bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laufzeitenanalyse der Patrouille des Glaciers (PDG) – Wie sind die Leistungsanforderungen zu taxieren?
Authors: Gasser Benedikt
Published: February 2017

Problemstellung Skitouren erfreut sich zunehmender Beliebtheit wobei die Entwicklungen im Ski- und Materialbereich erstaunlich sind und vermutet werden darf, dass physiologisch vergleichbare Belastungen heute viel einfacher vollbracht werden können als früher. Im Rahmen dieser Studie wurde sodann für die Patrouille des Glaciers (PDG) – das größte und bekannteste Skitourenrennen der Schweiz – die Frage adressiert, wie sich die Laufzeiten in den letzten Jahren entwickelten und was sich für Empfehlungen für teilnehmende Alpinisten ergeben.

Methoden Die durchschnittlichen Zeiten der letzten zehn Jahre wurden für die Originalstrecke von Zermatt nach Arolla bis Verbier jeweils für eine Spitzenkohorten (die ersten zehn Rangplätze) und eine Mediankohorte (die mittleren Rangplätze) kategorienweise analysiert.

Ergebnisse Eher gegenteilig zu den Erwartungen resultierte eine tendenzielle Zunahme der durchschnittlichen Laufzeiten in den letzten zehn Jahren. Das Gros der Patrouillen läuft die Strecke im Bereich um 12 h, was die hohe Leistungsdichte an der PDG verdeutlicht. Weiter ist zu vermuten, dass um 40 Jahre das Leistungsmaximum für solche Ultrabelastungen liegen.

Diskussion Aufgrund der wachsenden Nachfrage zur Teilnahme ist zu vermuten, dass die Organisatoren einer immer breiter werdenden Zahl von Alpinisten eine Teilnahme an der PDG ermöglichen wollen. Dies hat vermutlich zur Konsequenz, dass auch Breitensportler vermehrt teilnehmen, was zu einem Anstieg der durchschnittlichen Laufzeiten in den vergangenen zehn Jahren führte. Trotzdem läuft ein Gros der Patrouillen die Strecke von 110 Leistungskilometer im Bereich von 12 h, was nur bei entsprechendem Trainingsstand möglich ist und im Hinblick auf eine allfällige Teilnahme berücksichtigt werden sollte.
DNA Photocleavage and Binding Modes of Methylene Violet 3RAX and its Derivatives: Effect of Functional Groups
Authors: Yang Ke , Zhang Xiong , Yang Fang , Wu Fengshou , Zhang Xiulan , Wang Kai
Published: February 2017

With 4′-amino-N,N-diethylaniline and aniline as starting materials, methylene violet 3RAX 1 and its derivatives 2–5 were synthesised. The five compounds were characterised by IR, UV-vis, and 1H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The binding mode between the synthesised compounds and DNA were investigated. The results show that both compounds 1 and 5 bind to DNA by an intercalative mode, while compounds 2–4 interact with DNA through a mixed binding mode involving groove binding and electrostatic interactions. The photocleavage ability of the five compounds to DNA were calculated to be 38, 40, 30, 20, and 13 %, respectively, when their concentration was adjusted to 400 μM. The singlet oxygen production of compounds measured by the 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran method was consistent with the trend of DNA photocleavage ability. The DNA studies suggest that the binding mode between methylene violet 3RAX and DNA, the ability of methylene violet 3RAX to generate singlet oxygen, and the DNA photocleavage activity could be adjusted through modification of the amino group on methylene violet 3RAX.
Theoretical and methodological trends of agenda-setting theory
Authors: Kim Yeojin , Kim Youngju , Zhou Shuhua
Published: February 2017

Through a thematic meta-analysis, the current study examined theoretical, topical, and methodological trends of agenda-setting research over time from 1972 through 2015. Research trends, topics, media, methods, and utilization of other theories in agendasetting studies were discussed along with the evolution of the theoretical map of agenda-setting studies. Findings indicated that the number of agenda-setting research studies has been increasing over time, along with the expansion of research topics, media, methods, and use of other theories. This study provided a general overview of agenda-setting studies as well as new insights for future research trends and directions.
Attribute agenda setting and information overload
Authors: Saldaña Magdalena
Published: February 2017

The compelling argument concept, one of the least studied components of attribute agenda setting, suggests that some attributes increase the salience of an object on the public agenda of issues. By conducting two studies, this article examines the compelling argument concept applying both manual content analysis (Study 1) and computerized-analysis tools (Study 2), considering frequency and degree centrality as measures of attribute salience. Results show that the application of computer-aided methods and mathematical techniques can efficiently identify attributes and estimate degree centrality, which are the core elements of the second and third level of the agenda-setting theory, respectively. Also, findings indicate that absolute frequency, rather than the presence or absence of an attribute in a news story, is a more parsimonious measure of redundancy to identify compelling arguments in news stories. This study proposes methodological innovations that further expand the scope of attribute agenda setting in the big data landscape.
Surface modification of D36 steel by ultrasonic impact with electropulsing
Authors: Liu Tao , Wang Haibo , Tang Guoyi , Song Guolin
Published: February 2017

