bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual Exploration of the Spatiotemporal Evolution Law of Overburden Failure and Mining-Induced Fractures: A Case Study of the Wangjialing Coal Mine in China
Authors: Wang Hongzhi , Zhang Dongsheng , Wang Xufeng , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2017

The borehole television approach is an effective way of detecting mining-induced fractures in overburden strata as it can visualize fractures to facilitate a quantitative analysis of size, quantity, length, and other features. In this article, the borehole television approach is applied on panel 20105 of the Wangjialing Coal Mine in China to investigate the overburden movement and spatiotemporal evolution law of mining-induced fractures from the coal seam to ground surface. The results revealed that the overburden strata experienced the phases of roof caving, generation of fracture, bed separation, dislocations, fracture propagation, surface subsidence, and closing of fractures. The process can be divided into the initiation stage, the active stage, and the degradation stage along the mining direction. For exploited working faces, the caved zone height is 2.9–4.11 times the mining height, and the height of the fractured zone is 19.35–22.19 times the mining height. The height range of the three parts in the fractured zone is 24–26, 40–45, and 30–35 m. Significant fractures were observed in the bending zone. Step subsidence and cracks, which indicate severe damages, were observed on the ground surface above the goaf.
A Novel Polysaccharide Conjugate from Bullacta exarata Induces G1-Phase Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells
Authors: Liao Ningbo , Sun Liang , Chen Jiang , Zhong Jianjun , Zhang Yanjun , Zhang Ronghua
Published: March 2017

Bullacta exarata has been consumed in Asia, not only as a part of the normal diet, but also as a traditional Chinese medicine with liver- and kidney-benefitting functions. Several scientific investigations involving extraction of biomolecules from this mollusk and pharmacological studies on their biological activities have been carried out. However, little is known regarding the antitumor properties of polysaccharides from B. exarata, hence the polysaccharides from B. exarata have been investigated here. One polysaccharide conjugate BEPS-IA was isolated and purified from B. exarata. It mainly consisted of mannose and glucose in a molar ratio of 1:2, with an average molecular weight of 127 kDa. Thirteen general amino acids were identified to be components of the protein-bound polysaccharide. Methylation and NMR studies revealed that BEPS-IA is a heteropolysaccharide consisting of 1,4-linked-α-d-Glc, 1,6-linked-α-d-Man, 1,3,6-linked-α-d-Man, and 1-linked-α-d-Man residue, in a molar ratio of 6:1:1:1. In order to test the antitumor activity of BEPS-IA, we investigated its effect against the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2 in vitro. The result showed that BEPS-IA dose-dependently exhibited an effective HepG2 cells growth inhibition with an IC50 of 112.4 μg/mL. Flow cytometry analysis showed that BEPS-IA increased the populations of both apoptotic sub-G1 and G1 phase. The result obtained from TUNEL assay corroborated apoptosis which was shown in flow cytometry. Western blot analysis suggested that BEPS-IA induced apoptosis and growth inhibition were associated with up-regulation of p53, p21 and Bax, down-regulation of Bcl-2. These findings suggest that BEPS-IA may serve as a potential novel dietary agent for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Functional Analysis of a Wheat AGPase Plastidial Small Subunit with a Truncated Transit Peptide
Authors: Yang Yang , Gao Tian , Xu Mengjun , Dong Jie , Li Hanxiao , Wang Pengfei , Li Gezi , Guo Tiancai , Kang Guozhang , Wang Yonghua
Published: March 2017

ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), the key enzyme in starch synthesis, consists of two small subunits and two large subunits with cytosolic and plastidial isoforms. In our previous study, a cDNA sequence encoding the plastidial small subunit (TaAGPS1b) of AGPase in grains of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was isolated and the protein subunit encoded by this gene was characterized as a truncated transit peptide (about 50% shorter than those of other plant AGPS1bs). In the present study, TaAGPS1b was fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP) in rice protoplast cells, and confocal fluorescence microscopy observations revealed that like other AGPS1b containing the normal transit peptide, TaAGPS1b-GFP was localized in chloroplasts. TaAGPS1b was further overexpressed in a Chinese bread wheat cultivar, and the transgenic wheat lines exhibited a significant increase in endosperm AGPase activities, starch contents, and grain weights. These suggested that TaAGPS1b subunit was targeted into plastids by its truncated transit peptide and it could play an important role in starch synthesis in bread wheat grains.
Polysaccharide-Based Edible Coatings Containing Cellulase for Improved Preservation of Meat Quality during Storage
Authors: Zimoch-Korzycka Anna , Jarmoluk Andrzej
Published: March 2017

The objectives of this study were to optimize the composition of edible food coatings and to extend the shelf-life of pork meat. Initially, nine meat samples were coated with solutions containing chitosan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose at various cellulase concentrations: 0%, 0.05%, and 0.1%, stored for 0, 7, and 14 days. Uncoated meat served as the controls. The samples were tested for pH, water activity (aw), total number of microorganisms (TNM), psychrotrophs (P), number of yeast and molds (NYM), colour, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). The pH and aw values varied from 5.42 to 5.54 and 0.919 to 0.926, respectively. The reductions in the TNM, P, and NYM after 14 days of storage were approximately 2.71 log cycles, 1.46 log cycles, and 0.78 log cycles, respectively. The enzyme addition improved the stability of the red colour. Significant reduction in TBARS was noted with the inclusion of cellulase in the coating material. Overall, this study provides a promising alternative method for the preservation of pork meat in industry.
A Potential Tool for Clinicians; Evaluating a Computer-Led Dietary Assessment Method in Overweight and Obese Women during Weight Loss
Authors: Widaman Adrianne , Keim Nancy , Burnett Dustin , Miller Beverly , Witbracht Megan , Widaman Keith , Laugero Kevin
Published: March 2017

