bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HPC software capability landscape in China
Authors: Chen Daobi , Yuan Liang , Zhang Yunquan , Yan Jingfu , Kahaner David
Published: March 2018

Hardware, applications, and software are equally important to the comprehensive strength of a country in the high-performance computing (HPC) arena. China has made significant progress in developing HPC systems in recent years. The nation’s first win of the Gordon Bell Prize at Supercomputing 2016 (SC16) also represents an accomplishment in HPC applications. China’s subsequent win in 2017 shows that the 2016 accomplishment was no accident. However, lacking adequately reliable and scalable application software remains the biggest challenge for China. Scientists and engineers who can develop algorithms and software to effectively use supercomputers are in short supply. The present report describes the current HPC software development landscape in China, including government projects and leading universities/research organizations/companies in terms of developing application software and programming frameworks (middleware), as well as examples of self-developed software in the application areas of energy and physics, aerospace, manufacturing, weather and climate, biotechnology (biotech), material science, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics. In addition, China’s demand and supply of HPC experts are analyzed. Data for this report were generated during the first half of 2017. Some modifications to the text have been added to account for new information through the end of 2017.
Catheter-related complications and survival among incident hemodialysis patients in Singapore
Authors: Yap Hao-Yun , Pang Suh-Chien , Tan Chieh-Suai , Tan Yi-Liang , Goh Nicholette , Achudan Shaam , Lee Kian-Guan , Tan Ru-Yu , Choong Lina Hui-Lin , Chong Tze-Tec
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

Hemodialysis is the main modality of renal replacement therapy in Singapore. However, a majority of the patients in Singapore are initiated on hemodialysis via a catheter. This study examines the complication rates and factors predicting catheter-related bloodstream infections and mortality rates in patients who were initiated on hemodialysis at our institution.

Methods:

This is a single-center retrospective analysis of incident hemodialysis patients who were initiated on renal replacement therapy between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012. Catheter-related bloodstream infection risk factors, organisms, and associated mortality were analyzed.

Results:

The catheter-related bloodstream infection and exit site infection incidence rates were 0.75 and 0.50 per 1000 catheter days, respectively. The mean duration to first catheter-related bloodstream infection episode was 182.47 ± 144.04 catheter days. Prolonged catheter duration was found to be a risk factor for catheter-related bloodstream infection. Compared to patients initiated on dialysis via arteriovenous fistula, initiation of dialysis via catheter is strongly associated with increased mortality (6.0% vs 14.5%; p = 0.02). In particular, the presence of diabetes mellitus and development of catheter-related bloodstream infection was associated with increased mortality ( p = 0.04 and 0.05, respectively). In addition, patients who began hemodialysis before being seen by a nephrologist were associated with decreased mortality (3.4% vs 13.0%; p = 0.03).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, prolonged duration of catheter insertion is found to be a risk factor for catheter-related bloodstream infection in hemodialysis patients, and its development is associated with increased mortality. Early referral to a nephrologist and creation of arteriovenous fistula in pre-end-stage renal disease patients are pivotal in improving the outcomes of patients.
Molecular dynamics simulation of subsurface damage mechanism during nanoscratching of single crystal silicon
Authors: Dai Houfu , Li Shaobo , Chen Genyu
Published: March 2018

Three-dimension molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is employed to investigate the nanoscratching process of monocrystalline silicon with diamond tools. The effects of tool geometry on subsurface damage and scratching surface integrity are investigated by analyzing phase transformation, chip, defect atoms, hydrostatic stress, von Mises stress and workpiece deformation. In addition, a theoretical analytical model to study the subsurface damage mechanism by analyzing the zone size of phase transformation and normal force with diamond tools at different half-apex angles on silicon surfaces is established. The results show that a bigger half apex angle causes a higher hydrostatic stress, a larger chip volume, a higher temperature and a higher potential energy, and increases subsurface damage. The results also reveal that the evolution of crystalline phases is consistent with the distribution of hydrostatic stress and temperature. In addition, tip scratching with a bigger half-apex angle would result in a larger scratching force and a bigger phase transformation zone, which is in good agreement with the results of the theoretical analytical model.
Maximization of fundamental frequency and buckling load for the optimal stacking sequence design of laminated composite structures
Authors: An Haichao , Chen Shenyan , Huang Hai
Published: March 2018

The paper illustrates the application of a two-level approximation method to the lay-up design of laminated structures for maximization of fundamental frequency and buckling load with design constraints. Previously developed for the mass-minimization design, the approximation method was achieved by starting from an initial design of stacking sequence. Benchmark examples have verified its efficacy in dealing with the mass-reduction problems, but it does not have the capability to address the objective-maximization problems, which is mainly due to the limitation of the second-level approximate problem. In this work, this method is improved and extended for the consideration of objective maximization with more design constraints. The second-level approximate problem is reconstructed with mixed direct/reciprocal design variables, suitable for solving maximization problems. By varying different initial designs of stacking sequence and conducting repeated runs in the numerical examples, its efficiency is significantly shown after making comparisons with other methods.
A perception-driven exploration hierarchical simultaneous localization and mapping for mobile robots adapted to search and rescue environments
Authors: Wang Hongling , Zhang Chengjin , Song Yong , Pang Bao
Published: March 2018