The present work investigated the effect of ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT) assisted with electropulsing (EP) on the microstructure of D36 low-carbon steel. Optical microscope and scanning electron microscope were employed to reveal the microstructural evolution of the specimen subjected to the treatment. In comparison with UIT solely, a higher hardness on the superficial layer was obtained by EP-UIT and the fracture on treated surface was avoided effectively which meant a better plasticity. The electron back scatter diffraction analysis indicated a high density of low-angle boundary network owing to the large strain introduced. The distinguishing features of EP-UIT were ascribed to the athermal effect of drifting electrons which facilitate the mobilising of dislocations in the deformation.

This paper is part of a themed issue on Materials in External Fields.
Personalizing lung cancer risk prediction and imaging follow-up recommendations using the National Lung Screening Trial dataset
Authors: Hostetter Jason M , Morrison James J , Morris Michael , Jeudy Jean , Wang Kenneth C , Siegel Eliot
Published: February 2017

Objective

To demonstrate a data-driven method for personalizing lung cancer risk prediction using a large clinical dataset.

Materials and Methods

An algorithm was used to categorize nodules found in the first screening year of the National Lung Screening Trial as malignant or nonmalignant. Risk of malignancy for nodules was calculated based on size criteria according to the Fleischner Society recommendations from 2005, along with the additional discriminators of pack-years smoking history, sex, and nodule location. Imaging follow-up recommendations were assigned according to Fleischner size category malignancy risk.

Results

Nodule size correlated with malignancy risk as predicted by the Fleischner Society recommendations. With the additional discriminators of smoking history, sex, and nodule location, significant risk stratification was observed. For example, men with ≥60 pack-years smoking history and upper lobe nodules measuring >4 and ≤6 mm demonstrated significantly increased risk of malignancy at 12.4% compared to the mean of 3.81% for similarly sized nodules (P < .0001).

Based on personalized malignancy risk, 54% of nodules >4 and ≤6 mm were reclassified to longer-term follow-up than recommended by Fleischner. Twenty-seven percent of nodules ≤4 mm were reclassified to shorter-term follow-up.

Discussion

Using available clinical datasets such as the National Lung Screening Trial in conjunction with locally collected datasets can help clinicians provide more personalized malignancy risk predictions and follow-up recommendations.

Conclusion

By incorporating 3 demographic data points, the risk of lung nodule malignancy within the Fleischner categories can be considerably stratified and more personalized follow-up recommendations can be made.
A cell-topography based mechanism for ligand discrimination by the T-cell receptor
Authors: Fernandes Ricardo A. , Ganzinger Kristina A. , Tzou Justin , Jönsson Peter , Lee Steven F. , Palayret Matthieu , Santos Ana Mafalda , Carr Alexander R. , Ponjavic Aleks , Chang Veronica T. , Macleod Charlotte , Christoffer Lagerholm B. , Lindsay Alan E. , Dushek Omer , Tilevik Andreas , Davis Simon J. , Klenerman David
Published: February 2017

The T-cell receptor (TCR) triggers the elimination of pathogens and tumors by T lymphocytes. In order for this to avoid damage to the host, the receptor has to discriminate between thousands of peptide ligands presented by each host cell. Exactly how the TCR does this is unknown. In resting T-cells, the TCR is largely unphosphorylated due to the dominance of phosphatases over kinases expressed at the cell surface. When agonist peptides are presented to the TCR by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins expressed by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), very fast receptor triggering occurs, leading to TCR phosphorylation. Recent work suggests that this depends on the local exclusion of the phosphatases from regions of contact of the T cells with the APCs. Here, we develop and test a quantitative treatment of receptor triggering reliant only upon TCR dwell-time in phosphatase-depleted cell-cell contacts constrained in area by cell topography. Using the model and experimentally-derived parameters, we find that ligand discrimination is possible but that it depends crucially on individual contacts being 400 nm in diameter or smaller,i.e.the size generated by microvilli. The model not only correctly predicts the relative signaling potencies of known agonists and non-agonists, but achieves this in the absence of conventional, multi-step kinetic proof-reading. Our work provides a simple, quantitative and predictive molecular framework for understanding why TCR triggering is so selective and fast, and reveals that for some receptors, cell topography crucially influences signaling outcomes.

Significance statement

One approach to testing biological theories is to determine if they are predictive. A simple, theoretical treatment of TCR triggering suggests that ligand discrimination by the receptor relies on just two physical principles: (1) the time TCRs spend in cell-cell contacts depleted of large tyrosine phosphatases; and (2) constraints on contact size imposed by T cells using finger-like protrusions to interrogate their targets. The theory not only allows agonistic and non-agonistic TCR ligands to be distinguished but predicts the relative signalling potencies of agonists with remarkable accuracy. This suggests that the theory captures the essential features of receptor triggering.
The company-customer transfer of logistics activities
Authors: Rouquet Aurélien , Goudarzi Kiane , Henriquez Tatiana
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The starting point of the paper is the fact that customers participate in the logistics activities of the supply chain (SC) (Johnston, 1989; Granzin and Bahn, 1989). Having established that customers can and do participate in logistics, firms can consider transferring some of their logistics activities to/from their customer. The transfer can take two contrasting forms: outsourcing by the company of some logistics activities to its customers or insourcing by the company of some logistics activities from its customers. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a theoretical understanding of these company/customer transfers.