Many Americans are attempting to lose weight with the help of healthcare professionals. Clinicians can improve weight loss results by using technology. Accurate dietary assessment is crucial to effective weight loss. The aim of this study was to validate a computer-led dietary assessment method in overweight/obese women. Known dietary intake was compared to Automated Self-Administered 24-h recall (ASA24) reported intake in women (n = 45), 19–50 years, with body mass index of 27–39.9 kg/m2. Participants received nutrition education and reduced body weight by 4%–10%. Participants completed one unannounced dietary recall and their responses were compared to actual intake. Accuracy of the recall and characteristics of respondent error were measured using linear and logistic regression. Energy was underreported by 5% with no difference for most nutrients except carbohydrates, vitamin B12, vitamin C, selenium, calcium and vitamin D (p = 0.002, p < 0.0001, p = 0.022, p = 0.010, p = 0.008 and p = 0.001 respectively). Overall, ASA24 is a valid dietary assessment tool in overweight/obese women participating in a weight loss program. The automated features eliminate the need for clinicians to be trained, to administer, or to analyze dietary intake. Computer-led dietary assessment tools should be considered as part of clinician-supervised weight loss programs.
Perceptions and Knowledge of Nuts amongst Health Professionals in New Zealand
Authors: Brown Rachel , Yong Lee , Gray Andrew , Tey Siew , Chisholm Alexandra , Leong Sook
Published: March 2017

Despite their nutritional value, population‐level nut consumption remains low. Studies suggest that individuals would eat more nuts on their doctor’s advice, making health professionals potentially important for promoting nut consumption. This cross‐sectional study aimed to examine the perceptions and knowledge of nuts and the predictors of nut promotion among health professionals in New Zealand. Dietitians, general practitioners (GPs), and practice nurses were identified from the Electoral Roll and invited to complete a questionnaire (n = 318, 292, and 149 respondents respectively). Over one‐fifth of GPs and practice nurses believed that eating nuts could increase blood cholesterol concentrations and cause weight gain. The most common perceptions overall were that nuts are healthy; high in protein, fat, and calories; and are satiating. Nut consumption was recommended for reasons relating to these perceptions and because of nuts’ selenium content. Conversely, reasons for suggesting the consumption of fewer nuts included that they were high in calories and fat, would cause weight gain, and concerns regarding allergies and cost. All groups of health professionals were more likely to promote nut consumption if they perceived nuts to reduce the risk of diabetes (all p ≤ 0.034). Education could improve health professionals’ knowledge regarding the effects of nut consumption on blood cholesterol and body weight, alongside other health benefits, which should improve the advice given to patients and may thereby increase nut consumption.
Design Study of Time-Preserving Grating Monochromators for Ultrashort Pulses in the Extreme-Ultraviolet and Soft X-Rays
Authors: Frassetto Fabio , Fabris Nicola , Miotti Paolo , Poletto Luca
Published: March 2017

The design of grating-based instruments to handle and condition coherent ultrafast pulses in the extreme-ultraviolet is discussed. The main application of such instruments is the monochromatization of high-order laser harmonics and free-electron-laser pulses in the femtosecond time scale. Broad-band monochromators require the use of diffraction gratings at grazing incidence. A grating can be used for the spectral selection of ultrashort pulses without altering the pulse duration in a significant way, provided that the number of illuminated grooves is equal to the resolution. We discuss here the design conditions to be fulfilled by a grating monochromator that does not increase the pulse duration significantly longer than the Fourier limit.
Proteomic Profiling of the Microsomal Root Fraction: Discrimination of Pisum sativum L. Cultivars and Identification of Putative Root Growth Markers
Authors: Meisrimler Claudia-Nicole , Wienkoop Stefanie , Lüthje Sabine
Published: March 2017

Legumes are a large and economically important family, containing a variety of crop plants. Alongside different cereals, some fruits, and tropical roots, a number of leguminosae evolved for millennia as crops with human society. One of these legumes is Pisum sativum L., the common garden pea. In the past, breeding has been largely selective on improved above-ground organs. However, parameters, such as root-growth, which determines acquisition of nutrients and water, have largely been underestimated. Although the genome of P. sativum is still not fully sequenced, multiple proteomic studies have been published on a variety of physiological aspects in the last years. The presented work focused on the connection between root length and the influence of the microsomal root proteome of four different pea cultivars after five days of germination (cultivar Vroege, Girl from the Rhineland, Kelvedon Wonder, and Blauwschokker). In total, 60 proteins were identified to have significantly differential abundances in the four cultivars. Root growth of five-days old seedlings and their microsomal proteome revealed a similar separation pattern, suggesting that cultivar-specific root growth performance is explained by differential membrane and ribosomal protein levels. Hence, we reveal and discuss several putative root growth protein markers possibly playing a key role for improved primary root growth breeding strategies.
Fusing Observational, Satellite Remote Sensing and Air Quality Model Simulated Data to Estimate Spatiotemporal Variations of PM2.5 Exposure in China
Authors: Xue Tao , Zheng Yixuan , Geng Guannan , Zheng Bo , Jiang Xujia , Zhang Qiang , He Kebin
Published: March 2017

