bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil aggregation, erodibility, and erosion rates in mountain soils (NW Alps, Italy)
Authors: Stanchi S. , Falsone G. , Bonifacio E.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Erosion is a relevant soil degradation factor in mountain agrosilvopastoral ecosystems that can be enhanced by the abandonment of agricultural land and pastures left to natural evolution. The on-site and off-site consequences of soil erosion at the catchment and landscape scale are particularly relevant and may affect settlements at the interface with mountain ecosystems. RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) estimates of soil erosion consider, among others, the soil erodibility factor (K), which depends on properties involved in structure and aggregation. A relationship between soil erodibility and aggregation should therefore be expected. However, erosion may limit the development of soil structure; hence aggregates should not only be related to erodibility but also partially mirror soil erosion rates. The aim of the research was to evaluate the agreement between aggregate stability and erosion-related variables and to discuss the possible reasons for discrepancies in the two kinds of land use considered (forest and pasture). Topsoil horizons were sampled in a mountain catchment under two vegetation covers (pasture vs. forest) and analyzed for total organic carbon, total extractable carbon, pH, and texture. Soil erodibility was computed, RUSLE erosion rate was estimated, and aggregate stability was determined by wet sieving. Aggregation and RUSLE-related parameters for the two vegetation covers were investigated through statistical tests such as ANOVA, correlation, and regression. Soil erodibility was in agreement with the aggregate stability parameters; i.e., the most erodible soils in terms of K values also displayed weaker aggregation. Despite this general observation, when estimating K from aggregate losses the ANOVA conducted on the regression residuals showed land-use-dependent trends (negative average residuals for forest soils, positive for pastures). Therefore, soil aggregation seemed to mirror the actual topsoil conditions better than soil erodibility. Several hypotheses for this behavior were discussed. A relevant effect of the physical protection of the organic matter by the aggregates that cannot be considered in $K$ computation was finally hypothesized in the case of pastures, while in forests soil erodibility seemed to keep trace of past erosion and depletion of finer particles. A good relationship between RUSLE soil erosion rates and aggregate stability occurred in pastures, while no relationship was visible in forests. Therefore, soil aggregation seemed to capture aspects of actual vulnerability that are not visible through the erodibility estimate. Considering the relevance and extension of agrosilvopastoral ecosystems partly left to natural colonization, further studies on litter and humus protective action might improve the understanding of the relationship among erosion, erodibility, and structure.
Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in Arctic ground ice
Authors: Fritz M. , Opel T. , Tanski G. , Herzschuh U. , Meyer H. , Eulenburg A. , Lantuit H.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Thermal permafrost degradation and coastal erosion in the Arctic remobilize substantial amounts of organic carbon (OC) and nutrients which have accumulated in late Pleistocene and Holocene unconsolidated deposits. Permafrost vulnerability to thaw subsidence, collapsing coastlines and irreversible landscape change are largely due to the presence of large amounts of massive ground ice such as ice wedges. However, ground ice has not, until now, been considered to be a source of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and other elements which are important for ecosystems and carbon cycling. Here we show, using biogeochemical data from a large number of different ice bodies throughout the Arctic, that ice wedges have the greatest potential for DOC storage, with a maximum of 28.6 mg L−1 (mean: 9.6 mg L−1). Variation in DOC concentration is positively correlated with and explained by the concentrations and relative amounts of typically terrestrial cations such as Mg2+ and K+. DOC sequestration into ground ice was more effective during the late Pleistocene than during the Holocene, which can be explained by rapid sediment and OC accumulation, the prevalence of more easily degradable vegetation and immediate incorporation into permafrost. We assume that pristine snowmelt is able to leach considerable amounts of well-preserved and highly bioavailable DOC as well as other elements from surface sediments, which are rapidly frozen and stored in ground ice, especially in ice wedges, even before further degradation. We found that ice wedges in the Yedoma region represent a significant DOC (45.2 Tg) and DIC (33.6 Tg) pool in permafrost areas and a freshwater reservoir of 4200 km2. This study underlines the need to discriminate between particulate OC and DOC to assess the availability and vulnerability of the permafrost carbon pool for ecosystems and climate feedback upon mobilization.
Metformin Effect on Chest Tube Drainage After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Kapturauskas Juozas , Širvinskas Edmundas
Published: April 2015

Increasing numbers of patients with diabetes mellitus are referred to cardiac surgery. Biguanides are still first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes in all over the world. According preoperative guidelines, oral diabetes medications should be held on the day of surgery because of increased risk of lactic acidosis, induced by Metformin in patients after heart surgery. However, not well described in medical literature mechanism of biguanides is its influence to coagulation. We observed patients, who were scheduled for an elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Eighteen were diabetics, fourteen were Metformin users, where medication was stopped 72 to 24 hours before surgery. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, fibrinogen measurement were performed at the baseline, 2 hours and 6 hours after weaning from CPB. Chest tube drainage was checked at 2, 6 and 24 hours after weaning from CPB at the ICU. Presence of fibrinolysis was checked with rotational thromboelastometry testing (Rotem, Tem Innovation, Germany). Statistical analysis showed weak negative correlation between chest tube output in 24 hours and Metformin use (r=-0.255, p=0.03). Patients with Metformin preoperatively had less chest tube drainage (457.1 ± 143.9ml) compared to patients without Metformin (622.2 ± 269.9ml). Here was no significant fibrinolysis in ROTEM tests registered (ML 3.5 ± 2.5%) and apTEM didn`t show improved maximal cloth firmness (MCF) nor shor- ter clothing time (CF).
Chlorine Concentration in Children‘S Sweat Test
Authors: Serapinas Danielius , Sauspreskis Mantas , Žiūraitis Justinas , Barkauskienė Diana , Žemaitis Marius , Sakalauskas Raimundas
Published: April 2015

