bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Teacher Academic Optimism Scale: The validity and reliability study
Authors: Ergen Yusuf , Elma Cevat
Published: November 2017

The study aims to develop a valid and reliable academic optimism scale that can be used to determine teachers’ academic optimism levels. The study was conducted through a total number of 404 primary school teachers who worked in the central districts of Malatya Province during 2014-2015 academic year. The content validity and face validity of the scale were determined via expert recommendations. An explanatory factor analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to determine the construct validity of the scale. After the expert opinions, 80 items reduced to 64 and the data was collected by the use of these 64 items. An exploratory factor analysis revealed 5 factors reducing 64 items in to 33 and explaining 58.56% of the total variation in the data. The five-factor model obtained through an explanatory factor analysis after removal of one item as a result of the confirmatory factor analysis was observed to be highly consistent. Different from previous related research, the result showed that a new dimension as “Maneger Trust” emerged as a part of “Teacher Academic Optimism Scale”. And finally this scale could be used as a valid and reliable instrument in the future studies.
Development of Teacher Academic Optimism Scale: The validity and reliability study
Authors: Ergen Yusuf , Elma Cevat
Published: November 2017

The study aims to develop a valid and reliable academic optimism scale that can be used to determine teachers' academic optimism levels. The study was conducted through a total number of 404 primary school teachers who worked in the central districts of Malatya Province during 2014-2015 academic year. The content validity and face validity of the scale were determined via expert recommendations. An explanatory factor analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to determine the construct validity of the scale. After the expert opinions, 80 items reduced to 64 and the data was collected by the use of these 64 items. An exploratory factor analysis revealed 5 factors reducing 64 items in to 33 and explaining 58.56% of the total variation in the data. The five-factor model obtained through an explanatory factor analysis after removal of one item as a result of the confirmatory factor analysis was observed to be highly consistent. Different from previous related research, the result showed that a new dimension as "Maneger Trust" emerged as a part of "Teacher Academic Optimism Scale". And finally this scale could be used as a valid and reliable instrument in the future studies.
Teaching gifted students through authentic instruction: Reflections from the EFL teachers
Authors: Mutlu Gülçin
Published: November 2017

The review of literature highlighted that gifted students may gain a lot from authentic instruction in that this methodology may serve well to their needs for inquiry, meaning-making and higher level thinking. Therefore, this qualitative study realized in a phenomenological design aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the EFL teachers’ ways of integrating authentic pedagogy into their teaching situations with gifted students. Thus, part of the aim of this study is to investigate how foreign language teaching and gifted education could be linked to one another and in this way it also aims to propose an interdisciplinary focus of research. The participants were six EFL teachers that were sampled from those teaching gifted language learners at Science and Arts Centers (BILSEMs) in one geographical region of Turkey and asked to share their experiences about the implementation of authentic instruction in their gifted classrooms. The results showed that the EFL teachers mostly followed the firmly established standards of the authentic instruction in the literature and they believed that authentic instructional practices enhance gifted learners’ learning and intellectual capacities. However, there were some problems or barriers such as class size and time constraints against the better implementation of authentic instruction in their gifted EFL classrooms as reported by these teachers.
A GIS-BASED TSUNAMI EVACUATION MODEL CONSIDERING LAND COVER AND SPATIAL CONFIGURATION (CASE OF PURWOREJO REGENCY, INDONESIA)
Authors: Hakim Febri Fahmi , De Vries Walter Timo , Siegert Florian , Syahbana Joesron Alie
Published: November 2017

In Indonesia, several programs have dealt with tsunami mitigation, such as The German-Indonesian Tsunami Early Warning System (GITEWS) project (2005-2011). Despite the success of these projects, many coastal areas in Indonesia are still vulnerable to tsunamis, due to the variety of land cover and spatial configuration characteristics. One of such vulnerable areas includes Purworejo Regency. This paper evaluated the degree to which land cover and spatial configuration characteristics influence the tsunami evacuation process, and thus influence tsunami hazard mitigation. The evaluation drawn on data from a low to medium density populated coastal area of Purworejo Regency. The analysis relied on a quantitative approach, using a cross-sectional field survey, followed by a GIS-based analysis. This is complemented by a raster-based analysis to incorporate the land cover and spatial configuration aspects.  The combined analysis derived which buildings could act as evacuation buildings in case of a tsunami. The associated tsunami evacuation routes were calculated using a Least Cost Path (LCP) analysis method. The results suggested that several public facility buildings are likely to be used as tsunami evacuation buildings. Yet, even though the overall capacity of these buildings is adequate to accommodate the estimated number of evacuees in a larger area, the specific demand at certain locations in the study area is much higher than these localities can handle. This disproportionate spatial variation in required capacity needs further attention. Moreover, the survey responses indicated that the majority of the respondents was not well informed regarding the tsunami evacuation procedures
Export Performance: A Focus on Discretionary Adaptation
Authors: Westjohn Stanford A. , Magnusson Peter
Published: November 2017