Estimating ground surface PM2.5 with fine spatiotemporal resolution is a critical technique for exposure assessments in epidemiological studies of its health risks. Previous studies have utilized monitoring, satellite remote sensing or air quality modeling data to evaluate the spatiotemporal variations of PM2.5 concentrations, but such studies rarely combined these data simultaneously. Through assembling techniques, including linear mixed effect regressions with a spatial-varying coefficient, a maximum likelihood estimator and the spatiotemporal Kriging together, we develop a three-stage model to fuse PM2.5 monitoring data, satellite-derived aerosol optical depth (AOD) and community multi-scale air quality (CMAQ) simulations together and apply it to estimate daily PM2.5 at a spatial resolution of 0.1° over China. Performance of the three-stage model is evaluated using a cross-validation (CV) method step by step. CV results show that the finally fused estimator of PM2.5 is in good agreement with the observational data (RMSE = 23.0 μg/m3 and R2 = 0.72) and outperforms either AOD-derived PM2.5 (R2 = 0.62) or CMAQ simulations (R2 = 0.51). According to step-specific CVs, in data fusion, AOD-derived PM2.5 plays a key role to reduce mean bias, whereas CMAQ provides spatiotemporally complete predictions, which avoids sampling bias caused by non-random incompleteness in satellite-derived AOD. Our fused products are more capable than either CMAQ simulations or AOD-based estimates in characterizing the polluting procedure during haze episodes and thus can support both chronic and acute exposure assessments of ambient PM2.5. Based on the products, averaged concentration of annual exposure to PM2.5 was 55.7 μg/m3, while averaged count of polluted days (PM2.5 > 75 μg/m3) was 81 across China during 2014. Fused estimates will be publicly available for future health-related studies.
Improved Class-Specific Codebook with Two-Step Classification for Scene-Level Classification of High Resolution Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Yan Li , Zhu Ruixi , Mo Nan , Liu Yi
Published: March 2017

With the rapid advances in sensors of remote sensing satellites, a large number of highresolution images (HRIs) can be accessed every day. Land use classification using high-resolution images has become increasingly important as it can help to overcome the problems of haphazard, deteriorating environmental quality, loss of prime agricultural lands, and destruction of important wetlands, and so on. Recently, local feature with bag-of-words (BOW) representation has been successfully applied to land-use scene classification with HRIs. However, the BOW representation ignores information from scene labels, which is critical for scene-level land-use classification. Several algorithms have incorporated information from scene labels into BOW by calculating a class-specific codebook from the universal codebook and coding a testing image with a number of histograms. Those methods for mapping the BOW feature to some inaccurate class-specific codebooks may increase the classification error. To effectively solve this problem, we propose an improved class-specific codebook using kernel collaborative representation based classification (KCRC) combined with SPM approach and SVM classifier to classify the testing image in two steps. This model is robust for categories with similar backgrounds. On the standard Land use and Land Cover image dataset, the improved class-specific codebook achieves an average classification accuracy of 93% and demonstrates superiority over other state-of-the-art scene-level classification methods.
Transferring Pre-Trained Deep CNNs for Remote Scene Classification with General Features Learned from Linear PCA Network
Authors: Wang Jie , Luo Chang , Huang Hanqiao , Zhao Huizhen , Wang Shiqiang
Published: March 2017

Deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been widely used to obtain high-level representation in various computer vision tasks. However, in the field of remote sensing, there are not sufficient images to train a useful deep CNN. Instead, we tend to transfer successful pre-trained deep CNNs to remote sensing tasks. In the transferring process, generalization power of features in pre-trained deep CNNs plays the key role. In this paper, we propose two promising architectures to extract general features from pre-trained deep CNNs for remote scene classification. These two architectures suggest two directions for improvement. First, before the pre-trained deep CNNs, we design a linear PCA network (LPCANet) to synthesize spatial information of remote sensing images in each spectral channel. This design shortens the spatial “distance” of target and source datasets for pre-trained deep CNNs. Second, we introduce quaternion algebra to LPCANet, which further shortens the spectral “distance” between remote sensing images and images used to pre-train deep CNNs. With five well-known pre-trained deep CNNs, experimental results on three independent remote sensing datasets demonstrate that our proposed framework obtains state-of-the-art results without fine-tuning and feature fusing. This paper also provides baseline for transferring fresh pretrained deep CNNs to other remote sensing tasks.
Dynamic Involvement of Real World Objects in the IoT: A Consensus-Based Cooperation Approach
Authors: Pilloni Virginia , Atzori Luigi , Mallus Matteo
Published: March 2017

A significant role in the Internet of Things (IoT) will be taken by mobile and low-cost unstable devices, which autonomously self-organize and introduce highly dynamic and heterogeneous scenarios for the deployment of distributed applications. This entails the devices to cooperate to dynamically find the suitable combination of their involvement so as to improve the system reliability while following the changes in their status. Focusing on the above scenario, we propose a distributed algorithm for resources allocation that is run by devices that can perform the same task required by the applications, allowing for a flexible and dynamic binding of the requested services with the physical IoT devices. It is based on a consensus approach, which maximizes the lifetime of groups of nodes involved and ensures the fulfillment of the requested Quality of Information (QoI) requirements. Experiments have been conducted with real devices, showing an improvement of device lifetime of more than 20 % , with respect to a uniform distribution of tasks.
A Cubesat Payload for Exoplanet Detection
Authors: Iuzzolino Marcella , Accardo Domenico , Rufino Giancarlo , Oliva Ernesto , Tozzi Andrea , Schipani Pietro
Published: March 2017

