bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Patterns and Driving Forces of Greenhouse Land Change in Shouguang City, China
Authors: Yu Bohua , Song Wei , Lang Yanqing
Published: March 2017

As an important facet of modern agricultural development, greenhouses satisfy ever-increasing demands for agricultural production and, therefore, constitute a growing proportion of global agriculture. However, just a handful of countries regularly collect statistics on the land cover of greenhouse infrastructure. Even when collected, these data cannot provide the detailed spatial information required for environmental risk assessment. It is, therefore, important to map spatial changes in greenhouse land cover using remote sensing (RS) approaches to determine the underlying factors driving these changes. In this paper, we apply a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm to identify greenhouse land cover in Shouguang City, China. Enhanced thematic mapper (ETM) images were selected as the data source for land use classification in this study as they can be freely acquired and offer the necessary spatial resolution. We then used a binary logistic regression model to quantitatively discern the mechanisms underlying changes in greenhouse land cover. The results of this study show that greenhouse land cover in Shouguang increased by 50.51% between 2000 and 2015, and that 90.39% of this expansion took place between 2010 and 2015. Elevation, slope, precipitation, and the distance to the nearest rural settlements and coastline are all significant factors driving expansion in greenhouse land cover, while distance to the nearest urban areas, rivers, roads, railways, and coastline have contributed to contractions in this land use type. Our research provided a practical approach to allow the detection of changes in greenhouse land cover in the countries with using free or low-cost satellite images.
Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) in Southern Europe—An Iberian Case Study. The Eurocity Elvas-Badajoz
Authors: Castanho Rui , Loures Luís , Cabezas José , Fernández-Pozo Luis
Published: March 2017

The experiences of cross-border cooperation (CBC), undertaken not only in Europe but throughout the world, have enabled areas to gain greater importance in recent decades at an international level, showing potential for integrative functions and joint development as exemplified by several CBC projects. The present paper assesses the impact of CBC projects by analyzing a protocol established in 2013 between the cities of Elvas and Badajoz, which induced the creation of the Eurocity Elvas-Badajoz. The paper kicks off with a critical review on territorial factors for success in CBC areas, considering the analysis of several case studies throughout Europe. The lessons learned, taken from the analyzed case studies, and the identified territorial success factors were used as assessment points for the investigation of the target study area, the Eurocity ElvasBadajoz. The investigation explores public participation perceptions towards the identification of what changes with respect to standards of life with the CBC project, providing the current state of affairs and identifying where to place efforts in order to reach sustainable development for the region. While being a transition area, it presents several opportunities for growth. These opportunities have not yet been object of analysis and debate with respect to lasting, sustainable successful growth. The present research enables the identification of several territorial factors for success in the study area, such as the connectivity/movement between cities and strong political commitment. From the identified critical factors, it was possible to highlight the importance of public transportation as a priority for achieving success in this CBC project.
A Conceptual Framework for Classification Management of Contaminated Sites in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Li Xiaonuo , Xiao Rongbo , Chen Weiping , Chang Chunying , Deng Yirong , Xie Tian
Published: March 2017

Contaminated sites have become a worldwide issue because of significant environmental and health risks to users of the land. With the aim of synthesizing useful services delivered by land reuse for environmental, social and economic benefits, effective management measures have been taken nationally and regionally to rehabilitate contaminated sites. The unacceptable risks, large number of contaminated sites and urgent demand for land supply make it necessary to centralize limited resources within contaminated sites. In reference to the classification rationale in developed countries trying to deal with contaminated sites in an integrated, saving and timely manner, we design a conceptual framework that considers the unique context in China. We classify contaminated sites in five steps, namely: listing, investigating, filing, classifying and managing. Based on the classification results, effective suggestions are proposed for graded and classified management and further decision-making at the highest level of design. The results show that potential contaminated sites can be divided into high, medium and low priority based on four factors (social concern, redevelopment demand, health risk and ecological risk). Site-specific management strategies focusing on environmental monitoring, detailed site survey and immediate remediation, respectively, are suggested that focus on corresponding contaminated sites in different priorities. The feasibility and reliability of the proposed framework are further discussed in the final section.
Identification of Non-economic Influencing Factors Affecting Farmer’s Participation in the Paddy Landto-Dry Land Program in Chicheng County, China
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Liu Yanxu , Hu Yi’na , Chen Xin , Peng Jian
Published: March 2017

There is global enthusiasm for payments for ecosystem services (PES) programs to solve environmental problems, including in China. However, PES programs in China go against the principle of ‘voluntary transaction’, which weakens the influences of economic factors on farmers’ participation decisions and makes it hard to reveal their influence on farmers’ participation willingness. Using household survey data and a logistic regression model, this study attempts to understand the influencing factors of farmers’ decision-making on involvement in PES projects for hypothetical voluntary participation and focuses on whether the farmer would reject the program if the payment stopped. A surprising but promising result is found in the case of the Paddy Landto-Dry Land (PLDL) program in Chicheng County, China, wherein, apart from the negative impact of education and the positive effect of off-farm income, two non-economic factors play a significant role in farmers’ participation. The one is basic cognition, which negatively affects farmers’ participation, and the other is inner altruistic motivation, which positively contributes to the participation. In addition, the high proportion of reconversion to paddy land after the payment period threatens the long-term sustainability of the PLDL program. Faced with the low education and environmental cognition statuses in remote agricultural areas, increasing educational quality and promoting the popular awareness of PES programs in rural areas should be highlighted in sustaining the efficiency and effectiveness of PES programs in the long run.
Apithology Systems Inquiry: Evaluation from a Generativist Ontology
Authors: Varey Will
Published: March 2017