Marketing adaptation strategy has been characterized as a strategic imperative in markets with protectionist and nationalist sentiments, which underscores the need to better understand the effects of adaptation strategy. However, empirical investigations of international marketing strategy have considered mandatory and discretionary adaptations as equivalent. Discretionary adaptations, unlike mandatory adaptations, involve choice; thus, they are more relevant to the selection of an international marketing strategy. This article focuses on the direct and conditional effects of discretionary adaptation on export performance. Analyzing data from 203 U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises, the authors find a positive effect of discretionary adaptation on export performance as well as moderating effects of (1) a market characteristic (psychic distance), (2) a firm characteristic (international experience), and (3) a product characteristic (product positional advantage). The implications suggest that adaptation strategy may be more advantageous than previously thought, and that researchers should focus on discretionary adaptations when investigating the choice of a relatively standardized versus adapted international marketing strategy.
Are Cocaine-Seeking “Habits” Necessary for the Development of Addiction-Like Behavior in Rats?
Authors: Singer Bryan F. , Fadanelli Monica , Kawa Alex B. , Robinson Terry E.
Published: November 2017

Drug self-administration models of addiction typically require animals to make the same response (e.g., a lever-press or nose-poke) over and over to procure and take drugs. By their design, such procedures often produce behavior controlled by stimulus–response (S-R) habits. This has supported the notion of addiction as a “drug habit,” and has led to considerable advances in our understanding of the neurobiological basis of such behavior. However, to procure such drugs as cocaine, addicts often require considerable ingenuity and flexibility in seeking behavior, which, by definition, precludes the development of habits. To better model drug-seeking behavior in addicts, we first developed a novel cocaine self-administration procedure [puzzle self-administration procedure (PSAP)] that required rats to solve a new puzzle every day to gain access to cocaine, which they then self-administered on an intermittent access (IntA) schedule. Such daily problem-solving precluded the development of S-R seeking habits. We then asked whether prolonged PSAP/IntA experience would nevertheless produce “symptoms of addiction.” It did, including escalation of intake, sensitized motivation for drug, continued drug use in the face of adverse consequences, and very robust cue-induced reinstatement of drug seeking, especially in a subset of “addiction-prone” rats. Furthermore, drug-seeking behavior continued to require dopamine neurotransmission in the core of the nucleus accumbens (but not the dorsolateral striatum). We conclude that the development of S-R seeking habits is not necessary for the development of cocaine addiction-like behavior in rats.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSubstance-use disorders are often characterized as “habitual” behaviors aimed at obtaining and administering drugs. Although the actions involved in consuming drugs may involve a rigid repertoire of habitual behaviors, evidence suggests that addicts must be very creative and flexible when trying to procure drugs, and thus drug seeking cannot be governed by habit alone. We modeled flexible drug-seeking behavior in rats by requiring animals to solve daily puzzles to gain access to cocaine. We find that habitual drug-seeking isn't necessary for the development of addiction-like behavior, and that our procedure doesn't result in transfer of dopaminergic control from the ventral to dorsal striatum. This approach may prove useful in studying changes in neuropsychological function that promote the transition to addiction.
The Spread of an Inversion with Migration and Selection
Authors: Charlesworth Brian , Barton Nicholas H
Published: November 2017

We re-examine the model of Kirkpatrick and Barton for the spread of an inversion into a local population. This model assumes that local selection maintains alleles at two or more loci, despite immigration of alternative alleles at these loci from another population. We show that an inversion is favored because it prevents the breakdown of linkage disequilibrium generated by migration; the selective advantage of an inversion is dependent on the amount of recombination between the loci involved, as in other cases where inversions are selected for as a result of their effects on recombination. We derive expressions for the rate of spread of an inversion; when the loci covered by the inversion are tightly linked, these conditions deviate substantially from those proposed previously, and imply that an inversion can then have only a small advantage.
Physical and Sexual Dating Violence and Nonmedical Use of Prescription Drugs
Authors: Clayton Heather B. , Lowry Richard , Basile Kathleen C. , Demissie Zewditu , Bohm Michele K.
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND:

Little information is available on the associations between nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) and dating violence victimization (DVV) among high school students and how associations vary by sex.

METHODS:

We used data from the 2015 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of students in grades 9 to 12. The sample was restricted to students who dated during the 12 months before the survey, resulting in a sample of 5136 boys and 5307 girls. Sex-stratified logistic regression models estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between lifetime NMUPD and DVV. In our analyses, we examined a 4-level DVV measure: no DVV, physical only, sexual only, and both physical and sexual.

RESULTS:

Male students had a significantly lower prevalence of DVV compared with female students. By using the 4-level measure of DVV, after adjusting for covariates, sexual DVV only (aPR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.21–2.12) and both physical and sexual DVV (aPR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.26–2.17) were positively associated with NUMPD among boys, whereas among girls, physical DVV only (aPR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.16–1.75) and both physical and sexual DVV (aPR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.03–1.99) were positively associated with NMUPD.