Design/methodology/approach

To address this emerging issue, the authors build on the service management literature and on the study of two contrasting cases of transfer. The first (IKEA) examines the outsourcing of some logistics activities to the consumer. The second (AuchanDrive) examines the reverse process of insourcing.

Findings

Based on the service management literature and the two case studies, the authors develop a theoretical model for the transfer of logistics activities between a firm and its customers. The findings confirm several elements, such as the importance of managing customer participation and adapting service production during a transfer. Most importantly, the findings show that a key issue for a firm during a transfer is the need to redesign its SC in terms of transport, warehousing and production. The main contribution of the research therefore is showing that customer participation in logistics is a key variable in SC design.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on the analysis of two cases. To generalise these results, further research needs to be conducted.

Practical implications

This research proposes recommendations to help managers and organisations to transfer some logistics activities to or from their customers.

Originality/value

The originality of the framework is that it considers both the company and its customers. This comprehensive approach establishes a link between supply chain management research and marketing.
Ambidexterity, performance and environmental dynamism
Authors: Tamayo-Torres Javier , Roehrich Jens K. , Lewis Michael A.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between organizational ambidexterity, the ability of companies to explore new and to exploit existing processes simultaneously, and manufacturing performance as represented by the sand cone model. Moreover, the paper analyses the impact of stable and dynamic environments on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of research questions are tested using structural equation modeling on a sample of 231 Spanish manufacturing companies.

Findings

Results illustrate a significant relationship between ambidexterity as the basis and enabler for manufacturing performance improvements, building on the sand cone model and its dimensions of quality, delivery, cost, and flexibility. This relationship is further emphasized when companies work in a dynamic environment.

Practical implications

The study contributes to practice by investigating the important and yet under-explored relationships of ambidexterity, the sand cone model, performance, and a company’s wider market environment. Findings suggest a positive relationship between the sand cone model and ambidexterity capability.

Originality/value

This study adds to the limited theoretical and empirical understanding of the relationships between ambidexterity, the sand cone model, environmental dynamism, and performance. It also contributes through a set of empirical data derived from Spanish manufacturing companies.
Cluster analysis in empirical OM research: survey and recommendations
Authors: Brusco Michael J. , Singh Renu , Cradit J. Dennis , Steinley Douglas
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, the authors provide a survey of operations management (OM) research applications of traditional hierarchical and nonhierarchical clustering methods with respect to key decisions that are central to a valid analysis. Second, the authors offer recommendations for practice with respect to these decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

A coding study was conducted for 97 cluster analyses reported in six OM journals during the period spanning 1994-2015. Data were collected with respect to: variable selection, variable standardization, method, selection of the number of clusters, consistency/stability of the clustering solution, and profiling of the clusters based on exogenous variables. Recommended practices for validation of clustering solutions are provided within the context of this framework.

Findings

There is considerable variability across clustering applications with respect to the components of validation, as well as a mix of productive and undesirable practices. This justifies the importance of the authors’ provision of a schema for conducting a cluster analysis.

Research limitations/implications

Certain aspects of the coding study required some degree of subjectivity with respect to interpretation or classification. However, in light of the sheer magnitude of the coding study (97 articles), the authors are confident that an accurate picture of empirical OM clustering applications has been presented.

Practical implications

The paper provides a critique and synthesis of the practice of cluster analysis in OM research. The coding study provides a thorough foundation for how the key decisions of a cluster analysis have been previously handled in the literature. Both researchers and practitioners are provided with guidelines for performing a valid cluster analysis.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study of this type has been reported in the OM literature. The authors’ recommendations for cluster validation draw from recent studies in other disciplines that are apt to be unfamiliar to many OM researchers.
Determination of moment tensor and location of microseismic events under conditions of highly correlated noise based on the maximum likelihood method
Authors: Birialtsev E.V. , Demidov D.E. , Mokshin E.V.
Published: February 2017

We examine the problem of localization of a single microseismic event and determination of its seismic moment tensor in the presence of strongly correlated noise. This is a typical problem occurring in monitoring of microseismic events from a daylight surface during producing or surface monitoring of hydraulic fracturing. We propose a solution to this problem based on the method of maximum likelihood. We discuss mathematical aspects of the problem, some features and weak points of the proposed approach, estimate the required computing resources, and present the results of numerical experiments. We show that the proposed approach is much more resistant to correlated noises than diffraction stacking methods and time reverse modeling.
Microseismic events enhancement and detection in sensor arrays using autocorrelation‐based filtering
Authors: Liu Entao , Zhu Lijun , Govinda Raj Anupama , McClellan James H. , Al‐Shuhail Abdullatif , Kaka SanLinn I. , Iqbal Naveed
Published: February 2017