The ontological premise of a systems research philosophy raises some unique questions about research efficacy. The study of the relations between abstract objects in bounded contexts places systems inquiry into a specific research category. Different systems research paradigms deal with the question of research evaluation distinctively. This article examines the defining criteria for the evaluation of systems research within a generativist systems ontology. Three criteria to inform the design of generativist systems research are proposed. Their use is illustrated for the generativist systems research discipline of apithology. The proposed criteria of research validity, credibility and reliability generate a fourth criterion: systems research veracity. A heuristic for discerning the results of a generativist research design prior to its commencement is provided by an apithology triptych. The benefit of this approach is to enable the design of research of relevance, significance and importance that leads naturally to apithology systems research of consequence.
Tetracycline Reduces Kidney Damage Induced by Loxosceles Spider Venom
Authors: Okamoto Cinthya , Van den Berg Carmen , Masashi Mizuno , Gonçalves-de-Andrade Rute , Tambourgi Denise
Published: March 2017

Envenomation by Loxosceles spider can result in two clinical manifestations: cutaneous and systemic loxoscelism, the latter of which includes renal failure. Although incidence of renal failure is low, it is the main cause of death, occurring mainly in children. The sphingomyelinase D (SMase D) is the main component in Loxosceles spider venom responsible for local and systemic manifestations. This study aimed to investigate the toxicity of L. intermedia venom and SMase D on kidney cells, using both In vitro and in vivo models, and the possible involvement of endogenous metalloproteinases (MMP). Results demonstrated that venom and SMase D are able to cause death of human kidney cells by apoptosis, concomitant with activation and secretion of extracellular matrix metalloproteases, MMP-2 and MMP-9. Furthermore, cell death and MMP synthesis and secretion can be prevented by tetracycline. In a mouse model of systemic loxoscelism, Loxosceles venom-induced kidney failure was observed, which was abrogated by administration of tetracycline. These results indicate that MMPs may play an important role in Loxosceles venom-induced kidney injury and that tetracycline administration may be useful in the treatment of human systemic loxoscelism.
Observations and Prediction of Recovered Quality of Desalinated Seawater in the Strategic ASR Project in Liwa, Abu Dhabi
Authors: Stuyfzand Pieter , Smidt Ebel , Zuurbier Koen , Hartog Niels , Dawoud Mohamed
Published: March 2017

To be able to overcome water shortages, Abu Dhabi Emirate started an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project with desalinated seawater (DSW) as source water near Liwa. It is the largest DSW-ASR project in the world (stored volume ~10 Mm3/year), and should recover potable water for direct use. DSW is infiltrated into a desert dune sand aquifer using “sand-covered gravel-bed” recharge basins. In this study, we evaluate the hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical stratification of the (sub)oxic target aquifer, and water quality changes of DSW during trial infiltration runs. We predict water quality changes of DSW after 824 d of infiltration, during 90 d of intensive recovery (67% recovered) without storage (scenario A), as well as after 10 years of storage (scenario B, with significant bubble drift). Monitoring of preceding trials revealed a lack of redox reactions; little carbonate dissolution and Ca/Na exchange; much SiO2 dissolution; a strong mobilization of natural AsO43−, B, Ba, F, CrO42−, Mo, Sr and V from the (sub)oxic aquifer; and immobilization of PO4, Al, Cu, Fe and Ni from DSW. The Easy-Leacher model was applied in forward and reverse mode including lateral bubble drift, to predict water quality of the recovered water. We show that hydrogeochemical modeling of a complex ASR-system can be relatively easy and straightforward, if aquifer reactivity is low and redox reactions can be ignored. The pilot observations and modeling results demonstrate that in scenario A recovered water quality still complies with Abu Dhabi’s drinking water standards (even up to 85% recovery). For scenario B, however, the recovery efficiency declines to 60% after which various drinking water standards are exceeded, especially the one for chromium.
miR-101-3p Suppresses HOX Transcript Antisense RNA (HOTAIR)-Induced Proliferation and Invasion Through Directly Targeting SRF in Gastric Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Wu Xiaoyu , Zhou Jin , Wu Zhenfeng , Chen Che , Liu Jiayun , Wu Guannan , Zhai Jing , Liu Fukun , Li Gang
Published: March 2017

miR-101-3p has been identified as a tumor suppressor in several cancers, but its exact role in gastric adenocarcinoma is still largely unknown. In this study, we found that, compared with the RGM-1 human normal gastric epithelial cells, miR-101-3p was significantly downregulated in
all six human gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines, including BGC-823, MNK-45, MGC-803, SGC-7901, AGS, and HGC-27. Overexpression of miR-101-3p suppressed both the proliferation and invasion of AGS gastric adenocarcinoma cells, and knockdown of miR-101-3p displayed the opposite effect. In addition,
miR-101-3p could directly target and suppress the expression of the serum response factor (SRF) gene, which is a transcription factor of HOTAIR, a well-characterized tumor promoter lncRNA. miR-101-3p negatively regulated SRF-mediated transcription of HOTAIR. Moreover, silencing of either SRF
or HOTAIR could counteract the promotion of gastric adenocarcinoma cell proliferation and invasion by miR-101-3p inhibition. Our findings indicate that miR-101-3p suppresses HOTAIR-induced proliferation and invasion through directly targeting SRF in gastric carcinoma cells.
Does Adjuvant Radiation Therapy Benefit Women with Small Mammography-Detected Breast Cancers?
Authors: Jerzak K. , Dudalski N. , Pritchard K. , Sun P. , Narod S.A.
Published: March 2017