CONCLUSIONS:

NMUPD was associated with experiences of DVV among both male and female students. Community- or school-based adolescent violence and substance use prevention efforts would be enhanced by considering the association between DVV and substance use, particularly NMUPD among both male and female adolescents, to address these public health problems.
Determinação do índice glicêmico e da carga glicêmica de dietas hospitalares servidas para diabéticos
Authors: Lemos Karenn Haubricht , Patek Thays Caroline , Mezzomo Thais Regina
Published: November 2017

***Determination of glycemic index and glycemic load of hospital diets served for diabetics***   AIMS: To determine the glycemic index and the glycemic load of diets usually offered by hospitals to patients with diabetes mellitus.   METHODS: A cross-sectional study evaluated menus served to diabetic inpatients of hospitals in the city of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil. Analyzing the menus, we determined the energy content, macronutrients, glycemic index and glycemic load of the meals offered to the patients.    RESULTS: Five general hospitals of the city participated in the study and 10 menus for diabetes were evaluated. The structure of the menus was different mainly in the quantitative supply of fruits and milk. Diets ranged from 1317.6 to 2013.2 kcal, with 18.9 to 27.6% of proteins, 21.9 to 29.4% of lipids, 48.2 to 53.3% of carbohydrates and 24.7 to 33.6 g of fibers. Daily glycemic index ranged from 47 to 57% and daily glycemic load from 81 to 109%.   CONCLUSIONS: All offered diets were hyperproteic, normolipid and normoglicidic. However, inadequate levels of glycemic load were observed in all the evaluated menus, although with adequate levels of glycemic index. It is necessary to review the diet plans elaborated for diabetics, aiming at the best dietary treatment for this population.
Csontanyagcsere felnőtt phenylketonuriás pácienseknél – hazai adatok
Authors: Barta András Gellért , Sumánszki Csaba , Reismann Péter
Published: November 2017

Abstract:

Introduction: Patients with phenylketonuria have lower bone mineral density compared to healthy people, however, the ethiology of these alterations is not clear. Hungarian data were missing in this topic. Aim: The main aim of our study was to survey the correlation between metabolic control and change of bone mineral density in early treated Hungarian adult patients with phenylketonuria. Method: In this monocentric study bone mineral density of 59 adult PKU patients have been repeatedly measured in a 4-year interval using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Two subgroups have been established based on average blood phenylalanine levels. The correlation between the change in bone mineral density and average phenylalanine, tyrosine concentrations have been determined while initial bone mineral density and change have also been examined in the subgroups. Results: Mean phenylalanine concentration was 614 (182–1222) micromol/L, whereas mean tyrosine concentration was 49 (24–99) micromol/L and the calculated ratio was 16 (4,5–35). Three patients have had severely decreased bone mineral density in either localisation while 22 have had mild decrease. Low bone mineral density compared to cronological age has been found by 9 patient. The mean change was +0.0380 (–0.1550–0.7800) g/cm2 in femur, and +0.0120 (–0.57300–0.3130) g/cm2 in the lumbar spine. There was a correlation in the change in Z-score neither with mean phenylalanine nor with tyrosine concentration. Conclusions: Bone mineral density was not changed and hardly influenced by the metabolic control in early-treated young adult phenylketonuria patients in a few years interval. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(47): 1868–1872.
Williams–Beuren-szindróma (Williams-szindróma)
Authors: Miklós Györgyi , Fekete György , Haltrich Irén , Tóth Miklós , Reismann Péter
Published: November 2017

Abstract:

Williams syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, that occurs equally in all ethnic groups and both sexes. The diagnosis might be missed during childhood in mild cases. However, establishing the diagnosis is important, not only to find the cause of intellectual disability but to look for cardiovascular, endocrine, psychiatry, urology and other conditions, which can occur at any age in the patients’ lifetime. This case report presents the story of 47-year-old woman, who was admitted with haematemesis. During her stay on the ward, in the light of the distinctive facial features, mental retardation, and social behaviour patterns, the possibility of Williams syndrome emerged. Later, the diagnosis was confirmed by genetic analysis. This female is the oldest living patient with Williams syndrome in Hungary. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(47): 1883–1888.
Моделирование тепловых режимов дефлегматора бытового абсорбционного холодильного агрегата
Authors: Холодков А. О. , Титлов А. С. , Титлова О. А.
Published: November 2017

При поиске энергосберегающих режимов абсорбционных холодильных агрегатов необходимо обратить особое внимание на эффективность транспортировки аммиака в испаритель, особенно в условиях работы при пониженных температурах наружного воздуха. Ключевую роль при этом играет подъемный участок дефлегматора, где могут иметь место нерасчетные потери. При моделировании процессов тепломассообмена предлагается проводить учет сопротивления процессу диффузии пара воды от оси потока к охлаждаемой стенке, так как режим течения ламинарный. С учетом этого допущения проведено уточнение расчетной модели дефлегматора. Выполнен вариантный расчет режимов работы дефлегматора. Для проверки адекватности модельных представлений проведены экспериментальные исследования отечественных абсорбционных холодильных приборов
Исследование теплообмена в неподвижном плотном слое гранулированного материала
Authors: Солодкая А. В.
Published: November 2017

