bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endosonographic Staging of Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Boyce H. Worth
Published: August 2017

Background:

Endosonography (ES) is an important tool for staging malignant esophageal cancer with the TNM staging classification. ES is a safe procedure and an accurate method of staging tumor invasion (T) and lymph node involvement (N).

Methods:

The author reviewed the literature on the comparative roles of computed tomography and ES as complementary staging procedures.

Results:

Advantages of ES in staging esophageal cancer include the ability to accurately determine the layer depth of mural infiltration and to detect metastatic involvement of regional lymph nodes. Its disadvantages include its inability to identify distant metastases, to differentiate inflammation from malignant infiltration of wall layers or in lymph nodes, and to examine beyond obstructing tumors unless esophageal dilation is performed. A recent review indicates the accuracy for T staging to be 84% and N staging to be 77%.

Conclusions:

ES is a valuable tool in staging esophageal cancer and should be used in combination with computed tomography for highest accuracy.
Surgical Approaches to Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Teng Steven , Karl Richard
Published: August 2017

Background:

Esophageal cancer is a highly lethal malignancy. Esophageal resection remains the primary treatment in most centers. A number of approaches to esophageal resection have been described.

Methods:

The authors review the current approaches to esophageal resection and adjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer.

Results:

Transthoracic, transhiatal, and minimally invasive techniques are currently employed in esophageal surgery for malignancy. A number of authors favor extended mediastinal and cervical lymphadenectomy in hopes of improving survival. Combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting appears to offer some promise.

Conclusions:

No consensus of opinion exists regarding the optimal approach or extent of esophageal resection for cancer. Prospective, randomized trials of neoadjuvant therapy may determine its efficacy. Newer approaches may enhance quality of life.
The Role of Radiation Therapy in the Management of Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Raman N. V. , Small William
Published: August 2017

Background:

Esophageal cancer is a challenging clinical problem with an estimated 12,300 new cases diagnosed in 1998.

Methods:

A detailed review of pertinent literature is used to describe the epidemiology and management of this disease.

Results:

Radiation therapy remains an important cornerstone of therapy. In combination with chemotherapy and/or surgery, radiation therapy may offer an improved therapeutic outcome.

Conclusions:

Radiation therapy remains an important therapy in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Nutritional Management of Patients with Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Cancer
Authors: Riccardi Diane , Allen Kathryn
Published: August 2017

Background:

Malnutrition is common in patients with esophageal and esophagogastric cancer. Compared to patients with other digestive and extradigestive neoplasia, the highest incidence (78.9%) was found in those with esophageal cancer. Malnutrition is associated with postoperative complications, increased morbidity, and prolonged hospital stays.

Methods:

The authors review the impact and causes of malnutrition in esophageal cancer patients and present strategies that can be used to preserve or restore the nutritional status in this patient population throughout treatment.

Results:

Patients usually are unable to sustain weight on oral intake alone and require additional means of nutritional support. Several methods can be used to provide nutritional care to the esophageal cancer patient, such as diet modification, oral supplementation, and enteral or parenteral nutrition. The enteral route is preferred due to preservation of gut integrity, reduced risk of complications, and less expense. In terminally ill patients, minimal nutritional intervention may be all that is needed to achieve patient comfort.

Conclusions:

In order to improve clinical outcomes and the quality of life for patients with esophageal and esophagogastric cancers, the extent of malnutrition must be identified and treated.
Palliation of Dysphagia of Esophageal Cancer by Endoscopic Lumen Restoration Techniques
Authors: Boyce H. Worth
Published: August 2017

Background:

Cure of patients with esophageal cancer has remained rare over the past four decades. The overall five-year survival rate for squamous cell and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus currently is reported as 12% in whites and 8% in blacks. The five-year survival rate for localized disease at initial staging is only 26% for whites and 13% for blacks. With regional involvement, these rates are 11% and 7%, respectively.

Methods:

The author reviews the literature on optimal endoscopic lumen restoration techniques, including dilation, thermal laser and chemical ablation, photodynamic therapy, and stents. Procedures for pain relief and nutritional support are also presented.

Results:

Lumen restoration to relieve dysphagia and provide the opportunity for sustaining reasonable peroral nutrition is an essential element in the overall management. Nonsurgical lumen restoration procedures have much to offer for dysphagia palliation and are briefly reviewed in this presentation. The major options include ablation of intraluminal tumor mass by thermal laser, photodynamic laser, chemical ablation, peroral dilation, and placement of esophageal stents. Most patients require more than one palliative method to sustain lumen patency during the course of their disease.

