bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dosimetric trade-offs in breast treatment with VMAT technique
Authors: Fogliata Antonella , Seppälä Jan , Reggiori Giacomo , Lobefalo Francesca , Palumbo Valentina , De Rose Fiorenza , Franceschini Davide , Scorsetti Marta , Cozzi Luca
Published: November 2016

Objective:

Breast planning with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) has been explored, especially for left-sided breast treatments, with the primary intent of lowering the heart dose and improving target dose homogeneity. As a trade-off, larger healthy tissue volumes would receive low dose levels, with the potential risk of increasing late toxicities and secondary cancer induction, although no clinical data are available today to confirm the risk level. The scope of this work is to explore the dosimetric trade-offs using two different VMAT plans.

Methods:

Two planning strategies for dual-partial-arc VMAT, RA_avoid and RA_full, with and without avoidance sectors, were explored in a cohort of 20 patients, for whole left breast irradiation for 40.05 Gy to the mean target dose in 15 fractions. Common dose objectives included a stringent dose homogeneity, mean dose to the heart <5 Gy, ipsilateral lung (I  lung) <8 Gy, contralateral lung (C  lung) <2 Gy and contralateral breast (C  breast) <3 Gy.

Results:

RA_full showed a better dose conformity, lower high-dose spillage in the healthy tissue and lower skin dose. RA_avoid presented a reduction of the mean doses for all critical structures: 51% to the heart, 12% to the I  lung, 81% to the C  lung and 73% to the C  breast. All differences were significant with p < 0.0001.

Conclusion:

The adaptation of VMAT options to planning objectives reduced significantly the healthy tissue dose levels at the price of some high-dose spillage. Evaluation of the trade-offs for application to the different critical structures should drive in improving the usage of the VMAT technique for breast cancer treatment.

Advances in knowledge:

Different planning strategies in the same VMAT technique could give significant variations in dose distributions. The choice of the trade-offs would affect the possible future late toxicity and secondary cancer induction risk.
Ankle impingement syndromes: an imaging review
Authors: Berman Zachary , Tafur Monica , Ahmed Sonya S , Huang Brady K , Chang Eric Y
Published: November 2016

Ankle impingement syndromes encompass a broad spectrum of post-traumatic and chronic degenerative changes that present with pain on specific movements about the ankle joint. Both amateur and professional athletes are disproportionately affected by these conditions, and while conservative measures can potentially treat an impingement syndrome, definitive therapy is often alleviated surgically. Imaging (including conventional radiography, ultrasound, CT and MRI) plays an invaluable role in the diagnosis and pre-surgical work-up. An anatomically based classification system is useful in these syndromes, as the aetiology, sites of pathology and preferred treatment methods are similarly based on anatomic locations about the ankle. This review focuses on the anatomic locations, pathophysiology, imaging considerations and brief discussion of therapies for each of the major anatomic ankle impingement syndromes.
Divergent pattern of genomic variation in Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax
Authors: Goel Preeti , Singh Gajinder Pal
Published: November 2016

The two main species causing malaria in humans, Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax, differ significantly from each other in their evolutionary response to common drugs, but the reasons for this are not clear. Here we utilized the recently available large-scale genome sequencing data from these parasites and compared the pattern of single nucleotide polymorphisms, which may be related to these differences. We found that there was a five-fold higher preference for AT nucleotides compared to GC nucleotides at synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism sites in P. vivax. The preference for AT nucleotides was also present at non-synonymous sites, which lead to amino acid changes favouring those with codons of higher AT content. The substitution bias was also present at low and moderately conserved amino acid positions, but not at highly conserved positions. No marked bias was found at synonymous and non-synonymous sites in P. falciparum. The difference in the substitution bias between P. falciparum and P. vivax found in the present study may possibly contribute to their divergent evolutionary response to similar drug pressures.
Early embryo mortality in natural human reproduction: What the data say
Authors: Jarvis Gavin E.
Published: November 2016

It is generally accepted that natural human embryo mortality during pregnancy is high – losses of 70% and higher from fertilisation to birth are frequently claimed. The first external sign of pregnancy occurs two weeks after fertilisation with a missed menstrual period. Establishing the fate of embryos before this is challenging, and hampered by a lack of data on the efficiency of fertilisation under natural conditions. Four distinct sources are cited to justify quantitative claims regarding embryo loss: (i) a hypothesis published by Roberts & Lowe inTheLancet is widely cited but has no practical quantitative value; (ii) life table analyses give consistent assessments of clinical pregnancy loss, but cannot illuminate losses at earlier stages of development; (iii) studies that measure human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) reveal losses in the second week of development and beyond, but not before; and (iv) the classic studies of Hertig and Rock offer the only direct insight into the fate of human embryos from fertilisation under natural conditions. Re-examination of Hertig’s data demonstrates that his estimates for fertilisation rate and early embryo loss are highly imprecise and casts doubt on the validity of his numerical analysis. A recent re-analysis of hCG study data suggests that approximately 40-60% of embryos may be lost between fertilisation and birth, although this will vary substantially between individual women. In conclusion, it is clear that some published estimates of natural embryo mortality are exaggerated. Although available data do not provide a precise estimate, natural human embryo mortality is lower than is often claimed.
Advances in the management of osteosarcoma
Authors: Bielack Stefan S. , Hecker-Nolting Stefanie , Blattmann Claudia , Kager Leo
Published: November 2016