Perception-driven hierarchical simultaneous localization and mapping approach is proposed based on a distributed particle of percolator model adapted to search and rescue post-disaster environment. The proposed hierarchical analysis reduced the complexity; it can only highlight the interesting three-dimensional objects marked on the two-dimensional map, which adapted to urgent search and rescue post-disaster scenarios. Object identification, area coverage, and loop closure are the key issues that simultaneous localization and mapping faces when mobile robots detect and reach survivors in search and rescue collapsed environments. We developed hierarchical analysis using iterative extended Kalman filter method to improve the localization accuracy in simultaneous localization and mapping of mobile robots with an iteration process. An analytic hierarchical map-building mechanism efficiently constructs a globally consistent topological map using graph-based nodes and data association. An improved iterative extended Kalman filter procedure is used to estimate positions and the covariance matrix. The proposed algorithm incorporates a prediction step and a measurement update step, which performs the state vector time update in constant time interval and the correction of the state vector based on the new sensor measurement. The hierarchical mapping process is divided into three levels. The bottom level perceives the surroundings and collects input. The middle level receives and processes data from the bottom level. The upper level organizes the feature information from the previous levels to form a global, topologically consistent map. Simulations and experiments using the mobileRobot platform, Pioneer LX robot, and a crawler mobile robot validate the efficiency of this hierarchical simultaneous localization and mapping approach adapting to search and rescue post-disaster scenarios.
Passivity-based control for rocket launcher position servo system based on improved active disturbance rejection technology
Authors: Wang Ronglin , Lu Baochun , Hou Yuanlong , Gao Qiang
Published: March 2018

In order to achieve high motion accuracy and better robustness of the rocket launcher position servo system driven by a permanent magnet synchronous motor, a passivity-based controller based on improved active disturbance rejection control is proposed in this article. The convenient method of interconnection and damping assignment and passivity-based control is adopted to establish the port-controlled Hamiltonian system with dissipation model of permanent magnet synchronous motor. To further enhance the robustness and adaptability of the traditional active disturbance rejection controller, an improved active disturbance rejection control strategy–based radical basis function neural network is introduced to on-line update the proportional and derivative gains of improved active disturbance rejection controller. The results of numerical simulation and bench test indicate that the proposed improved active disturbance rejection control passivity–based control algorithm has advantages of smaller overshoot, fast response, small steady-state error, and strong robustness. It proves that the proposed control scheme is effective and suitable.
Research directions for the enhancement of women's cricket
Authors: Munro Catherine E , Christie Candice J
Published: March 2018

Female cricket players have received little media or social recognition over the years. There have been reviews done on research focusing on male cricketers; however, no review to date has considered research on female cricketers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to review the available literature pertaining to research on female cricketers. A selection of electronic databases was searched to find all relevant published articles. Gender or media based studies were excluded as this was not the focus of the paper. The results suggest that there is a paucity of research. The review highlights areas of research priority.
Outcomes of Noninvasively Treated Idiopathic Toe Walkers
Authors: Radtke Kerstin , Karch Nataliia , Goede Fabian , Vaske Bernhard , von Lewinski Gabriela , Noll Yvonne , Thren Anneke
Published: March 2018

Idiopathic toe walking (ITW) causes a common problem in pediatric orthopaedics. In the literature, numerous treatment options have been reported, but consensus about the management of ITW is still missing. The aim of the current study was to evaluate conservative treatment with pyramidal insoles. A total of 193 patients underwent conservative treatment between January 2010 and June 2013. Mean age at the beginning of the treatment was 7.75 ± 0.23 years (range 2.0-17.0 years). For all patients, demographic data, comorbid diseases, passive range of motion (ROM), persistent toe walking, and performed operations were retrospectively evaluated. Following operative treatment was defined failure. Eight (4.15%) patients underwent Achilles tendon lengthening operation after mean therapy time of 2.72 years (range 0.1-7.0 years), 174 cases were treated successfully (90.16%). In 50 cases, toe walking suspended completely after mean therapy time of 2.83 years. In cases of failure, patients were older at diagnosis and at the beginning of the treatment. Mean passive ROM increased over the time. In cases of failure, ROM decreased from the first to the second examination. Conservative treatment of ITW using pyramidal insoles can be effective. Ankle dorsiflexion significantly improved in the patients who were successfully treated. Therapy should start early. A decrease of ROM under therapy should lead to critical revisal of individual therapy.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, level IV: Case series
Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen on Proliferation and Gene Expression of Human Chondrocytes: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Melcher Carolin , Sievers Birte , Höchsmann Nadine , Düren Frank , Jansson Volkmar , Müller Peter E.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The present study investigated the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on human chondrocyte proliferation and gene expression patterns.

