bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Anisotropic Lattice Thermal Expansion of Hexagonal Cordierite
Authors: Zhang Jin Hua , Ke Chang Ming , Wu Hong Dan , Yu Ji Shun
Published: January 2017

The hexagonal cordierite was synthesized by the reverse coprecipitation-calcination method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction. The lattice thermal expansion behavior of hexagonal cordierite was investigated by high temperature X-ray diffraction in the temperature range 298-1273 K. The lattice parameters of the hexagonal cordierite at different temperature were calculated by a least squares method. The hexagonal cordierite expressed anisotropic thermal expansion behavior with the average lattice thermal expansion coefficient were 2.13×10-6 K-1 along a or b axis and-1.03×10-6 K-1 along c axis from room temperature to 1273 K. The crystal structure of hexagonal cordierite at 298 K and 1273 K were refined by Rietveld method. The thermal expansion coefficient of the height of the [MgO6]-[AlO4] polyhedral layer is-1.8×10-6 K-1. Although the six-member ring expressed the normal positive thermal expansion along arbitrary direction, the height thermal expansion coefficient of the six-member ring is just 0.6×10-6 K-1.
Redispersible Polymer Powder-Modified Sulphoaluminate Cement Mortar
Authors: Du Peng , Zhou Zong Hui , Ye Zheng Mao , Cheng Xin
Published: January 2017

The super-softening property of redispersible polymer powder can improve the flexibility of cement-based materials while guarantees other work performances. In this study, the influences of different mixing amounts of redispersible polymer powders on the compressive strength, flexural strength, flexural compression ratio and bonding strength of sulphoaluminate cement mortar were investigated. The microscopic morphological structure of redispersible polymer powder-modified sulphoaluminate cement mortar was also observed through SEM to analyse the influence mechanism. Results show that, with the mixing amount of 2.0%, the compressive strength of cement mortar was improved. This mixing amount also increased the 28d flexural strength to 8.21 MPa (5.0% improvement) and 14d bonding strength to 5.6 MPa (27.3% improvement). Addition of more redispersible polymer powder resulted in the increase in flexural compression ratio because the powder particles formed water-insoluble continuous polymer colloidal film in hardened paste. This film generated a network with cement dydration products throughout the paste, consequently promoting the flexibility of cement.
Preparation and Mechanical Performance of Sulpoaluminate Cement by Using Industrial Solid Wastes
Authors: Zhao Shi Zhen , Han Feng Lan , Liu Gui Qun , Li Mao Hui , Chen Yu Jie
Published: January 2017

By using Mn slag, Mg slag and Fly ash which comes from industrial process in Ningxia province as raw materials, the sulpoaluminate cement was prepared via sintering raw materials in a furnace. The physical and chemical characteristic of sulpoaluminate cement clinker was tested. The optimal proportion of clinkers is also determined by the results of phase composition, microstructure and hydration mechanism. The results shows that when the mixed ratio of Mn slag, Mg slag and Fly ash is 21%, 21% and 0% respectively in the raw materials and the calcination temperature is 1300 °C for 30 min, sulphoaluminate cement clinker with maximum amount of C4A3S, C2S and C4AF was prepared. Then, natural gypsum was added into the clinker powder with a ratio of 15% to make cement materials. When water to cement ratio is 0.5 and cement to sand ratio is 1:3, the cement mortar obtain a compressive strength of 22.22 MPa at 3d, 31.2 MPa at 7 d, and the flexural strength of 3.86MPa at 3d, and 4.83 MPa at 7d respectively.
Effect of Surface Vitrification on the Properties of Insulation Board of Expanded Perlite
Authors: Li Ling Li , Teng Wei Feng , Zhang Jin Cheng , Wu Wei , Shang Qing Yi
Published: January 2017

The surface-vitrified and expanded perlite is a new, high-quality insulation materials. It is studied to the effects on performances of the glass surface to expanded perlite insulation board, through comparing with the openings of expanded perlite, expanded and vitrified small ball and surface-vitrified and expanded perlite. A large number of experiments have been done on the physical properties of the insulation board with surface-vitrified and expanded perlite. It shows that the insulation board with surface-vitrified and expanded perlite has a low density, high strength, low water absorption, high obturator rate, low thermal conductivity, stable performance and so on. And the main reason is analyzed.
ICP-AES Determination of Sulfide and Sulfate Content in Pebble and Crushed Stone
Authors: Li Qian Nan , Li Man , Yuan Qing Dan , Xu Dan Hua
Published: January 2017

Generally, the content of sulfide and sulfate (expressed as a sulphur trioxide) in pebble and crushed stone for construction is low. So use the weight method specified in the national standard method for determination, is not only tedious and time consuming, but also not accurate enough. In this paper, with reference to the pretreatment method of the relevant national standard, rapid and accurate test results can usually be obtained for the determination of sulfur trioxide in and crushed stone for construction by using ICP-AES as a new method, greatly reducing the time of the experiment and improve the efficiency. According to the analysis of spectrum interference, 182.0 nm was selected as the best analysis of spectral line for sulfur. The detection line of this method (3S) was 0.016 mg/L, the recovery rate of the sample was between 93.3%-104.0%, and the relative standard deviation (n=6) of the parallel samples was less than 1.05%.
An Improved Cross-Bonded Method for Measuring Interfacial Bond Strength of Adhesives
Authors: Ma De Long , Bao Yi Wang
Published: January 2017