Представлены результаты экспериментального исследования нагрева неподвижного слоя керамзита при его контакте с движущейся воздушной средой. Получены характерные кривые изменения температур газового и твердого компонентов на входе и выходе из аппарата при различных массах загрузки и температурах воздуха на входе. Проведен анализ условий, влияющих на выбор рациональной толщины слоя засыпки. Показано, что данные по теплоте нагрева материала для условий проведения опытов могут быть обобщены единой зависимостью.
Оптимізація сумарної вартості теплового захисту приміщень та кліматичного обладнання
Authors: Жихарєва Н.В. , Хмельнюк М.Г.
Published: November 2017

Розроблено та обґрунтовано цільову функцію спільної оптимізації сумарної величини капітальних і експлуатаційних витрат на тепловий захист приміщень і кліматичне енергозберігаюче обладнання протягом терміну їх експлуатації. Наведена цільова функція є різницею початкових додаткових інвестицій в енергозберігаюче обладнання і додатковий тепловий захист та економії за 7 років експлуатації, отриманої від цього обладнання і посилення теплового захисту. Для практичного рішення задачі оптимізації в обчислювальному середовищі Mathcad розроблено програму математичного моделювання кліматичного режиму об'єкта, яка дозволяє за короткий відрізок часу при невеликих витратах отримати значення цільової функції для варіантів комплектів обладнання спільно з варіантами теплового опору огороджень за час нормативного терміну експлуатації. В результаті були отримані терміни окупності варіантів енергозберігаючого обладнання і величини економії, отриманої після досягнення моменту окупності до закінчення нормативного терміну. За результатами додаткового математичного моделювання, з урахуванням фактичних витрат енергії за перший рік роботи, можуть бути прийняті рекомендації, наприклад, щодо встановлення додаткового енергозберігаючого обладнання, посилення теплоізоляції огороджень, скорочення періоду між чистками фільтра та інш.
Талая облегченная питьевая вода, соли, тяжелая вода – из вымораживающего опреснителя разделителя со «своей» электростанцией
Authors: Смирнов Л.Ф.
Published: November 2017

Предлагается проект вымораживающего опреснителя-разделителя (ВОР), в котором исходный рассол (как пример – йодо-бромный 5%-ный) опресняется насухо – без вывода концентрата, загрязняющего окружающую среду. Соли разделяют путем использования различия параметров эвтектических точек (температур и концентраций кристаллизации) и  выводят в сухом виде покомпонентно. Отмытый от рассола лед используют для производства талой облегченной от тяжелых изотопов водорода питьевой воды высокого качества и попутного концентрирования тяжелой воды в ректификационной колонне. Электроэнергией ВОР обеспечивает «своя» автономная электростанция, использующая суточную и сезонную разность температур природных тепловых источников (воздуха, воды) и солнечную энергию.
Анімаційна візуалізація течії та об'єму рідини
Authors: Жуковецька С. Л.
Published: November 2017

У статті розглянуто особливості анімаційної візуалізації рідини та фактори, що впливають на використання того або іншого математичного методу. Проаналізовано особливості застосування методів для анімаційної візуалізації об’єму, поверхневого хвилювання та течії рідини. В статті надано приклади використання технологій анімаційної візуалізації на основі сучасних 3D редакторів.
Isolated Microorganisms for Bioconversion of Biodiesel-Derived Glycerol Into 1,3-Propanediol
Authors: MITREA Laura , CĂLINOIU Lavinia Florina , PRECUP Gabriela , BINDEA Maria , RUSU Bogdan , TRIF Monica , ŞTEFĂNESCU Bianca Eugenia , POP Ioana Delia , VODNAR Dan Cristian
Published: November 2017

During biodiesel production, massive amounts of raw glycerol are created generating an environmental issue and the same time an increase of biodiesel production cost at the same time. This raw glycerol could be converted by specific strains into value-added products, like 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD), an important monomer used in the synthesis of biodegradable polyesters.The present work is based on recent scientific articles and experimental studies on the targeted topic, namely on the use of bacterial strains for bioconversion of biodiesel-derived glycerol into valuable products, like 1,3-PD. Concentrations, yields and productivity of 1,3-PD are presented for various bacterial strains. Important results as respects the microbial bioconversion of biodiesel-derived glycerol into 1,3-PD were registered for strains like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii, Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus diolivorans.From this study can be concluded that waste glycerol may be used as a nutrient source for microbial development and the production of 1,3-propanediol with high concentrations and yields.
Flaxseeds: Nutritional Potential and Bioactive Compounds
Authors: PANAITE Tatiana , ROPOTA Mariana , TURCU Raluca , OLTEANU Margareta , CORBU Alexandru R. , NOUR Violeta
Published: November 2017