Methods

Chondrocyte cultures were transferred to a HBO chamber and exposed to 100% oxygen for 7 consecutive days. Within groups, pressure was varied between 1 and 2 atm and duration of HBO administration was varied among 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Cell counts were performed using the WST-1 assay at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after initiation of HBO treatment to obtain data to plot a growth curve. Gene expression of apoptosis markers PARP and caspase 3, as well as cartilage specific proteins collagen II and COMP, were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The experiments showed that in vitro administration of HBO inhibit chondrocyte growth. When applied compression was increased up to 2 atm, chondrocyte cell count was reduced by half at days 3 and 7 in association with an upregulation of the apoptosis markers PARP and caspase 3 as well as the cartilage specific proteins collagen II and COMP. No significant differences were monitored from varied duration of daily treatment.

Conclusion

Chondrocyte growth was inhibited in vitro by treatment of HBO. This inhibitory effect was even increased by elevating the applied pressure, while molecular testing showed reduced chondrocyte growth. Higher levels of HBO inhibited cell growth even more, but up-regulation of apoptosis specific markers and cartilage specific proteins were seen during administration of high oxygen levels. Thus, it has to be evaluated that there is a critical level of hypo-/hyperoxia required to stimulate or at least maintain chondrocyte cell proliferation.
Designing play: Young children’s play and communication practices in relation to designers’ intentions for their toy
Authors: Yamada-Rice Dylan
Published: March 2018

This article looks at the way in which changes in technology, as well as wider social and cultural patterns, bring about new materials in the landscape of young children’s communication practices and play. This is done in relation to a new form of screen-less digital toy known as Avakai. Avakai are a set of digitally interactive wooden dolls that combine set movements and sounds. The study had two parts that focused first on the toy’s design and second on how it was used in combined play and communication practices by seven 4- to 6-year-olds. This was to ascertain the extent to which the design and children’s use aligned. Data were gathered through conversations and email exchanges with the toy designers and observations of the children’s play and communication practices with the toy. All data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Three key findings are discussed in relation to the alignment of these two areas: (1) children’s customisation of the toy design, (2) designing to produce emotional narratives in play and (3) the use of a compartment in the toy’s base. Each finding is described in relation to the designers’ backgrounds and intentions for the toy, and then the children’s use in terms of play and communication. In doing so, the extent to which the child and the toy’s design influenced play and communication practices is shown. These findings make a contribution to the field of materialities in young children’s communication practices when playing. This is ever important given the evolving speed of new materials and technologies for play and communication. In particular to how non-visual modes of communication are foregrounded in the absence of screens. In addition, it adds to prior research that has taken an object ethnographic approach by uniquely considering the toy in relation to primary data about the toy designers’ backgrounds and design decisions rather than from what can be inferred from the object.
Extending the Duluth Model to Workplace Bullying: A Modification and Adaptation of the Workplace Power-Control Wheel
Authors: Scott Hannah S.
Published: March 2018

Workplace bullying (WB) is an increasingly prevalent topic in the nursing literature. Recently, a new concept has been introduced into WB research to explain the motivations of WB instigators using elements of the Power-Control Wheel (PCW). Initially, this wheel was designed to assist intimate partner violence (IPV) targets/victims identify patterns of abuse and intervene with male batterers/instigators. Research examining IPV and victims/survivors of WB demonstrate that targets often share common abusive experiences, including intimidation, coercion and threats, isolation, and economic and emotional abuse. This article demonstrates clear support for the Duluth Model and its application to WB target experiences. Applications of this model to identify WB and assist individuals to identify and describe experiences of abusive work environments are discussed.
Diabetes Mellitus as a Risk Factor for Acute Postoperative Complications Following Elective Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Di Capua John , Lugo-Fagundo Nahyr , Somani Sulaiman , Kim Jun S. , Phan Kevin , Lee Nathan J. , Kothari Parth , Vig Khushdeep S. , Cho Samuel K.
Published: March 2018

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives:

Diabetes mellitus is a highly prevalent disease in the United States. Adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery encompasses a wide variety of spinal disorders and is associated with a morbidity rate between 20% and 80%. Considering utilization of spinal surgery will continue to increase, this study investigates the influence of diabetes mellitus on acute postoperative outcomes following elective ASD surgery.

Methods:

The 2010-2014 American College of Surgeon’s National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases (9th Revision) diagnosis codes relevant to ASD surgery. Patients were divided into cohorts based on their diabetic status. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify which 30-day postoperative outcomes patients are at risk for.

Results:

A total of 5809 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study of which 4553 (84.2%) patients were nondiabetic, 578 (10.7%) patients had non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), and 275 (5.1%) patients had insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Diabetes status was significantly associated with length of stay ≥5 days (NIDDM: odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.58, P = .034; IDDM: OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.15-2.09, P = .004), any complication (NIDDM: OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.01-1.58, P = .037), urinary tract infection (NIDDM: OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.14-3.05, P = .012), and cardiac complications (IDDM: OR = 4.05, 95% CI = 1.72-9.51, P = .001).

