bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social climate on tobacco control in an advanced tobacco control country
Authors: Ruokolainen Otto , Ollila Hanna , Patja Kristiina , Borodulin Katja , Laatikainen Tiina , Korhonen Tellervo
Published: April 2018

Aims:

Finland has implemented a gradually tightening tobacco control policy for decades. Recently the objective of a tobacco-free Finland was introduced. Still, the population’s acceptance of tobacco control policy has not been measured. More knowledge is needed on differences in attitudes and factors associated with tobacco control opinions for future policy-making.

Methods:

A population-based study with quantitative analysis. Attitudes on smoking and tobacco control policy were assessed within the National FINRISK 2012 Study in Finland involving 25–74-year-old adults ( N = 4905). In analyses, smoking status groups were compared.

Results:

In general, attitudes differed systematically by smoking status. Differences increased or decreased when moving from never smokers to other smoking groups. Similarities in attitudes were found particularly on youth smoking, while differences between smoking groups were notable on statements regarding smoking on balconies and availability of tobacco products. The adjusted analysis showed that smoking status was most strongly associated with attitudes on different tobacco control policy measures. Daily smokers viewed stricter tobacco control policy and workplace smoking bans more negatively than others, though they viewed societal support for quitters and sufficiency of tobacco control policy more positively compared with others. Differences were vast compared with non-smokers, but also occasional smokers differed from daily smokers.

Conclusions:

Tightening tobacco control and workplace smoking bans were supported by the Finnish adult population, but societal support for quitters to a lesser extent. Attitude change, where smokers are seen as deserving help to quit smoking, is important.
Co-constructing the field for a critical ethnography of immigrants’ experiences in a Canadian Francophone minority community
Authors: Huot Suzanne
Published: April 2018

When conducting ethnographic research, immersion into the field and participant observation are essential characteristics of the methodology. As more traditional forms of ethnography have evolved over time to include contemporary approaches (institutional ethnography, feminist ethnography), so too have the fields where such research is undertaken. Indeed, the field itself is now recognized as a construction rather than a naturally occurring space. This article discusses the approach taken to co-construct the field for a critical ethnographic study of immigrants’ experiences within a Canadian Francophone minority community. It addresses how the researcher made key decisions shaping who the study population would be, and in collaboration with the participants then decided how and where data generation would occur.
Kinematics and performance analysis of a serial hip assistive mechanism
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Shen Bowen , Zhang Leiyu , Tao Chunjing , Ji Run
Published: April 2018

A serial assistive mechanism was proposed for the hip adduction/abduction and flexion/extension motion assistance, which is kinematically compatible with human hip complex. As the mechanism is connected to the wearer, a 2-degree-of-freedom human–robot closed chain is formed. The closed-form position solution of the assistive mechanism was investigated, the Jacobian matrixes which map the velocity and force from the active joint space of the assistive mechanism to hip joint space were derived, and five new indices for performance evaluation of the assistive mechanism were defined. On the basis of the presented position solution and evaluation indices, the performances of the assistive mechanism during a human gait cycle, such as the human–robot motion offset, the motion and force assistive characteristics, were analyzed through the examples with seven wearing error models. The results show that the assistive mechanism has several distinct advantages including small human–robot motion offset, favorable motion assistive isotropy, and high force assistive efficiency. The proposed indices can evaluate the assistive feature adequately, and the serial assistive mechanism is applicable to the 2-degree-of-freedom hip adduction/abduction and flexion/extension motion assistance.
Durability assessment of automotive structures under random variable amplitude loading
Authors: Zhao Li-Hui , Cai Hong-Chang , Wang Tong , Zheng Song-Lin
Published: April 2018

Durability assessment is essential for assuring the reliability and safety of automotive structures, which subjects to complex random variable amplitude loadings. In this article, the application of different damage accumulation rules were discussed through the example of torsion beam rear axle from a sport utility vehicle, which is an assembly of welded thin sheet metals. Fatigue lives were calculated with these rules together with the structural stress at failure locations and the stress–life curve determined through the constant amplitude test of specially designed standard specimens stress distributions in the vicinity of failure locations. By comparing the calculated lives with test results, it is found that all the calculations with an stress–life curve for the probability of survival of Ps = 50% are conservative compared to the experimental mean value even the 95% confidence interval, and that with linear damage accumulation hypothesis is of better estimate, followed by the damage curve approach, while the double-linear rule will result in the most conservative estimation. Moreover, the modified Miner Rule, which extends the stress–life curve with a flatter slope k′ = 2 k − 1 below the fatigue limit, is recommended for structural fatigue design for its appropriate estimations corresponding to a low failure rate with high confidence level.
The effects of rational and irrational coach team talks on the cognitive appraisal and achievement goal orientation of varsity football athletes
Authors: Evans Andrew L , Turner Martin J , Pickering Richard , Powditch Rebecca
Published: April 2018

