bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rational targeted therapies to overcome microenvironment-dependent expansion of mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Chiron David , Bellanger Céline , Papin Antonin , Tessoulin Benoit , Dousset Christelle , Maiga Sophie , Moreau Anne , Esbelin Julie , Trichet Valérie , Chen-Kiang Selina , Moreau Philippe , Touzeau Cyrille , Le Gouill Steven , Amiot Martine , Pellat-Deceunynck Catherine
Published: October 2016

Key Points

CD40L plus cytokines induces cell-cycle progression and loss of mitochondrial priming, leading to drug resistance in MCL. CD40L plus cytokines mimics in situ molecular profiles and allows the development of new approaches by integrating the role of the microenvironment.
Pooled Analysis of CNS Response to Alectinib in Two Studies of Pretreated Patients With ALK-Positive Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Gadgeel Shirish M. , Shaw Alice T. , Govindan Ramaswamy , Gandhi Leena , Socinski Mark A. , Camidge D. Ross , De Petris Luigi , Kim Dong-Wan , Chiappori Alberto , Moro-Sibilot Denis L. , Duruisseaux Michael , Crino Lucio , De Pas Tommaso , Dansin Eric , Tessmer Antje , Yang James Chih-Hsin , Han Ji-Youn , Bordogna Walter , Golding Sophie , Zeaiter Ali , Ou Sai-Hong Ignatius
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Alectinib has shown activity in the CNS in phase I and II studies. To further evaluate this activity, we pooled efficacy and safety data from two single-arm phase II studies (NP28761 and NP28673; ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT01871805 and NCT01801111, respectively) in patients with ALK-positive non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and Methods

Both studies included patients with ALK-positive NSCLC who had previously received crizotinib; all patients received alectinib 600 mg twice per day. The primary end point in both studies was independent review committee (IRC)–assessed objective response rate (ORR; by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST] version 1.1). Additional end points (all by IRC) included CNS ORR (CORR), CNS disease control rate (CDCR), and CNS duration of response (CDOR).

Results

One hundred thirty-six patients had baseline CNS metastases (60% of the overall study populations); 50 patients (37%) had measurable CNS disease at baseline. Ninety-five patients (70%) had prior CNS radiotherapy; 55 patients completed the CNS radiotherapy more than 6 months before starting alectinib. Median follow-up time was 12.4 months (range, 0.9 to 19.7 months). For patients with baseline measurable CNS disease, IRC CORR was 64.0% (95% CI, 49.2% to 77.1%), CDCR was 90.0% (95% CI, 78.2% to 96.7%), and median CDOR was 10.8 months (95% CI, 7.6 to 14.1 months). For patients with measurable and/or nonmeasurable baseline CNS disease, IRC CORR was 42.6% (95% CI, 34.2% to 51.4%), CDCR was 85.3% (95% CI, 78.2% to 90.8%), and median CDOR was 11.1 months (95% CI, 10.3 months to not evaluable). CORR was 35.8% (95% CI, 26.2% to 46.3%) for patients with prior radiotherapy (n = 95) and 58.5% (95% CI, 42.1% to 73.7%) for patients without prior radiotherapy (n = 41). As previously reported, alectinib was well tolerated, regardless of baseline CNS disease.

Conclusion

Alectinib showed good efficacy against CNS metastases, in addition to systemic activity, in crizotinib-refractory ALK-positive NSCLC.
Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks: An Update of the Published Evidence and Comparison With Novel, Alternative Analgesic Modalities
Authors: Ilfeld Brian M.
Published: October 2016

A continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) consists of a percutaneously inserted catheter with its tip adjacent to a target nerve/plexus through which local anesthetic may be administered, providing a prolonged block that may be titrated to the desired effect. In the decades after its first report in 1946, a plethora of data relating to CPNB was published, much of which was examined in a 2011 Anesthesia & Analgesia article. The current update is an evidence-based review of the CPNB literature published in the interim. Novel insertion sites include the adductor canal, interpectoral, quadratus lumborum, lesser palatine, ulnar, superficial, and deep peroneal nerves. Noteworthy new indications include providing analgesia after traumatic rib/femur fracture, manipulation for adhesive capsulitis, and treating abdominal wall pain during pregnancy. The preponderance of recently published evidence suggests benefits nearly exclusively in favor of catheter insertion using ultrasound guidance compared with electrical stimulation, although little new data are available to help guide practitioners regarding the specifics of ultrasound-guided catheter insertion (eg, optimal needle–nerve orientation). After some previous suggestions that automated, repeated bolus doses could provide benefits over a basal infusion, there is a dearth of supporting data published in the past few years. An increasing number of disposable infusion pumps does now allow a similar ability to adjust basal rates, bolus volume, and lockout times compared with their electronic, programmable counterparts, and a promising area of research is communicating with and controlling pumps remotely via the Internet. Large, prospective studies now document the relatively few major complications during ambulatory CPNB, although randomized, controlled studies demonstrating an actual shortening of hospitalization duration are few. Recent evidence suggests that, compared with femoral infusion, adductor canal catheters both induce less quadriceps femoris weakness and improve mobilization/ambulation, although the relative analgesia afforded by each remains in dispute. Newly published data demonstrate that the incidence and/or severity of chronic, persistent postsurgical pain may, at times, be decreased with a short-term postoperative CPNB. Few new CPNB-related complications have been identified, although large, prospective trials provide additional data regarding the incidence of adverse events. Lastly, a number of novel, alternative analgesic modalities are under development/investigation. Four such techniques are described and contrasted with CPNB, including single-injection peripheral nerve blocks with newer adjuvants, liposome bupivacaine used in wound infiltration and peripheral nerve blocks, cryoanalgesia with cryoneurolysis, and percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation.
Intravenous Air: The Partially Invisible Phenomenon
Authors: Varga Christopher , Luria Isaac , Gravenstein Nikolaus
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND:

Air injection is carefully avoided during IV solution administration; however, ambient air is dissolved in all liquids used for intravenous (IV) therapy. A portion of this gas will come out of solution in the form of bubbles as the solution is warmed to body temperature in a fluid warming system and/or within the body. We sought to quantify the proportion of the gas theoretically dissolved in room temperature crystalloid and 4°C blood products that comes out of solution in the IV tubing on warming to 37°C.

METHODS:

Equilibrium-dissolved air calculations were performed for sodium chloride (0.9%), packed red blood cells, and fresh frozen plasma at various temperatures according to Henry’s Law. Outgassed gas volumes were experimentally measured for room temperature sodium chloride (0.9%) and 4°C blood products (packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma) warmed to 37°C during infusion into a body temperature water bath. The measured gas volumes were quantified as a fraction of the theoretical outgassing volumes required to maintain equilibrium saturation.

RESULTS:

Measured outgassed volumes in the IV tubing in milliliters of gas per liter of fluid were 1.4 ± 0.3 mL/L (n = 6) for sodium chloride (0.9%), 3.4 ± 0.2 mL/L (n = 6) for packed red blood cells, and 4.8 ± 0.8 mL/L (n = 6) for fresh frozen plasma when these fluids were warmed to body temperature from their respective starting temperatures. Theoretical outgassed gas volumes required to maintain equilibrium saturation for the same fluids and temperatures are 4.7 mL/L for sodium chloride (0.9%), 8.3 mL/L for packed red blood cells, and 10.9 mL/L for fresh frozen plasma. As a fraction of the theoretical outgassing volumes, the measured air volumes represented 30%, 41%, and 44%, respectively, for sodium chloride (0.9%), packed red blood cells, and fresh frozen plasma. Prewarming crystalloid solutions to 37°C before administration significantly reduced the outgassing.

CONCLUSIONS:

A significant and potentially clinically relevant amount of the resident dissolved gas in room temperature crystalloid, and 4°C packed red blood cells and plasma solutions comes out of solution on warming to body temperature. A nontrivial fraction of this outgassing is also expected to occur within the body circulation based on the results of this study. This can be substantially prevented by prewarming.
The stage-dependent roles of Ldb1 and functional redundancy with Ldb2 in mammalian retinogenesis
Authors: Gueta Keren , David Ahuvit , Cohen Tsadok , Menuchin-Lasowski Yotam , Nobel Hila , Narkis Ginat , Li LiQi , Love Paul , de Melo Jimmy , Blackshaw Seth , Westphal Heiner , Ashery-Padan Ruth
Published: October 2016