Osteosarcoma, a bone cancer most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults, is usually a high-grade malignancy characterized by a very high risk for the development of pulmonary metastases. High-grade osteosarcomas are usually treated by preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy and surgery, with a very limited number of active agents available. Rarer lower-grade variants such as parosteal and periosteal osteosarcoma or low-grade central osteosarcoma are treated by surgery only. Imaging to search for possible metastases focuses on the lung. Computed tomography is the most sensitive method but cannot reliably distinguish small metastases from benign lesions. Advances of local imaging and surgical reconstruction now allow the use of limb-salvage in an ever-increasing proportion of patients. While still troubled by complications, non-invasive endoprosthesis-lengthening mechanisms have led to an increased uptake of limb-salvage, even for young, skeletally immature patients. Radiotherapy is employed when osteosarcomas cannot be removed with clear margins, but very high doses are required, and both proton and carbon-ion radiotherapy are under investigation. Unfortunately, the past 30 years have witnessed few, if any, survival improvements. Novel agents have not led to universally accepted changes of treatment standards. In patients with operable high-grade osteosarcomas, the extent of histological response to preoperative chemotherapy is a significant predictive factor for both local and systemic control. Attempts to improve prognosis by adapting postoperative treatment to response, recently tested in a randomized, prospective setting by the European and American Osteosarcoma Study Group, have not been proven to be beneficial. Many agree that only increased knowledge about osteosarcoma biology will lead to novel, effective treatment approaches and will be able to move the field forward.
Accurate clinical detection of exon copy number variants in a targeted NGS panel using DECoN
Authors: Fowler Anna , Mahamdallie Shazia , Ruark Elise , Seal Sheila , Ramsay Emma , Clarke Matthew , Uddin Imran , Wylie Harriet , Strydom Ann , Lunter Gerton , Rahman Nazneen
Published: November 2016

Background: Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) panels are increasingly being used in clinical genomics to increase capacity, throughput and affordability of gene testing. Identifying whole exon deletions or duplications (termed exon copy number variants, ‘exon CNVs’) in exon-targeted NGS panels has proved challenging, particularly for single exon CNVs. 

Methods: We developed a tool for the Detection of Exon Copy Number variants (DECoN), which is optimised for analysis of exon-targeted NGS panels in clinical settings. We evaluated DECoN performance using 96 samples with independently validated exon CNV data. We performed simulations to evaluate DECoN detection performance of single exon CNVs and evaluate performance using different coverage levels and sample numbers. Finally, we implemented DECoN in a clinical laboratory that tests BRCA1 and BRCA2 with the TruSight Cancer Panel (TSCP). We used DECoN to analyse 1,919 samples, validating exon CNV detections by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). 

Results: In the evaluation set, DECoN achieved 100% sensitivity and 99% specificity for BRCA exon CNVs, including identification of 8 single exon CNVs. DECoN also identified 14/15 exon CNVs in 8 other genes. Simulations of all possible BRCA single exon CNVs gave a mean sensitivity of 98% for deletions and 95% for duplications. DECoN performance remained excellent with different levels of coverage and sample numbers; sensitivity and specificity was >98% with the typical NGS run parameters. In the clinical pipeline, DECoN automatically analyses pools of 48 samples at a time, taking 24 minutes per pool, on average. DECoN detected 24 BRCA exon CNVs, of which 23 were confirmed by MLPA, giving a false discovery rate of 4%. Specificity was 99.7%. 

Conclusions: DECoN is a fast, accurate, exon CNV detection tool readily implementable in research and clinical NGS pipelines. It has high sensitivity and specificity and acceptable false discovery rate. DECoN is freely available at www.icr.ac.uk/decon.
Professional wellbeing and caring: exploring a complex relationship
Authors: Beckett Kate
Published: November 2016

There is growing concern about lack of compassion in nursing. Impact of Injuries, which is the parent study ( Kendrick et al, 2011 ) of this independent nested study, collected patient accounts of care received by physiotherapists and nurses. While physiotherapists were generally described as caring, nursing care was less consistent and sometimes uncaring. This embedded study conducted semi-structured interviews in 2012 with 11 physiotherapists and 12 nurses in four English hospitals to obtain perspectives on the provision of care. Physiotherapists presented a distinct identity with caring both integral to the role and sustained by structural and organisational factors. Nurses had a diffuse identity with limited control within a medical and business model of care. They appeared ‘under siege’ and were nostalgic for caring, which was frequently subordinate to other demands. Both nurses and physiotherapists faced challenges but nurses felt the context of their work was not conducive to caring. This article draws comparisons between these professions and makes informed recommendations to improve nursing practice and patient care.
Facilitating terminal discharge: fulfilling the hospitalised patient's wish for home death in the final hours
Authors: Tan Yung Ying , Xu Zhi Zhen , Pang Grace SY , Qu Limin , Xu Yi , Zhang Ai Min , Neo Patricia SH
Published: November 2016

Background:

Terminal discharge (TD) is the rapid discharge of a hospitalised patient when death is imminent. Its time-limited nature makes it challenging, particularly for ward nurses.

Aim:

To report the development of a structured TD framework, and determine if the framework can expedite TD processes and improve nurses' experience in conducting TDs.

Methods:

A 3-phase audit was carried out in a Singapore hospital. The baseline and post intervention audits evaluated the time taken for TD, incidence of prescription errors, continuity of care, and timeliness of equipment arrangement. Nurse satisfaction was assessed through a written survey. Interventions encompassed the implementation of workflow changes and a TD guide.