The effects of rational and irrational coach team talks on cognitive appraisal and achievement goal orientation were examined. During the half-time interval of a 60 min football match, 25 male varsity football athletes ( Mage = 20.20; SD ± 1.38 years) received a rational ( n = 13) or an irrational ( n = 12) team talk from a coach. Irrational and rational beliefs were measured before the football match. Task engagement, cognitive appraisal (challenge and threat), and achievement goal orientation (approach and avoidance) regarding second-half football performance were measured following team talk delivery. Athletes in the rational team talk condition reported significantly lower threat appraisal and avoidance goal orientation than athletes in the irrational team talk condition. No significant between-condition differences emerged for challenge appraisal and approach goal orientation. For coaching practice, data suggest that communicating rational or irrational beliefs to football athletes through a half-time team talk will influence appraisal and achievement goal orientation regarding upcoming performance.
Health promotion practices in primary care groups
Authors: Heidemann Ivonete Teresinha Schulter Buss , Alonso da Costa Maria Fernanda Baeta Neves , Hermida Patrícia Madalena Vieira , Marçal Cláudia Cossentino Bruck , Antonini Fabiano Oliveira , Cypriano Camilla Costa
Published: April 2018

This is a descriptive-exploratory study using a qualitative approach, conducted in ten municipalities in southern Brazil. Data were obtained by talking to 21 nurses from February to November 2012, through semi-structured interviews using questions to probe their health promotion practices. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis focused on health promotion concepts. We identified four themes about health promotion practices of family health nurses in Brazil: a) training of nurses for health promotion practice was weak; b) nurses formed health promotion groups around diseases and life stages; c) nurses formed groups to meet community needs; and d) nurses used health promotion techniques in group work. These family health nurses were somewhat aware of the importance of health promotion, and how to assist the population against various ailments using some health promotion strategies. The main weaknesses were the lack of understanding about health promotion concepts, and the difficulty of understanding the relevance of its practice, probably attributable to limitations in training. We conclude that primary care groups in Brazil’s unified health system could do better in applying health promotion concepts in their practice.
Rapid Response of Bird Communities to Small-Scale Reforestation in Indonesian Borneo
Authors: Helms Jackson A. , Woerner Christopher R. , Fawzi Nurul I. , MacDonald Andrew , Juliansyah  , Pohnan Erica , Webb Kinari
Published: April 2018

The island of Borneo suffers from one of the highest deforestation rates in the world, primarily due to agriculture, logging, and other human activities. This habitat loss may be partly mitigated by reforestation programs in degraded landscapes, especially anthropogenic grasslands that have little conservation or economic value. By monitoring native bird communities, we evaluated the success of two small (<20 ha) community reforestation projects in Gunung Palung National Park in Indonesian Borneo. Birds responded rapidly following reforestation, with species richness doubling over 7 years at one site, and increasing by 29% in just 3 years at the other. Final tallies (63–70 species per site) were comparable to those obtained in older secondary forests elsewhere in Borneo. Anthropogenic fire is the primary threat to reforestation success, but intensive fire prevention allows bird communities to recover from temporary setbacks. Absence of fire was thus the most important factor in recovery, and we detected no effect of replanted area on bird species richness. Our results suggest that by engaging local communities and ensuring long-term maintenance, even small reforestation sites in Borneo can provide immediate benefits for native biodiversity.
Eltrombopag in immune thrombocytopenia: efficacy review and update on drug safety
Authors: Gonzalez-Porras Jose Ramon , Bastida Jose Maria
Published: April 2018

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder that induces a decrease in the number of circulating platelets due to spleen destruction and inability of megakaryocytes to restore normal counts. Immunosuppressive therapy with glucocorticoid drugs constitutes the first line of treatment. However, lack of response to these agents is not uncommon, and the management of refractory patients is a matter of controversy. In fact, day-to-day clinical practice shows that, in spite of the current guidelines, splenectomy, which is currently considered a suitable second-choice therapy, is being replaced by treatment with thrombopoietin receptor agonists. These boost platelet production by megakaryocytes. The use of one of these, namely eltrombopag, has been permitted for ITP patients refractory to first-line drugs or splenectomy, for the last 10 years. This review summarizes the experience reported using eltrombopag in ITP, paying attention to efficacy and safety. Results from clinical trials will be discussed, and studies performed in the course of daily clinical practice will also be reviewed, as these are useful to assess the potential of the drug in real-world settings. The management of adverse events and the use of eltrombopag in particular situations will also be covered. The experience reported so far permits us to suggest that eltrombopag efficiently induces recovery of platelet counts. Furthermore, recent papers have demonstrated that a sustained response after discontinuation, initially thought to be problematic, may be possible in a nonnegligible number of cases. The safety profile is satisfactory, although patients presenting with thromboembolism risk factors should be treated with caution until the eltrombopag-associated prothrombotic risk is fully established. In summary, although larger studies are still needed to clarify some issues, eltrombopag may be a useful alternative tool for ITP patients refractory to conventional medical management or splenectomy.
Implementation of the Forest Rights Act (2006) in Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha
Authors: Mishra Brajaraja
Published: April 2018