Passive microseismic data are commonly buried in noise, which presents a significant challenge for signal detection and recovery. For recordings from a surface sensor array where each trace contains a time‐delayed arrival from the event, we propose an autocorrelation‐based stacking method that designs a denoising filter from all the traces, as well as a multi‐channel detection scheme. This approach circumvents the issue of time aligning the traces prior to stacking because every trace's autocorrelation is centred at zero in the lag domain. The effect of white noise is concentrated near zero lag; thus, the filter design requires a predictable adjustment of the zero‐lag value. Truncation of the autocorrelation is employed to smooth the impulse response of the denoising filter. In order to extend the applicability of the algorithm, we also propose a noise prewhitening scheme that addresses cases with coloured noise. The simplicity and robustness of this method are validated with synthetic and real seismic traces.
A Brief Survey of the Work Being Performed by Crisis Organisations in European Union Member States on Climate Change Effects
Authors: Wester Misse , Mobjörk Malin
Published: February 2017

The negative effects of climate change are calling for action to mitigate and adapt to future challenges. National crisis management authorities need to prepare to handle crisis caused by direct or indirect effects. In this study, we investigate how crisis management authorities within the European Union prepare for the effects of climate change by conducting a small questionnaire study. The questionnaire used consisted of 12 questions and was answered by 17 counties. Results indicate that most crisis management agencies focus on weather‐related incidents, such as floods, heatwaves and forest fires. Indirect effects are not prepared for to the same extent. The gulf between crisis management and climate adaptation is discussed.
Postponing a General Practitioner Visit: Describing Social Differences in Thirty‐One European Countries
Authors: Detollenaere Jens , Van Pottelberge Amelie , Hanssens Lise , Pauwels Lieven , van Loenen Tessa , Willems Sara
Published: February 2017

Objective

To describe social differences in postponing a general practitioner visit in 31 European countries and to explore whether primary care strength is associated with postponement rates.

Data Sources

Between October 2011 and December 2013, the multicountry QUALICOPC study collected data on 61,931 patients and 7,183 general practitioners throughout Europe.

Study Design

Access to primary care was measured by asking the patients whether they postponed a general practitioner visit in the past year. Social differences were described according to patients’ self‐rated household income, education, ethnicity, and gender.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Data were analyzed using multivariable and multilevel binomial logistic regression analyses.

Principal Findings

According to the variance–decomposition in the multilevel analysis, most of the variance can be explained by patient characteristics. Postponement of general practitioner care is higher for patients with a low self‐rated household income, a low education level, and a migration background. In addition, although the point estimates are consistent with a substantial effect, no statistically significant association between primary care strength and postponement in the 31 countries is determined.

Conclusions

Despite the universal and egalitarian goals of health care systems, access to general practitioner care in Europe is still determined by patients’ socioeconomic status (self‐rated household income and education) and migration background.
Case Report of a Migrating Bullet: An Unusual Cause of Postmortem Confusion
Authors: Chute Dennis J. , Newman Kia , Bready Robert J. , Benjamin Eric D.
Published: February 2017

Migrating bullets are rare sequelae of penetrating gunshot wounds. Such cases have been described in the neurosurgical literature because they can produce complications in the management of patients such as decline in neurologic status, delays in rehabilitation, and difficulties in bullet removal. In contrast, few postmortem reports have described this phenomenon. We report a case of a gunshot wound in which the projectile entered the left side of the head and traversed to the right frontal area as documented by CT scan on hospital admission. At autopsy, the bullet was noted to have migrated back to the left side of the head from where it was recovered. Medical examiners need to be aware of this unusual phenomenon of retained intracranial projectiles.
A Comparison of US and Japanese Dental Restorative Care Present on Service Members Recovered from the WWII Era
Authors: Shiroma Calvin Y.
Published: February 2017

The documentation of dental materials used in the USA during the WWII era is readily available, while references for the Japanese are minimal. It was therefore important to build a photographic database of Japanese restorative care which could be utilized as a comparison tool for the deployed odontologist. The dental restorative care of approximately 400 US and 100 Japanese sets of remains was evaluated. Both countries share many similar restorative techniques to include collared crowns, full‐coverage restorations, cantilever bridge/pontics to close spaces; restorative materials such as amalgam, gold, and zinc phosphate (temporary) restorations; and removable prostheses. The dental restorative materials most commonly used by US dentists include the amalgam and silicate cement, while the full‐coverage crown was the type of restoration most frequently seen on the Japanese remains. Silicates, porcelain and replaceable crowns, and partial‐coverage prepared crowns were not observed on the recovered Japanese remains.
Male age and strain affect ejaculate quality in the Mexican fruit fly
Authors: Herrera‐Cruz Mariana , Abraham Solana , Nuñez‐Beverido Nicolas , Flores‐Estévez Norma , Reyes‐Hernández Martha , Alvarado Mayvi , Pérez‐Staples Diana
Published: February 2017

