bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double binds and double movements: Masculinity, mobility and fraternal rivalry in Pascal Alex Vincent’s Donne-moi la main (2008)
Authors: Hardwick Joe
Published: February 2019

Twin tales are short on survivors. On the one hand is the threat of implosion; on the other, outsiders can shatter the twin relationship. This fine line is walked by Quentin and Antoine, the protagonists of Pascal Alex Vincent’s Donne-moi la main (2008), who hitchhike from France to Spain to attend their mother’s funeral. Vincent’s film is both a twin tale and a road movie. In this mix, there is the potential for generic conflict since, in contrast to the claustrophobia of the twin relationship, the road movie emphasises a mobility which is emancipatory. Drawing on the work of Juliana de Nooy and on theory relating to the road movie, this article examines how Vincent’s film juggles the restrictions of the twin tale with the freedom of the road. In doing so, it questions the extent to which the road movie might offer liberation from hegemonic masculinity for its protagonists.
The stink of the sacred: A Bataillean reading of Gainsbourg’s film Je t’aime moi non plus
Authors: Austin Guy
Published: February 2019

Although best known for his music, Serge Gainsbourg also starred in and directed several films. This article considers his directorial debut, Je t’aime moi non plus (1976) through the optic of Georges Bataille’s theorisation of the sacred and the heterogeneous. According to Bataille, bourgeois capitalism is characterised by material and moral values, respect for work and homogeneity. Against this he posits the outsider values of the sacred. Where capitalism is predicated on production and accumulation, the heterogeneous is defined by unproductive expenditure, such as sexual play, art and sacrifice. These values are applied to Gainsbourg’s image, his alter ego ‘Gainsbarre’, and his artistic output, before focusing on the 1976 film. Conclusions are made regarding the film, plus Gainsbourg’s status as an exemplar of Bataillean values, celebrated in his fans’ curation of his memory on YouTube.
Tourmente sur l’Afghanistan: Grand reporter Andrée Viollis and civil war in Afghanistan, 1929
Authors: Brunazzi Elizabeth
Published: February 2019

This article concerns an eye-witness account of the final episodes of a civil war raging in Afghanistan in 1929 by pioneering French international correspondent and grand reporter Andrée Viollis (1870–1950), pen name of Françoise-Caroline Claudius Jacquet de la Verryère), a then well-known author of front-page, banner-headlined articles serialised in the major Paris daily newspaper Le Petit Parisien. She was the first woman reporter to be so engaged in Afghanistan and the sole journalist on the ground in Kabul at the time. The interest of Viollis resides in her exceptional career as a ground-breaking woman in international journalism and as an astute interpreter of the events and geopolitical issues that would become the watersheds of our own day.
Les résidences d’écrivains : « Ça ne veut pas rien dire ! » Le cas de la MEET de Saint-Nazaire
Authors: Bernard Isabelle
Published: February 2019

Résumé

Cet article tente de cerner les enjeux du dispositif résidentiel proposé par la Maison des écrivains étrangers et des traducteurs (MEET) installée à Saint-Nazaire. Suivant un plan triaxial, il propose de présenter la MEET et la littérature qu’elle voit naître, celle d’un ailleurs mondialisé, précisément engendrée par l’interaction entre les projets d’un artiste-éditeur atypique, Patrick Deville, et ceux des résidents étrangers. D’abord, il rappellera brièvement le parcours artistique de Patrick Deville devenu éditeur ; il montrera ensuite que le lieu-même de la résidence, l’estuaire de la Loire donnant sur la façade atlantique, favorise le phénomène de reliance ; et finalement, présentera quelques réalisations d’auteurs venus du bout du monde pour voir ce que Saint-Nazaire fait à leur écriture.
Determination of netrin-1 levels and its relationship with neurotoxicity in carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: Gedikli U , Emektar E , Corbacioglu SK , Dagar S , Uzunosmanoglu H , Ozdogan S , Cevik Y
Published: February 2019

Objective:

The aim of the study was to assess netrin-1 levels in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning to determine its relationship with poisoning severity and neurotoxicity.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional prospective study. The patients older than 18 years with CO poisoning were included. The patients were categorized into two groups on the basis of neurological involvement. Both the patient and the control groups were sampled for netrin-1 at 0th hour, and the patient group only was sampled for netrin-1 at 4th hour.

Results:

A total of 84 patients and 50 healthy controls were enrolled. The median 0th hour netrin-1 level of the patient group (765.1 pg/mL (619.8-983.1) was significantly higher than the control group (484 pg/mL (376-1031.6)) ( p < 0.001). There was also a significant difference between the 0th hour and 4th hour netrin-1 (888.9 pg/mL (700.3–1175.5)) levels in the patient group ( p < 0.001).There was no significant statistical difference between patients with and without neurological involvement ( p = 0.62) and between those who underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and those who did not ( p = 0.76) with respect to 4th hour netrin-1 levels.