This article explains the implementation process of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act (FRA) in the Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Gajapati district of Odisha. The status of implementation of FRA shows a lower rate of coverage due to higher information gap and remoteness of the areas. Many irregularities were observed in the FRA implementation process for which both officials involved in various states of FRA implementation process and forest dwellers were responsible. The progress of the Act need to be strictly monitor by an external agency along with the use of latest technology and services of local non-governmental organisations/self-help groups for the spread of information, capacity building and control of irregularities.
Early Life Stress Associated With Increased Striatal N-Acetyl-Aspartate: Cerebrospinal Fluid Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Concentrations, Hippocampal Volume, Body Mass, and Behavioral Correlates
Authors: Coplan Jeremy D. , Lu Dunyue , El Sehamy Alexander M. , Tang Cheuk , Jackowski Andrea P. , Abdallah Chadi G. , Nemeroff Charles B. , Owens Michael J. , Mathew Sanjay J. , Gorman Jack M.
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging, the effects of early life stress on nonhuman primate striatal neuronal integrity were examined as reflected by N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) concentrations. NAA measures were interrogated through examining their relationship to previously documented early life stress markers—cerebrospinal fluid corticotropin-releasing factor concentrations, hippocampal volume, body mass, and behavioral timidity. Rodent models of depression exhibit increases in neurotrophic effects in the nucleus accumbens. We hypothesized that rearing under conditions of early life stress (variable foraging demand, VFD) would produce persistent elevations of NAA concentrations (in absolute or ratio form) in ventral striatum/caudate nucleus (VS/CN) with altered correlation to early life stress markers.

Methods

Eleven bonnet macaque males reared under VFD conditions and seven age-matched control subjects underwent proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging during young adulthood. Voxels were placed over VS/CN to capture nucleus accumbens. Cisternal cerebrospinal fluid corticotropin-releasing factor concentrations, hippocampal volume, body mass, and response to a human intruder had been previously determined.

Results

VFD-reared monkeys exhibited significantly increased NAA/creatine concentrations in right VS/CN in comparison to normally reared controls, controlling for multiple comparisons. In comparison to controls, VFD cerebrospinal fluid corticotropin-releasing factor concentrations were directly associated with right VS/CN absolute NAA. Left hippocampal volume was inversely associated with left VS/CN NAA/creatine in VFD reared but not in controls. Disruption of a normative inverse correlation between left VS/CN NAA and body mass was noted in VFD. Only non-VFD subjects exhibited a direct relationship between timidity response to an intruder and right VS/CN NAA.

Conclusion

Early life stress produced persistent increases in VS/CN NAA, which demonstrated specific patterns of association (or lack thereof) to early life stress markers in comparison to non-VFD subjects. The data are broadly consistent with a stable nonhuman primate phenotype of anxiety and mood disorder vulnerability whereby in vivo indicators of neuronal integrity, although reduced in hippocampus, are increased in striatum. The findings may provide a catalyst for further studies in humans and other species regarding a reciprocal hippocampal/nucleus accumbens relationship in affective disorders.
Arthroscopic Characterization of Syndesmotic Instability
Authors: Abdelaziz Mohamed , Massri-Pugin Jafet , Lubberts Bart , Vopat Bryan , Guss Daniel , Hosseini Ali , DiGiovanni Christopher , Johnson Anne Holly
Published: April 2018

Category:

Arthroscopy, Sports, Trauma, Other, Syndesmosis

Introduction/Purpose:

Ankle arthroscopy is increasingly used to diagnose syndesmostic instability by visualizing the distal tibiofibular articulation and applying a lateral fibular stress. Precisely where in the incisura one should measure potential diastasis, however, remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine where within the incisura one should assess coronal plane instability in purely ligamentous syndesmotic injuries when performing a lateral hook stress test (LHT).

Methods:

Twenty-two above-knee cadaveric specimens underwent ankle arthroscopy, first with intact ligaments and thereafter after each sequential step of syndesmotic and deltoid ligament transection. At each step, a standard 100 N hook test was applied through a lateral incision 5 cm proximal to the ankle joint and the coronal plane diastasis in the stressed and unstressed states were measured at both anterior and posterior third of the distal tibiofibular joint using calibrated probes ranged from 0.1 to 6.0 mm, with 0.1 mm of increments.

Results:

Anterior third diastasis did not change significantly when applying a LHT, neither in the intact state nor after any stage of ligament transection (P values ranging from p=0.61 to p=0.94). In contrast, posterior third diastasis increased significantly by applying stress at the intact state at the following stages of transection: posterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL), PITFL plus interosseous ligament, all syndesmosis ligaments, and all syndesmosis ligaments plus superficial and deep deltoid ligament (P values ranging p=0.001 to p=0.031). Interobserver agreement was substantial (ICC = 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.92), and moderate (ICC = 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.87) for anterior and posterior third diastasis measurements, respectively.