Conclusions:

Most patients with esophageal cancer will require palliation for the multiple problems that develop during their limited life span. The responsibility of the palliation therapist is to provide the patient with safe and cost-effective treatments that provide the best possible dysphagia relief.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ of the Breast
Authors: Dupont Elisabeth L. , Ku Ni Ni K. , Mccann Christa , Cox Charles E.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is detected more often since the advent of mammography. A standardized pathologic staging and grading system does not exist, but nuclear grade is assuming greater importance. The history of DCIS is long, and its treatment is a controversial issue in breast cancer today.

Methods:

Data have been reviewed regarding the role of HER-2 expression as a prognostic variable, as a predictive factor for response to chemotherapy and hormonal therapies, and as a directed therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Results:

The NSABP protocol B06 revealed a recurrence rate of 43% in patients treated with local excision alone. Half of recurrences are still DCIS, but 50% are invasive. Local control is markedly improved by the addition of radiation. Recurrence is also minimized by careful cytologic review of margins. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has resulted in more accurate nodal staging.

Conclusions:

As a heterogeneous lesion, DCIS may not lend itself to a uniform treatment approach. Careful analysis of resection margins is required. As our understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of this disease develops, a coordinated team approach is optimal.
Adenocarcinoma of the Endometrium: An Institutional Review
Authors: Cavanagh Denis , Fiorica James V. , Hoffman Mitchel S. , Durfee John , Nicosia Santo V.
Published: August 2017

Background

Many oncologists regard endometrial cancer as a relatively benign and easily treatable gynecologic tumor. Inadequate care can result in poor outcomes.

Methods

The authors review the epidemiology and pathology of the disease, and they compare disease characteristics and outcomes of FIGO staging with their own 11-year experience at a tertiary referral center.

Results

Patients referred to tertiary referral centers tend to present with more advanced stages of disease than those reported by FIGO, although the profile of histologic types is similar.

Conclusions

Prevention and early detection of endometrial cancer can minimize the impact of this disease. Complete staging and tumor removal including extrafascial hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy, and selective paraaortic lymphadenectomy are the cornerstones of surgical therapy.
Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription: Novel Targets for Anticancer Therapeutics
Authors: Bowman Tammy , Yu Hua , Sebti Saïd , Dalton William , Jove Richard
Published: August 2017

Background

Through specific activation of gene expression, the family of proteins known as signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) converts extracellular stimuli into diverse biological responses. Beyond the normal signaling functions of STATs, recent evidence indicates that aberrant activation of STATs contributes to neoplastic transformation.

Methods

Current literature pertaining to the role of STAT proteins in oncogenesis is presented. Also, the rationale for developing novel approaches to disrupt STAT signaling is discussed, and the potential of STATs as anticancer targets in treating human cancer is reviewed.

Results

The discovery that certain oncoproteins constitutively activate specific STATs, coupled with observations that elevated STAT activity occurs frequently in a spectrum of human tumors, establishes a direct link between STAT activation and neoplastic transformation. Significantly, abrogation of STAT signaling blocks oncogenesis in model in vitro and in vivo systems. These results make STATs attractive targets for rational design of small molecule inhibitors and gene therapy approaches to disrupt STAT signaling.

Conclusions

As a result of genetic, biochemical, and crystallographic analyses, the functional domains of STAT proteins have been well characterized. Based on these data, selective inhibitors of STAT function can be designed. Because disrupting STAT signaling has proven effective in blocking neoplastic transformation, it is proposed that STAT proteins represent promising targets for development of novel molecular therapeutics to treat human cancer.
Review of Three New Agents that Target Angiogenesis, Matrix Metalloproteinases, and Cyclin-Dependent Kinases
Authors: Lush Richard M. , Rudek Michelle A. , Figg William D.
Published: August 2017

Background

Many potential new antineoplastic agents are currently in various stages of clinical development. Three areas of drug development include antiangiogenic compounds, agents that inhibit matrix metalloproteinases, and agents that modulate cyclin-dependent kinases.

Methods

The authors reviewed the available data for endostatin, COL-3, and flavopiridol, each of which is being developed with one of the above-mentioned proposed mechanisms of action. These agents are among the first drugs to reach clinical testing that is focusing on these novel targets.

Results

Endostatin has finished preclinical testing and the first human trials are about to be initiated. COL-3 is in phase I testing in several locations. Phase I studies for flavopiridol have been completed and several phase II studies are underway. It is unknown at this point if any of these agents will provide clinical benefit to patients at doses that do not cause unacceptable toxicity.