The objective of this work was to study the nutritional and bioactive composition of commercially available flaxseeds with the aim to develop new alternatives for their use as functional and nutraceutical food ingredient. The samples of flaxseed contained 20.86% protein, 31.16% fat, 29.07% crude fiber and 3.75% ash. Essential amino acids represented 34% of total protein. The amino acids profile showed that glutamic acid was the most abundant (3.87 g 100 g-1), followed by arginine (1.93 g 100 g-1) and aspartic acid (1.52 g 100 g-1). Fatty acids analysis indicated that alpha-linolenic acid represents the major fatty acid (54.51% of the total fatty acids). The ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids was 8.67 while the n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio was 3.2. Total phenolics showed average contents of 295.92 mg GAE 100 g-1, of which flavonoids accounted for 25.85 mg QE 100 g-1. The results confirmed that, in addition to being one of the richest sources of alpha-linolenic acid, flaxseed is an essential source of high quality protein, soluble fiber and potent natural antioxidants.
Enhancing Next-Generation Sequencing-Guided Cancer Care Through Cognitive Computing
Authors: Patel Nirali M. , Michelini Vanessa V. , Snell Jeff M. , Balu Saianand , Hoyle Alan P. , Parker Joel S. , Hayward Michele C. , Eberhard David A. , Salazar Ashley H. , McNeillie Patrick , Xu Jia , Huettner Claudia S. , Koyama Takahiko , Utro Filippo , Rhrissorrakrai Kahn , Norel Raquel , Bilal Erhan , Royyuru Ajay , Parida Laxmi , Earp H. Shelton , Grilley-Olson Juneko E. , Hayes D. Neil , Harvey Stephen J. , Sharpless Norman E. , Kim William Y.
Published: November 2017

Background

Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to guide cancer therapy has created challenges in analyzing and reporting large volumes of genomic data to patients and caregivers. Specifically, providing current, accurate information on newly approved therapies and open clinical trials requires considerable manual curation performed mainly by human “molecular tumor boards” (MTBs). The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of cognitive computing as performed by Watson for Genomics (WfG) compared with a human MTB.

Materials and Methods

One thousand eighteen patient cases that previously underwent targeted exon sequencing at the University of North Carolina (UNC) and subsequent analysis by the UNCseq informatics pipeline and the UNC MTB between November 7, 2011, and May 12, 2015, were analyzed with WfG, a cognitive computing technology for genomic analysis.

Results

Using a WfG-curated actionable gene list, we identified additional genomic events of potential significance (not discovered by traditional MTB curation) in 323 (32%) patients. The majority of these additional genomic events were considered actionable based upon their ability to qualify patients for biomarker-selected clinical trials. Indeed, the opening of a relevant clinical trial within 1 month prior to WfG analysis provided the rationale for identification of a new actionable event in nearly a quarter of the 323 patients. This automated analysis took <3 minutes per case.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that the interpretation and actionability of somatic NGS results are evolving too rapidly to rely solely on human curation. Molecular tumor boards empowered by cognitive computing could potentially improve patient care by providing a rapid, comprehensive approach for data analysis and consideration of up-to-date availability of clinical trials.

Implications for Practice

The results of this study demonstrate that the interpretation and actionability of somatic next-generation sequencing results are evolving too rapidly to rely solely on human curation. Molecular tumor boards empowered by cognitive computing can significantly improve patient care by providing a fast, cost-effective, and comprehensive approach for data analysis in the delivery of precision medicine. Patients and physicians who are considering enrollment in clinical trials may benefit from the support of such tools applied to genomic data.
Ovarian and Uterine Functions in Female Survivors of Childhood Cancers
Authors: Oktem Ozgur , Kim Samuel S. , Selek Ugur , Schatmann Glenn , Urman Bulent
Published: November 2017

Adult survivors of childhood cancers are more prone to developing poor reproductive and obstetrical outcomes than their siblings and the general population as a result of previous exposure to chemotherapy and radiation during childhood. Chemotherapy drugs exert cytotoxic effects systemically and therefore can damage the ovaries, leading to infertility, premature ovarian failure, and, to a lesser extent, spontaneous abortions. They have very limited or no deleterious effects on the uterus that can be recognized clinically. By contrast, radiation is detrimental to both the ovaries and the uterus, thereby causing a greater magnitude of adverse effects on the female reproductive function. These include infertility, premature ovarian failure, miscarriage, fetal growth restrictions, perinatal deaths, preterm births, delivery of small-for-gestational-age infants, preeclampsia, and abnormal placentation. Regrettably, the majority of these adverse outcomes arise from radiation-induced uterine injury and are reported at higher incidence in the adult survivors of childhood cancers who were exposed to uterine radiation during childhood in the form of pelvic, spinal, or total-body irradiation. Recent findings of long-term follow-up studies evaluating reproductive performance of female survivors provided some reassurance to female cancer survivors by documenting that pregnancy and live birth rates were not significantly compromised in survivors, including those who had been treated with alkylating agents and had not received pelvic, cranial, and total-body irradiation. We aimed in this narrative review article to provide an update on the impact of chemotherapy and radiation on the ovarian and uterine function in female survivors of childhood cancer.

