bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a customised approach for strengthening tuberculosis laboratory quality management systems toward accreditation
Authors: Albert Heidi , Trollip Andre , Erni Donatelle , Kao Kekeletso
Published: March 2017

Background: Quality-assured tuberculosis laboratory services are critical to achieve global and national goals for tuberculosis prevention and care. Implementation of a quality management system (QMS) in laboratories leads to improved quality of diagnostic tests and better patient care. The Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) programme has led to measurable improvements in the QMS of clinical laboratories. However, progress in tuberculosis laboratories has been slower, which may be attributed to the need for a structured tuberculosis-specific approach to implementing QMS. We describe the development and early implementation of the Strengthening Tuberculosis Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (TB SLMTA) programme.Development: The TB SLMTA curriculum was developed by customizing the SLMTA curriculum to include specific tools, job aids and supplementary materials specific to the tuberculosis laboratory. The TB SLMTA Harmonized Checklist was developed from the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Africa Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation checklist, and incorporated tuberculosis-specific requirements from the Global Laboratory Initiative Stepwise Process Towards Tuberculosis Laboratory Accreditation online tool.Implementation: Four regional training-of-trainers workshops have been conducted since 2013. The TB SLMTA programme has been rolled out in 37 tuberculosis laboratories in 10 countries using the Workshop approach in 32 laboratories in five countries and the Facility based approach in five tuberculosis laboratories in five countries.Conclusion: Lessons learnt from early implementation of TB SLMTA suggest that a structured training and mentoring programme can build a foundation towards further quality improvement in tuberculosis laboratories. Structured mentoring, and institutionalisation of QMS into country programmes, is needed to support tuberculosis laboratories to achieve accreditation.
Between dwellings and doors: Spatial perspectives on preaching
Authors: Cilliers Johan H.
Published: March 2017

Although many classical works on preaching, especially within the reformed tradition, would take as point of departure the question of understanding, that is, how to do exegesis of a biblical text in such a manner that it makes sense (is understandable) to present-day listeners of sermons, this article opts for an aesthetical approach, which does not exclude the question of intelligibility, but places it within aesthetical frameworks, such as our multi-sensing of space and time. Preaching, in my opinion, entails more than just speaking, hearing and (cognitive) understanding. It calls, inter alia, for a multi-sensory (re)discovery of space and time, within space and time. This article reflects specifically on the spatial dimension of preaching pertaining to experiences of being, or coming, home and, conversely, leaving home, that is, experiencing liminality, as not-being-at-home.
Emerging vector-borne diseases in dromedaries in Tunisia: West Nile, bluetongue, epizootic haemorrhagic disease and Rift Valley fever
Authors: Hassine Thameur B. , Amdouni Jihane , Monaco Federica , Savini Giovanni , Sghaier Soufien , Selimen Imed B. , Chandoul Walid , Hamida Khaled B. , Hammami Salah
Published: March 2017

A total of 118 sera were collected during 2016 from two groups of dromedaries from Kebili and Medenine governorates in the south of Tunisia. The aim of this study was to provide the first serological investigation of four emerging vector-borne diseases in two groups of dromedaries in Tunisia. Sera were tested by ELISA and serum neutralisation test to identify West Nile virus (WNV), bluetongue virus (BTV), epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). In the first group, the seroprevalence for BTV was 4.6%, while in the second group, it was 25.8% for WNV and 9.7% for BTV. Only serotype 1 was detected for BTV in the two groups. No evidence for circulation of RVF and EHD viruses was revealed. Results indicated that dromedaries can be infected with BTV and WNV, suggesting that this species might play a significant role in the epizootiology of these viral diseases in Tunisia and neighbouring countries.
The question of deification in the theology of John Calvin
Authors: Park Sung W.
Published: March 2017

Calvin scholars debate whether Calvin�s theology supports the Eastern Orthodox theosis, which advocates the believers� participation in the intrinsic divine life, mediated by Christ�s humanity in their union with Christ. To attempt to give an answer to the question of theosis in Calvin�s theology, this article isolates a framework used by the proponents of Eastern Orthodox theosis in Calvin�s theology. The framework centres around the three aspects of the nature of the salvific gifts, the nature of the believers� union with Christ and the relation of Christ�s two natures in their hypostatic union. The re-examination of these three aspects through the lens of Calvin�s theology shows that it is hard to hold that Calvin teaches Eastern Orthodox theosis.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implication: As a Reformed intradisciplinary assessment of the question of theosis in Calvin�s theology, this article maintains that the proponents of Calvin�s doctrine of theosis overlook his Chalcedonian Christology, the personal dimension of his idea of union with Christ and his emphasis on Christ�s salvific work in his humanity.
Candidate genes for alcohol dependence
Authors: Malhotra Savita , Basu Debasish , Khullar Madhu , Ghosh Abhishek , Chugh Neera
Published: March 2017

Background & objectives:

Search for candidate genes for alcohol dependence (AD) has been inconsistent and inconclusive. Moreover, most of the research has been confined to a few specific ethnic groups. Hence, the aim of our study was to explore specific candidate genes for AD in north Indian male population.