Conclusions

These agents are currently at various stages of clinical testing. Albeit promising as potential modulators in molecular and biochemical pathways, continued research is needed into the toxicities and clinical usefulness of these agents.
Current Status of Partial Nephrectomy in the Management of Kidney Cancer
Authors: Van Ophoven Arndt , Tsui Ke-Hung , Shvarts Oleg , Laifer-Narin Sherelle , Belldegrun Arie S.
Published: August 2017

Background

The technique of partial nephrectomy for managing renal cancers is well recognized, but guidelines regarding indications for its use are not generally accepted.

Methods

The authors review the indications for partial nephrectomy in various clinical situations, and they include their own experience to clarify the utility of the technique.

Results

Intraoperative renal ultrasound and helical computed tomography can assist the surgeon in technical decisions. Partial nephrectomy is considered when nephrectomy would render the patient anephric and dependent on dialysis.

Conclusions

The technical and operative advances in partial nephrectomy make the approach increasingly attractive for patients with kidney cancer in a variety of clinical circumstances.
The Mainz Classification of Renal Cell Tumors
Authors: Diaz José I. , Mora Linda B. , Hakam Ardeshir
Published: August 2017

Background

Tumors arising from the renal tubular epithelium have variable characteristics and have been subject to a variety of histologic classifications.

Methods

The authors describe the distinct clinical, pathologic, phenotypic, and genotypic features of different types of renal tumors.

Results

The Mainz classification is now widely accepted because characteristic genetic alterations have been demonstrated in each tumor type.

Conclusions

The increasing emphasis on utilizing genetic characteristics of specific tumors is reflected by the more widespread use of the Mainz classification for renal cell tumors.
The effect of bi-axial in-plane loads on the natural frequency of nano-plates
Authors: Enayati Seyed Ghasem , Dardel Morteza , Pashaei Mohammad Hadi
Published: August 2017

In this paper, natural frequencies of nano-plates subjected to two-sided in-plane tension or compressive loads, based on Eringen nonlocal elasticity theory and displacement field of first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDT), are investigated. By considering total rotational variables as the two rotations due to bending and shear, another formulation form of FSDT nano-plate is achieved, that can simultaneously consider classical plate theory (CLPT) and FSDT. In a comprehensive study, the effects of different parameters such as a nonlocal parameter, aspect ratio, thickness to length ratio, mode number, boundary conditions and also length of nano-plate are examined on the dimensionless natural frequency. The results show that simultaneously applying two-sided tension and compressive in-plane loads changes frequency in a manner which is different to one-directional loading.
A Case of Juvenile Onset Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusion Disease With a Negative Antemortem Skin Biopsy
Authors: Pilson Keith , Farrell Michael , Lynch Bryan , Devaney Deirdre
Published: August 2017

Neuronal intranuclear (hyaline) inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder with a variable clinical presentation and multiple subtypes. We present the clinicopathologic details of a patient with juvenile-onset NIID and discuss the pathogenesis. We also discuss the utility of antemortem skin biopsy which was negative in our case.
The Return of Nature: Feminism, Hegemonic Masculinities, and New Materialisms
Authors: Garlick Steve
Published: August 2017

It has generally been taken for granted within the field of Critical Studies of Men and Masculinities (CSMM) that the object of attention and concern is to be found within “the social” and in opposition to naturalizing claims about gender. Nature is not entirely absent from CSMM, often appearing either as malleable material or as a stable basis for the social construction of bodies. In this article, however, I suggest that the time is ripe to develop new concepts of nature by drawing on new materialist theories that are increasingly influential within feminist theory. This move opens up the possibility of strengthening the connections between materialist traditions in CSMM and contemporary developments in feminist theory. This article proceeds by reviewing different forms of materialism within feminist theory and argues that new materialist theories offer insights that can benefit CSMM. In particular, I argue that the theory of hegemonic masculinity needs to be expanded beyond the framework of patriarchy and recast in relation to the place of nature in the complex ecology of human social relations.
Theory-Based Evaluation Meets Ambiguity
Authors: Dahler-Larsen Peter
Published: August 2017

As theory-based evaluation (TBE) engages in situations where multiple stakeholders help develop complex program theory about dynamic phenomena in politically contested settings, it becomes difficult to develop and use program theory without ambiguity. The purpose of this article is to explore ambiguity as a fruitful perspective that helps TBE face current challenges. Literatures in organization theory and political theory are consulted in order to cultivate the concept of ambiguity. Janus variables (which work in two ways) and other ambiguous aspects of program theories are classified and exemplified. Stances towards ambiguity are considered, as are concrete steps that TBE evaluators can take to identify and deal with ambiguity in TBE.
Professionalization, Ethics, and Fidelity to an Evaluation Ethos
Authors: Schwandt Thomas A.
Published: August 2017