Background: Women with small nonpalpable breast tumours have an excellent prognosis. The benefit of radiotherapy in this group of low-risk women is unknown. Methods: A cohort of 1595 women with stages i–iii invasive breast cancer treated with breast-conserving surgery were followed for local recurrence. Using t-tests, baseline demographic data and tumour characteristics were compared for the women who had palpable (n = 1023) and mammography-detected (n = 572) breast cancers. The 15-year actuarial risk of local recurrence was estimated using a Kaplan–Meier method, stratified for adjuvant radiation therapy (yes or no), tumour palpability (palpable or not), and tumour size (≤1 cm or >1 cm). Hazard ratios (hrs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% cis) were calculated using a multivariate Cox regression model. Results were considered statistically significant if 2-tailed p values were less than 0.05. Results: Among women with a nonpalpable tumour, the 15-year actuarial rates of local recurrence were, respectively, 13.9% and 18.3% for those treated and not treated with adjuvant radiation therapy (hr: 0.65; 95%ci: 0.40 to 1.06; p = 0.08). Among women with small nonpalpable breast cancers (≤1.0 cm), the rates were 14.6% and 13.4% respectively (p = 0.67). The absolute reduction in 15-year local recurrence was 11.0% for women with palpable tumours. Conclusions: Our results suggest that women with small (<1 cm) screen-detected nonpalpable breast cancers likely derive little benefit from adjuvant radiotherapy; however, an adequately powered randomized trial would be required to make definitive conclusions.
Lymph Node Evaluation for Colon Cancer in Routine Clinical Practice: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Del Paggio J.C. , Nanji S. , Wei X. , MacDonald P.H. , Booth C.M.
Published: March 2017

Background: Guidelines recommend that 12 or more lymph nodes (lns) be evaluated during surgical resection of colon cancer. Here, we report ln yield and its association with survival in routine practice. Methods: Electronic records of treatment were linked to the population-based Ontario Cancer Registry to identify all patients with colon cancer treated during 2002–2008. The study population (n = 5508) included a 25% random sample of patients with stage ii or iii disease. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with ln yield; Cox models were used to explore the association between ln yield and overall (os) and cancer-specific survival (css). Results: During 2002–2008, median ln yield increased to 17 from 11 nodes (p < 0.001), and the proportion of patients with 12 or more nodes evaluated increased to 86% from 45% (p < 0.001). Lymph node positivity did not change over time (to 53% from 54%, p = 0.357). Greater ln yield was associated with younger age (p < 0.001), less comorbidity (p = 0.004), higher socioeconomic status (p = 0.001), right-sided tumours (p < 0.001), and higher hospital volume (p < 0.001). In adjusted analyses, a ln yield of less than 12 nodes was associated with inferior os and css for stages ii and iii disease [stage ii os hazard ratio (hr): 1.36; 95% confidence interval (ci): 1.19 to 1.56; stage ii css hr: 1.52; 95% ci: 1.26 to 1.83; and stage iii os hr: 1.45; 95% ci: 1.30 to 1.61; stage iii css hr: 1.54; 95% ci: 1.36 to 1.75]. Conclusions: Despite a temporal increase in ln yield, the proportion of cases with ln positivity has not changed. Lymph node yield is associated with survival in patients with stages ii and iii colon cancer. The association between ln yield and survival is unlikely to be a result of stage migration.
Pre- and Post-Surgery Treatments in Rectal Cancer: A Long-Term Single-Centre Experience
Authors: Ozyurt H. , Ozden A.S. , Ozgen Z. , Gemici C. , Yaprak G.
Published: March 2017