Aging in all organisms is inevitable. Male age can have profound effects on mating success and female reproduction, yet relatively little is known on the effects of male age on different components of the ejaculate. Furthermore, in mass‐reared insects used for the Sterile Insect Technique, there are often behavioral differences between mass‐reared and wild males, while differences in the ejaculate have been less studied. The ejaculate in insects is composed mainly of sperm and accessory gland proteins. Here, we studied how male age and strain affected (i) protein quantity of testes and accessory glands, (ii) the biological activity of accessory gland products injected into females, (iii) sperm viability, and (iv) sperm quantity stored by females in wild and mass‐reared Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae). We found lower protein content in testes of old wild males and lower sperm viability in females mated with old wild males. Females stored more sperm when mated to young wild males than with young mass‐reared males. Accessory gland injections of old or young males did not inhibit female remating. Knowledge of how male age affects different ejaculate components will aid our understanding on investment of the ejaculate and possible postcopulatory consequences on female behavior.
Work–family conflict, family satisfaction and employee well‐being: a comparative study of Australian and Indian social workers
Authors: Kalliath Parveen , Kalliath Thomas , Chan Christopher
Published: February 2017

Work‐to‐family conflict and family‐to‐work conflict have been widely investigated as antecedents of well‐being in various employee groups. However, these studies have largely been performed in Western countries, and only a few studies have investigated the phenomenon using both Western and non‐Western samples. The present study contributes to the literature by investigating work–family conflict experiences of social workers in Australia and India. More specifically, it explores the impact of work‐to‐family conflict and family‐to‐work conflict on well‐being and the mediating role of family satisfaction in this relationship. Our findings reveal the direct negative effects of work‐to‐family conflict on well‐being and family satisfaction in both groups and of family‐to‐work conflict on well‐being of Indian social workers. There is evidence that family satisfaction mediates work–family conflict and well‐being relationships in both samples. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the findings for HRM policies in social service agencies of both countries.
Golden Gate Assembly system dedicated to complex pathway manipulation in Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Celińska Ewelina , Ledesma‐Amaro Rodrigo , Larroude Macarena , Rossignol Tristan , Pauthenier Cyrille , Nicaud Jean‐Marc
Published: February 2017

In this study, we have adopted Golden Gate modular cloning strategy to develop a robust and versatile DNA assembly platform for the nonconventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. To this end, a broad set of destination vectors and interchangeable building blocks have been constructed. The DNA modules were assembled on a scaffold of predesigned 4 nt overhangs covering three transcription units (each bearing promoter, gene and terminator), selection marker gene and genomic integration targeting sequences, constituting altogether thirteen elements. Previously validated DNA modules (regulatory elements and selection markers) were adopted as the Golden Gate bricks. The system's operability was demonstrated based on synthetic pathway of carotenoid production. This technology greatly enriches a molecular biology toolbox dedicated to this industrially relevant microorganism enabling fast combinatorial cloning of complex synthetic pathways.
Evaluation of Rv0220, Rv2958c, Rv2994 and Rv3347c of Mycobacterium tuberculosis for serodiagnosis of tuberculosis
Authors: You Xiaolong , Li Ranhui , Wan Kanglin , Liu Liangzhuan , Xie Xiaoping , Zhao Lanhua , Wu Ning , Deng Xiangying , Wang Li , Zeng Yanhua
Published: February 2017

Tuberculosis (TB), the leading cause of death among infectious diseases worldwide, is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). Early accurate diagnosis means earlier prevention, treatment and control of TB. To confirm efficient diagnostic antigens for M. tuberculosis, the serodiagnosis value of four recombinant proteins including Rv0220, Rv2958c, Rv2994 and Rv3347c was evaluated in this study. The specificities and sensitivities of four recombinant proteins were determined based on enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) by screening sera from smear‐positive pulmonary TB patients (n = 92), uninfected individuals (n = 60) and patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (n = 32) that potentially cross‐react with M. tuberculosis. The ELISAs showed that Rv0220, Rv2958c, Rv2994 and Rv3347c exhibited high specificities and sensitivities in detecting immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody, with 98.3/91.3%, 91.7/85.9%, 93.3/89.1% and 93.3/80.4% respectively. According to the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the ROC of the target proteins was 0.988, 0.969, 0.929 and 0.945 respectively. Western blot was established to evaluate the immunoreactivities of target proteins to mice and human sera. Results demonstrated that Rv0220, Rv2958c, Rv2994 and Rv3347c could specifically recognize TB‐positive sera and the sera of mice immunized with the corresponding protein. Thus, Rv0220, Rv2958c, Rv2994 and Rv3347c were valuable potential diagnostic antigens for M. tuberculosis.
Impact of target area selection in 125Iodine seed brachytherapy on locoregional recurrence in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yan Wei‐Liang , Lv Jin‐Shuang , Guan Zhi‐Yu , Wang Li‐Yang , Yang Jing‐Kui , Liang Ji‐Xiang
Published: February 2017