The search for undiscovered planets outside the solar system is a scientific topic that is rapidly spreading into the astrophysical and engineering communities. In this framework, the design of an innovative payload to detect exoplanets from a nano-sized space platform, like a 3U cubesat, is presented. The selected detection method is photometric transit, and the payload aims to detect flux decrements down to ~0.01% with a precision of 12 ppm. The payload design is also aimed at false positive recognition. The solution consists of a four-facets pyramid on the top of the payload, to allow for measurement redundancy and low-resolution spectral dispersion of the star images. The innovative concept is the use of a small and cheap platform for a relevant astronomical mission. The faintest observable target star has V-magnitude equal to 3.38. Despite missions aimed at ultra-precise photometry from microsatellites (e.g., MOST, BRITE), the transit of exoplanets orbiting very bright stars has not yet been surveyed photometrically from space, since any observation from a small/medium sized (30 cm optical aperture) telescope would saturate the detector. This cubesat mission can provide these missing measurements. This work is set up as a demonstrative project to verify the feasibility of the payload concept.
Performance Evaluation of Borehole Heat Exchanger in Multilayered Subsurface
Authors: Li Yong , Geng Shibin , Han Xu , Zhang Hua , Peng Fusheng
Published: March 2017

In layered subsurface, the soil around a vertical borehole heat exchanger (BHE) contains different geological layers. Non-uniformity and groundwater flow can affect the performance of BHE drastically. In this paper, through the field investigation of boreholes in Zhu Shan, Nanjing, China, a numerical model considering five strata is developed. Using thermal resistance and capacity models for inside borehole and a combination of a locally refined grid for discretizing and solving the soil mass governing equations, the numerical model is calculated and validated by field test data. The maximum temperature difference never exceeds 0.3 °C. The numerical model is also compared with the homogenous finite line source (FLS) model. Based on the numerical multilayered model, the axial temperature profile at different distances under different heating times are presented and explored. After 60 days heating at the distance of 0.2 m to heat injection borehole, the maximum temperature rise is 9.2 °C in unsaturated soil layer, but the temperature rise in aquifer layer and in fractured layer are only 7.6 °C and 6.7 °C, respectively. Furthermore, two modified numerical layered models, in which the groundwater flow in aquifer or fracture layer is negligible, are established to analyze how the different layered characteristics impact on performance of BHE. The results showed that ignoring the groundwater flow in aquifer layer made the outlet temperature 0.7 °C higher than that of the original numerical layered model.
Microcystin‐LR Detected in a Low Molecular Weight Fraction from a Crude Extract of Zoanthus sociatus
Authors: Domínguez‐Pérez Dany , Rodríguez Armando , Osorio Hugo , Azevedo Joana , Castañeda Olga , Vasconcelos Vítor , Antunes Agostinho
Published: March 2017

Cnidarian constitutes a great source of bioactive compounds. However, research involving peptides from organisms belonging to the order Zoanthidea has received very little attention, contrasting to the numerous studies of the order Actiniaria, from which hundreds of toxic peptides and proteins have been reported. In this work, we performed a mass spectrometry analysis of a low molecular weight (LMW) fraction previously reported as lethal to mice. The low molecular weight (LMW) fraction was obtained by gel filtration of a Zoanthus sociatus (order Zoanthidea) crude extract with a Sephadex G‐50, and then analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight/time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) in positive ion reflector mode from m/z 700 to m/z 4000. Afterwards, some of the most intense and representative MS ions were fragmented by MS/MS with no significant results obtained by Protein Pilot protein identification software and the Mascot algorithm search. However, microcystin masses were detected by mass‐matching against libraries of non‐ribosomal peptide database (NORINE). Subsequent reversed‐phase C18 HPLC (in isocratic elution mode) and mass spectrometry analyses corroborated the presence of the cyanotoxin Microcystin‐LR (MC‐LR). To the best of our knowledge, this finding constitutes the first report of MC‐LR in Z. sociatus, and one of the few evidences of such cyanotoxin in cnidarians.
Assessing the Impact of Recycled Water Quality and Clogging on Infiltration Rates at A Pioneering Soil Aquifer Treatment (SAT) Site in Alice Springs, Northern Territory (NT), Australia
Authors: Barry Karen , Vanderzalm Joanne , Miotlinski Konrad , Dillon Peter
Published: March 2017