It is essential to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in time and with accuracy in order to avoid inappropriate testing. The aims of this study was to determine features of Cl ions concentration in patients sweat test that were suspected having cystic fibrosis and to evaluate correlation between this concentration and C reactive protein levels in serum. Results showed, that 9 out of 48 patients (18,75 % ) showed higher than normal Cl ions concentration values. 6 of them (12,5%) had a borderline concentration, while 3 (6,25%) were pos- sitive according to Cl ions concentration test. Mean value of Cl ions concentration in males sweat was 25,37 mmol/l (p0,05; PI=21,05-30,40) and there was no statistical significance compared to mean Cl ions concentration in females sweat which was 24,44 mmol/l (p0,05; PI=19,96-28,91). All genetic tests‘ results were negative for CFTR gene mutations. CRP test was performed in 17 cases (35,42%). No statisticaly significant correlation between concentration of Cl ions in sweat and serum CRP was found (r= -0,16; p=0,531 ). No statisticaly significant difference between Cl ions concentrations in sweat test according to gender was found in examined group. In our study no mutations of CFTR gene were found. Statisticaly significant correlation between Cl ions concentration in sweat test and se- rum CRP level was not found.
Radiological Parameters of the Femur in Lithuanian Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis and its Significance for Accuracy of the Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Stučinskas Justinas , Bakevičius Mindaugas , Lebedev Aleksej , Robertsson Otto , Smailys Alfredas , Tarasevičius Šarūnas
Published: April 2015

Malalignment of the components affects long term total knee arthroplasty (TKA) survival. One of the options for achieving better TKA alignment may be a detailed preoperative radiological assessment. The aim of the study – to investigate the femoral valgus angle variations and affecting factors in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Material and methods: We prospectively investigated severe OA patients, admitted for elective TKA. The standardized radiological assessment was performed – long standing hip-knee- ankle radiographs and the measurements were taken. We evaluated the relationship between the patients’, radiological parameters and femoral valgus angle. Results: 110 patients were included in the study and the mean measured femoral valgus angle was 6,7±1,3° and ranged from 4° to 10°. It was not significantly different between genders or varus/ valgus knee deformation. There was a significant relation between femoral valgus angle and neck-shaft, femoral bowing angles. Femoral valgus angle significantly increased with larger femoral bowing and smaller neck-shaft angles. Conclusions: Lithuanian patients with knee OA scheduled for TKA had a mean femoral valgus angle of 6,7±1,3° which ranged from 4° to 10°. Femoral neck-shaft and bowing angles significantly affects the femoral valgus angle.
Frequency, Causes, Diagnostics and Treatment of Constipation in Family Doctors Work
Authors: Sudnickaitė Urtė , Aidukienė Brigita , Simanauskas Kazys
Published: April 2015

Constipation is a highly prevalent disorder in the primary care. The observed morbidity differences between gender, age, socioeconomic classes with different feeding habits, physical activity and related diseases. Aim. To evaluate causes, diagnostic, treatment features of constipation in the primary care. Methods: was made random interviews of people between 20-80 years old. For interview was used questionnaire of KESS (The Knowles- Eccersley- Scott- Symptom scoring system) for the diagnostic of constipation and 13 questions to assess the risks. The pilot testing of questionnaire validity was carried out, the overall Cronbach alpha coefficient is 0.978. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and SPSS 13.0 for Windows data packets. Results. Was interviewed 320 people, of which 33.13% were established constipations. The average duration of constipation ranged from 18 month up 5 years. The average age of patients with constipation was 56±14.99 years and the healthy group- 41±14.20 years (p0,05). No differences were observed between man and women (p>0.05). Educational groups incidence of constipation was: high education – 29.19%, secondary – 30.3% and basic – 70.37%. We found, that most respondents eat irregularly, 3-4 times per day. We found, that increased fiber food usage, higher intake of fluid was correlated with lower incidence of constipation, as well as higher levels of physical activity or related chronic diseases (p 0.05). In assessing treatment, laxatives was used by 132 respondents, including 75.76% of patients with constipation and enemas was used by 53 respondents, including 94.43% of patients with constipation. Observed that only 62.26% of patients with constipation reported seeing a physician and 96.23% are treated independently. Conclusions: Purposefully interview of patients observed there is a high incidence of constipation. Differences of morbidity between genders are not observe, different than age and education groups. Not all investigated risk factors affect the incidence of constipation increased; mostly affects the small fluid, fiber food intake, physical activity and related chronic diseases. Patients are not give importance to this issue, and so thats why they do not seek a physician often and are treated independently.
Modern Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices
Authors: Ovsianas Justas , Petkevičius Petras , Zapustas Norvydas , Bakšytė Giedrė , Macas Andrius
Published: April 2015

