency of Doxorubicin and Doxorubicin loaded chitosan nanoparticles as anticancer drug especially from its toxicity towards heart. Tumor volume was calculated as to monitor the response to treatment. Cytotoxicity of Doxorubicin and Doxorubicin loaded chitosan nanoparticles were evaluated. Biochemical parameters were be estimated to illustrate the cytotoxicity of these drugs on heart.
pH Effect on Characteristics and Ammonia Sensing of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized in the Presence of Tannic Acid
Authors: Pimpan Vimolvan , Ritthichai Thanawan
Published: January 2018

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using silver nitrate as a silver precursor in the presence of tannic acid under UV radiation for 60 minutes. Various pH conditions were employed in the synthesis in order to study its effect on characteristics and ammonia sensing of the synthesized nanoparticles. The images obtained from transmission electron microscope revealed the formation of the spherical particles with average diameters in the range of 10-40 nm depending on pH conditions. It was found that using acidic condition resulted in yellow silver nanoparticles colloids with bigger particles and exhibiting a UV-visible absorbance peak at around 435 nm whereas using other conditions yielded greenish-yellow colloids with smaller particles and having two absorbance peaks at around 370 and 430 nm. After adding 100 ppm of ammonia, TEM images revealed the aggregation and the changes in size and shape of the silver nanoparticles. The color of the silver nanoparticles colloids synthesized using acidic condition changed to orange-yellow color. However, other pH conditions caused the color of the colloids became darker. These color changes were observed by the naked eyes.