Conclusion:

The significantly higher netrin-1 levels in patients with CO poisoning, suggests that netrin-1 is elevated as a stress marker. Although there is no significant difference in netrin-1 levels in patients with neurological impairment in CO poisonings, netrin-1 may show subclinically neurological effects. Hence, we believe that netrin-1 cannot be used as a marker of poisoning severity.
Levels of anti-Müllerian hormone in premenopausal women with the antiphospholipid syndrome and its association with the risk of clinical complications
Authors: Castillo-Martínez D , Rivera V , Mouneu-Ornelas N , Martínez-Martínez L A , Jiménez-Rojas V , Márquez-Velasco R , Amezcua-Guerra LM
Published: February 2019

Objective

The study aims to investigate the ovarian reserve in premenopausal women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and to evaluate whether it is associated with cumulative organ damage or the risk of clinical complications.

Methods

This single-center study was conducted in 23 premenopausal female patients (10 with primary APS and 13 with secondary APS) and 24 healthy volunteers. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Disease-specific organ damage (DIAPS score) and the risk of clinical complications (aGAPSS score) were additionally evaluated in APS patients.

Results

Serum AMH levels were similar in APS patients (median 6.06, interquartile range 4.31–7.54 ng/ml) and in controls (4.87, 2.64–6.40 ng/ml; P = 0.116), and no differences were observed between the primary (6.60, 5.49–8.88 ng/ml) and secondary (6.06, 3.91–7.30 ng/ml; P = 0.532) forms of the syndrome. In individuals with APS, serum AMH levels correlated inversely with the aGAPSS score (rho–0.421, 95% confidence intervals −0.716 to −0.001; P = 0.045), while no associations were observed with the DIAPS score (rho–0.001, −0.423 to 0.422; P = 0.996).

Conclusions

Ovarian reserve is not reduced in premenopausal women with APS. In addition, serum AMH levels may reflect the risk of APS-related clinical complications but not the burden of disease-specific organ damage.
Monitoring of Education Agents Engaged in International Student Recruitment: Perspectives from Agency Theory
Authors: Nikula Pii-Tuulia , Kivistö Jussi
Published: February 2019

This article examines the monitoring of third-party education agents employed in international student recruitment. Agency theory identifies comprehensive monitoring as one way to ensure that agents work in the principal’s best interest. By analyzing best practice guidelines, this article investigates the monitoring mechanisms proposed for education providers to mitigate information asymmetry in their education agent relationships. The findings from the analysis suggest that following the existing guidelines would only allow client institutions to partially observe the behavior of their agents. Hence, education providers should be not only guided toward more intensive use of the existing techniques but also encouraged to adopt new techniques, such as mystery shopping, to better determine education agents’ true behavior.
A massively scalable distributed multigrid framework for nonlinear marine hydrodynamics
Authors: Glimberg Stefan Lemvig , Engsig-Karup Allan Peter , Olson Luke N
Published: February 2019

The focus of this article is on the parallel scalability of a distributed multigrid framework, known as the DTU Compute GPUlab Library, for execution on graphics processing unit (GPU)-accelerated supercomputers. We demonstrate near-ideal weak scalability for a high-order fully nonlinear potential flow (FNPF) time domain model on the Oak Ridge Titan supercomputer, which is equipped with a large number of many-core CPU-GPU nodes. The high-order finite difference scheme for the solver is implemented to expose data locality and scalability, and the linear Laplace solver is based on an iterative multilevel preconditioned defect correction method designed for high-throughput processing and massive parallelism. In this work, the FNPF discretization is based on a multi-block discretization that allows for large-scale simulations. In this setup, each grid block is based on a logically structured mesh with support for curvilinear representation of horizontal block boundaries to allow for an accurate representation of geometric features such as surface-piercing bottom-mounted structures—for example, mono-pile foundations as demonstrated. Unprecedented performance and scalability results are presented for a system of equations that is historically known as being too expensive to solve in practical applications. A novel feature of the potential flow model is demonstrated, being that a modest number of multigrid restrictions is sufficient for fast convergence, improving overall parallel scalability as the coarse grid problem diminishes. In the numerical benchmarks presented, we demonstrate using 8192 modern Nvidia GPUs enabling large-scale and high-resolution nonlinear marine hydrodynamics applications.
A UK-based survey of cat owners’ perceptions and experiences of antibiotic usage
Authors: Stallwood Jennifer , Shirlow Alex , Hibbert Angie
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore owners’ knowledge of antibiotics, experience of antibiotic use in their cats and involvement in decision-making regarding antibiotic prescriptions.

Methods

Cat owners were recruited via social media and veterinary practices to complete a survey designed to evaluate general knowledge of antibiotics, attitudes to antibiotic stewardship and experiences of antibiotic use in their own cat between November 2017 and March 2018. Data were analysed descriptively.

Results

A total of 1436 surveys were completed; 247 respondents (17.2%) had a veterinary background. The majority of the remaining respondents correctly identified that antibiotics treat bacterial infections (84.0%; n = 999) but do not treat viral infections (72.8%; n = 865). A minority (n = 338; 28.4%) agreed that antibiotic resistance was a problem in cats in the UK; 92.3% (n = 1097) identified that resistance was a problem in human medicine. Seventy percent (n = 832) of the respondents’ cats had received antibiotics; 29.6% (n = 246) received a long-acting injectable antibiotic (14 days’ duration). Diagnostic tests were performed before antibiotic prescription in 38.7% (n = 322) of cats; 1.4% (n = 7) of respondents reported declining suggested tests and 65.8% (n = 778) indicated that they would be happy to pay for diagnostic tests to allow selection of the most appropriate antibiotic. Most respondents (95.8%; n = 792) indicated that they were happy to follow their veterinarian’s advice and recommendations; however, 49.2% (n = 405) had expected antibiotics to be prescribed.