Results:

The mean time taken to complete TDs was shorter in the post-compared to pre-intervention phase (2.9±1.4 vs. 4.6±2.3 hours respectively, p<0.01). Approximately 89% of nurses who used the TD guide were satisfied that it made TDs easier.

Conclusion:

A structured TD framework is effective in expediting TDs and improving nurse satisfaction.
Unpublished policy trials, the risk of false discoveries and the persistence of authority-based policy
Authors: Mendel Jonathan
Published: November 2016

The use of trials in the policy process is often presented as a move towards evidence-based policy and away from authority-, ideology- or faith-based policy. However, this paper will draw on two UK examples of unpublished policy trials in order to argue that – when policy is based on such research – it should not usually be described as evidence-based. Instead, the paper will argue that policies based on such unpublished trials are, at best, authority-based.
Os riscos naturais na legislação portuguesa
Authors: Rebelo Fernando
Published: November 2016

A legislação portuguesa sobre o ambiente, até 1998, felizmente publicada em livro, nunca fala especificamente em riscos naturais e não dedica senão algumas palavras a certos problemas dizendo respeito aos riscos, quando trata da reserva ecológica nacional (REN) e dos planos de desenvolvimento municipal (PDM). Encontram-se referências a algumas limitações de construção na margem dos rios, já que elas correspondem a um espaço de utilização colectiva, e ao litoral, dado que é preciso proteger as dunas ou as arribas. Encontram-se também algumas indicações sobre a prevenção de fogos florestais. Todavia, os governantes portugueses criaram um esquema de protecção civil a três níveis (local, regional e nacional) para a prevenção e gestão dos riscos em geral e dos riscos naturais em particular
Derrames de hidrocarbonetos: quando o oceano se cobre de negro
Authors: Nunes Adélia
Published: November 2016

Devido à localização geográfica e à extensa Zona Económica Exclusiva (1 683 000 km2), Portugal surge como um dos países europeus com maior risco de acidentes marítimos, em particular no que se refere ao derrame de hidrocarbonetos. E em muitos casos esse risco manifestou-se. Neste contexto, analisam-se três dos muitos derrames de crude que afectaram as nossas praias, dando particular ênfase aos ventos e às correntes marítimas que coadjuvaram no transporte dos materiais e desencadearam marés negras nas costas de Portugal. Por último, explana-se a evolução das manchas de fuelóleo vertidas pelo petroleiro Prestige, as quais se acercaram do nosso país, mas felizmente não o afectaram.
Movimentos de vertente, análise de risco e ordenamento do território; o exemplo recente do fluxo deslizante de Armamar (Douro vinhateiro, Portugal)
Authors: Dos Santos ﻿ José Gomes
Published: November 2016

No dia 3 de Janeiro de 2003, a Estrada Nacional222 que, pela margem esquerda do Douro, liga Peso da Régua à localidade de Pinhão, foi destruída ao Km 37 ±300m, numa extensão de cerca de 60 metros, em toda a sua largura, em consequência da movimentação newtoniana de materiais detríticos que estruturam os socalcos das vertentes adaptadas ao cultivo da vinha. Sem consequências ao nível da perda de vidas humanas, a contingência do desastre viria, contudo, a materializar-se pela destruição da referida estrada e de uma área significativa de vinha e da própria vertente, bem como pelos elevados custos a que obrigaram, por um lado, a reconstrução da estrada e, por outro lado, a correcção e estabilização da vertente. Os efeitos decorrentes deste desastre "natural" destacam-se também pelos elevados transtornos que impuseram à dinâmica socioeconómica da região. Tratando-se de acidentes que geralmente são induzidos pela intervenção humana na morfodinâmica das vertentes, este é apenas mais um exemplo, o mais recente, de instabilidade associada às vertentes do Douro Vinhateiro, pelo que a tomada de consciência para a gravidade do problema constitui, cada vez mais, um importante requi sito para o correcto ordenamento do espaço e para gestão dos recursos, em respeito para com as leis da Física .. . que são também as da Natureza.
A climatologia como componente essencial no diagnóstico e na avaliação dos impactes ambientais em espaços urbanizados. O caso da cidade do Porto
Authors: Monteiro Ana
Published: November 2016

Pretende-se com este trabalho demonstrar que a Climatologia, se direccionar o seu corpo teórico-metodológico para a aplicabilidade dos conceitos, pode revelar-se uma componente indispensável na definição das estratégias de planeamento dos espaços urbanizados. Para tal, recorremos a alguns exemplos extraídos de trabalhos de investigação que desenvolvemos sobre a cidade do Porto e que nos parecem poder ser elucidativos da importância da Climatologia no processo de definição das estratégias de planeamento, nomeadamente, em espaços urbanizados.
Florestas e grandes incêndios florestais no mundo
Authors: Rebelo Fernando
Published: November 2016

Desde sempre os geógrafos assinalaram grandes incêndios florestais tanto na zona intertropical como nas zonas frias e temperadas, particularmente nas regiões mediterrâneas. As causas da sua ocorrência poderão ser várias, mas, na maioria dos casos, independentemente do risco climatológico, são os homens os principais responsáveis.
La precipitación y el viento como riesgos climáticos urbanos: el caso de Madrid
Authors: Almendros Coca Miguel Angel , Fernández Garcia Felipe
Published: November 2016