The Lim domain-binding proteins are key co-factor proteins that assemble with LIM domains of the LMO/LIM-HD family to form functional complexes that regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. Using conditional mutagenesis and comparative phenotypic analysis, we analyze the function of Ldb1 and Ldb2 in mouse retinal development, and demonstrate overlapping and specific functions of both proteins. Ldb1 interacts with Lhx2 in the embryonic retina and both Ldb1 and Ldb2 play a key role in maintaining the pool of retinal progenitor cells. This is accomplished by controlling the expression of the Vsx2 and Rax, and components of the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways. Furthermore, the Ldb1/Ldb2-mediated complex is essential for generation of early-born photoreceptors through the regulation of Rax and Crx. Finally, we demonstrate functional redundancy between Ldb1 and Ldb2. Ldb1 can fully compensate the loss of Ldb2 during all phases of retinal development, whereas Ldb2 alone is sufficient to sustain activity of Lhx2 in both early- and late-stage RPCs and in Müller glia. By contrast, loss of Ldb1 disrupts activity of the LIM domain factors in neuronal precursors. An intricate regulatory network exists that is mediated by Ldb1 and Ldb2, and promotes RPC proliferation and multipotency; it also controls specification of mammalian retina cells.
Ebi modulates wing growth by ubiquitin-dependent downregulation of Crumbs in Drosophila
Authors: Nguyen Minh Binh , Vuong Linh Thuong , Choi Kwang-Wook
Published: October 2016

Notch signaling at the dorsoventral (DV) boundary is essential for patterning and growth of wings in Drosophila. The WD40 domain protein Ebi has been implicated in the regulation of Notch signaling at the DV boundary. Here we show that Ebi regulates wing growth by antagonizing the function of the transmembrane protein Crumbs (Crb). Ebi physically binds to the extracellular domain of Crb (Crbext), and this interaction is specifically mediated by WD40 repeats 7-8 of Ebi and a laminin G domain of Crbext. Wing notching resulting from reduced levels of Ebi is suppressed by decreasing the Crb function. Consistent with this antagonistic genetic relationship, Ebi knockdown in the DV boundary elevates the Crb protein level. Furthermore, we show that Ebi is required for downregulation of Crb by ubiquitylation. Taken together, we propose that the interplay of Crb expression in the DV boundary and ubiquitin-dependent Crb downregulation by Ebi provides a mechanism for the maintenance of Notch signaling during wing development.
Biology and structure of leukocyte β2 integrins and their role in inflammation
Authors: Arnaout M. Amin
Published: October 2016

Integrins comprise a large family of αβ heterodimeric cell adhesion receptors that are expressed on all cells except red blood cells and that play essential roles in the regulation of cell growth and function. The leukocyte integrins, which include members of the β1, β2, β3, and β7integrin family, are critical for innate and adaptive immune responses but also can contribute to many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases when dysregulated. This review focuses on the β2integrins, the principal integrins expressed on leukocytes. We review their discovery and role in host defense, the structural basis for their ligand recognition and activation, and their potential as therapeutic targets.
Optimal Policies for the Management of an Electric Vehicle Battery Swap Station
Authors: Widrick Rebecca S. , Nurre Sarah G. , Robbins Matthew J.
Published: October 2016

Optimizing operations at electric vehicle (EV) battery swap stations is internally motivated by the movement to make transportation cleaner and more efficient. An EV battery swap station allows EV owners to quickly exchange their depleted battery for a fully charged battery. We introduce the EV Battery-Swap Station Management Problem (EVB-SSMP), which models battery charging and discharging operations at an EV battery swap station facing nonstationary, stochastic demand for battery swaps, nonstationary prices for charging depleted batteries, and nonstationary prices for discharging fully charged batteries. Discharging through vehicle-to-grid is beneficial for aiding power load balancing. The objective of the EVB-SSMP is to determine the optimal policy for charging and discharging batteries that maximizes expected total profit over a fixed time horizon. The EVB-SSMP is formulated as a finite-horizon, discrete-time Markov decision problem and an optimal policy is found using dynamic programming. We derive structural properties, to include sufficiency conditions that ensure the existence of a monotone optimal policy. Utilizing available demand and electricity pricing data, we design and conduct two main computational experiments to obtain policy insights regarding the management of EV battery swap stations. We compare the optimal policy to two benchmark policies that are easily implementable by swap station managers. Policy insights include the relationship between the minimum battery level and the number of EVs in a local service area, the pricing incentive necessary to encourage effective discharge behavior, and the viability of EV battery swap stations under many conditions.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2016.0676 .
Service Refusals in Supply Chains: Drivers and Deterrents of Freight Rejection
Authors: Scott Alex , Parker Chris , Craighead Christopher W.
Published: October 2016