Conclusions and relevance

Cat owners demonstrated good knowledge of antibiotic action; however, greater owner education regarding the potential for veterinary antibiotic resistance, requirement for diagnostic testing and training in the administration of oral medication with first-line antibiotics, as well as the use of veterinary antibiotic guidelines, will improve antibiotic stewardship. Good communication between veterinarians and owners is necessary for rational antibiotic use.
Evaluation of intracavitary carboplatin chemotherapy for treatment of pleural carcinomatosis in cats: a retrospective study of eight cases
Authors: Floch Franck , Boissy Laurie , Lanore Didier , Sayag David , Serres François
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of intracavitary carboplatin chemotherapy in cats with malignant pleural effusion of epithelial origin.

Methods

The medical records of cats with a cytological diagnosis of neoplastic pleural effusion of epithelial origin were reviewed at three referral institutions between January 2013 and June 2018. Only cats treated with intracavitary carboplatin chemotherapy were enrolled. Data collection included signalment, medical history, clinical signs, pleural effusion analysis, diagnostic imaging findings, intracavitary carboplatin chemotherapy protocol, adverse events, response to chemotherapy, outcome and underlying primary tumour, if possible.

Results

Eight cats met the inclusion criteria. Three cats had previous surgical removal of a tumour, including a poorly differentiated primary lung carcinoma, a uterine adenocarcinoma and a benign mammary tumour. The main clinical signs were tachypnoea and/or dyspnoea, inappetence and weight loss. Thoracic radiographs revealed marked bilateral pleural effusion in all cats. Pleural fluid analysis was consistent with a modified transudate, with malignant epithelial cells on cytology, leading to a diagnosis of pleural carcinomatosis. All cats received only one cycle of intracavitary carboplatin chemotherapy at a dose of 200–240 mg/m2. Recurrence of pleural effusion was reported in 7/8 cats within 4–15 days of chemotherapy, and death was recorded in all cats within 5–16 days, owing to recurrent pleural effusion or poor general condition. The primary cancer was suspected to be of pulmonary, mammary and pancreatic origin in four cats, two cats and one cat, respectively, and of unknown origin in the remaining cat.

Conclusions and relevance

In this study, intracavitary carboplatin chemotherapy seems ineffective in managing neoplastic pleural effusion of epithelial origin in cats with pleural carcinomatosis. Other cytotoxic drugs and/or techniques should be investigated in the future to improve the quality of life and survival of cats with pleural carcinomatosis.
The effect of body mass index on 30-day complications after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Scully William , Piuzzi Nicolas S , Sodhi Nipun , Sultan Assem A , George Jaiben , Khlopas Anton , Muschler George F , Higuera Carlos A , Mont Michael A
Published: February 2019

Background:

Evaluating body mass index (BMI) as a continuous variable eliminates the potential pitfalls of only considering BMI as a binary or categorical variable, as most studies do when correlating BMI and total hip arthroplasty (THA) outcomes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to correlate the effect of continuous BMI on 30-day complications post-THA. Specifically, we correlated BMI to: (1) 30-day readmissions and reoperations; (2) medical complications; and (3) surgical complications in: (a) normal-weight; (b) over-weight; (c) obese; and (d) morbidly obese patients.

Methods:

Using the NSQIP database, 93,598 primary THAs were identified. 30-day rates of readmissions, reoperations, and medical/surgical complications as well as patient BMI data were extrapolated. A comparative analysis using univariate, multivariate, and spline regression models adjusting for demographics and comorbidities were created to study the continuous effect of BMI on different outcomes.

Results:

Readmission ( p < 0.001), reoperation ( p = 0.007), superficial infection ( p = 0.003), prosthetic joint infection ( p < 0.001), and sepsis ( p = 0.026) had a J-shaped relationship with BMI, with the lowest rates seen in patients with BMI around 28 kg/m2. The risks of mortality ( p = 0.007) and transfusion ( p < 0.001) had a reverse J-shaped relationship, with the risk steadily decreasing for BMIs in the normal weight and overweight range, and then flattening afterwards.