A chuva, acima de uma certa intensidade, e o vento, acima de uma certa velocidade, podem considerar-se riscos climáticos. Apresentam-se, neste artigo, os sinistros com eles relacionados na área urbana de Madrid entre 1990 e 1995 e analisa-se pormenorizadamente uma situação concreta de crise provocada por uma tempestade ocorrida em 24 de Junho de 1995.
Espaços verdes no interior do tecido urbano de Coimbra, Portugal: contrastes topoclimáticos, influência bioclimática e riscos de poluição atmosférica
Authors: Ganho Nuno
Published: November 2016

A partir de campanhas de observação itinerante de temperatura e de hum idade relativa efectuadas no interior do tecido urbano de Coimbra (Portugal) e contemplando pontos de espaços verdes, analisam-se os contrastes topoclimáticos associados a estes espaços verdes, bem como a sua influência bioclimática e discutem-se os seus efeitos locais nos riscos de poluição atmosférica.
A habitação como uma das componentes da qualidade do ambiente urbano. O caso do Porto e arredores
Authors: Matos Fãtíma Loureiro de
Published: November 2016

Neste artigo analisa-se a importância da qualidade da habitação no quadro da qualidade do ambiente urbano. Há hoje muitos problemas nas áreas urbanas: excesso de locatários por habitação, falta de conforto, habitações degradadas, bairros de barracas e alojamentos sem condições mínimas, por exemplo, no que respeita a instalações sanitárias, água e esgotos. Todavia, a questão da qualidade da habitação não é unicamente uma consequência da crise dos alojamentos, mas é preciso olhar também atentamente os espaços públicos, sobretudo os espaços verdes e os de prática de desportos.Faz-se igualmente referência às ligações, no meio dos mal-alojados, entre agravamento do estado de saúde (asma, reumatismo, etc.), pobreza, desemprego de longa duração e aumento de problemas de comportamento (alcoolismo, droga, violência, criminalidade).Nos últimos anos, os poderes públicos fizeram esforços para melhorar esta situação com a promoção de espaços verdes, parques desportivos e de lazer, assistência social aos casais, à população idosa e às crianças, reabilitação de habitações antigas e construção de novos alojamentos sociais.
Risco e crise nas inundações rápidas em espaço urbano. Alguns exemplos portugueses analisados a diferentes escalas
Authors: Rebelo Fernando
Published: November 2016

Os riscos de inundações rápidas são bem conhecidos em áreas de clima mediterrâneo. Neste artigo, analisam-se exemplos de grandes catástrofes (região de Lisboa, Funchal e Povoação), tal como alguns casos de pequena dimensão escolhidos em Coimbra entre os muitos que se verificam em cidades e vilas portuguesas
Movimentos em massa no norte de Portugal. Factores da sua ocorrência
Authors: Bateira Carlos , Soares Laura
Published: November 2016

Neste artigo pretende-se definir e caracterizar os factores de ordem natural e antrópica que estão na base da ocorrência de movimentos em massa no Norte de Portugal. A exposição dos vários factores de risco é feita com base em quatro casos previamente estudados.
Instabilidade de vertentes e riscos de movimentos de terreno. O exemplo da área Vila Seca-Lamas (a sul de Coimbra)
Authors: Santos J. Gomes
Published: November 2016

O acompanhamento dos movimentos de terreno que desde 1993 têm vindo a afectar o troço Vila Seca-Lamas da estrada nacional n° 342 (E.N. 342) que liga Condeixa-a-Nova a Miranda do Corvo (Coimbra-Portugal) motivou o estudo que se apresenta. Pretende-se identificar as diversas variáveis provavelmente envolvidas nestes movimentos de terreno e colocar hipóteses que relacionem a sua influência na evolução dos fenómenos em questão. Destacamos alguns aspectos naturais, geológicos, geomorfológicos, hidrológicos e climáticos, mas enfatizamos as características da precipitação, designadamente, os efeitos "intensidade" e "precipitação acumulada" até ao dia da ocorrência dos movimentos de terreno. A actividade humana é, cada vez mais, um elemento mas também um importante facto r que influencia o balanço "estabilidade-instabilidade" das vertentes e, por isso, é igualmente destacada. A zonagem dos riscos de movimentos de terreno, segundo a metodologia utilizada em França entre 1974 e 1979 no Plano ZERMOS, sendo de fácil leitura, constitui um exemplo que demonstra a utilidade prática da cartografia de riscos de movimentos de terreno aplicável ao Planeamento local.
Evolução da fisiografia e ocupação antrópica na área estuarina do rio Mondego e região envolvente (Portugal centro-oeste), desde 1947
Authors: Cunha P. Proença , Pinto J. , Dinis J. L.
Published: November 2016

A partir de 1960, a área costeira nas imediações da cidade da Figueira da Foz teve uma evolução muito rápida causada por intensas actividades antrópicas na bacia hidrográfica do Mondego e na faixa litoral. As conclusões mais relevantes deste estudo, por análise de coberturas de fotografia aérea de 1947 a 1996, bibliografia e documentos cartográficos, são: I) importantes e rápidas modificações da morfologia do estuário e da faixa litoral adjacente (sistema de praia/cordão dunar longilitoral), resultantes principalmente da construção dos molhes do porto e das subsequentes obras de protecção local da costa; 2) alteração da dinâmica sedimentar das áreas estuarina e fluvial, em consequência da regularização da bacia hidrográfica; 3) crescimento urbano e industrial, com expansão para o estuário e o campo de dunas eólicas; 4) desenvolvimento da aquacultura e do cultivo de arroz, com declínio das marinhas de sal e de outras actividades agrícolas tradicionais; 5) recuo generalizado da linha de costa, acentuadamente erosivo. A gestão e o ordenamento desta bela zona costeira, acompanhados de estudos de monitorização, devem ser orientados de modo a permitir a sua preservação e evolução natural, através de condicionamentos à ocupação antrópica.
A erosão nas praias do cabo Mondego à Figueira da Foz (Portugal centro-oeste), de 1995 a 1998
Authors: Cunha P. Proença , Dinis J.
Published: November 2016