Interfacial bond strength is one of the vital mechanical properties of adhesives. The cross-bonded method, which is widely used to measure the interfacial tensile and shear bond strength simultaneously, has attracted extensive attention. An improved cross-bonded method is presented in this study in order to promote the accuracy and reliability of the testing results. The ergo 9900 glue, E-7 glue, AB glue and 502 glue were measured in this study. Compared with the original method, the results of the improved cross-bonded method show that: (i) the coefficient of variation of the interfacial bond strength decreased significantly; (ii) the interfacial shear bond strength of the adhesives is closer to its true value.
Preliminary Discussion of the Detection Method for Asbestos
Authors: Han Wei , Cong Lin , Chen Peng
Published: January 2017

Asbestos is a natural fibrous silicate mineral in general, and has good abrasion resistance, heat insulation properties, and is used extensively for construction, insulation, friction, sealing materials. However, it was discovered that asbestos is inhaled into lungs easily lead to pulmonary fibrosis, then induced cancer, so asbestos has been identified as carcinogens. In this paper, pretreatment methods and detection methods for asbestos were introduced. Currently pretreatment methods for asbestos mainly include an acid method, an organic solvent method, potassium chloride solvent method, ashing method, grinding method and mixing using a variety of methods for asbestos pretreatment. Detection methods for asbestos mainly include XRD, PLM, SEM, PCM, TEM, IR, DTA, which can qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis for asbestos. In this paper, the above a variety of methods are introduced, and the characteristics of each method are analyzed, the advice of more appropriate for asbestos detection method is proposed.
Hermeneutics in African philosophy
Authors: Fayemi Ademola Kazeem
Published: January 2017

The aim of this paper is to re-examine the hermeneutic in the ongoing discourse on methodology in African philosophy. The diverse understanding of hermeneutics is not only limited to Western philosophy; in the few decades of its history in African philosophy, hermeneutics has also assumed different meanings. This paper discusses not only the historical evolution and development of hermeneutists in the West, but also the African hermeneutists: Tsenay Serequeberhan, Okonda Okolo, Sophie Oluwole, Raphael Madu, and Bruce Janz. Through a comparative critical inquisition on the strengths and the problems involved in the conceptions of hermeneutics by these African philosophers, this paper argues that basic to hermeneutics is dialogue and its proclivity towards intercultural understanding.Keywords: Hermeneutics, African philosophy, intercultural understanding, Oral tradition.
Atmospheric moisture supersaturation in the near-surface atmosphere at Dome C, Antarctic Plateau
Authors: Genthon Christophe , Piard Luc , Vignon Etienne , Madeleine Jean-Baptiste , Casado Mathieu , Gallée Hubert
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Supersaturation often occurs at the top of the troposphere where cirrus clouds form, but is comparatively unusual near the surface where the air is generally warmer and laden with liquid and/or ice condensation nuclei. One exception is the surface of the high Antarctic Plateau. One year of atmospheric moisture measurement at the surface of Dome C on the East Antarctic Plateau is presented. The measurements are obtained using commercial hygrometry sensors modified to allow air sampling without affecting the moisture content, even in the case of supersaturation. Supersaturation is found to be very frequent. Common unadapted hygrometry sensors generally fail to report supersaturation, and most reports of atmospheric moisture on the Antarctic Plateau are thus likely biased low. The measurements are compared with results from two models implementing cold microphysics parameterizations: the European Center for Medium-range Weather Forecasts through its operational analyses, and the Model Atmosphérique Régional. As in the observations, supersaturation is frequent in the models but the statistical distribution differs both between models and observations and between the two models, leaving much room for model improvement. This is unlikely to strongly affect estimations of surface sublimation because supersaturation is more frequent as temperature is lower, and moisture quantities and thus water fluxes are small anyway. Ignoring supersaturation may be a more serious issue when considering water isotopes, a tracer of phase change and temperature, largely used to reconstruct past climates and environments from ice cores. Because observations are easier in the surface atmosphere, longer and more continuous in situ observation series of atmospheric supersaturation can be obtained than higher in the atmosphere to test parameterizations of cold microphysics, such as those used in the formation of high-altitude cirrus clouds in meteorological and climate models.
Cross-polar transport and scavenging of Siberian aerosols containing black carbon during the 2012 ACCESS summer campaign
Authors: Raut Jean-Christophe , Marelle Louis , Fast Jerome D. , Thomas Jennie L. , Weinzierl Bernadett , Law Katharine S. , Berg Larry K. , Roiger Anke , Easter Richard C. , Heimerl Katharina , Onishi Tatsuo , Delanoë Julien , Schlager Hans
Published: January 2017