Methods:

In this clinic-based genetic association study, 210 males with AD and 200 controls matched for age, gender and ethnicity were recruited from the clinic and the general population, respectively. Cases were diagnosed with Semi-structured Assessment for Genetics of Alcoholism-II (SSAGA-II). Single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping was done by real-time quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using Taq Man assay (ABI 7500) fast real-time PCR system.

Results:

Both at the genotypic level and at allelic frequency, Met158 variant of catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) showed significant increase in cases as compared to controls. The frequency of heterozygous genotype (A/G) of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor A1 (GABRA1) was significantly lower in cases as compared to controls. Likewise, for GABRA2, the frequency of homozygous recessive genotype (G/G) was significantly higher in the control group. With respect to the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) transporter long promoter region (5HTTLPR), cholinergic receptor muscarinic (CHRM2) and alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) genes, there was no significant difference between the cases and the controls. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) gene was found to be monomorphic in our study population.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Our study findings showed COMT polymorphism conferring risk and GABRA polymorphism as a protective genotype for Indian male with AD. Genes for alcohol metabolism, serotonin transporter and cholinergic receptor gene polymorphism were perhaps not contributory to AD for Indian population.
Prevalence & correlates of tobacco use among adolescents in Kerala, India
Authors: Jaisoorya T. S. , Beena K. V. , Beena M. , Jose Dalia C. , Ellangovan K. , Thennarasu K. , Benegal Vivek
Published: March 2017

Background & objectives:

Most tobacco users who initiate its use during adolescence are likely to continue the use into adulthood and contribute to the 90 per cent of premature deaths among tobacco users. In this context the prevalence, patterns and correlates of tobacco use were studied among adolescent school students in Kerala, India.

Methods:

Total 7560 students from classes 8, 10 and 12, within the age group of 12-19 yr, across 73 schools in Ernakulam district, Kerala, India, selected by cluster random sampling, completed a self-administered questionnaire incorporating standardized instruments.

Results:

Of the 7350 valid questionnaires, the overall lifetime prevalence of tobacco use was 6.9 per cent (12.5% males and 1.2% females). The prevalence of tobacco use increased from 3.1 per cent at 12-13 yr to 15.1 per cent at 18-19 yr. The mean age of onset of tobacco use was 14.0±2.2 yr. The prevalence was higher among students from urban backgrounds, lower socio-economic status and those with part-time jobs. Tobacco users had significantly higher rates of use of alcohol (67.8 vs. 11%) and illicit drugs (33 vs. 6.1%). They had poorer academic performance (24.7 vs. 9.1%), more severe psychological distress (10.8 vs. 4.5%), suicidal attempts (10.2 vs. 3.5%), higher scores of ratings of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (8.3 vs. 2.5%) and history of sexual abuse (12.5 vs. 3.8%).

Interpretation & conclusions:

The prevalence of tobacco use in adolescents reported in this study was relatively lower than those reported from other Indian States. However, it correlates with multiple negative outcomes suggesting a need to promote specific interventions to prevent adolescent tobacco use.
Evidence of apoptosis in right ventricular dysfunction in rheumatic mitral valve stenosis
Authors: Pande Shantanu , Tewari Prabhat , Agarwal Surendra K. , Agarwal Vikas , Agrawal Vinita , Chagtoo Megha , Majumdar Gauranga , Tewari Satyendra
Published: March 2017

Background & objectives:

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is one of the causes of morbidity and mortality in valvular heart disease. The phenomenon of apoptosis, though rare in cardiac muscle may contribute to loss of its function. Role of apoptosis in RV in patients with rheumatic valvular heart disease is investigated in this study.

Methods:

Patients with rheumatic mitral valve stenosis formed two groups based on RV systolic pressure (RVSP) as RVSP <40 mmHg (group I, n=9) and RVSP ≥40 mmHg (group II, n=30). Patients having atrial septal defect (ASD) with RVSP <40 mmHg served as control (group III, n=15). Myocardial performance index was assessed for RV function. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed on muscle biopsy procured from RV to assess expression of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, cytochrome c, caspase 3 and Fas) and anti-apoptotic genes (Bcl-2). Apoptosis was confirmed by histopathology and terminal deoxynucleotide-transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling.

Results:

Group II had significant RV dysfunction compared to group I (P=0.05) while caspase 3 (P=0.01) and cytochrome c (P=0.03) were expressed excessively in group I. When group I was compared to group III (control), though there was no difference in RV function, a highly significant expression of pro-apoptotic genes was observed in group I (Bax, P=0.02, cytochrome c=0.001 and caspase 3=0.01). There was a positive correlation between pro-apoptotic genes. Nuclear degeneration was present conforming to apoptosis in valve disease patients (groups I and II) while it was absent in patients with ASD.

Interpretation & conclusion:

Our findings showed evidence of apoptosis in RV of patients with valvular heart disease. Apoptosis was set early in the course of rheumatic valve disease even with lower RVSP, followed by RV dysfunction; however, expression of pro-apoptotic genes regressed.
Genetic characterization of human herpesvirus type 1
Authors: Bondre Vijay P. , Sankararaman Vasudha , Andhare Vijaysinh , Tupekar Manisha , Sapkal Gajanan N.
Published: March 2017

Background & objectives:

Human herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is the most common cause of sporadic encephalitis in humans that contributes to >10 per cent of the encephalitis cases occurring worldwide. Availability of limited full genome sequences from a small number of isolates resulted in poor understanding of host and viral factors responsible for variable clinical outcome. In this study genetic relationship, extent and source of recombination using full-length genome sequence derived from a newly isolated HSV-1 isolate was studied in comparison with those sampled from patients with varied clinical outcome.