Conclusions:

Given the prevalence of diabetes, surgeons will invariably encounter these patients for ASD surgery. The present study identifies the increased risk NIDDM and IDDM patients experience following ASD surgery. Quantification of this increased risk may improve the selection of appropriate surgical candidates, patient risk stratification, and patient postoperative safety.
Nivolumab for Relapsed/Refractory Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma After Failure of Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Extended Follow-Up of the Multicohort Single-Arm Phase II CheckMate 205 Trial
Authors: Armand Philippe , Engert Andreas , Younes Anas , Fanale Michelle , Santoro Armando , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Timmerman John M. , Collins Graham P. , Ramchandren Radhakrishnan , Cohen Jonathon B. , De Boer Jan Paul , Kuruvilla John , Savage Kerry J. , Trneny Marek , Shipp Margaret A. , Kato Kazunobu , Sumbul Anne , Farsaci Benedetto , Ansell Stephen M.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Genetic alterations causing overexpression of programmed death-1 ligands are near universal in classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Nivolumab, a programmed death-1 checkpoint inhibitor, demonstrated efficacy in relapsed/refractory cHL after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) in initial analyses of one of three cohorts from the CheckMate 205 study of nivolumab for cHL. Here, we assess safety and efficacy after extended follow-up of all three cohorts.

Methods

This multicenter, single-arm, phase II study enrolled patients with relapsed/refractory cHL after auto-HCT treatment failure into cohorts by treatment history: brentuximab vedotin (BV)–naïve (cohort A), BV received after auto-HCT (cohort B), and BV received before and/or after auto-HCT (cohort C). All patients received nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks until disease progression/unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was objective response rate per independent radiology review committee.

Results

Overall, 243 patients were treated; 63 in cohort A, 80 in cohort B, and 100 in cohort C. After a median follow-up of 18 months, 40% continued to receive treatment. The objective response rate was 69% (95% CI, 63% to 75%) overall and 65% to 73% in each cohort. Overall, the median duration of response was 16.6 months (95% CI, 13.2 to 20.3 months), and median progression-free survival was 14.7 months (95% CI, 11.3 to 18.5 months). Of 70 patients treated past conventional disease progression, 61% of those evaluable had stable or further reduced target tumor burdens. The most common grade 3 to 4 drug-related adverse events were lipase increases (5%), neutropenia (3%), and ALT increases (3%). Twenty-nine deaths occurred; none were considered treatment related.

Conclusion

With extended follow-up, responses to nivolumab were frequent and durable. Nivolumab seems to be associated with a favorable safety profile and long-term benefits across a broad spectrum of patients with relapsed/refractory cHL.
Randomized Phase II Trial of Carboplatin-Paclitaxel Versus Carboplatin-Paclitaxel-Trastuzumab in Uterine Serous Carcinomas That Overexpress Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2/neu
Authors: Fader Amanda N. , Roque Dana M. , Siegel Eric , Buza Natalia , Hui Pei , Abdelghany Osama , Chambers Setsuko K. , Secord Angeles Alvarez , Havrilesky Laura , O’Malley David M. , Backes Floor , Nevadunsky Nicole , Edraki Babak , Pikaart Dirk , Lowery William , ElSahwi Karim S. , Celano Paul , Bellone Stefania , Azodi Masoud , Litkouhi Babak , Ratner Elena , Silasi Dan-Arin , Schwartz Peter E. , Santin Alessandro D.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Uterine serous carcinoma is a rare, aggressive variant of endometrial cancer. Trastuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/neu, a receptor overexpressed in 30% of uterine serous carcinoma. This multicenter, randomized phase II trial compared carboplatin-paclitaxel with and without trastuzumab in patients with advanced or recurrent uterine serous carcinoma who overexpress HER2/neu.

Methods

Eligible patients had primary stage III or IV or recurrent HER2/neu-positive disease. Participants were randomly assigned to receive carboplatin-paclitaxel (control arm) for six cycles with or without intravenous trastuzumab (experimental arm) until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was progression-free survival, which was assessed for differences between treatment arms via one-sided log-rank tests.

Results

From August 2011 to March 2017, 61 patients were randomly assigned. Forty progression-free survival–related events occurred among 58 evaluable participants. Among all patients, median progression-free survival was 8.0 months (control) versus 12.6 months (experimental; P = .005; hazard ratio [HR], 0.44; 90% CI, 0.26 to 0.76). Similarly, median progression-free survival was 9.3 (control) versus 17.9 (experimental) months among 41 patients with stage III or IV disease undergoing primary treatment ( P = .013; HR, 0.40; 90% CI, 0.20 to 0.80) and 6.0 (control) versus 9.2 months (experimental), respectively, among 17 patients with recurrent disease ( P = .003; HR, 0.14; 90% CI, 0.04 to 0.53). Toxicity was not different between treatment arms, and no unexpected safety signals emerged.

Conclusion

Addition of trastuzumab to carboplatin-paclitaxel was well tolerated and increased progression-free survival. These encouraging results deserve further investigation to determine their impact on overall survival in patients with advanced or recurrent uterine serous carcinoma who overexpress HER2/neu.
Molecular Characterization and Mortality From Breast Cancer in Men
Authors: Massarweh Suleiman Alfred , Sledge George W. , Miller Dave P. , McCullough Debbie , Petkov Valentina I. , Shak Steven
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Limited data exist on the molecular biology, treatment, and outcomes of breast cancer in men, and much of our understanding in this area remains largely an extrapolation from data in women with breast cancer.