Conclusion:

This data proposes a multifactorial effect of BMI on post-THA complications. Considering BMI as a continuous variable allows for a better assessment when considering the interplay between modifiable risk factors, such as smoking or alcohol use, as well as multiple comorbidities.
Party system dimensionality and perceived quality of representation
Authors: Reinermann Holger , Barbet Berta
Published: February 2019

Spatial analogies are ubiquitous as a concept structuring political conversation. Assuming that political parties play an important role in shaping the make-up of the political space and that depending on their combination of issue emphases they give rise to more or fewer dimensions of political competition, this article tests whether party system dimensionality leads to a trade-off implied in the relevant literature: when parties constrict the political space too much, certain preferences may not be represented anymore, leaving citizens dissatisfied with the system. At the same time, multidimensional political spaces may become too difficult to navigate and leave citizens confused. Results from hierarchical regression models (based on European Social Survey and manifesto data), however, show that such a trade-off does not exist. Higher dimensionality does not confuse voters. At the same time, there is evidence that it increases satisfaction with the political system, albeit only for the most sophisticated citizens.
What makes a high-quality electronic consultation (eConsult)? A nominal group study
Authors: Tran Christopher , Archibald Douglas , Humphrey-Murto Susan , Liddy Clare , Keely Erin
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Poor communication between health professionals can compromise patient safety, yet specialists rarely receive feedback on their written communication. Although worldwide implementation of electronic consultation (eConsult) services is rising rapidly, little is known about the features of effective communication when specialists provide online advice to primary care providers (PCP). To inform efforts to ensure and maintain high-quality communication via eConsult, we aim to identify features of high-quality eConsult advice to incorporate into an assessment tool that can provide specialists with feedback on their correspondence.

Methods

Initial items for the tool were generated by PCPs and specialists using the nominal group technique (NGT). Invited PCPs were above-median eConsult users between July 2016 and June 2017. Specialists were purposively recruited to represent the range of available specialties. Participants individually wrote down items they felt should be included in the tool. A moderator with consensus group expertise then led a round-robin discussion for each item. Items were ranked anonymously and included if highly-ranked by over 70% of participants.

Results

Eight PCPs (six family physicians, two nurse practitioners) and three specialists (dermatology, hematology, pediatric orthopedics) produced 49 items that were refined to 14 after group discussion and two rounds of ranking. Highly-ranked items encompassed specific, up-to-date, patient-individualized, and practical advice that the PCP could implement.

Discussion

Features of high-quality eConsult correspondence derived from consensus methods highlight similarities and differences between face-to-face consultation letters and eConsult. Our findings could be used to inform feedback and education for eConsult specialists on their advice to PCPs.
EU migration, out-of-work benefits and reciprocity: Are member states justified in restricting access to welfare rights?
Authors: Efthymiou Dimitrios
Published: February 2019

This article examines whether restrictions on access to welfare rights for EU immigrants are justifiable on grounds of reciprocity. Recently political theorists have supported some robust restrictions on the basis of fairness. They argue that if EU immigrants do not immediately contribute sufficiently to the provision of basic collective goods in the host state, restrictions on their access to the welfare state are justified. I argue that these accounts of the principle of reciprocity rely on an ambiguous conception of contribution that cannot deliver the restrictions it advocates. Several strategies open to those advocating reciprocity-based restrictions are considered and found wanting. This article defends that verdict from a number of objections.
The Abraham Narratives in Genesis 12–25
Authors: Sonek Kris
Published: February 2019

This article attempts to trace the development of exegesis of Genesis 12–25 in scholarly works published since 2000. Five types of studies are introduced and briefly evaluated: (1) commentaries on the biblical pericopes in question; (2) works discussing the historical formation of the Abraham narratives; (3) synchronic and theological studies; (4) reception studies; and (5) other detailed studies of Genesis 12–25. The article presents a wide range of methodological approaches, and aims to delineate current trends in the study of Genesis 12–25.
Children in the Hebrew Bible and Childist Interpretation
Authors: Parker Julie Faith
Published: February 2019

This article traces the rise of research on children in the Hebrew Bible (HB). While early contributions to the field provided foundational insights, this area of scholarship has gained significant ground over the last ten years. This article begins by reviewing seminal points for studying children in the HB. I explain why this study is critical for our understanding of the Bible, and clarify how we discern who is a child in the text and the ancient world. Since the word ‘childist’ is still new to many in the academy, I discuss the origin of this term, define it, and urge its adoption. Most of the article assesses scholarship on children in the HB, with an emphasis on publications that have emerged recently as well as works forthcoming (at the time of publication). The conclusion sketches some of the many areas in this scholarly field that are ripe for further exploration.
Participation in Peer-Led Supplemental Instruction Groups, Academic Performance, and Time to Graduation
Authors: Paabo Monica V. , Brijmohan Amanda , Klubi Thomas , Evans-Tokaryk Tyler , Childs Ruth A.
Published: February 2019