Abstract. During the ACCESS airborne campaign in July 2012, extensive boreal forest ﬁres resulted in significant aerosol transport to the Arctic. A 10 day episode combining intense biomass burning over Siberia and low-pressure systems over the Arctic Ocean resulted in efficient transport of plumes containing black carbon (BC) towards the Arctic, mostly in the upper troposphere (6–8 km). A combination of in situ observations (DLR Falcon aircraft), satellite analysis and WRF-Chem simulations are used to understand the vertical and horizontal transport mechanisms of BC with a focus on the role of wet removal. Between the northwestern Norwegian coast and the Svalbard archipelago, the Falcon aircraft sampled plumes with enhanced CO concentrations up to 200 ppbv and BC mixing ratios up to 25 ng kg−1 . During transport to the Arctic region, a large fraction of BC particles are scavenged by two wet deposition processes, namely wet removal by large-scale precipitation and removal in wet convective updrafts, with both processes contributing almost equally to the total accumulated deposition of BC. Our results underline that applying a ﬁner horizontal resolution (40 instead of 100 km) improves the model performance, as it significantly reduces the overestimation of BC levels observed at a coarser resolution in the mid-troposphere. According to the simulations at 40 km, the transport efficiency of BC (TEBC ) in biomass burning plumes is about 60 %, which is impacted by small accumulated precipitation along trajectory (APT) (1 mm). In contrast TEBC is very small (
An open-access CMIP5 pattern library for temperature and
precipitation: Description and methodology
Authors: Lynch Cary , Hartin Corinne , Bond-Lamberty Ben , Kravitz Ben
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Pattern scaling is used to efficiently emulate general circulation models and explore uncertainty in climate projections under multiple forcing scenarios. Pattern scaling methods assume that local climate changes scale with a global mean temperature increase, allowing for spatial patterns to be generated for multiple models for any future emission scenario. Of the possible techniques used to generate patterns, the two most prominent are the delta and least squared regression methods. 5 For uncertainty quantification and probabilistic statistical analysis, a library of patterns with descriptive statistics for each file would be beneficial, but such a library does not presently exist. This paper presents patterns from all CMIP5 models for temperature and precipitation on an annual and sub-annual basis, along with the code used to generate these patterns. We explore the differences and statistical significance between patterns generated by each method and assess performance of the generated patterns across methods and scenarios. Regardless of epoch chosen, local temperature sensitivity to global mean temperature change is similar with differences of ≤ 0.2 °C. Differences in patterns across seasons between methods and epochs were largest in high latitudes (60-90° N/S). Bias and mean errors between modeled and pattern predicted output from the linear regression method were smaller than patterns generated by the delta method. Across scenarios, differences in the linear regression method patterns were more statistically significant, especially at high latitudes. We found that pattern generation methodologies were able to approximate the forced signal of change to within ≤ 0.5°C, but choice of pattern generation methodology for pattern scaling purposes should be informed by user goals and criteria. The dataset and netCDF data generation code are available at doi:10.5281/zenodo.235905.
Fram Strait sea ice export variability and September Arctic sea ice extent over the last 80 years
Authors: Smedsrud Lars H. , Halvorsen Mari H. , Stroeve Julienne C. , Zhang Rong , Kloster Kjell
Published: January 2017

Abstract. A new long-term data record of Fram Strait sea ice area export from 1935 to 2014 is developed using a combination of satellite radar images and station observations of surface pressure across Fram Strait. This data record shows that the long-term annual mean export is about 880 000 km2, representing 10 % of the sea-ice-covered area inside the basin. The time series has large interannual and multi-decadal variability but no long-term trend. However, during the last decades, the amount of ice exported has increased, with several years having annual ice exports that exceeded 1 million km2. This increase is a result of faster southward ice drift speeds due to stronger southward geostrophic winds, largely explained by increasing surface pressure over Greenland. Evaluating the trend onwards from 1979 reveals an increase in annual ice export of about +6 % per decade, with spring and summer showing larger changes in ice export (+11 % per decade) compared to autumn and winter (+2.6 % per decade). Increased ice export during winter will generally result in new ice growth and contributes to thinning inside the Arctic Basin. Increased ice export during summer or spring will, in contrast, contribute directly to open water further north and a reduced summer sea ice extent through the ice–albedo feedback. Relatively low spring and summer export from 1950 to 1970 is thus consistent with a higher mid-September sea ice extent for these years. Our results are not sensitive to long-term change in Fram Strait sea ice concentration. We find a general moderate influence between export anomalies and the following September sea ice extent, explaining 18 % of the variance between 1935 and 2014, but with higher values since 2004.
Atención psicológica para pacientes con cáncer y sus familiares: ¿qué nos encontramos en la práctica clínica?
Authors: Fernández Sánchez Belén , Jorge Martin Vanesa , Sánchez Vázquez Carmen María , Bejar Alonso Eva
Published: January 2017