Materials and Methods

We studied men and women with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer and the 21-gene Breast Recurrence Score (RS) results. Differences in clinical characteristics and gene expression were determined, and distribution of RS results was correlated with 5-year breast cancer–specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival.

Results

There were 3,806 men and 571,115 women. Men were older than women (mean age, 64.2 v 59.1 years; P < .001). RS < 18 predominated in both genders, but RS ≥ 31 was more frequent in men (12.4% v 7.4%; P < .001), as were very low scores (RS < 11; 33.8% v 22.1%; P < .001). Mean gene expression was higher in men for the estrogen receptor (ER), proliferation, and invasion groups. ER was lowest and progesterone receptor was highest in women younger than 50 years of age, with a progressive increase in ER with age. Men younger than 50 years of age had slightly lower ER and progesterone receptor compared with older men. Survival data were available from SEER for 322 men and 55,842 women. Five-year BCSS was 99.0% (95% CI, 99.3% to 99.9%) and 95.9% (95% CI, 87.6% to 98.7%) for men with RS < 18 and RS 18-30, respectively, and for women, it was 99.5% (95% CI, 99.4% to 99.6%) and 98.6% (95% CI, 98.4% to 98.8%), respectively. RS ≥ 31 was associated with an 81.0% 5-year BCSS in men (95% CI, 53.3% to 93.2%) and 94.9% 5-year BCSS (95% CI, 93.9% to 95.7%) in women. Five-year BCSS and overall survival were lower in men than in women.

Conclusion

This study reveals some distinctive biologic features of breast cancer in men and an important prognostic role for RS testing in both men and women.
Association of Cardiovascular Risk Factors With Cardiac Events and Survival Outcomes Among Patients With Breast Cancer Enrolled in SWOG Clinical Trials
Authors: Hershman Dawn L. , Till Cathee , Shen Sherry , Wright Jason D. , Ramsey Scott D. , Barlow William E. , Unger Joseph M.
Published: March 2018

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of death among patients with breast cancer. However, the association of cardiovascular-disease risk factors (CVD-RFs) with long-term survival and cardiac events is not well studied.

Methods

We examined SWOG (formerly the Southwest Oncology Group) breast cancer trials from 1999 to 2011. We identified baseline diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and coronary artery disease by linking trial records to Medicare claims. The primary outcome was overall survival. Patients with both baseline and follow-up claims were examined for cardiac events. Cox regression was used to assess the association between CVD-RFs and outcomes.

Results

We identified 1,460 participants older than 66 years of age from five trials; 842 were eligible for survival outcomes analysis. At baseline, median age was 70 years, and median follow-up was 6 years. Hypertension (73%) and hypercholesterolemia (57%) were the most prevalent conditions; 87% of patients had one or more CVD-RF. There was no association between any of the individual CVD-RFs and overall survival except for hypercholesterolemia, which was associated with improved overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.93; P = .01). With each additional CVD-RF, there was an increased risk of death (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.40; P = .002), worse progression-free survival (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.25; P = .05), and marginally worse cancer-free survival (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.34; P = .07). The relationship between baseline CVD-RFs and cardiac events was analyzed in 736 patients. A strong linear association between the number of CVD-RFs and cardiac event was observed (HR per CVD-RF, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.69; P < .001).

Conclusion

Among participants in clinical trials, each additional baseline CVD-RF was associated with an increased risk of cardiac events and death. Efforts to improve control of modifiable CVD-RFs are needed, especially among those with multiple risk factors.
Citron kinase-dependent F-actin maintenance at midbody secondary ingression sites mediates abscission
Authors: Dema Alessandro , Macaluso Francesca , Sgrò Francesco , Berto Gaia E. , Bianchi Federico T. , Chiotto Alessandra A. , Pallavicini Gianmarco , Di Cunto Ferdinando , Gai Marta
Published: March 2018

Abscission is the final step of cytokinesis whereby the intercellular bridge (ICB) linking the two daughter cells is cut. The ICB contains a structure called the midbody, required for the recruitment and organization of the abscission machinery. Final midbody severing is mediated by formation of secondary midbody ingression sites, where the ESCRT III component CHMP4B is recruited to mediate membrane fusion. It is presently unknown how cytoskeletal elements cooperate with CHMP4B to mediate abscission. Here, we show that F-actin is associated with midbody secondary sites and is necessary for abscission. F-actin localization at secondary sites depends on the activity of RhoA and on the abscission regulator citron kinase (CITK). CITK depletion accelerates loss of F-actin proteins at the midbody and subsequent cytokinesis defects are reversed by restoring actin polymerization. Conversely, midbody hyperstabilization produced by overexpression of CITK and ANLN is reversed by actin depolymerization. CITK is required for localization of F-actin and ANLN at the abscission sites, as well as for CHMP4B recruitment. These results indicate that control of actin dynamics downstream of CITK prepares the abscission site for the final cut.
Determining paediatric patient thickness from a single digital radiograph—a proof of principle
Authors: Worrall Mark , Vinnicombe Sarah , Sutton David G
Published: March 2018

Objective:

This work presents a proof of principle for a method of estimating the thickness of an attenuator from a single radiograph using the image, the exposure factors with which it was acquired and a priori knowledge of the characteristics of the X-ray unit and detector used for the exposure. It is intended this could be developed into a clinical tool to assist with paediatric patient dose audit, for which a measurement of patient size is required.