Infiltration techniques for managed aquifer recharge (MAR), such as soil aquifer treatment (SAT) can facilitate low-cost water recycling and supplement groundwater resources. However there are still challenges in sustaining adequate infiltration rates in the presence of lower permeability sediments, especially when wastewater containing suspended solids and nutrients is used to recharge the aquifer. To gain a better insight into reductions in infiltration rates during MAR, a field investigation was carried out via soil aquifer treatment (SAT) using recharge basins located within a mixture of fine and coarse grained riverine deposits in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia. A total of 2.6 Mm3 was delivered via five SAT basins over six years; this evaluation focused on three years of operation (2011–2014), recharging 1.5 Mm3 treated wastewater via an expanded recharge area of approximately 38,400 m2. Average infiltration rates per basin varied from 0.1 to 1 m/day due to heterogeneous soil characteristics and variability in recharge water quality. A treatment upgrade to include sand filtration and UV disinfection (in 2013) prior to recharge improved the average infiltration rate per basin by 40% to 100%.
Gamma Irradiation Upregulates B-cell Translocation Gene 2 to Attenuate Cell Proliferation of Lung Cancer Cells Through the JNK and NF-B Pathways
Authors: Wang Peihe , Cai Yuanyuan , Lin Dongju , Jiang Yingxiao
Published: March 2017

Gamma ray can promote cancer cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. It is often used in the clinical treatment of tumors, including lung cancer. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of gamma ray treatment and its correlation with BTG2 in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest regulation in a lung cancer cell line. A549 cell viability, apoptosis rate, and cell cycle were investigated after gamma ray treatment. We then used siRNA for BTG2 to detect the effect of BTG2 knockdown on the progress of gamma ray-treated lung cancer cells. Finally, we investigated the signaling pathway by which gamma ray might regulate BTG2. We found that gamma ray inhibited A549 cell viability and promoted apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, while BTG2 knockdown could relieve the effect caused by gamma ray on A549 cells. Moreover, we confirmed that the effect of BTG2 partly depends on p53 expression and gamma ray-promoting BTG2 expression through the JNK/NF-B signaling pathway. Our study assessed the possible mechanism of gamma ray in tumor treatment and also investigated the role of BTG2 in gamma ray therapy. All these findings might give a deep understanding of the effect of gamma ray on the progression of lung cancer involving BTG2.
Examining the Medical Resource Utilization and Costs of Relapsed and Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in Ontario
Authors: Hassan S. , Seung S.J. , Cheung M.C. , Fraser G. , Kuriakose B. , Trambitas C. , Mittmann N.
Published: March 2017

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to collect medical resource utilization data and costs in Ontario for the management of patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (cll) who have undergone at least 1 treatment course and have been stratified by Rai staging. Methods: This retrospective longitudinal cohort study, conducted by chart review, analyzed anonymized patient records from two cancer centres in Ontario. Comprehensive records of 86 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were used to obtain resource utilization, which, multiplied by unit costs, were used to determine overall and mean costs. Descriptive statistics are presented for patient demographics, medical resource utilization, and costing data. Results: The total cost for the cohort was $2.2 million over a mean follow-up period of 4.7 years. The mean total cost per patient (regardless of follow-up) was $25,736. In terms of Rai staging, overall mean costs were highest for stage iv patients. Almost 50% of the total cost was attributable to cll treatments, among which fludarabine-based treatments had the highest utilization. Conclusions: For this Canadian cll cohort, medical resource utilization and costs were determined to be $2.2 million, with cll treatments accounting for about half the cost. Costs generally increased with Rai stage.
The Effect of Acupuncture on Chemotherapy-Associated Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhou J. , Fang L. , Wu W.Y. , He F. , Zhang X.L. , Zhou X. , Xiong Z.J.
Published: March 2017

Background: Gastrointestinal (gi) symptoms are the most notable side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs; such symptoms are currently treated with drugs. In the present study, we investigated the effect of acupuncture on gi symptoms induced by chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer. Methods: A cohort of 56 patients was randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. All patients received combination chemotherapy with oxaliplatin–paclitaxel. Patients in the experimental group received 30 minutes of acupuncture therapy daily for 2 weeks. The frequency and duration of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, the average days and costs of hospitalization, and quality-of-life scores were compared between the groups. Results: Nausea was sustained for 32 ± 5 minutes and 11 ± 3 minutes daily in the control and experimental groups respectively (p < 0.05). On average, vomiting occurred 2 ± 1 times daily in the experimental group and 4 ± 1 times daily in the control group (p < 0.05). Abdominal pain persisted for 7 ± 2 minutes and 16 ± 5 minutes daily in the experimental and control groups respectively (p < 0.05). On average, diarrhea occurred 1 ± 1 times daily in the experimental group and 3 ± 1 times daily in the control group (p < 0.05). The average quality-of-life score was higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.05). No adverse events were observed for the patients receiving acupuncture. Conclusions: Acupuncture, a safe technique, could significantly reduce gi symptoms induced by chemotherapy and enhance quality of life in patients with advanced gastric cancer.
Exercise for People with Cancer: A Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Segal R. , Zwaal C. , Green E. , Tomasone J.R. , Loblaw A. , Petrella T. ,   the Exercise for People with Cancer Guideline Development Group
Published: March 2017