Enfrentarse a un diagnóstico de cáncer supone un fuerte impacto emocional tanto en el paciente como en los familiares ya que, además de la clara amenaza para la salud que supone se ven afectadas todas las áreas de la vida, lo cual les puede llevar a demandar atención psicológica. Por este motivo, el objetivo de este estudio consiste en determinar el contexto clínico habitual en oncología, analizando para ello, una muestra de pacientes y familiares (n = 4.924) del servicio de atención psicológica de la AECC. Los instrumentos utilizados en la metodología son un autoinforme, en concreto el Termómetro de distrés (DT), y una entrevista. Los resultados obtenidos nos muestran que el perfil del beneficiario demandante de atención psicológica en la AECC es mujer (72%), de 55 años, casada o con pareja estable (64%), que además es una paciente en tratamiento activo (37%) o en fase avanzada de la enfermedad (26%) y con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama (28%). Un 85% de los usuarios presenta niveles de distrés altos o severos, manifestando como principal motivo de consulta el malestar emocional derivado de la enfermedad (42%). El número de sesiones de intervención realizadas varía significativamente en función del motivo de consulta. A modo de conclusión indicar que la intervención psicológica es más solicitada en aquellas fases de la enfermedad donde los niveles de distrés son claramente superiores y el deterioro de calidad de vida es significativo. Por tanto, resulta fundamental destacar la importancia de la atención psicológica en el paciente oncológico.
El cuidado transicional de enfermería aumenta la compentencia en el rol del cuidador del niño con cáncer
Authors: Carreño Moreno Sonia
Published: January 2017

con cáncer pasa por una transición en su rol en la que requiere fortalecer su competencia para ejercerlo. Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de una intervención de cuidado transicional de enfermería sobre la competencia de cuidado del cuidador familiar del niño con cáncer. Materiales y métodos. Estudio experimental, el grupo experimental (n=59) recibió la intervención de cuidado transicional de enfermería “cuidando a nuestros niños con cáncer” y el grupo control (n=59) la atención convencional de la institución de salud. Se midió la competencia del cuidador familiar para el cuidado, se trató de un estudio doble ciego. El estudio contó con el aval de comités de ética institucional y llevó a cabo consentimiento informado. El análisis se realizó con las pruebas T de student y diferencia de medias estanadarizada d de Cohen. Resultados. La mayoría de los niños tuvieron diagnóstico de Leucemia 41%, con edad media de 4 años. Los cuidadores familiares son mujeres 84%, con edad media de 33 años. Se observó una diferencia entre la competencia para cuidar (p<0,001) entre el grupo experimental y control en la postratamiento, con un tamaño del efecto d= 5,14. Conclusión. La intervención “Cuidando a nuestros niños con cáncer” tiene un efecto fuerte en el aumento de la competencia para el cuidado del cuidador familiar en el proceso de transición del su rol. La intervención es aplicable a la práctica y replicable en la investigación.
Cathepsin K Expression in Castration-Resistant Prostate Carcinoma: A Therapeutical Target for Patients at Risk for Bone Metastases
Authors: Munari Enrico , Cima Luca , Massari Francesco , Bertoldo Francesco , Porcaro Antonio Benito , Caliò Anna , Riva Giulio , Ciocchetta Elisa , Ciccarese Chiara , Modena Alessandra , Iacovelli Roberto , Sava Teodoro , Eccher Albino , Ghimenton Claudio , Tortora Giampaolo , Artibani Walter , Novella Giovanni , Bogina Giuseppe , Zamboni Giuseppe , Sanguedolce Francesca , D'Amuri Alessandro , Martignoni Guido , Brunelli Matteo
Published: January 2017

Background

The lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin K is involved in bone remodeling and is also expressed in the peritumoral stroma of carcinomas arising from different organs. A new generation of cathepsin K inhibitors blocking the RANKL/RANK pathway are being developed. We sought to investigate cathepsin K expression in a cohort of castration-resistant prostate carcinomas.

Methods

Sixteen cases of castration-resistant disease with at least 5 years of follow-up were selected from a cohort of 280 patients who underwent surgery. Cathepsin K was evaluated on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue microarrays with 5 tissue spots per case. These were scored as high 2+ (≥30% of cells), low 1+ (<30% of cells) or zero (absence), distinguishing tumor cells and peritumoral stroma cells. Low (1+) and absence (0) of scoring were interpreted as negative, and high (2+) as positive.

Results

The castration-resistant group was composed of 15 acinar adenocarcinomas and 1 neuroendocrine carcinoma, and all showed at least Gleason score 8 at prostatectomy. Two out of 16 cases (12%) scored positive for cathepsin K in tumor cells; and 5 of 16 cases (31%) scored positive in peritumoral stroma cells. The neuroendocrine and acinar subtypes of carcinoma with positive immunoexpression in neoplastic cells developed bone metastases after 4 and 5 years, respectively, and subsequently died.

Conclusions

Patients affected by castration-resistant prostate carcinoma may be tested for cathepsin K, and a positive strong expression (2+) could be a useful predictive biomarker of response to targeted agents, aiding in the selection of patients eligible for these treatments.
Comparison of Neoadjuvant vs Concurrent/Adjuvant Androgen Deprivation in Men with High-risk Prostate Cancer Receiving Definitive Radiation Therapy
Authors: Lee Anna , Becker Daniel J. , Lederman Ariel J. , Osborn Virginia W. , Shao Meng S. , Wong Andrew T. , Schwartz David , Schreiber David
Published: January 2017

Purpose

It is unknown whether there is a benefit to starting androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) prior to rather than concurrently with definitive radiation therapy in men with high-risk prostate cancer. We studied the National Cancer Data Base to determine whether the timing of ADT impacts survival.