Methods:

Full genome sequence of HSV-1 isolated from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a patient with acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) by inoculation in baby hamster kidney-21 (BHK-21) cells was determined using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Phylogenetic analysis of the newly generated sequence in comparison with 33 additional full-length genomes defined genetic relationship with worldwide distributed strains. The bootscan and similarity plot analysis defined recombination crossovers and similarities between newly isolated Indian HSV-1 with six Asian and a total of 34 worldwide isolated strains.

Results:

Mapping of 376,332 reads amplified from HSV-1 DNA by NGS generated full-length genome of 151,024 bp from newly isolated Indian HSV-1. Phylogenetic analysis classified worldwide distributed strains into three major evolutionary lineages correlating to their geographic distribution. Lineage 1 containing strains were isolated from America and Europe; lineage 2 contained all the strains from Asian countries along with the North American KOS and RE strains whereas the South African isolates were distributed into two groups under lineage 3. Recombination analysis confirmed events of recombination in Indian HSV-1 genome resulting from mixing of different strains evolved in Asian countries.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Our results showed that the full-length genome sequence generated from an Indian HSV-1 isolate shared close genetic relationship with the American KOS and Chinese CR38 strains which belonged to the Asian genetic lineage. Recombination analysis of Indian isolate demonstrated multiple recombination crossover points throughout the genome. This full-length genome sequence amplified from the Indian isolate would be helpful to study HSV evolution, genetic basis of differential pathogenesis, host-virus interactions and viral factors contributing towards differential clinical outcome in human infections.
Aligning lyotropic liquid crystals with unconventional organic layers
Authors: Otón Eva , Geday Morten Andreas , Tone Caterina Maria , Otón José Manuel , Quintana Xabier
Published: March 2017

Lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals (LCLC) are a kind of LCs far less known and more difficult to control than conventional thermotropic nematics. Nevertheless, LCLCs are a preferred option -often the only one- for applications where hydrophilic materials must be employed. Being water-soluble, LCLC can be used in numerous biology related devices, for example in target detection in lab-on-chip devices. However, their properties and procedures to align them are still less explored, with only a very limited number of options available, especially for homeotropic alignment. In this work, novel organic alignment layers and alignment properties have been explored for selected LCLCs. Non-conventional organic alignment layers were tested and new suitable procedures and materials for both homogeneous and homeotropic alignments have been found. Full Text: PDF ReferencesS.L. Hefinstine, O.D. Lavrentovich, C.J. Woolverton, "Lyotropic liquid crystal as a real-time detector of microbial immune complexes", Lett. Appl. Microbiol. 43, 27 (2006). CrossRef M.A. Geday, M. Ca-o-García, J.M. Escolano, E. Otón, J.M. Otón, X. Quintana, Conference on Liquid Crystals CLC'16, Poland (2016).M.A. Geday, E. Otón, J.M. Escolano, J.M. Otón, X. Quintana, Patent WO 2015193525 (2015). DirectLink Yu.A. Nastishin et al., "Optical characterization of the nematic lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals: Light absorption, birefringence, and scalar order parameter", Phys. Rev. E, 72 (4) 41711 (2005). CrossRef A. Mcguire, et al., "Orthogonal Orientation of Chromonic Liquid Crystals by Rubbed Polyamide Films", Chem. Phys. Chem. 15 (7) (2014). CrossRef J. Jeong, et al., "Homeotropic Alignment of Lyotropic Chromonic Liquid Crystals Using Noncovalent Interactions", Langmuir 30(10) 2914 (2014). CrossRef J.Y. Kim, H.-Tae Jung, "Macroscopic alignment of chromonic liquid crystals using patterned substrates", Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 18, 10362 (2016). CrossRef E. Otón, J.M. Escolano, X. Quintana, J.M. Otón, M.A. Geday, "Aligning lyotropic liquid crystals with silicon oxides", Liq. Cryst. 42 (8) 1069 (2015). CrossRef H.S. Park, et al., "Condensation of Self-Assembled Lyotropic Chromonic Liquid Crystal Sunset Yellow in Aqueous Solutions Crowded with Polyethylene Glycol and Doped with Salt", Langmuir 27, 4164 (2011). CrossRef H.S. Park, et al., "Self-Assembly of Lyotropic Chromonic Liquid Crystal Sunset Yellow and Effects of Ionic Additives", J. Phys. Chem. B 112, 16307 (2008). CrossRef R Caputo et al., "POLICRYPS: a liquid crystal composed nano/microstructure with a wide range of optical and electro-optical applications", J. Opt. A: Pure Appl. Opt. 11, 024017 (2009). CrossRef
Anisotropic light transmission of aligned carbon nanotube sheets coated substrates
Authors: Rahman MD Asiqur , Park Ji Hyun , Truong Kieu Thuy , Suh Dongseok , Scalia Giusy
Published: March 2017