Background: Our study evaluated long-term survival outcomes in rectal cancer patients treated with preoperative radiotherapy, and the impact on survival of concomitant and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (ctx), among other prognostic factors. Methods: The study included 196 patients [median age: 58 years (range: 20–86 years); 63.0% men] with locally advanced rectal carcinoma and, in some cases, resectable liver metastasis. Rates of distant metastasis and local recurrence and of 5-year distant metastasis-free survival (dmfs) and overall survival (os) were determined. Results: The 5-year os rate was 57.0%, with a median duration of 81.5 months (95% confidence interval: 73.7 months to 89.4 months), and the 5-year dmfs rate was 54.1%, with a median duration of 68.4 months (95% confidence interval: 40.4 months to 96.4 months). Prognostic factors for higher os and dmfs rates were downstaging (p = 0.013 and p = 0.005 respectively), radiotherapy dose (50 Gy vs. 56 Gy or 45–46 Gy, both p = 0.002), and concomitant ctx use (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001) and type (5-fluorouracil–leucovorin–folinic acid vs. tegafur–folinic acid, p = 0.034 and p = 0.043). Adjuvant ctx after neoadjuvant long-term concomitant chemoradiotherapy (ccrt) and surgery was associated with better 5-year os rates for postoperative T0–T3 disease (p = 0.003) and disease at all lymph node stages (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings revealed a favourable survival outcome with long-term fractionated irradiation and concomitant 5-fluorouracil–based ctx, achieving 5-year os and dmfs rates of 57.0% and 54.1% respectively. Preoperative administration of radiotherapy (50 Gy) and postoperative adjuvant ctx were associated with a significant survival benefit. Radiation doses above 50 Gy and the interval between ccrt and surgery had no significant effect on survival.
Rate of Egfr Mutation Testing for Patients with Nonsquamous Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer with Implementation of Reflex Testing by Pathologists
Authors: Cheema P.K. , Raphael S. , El-Maraghi R. , Li J. , McClure R. , Zibdawi L. , Chan A. , Victor J.C. , Dolley A. , Dziarmaga A.
Published: March 2017

Background: Testing for mutation of the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) gene is a standard of care for patients with advanced nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc). To improve timely access to EGFR results, a few centres implemented reflex testing, defined as a request for EGFR testing by the pathologist at the time of a nonsquamous nsclc diagnosis. We evaluated the impact of reflex testing on EGFR testing rates. Methods: A retrospective observational review of the Web-based AstraZeneca Canada EGFR Database from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2014 found centres within Ontario that had requested EGFR testing through the database and that had implemented reflex testing (with at least 2 years’ worth of data, including the pre- and post-implementation period). Results: The 7 included centres had requested EGFR tests for 2214 patients. The proportion of pathologists requesting EGFR tests increased after implementation of reflex testing (53% vs. 4%); conversely, the proportion of medical oncologists requesting tests decreased (46% vs. 95%, p < 0.001). After implementation of reflex testing, the mean number of patients having EGFR testing per centre per month increased significantly [12.6 vs. 4.9 (range: 4.5–14.9), p < 0.001]. Before reflex testing, EGFR testing rates showed a significant monthly increase over time (1.37 more tests per month; 95% confidence interval: 1.19 to 1.55 tests; p < 0.001). That trend could not account for the observed increase with reflex testing, because an immediate increase in EGFR test requests was observed with the introduction of reflex testing (p = 0.003), and the overall trend was sustained throughout the post–reflex testing period (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Reflex EGFR testing for patients with nonsquamous nsclc was successfully implemented at multiple centres and was associated with an increase in EGFR testing.
Guideline for Radiotherapy with Curative Intent in Patients with Early-Stage Medically Inoperable Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Falkson C.B. , Vella E.T. , Yu E. , El-Mallah M. , Mackenzie R. , Ellis P.M. , Ung Y.C.
Published: March 2017

Objectives: For this guideline, we investigated the effectiveness of radiotherapy with curative intent in medically inoperable patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc). Methods: The guideline was developed by Cancer Care Ontario’s Program in Evidence-Based Care and by the Lung Cancer Disease Site Group through a systematic review of mainly retrospective studies, expert consensus, and formal internal and external reviews. Recommendations: 1. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (sbrt) with curative intent is an option that should be considered for patients with early-stage, node-negative, medically inoperable nsclc. Qualifying Statements (1) Because of the high dose per fraction, the planning process and treatment delivery for sbrt require the use of advanced technology to maintain an appropriate level of safety. Consistent patient positioning and 4-dimensional analysis of tumour and critical structure motion during simulation and treatment delivery are essential. (2) Preliminary results for proton-beam therapy have been promising, but the technique requires further clinical study. 2. Recommended fractionation schemes for sbrt should result in a biologically effective dose of 100 or greater by the linear quadric model, choosing an α/β value of 10 [bed10(LQ) ≥ 100]. Qualifying Statements (1) Because of the increased risk of treatment-related adverse events associated with centrally located tumours, consideration of tumour size and proximity to critical central structures is required when determining the dose and fractionation. (2) Examples of dose–fractionation schemes used in the included studies have been provided. (3) Based on the current evidence and the opinion of the authors, radiation doses at bed10(LQ) greater than 146 might significantly increase toxicity and should be avoided. (4) Determination of the radiation bed by the linear quadratic model has limitations for the extreme hypofractionated schemes used in sbrt.
Chemonaïveté in Inoperable Malignant Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Boutayeb Saber , El Ghissassi Ibrahim , Mrabti Hind , Errihani Hassan
Published: March 2017

We are writing concerning the article titled “Metronomic chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin for inoperable malignant bowel obstruction because of peritoneal dissemination from gastric cancer” recently published in your journal by Yang et al.[...]
Moving Guidelines into Action: A Report from Cancer Care Ontario’s Event Let’s Get Moving: Exercise and Rehabilitation for Cancer Patients
Authors: Tomasone J.R. , Zwaal C. , Kim G. , Yuen D. , Sussman J. , Segal R.
Published: March 2017