Background

Computed tomography (CT)‐guided percutaneous implantation of 125Iodine radioactive seeds requires the precise arrangement of seeds by tumor shape. We tested whether selecting target areas, including subclinical areas around tumors, can influence locoregional recurrence in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Method

We divided 82 patients with NSCLC into two groups. Target areas in group 1 (n = 40) were defined along tumor margins based on lung‐window CT. Target areas in group 2 (n = 42) were extended by 0.5 cm in all dimensions outside tumor margins. Preoperative plans for both groups were based on a treatment plan system, which guided 125
I seed implantation. Six months later, patients underwent chest CT to evaluate treatment efficacy (per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1). We compared locoregional recurrences between the groups after a year of follow‐up. We then used the treatment plan system to extend target areas for group 1 patients by 0.5 cm (defined as group 3 data) and compared these hypothetical group 3 planned seeds with the actual seed numbers used in group 1 patients.

Results

All patients successfully underwent implantation; none died during the follow‐up period. Recurrence was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 (
P
 < 0.05). Group 1 patients and group 3 data significantly differed in seed numbers (
P
 < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our results imply that extending the implantation area for 125
I seeds can decrease recurrence risk by eradicating cancerous lymph‐duct blockades within the extended areas.
Non‐destructive estimation of above‐ground surface and near‐surface biomass using 3D terrestrial remote sensing techniques
Authors: Wallace Luke , Hillman Samuel , Reinke Karin , Hally Bryan
Published: February 2017

Quantitative measurements of above‐ground vegetation biomass are vital to a range of ecological and natural resource management applications. Remote‐sensing techniques, such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and image‐based point clouds, are potentially revolutionary techniques for measuring vegetation biomass and deriving other related, structural metrics for these purposes.

Surface vegetation biomass (up to 25 cm) in pasture, forest, and woodland environments is estimated from a 3D point cloud derived from a small number of digital images. Volume is calculated, using the 3D cloud and regressed against dry weight to provide an estimate of biomass. Assessment of the method is made through comparison to 3D point clouds collected through TLS surveys.

High correlation between destructively sampled biomass and vegetation volume derived from TLS and image‐based point clouds in the pasture (TLS , image based ), dry grassy forest (TLS , image based ) and lowland forest (TLS , image based ) environments was found. Occlusion caused by standing vegetation in the woodland environment resulted in moderate correlation between TLS derived volume and biomass (). The effects of surrounding vegetation on the image‐based technique resulted in 3D point clouds being resolved for only 40% of the samples in this environment.

The results of this study demonstrate that image‐based point cloud techniques are highly viable for the measurement of surface biomass. In contrast to TLS, volume and biomass data can be captured using low‐cost equipment and relatively little expertise.
Pain Assessment in INTensive care (PAINT): an observational study of physician‐documented pain assessment in 45 intensive care units in the United Kingdom
Authors: Kemp H. I. , Bantel C. , Gordon F. , Brett S. J. ,   PLAN,   SEARCH, Laycock H. C.
Published: February 2017

Pain is a common and distressing symptom experienced by intensive care patients. Assessing pain in this environment is challenging, and published guidelines have been inconsistently implemented. The Pain Assessment in INTensive care (PAINT) study aimed to evaluate the frequency and type of physician pain assessments with respect to published guidelines. This observational service evaluation considered all pain and analgesia‐related entries in patients’ records over a 24‐h period, in 45 adult intensive care units (ICUs) in London and the South‐East of England. Data were collected from 750 patients, reflecting the practice of 362 physicians. Nearly two‐thirds of patients (n = 475, 64.5%, 95%CI 60.9–67.8%) received no physician‐documented pain assessment during the 24‐h study period. Just under one‐third (n = 215, 28.6%, 95%CI 25.5–32.0%) received no nursing‐documented pain assessment, and over one‐fifth (n = 159, 21.2%, 95%CI 19.2–23.4)% received neither a doctor nor a nursing pain assessment. Two of the 45 ICUs used validated behavioural pain assessment tools. The likelihood of receiving a physician pain assessment was affected by the following factors: the number of nursing assessments performed; whether the patient was admitted as a surgical patient; the presence of tracheal tube or tracheostomy; and the length of stay in ICU. Physician‐documented pain assessments in the majority of participating ICUs were infrequent and did not utilise recommended behavioural pain assessment tools. Further research to identify factors influencing physician pain assessment behaviour in ICU, such as human factors or cultural attitudes, is urgently needed.
Measurement and interpretation of ‘global cultural cities’ in a world of cities
Authors: Caset Freke , Derudder Ben
Published: February 2017