We have performed optical investigations of layers formed by sheets of aligned multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Nanotubes have extraordinary mechanical, electrical and optical properties when they are unidirectionally oriented. Free-standing CNT sheets drawn mechanically from vertically-grown MWCNT forests can be deposited on glass substrates, with nanotube bundles mostly oriented in the drawing direction. These CNT sheet layers have optical anisotropy, which can be detectable even for a single CNT sheet. We have studied the optical anisotropy in transmission, finding a similar value at different length scales indicating similarities in the orientational order of the nanotubes, thus preservation of their average degree of order. Finally, light transmission was observed when the samples were at 45 deg between crossed polarizers. Full Text: PDF ReferencesS. Iijima, "Helical microtubules of graphitic carbon", Nature 354, 56 (1991). CrossRef S. Iijima, "Structural flexibility of carbon nanotubes", J. Chem. Phys. 104, 2089 (1996). CrossRef T.K. Truong et al., "Multifunctional characterization of carbon nanotube sheets, yarns, and their composites", Curr. Appl. Phys. 16, 1250 (2016). CrossRef L. Ren et al., "Carbon Nanotube Terahertz Polarizer", Nano Lett. 9, 7 (2009). CrossRef J. Kyoung et al., "A Reel-Wound Carbon Nanotube Polarizer for Terahertz Frequencies", Nano Lett. 11, 10 (2011). CrossRef M. Zhang et al., "Strong, Transparent, Multifunctional, Carbon Nanotube Sheets", Science 309, 5738 (2005). CrossRef K. Jiang, Q. Li, S. Fan, "Nanotechnology: Spinning continuous carbon nanotube yarns", Nature 419, 801 (2002). CrossRef
The COST Action IC1208 Integrating Devices and Materials: A Challenge for New Instrumentation in ICT
Authors: Oton Jose M.
Published: March 2017

The COST Action IDEM celebrated its closing meeting on 16-17 March 2017, nearly four years after its kick-off in May 2013. During this time, the numbers of participant groups and countries has been steadily increasing, from the original 6 countries and 10 groups to the latest numbers, 212 participants belonging to 60 groups of 29 countries. These include most EU countries and several COST and near-neighbor countries such as Turkey, Switzerland, Serbia, Israel, and Russia.
Functional Brain Stimulation in a Chronic Stroke Survivor With Moderate Impairment
Authors: Peters Heather T. , Pisegna Janell , Faieta Julie , Page Stephen J.
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE. To determine the impact of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with repetitive, task-specific training (RTP) on upper-extremity (UE) impairment in a chronic stroke survivor with moderate impairment.

METHOD. The participant was a 54-yr-old woman with chronic, moderate UE hemiparesis after a single stroke that had occurred 10 yr before study enrollment. She participated in 45-min RTP sessions 3 days/wk for 8 wk. tDCS was administered concurrent to the first 20 min of each RTP session.

RESULTS. Immediately after intervention, the participant demonstrated marked score increases on the UE section of the Fugl–Meyer Scale and the Motor Activity Log (on both the Amount of Use and the Quality of Movement subscales).

CONCLUSION. These data support the use of tDCS combined with RTP to decrease impairment and increase UE use in chronic stroke patients with moderate impairment. This finding is crucial, given the paucity of efficacious treatment approaches in this impairment level.
Insights into Architects’ Future Roles in Off-Site Construction
Authors: Luo Jianing , Zhang Hong , Sher Willy
Published: March 2017

Today’s construction industry is overflowing with new ideas about its future. Off-Site Manufacture and Construction (OSCM) is at the heart of the modern construction industry. Much has been written about the state and context of OSCM in different countries regarding its perceived benefits and barriers to implementation. Off-site production (OSP) plays an important role in improving fragmented construction processes. Although most OSP research targets the attitudes and practices of OSP adoption, there is limited understanding of the philosophical issues underpinning OSP-related architecture. The roles of the architects’ personal philosophies are neglected and this hampers their implementation of OSCM (which has had a largely technical focus). This paper explores the traditional thinking patterns of architects in China and predicts possible future roles for them. It then conceptualizes an “architectural work” mode and a “building product” mode of design and construction and identifies the shortcomings of architects in an OSCM environment. The arguments made are based on practitioners’ perceptions and the first author’s practical experiences of leading several real-life projects in recent years. The findings reveal the implications and significance of the transformation from an “architectural work” mode to a “building product” mode. We foresee a study approach that focuses on the order and rules for OSCM, resulting in architects’ existing mindsets being changed to thinking patterns and design methodologies better suited to OSCM.
Where the Gaps Lie: Ten Years of Research into Collaboration on BIM-Enabled Construction Projects
Authors: Oraee Mehran , Hosseini M.Reza , Banihashemi Namini Saeed , Merschbrock Christoph
Published: March 2017

A BIM-enabled Construction Project (BIMCP) refers to a project involving relevant BIM tools to generate, exchange and manage project data between project participants. Success in delivering BIMCPs largely relies on how effective project members collaborate. As a result, collaboration on BIMCP has become a growing field of research while a review of studies on collaboration on BIMCPs is still missing. To address this gap, this paper presents the findings of a systematic review on studies devoted to collaboration on BIMCPs over the past 10 years (2006-2016). To this end, 208 studies published in 12 ICT-oriented journals in the construction context are thoroughly reviewed. The findings bring to light that studies on collaboration on BIMCPs are sporadic, isolated and focus on narrowed, limited and disjointed areas associated with collaboration. The study contributes to the field through highlighting the gaps of the existing literature on the topic. This provides a stepping stone to direct future inquiries that target collaboration on BIMCPs.
Correlation between Postoperative Area of High Autofluorescence in Macula and Visual Acuity after Macular Hole Closure
Authors: Zhang Peng , Shang Qingli , Ma Jingxue , Hao Yuhua , Ye Cunxi
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To determine the correlation between the preoperative basal diameter of macular hole, the postoperative area of high autofluorescence (AF) in macula, and visual acuity in full-thickness macular hole.