Methods:

The proof of principle used measured pixel value and effective linear attenuation coefficient to estimate the thickness of a Solid Water attenuator. The kerma at the detector was estimated using a measurement of pixel value on the image and measured detector calibrations. The initial kerma was estimated using a lookup table of measured output values. The effective linear attenuation coefficient was measured for Solid Water at varying kVp. 11 test images of known and varying thicknesses of Solid Water were acquired at 60, 70 and 81 kVp. Estimates of attenuator thickness were made using the model and the results compared to the known thickness.

Results:

Estimates of attenuator thickness made using the model differed from the known thickness by 3.8 mm (3.2%) on average, with a range of 0.5–10.8 mm (0.5–9%).

Conclusion:

A proof of principle is presented for a method of estimating the thickness of an attenuator using a single radiograph of the attenuator. The method has been shown to be accurate using a Solid Water attenuator, with a maximum difference between estimated and known attenuator thickness of 10.8 mm (9%). The method shows promise as a clinical tool for estimating abdominal paediatric patient thickness for paediatric patient dose audit, and is only contingent on the type of data routinely collected by Medical Physics departments.

Advances in knowledge:

A computational model has been created that is capable of accurately estimating the thickness of a uniform attenuator using only the radiographic image, the exposure factors with which it was acquired and a priori knowledge of the characteristics of the X-ray unit and detector used for the exposure.
Epidemiological, behavioural, and clinical factors associated with antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhoea: a review
Authors: Abraha Million , Egli-Gany Dianne , Low Nicola
Published: March 2018

Antimicrobial-resistantNeisseria gonorrhoeaeis a global public health problem in the 21st century.N. gonorrhoeaehas developed resistance to all classes of antibiotics used for empirical treatment, and clinical treatment failure caused by extensively resistant strains has been reported. Identifying specific factors associated with an increased risk of antimicrobial-resistantN. gonorrhoeaemight help to develop strategies to improve antimicrobial stewardship. In this review, we describe the findings of 24 studies, published between 1989 and 2017, that examined epidemiological, behavioural, and clinical factors and their associations with a range of antimicrobial agents used to treat gonorrhoea. Antimicrobial-resistantN. gonorrhoeaeis more common in older than younger adults and in men who have sex with men compared with heterosexual men and women. Antimicrobial-resistantN. gonorrhoeaeis less common in some black minority and Aboriginal ethnic groups than in the majority white population in high-income countries. The factors associated with antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhoea are not necessarily those associated with a higher risk of gonorrhoea.
HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE OF COUNTERING YOUTH POLITICAL TERRORISM BY THE POLICE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND CONCLUSIONS FOR PRESENT-DAY RUSSIA (TERROR GROUP ‘RED ARMY FRACTION’ TAKEN AS AN EXAMPLE)
Authors: Morozov Ilya Leonidovich
Published: March 2018

‘Red Army Fraction’ is a youth extremist left-wing terror group that was active in the 1970–1980s on the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany. The terror group and its ideology originated mostly in Western German university circles. Most representatives of the group were descendants from wealthy families of high social standing.
The ideology of the group included a mix of concepts related to social equity, preventing autocratic tendencies in the government machinery and interventions of Western countries against developing ‘third world’ countries and peoples. State security system of West Germany was unable to suppress the terror group for over two decades.
The group finally announced its voluntary dissolution in 1998 due to a dramatic change in socio-political climate and general crisis of the left-wing political ideology. The growth of oppositional sentiments among present-day Russian young people is partially similar to the students’ unrest that had place in Western Europe in the 1960s and gave rise to terrorist groups.
This makes the study of West Germany’s experience in countering the threat important.
Oflagi w pamięci indywidualnej
Authors: Matuchniak-Krasucka Anna
Published: March 2018

The text presents basic historical data about oflags, and also sociological concepts useful for their analysis. Oflag, is a short form for Offizierslager für kriegsgefangene Offiziere, a German prisoner of war camp for officers which existed during the 2nd World War. Within twenty military regions of Germany, there were almost 800 different camps, where 10 million prisoners of war from Europe and United States of America were incarcerated (among them there were half a million of Polish officers and soldiers). Oflags are subject of many historical, sociological and psychological studies. Concepts of totalitarian institutions by E. Goffman, culture and its collerates by S. Ossowski, cultural systems by A. Kłoskowska and B. Sułkowski, social frames of remembrance by M. Halbswach, are all helpful in oflags description and analysis. The framework of this study is an analysis of social remembrance – individual and collective, and its carriers – cultural correlates, such as necropolises, sites of former prisoner of war camps, utility objects, artistic objects (graphics, sculptures, literary texts, songs), documents (photographs, letters). They operate in private and public circuits, where memory sphere abrades with non remembrance sphere – oblivion and exclusion.
Pamięć przeszłości jako bagaż czy grupowa duma?
Authors: Sołdra-Gwiżdż Teresa
Published: March 2018