Methods

Men diagnosed with high-risk prostate adenocarcinoma who received external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to a dose of 70-81 Gy along with ADT from 2004-2011 were included. Those who started ADT 42-90 days before EBRT were identified as having received neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (N-HT) and those who received ADT from 14 days before their radiation until 84 days after the start of EBRT were categorized as receiving concurrent/adjuvant treatment (C-HT). We used the log-rank test to compare Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox regression to assess the impact of covariables on overall survival (OS).

Results

Among 11,491 included patients, those receiving N-HT were 1 year older ( p<0.001) and more likely to have Gleason 8-10 disease ( p = 0.01) and cT3-4 disease ( p = 0.002). Men receiving N-HT had a 5-year and median OS of 80.6% and 111.4 months, respectively, compared to 78.3% and 108.9 months, respectively, in those receiving C-HT ( p = 0.03). This benefit remained significant on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.77-0.96, p = 0.008). Duration of ADT was not available to report.

Conclusions

External beam radiation therapy with N-HT was associated with improved overall survival compared to C-HT. This study is hypothesis-generating and further studies are needed to best qualify the sequencing of hormone therapy with the duration of treatment.
Integration between Oncology and Palliative Care: A Plan for the Next Decade?
Authors: Kaasa Stein , Knudsen Anne Kari , Lundeby Tonje , Loge Jon Håvard
Published: January 2017

With the groundbreaking work of three Milan professors—Bonadonna, Veronesi, and Ventafridda—in the 1980s as the starting point, this article aims to shed light on the potential benefits of a closer and more formal integration between oncology and palliative care. More specifically, we address why integration is needed, how to do it, and the potential benefits to the patients, families, and society. The costs for cancer care are increasing rapidly. Especially during the last year of life, some treatments are futile and expensive without proven benefit for patients in terms of prolonged survival with adequate quality of life (QoL). The latest WHO definition of palliative care supports an upstream introduction of palliative care. More recent studies indicate that such an early integration has the potential to improve the patients’ QoL and reduce their symptom burden. Successful integration presupposes formal structures and explicit obligations on how and when to integrate. The Norwegian model for palliative care is presented. It covers the range of oncologic and palliative services from community health care via the local hospital to the tertiary hospital and rests on standardized care pathway as the key instrument to promote integration. Our present state of knowledge indicates that integration does not shorten life; perhaps even the opposite. Futile oncological treatment can be reduced and the QoL of patients and carers improved. We need more evidence on the potential effect upon costs, but present data indicate that integration does not increase them.
Snow-blind in a Blizzard of Their Own Making: Bodies of Structural Harmony and White Male Negrophobes in the Work of Frantz Fanon
Authors: Welcome H. Alexander
Published: January 2017

Frantz Fanon's Black Skin, White Masks is an analysis of lived experience, experiences supported or inhibited by our group, and individual interactions with the world. Present in the text is an accounting of the lived experiences of Negrophobic white males. Fanon argues that Negrophobic white males live their bodies and their worlds inauthentically, as improperly limited possibilities. He finds that the Negrophobic white male's body operates as a body of “structural harmony.” The Negrophobe tries to use his interactions with others to delude himself into believing that his body is the pinnacle of agency. The Negrophobe is troubled by guilt. Projecting, what he sees as, his socially acceptable characteristics onto fellow white males and projecting, what he sees as, his socially unacceptable characteristics onto black males allows the Negrophobic white male to perpetuate the lie that he is the pinnacle of innocence. Removing this mythical blackness into the background of his world would allow the Negrophobe to exist in a world that is all white. He would be white. All of the Other people in this world would be white. And, they would all be innocent. In this world the prevalence of whiteness would mean that the Negrophobe and his guilt could not be seen because everyone would be suffering from snow-blindness.
Lydgate at Long Melford: Reassessing the Testament and “Quis Dabit Meo Capiti Fontem Lacrimarum” in Their Local Context
Authors: Davis Matthew Evan
Published: January 2017

The extracodical stanzas of John Lydgate's Testament and “Quis Dabit Meo Capiti Fontem Lacrimarum” in the Clopton chantry chapel of the Great Church of Holy Trinity, Long Melford, not only are two intriguing witnesses differing in presentation and language from the manuscript copies but also can be considered as part of a rhetorical program wherein the Lydgate works serve to connect the Clopton family as the benefactors of the chapel to the fabric of the church and the larger community. With the careful selection of particular Lydgate stanzas and their placement alongside visual objects, the result is a text that is unique to the particular context of Long Melford and which reflects not only Lydgate but the parish community as a whole. For this reason, both context and content have to be considered when presenting these verses, rather than relying simply on the text itself.
Constrictive pericarditis presenting with massive ascites without hemodynamic echocardiographic features
Authors: Ashraf Hasan
Published: January 2017