Conclusion:

Syndesmotic ligament injury results in coronal plane instability of the distal tibiofibular articulation that is readily identified arthroscopically with a LHT and when measured in the posterior third of the incisura. Measurement at the anterior third of the incisura may miss such injuries.
Intraoperative Syndesmotic Instability Test
Authors: de Cesar Netto Cesar , Dos Santos Alexandre Godoy , Araoye Ibukunoluwa , Hudson Parke , Shah Ashish , Staggers Jackson , Bergstresser Shelby , de Veloza Coelho Correia Martim Pinto , Phillips Sierra , Smith Walter , Chodaba Yvonne
Published: April 2018

Category:

Ankle, Trauma

Introduction/Purpose:

Precise diagnosis of distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injury is challenging and a gold standard diagnostic test has still not been established. Tibiofibular clear space identified on radiographic imaging is considered the most reliable indicator of the injury. The Cotton test is the most widely used intraoperative technique to evaluate the syndesmotic integrity although it has its limitations. We advocate for a novel intra operative test using a 3.5 mm cortical tap.

Methods:

Tibiofibular clear space was assessed in nine cadaveric specimens using three sequential fluoroscopic images. The first image was taken prior to the application of the tap test representing the intact and non-stressed state. Then, a 2.5 mm hole was drilled distally on the lateral fibula, and a 3.5 mm cortical tap was then threaded in the hole. The tap test involved gradually advancing the blunt tip against the lateral tibia, providing a tibiofibular separation force (intact, stressed). This same stress was then applied after all syndesmotic ligaments were released (injured, stressed). Measurements were compared by one-way ANOVA and paired Student’s t-test. Intra and inter-observer agreements were evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). P-values <.05 were considered significant.

Results:

We found excellent intra-observer (0.97) and inter-observer (0.98) agreement following the imaging assessment. Significant differences were found in the paired comparison between the groups (p<.05). When using an absolute value for TFCS >6 mm as diagnostic for syndesmotic instability, the tap test demonstrated a 96.3% sensitivity and specificity, a 96.3% PPV and NPV and a 96.3% accuracy in diagnosing syndesmotic instability.

Conclusion:

Our cadaveric study showed that this novel syndesmotic instability test using a 3.5 mm blunt cortical tap is a simple, accurate and reliable technique able to demonstrate significant differences in the tibiofibular clear space when injury was present. It could represent a more controlled and stable low-cost alternative to the most used Cotton test.
What are patients' knowledge, expectation and experience of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy for the treatment of their tendinopathies? A qualitative study
Authors: Leung Raymond , Malliaropoulos Nikolaos , Korakakis Vasileios , Padhiar Nat
Published: April 2018

Background

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is used to manage different tendinopathies and appears to be effective in some tendinopathies but not others. The reasons for this are unclear. There is evidence that patient outcomes can be influenced by a patient‐centred approach. There is therefore a need to qualitatively evaluate patient experiences for a treatment like ESWT where uncertainties exist. The aim of this study was to understand patients' overall perspective of ESWT to manage their tendinopathy.

Methods

A qualitative semi‐structured face‐to‐face interview study design was used and the data was analysed thematically using ‘Framework Analysis'.

Results

Eleven participants that have had radial ESWT (rESWT) to treat a range of tendinopathies were recruited from a private London sports clinic and interviewed in person or via Skype™. Four main themes and 16 subthemes were identified. Subthemes included previous failed treatment, clinician factors, mechanisms of ESWT, positive aspects, negative aspects, responsibility over own health and perceived outcomes.

Conclusion

The participants understood the procedural aspects of rESWT, but were largely unaware of its mechanism of action and whether it was found to be effective for their condition or not. The participants felt that self‐management measures were equally or more important than rESWT to help treat their tendinopathies. Recommendations would be for rESWT providers to offer patients written information, maintain continuity of care, address patients' expectations, feedback on progress, and encourage self‐management measures such as activity modification.
Environmental colonization and onward clonal transmission of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) in a medical intensive care unit: the case for environmental hygiene
Authors: Ng Deborah H. L. , Marimuthu Kalisvar , Lee Jia Jun , Khong Wei Xin , Ng Oon Tek , Zhang Wei , Poh Bee Fong , Rao Pooja , Raj Maya Devi Rajinder , Ang Brenda , De Partha Pratim
Published: April 2018

Background

In May 2015, we noticed an increase in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infections in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). To investigate this, we studied the extent of environmental contamination and subsequent onward clonal transmission of CRAB.

Methods

We conducted a one-day point prevalence screening (PPS) of the patients and environment in the MICU. We screened patients using endotracheal tube aspirates and swabs from nares, axillae, groin, rectum, wounds, and exit sites of drains. We collected environmental samples from patients’ rooms and environment outside the patients’ rooms. CRAB isolates from the PPS and clinical samples over the subsequent one month were studied for genetic relatedness by whole genome sequencing (WGS).