Current discussion of the professionalization of the practice of evaluation is focused on matters of competencies and credentialing and largely overlooks several significant issues. These include conflating professionalizing the practice with promoting the value of evaluation as a social good, assuming there is widespread agreement on what the terms profession and professional mean, and not considering how processes of professionalization are affected by the incorporation of evaluative activities in systems of managerial control. Most glaring is the absence of vigorous discussion of what professionalism means in evaluation and what the profession itself aims to add to society, or the social good it seeks to serve. In a word, there is little discussion of the professional ethos of evaluation.
The effect of solar reflectance, infrared emissivity, and thermal insulation of roofs on the annual energy consumption of single-family households in México
Authors: Lucero-Álvarez Jorge , Martín-Domínguez Ignacio R.
Published: August 2017

Thermal building simulations were carried out for the climate conditions of 20 cities in México. We analyse the effects on energy consumption of variations in solar reflectance (SR), infrared emissivity (IE), and thermal insulation (TI) of a roof’s exterior surface. We quantify the maximum potential reduction in air conditioning annual electricity consumption and the most appropriate combination of optical properties to achieve this in every locality. We systematically varied the SR, IE, and TI of the exposed rooftop of a reference building. TI has the greatest energy-saving benefits when the optical properties of the roof are inadequate. The largest effects of SR and IE on energy consumption occur in countries with temperate climate dominated by energy requirements for cooling. In México, these cities are located in thermal zones 1 and 2, and it is within these zones that cool roof standards are recommended.
Imaging in paediatric spinal injury
Authors: Cassar-Pullicino Victor N , Leone Antonio
Published: August 2017

Background

Paediatric spinal injury is rare and exhibits many unique features. Attending clinicians and radiologists often lack knowledge, expertise and experience in dealing with a potential injury to the paediatric spine. Within the paediatric age range itself there are different age-dependent mechanisms that can injure the paediatric spine. Moreover, the anatomical features and degree of osseous maturity of the developing paediatric spine determine the biomechanical characteristics which promote unique patterns of spinal injury in each paediatric age group.

Methods

An expert illustrated narrative review of the literature.

Results

Multiple factors make the imaging interpretation of the injured paediatric spine challenging. Each imaging modality has strengths and weaknesses in depicting spinal anatomy which vary with the type of spinal injury and age of the paediatric patient.

Conclusions

Attending doctors need to be familiar with the imaging appearances of the normal paediatric spine, its normal variants as well as the imaging features characteristics of paediatric spinal injury seen on radiographs, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Stages of food security: A co-produced mixed-methods methodology
Authors: Cochrane Logan
Published: August 2017

This article presents the stages of food security methodology, an adaptation of stages of progress developed by Dr. Krishna. Studies of food security are primarily survey based, applying a common set of generalist indicators across a range of agroecological areas and for a diverse array of people; these findings have provided a wealth of information and insight into the trends, challenges and the extent of food security on national, regional and global scales. Ethnographic and qualitative approaches have provided detailed, contextualized findings about the interrelated and complex nature of food security at the micro level. This co-produced, mixed methods approach brings together participatory qualitative approaches and co-produces quantitative data collection tools, which provide generalizable data geared towards supporting the development or refinement of policies and programmes to strengthen food security. Based upon a pilot implementation of the methodology in Ethiopia, advantages and limitations are discussed, as well as reflections on why co-production as a participatory approach was adopted, in contrast to other participatory processes. The findings demonstrate the ways in which co-produced approaches can offer unique insight, complementing and enhancing existing knowledge about complex challenges.
The Influence of Family Structure on Delinquent Behavior
Authors: Boccio Cashen M. , Beaver Kevin M.
Published: August 2017

Previous research has linked changes in family structure (especially parental divorce) with involvement in juvenile delinquency. Comparatively less research has attempted to examine the long-term impact of shifts in family structure on delinquent and criminal involvement. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the influence of changes in family structure during adolescence on delinquent involvement both cross sectionally and longitudinally. Our findings revealed a small and only temporary association between changes in family structure and adolescent delinquency. We discuss the implications of these results for future research.
Teamwork in Qualitative Research
Authors: Milford Cecilia , Kriel Yolandie , Njau Irene , Nkole Theresa , Gichangi Peter , Cordero Joanna Paula , Smit Jennifer A. , Steyn Petrus S. ,   the UPTAKE Project Team
Published: August 2017