Patients with hemodynamic instability when conservative measures are not effective remain a significant challenge for the intensive care specialists. Surgically implantable systems, which require considerable amount of time to insert and a cardiosurgery team, which is not present in smaller medical centres are not applicable in these situations. Significant mortality of patients predispone the develompement of minimally invasive and quickly applicable left ventricle assisting devices. The most commonly used and evaluated percutaneous assist systems are the intra- aortic balloon pump, the Impella pump, the Tandem-Heart and venoarterial ECMO.
Incidence of Acute Odontogenic Maxillofacial Infections in Lithuania
Authors: Rastenienė Rūta , Pūrienė Alina , Aleksejūnienė Jolanta
Published: April 2015

Despite achievements in Lithuanian health care system and good accessibility to medical service, life threatening infections of odontogenic origin are still prevalent in Lithuania. Aim of the study: To analyse the prevalence of odontogenic maxillofacial infections and to examine distribution of treatment facilities accepting patients with acute odontogenic infections in Lithuania. Methods: A five-year (2009-2013) retrospective study included information about all patients treated in outpatient (N=482) or inpatient (N=61) treatment facilities in Lithuania, Adjusted Inci- dence Ratios of acute odontogenic maxillofacial infections were calculated separately for each type of infection and for each year, and each type of treatment facility. Results: High annual incidence of acute odontogenic maxillofacial infections, i.e. ~1% of a total population was diagnosed.
Pathogenesis and Treatment of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy: an Update for Better Eye Health Management
Authors: Kinderytė Rūta , Špečkauskas Martynas
Published: April 2015

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is defined as retinal pigment epithelium proliferation associated growth and contraction of avascular fibrous – cellular membranes within the vitreous body. It develops after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, when liberated cells of retinal pigment epithelium gain access through retinal tear to vitreous body, or after serious retinal surgery, in which extensive retinopexy by lasering or cryotherapy is performed, or in cases of serious penetrating eye injuries. While retinal surgery is improving PVR gains more importance. Despite effective initial treatment pathological membranes progress on surface of the retina, that causes its traction and deterioration of visual functions. This paper reviews data from latest publications about PVR pathogenic mechanisms, risk factors, treatment and its complications, as well as prevention.
Qur'an Schooling and the Production of Mindful Bodies in West Africa
Authors: Masquelier Adeline
Published: April 2015

In The Walking Qur'an, Rudolph Ware explores the history of Qur'an schools in West Africa. Focusing on embodied knowledge, he demonstrates how these institutions produce “Walking Qur'ans,” living replicas of the holy book. Despite his bias against reformist Islam and his neglect of the wider social context, this is an important contribution to Islamic studies and African history.
Prácticas pioneras de archivo en la investigación sociológica cualitativa en España
Authors: Valles Miguel S.
Published: April 2015

En el presente artículo se actualiza una línea de investigación en metodología cualitativa en la que se viene trabajando en los últimos años, a propósito de algunas iniciativas recientes (o en ciernes) de archivo de investigación sociológica cualitativa en España. Se retoma el caso español, su contextualización europea, para centrar la atención en algunas prácticas de archivo pioneras, de distinto tipo (según el grado de visibilización, institucionalización, etc.). El caso del archivo de estudios cualitativos del CIS se aborda con detenimiento; una muestra estratégica de sus fondos sirve para analizar la evolución habida en las prácticas de trascripción, por parte de investigadores emblemáticos (entre otros). Los hallazgos se contrastan con los obtenidos por otros investigadores con materiales del archivo británico Qualidata. Los conceptos de calidad y trastienda se relacionan con el de archivo cualitativo para plantear el debate metodológico de fondo, así como propuestas de promoción y mejora de un proceso en marcha.
Mi trabajo es mi vida. La incrustación de los mundos de la vida y del trabajo en empresas españolas
Authors: Valenzuela Hugo , Reygadas Luis , Cruces Francisco
Published: April 2015

En base a 20 etnografías realizadas en empresas españolas, este texto analiza formas emergentes de imbricación entre los mundos del trabajo y la vida. Si a partir de la Revolución Industrial se da una tendencia a la autonomía del proceso de trabajo con respecto a los entornos vitales de los trabajadores, actualmente se observa una tendencia inversa en ciertas empresas. Esta rearticulación se produce en varios sentidos:

a) en el desvanecimiento de la frontera que separa el trabajo de la vida cotidiana; b) en la reinserción de dimensiones afectivas en los procesos laborales; c) en el fomento de la reciprocidad y la sociabilidad en el ámbito económico; y d) en la producción de experiencias signifi cativas en el trabajo. ¿Nos hallamos ante una reconciliación emancipadora de la vida y el trabajo? O, por el contrario, ¿se trata de una colonización del mundo de la vida por el mundo productivo? Proponemos explorar una tercera vía de análisis, la de la modernidad refl exiva.
Jóvenes sin vínculos. El papel de las estructuras intermedias en un espacio urbano desfavorecido
Authors: Eseverri Mayer Cecilia
Published: April 2015

Este artículo describe el proceso de desafi liación (Castel, 1995) juvenil, tomando como caso de estudio un barrio desfavorecido de Madrid. A través de una metodología etnográfi ca examina el efecto de las estructuras intermedias (la familia, la comunidad local y las asociaciones civiles) en la reinserción educativa y laboral de los jóvenes de origen marroquí, dominicano y ecuatoriano. La investigación señala como elemento más determinante de dicha reinserción el capital humano de los padres, confi rmando los hallazgos de la sociología de la educación (Bourdieu, 1970). Además, advierte del doble efecto (positivo y negativo) que provoca la infl uencia de las comunidades étnicas en los jóvenes más vulnerables y demuestra el rol crucial que cumple el tejido asociativo.