Results

We collected 34 samples from seven patients and 244 samples from the environment. On the day of PPS, we identified 8 CRAB carriers: 3 who screened positive and 5 previously known clinical infections. We detected environmental contamination in nearly two-thirds of the rooms housing patients with CRAB. WGS demonstrated genetic clustering of isolates within rooms but not across rooms. We analysed 4 CRAB isolates from clinical samples following the PPS. One genetically-related CRAB was identified in the respiratory sample of a patient with nosocomial pneumonia, who was admitted to the MICU five days after the PPS.

Conclusion

The extensive environmental colonization of CRAB by patients highlights the importance of environmental hygiene. The transmission dynamics of CRAB needs further investigation.
EYA4 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth and invasion by suppressing NF‐κB‐dependent RAP1 transactivation
Authors: Mo Shi‐Jing , Hou Xun , Hao Xiao‐Yi , Cai Jian‐Peng , Liu Xin , Chen Wei , Chen Dong , Yin Xiao‐Yu
Published: April 2018

Background

Our previous studies demonstrated that eyes absent homolog 4 (EYA4), a member of the eye development‐related EYA family in Drosophila, is frequently methylated and silenced in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) specimens and associated with shorter survival. The current work aimed to explore the mechanisms through which EYA4 functions as a tumor suppressor in HCC.

Methods

Stable EYA4‐expressing plasmid (pEYA4) transfectants of the human HCC cell lines Huh‐7 and PLC/PRF/5 (PLC) were established. Xenografts tumors were established via subcutaneous injection of the stable transfectants into BALB/c nude mice. Tissue samples were obtained from 75 pathologically diagnosed HCC patients. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to determine the expression of EYA4 in cell lines, xenografts and clinical specimens. The cell proliferation, colony formation, invasiveness and tumor formation of stable transfectants were studied. A gene expression microarray was utilized to screen genes regulated by EYA4 expression. The effect of EYA4 on nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB)/RAS‐related protein 1 (RAP1) signaling was demonstrated through the co‐transfection of pEYA4 and Flag‐tagged RAS‐related protein 1A gene‐expressing plasmid (Flag‐RAP1A), functional studies, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence staining and cellular ubiquitination assay.

Results

The restoration of EYA4 expression in HCC cell lines suppressed cell proliferation, inhibited clonogenic outgrowth, reduced cell invasion and restrained xenograft tumor growth, and Flag‐RAP1A reversed the suppressive effects of pEYA4 in vitro. Activation of NF‐κB with tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) increased the binding of p65 to the RAP1A gene promoter and up‐regulated RAP1 protein expression. The inhibition of NF‐κB with BAY 11‐7085 and p65 siRNA successfully blocked TNF‐α‐induced RAP1 up‐regulation. EYA4 antagonized the TNF‐α‐induced phosphorylation and ubiquitination of inhibitor of NF‐κBα (IκBα) as well as the nuclear translocation and transactivation of p65, resulting in repressed NF‐κB activity and RAP1 expression. Blocking the serine/threonine phosphatase activity of EYA4 with calyculin A notably abrogated its suppressive effect on NF‐κB activity. In addition, EYA4 expression was inversely correlated with IκBα/RAP1 activity in clinical HCC specimens.

Conclusion

Our findings provide a functional and mechanistic basis for identifying EYA4 as a bona fide tumor suppressor that disrupts aberrant activation of the NF‐κB/RAP1 signaling pathway and thus orchestrates a physiological impediment to HCC growth and invasion.
Diagnosis-to-Treatment Interval Is an Important Clinical Factor in Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Has Implication for Bias in Clinical Trials
Authors: Maurer Matthew J. , Ghesquières Hervé , Link Brian K. , Jais Jean-Philippe , Habermann Thomas M. , Thompson Carrie A. , Haioun Corinne , Allmer Cristine , Johnston Patrick B. , Delarue Richard , Micallef Ivana N. , Peyrade Frederic , Inwards David J. , Ketterer Nicolas , Farooq Umar , Fitoussi Olivier , Macon William R. , Molina Thierry J. , Syrbu Sergei , Feldman Andrew L. , Slager Susan L. , Weiner George J. , Ansell Stephen M. , Cerhan James R. , Salles Gilles A. , Witzig Thomas E. , Tilly Hervé , Nowakowski Grzegorz S.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Selection bias in clinical trials has consequences for scientific validity and applicability of study results to the general population. There is concern that patients with clinically aggressive disease may not have enrolled in recent diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) trials due to the consent process and the inability to delay therapy for eligibility evaluation. We have examined the diagnosis-to-treatment interval (DTI) and its association with clinical factors and outcome in a clinic-based observational cohort of patients with DLBCL from the United States. Validation of results was performed in an independent, clinical trial-based cohort from Europe.

Patients and Methods

Patients were prospectively enrolled in the University of Iowa and Mayo Clinic Specialized Programs of Research Excellence Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER; N = 986) or the Lymphoma Study Association (LYSA) LNH-2003 clinical trials program (N = 1,444). All patients received anthracycline-based immunochemotherapy at initial diagnosis. Associations of DTI with clinical factors and outcome were examined. Outcome was assessed using event-free survival at 24 months from diagnosis (EFS24).