Multicountry teamwork in qualitative research is receiving increased recognition in an attempt to address global health problems. We report our experience of teamwork implementing a multicountry study (Zambia, South Africa, and Kenya), employing qualitative research to gain insight into met needs of contraception. Using this study example, we demonstrate the innovative development of a multicountry, south–south relationship (i.e., collaboration and sharing of knowledge between developing countries located in the Global South) within the health-care research setting. In addition, strategies employed for a collaborative research process and approaches used for data collection and analysis are described. We also describe the parallel but interlinked processes of developing a collaborative relationship, rigorous data collection, and the process of teamwork in data analysis. We discuss how we collaboratively developed and tested codes and themes and the use of a shared codebook in a team. The end result was country-specific data analyses reports using a single shared codebook, allowing for analyses that were appropriate to the region yet comparable across countries. The success of this project can be attributed to the methodological rigor, facilitated by intense communications, and support processes in this south–south collaboration.
BeWeDō®: A dynamic approach to leadership development for co-creation
Authors: Bradford Mark , Leberman Sarah
Published: August 2017

One of the main challenges in the contemporary era is shifting beyond collaborative thinking to more relational ways of engaging co-operatively with each other. This interdisciplinary research focused on investigating how the movement practices of the Japanese martial art Aikidō facilitate leadership development and a relational perspective for co-creation. It synthesizes diverse literatures focussed on leadership development, aikidoka, and co-creative modes of practice as processes ‘in action’. These are explored in relation to collective creativity and the context of co-creation to contribute to leadership studies. The Aikidō principle of aiki was used as a theoretical framework where experiential knowing – anchored in relational processes learnt in a dōjō – focused on engaging the body and its experiences as a participatory way of knowing. This ethnography combined autoethnography, visual ethnography and 14 semi-structured interviews to identify four concepts which were synthesized into the BeWeDō® conceptual framework – a unique co-creation experience beyond the dōjō. BeWeDō® offers valuable insights into the relational dynamics of leadership as a process for structuring leadership development for co-creation.
Constraints on Generality (COG): A Proposed Addition to All Empirical Papers
Authors: Simons Daniel J. , Shoda Yuichi , Lindsay D. Stephen
Published: August 2017

Psychological scientists draw inferences about populations based on samples—of people, situations, and stimuli—from those populations. Yet, few papers identify their target populations, and even fewer justify how or why the tested samples are representative of broader populations. A cumulative science depends on accurately characterizing the generality of findings, but current publishing standards do not require authors to constrain their inferences, leaving readers to assume the broadest possible generalizations. We propose that the discussion section of all primary research articles specify Constraints on Generality (i.e., a “COG” statement) that identify and justify target populations for the reported findings. Explicitly defining the target populations will help other researchers to sample from the same populations when conducting a direct replication, and it could encourage follow-up studies that test the boundary conditions of the original finding. Universal adoption of COG statements would change publishing incentives to favor a more cumulative science.
Career patterns in German football youth national teams – A longitudinal study
Authors: Schroepf Bettina , Lames Martin
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to identify career patterns in German youth national teams and investigate differences between the patterns in relative age effect and transition rate to professional senior football. Also, player transitions between age group levels were traced to identify squad politics of German Football Association. We examined all 636 youth national team players born between 1987 and 1994, who represented Germany between U16 and U21, as well as all senior national team players born in those age groups. We identified eight typical career types. It was found that youth national team careers lasting one or two years make up 60.5%, which shows a high fluctuation between age groups. Moreover, early and short youth national team careers mostly do not end in a professional career, while late and long youth national team careers more likely lead to a successful career in senior football. Regarding relative age effect, it could be shown that its effect size is highest the younger the age of the player is. Predominantly short careers and a high fluctuation between age groups evidence a short-term strategy in talent development by German Football Association selecting the momentary best players instead of searching for prospects.
Mission reliability modeling for multi-station manufacturing system based on Quality State Task Network
Authors: He Yihai , Gu Changchao , Han Xiao , Cui Jiaming , Chen Zhaoxiang
Published: August 2017

Multi-state-oriented mission reliability modeling is the premise of intelligent scheduling and predictive maintenance for the multi-station manufacturing system. Previous studies on reliability modeling for manufacturing system could only provide a static reliability model based on the basic reliability of the components of manufacturing systems, which cannot support reliability-oriented production scheduling and preventive maintenance effectively. To resolve this dilemma, a multi-state-oriented mission reliability modeling for multi-station manufacturing system is proposed. First, the mapping relationship between the produced product reliability and mission reliability of the manufacturing system is proposed as the basis for modeling, and the connotation of mission reliability is elaborated by analyzing the polymorphisms of the multi-station manufacturing system. Second, a graphical representation to improve the state transparency named as Quality State Task Network is proposed based on production data by integrating the variability of task-demands propagation as well as the multi-state in material quality and machine performance. Third, the mission reliability modeling method based on the Quality State Task Network is proposed. Finally, a case study of cylinder-head manufacturing system has been applied to validate the proposed model.
Memory politics and material culture: Display in the memorial museum
Authors: Crooke Elizabeth
Published: August 2017