Descreve-se a intensa erosão que desde finais de 1995 afectou o litoral entre o Cabo Mondego e a Figueira da Foz, focando em particular o recuo da linha de costa verificado com a progressiva perda de areia da praia, seguida do desmoronamento do enrocamento da marginal oceânica a norte de Buarcos e, posteriormente, da erosão na faixa arenosa entre Buarcos e Figueira da Foz. Além de uma periódica monitorização foi feita análise de dados da ondulação, marés, características dos sedimentos e volumes de extracção de areia na praia. Tendo em conta a influência relativa de parâmetros tais como o fornecimento sedimentar, deriva litoral e características da agitação marítima, compara-se a evolução deste sector litoral com a dos adjacentes e apresenta-se um modelo explicativo para este intenso fenómeno erosivo local. Concluiu-se que a contínua erosão destas praias verificada após o temporal de Janeiro de 1996, foi essencialmente devida uma alteração das características habituais da ondulação; os rumos médios mais rodados para W reduziram a transposição de areia para sul do Cabo Mondego, induzindo um défice sedimentar no seguinte troço costeiro.
Consequências hidrológicas e pedológicas das mudanças em áreas florestais
Authors: Ferreira Antônio José Dinis
Published: November 2016

A expansão da área florestal produz alterações ao nível dos ecossistemas em geral e à sustentabilidade dos recursos naturais em particular. Neste trabalho apresentam-se resultados sobre a implicação das florestas de Eucalipto e de Pinheiro sobre os recursos hídricos, nomeadamente sobre os processos hídricos e hidroquímicos. São ainda apresentadas taxas de erosão para vários usos florestais do solo. Uma particular atenção será dada às consequências de dois dos acontecimentos recorrentes mais catastróficos na floresta portuguesa: os fogos florestais e as lavragens no sentido do maior declive da vertente.
Aluviões da Madeira. Séculos XIX e XX
Authors: Quintal Raimundo
Published: November 2016

As inundações catastróficas das ribeiras da Ilha da Madeira recebem o nome regional de aluviões. Neste artigo referem-se as mais importantes dos séculos XIX e XX e apresentam-se as condições atmosféricas que as originam. A análise das características de ocupação do solo que as favorecem leva à consideração de elementos que podem minimizar os seus efeitos.
O parque ecológico do Funchal e a prevenção de cheias e incêndios florestais
Authors: Quintal Raimundo
Published: November 2016

O Parque Ecológico do Funchal ocupa uma área de 10 Km2 na zona montanhosa sobranceira à cidade. A vasta propriedade municipal esteve durante muitos anos sujeita a um intenso pastoreio e à expansão descontrolada dos eucaliptos. Em 1994 foi criado o Parque e arrancou o processo de repovoamento florestal com espécies indígenas. O retomo da floresta primitiva contribuirá para reduzir os fogos, diminuir a erosão e baixar os riscos de cheias violentas no Funchal.
O "paroxismo" pluviométrico de 2000/2001 em Coimbra. Umas notas a montante dos riscos naturais e da crise
Authors: Ganho Nuno
Published: November 2016

Neste artigo, analisam-se parâmetros pluviométricos ocorridos no semestre de Outubro-Março de 2000/2001, em Coimbra, no contexto dos seus regimes médios e prováveis, atribuindo uma objectividade quantitativa ao paroxismo climático que caracterizou este período em Portugal Continental.
Movimentos de vertente na área de Peso da Régua. Análise e avaliação multicritério para o zonamento de hazards em ambiente SIG
Authors: Santos José Gomes
Published: November 2016

O propósito matricial do presente estudo consiste no ensaio de uma metodologia de análise e avaliação multicritério para a cartografia automática· dos movimentos de vertente em ambiente SIG, partindo da sua identificação, inventariação e classificação. Na sequência do contexto meteorológico excepcional que caracterizou o Outono-Inverno de 2000-2001 em Portugal, a frequência, a magnitude e, em pelo menos duas situações, a violência com que alguns desses movimentos afectaram as vertentes da bacia do Douro na área da Régua, envolvendo elevados danos materiais e a perda de vidas humanas, mostram a importância aplicada do ensaio metodológico que se apresenta.
Discovering the Network Topology: An Efficient Approach for SDN
Authors: Ochoa-Aday Leonardo , Cervelló-Pastor Cristina , Fernández-Fernández Adriana
Published: November 2016

Network topology is a physical description of the overall resources in the network. Collecting this information using efficient mechanisms becomes a critical task for important network functions such as routing, network management, quality of service (QoS), among many others. Recent technologies like Software-Defined Networks (SDN) have emerged as promising approaches for managing the next generation networks. In order to ensure a proficient topology discovery service in SDN, we propose a simple agents-based mechanism. This mechanism improves the overall efficiency of the topology discovery process. In this paper, an algorithm for a novel Topology Discovery Protocol (SD-TDP) is described. This protocol will be implemented in each switch through a software agent. Thus, this approach will provide a distributed solution to solve the problem of network topology discovery in a more simple and efficient way.
Asset Management System through the design of a Jadex Agent System
Authors: Carbó Javier , Molina José M. , Patricio Miguel A.
Published: November 2016