Methods

Forty-nine patients with full-thickness macular hole who underwent vitrectomy and C3F8 filling were reviewed. The preoperative diameter of macular hole, the 6 months postoperative area of high AF in macula if it existed, the length of inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) defect, and visual acuity were obtained. The correlation between them was determined.

Results

At postoperative 6 months, the rate of high AF in macula was 63.3%. There were statistical differences between with and without high AF groups in postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (t = -2.751, p = 0.008), preoperative basal diameter of macular hole (t = -4.946, p = 0.00001), and postoperative length of IS/OS defect (t = -8.351, p<0.00001). Simple linear regression analysis showed high positive correlations between preoperative basal diameter of macular hole and area of high AF (p<0.00001, r = 0.893), postoperative length of IS/OS defect and area of high fundus AF (FAF) (p<0.00001, r = 0.779), and negative correlations between area of high AF and postoperative BCVA (p = 0.037, r = 0.375). There was low correlation between diameter of macular hole and postoperative BCVA (p = 0.112).

Conclusions

The preoperative basal diameter of macular hole and postoperative length of IS/OS defect decides the postoperative area of high AF in macula to some degree, and the postoperative area of high AF in macula can be an evaluating indicator for poor macular function recovery.
Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty Results in Smaller Acetabular Cup Size in Relation to the Femoral Head Size: A Matched-Pair Controlled Study
Authors: Suarez-Ahedo Carlos , Gui Chengcheng , Martin Timothy J. , Chandrasekaran Sivashankar , Lodhia Parth , Domb Benjamin G.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To compare the acetabular component size relative to the patient's native femoral head size between conventional THA (CTHA) approach and robotic-arm assisted THA (RTHA) to infer which of these techniques preserved more acetabular bone.

Methods

Patients were included if they had primary osteoarthritis (OA) and underwent total hip replacement between June 2008 and March 2014. Patients were excluded if they had missing or rotated postoperative anteroposterior radiographs. RTHA patients were matched to a control group of CTHA patients, in terms of preoperative native femoral head size, age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and approach. Acetabular cup size relative to femoral head size was used as a surrogate for amount of bone resected. We compared the groups according to 2 measures describing acetabular cup diameter ( c) in relation to femoral head diameter ( f): (i) c-f, the difference between cup diameter and femoral head diameter and (ii) ( c-f)/ f, the same difference as a fraction of femoral head diameter.

Results

57 matched pairs were included in each group. There were no significant differences between groups for demographic measures, femoral head diameter, or acetabular cup diameter (p>0.05). However, measures (i) and (ii) did differ significantly between the groups, with lower values in the RTHA group (p<0.02).

Conclusions

Using acetabular cup size relative to femoral head size as an approximate surrogate measure of acetabular bone resection may suggest greater preservation of bone stock using RTHA compared to CTHA. Further studies are needed to validate the relationship between acetabular cup size and bone loss in THA.
Diffusion-weighted imaging in evaluating the efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xu Hai-Dong , Zhang Yu-Qin , Shen Wei-Yu , Mao Zheng-Chun
Published: March 2017

Objective:

To explore the predictive value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in evaluating the short-term efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods:

A total of 192 patients with NSCLC were selected and treated with CCRT. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging combined with DWI was performed on all patients before and after CCRT treatment. Correspondingly, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were recorded before treatment (ADCpre), during treatment (ADCmid), and after treatment (ADCpost). Tumor response was evaluated as complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), or progressive disease (PD). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic power of quantitative DWI parameters in predicting the short-term efficacy of CCRT for patients with NSCLC.

Results:

There were 21 patients with CR, 82 with PR, 77 with SD, and 12 with PD. The ADCpre was negatively correlated with tumor regression rate, whereas ADCmid, ADCpost, and their respective change rates ∆ADCmid and ∆ADCpost were positively related to tumor regression rate. The ROC curve analysis suggested ADCpre = 1.38 × 10−3 mm2/s, ∆ADCmid = 14.14%, and ∆ADCpost = 20.39% as thresholds to predict the short-term efficacy of CCRT, with corresponding areas under the curve of 0.637, 0.743, and 0.752, respectively.