The need for an improved understanding of the rehabilitation services landscape in Ontario and for promotion of Cancer Care Ontario’s newly developed Exercise for People with Cancer guideline brought Cancer Care Ontario’s Psychosocial Oncology and Survivorship Programs together to host a knowledge translation and exchange event. The primary objectives of the event were to understand recommendations from Cancer Care Ontario’s new exercise guideline, to discuss key considerations and determine strategies for the implementation of the guideline recommendations, and to explore the current state and future directions of cancer rehabilitation in Ontario. The event was attended by 124 stakeholders, including clinicians, allied health care professionals, administrators, patients, community partners, and academics representing each of the 13 regional cancer programs in Ontario. Attendees participated in two small-group activities that focused on determining the best approach for implementing the guideline recommendations into practice and discussing current barriers and the future state of cancer rehabilitation in Ontario. The activities allowed for networking and collaboration between attendees. The event provided an opportunity for the Psychosocial Oncology and Survivorship Programs to learn about the types of goals and plans that could be feasible in implementing the guideline in each region, and about ways to prioritize gaps in access to rehabilitation services and the types of implementation strategies that might be used to address the gaps. Overall, attendees were highly satisfied with the event, and the findings are being used to help inform research and practice activities with respect to guideline implementation and rehabilitation practice.
Angular Momentum in Disk Wind Revealed in the Young Star MWC 349A
Authors: Zhang Qizhou , Claus Brian , Watson Linda , Moran James
Published: March 2017

Disk winds are thought to play a critical role in star birth. As winds extract excess angular momentum from accretion disks, matter in the disk can be transported inward to the star to fuel mass growth. However, observational evidence of wind carrying angular momentum has been very limited. We present Submillimeter Array (SMA) observations of the young star MWC 349A in the H26α and H30α recombination lines. The high signal-to-noise ratios made possible by the maser emission process allow us to constrain the relative astrometry of the maser spots to milli-arcsecond precision. Previous observations of the H30α line with the SMA and the Plateau de Bure interferometer (PdBI) showed that masers are distributed in the disk and wind. Our new high-resolution observations of the H26α line reveal differences in spatial distribution from that of the H30α line. H26α line masers in the disk are excited in a thin annulus with a radius of about 25 au, while the H30α line masers are formed in a slightly larger annulus with a radius of 30 au. This is consistent with expectations for maser excitation in the presence of an electron density variation of approximately R
−4. In addition, the H30α and H26α line masers arise from different parts in the wind. This difference is also expected from maser theory. The wind component of both masers exhibits line-of-sight velocities that closely follow a Keplerian law. This result provides strong evidence that the disk wind extracts significant angular momentum, thereby facilitating mass accretion in the young star.
Determination of the Alfvén Speed and Plasma-beta Using the Seismology of Sunspot Umbra
Authors: Cho I.-H. , Cho K.-S. , Bong S.-C. , Moon Y.-J. , Nakariakov V. M. , Park J. , Baek J.-H. , Choi S. , Kim Y.-H. , Lee J.
Published: March 2017

For 478 centrally located sunspots observed in the optical continuum with Solar Dynamics Observatory/Helioseismic Magnetic Imager, we perform seismological diagnostics of the physical parameters of umbral photospheres. The new technique is based on the theory of slow magnetoacoustic waves in a non-isothermally stratified photosphere with a uniform vertical magnetic field. We construct a map of the weighted frequency of three-minute oscillations inside the umbra and use it for the estimation of the Alfvén speed, plasma-beta, and mass density within the umbra. We find the umbral mean Alfvén speed ranges between 10.5 and 7.5 km s−1 and is negatively correlated with magnetic field strength. The umbral mean plasma-beta is found to range approximately between 0.65 and 1.15 and does not vary significantly from pores to mature sunspots. The mean density ranges between (1–6) × 10−4 kg m−3 and shows a strong positive correlation with magnetic field strength.
Time-resolved Polarimetry of the Superluminous SN 2015bn with the Nordic Optical Telescope
Authors: Leloudas Giorgos , Maund Justyn R. , Gal-Yam Avishay , Pursimo Tapio , Hsiao Eric , Malesani Daniele , Patat Ferdinando , de Ugarte Postigo Antonio , Sollerman Jesper , Stritzinger Maximilian D. , Wheeler J. Craig
Published: March 2017

We present imaging polarimetry of the superluminous supernova SN 2015bn, obtained over nine epochs between −20 and +46 days with the Nordic Optical Telescope. This was a nearby, slowly evolving Type I superluminous supernova that has been studied extensively and for which two epochs of spectropolarimetry are also available. Based on field stars, we determine the interstellar polarization in the Galaxy to be negligible. The polarization of SN 2015bn shows a statistically significant increase during the last epochs, confirming previous findings. Our well-sampled imaging polarimetry series allows us to determine that this increase (from ∼0.54% to ≳1.10%) coincides in time with rapid changes that took place in the optical spectrum. We conclude that the supernova underwent a “phase transition” at around +20 days, when the photospheric emission shifted from an outer layer, dominated by natal C and O, to a more aspherical inner core, dominated by freshly nucleosynthesized material. This two-layered model might account for the characteristic appearance and properties of Type I superluminous supernovae.
A Low Abundance of 135Cs in the Early Solar System from Barium Isotopic Signatures of Volatile-depleted Meteorites
Authors: Brennecka Gregory A. , Kleine Thorsten
Published: March 2017