Estas organizaciones, herederas de las movilizaciones de los años 70, tienen la capacidad de abrir nuevas vías de inserción a través de la colaboración con las administraciones, los grupos étnicos y las familias.
Mitigating Production Practices and Antibiotics Use in Meat Industries Prone to Economies of Scale by Institutional Novelties, Marketing and Voluntary Actions
Authors: Nuppenau Ernst-August
Published: April 2015

Achieving improved standards in animal husbandry (including less use of antibiotics) through appropriate interventions has become a matter of public concern. It is currently both, hot­ly debated and a challenge for food economics. The question is: how can one achi­eve change in a given environment of property rights and interests? This paper offers a novel appro­ach inten­ded for conflict solving in meat industries which are prone to economies of scale, which are under interna­tional and com­petitive pricing and which experience structural change. In parti­cu­lar, in case of: (i) economies of scale favouring large-scale production and high stocking den­sities (sup­ported by increased antibiotic use), (ii) political power about resistance to regu­late (avoiding strong interference), but also in contrast to (iii) consumers' wishes and willing­ness to pay (WTP for a change in production modes), there is a problem of coordination and institutions. In this article, the issue is delineated as a problem of political bargaining and cre­ating marketing channels (bro­ker and ag­ency) which shall actively pursue promotion of reduc­ed antibiotics use (specifically through redu­ced stocking density) as well as negotiations on compen­sations (for cost increase). Produ­cers are outlined with regards to scheme participation along willingness to ac­ce­pt (WTA). Stocking density reduction is used as proxi for more healthy an­i­­mal rearing met­hods. We establish interest functions and show how a bargain can be modelled in the tradition of Zusman’s political economy. Barga­in­ing involves power coef­fi­ci­ents for brokerage (premium sharing) as well as an agency (called FSA); the ag­ency is modelled as a bureaucracy op­timizing modified costs and benefits. In fact, the agency maxi­mi­zes its budget and ensures participation of willing producers to join programs. Finally we refer to ways how to solve the issue in modes of political economy models. The assumption is that asym­metric information prevails and consumers are willing to pay (WTP) for healthy food.
The impact of biomedical innovation on longevity and health
Authors: Lichtenberg Frank R
Published: April 2015

Many authors have expressed the view that a substantial portion of recent gains in longevity and health is due to biomedical research and innovation. This article describes the methodologies and findings of a number of studies based on observational data that have sought to measure the impact of biomedical innovation on the longevity and health of Americans and other populations during recent decades. Most of these studies have examined the impact of innovation in pharmaceuticals, the most research-intensive medical good or service. Two measures of medical innovation that have been used are the mean vintage of the medical goods or procedures used by an individual or population, and the number of distinct products (e.g. drugs) available for treating a condition. Longevity (e.g. time till death) is the health outcome that has been analyzed the most, but several studies have studied the impact of medical (i.e. pharmaceutical) innovation on the ability of people to work or engage in activities of daily living. Some studies have been based on cross-sectional patient-level data. Others have been based on longitudinal, region-level data; they have investigated whether regions (e.g. states) undergoing more rapid medical innovation have exhibited larger improvements in health. And some studies have been based on longitudinal, disease-level data; they have investigated whether the medical conditions undergoing more rapid innovation have exhibited larger gains in health outcomes. Innovation related to some specific major diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease and cancer) has been investigated, but the overall impact of innovation related to other major diseases (e.g. diabetes) has not.These studies provide considerable support for the hypothesis that a substantial portion of recent gains in longevity and health is due to biomedical research and innovation. It would be desirable to apply these methods to data from developing countries.
Register or electronic health records enriched randomized pragmatic trials: The future of clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness trials?
Authors: Ramsberg Joakim , Neovius Martin
Published: April 2015

For many interventions in health care, there is limited information on efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness even long after they have been implemented. To decide between treatments, the randomized controlled trial (RCT) provides the strongest evidence. This creates a problem because RCTs are very expensive, logistically challenging and generally cumbersome. Observational studies are inexpensive, but create weaker evidence. The pragmatic randomized trial, enriched with routinely collected register or electronic health record  (EHR) data may be a solution to this dilemma since they are much less costly than traditional RCTs but create much stronger evidence than observational studies. Pragmatic randomized trials mean that patients in routine care are randomly allocated to alternative treatments. The outcome of the treatment is then followed up in existing registers with patient data. This means that it is possible to 1) follow patients in the normal care situation - unlike the often artificial situation in the traditional RCT, 2) that the costs are low, even for large studies and 3) that a broad spectrum of outcomes, including both health and economic outcomes, can be collected. Pragmatic randomized trials using register or EHR data in principle lend themselves well to health economic evaluations. We have identified a number of such trials in the literature. Very few, however, include economic outcomes.
Determinants of employment-based private health insurance coverage in Denmark
Authors: Kiil Astrid
Published: April 2015