When private grief is brought into the memorial museum, this transfer is a deliberate act that is seeking public acknowledgement and action. By considering the life history of a collection of objects now in the Museum of Free Derry (Northern Ireland), the use of objects in private mourning and as agents in the collective processes of public remembering is demonstrated. The story is one of loss and mourning that is intensified by the political context of the deaths. As cherished possessions, these objects are active in the private processes of grieving and recovery. In the memorial museum, they are agents in an evolving justice campaign, embedded in the political negotiations of the region.
Prevalence of cold sensitivity in upper extremity nerve compression syndromes
Authors: Wendt Michael , Novak Christine B. , Anastakis Dimitri J.
Published: August 2017

This prospective observational study assessed the prevalence of cold sensitivity in patients with nerve compression using the Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity (CISS) questionnaire. One hundred patients (72 women, 28 men; mean age 59 years) with carpal tunnel syndrome ( n = 95) or cubital tunnel syndrome ( n = 5) were studied. Fifty-two patients reported symptoms of cold sensitivity with a mean CISS score of 50. Overall, significantly more women (58% vs. 36%) reported cold sensitivity with significantly worse CISS scores than men.

Level of evidence: IV
Nonlinear analytical flame models with amplitude-dependent time-lag distributions
Authors: Gopinathan Sreenath M , Iurashev Dmytro , Bigongiari Alessandra , Heckl Maria
Published: August 2017

In the present work, we formulate a new method to represent a given Flame Describing Function by analytical expressions. The underlying idea is motivated by the observation that different types of perturbations in a burner travel with different speeds and that the arrival of a perturbation at the flame is spread out over time. We develop an analytical model for the Flame Describing Function, which consists of a superposition of several Gaussians, each characterised by three amplitude-dependent quantities: central time-lag, peak value and standard deviation. These quantities are treated as fitting parameters, and they are deduced from the original Flame Describing Function by using error minimisation and nonlinear optimisation techniques. The amplitude-dependence of the fitting parameters is also represented analytically (by linear or quadratic functions). We test our method by using it to make stability predictions for a burner with well-documented stability behaviour (Noiray's matrix burner). This is done in the time-domain with a tailored Green's function approach.
The fulcrum axis: an accurate measure of glenoid version on radiographs and computed tomography
Authors: Mutch Jennifer , Sidler Martin , Sidler-Maier Claudia , Axelrod Terry , Nam Diane
Published: August 2017

Background

Proper glenoid position in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is important. However, traditional glenoid version (GV) measurements overestimate retroversion on radiographs (XR) and computed tomography (CT). The fulcrum axis (FA) uses palpable surface landmarks and may be useful as an intra-operative guide. Also, the FA has not yet been validated on XR or CT in an arthritic population.

Methods

Four observers measured FA and GV on the XR, CT and three-dimensional CT (3DCT) of 40 patients who underwent TSA at a single institution from 2009 to 2015. Reliability and accuracy of FA and GV were calculated for XR and CT, using 3DCT as the gold standard.

Results

The mean FA and GV were 7.768° and 18.910° on XR; 6.23° and 12.920° on CT; and 8.100° and 7.740° on 3DCT, respectively. FA and GV were significantly different for XR and CT ( p < 0.001) but not for 3DCT ( p = 0.725). The inter-rater reliability, intra-rater reliability and accuracy of FA were not significantly different from GV and were 0.929 to 0.948, 0.779 to 0.974 and 0.674 to 0.705, respectively. However, the absolute difference of FA was closer to the gold standard (3DCT) than GV for XR (0.330° versus 11.172°) and CT (1.871° versus 5.178°) ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions

FA showed comparable reliability and accuracy to GV. However, FA more accurately reflected the gold standard.
Transarterial infusion of epirubicin and cisplatin combined with systemic infusion of 5-fluorouracil versus transarterial chemoembolization using doxorubicin for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Lee Sung Won , Lee Hae Lim , Han Nam Ik , Kwon Jung Hyun , Nam Soon Woo , Jang Jeong Won , Bae Si Hyun , Choi Jong Young , Yoon Seung Kew
Published: August 2017

Background:

More than one-third of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are diagnosed at advanced stage with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) or extrahepatic metastasis. However, the outcomes of current therapeutic approaches are unsatisfactory. As a novel therapeutic strategy for unresectable HCC with PVTT, we analyzed the outcomes of transarterial infusion of epirubicin and cisplatin combined with systemic infusion of 5-fluorouracil (TAC-ECF) and compared its therapeutic effects and toxicity with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using doxorubicin (DOX).