Implications for Practice

Adult survivors of childhood cancers are more prone to developing a number of poor reproductive and obstetrical outcomes than their siblings and the general population as a result of previous exposure to chemotherapy and radiation during childhood. The impact of radiation therapy on the female genital system is greater than chemotherapy regimens because radiation is detrimental to both the uterus and the ovaries, whereas toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs are confined to the ovaries. Therefore, radiation-induced uterine damage accounts for most poor obstetrical outcomes in the survivors. These include infertility, miscarriages, stillbirths, fetal growth restrictions, preeclampsia, and preterm deliveries.
Revisiting Expectations in an Era of Precision Oncology
Authors: Marchiano Emily J. , Birkeland Andrew C. , Swiecicki Paul L. , Spector-Bagdady Kayte , Shuman Andrew G.
Published: November 2017

As we enter an era of precision medicine and targeted therapies in the treatment of metastatic cancer, we face new challenges for patients and providers alike as we establish clear guidelines, regulations, and strategies for implementation. At the crux of this challenge is the fact that patients with advanced cancer may have disproportionate expectations of personal benefit when participating in clinical trials designed to generate generalizable knowledge. Patient and physician goals of treatment may not align, and reconciliation of their disparate perceptions must be addressed. However, it is particularly challenging to manage a patient's expectations when the goal of precision medicine—personalized response—exacerbates our inability to predict outcomes for any individual patient. The precision medicine informed consent process must therefore directly address this issue. We are challenged to honestly, clearly, and compassionately engage a patient population in an informed consent process that is responsive to their vulnerability, as well as ever-evolving indications and evidence. This era requires a continual reassessment of expectations and goals from both sides of the bed.
Safety, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Antitumor Activity of Necuparanib Combined with Nab-Paclitaxel and Gemcitabine in Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: Phase I Results
Authors: O’Reilly Eileen M. , Roach James , Miller Paul , Yu Kenneth H. , Tjan Catherine , Rosano Molly , Krause Silva , Avery William , Wolf Julie , Flaherty Keith , Nix Darrell , Ryan David P.
Published: November 2017

Lessons Learned

Despite the compelling preclinical rationale of evaluating the genetically engineered heparin derivative, necuparanib, combined with standard therapy in metastatic pancreas adenocarcinoma, the results were ultimately disappointing. Safety was documented, although dose escalation was limited by the number of subcutaneous injections, the potential for skin toxicity (cellulitis), and low-level anticoagulant effect. Nonetheless, the hypothesis of targeting prothrombotic pathways in pancreas adenocarcinoma remains compelling.

Background

Necuparanib is derived from unfractionated heparin and engineered for reduced anticoagulant activity while preserving known heparin-associated antitumor properties. This trial assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics, and initial efficacy of necuparanib combined with gemcitabine ± nab-paclitaxel in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Patients received escalating daily subcutaneous doses of necuparanib plus 1,000 mg/m2 gemcitabine (days 1, 8, 15, and every 28 days). The protocol was amended to include 125 mg/m2 nab-paclitaxel after two cohorts (following release of the phase III MPACT data). The necuparanib starting dose was 0.5 mg/kg, with escalation via a modified 3 + 3 design until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined.

Results

Thirty-nine patients were enrolled into seven cohorts (necuparanib 0.5, 1 mg/kg + gemcitabine; necuparanib 1, 2, 4, 6, and 5 mg/kg + nab-paclitaxel + gemcitabine). The most common adverse events were anemia (56%), fatigue (51%), neutropenia (51%), leukopenia (41%), and thrombocytopenia (41%). No deaths and two serious adverse events were potentially related to necuparanib. Measurable levels of necuparanib were seen starting at the 2 mg/kg dose. Of 24 patients who received at least one dose of necuparanib + nab-paclitaxel + gemcitabine, 9 (38%) achieved a partial response and 6 (25%) achieved stable disease (63% disease control rate). Given a cellulitis event and mild activated partial thromboplastin time increases at 6 mg/kg, the 5 mg/kg dose was considered the MTD and selected for further assessment in phase II.

Conclusion

Acceptable safety and encouraging signals of activity in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer receiving necuparanib, nab-paclitaxel, and gemcitabine were demonstrated.
Phase II Trial Using a Combination of Oxaliplatin, Capecitabine, and Celecoxib with Concurrent Radiation for Newly Diagnosed Resectable Rectal Cancer
Authors: Araujo-Mino Emilio P. , Patt Yehuda Z. , Murray-Krezan Cristina , Hanson Joshua A. , Bansal Pranshu , Liem Ben J. , Rajput Ashwani , Fekrazad M. Houman , Heywood Glenory , Lee Fa Chyi
Published: November 2017

Lessons Learned

Colorectal cancers exhibit a high level of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression with strong preclinical rationale for improved clinical outcomes with COX-2 inhibition. Celecoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor and we have shown that it can be safely combined with capecitabine and oxaliplatin as part of neoadjuvant treatment with radiation therapy (RT) in rectal cancer. There was a significant improvement in skin toxicity with this combination as compared with historical data. Considering the field has moved on to single-agent capecitabine, we believe future trials with capecitabine and celecoxib hold potential.