This study estimates the determinants of having employment-based private health insurance (EPHI) based on data from a survey of the Danish workforce conducted in 2009. The study contributes to the literature by exploring the role of satisfaction with the tax-financed health care system as a potential determinant of EPHI ownership and by taking into account that some employees receive EPHI free of charge, while others pay the premium out of their pre-tax income and thus make an actual choice. The results indicate that the probability of having EPHI is positively affected by private sector employment, size of the workplace, whether the workplace has a health scheme, income, being employed as a white-collar worker, and age until the age of 49, while the presence of subordinates, gender, education level, membership of 'denmark' and living in the capital region are not significantly associated with EPHI coverage. As expected, the characteristics related to the workplace are by far the quantitatively most important determinants. The association between EPHI and self-assessed health is found to be quadratic such that individuals in good self-assessed health are more likely to be covered by EPHI than those in excellent and fair, poor or very poor self-assessed health, respectively. Finally, the probability of having EPHI is found to be negatively related to the level of satisfaction with the tax-financed health care system. The findings of the study are not affected notably by distinguishing empirically between employees who receive EPHI free of charge and those who pay the premium out of their pre-tax income. Link to Appendix
Paying for improvements in quality: recent experience in the NHS in England
Authors: Meacock Rachel , Kristensen Søren , Sutton Matt
Published: April 2015

There is a long-term international trend towards linking payments more closely to providers’ performance. The US and England have been at the forefront of the design and introduction of such pay-for-performance (P4P) schemes. England’s experience is, however, likely to have greater salience for the Nordic countries’ health care systems due to the publicly funded finance structure. We review the development of five of England’s major schemes and summarise the available evidence on their impacts. These schemes are: the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF); Advancing Quality; the Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) framework; Best Practice Tariffs; and the newest ‘non-payment’ policies. Much of the evidence is limited by the non-experimental way in which the schemes have been introduced, with limited data available prior to the introduction of the schemes and no experimentally unexposed providers to serve as controls. Nonetheless, the existing evidence suggests that P4P can result in modest short-term improvements in the incentivised aspects of performance. There is little evidence of effort diversion, yet some to suggest positive spillovers of these schemes onto non-incentivised aspects of performance. While there is some evidence of gaming and inequitable consequences, these do not appear to be widespread. The gains that can accrue across large patient populations as a result of relatively small financial incentives mean that P4P schemes can be cost-effective. P4P programmes are likely to be most effective when introduced as a supporting part to a wider quality improvement initiative, and when results are published to encourage a reputational as well as a financial incentive for improvement. Though the accumulation of evidence to support P4P has not been systematic or especially robust, it remains a popular policy tool with decision-makers in England, with its reach set to increase further in the future.
Improving Prehensile Mobile Manipulation Performance through Experience Reuse
Authors: Mericli Tekin , Veloso Manuela , Akin Levent
Published: April 2015

During pick and place tasks, a mobile manipulator performs recurring relative moves within the close proximities of the object of interest and the destination independent of their global poses. These moves are usually critical to the success of the manipulation attempt and hence need to be executed delicately. Considering the critical yet recurring nature of these moves, we let the robot memorize them as state-action sequences and reuse them whenever possible to guide manipulation planning and execution. When combined with a sampling-based generative planner, this guidance helps reduce planning time by deliberately biasing the planning process towards the feasible sequences. Additionally, monitoring the execution while reiterating the reached sequences improves the task success rate. Our experiments show that this complementary combination of the already available partial plans and executions with those generated from scratch yields fast, reliable, and repeatable solutions.
Development of a Cognitive Robotic System for Simple Surgical Tasks
Authors: Muradore Riccardo , Fiorini Paolo , Akgun Gokhan , Barkana Duygun Erol , Bonfe Marcello , Boriero Fabrizio , Caprara Andrea , De Rossi Giacomo , Dodi Riccardo , Elle Ole Jakob , Ferraguti Federica , Gasperotti Lorenza , Gassert Roger , Mathiassen Kim , Handini Dilla , Lambercy Olivier , Li Lin , Kruusmaa Maarja , Manurung Auralius Oberman , Meruzzi Giovanni , Nguyen Ho Quoc Phuong , Preda Nicola , Riolfo Gianluca , Ristolainen Asko , Sanna Alberto , Secchi Cristian , Torsello Marco , Yantac Asim Evren
Published: April 2015