Results

Median (range) DTI was 15 days (0 to 155 days in the MER and 23 days (0 to 215 days) in LYSA. Shorter DTI was strongly associated with adverse clinical factors, including elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, poor performance status, B symptoms, and higher International Prognostic Index in both cohorts (all P < .001). Longer DTI was associated with improved EFS24 in both the MER (per-week odds ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.74 to .0.87) and LYSA (per-week odds ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.94); association with EFS24 remained significant after adjustment for International Prognostic Index.

Conclusion

DTI is strongly associated with prognostic clinical factors and outcome in newly diagnosed DLBCL. DTI should be reported in all clinical trials of newly diagnosed DLBCL and future trials should take steps to avoid selection bias due to treatment delay.
Sensitive high frequency hearing in earless and partially eared harlequin frogs (Atelopus)
Authors: Womack Molly C. , Christensen-Dalsgaard Jakob , Coloma Luis A. , Hoke Kim. L.
Published: April 2018

Harlequin frogs, genus Atelopus, communicate at high frequencies despite most species lacking a complete tympanic middle ear that facilitates high frequency hearing in most anurans and other tetrapods. Here we test whether Atelopus are better at sensing high frequency acoustic sound compared to other eared and earless species in the Bufonidae family, determine whether middle ear variation within Atelopus affects hearing sensitivity, and test potential hearing mechanisms in Atelopus. We determine that at high frequencies (2000–4000 Hz) Atelopus are 10–34 dB more sensitive than other earless bufonids but are relatively insensitive to mid-range frequencies (900–1500 Hz) compared to eared bufonids. Hearing among Atelopus species is fairly consistent, evidence that the partial middle ears present in a subset of Atelopus species do not convey a substantial hearing advantage. We further demonstrate that Atelopus hearing is not likely facilitated by vibration of the skin overlying the normal tympanic membrane region or the body lung wall, leaving the extratympanic hearing pathways in Atelopus enigmatic. Together these results show Atelopus have sensitive high frequency hearing without the aid of a tympanic middle ear and prompt further study of extratympanic hearing mechanisms in anurans.
Skeletal Muscle Function in the Oldest-Old: The Role of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors
Authors: Venturelli Massimo , Reggiani Carlo , Richardson Russell S. , Schena Federico
Published: April 2018

Although skeletal muscle function is diminished with advanced age, single muscle fiber function seems to be preserved. Therefore, this review examines the hypothesis that the skeletal muscle fiber, per se, is not the predominant factor responsible for the reduction in force-generating capacity in the oldest-old, but, rather, is attributable to a combination of factors external to the muscle fibers.
Pipe high-temperature strength research of pyrolysis furnace
Authors: Тюсенков Антон , Tyusenkov Anton , Рубцов Алексей , Rubtsov Alexey , Мирхайдарова Камилла , Mirkhaidarova Kamilla
Published: April 2018

The investigation results of the dependence of high alloy steel gas corrosion rate upon temperature are presented. Steel high corrosion-resistance is achieved at the introduction in steel alloy elements (chromium, aluminum, nickel). Steel 10C23N18 (a new sample and a sample from the furnace coil operated 6800h) and steel 10C17N13M2T at temperatures 500… 1000ºC were tested for heat-resistance.
Software engineering of information management systems in the light of the applied theory of random processes
Authors: Трояновский Владимир , Troyanovskiy Vladimir
Published: April 2018

Study Guide book examines the problems of building software for information and control systems (ICS) in the light of the requirements and recommendations for teaching software engineering (SE) and computer science in universities. The central part of the book is the analysis of linear and nonlinear dynamic systems operating under random disturbances, interference, limited observation intervals and concomitant discrete-continuous signal transformations. The difficulties of a joint analysis of these conditions are overcome by a consecutive examination of the following issues:
• choice of an adequate mathematical apparatus,
• Direct digital control: deterministic signals and discrete-continuous transformations,
• necessary information from the theory of random processes,
• derivation of relationships and engineering techniques for the quantitative description of identification processes using data of normal functioning,
• application of results at higher hierarchical levels of ICS, including optimization and dual control, control of a nonlinear dynamic object in drift conditions, etc.
Attention is paid to the evaluation of system reliability and international standardization in the part of ICS and SE. The general issues of framing the system are considered, including work in local computer networks, the development of integrated systems and real-time work.
The application includes descriptions and results of computer modeling, which is accessible to readers using programs and tasks placed on electronic media.Codes of operating demonstration programs are placed on electronic media also. These programs are proposed to be implemented and protected by students in the second half of the semester, using theoretical knowledge obtained from the lecture course, as well as knowledge of methods of mathematical analysis.
In addition, the section "General Information Systems Design Issues" is placed on electronic media also. This section contains a description of the technological process and quality control at the relevant stages of the program life cycle.
The book is intended for students, graduate students and scientists associated with computer science and computer technology, radio engineering, automation and control, quality management.
Bermanowskie superpozycje językowe i egzotyzacja kontra komiks Cyrila Pedrosy Portugalia
Authors: Jankowski Jakub
Published: April 2018