This study investigates the relationship of students’ participation in peer-led Supplemental Instruction groups, called facilitated study groups (FSGs), with their academic performance and years to graduation. In 2017, the full academic records of about 2,400 students who started university between 2005 and 2007 and took Psychology 100 (PSY100) during their first year were analyzed. Students who attended two or more FSG sessions received about 5% higher marks in PSY100 than those who did not, after controlling for gender and tuition status (domestic or international). Students with higher PSY100 marks took less time to graduate and were more likely to have graduated by 2016. After controlling for gender, tuition status, and marks in PSY100, however, no relationship was found between FSG participation and degree completion time.
Preoperative Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy With Simultaneous Integrated Boost for Locally Advanced Distal Rectal Cancer
Authors: Yang Yongqiang , Liu Qiteng , Jia Baoqing , Du Xiaohui , Dai Guanghai , Liu Hongyi , Chen Jing , Zeng Mingyue , Wen Ke , Zhu Yaqun , Wang Yunlai , Feng Linchun
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of a combined preoperative regimen consisting of volumetric modulated arc therapy–simultaneous integrated boost and capecitabine chemotherapy for distal rectal cancer. A total of 26 patients with locally advanced distal rectal cancer were enrolled from March 2015 to May 2016. The radiation dose fractionation was 58.75 Gy/25 fractions (2.35 Gy/fraction) for rectal tumor and pelvic lymph node metastasis and 50 Gy/25 fractions for pelvic lymph node stations, accompanied with simultaneous capecitabine chemotherapy. Completion of the simultaneous chemotherapy was ensued by 1 week of rest and then another cycle of induction chemotherapy with capecitabine. A radical rectal cancer surgery was performed 6 to 8 weeks after the simultaneous chemoradiotherapy. The primary end points were the complete pathological response rate and the postoperative sphincter preservation rate. All 26 patients completed the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, among which 25 received surgical treatment. The postoperative complete pathological response rate was as high as 32% (8/25), while the sphincter preservation rate was 60% (15/25), the overall tumor/node (T/N) downstaging rate was 92% (23/25), and the R0 resection rate was 100%. During the chemoradiation, the most common adverse events were grade 1 and 2; grade 3 radiodermatitis occurred in 2 cases but no occurrence of acute adverse events occurred that were grade 4 and above. After the surgery, there was one case of ureteral injury and one case of intestinal obstruction, but no perioperative deaths occurred. In conclusion, the chemoradiation regimen of preoperative volumetric modulated arc therapy-simultaneous integrated boost (VMAT-SIB58.75Gy) and a single cycle of induction chemotherapy with capecitabine for patients with distal rectal cancer is safe and feasible with a satisfactory complete pathological response rate, sphincter preservation rate, and R0 resection rate.
Aortic Anatomic Severity Grade Correlates with Midterm Mortality in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Young Zane Z. , Balceniuk Mark D. , Rasheed Khurram , Mix Doran , Esce Antoinette , Ellis Jennifer L. , Glocker Roan J. , Doyle Adam J. , Raman Kathleen , Stoner Michael C.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Anatomic severity grade (ASG) can be used to assess abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) anatomic complexity. High ASG is associated with complications following endovascular repair of AAAs and we have demonstrated that ASG correlates with resource utilization. The hypothesis of this study is that ASG is directly related to midterm mortality in patients undergoing AAA repair.

Methods:

Patients who underwent infrarenal AAA repairs between July 2007 and August 2014 were retrospectively reviewed and ASG scores were calculated using 3-dimensional computed tomography reconstructions. Perioperative mortalities (≤30 days) were excluded. The ASG value of 15 was chosen based on previous receiver–operator curve analysis, which showed that an ASG of 15 was predictive of postoperative complications and resource utilization. The 5-year survivors and mortalities were compared utilizing comorbidities, pharmacologic variables, and anatomic variables at or above the defined threshold.

Results:

A total of 402 patients (80% male and 96% Caucasian) with complete anatomic and survival data were included in the analysis. Mean ASG and age at the time of repair were 16 ± 0.15 and 73 ± 0.43 years old, respectively. The 5-year mortality was significantly associated with ASG >15 (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.504, confidence interval [CI]: 1.077-2.100, P < .017), hyperlipidemia (HR: 1.987, CI: 1.341-2.946, P < .001), coronary artery disease (HR: 1.432, CI: 1.037-1.978, P < .029), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR: 1.412, CI: 1.027-1.943, P < .034). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated improved survival in the low score ASG ≤15 group at 1, 3, and 5 years (96% vs 93%, 81% vs 69%, and 53% vs 41%; P = .0182; Figure 1).

Conclusions:

Increasing aortic anatomic complexity as characterized by ASG >15 is an independent predictor of midterm mortality following elective infrarenal AAA repair. Therefore, it may be a useful tool for appropriate patient selection and risk stratification prior to elective infrarenal AAA repair.
Interior singularity analysis for a 2(3HUS+S) parallel manipulator with descending matrix rank method
Authors: Guo Feng , Cheng Gang , Zhao Zunzhong
Published: February 2019

Singularity analysis is one of the basic problems for parallel manipulators. When a manipulator moves in a singular configuration, the motion and transmission performance are poor. In certain serious cases, the normal operation could be damaged. Based on the topology structure and kinematics analysis of a 2(3HUS+S) parallel manipulator, the Jacobian matrices were established. Then, the singular locus surface was obtained by numerical simulation. In addition, the relationship between the motion path curve and the singular locus surface was analyzed. In this study, α, β, and γ are the attitude angles that describe the motion of moving platforms. There is a nonsingular attitude space in singular locus surfaces, and the singular locus surface is a single surface in a small attitude angle range. The nonsingular attitude space increases as the absolute value of γ increases, and singularity could be avoided when γ is large. Furthermore, the motion path curve passes through the singular locus surface two times, and the two intersection points are consistent with the positions where the motion dexterity is equal to zero. This study provides new insights on the singularity analysis of parallel manipulators, particularly for the structure parameter optimization of the nonsingular attitude space.
A dual-stage low-power converter driving for piezoelectric actuator applied in micro robot
Authors: Mu Ye , Hu Tianli , Gong He , Wang Lijun , Li Shijun
Published: February 2019