Background: Development of this guideline was undertaken by the Exercise for People with Cancer Guideline Development Group, a group organized by Cancer Care Ontario’s Program in Evidence-Based Care (pebc). The purpose of the guideline was to provide guidance for clinicians with respect to exercise for patients living with cancer, focusing on the benefits of specific types of exercise, recommendations about screening requirements for new referrals, and safety concerns. Methods: Consistent with the pebc’s standardized approach, a systematic search was conducted for existing guidelines, and systematic literature searches were performed in medline and embase for both systematic reviews and primary literature. Content and methodology experts performed an internal review, which was followed by an external review by targeted experts and intended users. Results: The search identified three guidelines, eighteen systematic reviews, and twenty-nine randomized controlled trials with relevance to the topic. The present guideline provides recommendations for the duration, frequency, and intensity of exercise appropriate for people living with cancer. It also provides recommendations for pre-exercise assessment, safety concerns, and delivery models. Conclusions: There is sufficient evidence to show that exercise provides benefits in quality of life and muscular and aerobic fitness for people with cancer both during and after treatment, and that it does not cause harm. The present guideline is intended to support the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology’s Canadian physical activity guidelines. The recommendations are intended for clinicians and institutions treating cancer patients in Ontario, and for policymakers and program planners involved in the delivery of exercise programs for cancer patients.
Introducing Dr. Matthew Seftel
Authors: Chasen M.
Published: March 2017

It is with much pride that I welcome Dr. Matthew Seftel to the editorial staff of Current Oncology. [...]
Anodization-based process for the fabrication of all niobium nitride Josephson junction structures
Authors: Lucci Massimiliano , Ottaviani Ivano , Cirillo Matteo , De Matteis Fabio , Francini Roberto , Merlo Vittorio , Davoli Ivan
Published: March 2017

We studied the growth and oxidation of niobium nitride (NbN) films that we used to fabricate superconductive tunnel junctions. The thin films were deposited by dc reactive magnetron sputtering using a mixture of argon and nitrogen. The process parameters were optimized by monitoring the plasma with an optical spectroscopy technique. This technique allowed us to obtain NbN as well as good quality AlN films and both were used to obtain NbN/AlN/NbN trilayers. Lift-off lithography and selective anodization of the NbN films were used, respectively, to define the main trilayer geometry and/or to separate electrically, different areas of the trilayers. The anodized films were characterized by using Auger spectroscopy to analyze compounds formed on the surface and by means of a nano-indenter in order to investigate its mechanical and adhesion properties. The transport properties of NbN/AlN/NbN Josephson junctions obtained as a result of the above described fabrication process were measured in liquid helium at 4.2 K.
Is There a Circumbinary Planet around NSVS 14256825?
Authors: Nasiroglu Ilham , Goździewski Krzysztof , Słowikowska Aga , Krzeszowski Krzysztof , Żejmo Michał , Zola Staszek , Er Huseyin , Ogłoza Waldemar , Dróżdż Marek , Koziel-Wierzbowska Dorota , Debski Bartlomiej , Karaman Nazli
Published: March 2017

The cyclic behavior of (O–C) residuals of eclipse timings in the sdB+M eclipsing binary NSVS 14256825 was previously attributed to one or two Jovian-type circumbinary planets. We report 83 new eclipse timings that not only fill in the gaps in those already published but also extend the time span of the (O–C) diagram by three years. Based on the archival and our new data spanning over more than 17 years, we re-examined the up-to-date system (O–C). The data revealed a systematic, quasi-sinusoidal variation deviating from an older linear ephemeris by about 100 s. It also exhibits a maximum in the (O–C) near JD 2,456,400 that was previously unknown. We consider two most credible explanations of the (O–C) variability: the light propagation time due to the presence of an invisible companion in a distant circumbinary orbit, and magnetic cycles reshaping one of the binary components, known as the Applegate or Lanza–Rodonó effect. We found that the latter mechanism is unlikely due to the insufficient energy budget of the M-dwarf secondary. In the framework of the third-body hypothesis, we obtained meaningful constraints on the Keplerian parameters of a putative companion and its mass. Our best-fitting model indicates that the observed quasi-periodic (O–C) variability can be explained by the presence of a brown dwarf with the minimal mass of 15 Jupiter masses rather than a planet, orbiting the binary in a moderately elliptical orbit (

) with a period of ∼10 years. Our analysis rules out the two-planet model proposed earlier.
The Exoplanet Simple Orbit Fitting Toolbox (ExoSOFT): An Open-source Tool for Efficient Fitting of Astrometric and Radial Velocity Data
Authors: Mede Kyle , Brandt Timothy D.
Published: March 2017

We present the Exoplanet Simple Orbit Fitting Toolbox (ExoSOFT), a new, open-source suite to fit the orbital elements of planetary or stellar-mass companions to any combination of radial velocity and astrometric data. To explore the parameter space of Keplerian models, ExoSOFT may be operated with its own multistage sampling approach or interfaced with third-party tools such as emcee. In addition, ExoSOFT is packaged with a collection of post-processing tools to analyze and summarize the results. Although only a few systems have been observed with both radial velocity and direct imaging techniques, this number will increase, thanks to upcoming spacecraft and ground-based surveys. Providing both forms of data enables simultaneous fitting that can help break degeneracies in the orbital elements that arise when only one data type is available. The dynamical mass estimates this approach can produce are important when investigating the formation mechanisms and subsequent evolution of substellar companions. ExoSOFT was verified through fitting to artificial data and was implemented using the Python and Cython programming languages; it is available for public download at https://github.com/kylemede/ExoSOFT under GNU General Public License v3.
Planetary Nebulae that Cannot Be Explained by Binary Systems
Authors: Bear Ealeal , Soker Noam
Published: March 2017