A 27-year-old woman presented to the hospital because of a five-month-history of rapidly-accumulating ascites, dyspnea, and fatigue. The patient was otherwise asymptomatic, and required repeated large volume paracenteses. Physical exam was benign except for hepatomegaly and abdominal distension. Laboratory testing demonstrated elevation of transaminases, but further testing was all negative. A chest CT showed pericardial thickening. Subsequent echocardiography was performed to evaluate for constrictive pericarditis, but apart from inferior vena cava (IVC) dilation, there were no other findings suggestive of pericardial constriction. A subsequent cardiac catheterization was suggestive of constrictive pericarditis, so the patient underwent a pericardiectomy. The Mayo Clinic echocardiography diagnostic criteria presents a diagnostic paradigm where the presence of mitral inflow E/A > 0.8 and the presence of a dilated IVC concomitantly provide good sensitivity for echocardiographic diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis (CP). Due to the good sensitivity and specificity of echocardiographic findings, the lack of any characteristic finding is surprising, and suggests the importance of other diagnostic modalities such as CT, cardiac MRI, and cardiac catheterization in conjunction with echocardiography when there is a high suspicion for CP.
The Operation Mechanism of Emission Right Trading and Analysis on the Operation Effect
Authors: Shanshan Ding , Jindong Duan
Published: January 2017

The current environment pollution problem is becoming increasingly serious in the world, many solutions are being explored. Emission right trading as a means which can promote economic development and protect the ecological environment has attracted more and more attention of international society. With China’s increasing emphasis on environmental governance problem, it is important to be familiar with emission right trading and the general operation mechanism. Referring to the successful operation experience of the developed countries such as the United States, undoubtedly has important effect on promoting China’s relevant management departments and enterprises in energy-saving emission reduction work.
Numerical Methods for Differential Games: Capital Structure in an R&D Duopoly
Authors: Beach Robert
Published: January 2017

This paper compares two different numerical methods used to solve the same differential game. In differential games strategies of individual players are represented as continuous functions of time and are typically solutions to the optimal control problems of the players. The game is an R&D duopoly with two players: an upstream firm that is primarily engaged in research and development (the R&D firm) and whose value comes from the market valuation of these activities, and a downstream firm primarily engaged in distribution and marketing (the D&M firm). The first method is assumed to be the benchmark since it is based on discretizing the first order conditions of each player’s optimal control problem. The second method is based on making random guesses of the parameters of a second order polynomial and searching for optimal solutions. The results suggest that the second method, which is more automated and has the potential of being applied to games with higher dimensionality, can give approximate solutions to differential games similar to the one considered here. The results also provide an important theoretical outcome. They illustrate that unlike the tradeoff and pecking order models of capital structure there are many markets in which capital structure is not driven by a reversion to a target debt-to-equity ratio or a pecking order, but by maximizing firm value under strategic considerations.
Analysis on Efficiency and Its Influence Factors of Financial Support for Listed Companies of Guangdong New Energy Industry
Authors: Liu Jixiang , Liao Hongyan
Published: January 2017

The development of Guangdong new energy industry plays an important role in promoting the current process of economic restructuring in Guangdong province. As the core of modern economy, the financial system also has an important impact on the development of the new energy industry. This paper mainly employs DEA method to measure the efficiency of financial support of the new energy industry in Guangdong Province, and takes it as a core to establish an influence-factor model of financial support efficiency. Through empirical analysis, we can find the stability of Guangdong new energy industry insufficient; on the condition of indirect financing power shortage, the direct financing makes the flow of capital available, thus showing a more positive impact on the efficiency of financial support. According to the results, we should broaden the direct financing way of the new energy industry in Guangdong Province, reduce bank credit financing costs, promote diversified development of financial services, and improve the ability of the new energy industry against market risks.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Modern Applied Science, Vol. 9, No. 7
Authors: Lee Sunny
Published: January 2017

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Modern Applied Science, Vol. 9, No. 7
Consumer Dispute Resolution (CDR) in Europe
Authors: Creutzfeldt Naomi , Hodges Christopher
Published: January 2017

This paper is a combination of the ‘Oxford study 2012’ (C. Hodges, I. Benöhr & N. Creutzfeldt-Banda, Consumer ADR in Europe, Oxford: Hart Publishing 2012) and subsequent publications about consumer dispute resolution in Europe. Recent EU legislation aims to establish a EU-wide framework for consumer alternative dispute resolution (CADR or CDR) schemes and a platform for online dispute resolution (ODR). This forces member states to revisit their existing CDR models and in some cases, to modernize their structures. Many member states face challenges of reform of existing systems by the directives implementation date of 2015. This paper will provide an overview of CDR, the development of current legislation and discuss some national examples. The paper concludes with comments about implementation of the directive and potential future direction.
De discretionaire ruimte bij het gebruik van geweld: hoe kleiner, hoe beter?
Authors: Noppe Jannie
Published: January 2017

Discretion in police use of force: the smaller, the better?