The intuitive connections between global cities of finance and global cities of art have been repeatedly asserted. However, systematic analyses of how both geographies conjoin in major cities remain thin on the ground. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the geographical intersections between renderings of global cities as key sites for the coordination and accumulation of global capital and visions of these cities as international art hubs. To this end, we develop a ‘global arts centre’ (GAC) index in which cities are assessed in terms of their centrality in ‘field‐configuring events’, such as festivals, biennials and fairs. This GAC ranking and a number of art sector‐specific disaggregations are then compared with the ‘global financial centre’ (GFC) index established by Z/Yen Group by means of correlation analysis. Cities featuring in both rankings are labelled ‘global cultural cities’ (GCCs). We find that the parallels between both indices within the top‐tier rank positions are considerable. The rank correlation between the art and finance indices suggests a clear positive association between both. Most GCCs are located in Europe, Pacific Asia and Northern America. The most notable geographical pattern is the prominent presence of GCCs in Pacific Asia, suggesting the rapidly changing economic environment in this region has complemented interest and investments in high‐end art. We conclude the paper by singling out some key research agendas that may further inform the empirical analysis presented in this paper.
The new nature: Limitations and prospects of the paleoenvironmental tradition in biogeography in the 21st century
Authors: MacDonald Glen M.
Published: February 2017

Paleoenvironmental research is an important component of biogeography. The profound environmental changes wrought by human activity over the past 300 years challenge the previous focus on past “natural” systems and the use of past environmental conditions to anticipate future anthropogenic environmental changes. In many cases, due to profound environmental changes brought on by humans, the past may not be the key to the present nor the future. Jettisoning strict nature‐human distinctions and uniformitarianistic expectations of past environmental analogues for current and future conditions does, however, open the door to a multitude of important research questions for biogeographers working in the paleoenvironmental tradition. Embracing research programs that seek to use paleoenvironmental records to inform questions of human‐environment interactions not only provides individuals with new research opportunities, but also can serve to strengthen bonds within the discipline.

La nouvelle nature : les limites et perspectives de la tradition paléoenvironnementale en biogéographie au XXIe siècle

La recherche paléoenvironnementale est l'un des principaux volets de la biogéographie. Les profondes mutations de l'environnement causées par l'activité humaine des 300 dernières années remettent en question, d'une part, la perspective traditionnelle sur les systèmes « naturels » antérieurs et, d'autre part, l'utilisation des conditions environnementales du passé pour prévoir les tendances en matière de changements environnementaux anthropiques. Dans de nombreux cas, en raison des profondes mutations de l'environnement provoquées par les humains, le passé pourrait ne pas être garant ni du présent ni du futur. En supprimant la séparation nette de la nature et des humains et le principe de l'uniformitarisme qui postule que les conditions environnementales du passé correspondent à celles d'aujourd'hui et de demain, on dégage une panoplie de grandes questions de recherche pour les biogéographes travaillant dans la tradition paléoenvironnementale. L'adoption de programmes de recherche qui envisagent d'utiliser les archives paléoenvironnementales pour éclairer les questions sur les interactions entre les humains et l'environnement offre non seulement de nouvelles avenues de recherche, mais peut aussi servir à renforcer les liens disciplinaires.
Cytology of the neovagina in transgender women and individuals with congenital or acquired absence of a natural vagina
Authors: Grosse A. , Grosse C. , Lenggenhager D. , Bode B. , Camenisch U. , Bode P.
Published: February 2017

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to describe the cytological findings of bowel and (penile) skin‐lined neovaginas in patients with gender dysphoria (GD) and individuals with a congenital or acquired absence of a natural vagina. The secondary objective was to correlate the cytological findings with clinical characteristics such as oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT).

Methods

A retrospective review of an institutional pathology archive over a 15‐year‐period was performed to identify cytological samples of neovaginal vaults. The medical and surgical records of the patients identified (n=20) were evaluated.

Results

Well‐preserved nucleated squamous cells were found in 70% (14/20) of patients. Neovaginal samples showing superficial, intermediate and parabasal cells plus Döderlein flora similar to normal cervical cytology were present in only 10% (2/20). Three samples (15%, 3/20) showed atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US) that were all negative for high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) types, whereas one case was positive for low‐risk (LR) HPV. One patient (5%, 1/20) was diagnosed with an HR‐HPV‐positive high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), and one patient (5%, 1/20) had an HR‐ and LR‐HPV‐positive low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). The correlation between the presence of nucleated squamous cells and ERT was significant (P=.032).