Precise knowledge of the abundances of short-lived radionuclides at the start of the solar system leads to fundamental information about the stellar environment of solar system formation. Previous investigations of the short-lived

system (t
1/2 = 2.3 Ma) have resulted in a range of calculated initial amounts of 135Cs, with most estimates elevated to a level that requires extraneous input of material to the protoplanetary disk. Such an array of proposed 135Cs/133Cs initial solar system values has severely restricted the system’s use as both a possible chronometer and as an informant about supernovae input. However, if 135Cs was as abundant in the early solar system as previously proposed, the resulting deficits in its daughter product 135Ba would be easily detectable in volatile-depleted parent bodies (i.e., having sub-chondritic Cs/Ba) from the very early solar system. In this work, we show that angrites and eucrites, which were volatile-depleted within ∼1 million years of the start of the solar system, do not possess deficits in 135Ba compared to other planetary bodies. From this, we calculate an upper limit for the initial 135Cs/133Cs of 2.8 × 10−6, well below previous estimates. This significantly lower initial 135Cs/133Cs ratio now suggests that all of the 135Cs present in the early solar system was inherited simply from galactic chemical evolution and no longer requires an addition from an external stellar source such as an asymptotic giant branch star or SN II, corroborating evidence from several other short-lived radionuclides.
Simulating the Smallest Ring World of Chariklo
Authors: Michikoshi Shugo , Kokubo Eiichiro
Published: March 2017

A ring system consisting of two dense narrow rings has been discovered around Centaur Chariklo. The existence of these rings around a small object poses various questions about their origin, stability, and lifetime. In order to understand the nature of Chariklo’s rings, we perform global N-body simulations of the self-gravitating collisional particle rings for the first time. We find that Chariklo should be denser than the ring material in order to avoid the rapid diffusion of the rings. If Chariklo is denser than the ring material, fine spiral structures called self-gravity wakes occur in the inner ring. These wakes accelerate the viscous spreading of the ring significantly and typically occur on timescales of about

for m-sized ring particles, which is considerably shorter than the timescales suggested in previous studies. The existence of these narrow rings implies smaller ring particles or the existence of shepherding satellites.
Military Social Work - Possibilities and Challenges in the Czech Context
Authors: Laštovková Jitka , Brnula Peter
Published: March 2017

The paper focuses on the topic of social work in the Czech Armed Forces, its possibilities and specific implementation. Based on the broad definition of the objectives of social work in an international context reflects the current status of social work with military personnel in an Armed Forces in the past 25 years. On the basis of two different surveys among professional soldiers, realized by different methods and at different stages of development of a professional army support the idea, that soldiers feel the lack of social work in the long term, and in the specific areas of their lives, which are inevitably professionally determined.
Diplomatic Support of Arms Trade: An Agenda of Military Diplomacy and Military Diplomats?
Authors: Pajtinka Erik
Published: March 2017

The article deals with the justification for the incorporation of the management of the arms trade and trade in military material into military diplomacy. This is defined as a set of diplomatic activities executed by the representatives of a defence department, primarily focused on implementing the military and security interests of the state. The analysis results in the statement that arms trade management is applicable to the scope of military diplomacy, especially as military and security interests are typically pursued by the state in this type of diplomatic activity. The study also uncovers the relevance of the engagement of military diplomats as a special category of diplomatic representatives of the state in the field
Behavioural notes and attraction on Lepidoptera around the Gehry's Biodiversity Museum (Causeway, Calzada de Amador, Panamá, República de Panamá)
Authors: Corro-Chang Patricia
Published: March 2017

This work represents a study of the diversity of Lepidoptera on the Gehry's Biodiversity Museum (MBG), in an attempt to generate a list of the diversity of butterflies and moths visiting the coastal ecosystem of the Causeway, Amador. Collection of insects was performed manually, over a period of ten months (June 16, 2014 to March 18, 2015) and photographic records of the behavior of other species preying on Lepidoptera were also included. A total of 326 specimens, representing 13 families were collected. These included 6 butterfly and 8 moth families and 52 genera, and 60 species. This study represents a contribution to the knowledge of species that frequent the area, and encourages the conservation and development of the Calzada de Amador as an important touristic site in the city of Panama.
Are Ultrasound Findings Similar in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis and in Athlete Entheses?
Authors: Lanfranchi Marie-Alix , Leluc Olivier , Tavano Alice , Wormser Cécile , Morange Sophie , Chagnaud Christophe , Pradel Vincent , Lafforgue Pierre , Pham Thao
Published: March 2017

Objective.

Enthesitis is the spondyloarthritis (SpA) landmark, but can also be seen after entheses overuse, such as during intensive sport.

Methods.

We aimed to compare entheses ultrasound (US) findings in a prospective cross-sectional study of 30 axial SpA cases, 30 athletes, and 29 controls.

Results.

Mean (SD) MAdrid Sonographic Enthesis Index (MASEI) score was 26.3 (13), 12.2 (7), and 10.4 (6) in patients with SpA, athletes, and non-athlete control groups, respectively (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion.