First line police officers need a certain amount of discretion as they have to deal with various and complex situations on a daily basis. In this article the author examines the extent to which police officers have room for discretion in their use of force. We start from Mastrofski’s proposition that in case of decisions to use deadly force (use of firearm) police officers’ discretionary space must be restricted as much as possible. In case of less intrusive use of force, police officers may have more room for discretion. We used data from a small survey in three local police forces in Belgium to examine whether police officers have similar opinions on the decision to use their firearm – in comparison with the decision to use lower levels of force (non-firearm/non-lethal). Furthermore, we compare police officers who are highly trained in the use of force, with less trained police officers. Our results indicate that police officers are indeed more univocal when it comes to decisions to use their firearm, especially in case of more trained police officers.
Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging and Quantification in the Evaluation of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Zhou Hang , Zhou Xian‐Li , Xu Hui‐Xiong , Li Dan‐Dan , Liu Bo‐Ji , Zhang Yi‐Feng , Xu Jun‐Mei , Bo Xiao‐Wan , Li Xiao‐Long , Guo Le‐Hang , Qu Shen
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To investigate the diagnostic performance of a 2‐dimensional shear wave elastographic technique (Virtual Touch tissue imaging and quantification [VTIQ]; Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, CA) for predicting thyroid malignancy.

Methods

A total of 302 thyroid nodules underwent conventional sonography and VTIQ before fine‐needle aspiration examination or surgery. Compared with histopathologic or cytologic results in combination with follow‐up, the diagnostic performance of various shear wave speed (SWS) indices (minimum [SWSmin], maximum [SWSmax], and mean [SWSmean]) on VTIQ as well as conventional sonographic features for predicting thyroid malignancy was evaluated in all of the nodules.

Results

Sixty‐five malignant and 237 benign thyroid nodules were histopathologically or cytologically confirmed. All SWS indices on VTIQ were lower in benign nodules than thyroid malignancy (all P < .001). For discrimination between malignant and benign nodules, all VTIQ SWS indices were better than conventional sonographic features, such as a solid component, a taller‐than‐wide shape, microcalcification, a poorly defined margin and hypoechogenicity, in predicting thyroid malignancy (all P < .05). By applying a cutoff SWSmean value of 2.60 m/s, VTIQ achieved sensitivity and negative predictive values of 84.6% and 94.3%, respectively, for differentiating nodules. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of SWSmax (0.862 versus 0.717), SWSmin (0.866 versus 0.717), and SWSmean (0.891 versus 0.725) for nodules larger than 10 mm were higher than those for nodules of 10 mm or smaller (all P < .05). Interoperator and intraoperator reproducibility was proven to be excellent, with all interclass correlation coefficient values higher than 0.80 (range, 0.813–0.905)

Conclusions

Virtual Touch tissue imaging and quantification is a useful and reproducible tool for predicting thyroid malignancy.
Ultrasound‐Guided Suprainguinal Fascia Iliaca Technique Provides Benefit as an Analgesic Adjunct for Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Bullock W. Michael , Yalamuri Suraj M. , Gregory Stephen H. , Auyong David B. , Grant Stuart A.
Published: January 2017

Analgesia after total hip arthroplasty is often accomplished by the fascia iliaca compartment block, traditionally performed below the inguinal ligament, to anesthetize both femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves. The course of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve below the inguinal ligament is variable as opposed to consistent above the inguinal ligament in the pelvis. In this case series including 5 patients, we demonstrate that an ultrasound‐guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca approach would consistently anesthetize the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve along with anterior cutaneous femoral nerve branches and provide cutaneous analgesia after total hip arthroplasty, as shown by decreased opioid consumption.
Implementation of a 4‐Year Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound Curriculum in a Liaison Committee on Medical Education–Accredited US Medical School
Authors: Wilson Sean P. , Mefford Jason M. , Lahham Shadi , Lotfipour Shahram , Subeh Mohammad , Maldonado Gracie , Spann Sophie , Fox John C.
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The established benefits of point‐of‐care ultrasound have given rise to multiple new and innovative curriculums to incorporate ultrasound teaching into medical education. This study sought to measure the educational success of a comprehensive and integrated 4‐year point‐of‐care ultrasound curriculum.

Methods

We integrated a curriculum consisting of traditional didactics combined with asynchronous learning modules and hands‐on practice on live models with skilled sonographers into all 4 years of education at a Liaison Committee on Medical Education–accredited US Medical School. Each graduating student was administered an exit examination with 48 questions that corresponded to ultrasound milestones.

Results

Ninety‐five percent (n = 84) of fourth‐year medical students completed the exit examination. The mean score was 79.5% (SD, 10.2%), with mean scores on the ultrasound physics and anatomy subsections being 77.1% (SD, 11.0%) and 85.9% (SD, 21.0%), respectively.