The article contains considerations over the formation of family‑based remembrance of the past (post‑memory) among the young generation of Kresowiacy (Poles displaced from the Former Eastern Lands belonging to Poland before WW2) living now in Opole in Silesia – a unique region of Poland. Results of empirical research indicate that the family‑related post‑memory (inherited memory), in the young generation of the displaced is not a linear string, whose endpoint is the presence. It is random and fragmentary, with different time contexts, in which there has followed a clear mix‑up of orders covering different dimensions of historical and family events. It is rather that personalistic and historical events most frequently occur as the background of the narration. Young people are most often occasional listeners rather than active researchers of the family past, in particular those traumas that until today have raised anxiety, liberated strong emotions and reminded of the “lost Arcadia”. The everyday life does not favour this type of reflection, and experienced social situations enforce participation in the Silesian regional culture. Such a shape of post‑memory is a result of a series of social processes connected with assimilative and adaptive activities aimed at forming a group of the so‑called “new autochthons”, which were undertaken by the socialist authorities. One can perceive also a hidden and unintended function of these returns to the past, which manifests itself as a wish to maintain group identity in the future through recreating and evoking traumas of the past, that is constructing the “expelled memory”. Nevertheless, the young generation of the displaced in Opole region only to a little extent are becoming its participants and receivers. The heritage of the Former Eastern Lands of Poland, remembrance of the traumas of the past make rather partially forgotten or being forgotten group luggage of the past than an element of group pride.
Metodologiczne dylematy i pułapki pojęcia polityczności
Authors: Karwat Mirosław
Published: March 2018

Methodological dilemmas and traps of the concept “political”

A theorist defining the concept “political” needs to decide many methodological dilemmas and evade some disasters and traps, especially elementary mistakes, errors or simplifications. The distinction between the concept of “politics” and the concept of “the political” may be stereotypical, even completely popular, colloquial. However, the terminological similarity and grammatical connection between the noun and adjective or adverb result in definition difficulties. The contrary solution of the variety problem consists in the separate meaning of both concepts. Among the typical temptations for a theorist one could find the following: ontological naturalism, formalism, simple essentialism, reduction of both concepts, illusion of self‑contained political being, ignoring the historical context, syndromatic nature and relativity of the “politicality”.
EDUCACIÓN COMPARADA EN AMÉRICA LATINA. EL CASO DE LA EDUCACIÓN ALTERNATIVA EN OAXACA: MATEMÁTICAS Y PRÁCTICA SOCIAL
Authors: Cantoral Uriza Dr. Ricardo
Published: March 2018

En este año dedicaremos las editoriales de la Revista Latinoamericana de Investigación en Matemática Educativa (Relime), para presentar tres experiencias de éxito de programas de maestría en Matemática Educativa, o en sus versiones equivalentes, que hayan logrado trascender del trabajo académico propio de un posgrado a la acción comunitaria con incidencia social. Se presentarán aspectos cualitativos de tres casos de interés con el propósito de estimular el intercambio entre cuerpos académicos. El plan es mostrar el programa de Maestría en Enseñanza de las Matemáticas de la Educación Secundaria (memes) de la Escuela Normal Superior Federal de Oaxaca (ensfo), para mayores detalles consultar (Vásquez, 2016). Posteriormente daremos lugar al programa del Departamento de Matemática de la Universidad de Camagüey Ignacio Agramonte Loynaz, en Cuba. Concluiremos este volumen con una presentación de los logros del programa de maestría del Instituto de Matemáticas de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, en Chile.
HISTÓRIA DA EDUCAÇÃO MATEMÁTICA CONSERVAÇÃO DA CULTURA ESCOLAR
Authors: Taise Hoffmann Yohana , Da Costa David Antonio
Published: March 2018

Este artigo tem como objetivo responder a seguinte pergunta: Que mobilizações estão sendo realizadas, pelo GHEMAT, no campo da História da Educação Matemática para a conservação de elementos provenientes de culturas escolares? Para isso são apresentadas as diferentes interpretações da expressão cultura escolar na visão de alguns autores (Chervel, 1988; Julia, 2001; Viñao, 2007). Em seguida é apresentada uma experiência a respeito das mobilizações que o Grupo de Pesquisa de História da Educação Matemática no Brasil (GHEMAT) vem realizando para conservar os documentos que se referem a cultura escolar, principalmente a mobilização dos cadernos escolares de alunos e professores no período de 1890 a 1970, e qual ferramenta tecnológica vem contribuindo para conservar as fontes que contribuem para os avanços nas pesquisas.
CONSTRUCCIÓN COGNITIVA DEL ESPACIO VECTORIAL R²
Authors: Rodríguez Jara Miguel Alejandro , Parraguez González Marcela , Trigueros Gaisman María
Published: March 2018