Conclusions:

These findings indicate that DWI provides promising predictive value in evaluating the short-term efficacy of CCRT in the treatment of patients with NSCLC.
Getting in the first word: Prosody and predicate initial sentences in Serbian
Authors: Diesing Molly , Zec Draga
Published: March 2017

Second position clitics in Serbian are informally characterized in terms of their hosts which correspond to either the first word or the first phrase within some clitic positioning domain. Serbian is a free constituent order language, with a default SVO order, but with predicate initial orders in the presence of pro-drop or postposed subjects. Earlier proposals range from those in which first phrase positioning is taken to be syntactic and first word to be prosodic, with the initial prosodic word hosting the clitics (Zec and Inkelas 1990; Halpern 1995), to those which analyze both FirstPhrase and FirstWord as a unified syntactic phenomenon (Franks and Progovac 1994; Bošković 2001). While we argue for the relevance of prosody in first word placement, we shed new light on the scope of its role.This article is part of the Special Collection: Prosody and Constituent Structure
Do Estado de Direito à constituição econômica para efetividade do direito social à primeira infância
Authors: Pilau Newton Cesar
Published: March 2017

O presente artigo aborda a efetividade do direito social para a primeira infância, partindo do Estado de Direito, da Constituição e da democracia até a imperiosa necessidade de compreende a constituição econômica como instrumento de efetividade de direitos.
Crime organizado na sociedade do risco: uma perspectiva garantista
Authors: Wisniewski Renato Mendes , Vieira da Silva Filho Edson
Published: March 2017

A proposta deste trabalho parte da existência efetiva de uma nova modalidade criminosa, que surge na sociedade pós-industrial, ocidental e contemporânea do risco, com características peculiares de organização e complexidade, que passa a coexistir com o atual modelo de criminalidade convencional. Pela tendência de expansão penal definida por Jesús-María Silva Sánchez, reconhece-se a dinâmica insuficiente do sistema criminal em oferecer respostas eficientes voltadas à prevenção e repressão das atividades típicas de grupos criminosos organizados, o que demanda uma nova dinâmica, mais eficiente, para o sistema criminal que deixa de oferecer adequada tutela aos bens jurídico-penais constitucionais atacados pela criminalidade organizada, fragilizando a efetividade dos direitos fundamentais.
A neutralidade do Estado em relação à religiosidade como obstáculo ao multiculturalismo na Europa
Authors: Hecktheuer Pedro Abib , Hecktheuer Marcia Abib
Published: March 2017

O objetivo geral da presente pesquisa era demonstrar que a postura atribuída à neutralidade do Estado em relação às formas de profissão de fé religiosa é uma afronta ao multiculturalismo nas sociedades europeias (ocidentais). De forma subjacente e concomitante, objetiva-se compreender a laicidade do Estado e sua neutralidade quanto à liberdade religiosa e suas origens, compreender os institutos do multiculturalismo e sua evolução à luz de Kymlicka (pós-Rawls) e analisar os casos de afronta ao multiculturalismo religioso em países ocidentais. Por meio de uma abordagem bibliográfica, histórica e documental, verificou-se que a neutralidade do Estado não é, de fato, um princípio que justifique essa intolerância à prática religiosa que passa a ocorrer nos Estados europeus, o que acaba por representar, sim, um obstáculo ao multiculturalismo, uma vez que ainda que haja políticas de integração cívica, é necessário que não esqueçamos as políticas multiculturais para preservar grupos minoritários.
ERROS DE MEDICAÇÃO EM PEDIATRIA E ESTRATÉGIAS DE PREVENÇÃO: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
Authors: Volpatto Bárbara Monteiro , Wegner Wiliam , Gerhardt Luiza Maria , Pedro Eva Neri Rubim , Cruz Silvana Da Silva , Bandeira Larissa Edom
Published: March 2017

Trata-se de revisão integrativa com o objetivo de analisar as estratégias, os incidentes de segurança e a etapa do processo medicamentoso para prevenção de eventos adversos na pediatria. Realizou-se a coleta entre novembro/2015 e fevereiro/2017, nas bases: Literatura Latino-Americana em Ciências de Saúde, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, U.S. National Library of Medicine e Web of Science. Utilizaram-se os descritores: erros de medicação, segurança do paciente e criança. Foram selecionados 27 artigos, publicados entre 2004 e 2016. A etapa do processo medicamentoso mais pesquisada foi a prescrição médica. As taxas de incidentes de segurança variaram entre 0,91% e 54%, não sendo identificada padronização metodológica nos estudos. As estratégias de prevenção relatadas foram: uso da prescrição médica eletrônica, simulação clínica, protocolo de doses, e notificações de incidentes. É importante que a identificação de riscos e o planejamento das estratégias de prevenção subsidiem a análise global do processo medicamentoso.
What You Need to Know about Air Pollution: Its Importance and Effective Solutions
Authors: Thomas Joe
Published: March 2017

Air pollution is now one of the most pressing environmental concerns. While nine out of the ten most polluted cities in the world lie in India and Pakistan that leaves no room for complacency amongst other countries; partly because they too have their own issues and also because we live in a connected ecosystem.
Spatial and Temporal Variation of Rainwater Chemistry in Ile-Ife and Its Environ, Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Okoya Aderonke Adetutu , Osungbemiro Bamikole Walter , Ologunorisa Temi E.
Published: March 2017