Berman’s language superpositions and exotization vs Portugal, a comic book by Cyril Pedrosa

The present article aims towards analysing three versions of a comic book Portugal by Cyril Pedrosa – original French and its translations into portuguese and polish – having in mind translation problems related with form (comic book) as well as with content. The analysis uses classic text deformative categories formulated by Antoine Berman. In course of analysis and interpretation of the translators’ choices we were able to show all the changes forced by specific language situation subsequent from the author’s creation of the plot situation.
Przekład choronimów „roszczeniowych” Między teorią tłumaczenia a onomastyką kulturową
Authors: Włoskowicz Wojciech
Published: April 2018

Claim choronyms in translation. Between a theory of translation and the onomastics of culture

Toponyms may be used as manifestations of present or past power or claims. This is often connected with different points of view of national historiographies. A translator may have to mediate between such different perspectives. The proposed model of onymic semantics is based on the Ogden & Richards semiotic triangle. A claim choronym is a choronym established by an official decision or by language usus in order to manifest an existing or a past rule over a given territory or in order to manifest a claim to it. The three types of c. ch. are: formal (a new name is made for an existing concept of a territory), conceptual (an existing name is used to designate a new or modified concept of a territory), and formal‑conceptual (a new name is given to a new concept of a territory). In translation the most similar reaction of a recipient to the choronym is to be achieved (according to the theory of translation by Olgierd Wojtasiewicz).
Wokół recepcji przekładów poezji Pabla Nerudy w Polsce
Authors: Gaszyńska‑Magiera Małgorzata
Published: April 2018

On the reception of Pablo Neruda’s poetry in Poland

Translations of Pablo Neruda’s poetry started to be published in Poland after the second world war in the press, even in newspapers. Until the beginning of the 1960s only ideological poems which showed the poet’s involvement in the fight for communism were selected. First collections of his poems also contained similar compositions. By that time Polish critics and poets highly appreciated his work. However, the selection criteria for the poems to be translated and published strengthened the image of Neruda as a poet‑communist which proved to be long‑lasting and influenced his later reception in Poland in spite of the fact that his erotic and lyrical verses started to appear in the Polish press and anthologies. Therefore, today he is an almost forgotten author.
Isothermal Crystallization Properties and Improved Rheological Performance of Waxy Crude Oil using Polyoctadecylacrylate-Modified Montmorillonite Composite as a Pour Point Depressant
Authors: Yao Bo , Li Chuanxian , Yang Fei , Sun Guangyu
Published: April 2018

Recently, studies on the use of polymer nanomaterial composites as pour-point depressants (PPD) have drawn much attention, but the crystallization properties and improved rheological performance of waxy crude oils using nanoclay-based composite PPDs have rarely been reported. In this paper, montmorillonite (Mnt) was first organically modified using octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (C21H46NCl, or stearyltrimethylammonium chloride) in aqueous solution. Then, the organically modified Mnt (OMnt) material was dispersed into a polyoctadecylacrylate (POA) matrix to prepare a POA/OMnt composite PPD by melt blending. The composition, structure, and morphology of Mnt, OMnt, and the POA/OMnt composite PPDs were investigated. The results showed that the OMnt and POA were compatible and that the OMnt was exfoliated into several sheets in the POA matrix. Subsequently, the isothermal crystallization kinetics of the POA/OMnt composite PPDs showed that small amounts of OMnt had a dramatic impact on POA chain motion during crystallization and facilitated POA crystallization. After it was added to a waxy crude oil, the POA/OMnt composite PPDs produced better rheological properties and performance than identical concentrations of the neat POA. The POA/OMnt composite PPDs can act as wax nucleation sites for wax molecule precipitation and result in larger and more compact wax crystal flocs, which adversely affect the formation of a wax crystal network and, thus, favor the improvement of waxy crude oil rheology.
Full Karyotype Interphase Cell Analysis
Authors: Baumgartner Adi , Ferlatte Hartshorne Christy , Polyzos Aris A. , Weier Heinz-Ulrich G. , Weier Jingly Fung , O’Brien Ben
Published: April 2018

Aneuploidy seems to play not only a decisive role in embryonal development but also in tumorigenesis where chromosomal and genomic instability reflect a universal feature of malignant tumors. The cost of whole genome sequencing has fallen significantly, but it is still prohibitive for many institutions and clinical settings. No applied, cost-effective, and efficient technique has been introduced yet aiming at research to assess the ploidy status of all 24 different human chromosomes in interphases simultaneously, especially in single cells. Here, we present the selection of human probe DNA and a technique using multistep fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) employing four sets of six labeled FISH probes able to delineate all 24 human chromosomes in interphase cells. This full karyotype analysis approach will provide additional diagnostic potential for single cell analysis. The use of spectral imaging (SIm) has enabled the use of up to eight different fluorochrome labels simultaneously. Thus, scoring can be easily assessed by visual inspection, because SIm permits computer-assigned and distinguishable pseudo-colors to each probe during image processing. This enables full karyotype analysis by FISH of single-cell interphase nuclei.
Parametric approach for prior knowledge-base 3D reconstruction
Authors: Kadi Hayet , Anouche Karima
Published: April 2018