In this article, a dual-stage converter driving for a piezoelectric actuator based on flyback circuit was designed and implemented, which could be applied in a micro robot. A low-voltage direct current could be converted to a high-voltage alternating current through flyback circuit and direct current/alternating current circuit in low-power condition. In the direct current/direct current stage, the charging and discharging process was realized to generate a high voltage bias from a low voltage directly supplied by battery. Then, the high voltage was converted into alternating waveform by an energy recovery circuit in direct current/alternating current stage. Experiments were conducted to verify the ability of the proposed converter to drive a 100-V-input piezoelectric bimorph actuator using a prototype 108 mg (excluding printed circuit board mass), 169 (13 × 13) mm2, and 500-mW converter. According to the experimental results, this converter could be used for driving piezoelectric actuator applied in micro robot.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide potentiated the excitatory transmission and network propagation in the anterior cingulate cortex of adult mice
Authors: Li Xu-Hui , Matsuura Takanori , Liu Ren-Hao , Xue Man , Zhuo Min
Published: February 2019

The neuropeptide of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays critical roles in chronic pain, especially in migraine. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization studies have shown that CGRP and its receptors are expressed in cortical areas including pain perception-related prefrontal anterior cingulate cortex. However, less information is available for the functional roles of CGRP in cortical regions such as the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Recent studies have consistently demonstrated that long-term potentiation is a key cellular mechanism for chronic pain in the ACC. In the present study, we used 64-electrode array field recording system to investigate the effect of CGRP on excitatory transmission in the ACC. We found that CGRP induced potentiation of synaptic transmission in a dose-dependently manner (1, 10, 50, and 100 nM). CGRP also recruited inactive circuit in the ACC. An application of the calcitonin receptor-like receptor antagonist CGRP8-37 blocked CGRP-induced chemical long-term potentiation and the recruitment of inactive channels. CGRP-induced long-term potentiation was also blocked by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist AP-5. Consistently, the application of CGRP increased NMDA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents. Finally, we found that CGRP-induced long-term potentiation required the activation of calcium-stimulated adenylyl cyclase subtype 1 (AC1) and protein kinase A. Genetic deletion of AC1 using AC1−/− mice, an AC1 inhibitor NB001 or a protein kinase A inhibitor KT5720, all reduced or blocked CGRP-induced potentiation. Our results provide direct evidence that CGRP may contribute to synaptic potentiation in important physiological and pathological conditions in the ACC, an AC1 inhibitor NB001 may be beneficial for the treatment of chronic headache.
The Effect of Tobacco Use on Incision Healing in Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Review of 114 Patients
Authors: Cottom James M. , Douthett Steven M. , McConnell Kelly K. , Plemmons Britton S.
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare wound complication rates after total ankle replacement in 3 groups of patients based on tobacco status. The total cohort was divided into 3 groups based on tobacco history. Group 1 included patients who were actively tobacco users. Group 2 included patients with a history of tobacco user. Group 3 served as the control group and included patients who had never used tobacco. Available charts were reviewed for patients who underwent primary total ankle arthroplasty by 1 surgeon. Patient demographics, tobacco history, and postoperative wound complications were recorded. A total of 114 patients with tobacco history were available for follow-up and were included in this study, which ranged from March 2012 to July 2017. Group 1 included 11 active smokers. Group 2 included 38 former smokers, and group 3 had a total of 65 never smokers included. The average follow-up was 28 months for group 1 (range 10-55 months), 34.1 months for group 2 (range 12-60 months), and 32.8 months for group 3 (range 11-60 months). The wound complication rate was noted to be statistically significant when comparing active smokers to never smokers using Fisher’s exact test ( P = .0223). When comparing former smokers with never smokers, the difference in wound complication rate did not reach statistical significance ( P = 0.7631). All patients underwent at least 1 concomitant procedure at the time of initial ankle replacement. Our findings show that total ankle replacement wound healing complication rates are significantly higher in active tobacco users. There was no significant difference in wound healing complications when comparing former tobacco users versus never tobacco users.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective comparative study
“Moulding his human personality”: Personality Change and Formation to Priesthood in the Catholic Church
Authors: Selvam Sahaya G.
Published: February 2019

The official documents on formation to priesthood in the Catholic Church encourage the use of personality psychology. Generally, the documents understand human personality to be dynamic. What does this mean in the light of the contemporary debate on the psychology of personality change? This article attempts to summarize the salient features of this debate, pointing out its relevance to priestly formation. Supporting a “whole-person model” of personality as proposed by Dan McAdams, the article considers the possibility of personality change at some levels in the context of religious experience facilitated by seminary formation. This article is also aimed at enlightening formation guides to make an informed decision in the choice of appropriate models of personality in the accompaniment of their candidates.
Diagnosing and managing diabetic somatic and autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Azmi Shazli , Ferdousi Maryam , Kalteniece Alise , Al-Muhannadi Hamad , Al-Mohamedi Abdulrahman , Hadid Nebras H. , Mahmoud Salah , Bhat Harun A. , Gad Hoda Y. A. , Khan Adnan , Ponirakis Georgios , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Alam Uazman , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: February 2019