The study of the chemical composition of rain water was conducted in Ile – Ife and environs, an agrarian, commercial, residential and semi-industrialised center of Osun state Nigeria. This was with a view to assessing the impact of land use activities on rain water composition and the temporal variation of rainwater chemistry. Physico-chemical parameters such as Turbidity, pH, TDS, Conductivity, Oxygen parameters, Alkalinity, Acidity, Hardness and Major ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, NO3-, SO4-, HCO3-) were determined, predominant ions were identified. Turbidity, pH, Conductivity, TDS, D.O B.O.D, Alkalinity, Acidity Hardness ranged between 2.90 - 42.84 NTU, 5.65 - 7.40, 6.71 – 122.33 µScm-1, 4.10 –73.27 mg/L, 3.60 – 10.60 mg/L, 0.13 – 7.20 mg/L, 0.33 – 22.0 mg/L, 2.00 – 15.00 mg/L, 0.04 – 1.23 CaCO3mg/l respectively. The dominant ions detected in the study were HCO3-, Mg2+, Na+ and Ca2+. Generally, the mean concentration of ions as expressed in milli-equivalent per Litre showed order of dominance as HCO3- > NO3- > SO42- for the anions and Mg2+ > Na+ > Ca2+ > K+ for cations. The study concluded that land use activities had influence on all the chemical composition of rain water in the study area but more on pH, alkalinity, acidity, bicarbonate. Except sulphate and Nitrate, all other parameters recorded high values in dry season.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Sustainable Development, Vol. 10, No. 2
Authors: Sun Sherry
Published: March 2017

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Sustainable Development, Vol. 10, No. 2, 2017
DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR IDENTITY AUTHENTICATION USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: Kartbayev Timur , Akhmetov Bahitzhan , Doszhanova Aliya , Mukapil Kaiyrkhan , Kalizhanova Aliya , Nabiyeva Gulnaz , Balgabayeva Lyazzat , Malikova Feruza
Published: March 2017

The aim of the study is to increase the effectiveness of automated face recognition to authenticate identity, considering features of change of the face parameters over time. The improvement of the recognition accuracy, as well as consideration of the features of temporal changes in a human face can be based on the methodology of artificial neural networks. Hybrid neural networks, combining the advantages of classical neural networks and fuzzy logic systems, allow using the network learnability along with the explanation of the findings. The structural scheme of intelligent system for identification based on artificial neural networks is proposed in this work. It realizes the principles of digital information processing and identity recognition taking into account the forecast of key characteristics’ changes over time (e.g., due to aging). The structural scheme has a three-tier architecture and implements preliminary processing, recognition and identification of images obtained as a result of monitoring. On the basis of expert knowledge, the fuzzy base of products is designed. It allows assessing possible changes in key characteristics, used to authenticate identity based on the image. To take this possibility into consideration, a neuro-fuzzy network of ANFIS type was used, which implements the algorithm of Tagaki-Sugeno. The conducted experiments showed high efficiency of the developed neural network and a low value of learning errors, which allows recommending this approach for practical implementation. Application of the developed system of fuzzy production rules that allow predicting changes in individuals over time, will improve the recognition accuracy, reduce the number of authentication failures and improve the efficiency of information processing and decision-making in applications, such as authentication of bank customers, users of mobile applications, or in video monitoring systems of sensitive sites.
The flower morphology in three Convallariaceae species with various attractive traits
Authors: Odintsova Anastasia , Fishchuk Oksana
Published: March 2017

The general morphology and micromorphology of the flower in Polygonatum multiflorum, Maianthemum bifolium, and Convallaria majalis were studied using light microscopy methods. Among the studied species, P. multiflorum and C. majalis have syntepalous and trimerous flowers, and in M. bifolium flowers are the most reduced: they are dimerous, pentacyclic, and with free tepals. Only in P. multiflorum stamens are considerably adnate to the floral tube. The gynoecium of P. multiflorum consists of synascidiate, hemisymplicate, and asymplicate zones. In the gynoecium of M. bifolium and C. majalis, synascidiate, symplicate, and asymplicate vertical zones were revealed. In P. multiflorum and M. bifolium, the style is composed of postgenitally connated carpels, while in C. majalis the style is formed by congenitally fused carpels (symplicate gynoecium zone). A common pattern of the venation of the floral parts was revealed in all the species.

The external flower morphology and the gynoecium inner structure are different in all three species, providing adaptations for the pollination mode. Attractive elements observed in the flower of P. multiflorum are the long septal nectary in the ovary and epidermal trichomes on the inner perigonium surface and on the filaments. In M. bifolium, a rudimentary external septal nectary was observed for the first time. No nectaries or other morphologically distinct secretory structures were found in the C. majalis flower, allowing considering the C. majalis flowers as pollen flowers.
Plant–insect interactions: the role of ecological stoichiometry
Authors: Filipiak Michał , Weiner January
Published: March 2017