The MASEI score was significantly higher in patients with SpA compared with healthy controls, athletes, and non-athletes, and can be of value to distinguish SpA from healthy subjects, whatever their physical activity.
Primary Prevention of Myocardial Infarction in Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Aspirin: A Case-crossover Study and a Propensity Score–matched Cohort Study
Authors: Durán Josefina , Peloquin Christine , Zhang Yuqing , Felson David T.
Published: March 2017

Objective.

Subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which is their leading cause of death. Conflicting evidence exists regarding the efficacy of aspirin (ASA) as primary prevention. We evaluated whether a protective association exists between ASA and myocardial infarction (MI) in RA subjects.

Methods.

In the United Kingdom, persons age ≥ 60 years receive free ASA by prescription and 75% of use is by prescription. Subjects ≥ 60 years with RA in the population-based The Health Improvement Network database constituted our study population. We excluded patients with history of MI, angina, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or coronary artery procedures. Our main outcome was the occurrence of fatal and nonfatal MI. We performed a case-crossover study with each subject contributing a hazard period and a control period 90 days prior to the MI. In addition, to minimize confounding by indication, a propensity score (PS)–matched cohort study was performed, considering all patients with RA with an incident prescription of low-dose ASA as our exposed group.

Results.

We did not find a protective effect in the case-crossover study (OR 1.83, 95% CI 0.71–4.71), with 55 subjects exposed in the hazard period and 44 in the control period. Similarly, among 1836 subjects included in the PS-matched cohort study (918 ASA users and 918 ASA non-users), we did not find a protective effect of low ASA on MI (HR 1.39, 95% CI 0.87–2.23).

Conclusion.

We did not find a protective effect of ASA on MI in patients with RA when used as primary prophylaxis.
Development and Reliability of the OMERACT Thumb Base Osteoarthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System
Authors: Kroon Féline P.B. , Conaghan Philip G. , Foltz Violaine , Gandjbakhch Frédérique , Peterfy Charles , Eshed Iris , Genant Harry K. , Østergaard Mikkel , Kloppenburg Margreet , Haugen Ida K.
Published: March 2017

Objective.

To develop the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) thumb base osteoarthritis (OA) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scoring system (TOMS) for the assessment of inflammatory and structural abnormalities in this hand OA subset, and test its cross-sectional reliability.

Methods.

Included features and their scaling were agreed upon by members of the OMERACT MRI Task Force using the Hand OA MRI scoring system as a template. A reliability exercise was performed in which 3 readers participated, using a preliminary atlas with examples to facilitate reading. Each reader independently scored a set of 20 MRI (coronal and axial T1- and T2-weighted fat-suppressed images, of which 5 included T1-weighted fat-suppressed post-Gadolinium images). Intra- and inter-reader reliability were assessed using ICC, percentage exact agreement (PEA), and percentage close agreement (PCA).

Results.

The TOMS assessed the first carpometacarpal (CMC-1) and scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) joints for synovitis, subchondral bone defects (including erosions, cysts, and bone attrition), osteophytes, cartilage, and bone marrow lesions on a 0–3 scale (normal to severe). Subluxation was evaluated only in the CMC-1 joint (absent/present). Reliability of scoring for both joints was comparable. Interreader ICC were good for all features (0.77–0.99 and 0.74–0.96 for CMC-1 and STT joints, respectively). Intrareader reliability analyses gave similar results. PCA was ≥ 65% for all features. PEA was low to moderate, with better performance for subchondral bone defects, subluxation, and bone marrow lesions.

Conclusion.

A thumb base OA MRI scoring system has been developed. The OMERACT TOMS demonstrated good intrareader and interreader reliability. Longitudinal studies are warranted to investigate reliability of change scores and responsiveness.
Analyse médico-économique des patients hospitalisés pour abus et dépendance à l’alcool
Authors: Delo Caroline , Leclercq Pol , Senterre Christelle , Martins Dimitri , Pirson Magali
Published: March 2017

Introduction : En 2013, l’institut scientifique de santé publique publiait que, plus de 14% de belges consomment de l’alcool tous les jours. Cette consommation excessive représente un coût pour la société s’élevant en 2013 à 4,2 milliards d’euros. Les objectifs de cette étude sont (1) d’analyser le coût et la durée de séjour des séjours hospitalisés pour Abus et dépendance d’alcool (APR-DRG 775), (2) d’analyser l’homogénéité du coût et de la durée de séjour (DS) au sein de ce DRG ; (3) d’isoler les facteurs influençant le coût et la durée de séjour. Méthodologie : L’échantillon est composé de 1.126 séjours. Ce sont des patients hospitalisés classiques, de 2012, dans 12 institutions hospitalières francophones. Les différentes variables étudiées proviennent d’une part du Résumé Hospitalier Minimum (données médico-administratives) et d’autre part de la base données PACHA (coûts des séjours et des pathologies dans un échantillon d’hôpitaux). Le coût étudié est un coût complet, évalué selon la perspective de l’hôpital. Résultats : Le coût médian des 1.126 patients est de 1.572,50€. La durée de séjour médiane est de 3,59 jours. Le coefficient de variation au sein des indices de sévérité est très hétérogène (il varie de 0,98 à 2,05). Deux groupes de patients se distinguent fortement : les patients intoxiqués à l’alcool et les patients dépendants à l’alcool. Conclusion : Les résultats de cette étude semblent confirmer que les séjours psychiatriques pour cette prise en charge sont hétérogènes. Cependant, une étude similaire à plus grande échelle serait nécessaire afin de valider les résultats.
Analyse empirique des points de blocage dans le processus de soutien à domicile des personnes fragiles
Authors: Verdier Christine , Benoit Anne-Marie , Forest Fabrice , Branchet Bénédicte , Di Mascolo Maria , Front Agnès , Malot Jean , Mercier Annabelle , Rialle Vincent , Rieu Dominique , Thomann Guillaume , Weil Georges
Published: March 2017