The diagnosis and management of diabetic neuropathy can be a major challenge. Late diagnosis contributes to significant morbidity in the form of painful diabetic neuropathy, foot ulceration, amputation, and increased mortality. Both hyperglycaemia and cardiovascular risk factors are implicated in the development of somatic and autonomic neuropathy and an improvement in these risk factors can reduce their rate of development and progression. There are currently no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved disease-modifying treatments for either somatic or autonomic neuropathy, as a consequence of multiple failed phase III clinical trials. While this may be partly attributed to premature translation, there are major shortcomings in trial design and outcome measures. There are a limited number of partially effective FDA-approved treatments for the symptomatic relief of painful diabetic neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy.
Clinical implication of right‐sided augmentation pressure in patients with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Sohn Dae‐Won , Park Jun‐Bean , Lee Seung‐Pyo , Kim Hyung‐Kwan , Kim Yong‐Jin
Published: February 2019

Similar to left ventricular and aortic pressure waveforms, augmentation pressure (AugPr) in the right ventricular (RV) pressure waveform is also frequent in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). This study sought to evaluate whether the degree of AugPr in RV pressure waveform has prognostic value. Forty‐one patients (13 men; mean age = 50.7 ± 16.1 years) with group 1 PH (mean pulmonary artery pressure [mPAP] ≥ 25 mmHg) who underwent cardiac catheterization as part of their work‐up were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into three groups. Group A: AugPr/RV systolic pressure < 25%; group B: AugPr/RV systolic pressure ≥ 25%; and group C: no discernible AugPr but showing peaked RV pressure waveform. Ten patients were included in group A (male‐to‐female ratio 3:7; mean age = 45.9 ± 12.1 years), 12 in group B (4:8, 53.8 ± 14.6 years), and 19 in group C (6:13, 51.8 ± 18.7 years). No differences in mPAP were seen between the three groups. Pulse pressure was significantly higher in group C compared to group A. Eight patients died during the mean follow‐up period of 35.9 ± 30.7 months; the incidence of death was significantly higher in group C than in the other groups (one patient in group A and seven patients in group C). AugPr in RV pressure waveform has prognostic value in patients with PH. Therefore, additional attention should be given to the RV pressure waveform in patients with PH undergoing invasive pressure measurements as a part of their work‐up.
Opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship in patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections who are unsuitable for beta-lactam antibiotics: a multicenter prospective observational study
Authors: Sandoe Jonathan A.T. , Saeed Kordo , Guleri Achyut , Hand Kieran S. , Dillon Ryan , Allen Mike , Mayes Amazigom , Glen Fiona , Gonzalez-Ruiz Armando
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

The objective of this prospective, observational study was to describe the treatment, severity assessment and healthcare resources required for management of patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections who were unsuitable for beta-lactam antibiotic treatments.

Methods:

Patients were enrolled across five secondary care National Health Service hospitals. Eligible patients had a diagnosis of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection and were considered unsuitable for beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g. confirmed/suspected methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, beta-lactam allergy). Data regarding diagnosis, severity of the infection, antibiotic treatment and patient management were collected.

Results:

145 patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection were included; 79% ( n = 115) patients received greater than two antibiotic regimens; median length of the first antibiotic regimen was 2 days (interquartile range of 1–5); median time to switch from intravenous to oral antibiotics was 4 days (interquartile range of 3–8, n = 72/107); 25% ( n = 10/40) patients with Eron class 1 infection had systemic inflammatory response syndrome, suggesting they were misclassified. A higher proportion of patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome received treatment in an inpatient setting, and their length of stay was prolonged in comparison with patients without systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

Conclusion:

There exists an urgent need for more focused antimicrobial stewardship strategies and tools for standardised clinical assessment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection severity in patients who are unsuitable for beta-lactam antibiotics. This will lead to optimised antimicrobial treatment strategies and ensure effective healthcare resource utilisation.
Long-term direct oral anticoagulation in primary osteonecrosis with elevated plasminogen activation inhibitor
Authors: Haydock Maria Monica , Elhamdani Shahed , Alsharedi Mohamed
Published: February 2019

Osteonecrosis is a pathological condition that could lead to a debilitating physical disease and impede daily activities. It is generally categorised into aetiology – primary (idiopathic) or secondary. When direct damage to the bone vasculature or direct injury of the bone marrow is related to an identifiable cause such as traumatic injuries, steroid or bisphosphonate use, increased alcohol intake, sickle cell disease, autoimmune diseases, chemotherapy or malignancy, it is categorised as secondary osteonecrosis. On the other hand, osteonecrosis wherein the mechanisms of development are not fully understood is categorised as primary or idiopathic osteonecrosis. This category includes inherited thrombophilia and hypofibrinolysis as potential causes. There are no clear guidelines or general agreements about anticoagulation treatment and duration in primary osteonecrosis due to thrombophilia or hypofibrinolysis. We report a case of primary osteonecrosis associated with hypofibrinolysis and successful control with lifelong direct oral anticoagulation therapy.
Apparent ST elevation in right bundle branch block pseudo-mimicking myocardial infarction
Authors: Kazama Itsuro , Nakajima Toshiyuki
Published: February 2019