The introduction of robotic surgery within the operating rooms has significantly improved the quality of many surgical procedures. Recently, the research on medical robotic systems focused on increasing the level of autonomy in order to give them the possibility to carry out simple surgical actions autonomously. This paper reports on the development of technologies for introducing automation within the surgical workflow. The results have been obtained during the ongoing FP7 European funded project Intelligent Surgical Robotics (I-SUR). The main goal of the project is to demonstrate that autonomous robotic surgical systems can carry out simple surgical tasks effectively and without major intervention by surgeons. To fulfil this goal, we have developed innovative solutions (both in terms of technologies and algorithms) for the following aspects: fabrication of soft organ models starting from CT images, surgical planning and execution of movement of robot arms in contact with a deformable environment, designing a surgical interface minimizing the cognitive load of the surgeon supervising the actions, intra-operative sensing and reasoning to detect normal transitions and unexpected events. All these technologies have been integrated using a component-based software architecture to control a novel robot designed to perform the surgical actions under study. In this work we provide an overview of our system and report on preliminary results of the automatic execution of needle insertion for the cryoablation of kidney tumours.
A Robust Vision Module for Humanoid Robotic Ping-Pong Game
Authors: Chen Xiaopeng , Huang Qiang , Wan Weiwei , Zhou Mingliang , Yu Zhangguo , Zhang Weimin , Yasin Awais , Bao Han , Meng Fei
Published: April 2015

Developing a vision module for a humanoid ping-pong game is challenging due to the spin and the non-linear rebound of the ping-pong ball. In this paper, we present a robust predictive vision module to overcome these problems. The hardware of the vision module is composed of two stereo camera pairs with each pair detecting the 3D positions of the ball on one half of the ping-pong table. The software of the vision module divides the trajectory of the ball into four parts and uses the perceived trajectory in the first part to predict the other parts. In particular, the software of the vision module uses an aerodynamic model to predict the trajectories of the ball in the air and uses a novel non-linear rebound model to predict the change of the ball's motion during rebound. The average prediction error of our vision module at the ball returning point is less than 50 mm - a value small enough for standard sized ping-pong rackets. Its average processing speed is 120fps. The precision and efficiency of our vision module enables two humanoid robots to play ping-pong continuously for more than 200 rounds.
Frente al imposible espejo de la naturaleza: Rorty y Habermas
Authors: Fernández Membrive Miguel
Published: April 2015

En este artículo me propongo ofrecer algunas de las claves del tipo de debate filosófico que, hasta hace no demasiados años, sostenían Richard Rorty y Jürgen Habermas. Sugeriré, en aras de este propósito, una suerte de ruta para pensar dicha controversia, de tal manera que pueda evidenciarse lo que aproxima a ambos filósofos hasta el punto de también hacer posible la distancia entre ellos; y, desde ésta, las críticas que se dirigen mutuamente.
La Haecceitas como base de la solitudo en Duns Escoto
Authors: Elias Gloria Silvana
Published: April 2015

El objetivo de este escrito es abordar la problemática filosófica del principio de individuación desde Juan Duns Escoto, filósofo y teólogo franciscano del siglo XIII, señalando las diferencias que al respecto sostuvo con la posición aristotélico-tomista, de un lado; además, mostrar cómo la pregunta por el concreto en la Antigüedad condujo en el Medioevo, a partir de la metafísica creacionista, a una reflexión cuyo término será inédito: la reflexión por el concepto de persona.
Lévinas y el sionismo. Notas sobre geopolítica en el pensamiento de Emmanuel Lévinas.
Authors: Karmy Bolton Rodrigo
Published: April 2015

El presente texto tiene por objetivo iniciar una reflexión en torno a la vertiente sionista que impregna la problemática de la ética en el trabajo de Emmanuel Lévinas. Nuestra tesis es que 1) el pensamiento de Lévinas es inseparable del sionismo que le acompaña, y 2) que la adopción levinasiana del sionismo constituiría el síntoma que exhibe la inversión del trabajo de su “maestro” Martin Heidegger en la que el discípulo elaboraría una nueva “geopolítica” característica de la época post-Segunda Guerra Mundial.
Joan W. Scott y Eva Illouz en la agencia de publicidad. Aportaciones para el análisis de la noción de experiencia en el discurso publicitario
Authors: Auladell Felip Vidal
Published: April 2015

Este artículo se propone ahondar en el contenido y alcance del término experiencia, tal y como es utilizado en el discurso publicitario, a partir de las aportaciones de la historiadora feminista Joan W. Scott y la socióloga de las emociones Eva Illouz. Se trata de efectuar un ejercicio de transposición disciplinaria que permita delinear un marco de interpretación con el que dilucidar cómo se vinculan efectivamente las emociones con la actividad publicitaria más actual o, dicho de otro modo, cómo tiene lugar la construción de identidades mediante experiencias de consumo.
JOHNSON, Roberta, ZUBIAURRE, Maite (eds.), Antología del pensamiento feminista español (1726-2011), Colección Feminismos, ed. Cátedra-Universitat de València, 2012.
Authors: Madruga Bajo Marta
Published: April 2015

La publicación de una Antología que recoge textos representativos de una tradición teórica no sexista en los tres últimos siglos de pensamiento español representa el inicio de una necearia y apasionante tarea de revisión y reconstrucción de nuestro pensamiento feminista.
Literature Survey on Underwater Threat Detection
Authors: Biobaku Taofeek , Lim Gino J. , Cho Jaeyoung , Bora Selim , Parsaei Hamid
Published: April 2015