Conclusions

A comprehensive 4‐year point‐of‐care ultrasound curriculum integrated into medical school may successfully equip graduating medical students with a fundamental understanding of ultrasound physics, anatomy, and disease recognition.
Sorafenib analogue SC‐60 induces apoptosis through the SHP‐1/STAT3 pathway and enhances docetaxel cytotoxicity in triple‐negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Liu Chun‐Yu , Su Jung‐Chen , Huang Tzu‐Ting , Chu Pei‐Yi , Huang Chun‐Teng , Wang Wan‐Lun , Lee Chia‐Han , Lau Ka‐Yi , Tsai Wen‐Chun , Yang Hsiu‐Ping , Shiau Chung‐Wai , Tseng Ling‐Ming , Chen Kuen‐Feng
Published: January 2017

Recurrent triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) needs new therapeutic targets. Src homology region 2 domain‐containing phosphatase‐1 (SHP‐1) can act as a tumor suppressor by dephosphorylating oncogenic kinases. One major target of SHP‐1 is STAT3, which is highly activated in TNBC. In this study, we tested a sorafenib analogue SC‐60, which lacks angiokinase inhibition activity, but acts as a SHP‐1 agonist, in TNBC cells. SC‐60 inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis by dephosphorylating STAT3 in both a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner in TNBC cells (MDA‐MB‐231, MDA‐MB‐468, and HCC1937). By contrast, ectopic expression of STAT3 rescued the anticancer effect induced by SC‐60. SC‐60 also increased the SHP‐1 activity, but this effect was inhibited when the N‐SH2 domain (DN1) was deleted or with SHP‐1 point mutation (D61A), implying that SHP‐1 is the major target of SC‐60 in TNBC. The use of SC‐60 in combination with docetaxel synergized the anticancer effect induced by SC‐60 through the SHP‐1/STAT3 pathway in TNBC cells. Importantly, SC‐60 also displayed a significant antitumor effect in an MDA‐MB‐468 xenograft model by modulating the SHP‐1/STAT3 axis, indicating the anticancer potential of SC‐60 in TNBC treatment. Targeting SHP‐1/p‐STAT3 and the potential combination of SHP‐1 agonist with chemotherapeutic docetaxel is a feasible therapeutic strategy for TNBC.
Analytical Glow Discharges: Fundamentals, Applications, and New Developments
Authors: Bengtson Arne , Hoffmann Volker , Kasik Martin , Marshall Kim
Published: January 2017

Optical (atomic absorption spectroscopy, AAS; atomic emission spectroscopy, AES) and mass spectrometric (magnetic sector and time‐of‐flight, TOF) instrumentation are well suited for coupling to the glow discharge (GD).

The GD source is a relatively simple device. A potential gradient (500–1500 V) is applied between an anode and cathode. In most cases, the sample is also the cathode. A noble gas (e.g. Ar, Ne, Kr, and Xe) is introduced into the discharge region before power initiation. When a potential is applied, electrons are accelerated toward the anode. As these electrons accelerate, they collide with gas atoms. A fraction of these collisions is of sufficient energy to remove an electron from a support gas atom, forming an ion. These ions are, in turn, accelerated toward the cathode. These ions impinge on the surface of the cathode, sputtering sample atoms from the surface. Sputtered atoms that do not redeposit on the surface diffuse into the excitation/ionization regions of the plasma where they can undergo excitation and/or ionization via a number of collisional processes.

GD sources offer a number of distinct advantages that make them well suited for specific types of analyses. These sources provide analytically useful gas‐phase species from solid samples and can be interfaced with a variety of spectroscopic and spectrometric instruments for both quantitative and qualitative analyses. GD sources afford direct analysis of solid samples, thus minimizing the sample preparation required for analysis. According to the nature of this plasma, the atomization and excitation processes are separated in space and time that helps to minimize the matrix effects that plague so many other elemental techniques. This low influence of the matrix is also supported by the fact that the plasma consists mainly of the discharge gas and the sample is only present in low concentration. Unfortunately, the GD source functions optimally in a dry environment, making analysis of solutions more difficult. The GD sources are working optimally with conductive samples and in low‐pressure environment. It makes adaptation of GD sources for analysis of nonconductive samples and samples with high vapor pressure difficult and challenging.

In this article, first the principles of operation of the GD plasma are reviewed, with an emphasis on how those principles relate to optical spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). Basic applications of the GD techniques are considered next. These include bulk analysis, surface analysis, and the analysis of solutions and gaseous samples. The requirements necessary to obtain optical information are addressed following the analytical applications. This section focuses on the instrumentation needed to make optical measurements using the GD as an atomization/excitation source. Finally, mass spectrometric instrumentation is addressed as it pertains to the use of a GD plasma as an ion source.
Solid Sample Preparations and Applications forX‐Ray Fluorescence Analysis
Authors: Ichikawa Shintaro , Nakamura Toshihiro
Published: January 2017

X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) has been routinely employed for simple and convenient determination of major and minor elements in solid and powder samples without dissolution treatment. In addition, spectrometers have been downsized and automated with the development of instrumental components and analytical techniques. Modern XRF instruments are used by not only analysts but also persons in various fields with little analytical knowledge and technique and who may not verify the reliability of the analytical results and/or sample preparation. However, the accuracy of XRF determination largely depends on the sample conditions such as flatness, particle size, homogeneity, and thickness. Appropriate conditions are identified by the analytical depth of fluorescent X‐rays. This article details solid and powder sample preparations based on the analytical depth and type of XRF specimen (loose powder, powder pellets, or glass beads). Moreover, it describes calibration curves using synthetic standards prepared by chemical reagents containing analytes. These standards are validated against reference materials (RMs) for reliable XRF determination.