We examine the images of hundreds of planetary nebulae (PNe) and find that for about one in six PNe the morphology is too “messy” to be accounted for by models of stellar binary interaction. We speculate that interacting triple stellar systems shaped these PNe. In this preliminary study, we qualitatively classify PNe by one of four categories. (1) PNe that show no need for a tertiary star to account for their morphology. (2) PNe whose structure possesses a pronounced departure from axial-symmetry and/or mirror-symmetry. We classify these, according to our speculation, as “having a triple stellar progenitor.” (3) PNe whose morphology possesses departure from axial-symmetry and/or mirror-symmetry, but not as pronounced as in the previous class, and are classified as “likely shaped by triple stellar system.” (4) PNe with minor departure from axial-symmetry and/or mirror-symmetry that could have been also caused by an eccentric binary system or the interstellar medium. These are classified as “maybe shaped by a triple stellar system.” Given a weight η

t
 = 1, η

l
 = 0.67, and η

m
 = 0.33 to classes 2, 3, and 4, respectively, we find that according to our assumption about 13%–21% of PNe have been shaped by triple stellar systems. Although in some evolutionary scenarios not all three stars survive the evolution, we encourage the search for a triple stellar systems at the center of some PNe.
Russian Involvement in the Conflict in Eastern Ukraine Over the Period April 2014 - February 2015 (part 2)
Authors: Halačka Tomáš
Published: March 2017

In the first part of the article was described terminology, main features and phases of Russian engagement in the conflict. It was pronounced that Russian engagement in the conflict is possible to designate it as military operation. The second article deals with other aspects of the conflict focused on indication of the Russian forces in operation, its unmasking signs and available operational experiences. The ending of the article deals with future possibilities of Russian engagement in region of the post-soviet states and political-military aspects of Russian foreign policy in extensive connection.
Évaluation « coût conséquence » de la prise en charge des enfants paralysés cérébraux traités par toxine botulique : BOTULOSCOPE observatoire des pratiques Françaises
Authors: Chaléat-Valayer Emmanuelle , Jaisson-Hot Isabelle , Parratte B. , Denis A. , Combes Jean-Damien , Bernard J.-C. , Marque P. , Colin Cyrille , Ganne C.
Published: March 2017

Position du problème : Estimer l’impact économique (coût pour l’hôpital) des injections de toxine botulique dans la prise en charge des patients paralysés cérébraux marchants présentant une spasticité des membres inférieurs. Méthodes : Enfants inclus dans l’observatoire Botuloscope, multicentrique, évaluant une série consécutive d’enfants paralysés cérébraux âgés entre 2 et 16 ans présentant une spasticité focale invalidante. L’étude de coût a été réalisée dans la perspective de l’hôpital. Les coûts directs hospitaliers (année 2004) étaient ceux induits par l’utilisation de la toxine botulique à 12 mois en MCO et SSR. Résultats : Deux cent quarante enfants ont été inclus, 486 séances d’injection de toxine ont été réalisées pendant l’année de suivi. Le coût moyen de la seule séance d’injection (toxine + analgésie + consultation ou hospitalisation) a été estimé pour l’ensemble des enfants à 731 € par enfant, dont plus de la moitié pour la toxine et l’analgésie. Sur 12 mois, le coût hospitalier de la prise en charge des enfants a été estimé à un peu plus de 2 500 € par enfant. Conclusion : S’il existe depuis 2009 un Groupe Homogène de Malades (GHM) spécifique pour l’injection de toxine en ambulatoire, valorisé à 375,55 € en 2014, ce remboursement ne couvre pas le coût moyen d’une séance d’injection tel que nous avons pu le calculer. Le tarif du GHM ne tient en effet pas compte (1) du nombre de muscles injectés, (2) du nombre de membres traités (3) du niveau de dépendance du patient, (4) des doses de toxine injectée, et (5) de la nécessité d’une procédure antalgique lourde ou non. Conflit d’intéret : aucun.
Chapter 2. Bioethics as respect and love of life some reflections on Fritz Jahr’s thought
Authors: Tai Michael Cheng-tek
Published: March 2017

L’humanité parle de l’éthique dans le noble but de l’amélioration et de la mise en valeur des relations humaines entre personnes. Il ne serait pas question d’éthique si le souci et l’intérêt pour autrui n’existaient pas. Il est évident que le fondement de l’éthique est un souci réciproque entre des individus. Cet intérêt, cependant, a été élargi pour inclure toute forme de vie sur terre. Par conséquent un nouveau terme ‘bioéthique’ a été inventé. Comme l’a dit Fritz Jahr, nous devons respecter chaque être vivant. Ainsi, qu’est la bioéthique ? Elle est le respect et l’amour de la vie.
Chapter 4. Fritz Jahr and global bioethics analyses and reflections from the perspective of islamic tradition
Authors: Ilkilic Ilhan , Ertin Hakan , Brömer R.
Published: March 2017

La maxime de Fritz Jahr selon laquelle il faut « Respecter tout être vivant comme une fin en soi et le traiter, si possible, en tant que telle », fut publiée pour la première fois dans un essai de 1927 dans lequel il a également introduit le terme « bioéthique ». Cette maxime est analysée ici de la perspective de la tradition islamique. La conception islamique d’humain, d’animal et de plante est présentée et les normes centrales appliquées au traitement des animaux et des plantes sont examinées du point de vue de leurs implications pratiques. Finalement, l’applicabilité de la notion normative de Jahr de « fin en soi » peut être appliquée au traitement des animaux et des plantes dans le contexte de la bioéthique islamique. Cette discussion tente de répondre à la question quant à savoir si une bioéthique globale peut être développée.
La communication RSE des entreprises chinoises : essai de comparaison Chine - France
Authors: An Yu Fei , Peretti Jean-Marie
Published: March 2017