Le soutien à domicile des personnes fragiles est complexe car il suppose d’offrir des services individualisés, facilement adaptables dans le temps et l’espace, multimodaux (soins, services paramédicaux, services non médicaux, soutien financier, soutien psychologique, socialisation) et coût-efficaces au sein d’environnements juridique, social, organisationnel très contraints. Force est de constater que les approches traditionnelles de modélisation (approche par processus, notamment) d’un tel écosystème sont dysfonctionnelles et trop coûteuses, que les méthodes de conception et de représentation sont inopérantes et que le cadre actuel produit des stratégies d’évitement, de contournement ou de mises en œuvre, pas toujours optimales, mais qui néanmoins fonctionnent. Le but de cet article est donc de présenter au regard des deux grilles de lecture, les politiques publiques et le système d’information, une analyse du terrain de la prise en charge à domicile, étayée par des méthodes adaptées et traduite en buts à atteindre pour lever les points de blocage dans le processus de soutien à domicile des personnes fragiles.
Effets de la fréquence d’utilisation des communautés virtuelles de patients sur la relation patients-médecins
Authors: Menvielle Loick , Menvielle William , Audrain-Pontevia Anne-Francoise
Published: March 2017

Le monde de la santé connaît depuis peu des changements manifestes en ce qui concerne la prise de pouvoir des patients sur leurs maladies ou celles de leurs proches. Internet a été un véritable catalyseur et a permis d’ouvrir de nombreux espaces virtuels (sites Web, blogues, réseaux sociaux médicaux...) grâce auxquels les individus commentent et échangent quant à leurs pathologies. Les communautés virtuelles de patients (CVP) s’inscrivent dans cette dynamique et ont modifié la place et le rôle du patient, mais aussi la relation qu’il entretient avec son médecin. Le but de cet article est de mesurer l’impact de la fréquence d’utilisation des communautés virtuelles de patients sur les variables suivantes : confiance à l’égard du médecin, qualité perçue de la relation avec le médecin et attitude vis-à-vis du médecin. Basés sur un échantillon de 266 répondants français, les résultats de cette recherche montrent que la fréquence d’utilisation a un effet sur l’attitude et la qualité de la relation des patients avec leur médecin.
Patients’ prevention program commitment: The role of psychological reactance and relationship proneness
Authors: Prim-Allaz Isabelle , Darpy Denis
Published: March 2017

Les programmes de prévention sont fondamentaux en santé, mais ils nécessitent l’engagement volontaire des patients. En cela, ils présentent des points communs avec les programmes de marketing relationnel. Pour mieux comprendre le fait que les programmes de prévention ne sont pas toujours des succès, une revue de littérature a été entreprise et a permis de mettre en avant deux concepts clés : la réactance psychologique ( i.e. , la résistance à contractualiser de façon formelle) et la propension relationnelle ( i.e. , la volonté de maintenir une relation). Une étude (184 répondants) conduite avec un réseau de dentistes proposant un programme de prévention dentaire expérimental a permis de montrer empiriquement que la réactance psychologique diminue la propension à s’engager dans un programme de prévention, tandis que l’anxiété et la propension relationnelle l’augmente. La confiance dans le dentiste joue un rôle médiateur entre la propension relationnelle et l’engagement dans le programme de prévention.
Chapter 5. Bioethics, virtues and human dignity: Western notion and the Indian perception
Authors: Kishore R. R.
Published: March 2017

Nonobstant les rivalités politiques et la concurrence économique, le monde se dirige vers la totalité et l’unification. Ce que la religion et la culture n’ont pas pu effectuer pendant des millénaires a été accompli par la technologie. La bioéthique traite du monde organique, englobant le besoin inhérent d’une harmonisation des perspectives diverses, en respectant les intérêts, les aspirations et les attitudes individuels. Ce caractère inclusif est impératif afin de concrétiser une promesse scientifique en une activité réfléchie. Les racines d’une conduite humaine ordonnée se trouvent dans les vertus humaines, qui sont innées et universelles, et heureusement pas obscures, se manifestant comme la dignité humaine, constituant un outil candide et spontané pour déterminer le contenu moral des activités humaines. Dans cet article j’explore la sagesse de la pensée culturelle indienne inscrite dans Dharma dans le contexte de la notion occidentale de la dignité humaine et je constate que si cette ancienne doctrine est comprise et appliquée candidement elle peut agir comme un fondement universellement accepté d’une bioéthique holistique et intégrative à une époque où la biotechnologie qui progresse s’oriente autour de la quête du pouvoir et du profit, plutôt que du bien-être et du service.