This paper presents a concise review on extant literature in threat detection within the maritime domain with specific emphasis on solution methodologies, sensing technologies, regional affiliations of authors and research contributions related to underwater threat detection. The review attempts to provide an introductory framework on threat detection and surveillance within the maritime domain as opposed to its widely studied terrestrial counterpart. In all, over 200 engineering/science journal papers and conference proceedings were identified. Of these, a total of 136 articles are eventually chosen and reviewed. The analysis of this review suggests that opportunities abound in the research area, especially in Operations Research/ Management Science. Specifically, Sensor placement and deployment for underwater threat detection is identified as a significant sub-research area worth studying.
Marine Environment Influence on Fiber Optic Systems Operation
Authors: Novkinić Bekir , Vujović Igor , Šoda Joško
Published: April 2015

Optic communications are increasingly used in many areas, including traffic and maritime nowadays. There is a lack of researches about environmental parameters impact to the operation of fibers in traffic systems, i.e. ships, cars, aircraft or port logistics. This paper investigates environmental influence on three-layer fiber optic system. The two-layer optic system is also analyzed for the comparison purposes. Several environmental factors were simulated, including temperature, pressure, and humidity for all three IR windows. In the three layer optic system, the environmental influence is brought through the air’s refractivity index. The final goal is to determine if the change of the environmental factor(s) can change or lose some of the modes used for communication in some specific application.
A non-canonical mechanism for Crm1-export cargo complex assembly
Authors: Fischer Ute , Schäuble Nico , Schütz Sabina , Altvater Martin , Chang Yiming , Boulos Faza Marius , Panse Vikram Govind
Published: April 2015

The transport receptor Crm1 mediates the export of diverse cargos containing leucine-rich nuclear export signals (NESs) through complex formation with RanGTP. To ensure efficient cargo release in the cytoplasm, NESs have evolved to display low affinity for Crm1. However, mechanisms that overcome low affinity to assemble Crm1-export complexes in the nucleus remain poorly understood. In this study, we reveal a new type of RanGTP-binding protein, Slx9, which facilitates Crm1 recruitment to the 40S pre-ribosome-associated NES-containing adaptor Rio2. In vitro, Slx9 binds Rio2 and RanGTP, forming a complex. This complex directly loads Crm1, unveiling a non-canonical stepwise mechanism to assemble a Crm1-export complex. A mutation in Slx9 that impairs Crm1-export complex assembly inhibits 40S pre-ribosome export. Thus, Slx9 functions as a scaffold to optimally present RanGTP and the NES to Crm1, therefore, triggering 40S pre-ribosome export. This mechanism could represent one solution to the paradox of weak binding events underlying rapid Crm1-mediated export.
Silica Microcapsules for Long‐Term, Robust, and Reliable Room Temperature RNA Preservation
Authors: Puddu Michela , Stark Wendelin J. , Grass Robert N.
Published: April 2015

As a consequence of the latest revolutionary discoveries on its functions, RNA is certainly the hottest topic at the moment, being an exceptional tool in biology as well as in medicine. For the various applications, a proper RNA storage is required to prevent the degradation of this extremely unstable molecule. Here a novel freezing‐free RNA storage strategy is presented, based on its encapsulation in silica spheres. The silica microcapsules protect the RNA by providing a water‐free environment. In this way RNA can be safely stored for prolonged periods of time at ambient and elevated temperatures, maintaining its original integrity, as proved by gel‐electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, and real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). The RNA degradation rate at 65 °C in silica microcapsules is approximately ten times smaller in comparison to dry RNA samples or to samples stored in RNAstable matrix, a commercially available product. Moreover, RNA half‐life at 65 °C is nearly identical to that of DNA within the silica microcapsules. Samples intended for use in gene expression are compatible with further analysis (RT‐qPCR, Sanger sequencing). The novel storage technology permits to safely handle, store, and transport RNA samples, avoiding the expensive shipments and the problems of space presented by freezing‐based strategies.
Far‐Red/Near‐Infrared Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles for Long‐Term In Situ Monitoring of Liver Tumor Growth
Authors: Liu Jie , Li Kai , Liu Bin
Published: April 2015

The design and synthesis is reported for a fluorescent conjugated polymer (CP), poly{[4,4,9,9‐tetrakis(4‐(octyloxy)phenyl‐4,9‐dihydro‐s‐indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′]dithiophene)]‐alt‐co‐[4,7‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole]} (PIDT‐DBT), with absorption and emission profiles fallen within far‐red/near infrared (FR/NIR) region and further demonstrate its application in long‐term in vitro cell tracing and in vivo imaging of liver tumor growth. PIDT‐DBT‐Tat nanoparticles (NPs) have an absorption maximum at ≈600 nm with an emission maximum at ≈720 nm in water. In vitro cell tracing studies reveal that PIDT‐DBT‐Tat NPs can trace HepG2 liver cancer cells over 8 d. In vivo imaging results indicate that PIDT‐DBT‐Tat NPs can monitor liver tumor growth for more than 27 d in a real‐time manner. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that PIDT‐DBT‐Tat NPs are superior to commercial Qtracker 705 as fluorescent probes. This study demonstrates for the first time the feasibility for long‐term in vivo imaging of tumor growth by utilizing CP‐based fluorescent probes, which will encourage the development of NIR fluorescent CPs for in vivo bioimaging.
The Role of Exciton Ionization Processes in Bulk Heterojunction Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Zou Yunlong , Holmes Russell J.
Published: April 2015