In this paper we have designed an agent system using JADEX platform in order to facilitate the asset management of an institution with several types of assets with some unknown similarities, and a high number of operators. Such environment would justify the use of a recommendation system that would provide an useful plan to be applied over an asset generated from previous maintenance operations hold over other assets. Here we provide the full design of such agent system, including the ontology, beliefs, plans, protocols and goals. This design has been implemented within GAIA: an information & asset management solution developed by Altran.
A proposal to manage multi-task dialogs in conversational interfaces
Authors: Griol David , Molina Jose M.
Published: November 2016

The emergence of smart devices and recent advances in spoken language technology are currently extending the use of conversational interfaces and spoken interaction to perform many tasks. The dialog management task of a conversational interface consists of selecting the next system response considering the user's actions, the dialog history, and the results of accessing the data repositories. In this paper we describe a dialog management technique adapted to multi-task conversational systems. In our proposal, specialized dialog models are used to deal with each specific subtask of dialog objective for which the dialog system has been designed. The practical application of the proposed technique to develop a dialog system acting as a customer support service shows that the use of these specialized dialog models increases the quality and number of successful interactions with the system in comparison with developing a single dialog model.
Unearthing Nusantara’s Concept of Religious Pluralism: Harmonization and Syncretism in Hindu-Buddhist and Islamic Classical Texts
Authors: Makin Al
Published: November 2016

This article sheds light on  the formulation of pluralism based on the reading of classical Javanese texts by choosing some excerpts of Hindu-Buddhist literature called kakawin and later Islamic works called serat and babad. Dynamic practices of syncretism and harmonization of local and foreign religious traditions are found in the excerpts of Sutasoma, Kertagama, Dewa Ruci, Babad Tanah Jawa, and Centini. From reading of these messages, this writing finds that since the old time of Singasari and Majapahit, harmonization and syncretism of many religious traditions has been practiced as an essential part of the concept of pluralism. Hindu-Buddhist came first in the older literature and later Islamic elements added the complexity of syncretism. This study also finds that Hindu-Buddhist figures are reenacted in the Islamic literature with modifications. The accounts of the famous Javanese saint Sunan Kalijaga reflects the older source of Sutasoma, Ken Arok, Bhima, and other figures. Their stories tell us about the relativism of evil and good, in which evil is not annihilated but converted into goods. This article is an example of our endeavor that pluralism can be formulated based on local wisdom such as reading classical texts with the spirit of reinterpretation of indigenous virtues with a fresh perspective.[Artikel ini mencoba menemukan rumusan pluralisme dengan membaca ulang teks klasik Jawa dengan memilih bagian tertentu dari sastra Hindu-Buddha yang disebut kakawin dan karya Islami yang disebut serat dan babad. Praktik dinamis sinkretisme dan penyelarasan antara tradisi keagamaan lokal dan asing ditemui dalam Sutasoma, Kertagama, Dewa Ruci, Babad Tanah Jawa, dan Centini. Dari hasil bacaan teks-teks di atas, tulisan ini menemukan bahwa sejak masa kuno Singasari dan Majapahit, penyelarasan dan sinkretisme antara banyak tradisi keagamaan telah dipraktikkan sebagai bagian penting dari konsep pluralisme. Hindu-Buddha datang pertama lalu disusul oleh karya Islam yang menambah nuansa sinkretis. Studi ini juga menemukan bahwa tokoh Hindu-Buddha diceritakan ulang dalam karya Islam dengan berbagai modifikasi. Cerita tentang Sunan Kalijaga mencerminkan sumber yang lebih tua seperti Sutasoma, Ken Arok, Bhima, dan tokoh-tokoh lain. Kisah mereka mengajarkan kepada kita tentang relativitas antara kejahatan dan kebaikan; kejahatan tidak dimusnahkan tetapi diubah menjadi kebaikan. Artikel ini merupakan contoh usaha  untuk merumuskan konsep pluralisme berdasarkan kebijakan lokal dengan membaca kembali teks-teks klasik dengan semangat penafsiran ulang ajaran lokal dengan perspektif baru.]
Activating transcription factor 3 is downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and functions as a tumor suppressor by regulating cyclin D1
Authors: Wang Zheng-xia , Yin Si-neng , Tian Gang , Chen Xian-lin
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To investigate the expression as well as biological roles of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.

Methods

Real time PCR and western blot were applied to detect the expression of ATF3 in human HCC specimens. MTT assay was used to analyze cell proliferation after ATF3 was overexpressed. The expression of cyclin D1 was detected by real time PCR in ATF3-silenced/-overexpressed cells and HCC samples. Correlation coefficient was finally analyzed between ATF3 and cyclin D1 in the HCC samples.

Results

The expression of ATF3 was found to be downregulated in tested HCC specimens. Cellular MTT assays showed that cell proliferation was suppressed in ATF3-overexpressing HepG2 cells. In addition, cyclin D1 gene expression exhibited negative correlation with ATF3 in both cell lines and tissue samples.