We report a case of right bundle branch block, in which the patient’s symptoms and the electrocardiogram findings mimicked those of acute coronary syndrome. In this case report, we stress the significance of apparent ST segment elevation in right bundle branch block. The differential diagnosis is important because right bundle branch block is often complicated with acute coronary syndrome. In addition, right bundle branch block with an ST segment elevation in the specific leads can be a predictor of sudden cardiac death. In such cases, close monitoring of the electrocardiogram findings and careful observation of the patient’s symptoms would be necessary.
Unsupervised by any other name: Hidden layers of knowledge production in artificial intelligence on social media
Authors: Bechmann Anja , Bowker Geoffrey C
Published: February 2019

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the form of different machine learning models is applied to Big Data as a way to turn data into valuable knowledge. The rhetoric is that ensuing predictions work well—with a high degree of autonomy and automation. We argue that we need to analyze the process of applying machine learning in depth and highlight at what point human knowledge production takes place in seemingly autonomous work. This article reintroduces classification theory as an important framework for understanding such seemingly invisible knowledge production in the machine learning development and design processes. We suggest a framework for studying such classification closely tied to different steps in the work process and exemplify the framework on two experiments with machine learning applied to Facebook data from one of our labs. By doing so we demonstrate ways in which classification and potential discrimination take place in even seemingly unsupervised and autonomous models. Moving away from concepts of non-supervision and autonomy enable us to understand the underlying classificatory dispositifs in the work process and that this form of analysis constitutes a first step towards governance of artificial intelligence.
A systematic review of tailored eHealth interventions for weight loss
Authors: Ryan Kathleen , Dockray Samantha , Linehan Conor
Published: February 2019

Objective

The aim of this study is to review the evidence for tailored eHealth weight-loss interventions, describing in detail: 1. how tailoring was implemented in these studies and 2. whether these tailored approaches were effective in producing weight loss compared with generic or inactive controls.

Methods

A systematic review was carried out. Five databases were searched up until 15 March, 2018, including: EBSCO, Science Direct, Pubmed, EMBASE and Web of Science, using combinations of the concepts ‘tailoring’, ‘eHealth’ and ‘overweight’.

Results

Eight articles relating to six interventions were accepted. Tailoring was carried out in a number of ways, based on, for example, anthropometric data, health-related behaviours (e.g. dietary intake, physical activity), goals (e.g. weight goal), theoretical determinants (e.g. confidence/willingness to change behaviours), psychosocial factors (e.g. social support) and participant location. Systems acquired data using strategies that ranged from online questionnaire administration, to the dynamic gathering of data from web-based diaries, websites, mobile applications and SMS messaging. Tailored interventions were more effective in supporting weight loss than generic or waitlist controls in four of the six articles. Effect sizes were very small to moderate, with evidence for fluctuations in effect sizes and differences of effect between tailoring and non-tailoring interventions, and between tailoring types, over time.

Conclusions

We contribute an enhanced understanding of the variety of methods used for the tailoring of eHealth interventions for weight loss and propose a model for categorising tailoring approaches.
Reuterinos® as adjuvant for peri-implant treatment: A pilot study
Authors: Lauritano Dorina , Carinci Francesco , Palmieri Annalisa , Cura Francesca , Caruso Silvia , Candotto Valentina
Published: February 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of lozenges-containing Lactobacillus reuteri as an adjuvant treatment of peri-implant mucositis and to detect the level of L. reuteri colonization in the peri-implant tissues of treated patients. A total of 10 patients were selected. Subjects with at least one implant affected by peri-implant mucositis, with gingival index (GI) of ⩾2 in each quadrant, evaluated at the buccal aspect of all teeth. Patients included in the study were partially edentulous and had implants with mucositis or peri-implantitis. Implants with radiographic bone loss of ⩾5 mm and/or ⩾50% of the implant length were excluded, and only one implant per patient was included. Each patient received L. reuteri–containing lozenges. Microbiological sampling was performed at baseline and on day 28 and analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Our results indicate that the use of the probiotic did not influence the peri-implant microbiota in a statistically significant way, although there was a reduction in the number of periodontal and peri-implant species. The lack of statistically significant microbiological changes could be explained either by the small sample population or by the short evaluation period. Therefore, the poor colonization of L. reuteri in the peri-implant pockets can be explained by the different anatomical and histological characteristics of the interface of the dental–gingival unit with respect to the periodontal sulcus. The administration of a daily lozenge of L. reuteri for 4 weeks had a limited effect on the microbiological analysis. Probiotics provide an alternative therapeutic approach to consider in the prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases, but further long-term prospective studies with standardized variables are needed.