Conclusion

Cytological findings of the neovagina resemble normal cervical cytology with superficial, intermediate and parabasal cells as well as Döderlein bacilli in a minority of cases. Because precancerous lesions and invasive carcinoma may develop in the neovagina, patients with neovaginas should be subject to cancer screening programmes.
Co‐Occurring Trajectory of Mothers’ Substance Use and Psychological Control and Children's Behavior Problems: The Effects of a Family Systems Intervention
Authors: Zhang Jing , Slesnick Natasha , Feng Xin
Published: February 2017

This study examined the effects of a family systems therapy (Ecologically‐Based Family Therapy [EBFT]) on the co‐occurring trajectory of mothers’ substance use and psychological control, and its association with children's problem behaviors. Participants included 183 mothers with a substance use disorder who had at least one biological child in their care. Mothers were randomly assigned to one of the three intervention conditions:EBFT—home,n = 62;EBFT—office,n = 61; or Women's Health Education,n = 60. Participants were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months post‐baseline. A dual‐trajectory class growth analysis identified three groups of mothers in regard to their change trajectories. The majority of the mothers exhibited a synchronous decrease in substance use and psychological control (n = 107). In all, 46 mothers exhibited a synchronous increase in substance use and psychological control. For the remaining 30 mothers, substance use and psychological control remained stable. Mothers in the family therapy condition were more likely to show reduced substance use and psychological control compared to mothers in the control condition. Moreover, children with mothers who showed decreased substance use and psychological control exhibited lower levels of problem behaviors compared to children with mothers showing increased substance use and psychological control. The findings provide evidence for the effectiveness of family systems therapy,EBFT, in treating mothers’ substance use, improving parenting behaviors, and subsequently improving child behavioral outcomes.
Development of an algorithm for relating pasture nitrogen status to yield response curves
Authors: Vogeler I. , Cichota R.
Published: February 2017

Determination of optimum nitrogen (N) fertilization rates which maximize pasture growth is challenging due to variability in plant requirements and likely near‐future supply of N by the soil. Remote sensing can be used for mapping N nutrition status of plants and to rapidly assess the spatial variability within a field. An algorithm is, however, lacking which relates the N status of the plants to the expected yield response to additions of N. An algorithm was developed based on a simulation study carried out using the APSIM model. Simulations were performed for an irrigated ryegrass pasture in Canterbury, New Zealand. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied monthly at different rates, ranging from 0 to 150 kg N/ha. To obtain a range of different pasture N contents, a total of 1456 different fertilization rules were set up and evaluated over 20 different years of weather giving 29,120 combinations of pasture herbage N contents and growth responses for each month. The analysis focused on November (spring), a month with generally vigorous growth. A three‐dimensional surface response function, based on the Mitscherlich yield response function, was developed. This function was used to determine required N fertilization rates, which achieve 90% of the maximum yield, based on the antecedent pasture N content. At low pasture herbage N contents (25 g/kg), the required fertilization rate was estimated as 130 kg N/ha, whereas at N contents of 40 g/kg, only 60 kg N/ha was required to obtain the same yield, reflecting the much higher supply of N by the soil.
Radiosurgery for Arteriovenous Malformations and the Impact on Headaches
Authors: Bowden Greg , Cavaleri Jonathon , Kano Hideyuki , Monaco Edward , Niranjan Ajay , Flickinger John , Dade Lunsford L.
Published: February 2017

Background

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can underlie many diverse neurological signs and symptoms. Headaches are a common presentation that can have a significant impact on quality of life.

Objective

The authors investigated Gamma Knife® stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) outcomes in patients with AVMs and associated headaches.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 102 patients with AVMs who underwent SRS between 1995 and 2013. The patient's headache symptoms led to their AVM diagnosis or developed post hemorrhage of their AVM. Information regarding headache characteristics was obtained from the patient's medical records and at follow‐up using a scripted clinical interview. The median imaging follow‐up was 61.7 months and clinical follow‐up was 89.7 months. The median treatment volume at SRS was 4.1 cm3 and the median marginal dose was 20 Gy.

Results

The actuarial AVM obliteration rate was 60% at 5 years and 78% at 10 years. Patients reported that their overall headache severity decreased by −43.6% and their headache frequency was reduced by −53.4%. Headache reduction was reported in 49.1% of patients at 1 year and 69.5% at 5 years. The median time until improvement was 6.5 months. After SRS, headache medication usage decreased in 29% of patients. Permanent adverse radiation effects after SRS occurred in 3% of patients. Until obliteration was complete, the annual risk of a hemorrhage after SRS was 0.4% per year.

Conclusion

Although recall bias related to a retrospective analysis can impact outcomes, headache symptoms associated with AVMs may potentially be decreased or eliminated in a subset of patients treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
Consumption, crisis, and coping strategies of lower class families in Brazil: A sociological account
Authors: Castilhos Rodrigo B. , Fonseca Marcelo J. , Bavaresco Vera
Published: February 2017

Extant research on the dispositional dimensions of coping strategies emphasizes the personality determinants behind the different ways through which individuals seek to tolerate, minimize, and overcome stressful situations. We offer a sociological complement to this perspective. To do so, we conducted a qualitative inquiry of Brazilian new middle‐class consumers who are facing the current economic crisis after having experienced more than a decade of expansion in consumption. We identify five sets of coping strategies through which consumers minimize the effects of the crisis and remain invested in consumer culture. We also demonstrate how such strategies are differently informed by dispositional elements that stem from primary and secondary socializations. We contribute to a sociological account of the shaping of the cognitive, emotional, and social resources individuals deploy to cope with the crisis as well as with an empirical account of the lived effects of current Brazilian crisis.