Conclusion

Low expression of ATF3 may function as a tumor suppressor via inhibiting cyclin D1 in HCC.
Restricting the restrictive relativizer
Authors: Grafmiller Jason , Szmrecsanyi Benedikt , Hinrichs Lars
Published: November 2016

We investigate internal and stylistic factors affecting binary and ternary relativizer choice in subject (that vs which) and non-subject (that vs which vs zero) relative clauses. We employ a novel methodological approach to predicting relativizers: Bayesian regression modeling with the dimensional reduction of model inputs via factor analysis. Our factor analysis is motivated by the high degree of redundancy and collinearity in natural language data, while Bayesian regression models are robust to effects of data sparseness and (near) separation. We find that in both types of relative clauses, the more marked variant (which) is preferred in complex contexts, while the unmarked variant (that, or zero in NSRCs) is favored in contexts where the relative clause is short and more fully integrated with the NP it modifies. We also find that use of which is somewhat more sensitive to stylistic considerations in subject than in non-subject relative clauses, and that which correlates most strongly with features associated with lexical density, e. g. ‘nouniness’, rather than those often associated with formality, e. g. passivization and sentence length.
Conflict, coordination, compromise? The potential of game theory to explain the choice of viewing in shared domestic television use
Authors: Koch Thomas , Schäfer-Hock Christian , Zillich Arne Freya
Published: November 2016

A large proportion of television consumption takes place in groups, usually in households shared by partners or families. However, theories of media use tend to neglect this: Although they explain how individual orders of preference come about, they hardly address the fact that different orders of preference within a small group may conflict with one another. We propose using game theory to illustrate how to find a solution when conflicts in orders of preference arise. Game theory is suited to explaining decisions in social conflict situations in which those involved have an influence over one another. We use different (fictional) examples to demonstrate the potential of game theory here and provide a theoretical framework for future empirical studies.
Different actors, different factors? A comparison of the news factor orientation between newspaper journalists and civil-society actors
Authors: Schmid-Petri Hannah , Häussler Thomas , Adam Silke
Published: November 2016

News factors can be conceptualized as general relevance indicators guiding the attention of all humans. However, that doesn’t mean that they are the only factors influencing selection processes or that all news factors have the same importance across different actor types. Within the concept of news factors it is still unclear to what degree those news factors also apply to the communication outside of traditional mass media. We therefore ask whether and how actors with varying degrees of professionalization employ news factors in their communication differently. To answer our research question, we conducted a quantitative content analysis and compared the coverage in traditional newspapers with the communication of civil society actors with varying degrees of professionalization. We analyzed the relevance of news factors within the presentation of a specific issue, namely climate change in Germany. Our results show that news factors are – at least partly – also applied by non-journalist actors. The mass media and the more professionalized civil society actors do not apply news factors more strongly to their communication than do non-professionalized civil society actors. Instead, we find that different actors focus on different news factors.
Attribute agenda setting and political advertising: (Dis)association effects, modality of presentation, and consequences for voting
Authors: Arendt Florian , Obereder Agnes
Published: November 2016

We investigated the attribute agenda-setting (AAS) effect of political advertising. Individuals (
Anal sphincter dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: an observation manometric study
Authors: Marola Silvia , Ferrarese Alessia , Gibin Enrico , Capobianco Marco , Bertolotto Antonio , Enrico Stefano , Solej Mario , Martino Valter , Destefano Ines , Nano Mario
Published: November 2016

Constipation, obstructed defecation, and fecal incontinence are frequent complaints in multiple sclerosis. The literature on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these disorders is scant. Using anorectal manometry, we compared the anorectal function in patients with and without multiple sclerosis.

136 patients referred from our Center for Multiple Sclerosis to the Coloproctology Outpatient Clinic, between January 2005 and December 2011, were enrolled. The patients were divided into four groups: multiple sclerosis patients with constipation (group A); multiple sclerosis patients with fecal incontinence (group B); non-multiple sclerosis patients with constipation (group C); non-multiple sclerosis patients with fecal incontinence (group D). Anorectal manometry was performed to measure: resting anal pressure; maximum squeeze pressure; rectoanal inhibitory reflex; filling pressure and urge pressure. The difference between resting anal pressure before and after maximum squeeze maneuvers was defined as the change in resting anal pressure calculated for each patient.

Results

Group A patients were noted to have greater sphincter hypotonia at rest and during contraction compared with those in group C (p=0.02); the rectal sensitivity threshold was lower in group B than in group D patients (p=0.02). No voluntary postcontraction sphincter relaxation was observed in either group A or group B patients (p=0.891 and p=0.939, respectively).

Conclusions

The decrease in the difference in resting anal pressure before and after maximum squeeze maneuvers suggests post-contraction sphincter spasticity, indicating impaired pelvic floor coordination in multiple sclerosis patients. A knowledge of manometric alterations in such patients may be clinically relevant in the selection of patients for appropriate treatments and for planning targeted rehabilitation therapy.
Environmental safety during the administration of Pressurized IntraPeritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC)
Authors: Graversen Martin , Pedersen Peter B. , Mortensen Michael B.
Published: November 2016

Background:

Pressurized IntraPeritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is an innovative technique for intraperitoneal drug delivery. This study investigates the efficacy of the occupational health safety measures taken to prevent exposition of healthcare workers to the toxic chemotherapy aerosol.

Methods:

Air samples were taken at the working place of the surgeon and of the anesthetist during 2 PIPAC procedures and analyzed for content of platinum by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Airborne particles were quantified in real time. Biological monitoring was performed in two surgeons after 50 PIPAC by examining blood samples for possible traces of platinum. Analysis was performed by an independent company.