Presentamos antecedentes sobre la validación de un modelo cognitivo para el aprendizaje del espacio vectorial R2. Como hallazgo, destacamos el papel que desempeña asociar un par de números reales a una ecuación lineal homogénea (de dos incógnitas) para inducir estructura algebraica a su conjunto solución. Además, se entrega evidencia de cómo el uso de un parámetro, para escribir una solución de una ecuación lineal homogénea, es un factor importante que pone de relieve a la ponderación de una solución por un escalar como una operación que se asocia al conjunto solución de una ecuación lineal homogénea. Todo lo anterior en estrecha relación con la construcción del espacio vectorial R2.
Adequação da dieta hospitalar: Associação com estado nutricional e diagnóstico clínico
Authors: Ribas Simone Augusta , Barbosa Bárbara Cristina M.
Published: March 2018

Introdução: O comprometimento do estado nutricional é bastante comum entre pacientes hospitalizados, e a detecção precoce permite ajustar a dieta hospitalar para necessidades energéticas e protéicas desses pacientes. Objetivos: Investigar a adequação da dieta hospitalar e sua relação com o estado nutricional de pacientes internados em um Hospital Universitário. Métodos: Participaram deste estudo descritivo, prospectivo e transversal, 1568 pacientes. Foram investigados aspectos relacionados ao diagnóstico clínico, estado nutricional, requerimento energético, qualidade da dieta e adequação nutricional. Resultados: Pode-se constatar a partir das variáveis analisadas, que o diagnóstico clínico, o estado nutricional, o tipo de dieta prescrita, a aceitação e a adequação nutricional da dieta, diferiram por gênero (p≤0,001). Duas extremidades do desvio nutricional foram encontradas entre os pacientes: desnutrição (20,3%) e excesso de peso (35,0%). A dieta hospitalar foi avaliada como ‘boa a excelente’ em 85,7% dos casos. Pacientes com baixo peso apresentaram maior aceitação da dieta hospitalar em comparação com pacientes com sobrepeso [OR = 3,19; p<0,001 (café da manhã e lanches); OR = 2,2; p= 0,02 (almoço e jantar)]. Também foi observado que pacientes do sexo feminino e afetados por doenças do aparelho geniturinário foi o grupo com o menor grau de aceitação da dieta e os do sexo masculino afetados por doenças infecciosas e do aparelho circulatório apresentaram maior proporção de comprometimento nutricional, respectivamente. Conclusões: A dieta hospitalar fornecida atendeu a maioria da sua clientela, porém ainda precisa de ajustes dietéticos para os pacientes que recebem dieta hipossódica e para os que apresentam alta demanda energética.                                                    Descritores: Estado nutricional; Dieta; Pacientes hospitalizados.
Formulação de nhoque isento de glúten enriquecido com biomassa de banana verde
Authors: Santos Arabelle S. , Rezende Antônio José , Oliveira Célia Regina A. , Fortes Renata C.
Published: March 2018

Introdução: A doença celíaca é uma intolerância permanente ao glúten, caracterizada por atrofia total ou subtotal da mucosa do intestino delgado e consequente má absorção de alimentos. A única forma de tratamento da doença celíaca é a exclusão do glúten da dieta. A adesão ao tratamento não constitui prática fácil, pela dificuldade do indivíduo em se adaptar aos alimentos modificados que possuem prejuízos nas características sensoriais. Nesse contexto, é importante o desenvolvimento de alimentos isentos de glúten com boas características sensoriais e nutricionais. Objetivos: Desenvolver nhoque isento de glúten, com adição de biomassa de banana verde.  Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo experimental no qual foram realizadas análises sensoriais de nhoque sem glúten, acrescido de biomassa de banana verde. Foi aplicado teste de aceitação, utilizando-se uma escala hedônica de nove pontos. Resultados: O nhoque apresentou boa aceitabilidade, sendo igual ou superior a 70% nos atributos aroma, sabor, textura e aceitação global. Já nos atributos aparência e cor a aceitação chegou a 60%. Conclusões: A análise sensorial mostrou boa aceitação da preparação, em torno de 80%, contribuindo com uma alternativa alimentar de baixo custo e com boas características sensoriais para indivíduos com a doença celíaca e àqueles que requerem dieta com restrição ao glúten.Descritores: Biomassa; Musa; Dieta livre de glúten; Doença celíaca.
Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Direct Support Professionals
Authors: Keesler John M.
Published: March 2018

Direct support professionals (DSPs) provide integral support to many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Yet, individuals' access to qualified DSPs is often compromised as organizations struggle to hire and retain DSPs. Despite a vast body of research exploring factors associated with turnover, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among DSPs remain absent from the literature. ACEs encompass abuse and familial dysfunction prior to the age of 18 and, in the general population, have been linked to compromised well-being and work-related challenges in adult life. An online survey was conducted to explore the prevalence of ACE categories and ACE scores (i.e., the sum of each ACE category experienced by a person) among DSPs (n = 386) working in licensed settings. Seventy-five percent of DSPs experienced at least one ACE and 30% had an ACE score of four or more. DSPs who identified as female and those who had been in their position less than one year had significantly higher ACE scores than males and others who had been in their position longer, respectively. In comparison with other studies, the four most common ACE categories among DSPs (i.e., divorce, emotional abuse, mental illness, and substance abuse) were the same, however, DSPs in the present study had a higher average ACE score and nearly twice the percentage of persons having an ACE score of four or more. The potential implications of ACEs among DSPs, at the intersection of their work with individuals with IDD, are discussed.