Methods:

A total of 540 consecutive HCC patients who received TACE at the Catholic Medical Center between January 2007 and November 2013 were enrolled. Of these patients, we retrospectively analyzed 129 Barcelona clinic liver cancer stage C HCC patients with PVTT who received either TAC-ECF or TACE using DOX.

Results:

The objective tumor response rate was higher in the TAC-ECF group, with 31.3% objective response rate after TAC-ECF compared to 10% after DOX treatment ( p = 0.004). Median follow-up period was 7 months (range, 1–57 months). The overall survival rate was also significantly higher in the TAC-ECF group compared to the DOX group (median 9.3 versus 4.6 months, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that TAC-ECF and extrahepatic metastasis were independent predictive factors for overall survival ( p < 0.0001 and p = 0.002 respectively). No serious adverse effects developed in both groups.

Conclusions:

TAC-ECF therapy was tolerable and showed higher overall survival rate and tumor response compared to the conventional TACE DOX in advanced stage HCC patients with PVTT. Therefore, TAC-ECF may be considered as an effective treatment option for patients with unresectable HCC.
Variable Soils, Variable Fertilizer Quality, and Variable Prospects
Authors: Michelson Hope
Published: August 2017

This article argues for research and policy emphasis on two often-ignored factors critical to increasing regional agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa: the presence of agronomically and economically important variability in farmer soils; and the capacity of existing agricultural input supply chains in the region to provide the types, quantities, and quality of agricultural inputs that farmers will need to increase yields and respond to market changes. Along with problems of credit access, market incentives, production risk, and infrastructure, understanding the specific soil nutrient limitations and needs of small farmers and building the capacity of agrodealers to provide the services farmers require will influence how the agricultural sector develops, who benefits, and who loses.
Agroforestry Can Enhance Food Security While Meeting Other Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Waldron A. , Garrity D. , Malhi Y. , Girardin C. , Miller D. C. , Seddon N.
Published: August 2017

To achieve global food security, we need to approximately double food production over the coming decades. Conventional agriculture is the mainstream approach to achieving this target but has also caused extensive environmental and social harms. The consensus is that we now need an agriculture that can “multi-functionally” increase food production while simultaneously enhancing social and environmental goals, as committed to in the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Farming also needs to become more resilient to multiple insecurities including climate change, soil degradation, and market unpredictability, all of which reduce sustainability and are likely to exacerbate hunger. Here, we illustrate how agroforestry systems can increase yield while also advancing multiple SDGs, especially for the small developing-world agriculturalists central to the SDG framework. Agroforestry also increases resilience of crops and farm livelihoods, especially among the most vulnerable food producers. However, conventional yield-enhancement strategies have naturally dominated the debate on food production, hindering implementation of more multifunctional alternatives. Governments and institutions now have the opportunity to rebalance agricultural policy and investment toward such multigoal approaches. In doing so, they could achieve important improvements on multiple international commitments around the interlinked themes of food security, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and social well-being.
Surprisingly Modest Water Quality Impacts From Expansion and Intensification of Large-Sscale Commercial Agriculture in the Brazilian Amazon-Cerrado Region
Authors: Neill Christopher , Jankowski KathiJo , Brando Paulo M. , Coe Michael T. , Deegan Linda A. , Macedo Marcia N. , Riskin Shelby H. , Porder Stephen , Elsenbeer Helmut , Krusche Alex V.
Published: August 2017

Large-scale commercial cropping of soybeans expanded in the tropical Amazon and Cerrado biomes of Brazil after 1990. More recently, cropping intensified from single-cropping of soybeans to double-cropping of soybeans with corn or cotton. Cropland expansion and intensification, and the accompanying use of mineral fertilizers, raise concerns about whether nutrient runoff and impacts to surface waters will be similar to those experienced in commercial cropland regions at temperate latitudes. We quantified water infiltration through soils, water yield, and streamwater chemistry in watersheds draining native tropical forest and single- and double-cropped areas on the level, deep, highly weathered soils where cropland expansion and intensification typically occurs. Although water yield increased four-fold from croplands, streamwater chemistry remained largely unchanged. Soil characteristics exerted important control over the movement of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) into streams. High soil infiltration rates prevented surface erosion and movement of particulate P, while P fixation in surface soils restricted P movement to deeper soil layers. Nitrogen retention in deep soils, likely by anion exchange, also appeared to limit N leaching and export in streamwater from both single- and double-cropped watersheds that received nitrogen fertilizer. These mechanisms led to lower streamwater P and N concentrations and lower watershed N and P export than would be expected, based on studies from temperate croplands with similar cropping and fertilizer application practices.
Pollinators Unknown: People’s Perception of Native Bees in an Agrarian District of West Bengal, India, and Its Implication in Conservation
Authors: Bhattacharyya Manjishtha , Acharya Sankar KR. , Chakraborty Susanta K.
Published: August 2017