Within the framework of Heritage documenting, digital reconstruction has stimulated, since years, the development and implementation of many techniques and software. Indeed, laser scanning and advances in imaging and photography are democratizing access to data and improving the ability to share and interpret Heritage information over the world. 3D acquisition knew a significant progress thanks to the introduction of laser sensors, but is also having problems related to exploiting the acquired data. We propose a methodological approach of 3D reconstruction, based on prior knowledge whose computer interpretation serves to structure the acquired data. It is about parametric interpretations describing the object and the morphological relations of its parts, allowing the generation of consistent and reusable models. This reconstitution process we want generalizable is explicated through an example; the finality not being the modeling in itself but the description of its different phases.
Ultrafast Bessel beams: advanced tools for laser materials processing
Authors: Stoian Razvan , Bhuyan Manoj K. , Zhang Guodong , Cheng Guanghua , Meyer Remy , Courvoisier Francois
Published: April 2018

Ultrafast Bessel beams demonstrate a significant capacity of structuring transparent materials with a high degree of accuracy and exceptional aspect ratio. The ability to localize energy on the nanometer scale (bypassing the 100-nm milestone) makes them ideal tools for advanced laser nanoscale processing on surfaces and in the bulk. This allows to generate and combine micron and nano-sized features into hybrid structures that show novel functionalities. Their high aspect ratio and the accurate location can equally drive an efficient material modification and processing strategy on large dimensions. We review, here, the main concepts of generating and using Bessel non-diffractive beams and their remarkable features, discuss general characteristics of their interaction with matter in ablation and material modification regimes, and advocate their use for obtaining hybrid micro and nanoscale structures in two and three dimensions (2D and 3D) performing complex functions. High-throughput applications are indicated. The example list ranges from surface nanostructuring and laser cutting to ultrafast laser welding and the fabrication of 3D photonic systems embedded in the volume.
The roadmap for harmonization: status of the International Consortium for Harmonization of Clinical Laboratory Results
Authors: Myers Gary L. , Miller W. Greg
Published: April 2018

The International Consortium for Harmonization of Clinical Laboratory Results (ICHCLR) was established to fulfill recommendations identified by an international conference convened to review the available infrastructure and challenges in achieving harmonization of results among different measurement procedures. The specific objectives of the ICHCLR are to: prioritize measurands by medical importance, coordinate the work of different organizations, and stimulate development of technical and regulatory processes to achieve harmonization. Central to these objectives is the website “www.harmonization.net” developed by the ICHCLR as an information portal designed to provide a resource center for global activities to harmonize and standardize results from clinical laboratory measurement procedures. Priorities based on medical impact are provided for measurands for which harmonization is needed or work to implement harmonization is incomplete or inactive. By making information available regarding harmonization activities in progress or planned, coordination of work to harmonize laboratory measurement procedures will minimize duplication of effort and optimize the use of limited resources. A toolbox of technical procedures developed by ICHCLR to be considered when developing a process to achieve harmonization for a measurand is presented. The ICHCLR initiated a proposal to ISO Technical Committee 212 for a harmonization protocol as the basis for calibration traceability when there are no other higher order reference system components available. The ICHCLR offers a unique service to prioritize measurands in need of harmonization and to provide a centralized approach to organize global efforts to achieve harmonization of clinical laboratory test results.
Indirect methods for reference interval determination – review and recommendations
Authors: Jones Graham R.D. , Haeckel Rainer , Loh Tze Ping , Sikaris Ken , Streichert Thomas , Katayev Alex , Barth Julian H. , Ozarda Yesim
Published: April 2018

Reference intervals are a vital part of the information supplied by clinical laboratories to support interpretation of numerical pathology results such as are produced in clinical chemistry and hematology laboratories. The traditional method for establishing reference intervals, known as the direct approach, is based on collecting samples from members of a preselected reference population, making the measurements and then determining the intervals. An alternative approach is to perform analysis of results generated as part of routine pathology testing and using appropriate statistical techniques to determine reference intervals. This is known as the indirect approach. This paper from a working group of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) Committee on Reference Intervals and Decision Limits (C-RIDL) aims to summarize current thinking on indirect approaches to reference intervals. The indirect approach has some major potential advantages compared with direct methods. The processes are faster, cheaper and do not involve patient inconvenience, discomfort or the risks associated with generating new patient health information. Indirect methods also use the same preanalytical and analytical techniques used for patient management and can provide very large numbers for assessment. Limitations to the indirect methods include possible effects of diseased subpopulations on the derived interval. The IFCC C-RIDL aims to encourage the use of indirect methods to establish and verify reference intervals, to promote publication of such intervals with clear explanation of the process used and also to support the development of improved statistical techniques for these studies.