Background

Improved survival is seen among patients with rectal cancer who achieve pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant therapy. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is increased in gastrointestinal malignancies and it may serve as a target to enhance pathologic response. A trial combining chemoradiation and COX-2 inhibition was conducted to evaluate the pCR rate, surgical outcomes, survival, and treatment toxicity.

Methods

Patients with resectable (T3-4, N1-2) rectal cancer within 12 cm of the anal verge were included in this phase II clinical trial. The neoadjuvant treatment consisted of capecitabine 850 mg/m2 b.i.d. Monday through Friday for 5 weeks, weekly oxaliplatin 50 mg/m2 intravenous (IV), celecoxib 200 mg b.i.d. daily, along with concurrent 45 gray radiation therapy in 25 fractions.

Results

Thirty-two patients were included in the final analysis. The primary endpoint was pCR: 31% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16%–50%). Secondary endpoints were surgical downstaging (SD): 75% (95% CI: 57%–89%) and sphincter-sparing surgery (SSS): 56% (95% CI: 38%–74%). Common grade >3 toxicities were diarrhea and abnormal liver function tests (9% each). Grade 0 and 1 toxicities included radiation dermatitis (59% and 34%, respectively) and proctitis (63% and 28%, respectively). At 3 years, disease-free survival and overall survival (OS) were 84% (95% CI: 65%–93%) and 94% (95% CI: 77%–98%), respectively.

Conclusion

Chemoradiation with celecoxib in rectal cancer was well tolerated and demonstrated high rates of pCR, SD, and SSS. Improvement in skin toxicity (34% grade 1 and no grade 3/4) as compared with historical results (43%–78% grade 3/4) seems to be a significant improvement with addition of celecoxib to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Trailblazing Precision Oncology for Rare Tumor Subtypes
Authors: Shee Kevin , Miller Todd W.
Published: November 2017

Molecular Tumor Boards seek to recommend therapeutics to patients based on varying levels of evidence linking specific genetic alterations to treatment response. This commentary highlights the study by Kato and colleagues, which reports the usage of precision medicine approaches in rare and ultra-rare tumor subtypes, as well as the need to discover effective drugs for tumor subtypes without known targetable genetic alterations.
Standard Operating Procedure for the Detection of Human, IgG Anti-Pertussis Toxin v1
Authors: D. Lee Adria , K. Cassiday Pamela , C. Pawloski Lucia , M. Tatti Kathleen , D. Martin Monte , C. Briere Elizabeth , Lucia Tondella M. , W. Martin Stacey , Clinical Validation Study Group The
Published: November 2017

The appropriate use of clinically accurate diagnostic tests is essential for the detection of pertussis, a poorly controlled vaccine-preventable disease. The purpose of this study was to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of different diagnostic criteria including culture, multi-target polymerase chain reaction (PCR), anti-pertussis toxin IgG (IgG-PT) serology, and the use of a clinical case definition. An additional objective was to describe the optimal timing of specimen collection for the various tests. Clinical specimens were collected from patients with cough illness at seven locations across the United States between 2007 and 2011. Nasopharyngeal and blood specimens were collected from each patient during the enrollment visit. Patients who had been coughing for ≤ 2 weeks were asked to return in 2-4 weeks for collection of a second, convalescent blood specimen. Sensitivity and specificity of each diagnostic test were estimated using three methods—pertussis culture as the “gold standard,” composite reference standard analysis (CRS), and latent class analysis (LCA). Overall, 868 patients were enrolled and 13.6% wereB. pertussispositive by at least one diagnostic test. In a sample of 545 participants with non-missing data on all four diagnostic criteria, culture was 64.0% sensitive, PCR was 90.6% sensitive, and both were 100% specific by LCA. CRS and LCA methods increased the sensitivity estimates for convalescent serology and the clinical case definition over the culture-based estimates. Culture and PCR were most sensitive when performed during the first two weeks of cough; serology was optimally sensitive after the second week of cough. Timing of specimen collection in relation to onset of illness should be considered when ordering diagnostic tests for pertussis. Consideration should be given to including IgG-PT serology as a confirmatory test in the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) case definition for pertussis.
GENERAL NEURONETS MODEL OF COMPARITIVE APPROACH IN VALUATION OF TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Authors: Yakubovsky V. , Bychkov O.
Published: November 2017

Feasability of artificial neuronets methodology application for valuation of tangible and intangible assets is grounded. Proposed is general structural neuronets model for most widely used comparative approach of property and property rights valuation.
Neuro net is used for modelling processes of valuation object recognition, its classification and value assessment utilising comparison with analog items with respect to price unfluencing parameters.
Algorithm of neuro nets model program realization is described for its practical realization purposes.
CULTURAL DIPLOMACY IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY AND STUDIES ON DIPLOMACY
Authors: Uminska-Woroniecka Anna
Published: November 2017