Native bees are important pollinators of cultivated and wild plants. Although much importance has been accorded them in many countries of the world, India has largely ignored the role of these important ecosystem service providers for too long. The consequence is public apathy toward these beneficial insects. This study has attempted to find out the general “bee awareness” of people living in agrarian societies in a socioeconomically underdeveloped Indian district through picture-based questionnaire surveys and has also attempted to determine the effectiveness of information divulgation in changing people’s perception toward native bees. Opinion of the people on honeybee health in this district has also been explored. It has been found that traditional knowledge of bees is largely restricted to the honey-producing species of the genus Apis, and even though other native species are frequently encountered by the people, there is a substantial lack of awareness about their true nature and importance. However, the study suggests that through right training, this situation may favorably be altered. Multiple regression analysis of socioeconomic factors determining bee knowledge of respondents revealed that women were > 4 times better at identifying native bees than men, both with or without given information, and the higher the level of education the better people were at identifying native bees. People considered pesticides and their irregular application to be the major killers of honeybees. This study generates hope for involvement of local people in native as well as honeybee conservation and management through proper awareness campaigns and right education.
Commercial Agriculture in Tropical Environments
Authors: Goldsmith Peter , Cohn Avery
Published: August 2017

The tropics are a critical nexus of important environmental services and resources, productive lands that are critical to feeding the planet in years to come, and rural economies beset by disease and malnutrition, and in need of economic development. This special issue synthesizes a series of multidisciplinary dialogues aiming to examine the complex challenge of tropical agricultural systems. The work contained five principle themes: (a) The future of tropical agriculture is vital for developing world economies and the global environment in ways that scholars are still working to characterize. (b) The tropics are highly socioeconomically and environmentally heterogeneous. (c) We expect sociocultural and institutional factors to strongly shape the future of tropical agriculture and the environment. (d) Sustainable tropical agriculture means linking smallholders, the vast bulk of farmers, with commercial agriculture, the vast bulk of agribusiness. (d) Scholarship from the environmental sciences can help to navigate many cross-cutting issues facing sustainable agricultural development.
Swimming with limb absence: A systematic review
Authors: Dyer Bryce TJ , Deans Sarah A
Published: August 2017

Swimming with limb absence is undertaken as a source of leisure or rehabilitation and forms part of the current Paralympic Games competition programme. Whilst it is often proposed that research into sport with limb absence can be limited, this study identified the volume, type and historical interest of research regarding swimming with limb absence. A modified PRISMA search protocol was adopted for this review, and five bibliographic databases were used to identify relevant articles. The review identified 24 papers which met the pre-defined inclusion criteria. The identified peer-reviewed publications dated from 1983 to 2015. The trend of publication indicated an initial focus on the design of prosthetics technology with emphasis then shifting specifically to an interest in swimming biomechanics from 2006. The overall trend of publication in this field is a positive one. In this review, four clear themes emerged. These included the general background of swimming with limb absence, the development of lower limb prosthetics technology, swimming with limb absence whilst performing the front crawl stroke and the technique used by those with unilateral elbow disarticulation. From these, four further themes have been identified for pursuit in the immediate future. This review will assist those who are interested in prescribing swimming with limb absence as a form of exercise or to those who wish to pursue it competitively.
Efficacy of oral contrast agents for upper gastrointestinal signal suppression in MRCP: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Frisch Anne , Walter Thula C , Hamm Bernd , Denecke Timm
Published: August 2017

Background

Orally administered substances which suppress signals from gastrointestinal fluid can be used to enhance image quality in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). In daily practice, the available substances range from commercial products to regular viands such as fruit juices.

Purpose

To provide an overview on the significance of and the substances used as gastrointestinal fluid signal suppressors in MRCP.

Material and Methods

A systematic review of the existing literature was performed to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of oral T2-signal suppressors in MRCP.

Results

Twenty-five publications on 16 different oral contrast media were identified. The most commonly used substances were ferumoxsil, ferric ammonium citrate, and pineapple juice. Twenty-three out of 25 publications supported the use of oral signal suppressors in MRCP. Advantages of oral signal suppressors include improved visualization of the pancreatobiliary ductal system, increased help with differential diagnoses, and higher detection rates of relevant diagnoses due to a reduction of overlaying signals.

Conclusion

The application of oral substances for gastrointestinal signal suppression in MRCP is recommendable. A variety of substances are used in daily routine with good but varying effectivity and patient tolerance.