Results:

Safety measures included tightly closed abdomen, operating room (OR), ventilation meeting requirements of ISO norm 14644–1 class 5, closed aerosol waste system and remote control of PIPAC administration. No traces of platinum were found in the air of the OR (detection limit of 0.0001 mg/filter). No specific rise in particle concentration was detected in the air during the PIPAC procedure, patient closure and removal of the sterile drapes. Blood samples of the surgeons showed no traces of platinum.

Conclusions:

After implementation of adequate safety measures, no signs of environmental contamination or biological exposure of the surgeons were detected during PIPAC.
Healthy ageing – creating of city walks by and for citizens
Authors: Looks Peggy , Wolfram Nicole
Published: November 2016

Due to demographic changes, effective preventive measures on local level should be developed. This paper presents a project for elderly people which aims at the promotion (1) of the identification with their housing area and (2) of their physical activity and (3) of the participation in local strategies for active ageing. The result of the project is a booklet which was done by participating inhabitants.
Handlungsorientierter Sozialstrukturatlas Berlin: Methode und Anwendungsbereiche
Authors: Wittmann Nadine , Meinlschmidt Gerhard
Published: November 2016

Gerade in Ballungsräumen ist die Trias Sozialraum, Gesundheit und Stadtentwicklung als multikausaler Komplex zu begreifen. Die soziale und gesundheitliche Lage hängen nachweislich zusammen. Hierzu bietet auch die integrierte Sozial- und Gesundheitsberichterstattung (iSGBE) seit Langem fundierte Sozialraumanalysen. Eine Analyse der Wohnlagen in Berlin, als Momentaufnahme der wohnraumorientierten Stadtentwicklung, ergibt einen engen Zusammenhang zu den Berliner Sozialstrukturanalysen.
Gesundheitsförderliche Potenziale von Stadtnatur für jedermann
Authors: Baumeister Hendrik , Hornberg Claudia
Published: November 2016

Stadtnatur gilt als eine der zentralen Gesundheitsressourcen im urbanen Raum, um den dort vorherrschenden gesundheitlichen Belastungen entgegen zu wirken. Insbesondere in sozial benachteiligten Quartieren besteht jedoch oft eine unterdurchschnittliche Versorgung der Bevölkerung mit Stadtnatur. Für eine gesundheitsförderliche, umweltgerechte und nachhaltige Stadt der Zukunft erwächst daraus ein dringender Handlungsbedarf für alle Beteiligten einer integrierten Stadtentwicklung.
Welchen Beitrag kann sozialepidemiologische Forschung für eine gesundheitsfördernde Stadtentwicklung leisten?
Authors: Bolte Gabriele , Schüle Steffen Andreas
Published: November 2016

Die Zusammenarbeit von Stadtplanung und Public Health ist grundlegend für eine gesundheitsfördernde Stadtentwicklung und zur Bewältigung von gesundheitlichen Ungleichheiten. Sozialepidemiologische Forschung analysiert komplexe Zusammenhänge individueller und kontextueller Einflussfaktoren für Gesundheit. Epidemiologische Daten, Methoden und Ergebnisse sind für Stadtplanung wesentlich hinsichtlich integrierter Berichterstattung, Strategieentwicklung, prospektiver Abschätzung von Gesundheitseffekten von Maßnahmen sowie der Evaluation durchgeführter Interventionen.
Die altersfreundliche Stadt
Authors: Schlicht Wolfgang , Oswald Frank , Reyer Maren
Published: November 2016

Die Gesundheit älterer wird stärker als die junger Menschen von der natürlichen, gebauten und sozialen Umwelt beeinflusst. Mit der WHO-Kampagne „Global Age Friendly Cities“ soll Stadt so gestaltet werden, dass älteren Menschen ein „gutes Leben“ ermöglicht wird. Dieses Ziel verfolgen sowohl die Public Health-Forschung als auch die Interventionsgerontologie. Letztere basiert auf Ansätzen der Environmental Gerontology. Der Beitrag deutet die Parallelen an und listet Kriterien einer altersfreundlichen Stadt.
Urban Health/StadtGesundheit in Deutschland
Authors: Fehr Rainer
Published: November 2016

StadtGesundheit bezeichnet die Anwendung von Public Health in Theorie und Praxis für Schutz und Förderung der Gesundheit städtischer Populationen. Das humanökologisch orientierte Konzept trifft auch in Deutschland wieder auf stärkere Resonanz und bringt gesundheitliche Versorgung, Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung sowie „Health in all Policies“ enger zueinander. Der Fokus auf Gestaltbarkeit urbaner Lebensverhältnisse ergänzt vorherrschende personale Ansätze und Versorgungsforschung.
Deprivation der Wohnumgebung und Gesundheit von Vorschulkindern
Authors: Igel Ulrike , Romppel Matthias , Grande Gesine
Published: November 2016

Ziel der Studie war die Analyse des Zusammenhangs von Deprivation im Quartier und der Entwicklung von Vorschulkindern. Dazu wurden Daten der Einschulungsuntersuchung mit Elternfragebögen und Ortsteildaten verknüpft und mit Mehrebenenregressionsmodellen analysiert. Kinder aus stärker deprivierten Gebieten weisen häufiger Auffälligkeiten auf als Kinder aus weniger benachteiligten Quartieren, wobei die Wirkungsweisen bei Mädchen und Jungen variieren.