This article analyses how the concept of cultural diplomacy has appeared in the theoretical debate on international relations and studies on diplomacy. As cultural diplomacy has long been present in the practice of diplomacy, it was examined primarily by its historians and practitioners. As a result, it was conceptualized and perceived mostly as an instrument with which states advance their interests and achieve political objectives. As far as theoretical perspective is considered, cultural diplomacy has appeared most of all in relation to the concept of «soft power». The goal of this paper is to present in a systematised way how this category has been present in the theoretical discourse. Furthermore, the article aims at determining whether the content of the concept has changed in response to processes and phenomena currently observed in international politics.
FEATURES TRANSFORMATION STATE SOVEREIGNTY IN THE POST-BIPOLAR INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM
Authors: Oshchypok I.
Published: November 2017

The current state of the international system is characterized by dramatic changes in the international political, social and economic spheres of social interactions, and is characterized by qualitative transformation of Westphalian system of international relations. Westphalian system of international relations started its existence from the fact that the participants of international cooperation were only states that acted independently or formed coalitions to solve outstanding problems.
At the end of the twentieth century it became apparent that other, too influential actors appear on the world arena. Together with the states on the modern transformation of the contemporary system of international relations exert considerable influence varied intergovernmental and international nongovernmental organizations, multinational corporations, and domestic regions. Globalization, characterized by the free movement of capital in order to obtain higher profits and expanding sphere of influence erodes national boundaries. The states are forced for economic stability and growth cooperate with international organizations and take them into the game.
It is proved that the coming decades the traditional concept of sovereignty will be significantly transformed, and the notion will take another meaning and interpretation. Among the factors that would influence on the above mentioned the next ones are singled out: the internationalization of scarce resources and maybe territories; strengthening of the international regimes; expansion of transnational political spaces; formation of a global information space; global environmental and climatic imperatives etc.
The confrontation of two countervailing trends is noted – to strengthen sovereignty, on the one hand, and its constraints on the other. And these trends are often embodied in the policies of one country or a group of countries. Within interpretations of sovereignty of the XXI century understanding of the limits of the autonomy of sovereign states in the choice of means in solving various domestic problems would be adjusted. In the context of international relations the subject of debate for decades will be the nature and principles of the use of coercive or other measures to opportunists in the international regimes of interaction on international and transnational levels of world politics, the mechanisms of global governance.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROTECTION OF GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS AND DESIGNATIONS OF ORIGIN IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Kapitsa Y.
Published: November 2017

The article discusses the codification of EU acts on the protection of designations of origin and geographical indications. It is noted the higher protection requirements in the EU compared to the TRIPS Agreement and the Lisbon Treaty. It is noted the difference in designations of origin and other denominations on national level. The legal regime of traditional specialities and optional quality terms is discussed with notes of features of these indication close to specific industrial property objects. The specific character of enforcement of rights on designations of origin and geographical indications is noted with more wide protection then for other IPR objects. It is noted non codification of legislation on agricultural products and foodstuffs and wines and spirits, small amount of the types of products and foodstuffs which cover the regulation in comparison of other countries, expedience of simplification of the registration for small producers.
Influence of higher-order terms of the approximate dispersion theory on the pulse envelope profile in a dispersive medium
Authors:   FSFE «12 CSRI» of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Zakharov N. , Kholod S. ,   FSFE «12 CSRI» of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Published: November 2017

Results of the numerical calculation of the envelope and frequency profile of a pulse propagating in a dispersive medium, exemplified by the propagation of a femtosecond pulse in the plasma, are presented. The explanation for the appearance of modulation in the odd orders of approximation of the theory of dispersion and for the extinction of modulation in the even orders is given. Taking into account the fourth-order term of the approximate dispersion theory is shown to be sufficient in the majority of cases when calculating the ultrashort pulse propagation.
Measurement of the optical thickness of a layered object from interference colors in white-light microscopy
Authors:   Institute of Precision Mechanics and Control of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dyachenko A. ,   Saratov State University, Ryabukho V. ,   Institute of Precision Mechanics and Control of the Russian Academy of Sciences,   Saratov State University
Published: November 2017

Regular features in generating coloured interference patterns from single-layer thin objects in polychromatic optical microscopy are considered. Expressions for the intensity distribution of the image interference fields are obtained with due account for the spectral properties of radiation. The proposed algorithm for computer-aided calculation and generation of coloured interference patterns in white light depending on the optical thickness of the layered object is based on a RGB colour model. Numerically simulated interference patterns are presented and changes in their colour and structure under varying parameters of the microscope optical scheme and object optical properties are discussed. We show that it is possible to determine the optical thickness of the object layer through the numerical comparison of interference colours obtained in the natural and numerical experiments.
Passive athermalization of refractive-diffractive plastic lenses
Authors:   Penza State University of Architecture and Construction, Levin I. , Stepanov S. ,   Penza State University of Architecture and Construction
Published: November 2017

Possibilities of passive athermalization of plastic-lens systems are investigated. In particular, circuit designs of two refractive-diffractive lenses are presented, the thermal defocusing of which is eliminated by optical and mechanical methods, respectively. An achievable width of the working spectral range of the refractive-diffractive lenses is estimated.