The energy budget of organisms is a primary factor used to generate hypotheses in ecosystem ecology and evolutionary theory. Therefore, previous studies have focused on the energy costs and benefits of adaptations, the efficiency of energy acquisition and investment, and energy budget limitations. The maintenance of stoichiometric balance is equally important because inconsistency between the chemical composition of the consumer’s tissues and that of its food sources strongly affects the major life-history traits of the consumer and may influence the consumer’s fitness and shape plant–herbivore interactions. In this short review, the framework of ecological stoichiometry is introduced, focusing on plant–insect interactions in terrestrial ecosystems. The use of the trophic stoichiometric ratio (TSR) index is presented as a useful tool for indicating the chemical elements that are scarce in food and have the potential to limit the growth and development of herbivores, thereby influencing plant – herbivorous insect interactions. As an example, the elemental composition and stoichiometry of a pollen consumer (mason bee Osmia bicornis) and its preferred pollen are compared. The growth and development of O. bicornis may be colimited by the scarcity of K, Na, and N in pollen, whereas the development of the cocoon might be colimited by the scarcity of P, Mg, K, Na, Zn, Ca, and N. A literature review of the elemental composition of pollen shows high taxonomical variability in the concentrations of bee-limiting elements. The optimized collection of pollen species based on the elemental composition may represent a strategy used by bees to overcome stoichiometric mismatches, influencing their interactions with plants. It is concluded that the dependence of life-history traits on food stoichiometry should be considered when discussing life history evolution and plant–herbivore interactions. The TSR index may serve as a convenient and powerful tool in studies investigating plant-insect interactions.
Folk food and medicinal botanical knowledge among the last remaining Yörüks of the Balkans
Authors: Nedelcheva Anely , Pieroni Andrea , Dogan Yunus
Published: March 2017

The present study examines the current lifestyle of the last remaining Balkan Yörüks, a small and isolated group found within the Republic of Macedonia, and the modern representatives of an important portion of the Balkan nomads. The aim of this study was to document knowledge concerning local wild food plants and wild and cultivated medicinal plants, and to compare the Yörük ethnobotany with that of similar, more or less isolated ethnic groups occurring in the Balkan region (Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania, and Turkey) in order to assess how cultural adaptation processes may have affected Yörük plant folklore. We conducted this study by means of detailed, semi-structured interviews with 48 key informants.

Sixty-seven plant taxa were recorded from 55 genera, based on the compilation of more than 150 reports relating to medicinal, food, forage, ornamental, and dye plants, as well as some elements relating to animals and minerals. Our field study data show several major ethnic boundary markers that contribute to the homogeneity of the community and also distinguish it sufficiently from the surrounding society: (i) well-isolated locality; (ii) local dialect and endogamy; (iii) casual clothing worn by women; (iv) ceremonial jewelry: a necklace of cloves (Syzygium aromaticum); (v) Sempervivum marmoreum as an only ornamental plant which also has a medicinal use; and (vi) Mentha spicata as the dominant culinary herb, which has a medicinal use too. Comparison of the collected ethnobotanical data with that of similar, more or less isolated ethnic groups in the Balkan region shows that overlapping taxa include mainly plants whose fresh fruit are used; both nuts as well as edible greens. These plants are simultaneously used for medicinal purposes too, as home remedies, but in very different ways to other ethnic groups.

Yörüks represent a remarkable cultural group in the Balkans. This community has nomadic traditions, but nowadays the people have a settled lifestyle. Traditional knowledge remains strong and is retained within a well-defined cultural boundary.
Epitypification of the name Epipactis purpurata Sm. (Orchidaceae, Neottieae)
Authors: Jakubska-Busse Anna , Żołubak Elżbieta , Proćków Jarosław
Published: March 2017

The identity of the holotype of Epipactis purpurata Sm. is shown to be demonstrably ambiguous because all its flowers are at the budding stage (pre-anthesis); thus, no crucial diagnostic characters are visible, i.e., gynostemium morphology and undulations of margins of the labella and their shape and color. This way, the specimen is almost identical with several species of Epipactis genus (E. purpurata group) and including morphologically variable Epipactis helleborine, as many plants of the latter species can have similar combinations of characters like the holotype (i.e., small leaves and a robust stem even in the inflorescence). Thus, an epitype for the name Epipactis purpurata Sm. is proposed (M 257866) in order to enable its precise taxonomic interpretation and achieve nomenclatural stability.
Pathologists' Perspectives on Disclosing Harmful Pathology Error
Authors: Dintzis Suzanne M. , Clennon Emily K. , Prouty Carolyn D. , Reich Lisa M. , Elmore Joann G. , Gallagher Thomas H.
Published: March 2017

Context.—

Medical errors are unfortunately common. The US Institute of Medicine proposed guidelines for mitigating and disclosing errors. Implementing these recommendations in pathology will require a better understanding of how errors occur in pathology, the relationship between pathologists and treating clinicians in reducing error, and pathologists' experiences with and attitudes toward disclosure of medical error.

Objective.—

To understand pathologists' attitudes toward disclosing pathology error to treating clinicians and patients.

Design.—

We conducted 5 structured focus groups in Washington State and Missouri with 45 pathologists in academic and community practice. Participants were questioned about pathology errors, how clinicians respond to pathology errors, and what roles pathologists should play in error disclosure to patients.

Results.—

These pathologists believe that neither treating physicians nor patients understand the subtleties and limitations of pathologic diagnoses, which complicates discussions about pathology errors. Pathologists' lack of confidence in communication skills and fear of being misrepresented or misunderstood are major barriers to their participation in disclosure discussions. Pathologists see potential for their future involvement in disclosing error to patients, but at present advocate reliance on treating clinicians to disclose pathology errors to patients. Most group members believed that going forward pathologists should offer to participate more actively in error disclosure to patients.

Conclusions.—

Pathologists lack confidence in error disclosure communication skills with both treating physicians and patients. Improved communication between pathologists and treating physicians could enhance transparency and promote disclosure of pathology errors. Consensus guidelines for best practices in pathology error disclosure may be useful.