La communication des entreprises sur leurs politiques et pratiques de RSE (Responsabilité Sociétale de l’Entreprise) vise à fonder des représentations de l’entreprise et de ses responsabilités et asseoir la légitimité de leurs dirigeants. L’analyse comparative des rapports RSE publiés par des entreprises chinoises et françaises fait ressortir la diversité des thèmes abordés et les spécificités nationales des enjeux respectifs en termes de communication RSE. Cet article, en s’appuyant sur l’analyse de quatre rapports RSE 2013 d’entreprises chinoises cotées et sur les premiers bilans de l’application en 2013 en France de l’article 225 de la loi « Grenelle 2 » qui a redéfini les informations sociales, environnementales, sociétales et sociétale à publier par les entreprises cotées, a pour objectif de dégager des similitudes et des différences dans la façon de rendre compte du social, du sociétal et de l’environnemental par les entreprises cotées en France et en Chine.
Les raisons de la réussite du Guide Michelin au Japon
Authors: Poullennec Gwendal
Published: March 2017

Le Guide Parker, le classement de Shanghai, les notes de Fitch ou de Moody’s sont aujourd’hui des références mondiales. En matière de gastronomie, la bible est le Guide Michelin. Comment cette institution tellement française, si éminemment locale dans son histoire et sa conception, a-t-elle pu s’imposer dans d’autres cultures ? L’exemple du Japon montre qu’à côté de qualités universelles comme l’objectivité et l’indépendance, se joue aussi une rencontre interculturelle, qui seule permet une réelle appropriation du produit.
L’inflexion du Chili. Contributions au débat
Authors: Araujo Kathya
Published: March 2017

Si l’on s’accorde, depuis les sciences sociales, sur le constat d’une inflexion subie par la société chilienne au cours de ces quarante dernières années, les caractéristiques et les raisons de ces bouleversements font toujours l’objet de controverses. Ce texte, écrit au croisement de quatre recherches portant sur les effets de l’installation d’un nouveau modèle économique et social, ainsi que sur l’expansion des promesses et du processus de démocratisation au Chili, propose de déterminer les causes des transformations structurelles matérielles et normatives de la société chilienne. Celle-ci se trouve aujourd’hui à un moment de ré-articulation profonde des mécanismes qui gouvernent les interactions, les légitimités et les logiques sociales. L’article discute les diagnostics les plus importants sur la nature des transformations du Chili et aborde sous la forme de neuf thèses les caractéristiques les plus importantes de ces transformations.
Multiplication des canaux et valeur perçue de l’offre digitale dans la presse écrite : un effet de complémentarité ?
Authors: Rivière Arnaud , Mencarelli Rémi , Belvaux Bertrand , Pallud Jessie
Published: March 2017

Comme de nombreux secteurs, la presse écrite est touchée par l’apparition de canaux numériques. Cela a favorisé l’émergence de nouvelles manières d’accéder à l’information et a contribué au développement de nouveaux contenus. Les dernières réflexions académiques et managériales conduisent à supposer l’existence d’un effet de complémentarité entre les contenus comme entre les canaux. Cette recherche se propose de vérifier cette hypothèse à partir d’une enquête menée auprès de 1 028 lecteurs du journal Le Monde. Les résultats mettent seulement à jour un effet de complémentarité entre les canaux, et uniquement sous certaines conditions.
Adoption de l’open source pour la conception de systèmes d’information critiques : le cas Thales
Authors: Benkeltoum Nordine
Published: March 2017

La littérature en systèmes d’information (SI) s’est largement intéressée aux technologies open source tant du point de vue des stratégies technologiques, des modèles d’affaires que des organisations. Toutefois, les travaux en management des SI se sont peu penchés sur l’utilisation de l’open source dans le domaine des systèmes d’information critiques. En s’appuyant sur une étude exploratoire, cet article décrit les raisons pour lesquelles Thales, une entreprise spécialisée dans des domaines hautement sensibles (défense, aéronautique et sécurité), a adopté les technologies open source à la fois en interne et pour ses clients. D’un point de vue théorique, cet article s’appuie sur le cadre technologie, organisation, environnement (TOE) ainsi que sur la littérature sur l’adoption des technologies et de l’innovation. La recherche contribue à la littérature en proposant une modélisation des principaux freins et motivations à l’adoption de l’open source pour la conception de systèmes d’information critiques.
Awarding Credit for Outcomes-Based Professional Development
Authors: Dickerson Pamela S. , Shinners Jean , Chappell Kathy
Published: March 2017

The American Nurses Credentialing Center is embarking on a pilot project designed to award credit to RNs for achievement of outcomes-based professional development activities, regardless of time spent in the endeavor. This article explores the value of this approach in the current health care environment.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2017;48(3):97–98.
Questions That Stimulate Creativity and Innovation
Authors: Kowalski Karren
Published: March 2017

A higher level of questioning can stimulate creativity and innovation. Stimulating innovation and change in health care is critical to advancing care delivered by nurses and the necessary changes in the systems housing this care. Staff development faculty can teach nurses how to ask these questions.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2017;48(3):102–103.