To realize efficient photoconversion in organic semiconductors, photogenerated excitons must be dissociated into their constituent electronic charges. In an organic photovoltaic (OPV) cell, this is most often accomplished using an electron donor–acceptor (D–A) interface. Interestingly, recent work on MoOx/C60 Schottky OPVs has demonstrated that excitons in C60 may also undergo efficient bulk‐ionization and generate photocurrent as a result of the large built‐in field created by the MoOx/C60 interface. Here, it is demonstrated that bulk ionization processes also contribute to the short‐circuit current density (JSC) and open‐circuit voltage (VOC) in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) OPVs with fullerene‐rich compositions. Temperature‐dependent measurements of device performance are used to distinguish dissociation by bulk‐ionization from charge transfer at the D–A interface. In optimized fullerene‐rich BHJs based on the D–A pairing of boron subphthalocyanine chloride (SubPc)–C60, bulk‐ionization is found to be responsible for ≈16% of the total photocurrent, and >30% of the photocurrent originating from C60. The presence of bulk‐ionization in C60 also impacts the temperature dependence of VOC, with fullerene‐rich SubPc:C60 BHJ OPVs showing a larger VOC than evenly mixed BHJs. The prevalence of bulk‐ionization processes in efficient, fullerene‐rich BHJs underscores the need to include these effects when engineering device design and morphology in OPVs.
A randomized controlled trial of a middle meatal silastic stent for reducing adhesions and middle turbinate lateralization following endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Chan Chun L. , Elmiyeh Behrad , Woods Charmaine , Ullah Shahid , Gunawardena Indunil , Carney A. Simon , Ooi Eng H.
Published: April 2015

Background

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is indicated for patients with recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms. However, surgical revision can be required because of adhesion formation and middle turbinate lateralization. We investigate the efficacy of a middle meatal silastic stent in reducing these complications after ESS.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients were randomized to receive a silastic stent in the middle meatus unilaterally after ESS. The surgeon was blinded to the side receiving the stent until completion of the ESS. The contralateral side, with no stent, was the control side. Patients completed a 7‐day, postoperative, visual analog scale symptom diary and were blinded to the stent side until its removal at the first postoperative visit. Patients were followed up after 2, 8, and 24 weeks. Endoscopic video of the sinus cavities were recorded at all visits and 2 blinded, independent ear/nose/throat (ENT) surgeons assessed the videos using a modified Lund‐Kennedy scoring system.

Results

Thirty‐five of 36 patients completed 6‐months’ follow‐up. Middle turbinate lateralization was observed in 13 sides without a stent vs 1 side with a stent. There was a significant reduction in adhesions at weeks 2 and 8 (p < 0.001) and crusting (p < 0.01) in the stent side compared to control. Video scores at 6 months after surgery for stent and control sides remained unchanged from the 8‐week visit. There was no difference between sides for symptom scores, edema, or nasal discharge.

Conclusion

Middle meatal silastic stents are well tolerated by patients and effective in reducing middle turbinate lateralization, adhesions, and crusting postoperatively in ESS. ©2015 ARSAAOA, LLC.
Alzheimer's disease pathology is attenuated in a CD38‐deficient mouse model
Authors: Blacher Eran , Dadali Tulin , Bespalko Alina , Haupenthal Viola J. , Grimm Marcus O. W. , Hartmann Tobias , Lund Frances E. , Stein Reuven , Levy Ayelet
Published: April 2015

Objective

Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐associated dementia is due to tissue damage caused by amyloid β (Aβ) deposition within the brain and by accompanying neuroinflammation. The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) glycohydrolase CD38, which is expressed by neurons, astrocytes, and microglial cells, regulates inflammatory and repair processes in the brain and other tissues by degrading NAD and repressing the activity of other NAD‐consuming enzymes and by producing NAD‐derived metabolites that regulate calcium signaling and migration of inflammatory cells. Given the role of CD38 in neuroinflammation and repair, we examined the effect of CD38 deletion on AD pathology.

Methods

We crossed APPswePS1ΔE9 (APP.PS) mice with Cd38−/− mice to generate AD‐prone CD38‐deficient animals (APP.PS.Cd38−/−) and examined AD‐related phenotypes in both groups.

Results

APP.PS.Cd38−/− mice exhibited significant reductions in Aβ plaque load and soluble Aβ levels compared to APP.PS mice, and this correlated with improved spatial learning. Although CD38 deficiency resulted in decreased microglia/macrophage (MM) accumulation, the transcription profile of the Cd38−/− and Cd38+/+ MM was similar, suggesting that the decreased Aβ burden in APP.PS.Cd38−/− mice was not due to alterations in MM activation/function. Instead, APP.PS.Cd38−/− neuronal cultures secreted less Aβ and this reduction was mimicked when APP.PS neuronal cultures were treated with inhibitors that blocked CD38 enzyme activity or the signaling pathways controlled by CD38‐derived metabolites. Furthermore, β‐ and γ‐secretase activity was decreased in APP.PS.Cd38−/− mice, which correlated with decreased Aβ production.

Interpretation

CD38 regulates AD pathology in the APP.PS model of AD, suggesting that CD38 may be a novel target for AD treatment. Ann Neurol 2015;78:88–103