Contracts in the for-hire trucking industry are unusual in that, although they establish prices for different services, there is typically no legally binding obligation or penalty for either party to offer or accept a load. When a load is rejected by all contract carriers, shippers must turn to the spot market, which can significantly increase supply chain costs. Because these transactions occur between private parties, data on load acceptances/rejections and contract/spot prices have not been available to academic researchers, leaving the freight rejection problem largely unexplored. We are able to examine this problem using a detailed transactional data set of a large national shipper. We estimate that spot prices for truckload services average about 62% higher than contract rates. We find key operational and economic factors to be drivers of freight rejection and the shipper-carrier relationship to be a deterrent to freight rejection. We also find that primary and secondary carriers respond differently to these operational and economic factors. We discuss how these insights could be used by a shipper to get better performance and lower cost from their carrier base.
‘Curvy’ Barbie: a step in the right direction, but is it far enough?
Authors: Jarman Hannah
Published: October 2016

Barbie has been a familiar face in homes worldwide for generations. However, despite her popularity, she has also received her fair share of criticism. Many argue that the doll's appearance promotes an unrealistic image of feminine beauty. In response to this, Mattel released a new range of 2016 Fashionista Dolls, with three new body types. Hannah Jarman examines the impact of Barbie on young girls' body image
A compassionate journey part 1: preparing for and nearing end-of-life
Authors: Tottey Helen , Sheridan Libby
Published: October 2016

Client attrition is high following pet loss. The reasons are multifactorial, but are influenced by the communication and management of the client during the period of the pet's passing. Providing exceptional client care around this time has a positive effect on the owner-practice relationship. The close bond between owners and their pets means this is a very sensitive time. The lack of societal acknowledgment of the importance of pet loss to the owner can result in disenfranchised grief. Engaging with the client proactively with a pet nearing its death can help to validate the owner's feelings. Research shows that pet owners would like this engagement to start earlier than is commonly done, so that they are prepared emotionally and practically for what is to happen. The veterinary nurse can play a very important role in end-of-life. Quality of life assessment, ideally started early when the pet is well, provides useful benchmarking of the health and wellbeing of the pet, and allows a gentle and valid reason for the veterinary professional to bring up the subject of death when the pet is nearing end-of-life.
Flea and fly bite hypersensitivity: what every nurse needs to know
Authors: Castro Pablo David Jimenez , Wright Ian
Published: October 2016

Fleas are the most important ectoparasites of dogs and cats worldwide. The annual cost to control fleas in companion animals exceeds $1 billion in the USA and €1.1 billion in Western Europe. As well as acting as vectors of disease, and a source of owner revulsion and bite reactions, they are also the most common causes of allergic dermatitis in cats and dogs. Similarly, biting flies are a major source of allergic skin disease in horses. An allergy is an exacerbated response from an individual when it comes into contact with foreign substances (allergens) such as flea and fly saliva. This article considers mechanisms of flea and fly bite sensitivity, diagnosis, and the role of the veterinary nurse in the prevention of these diseases.
Practice Standards Scheme — the veterinary nurse's perspective
Authors: Feeney Anna
Published: October 2016

Here the RCVS looks back at the recent changes to their voluntary practice accreditation scheme, the Practice Standards Scheme, and the role that veterinary nurses played in shaping it.
On the characterization and parametrization of strong linearizations of polynomial matrices
Authors: Antoniou Efstathios , Vologiannidis Stavros
Published: October 2016

In the present note, a new characterization of strong linearizations, corresponding to a given regular polynomial matrix, is presented. A linearization of a regular polynomial matrix is a matrix pencil which captures the finite spectral structure of the original matrix, while a strong linearization is one incorporating its structure at infinity along with the finite one. In this respect, linearizations serve as a tool for the study of spectral problems where polynomial matrices are involved. In view of their applications, many linearization techniques have been developed by several authors in the recent years. In this note, a unifying approach is proposed for the construction of strong linearizations aiming to serve as a bridge between approaches already known in the literature.
Linear preservers of Hadamard majorization
Authors: Motlaghian Sara , Armandnejad Ali , Hall Frank
Published: October 2016

Let $\textbf{M}_{n }$ be the set of all $n \times n $ realmatrices. A matrix $D=[d_{ij}]\in\textbf{M}_{n } $ with nonnegative entries is called doubly stochastic if $\sum_{k=1}^{n} d_{ik}=\sum_{k=1}^{n} d_{kj}=1$ for all $1\leq i,j\leq n$. For $ X,Y \in \textbf{M}_{n}$ we say that $X$ is Hadamard-majorized by $Y$, denoted by $ X\prec_{H} Y$, if there exists an $n \times n$ doubly stochastic matrix $D$ such that $X=D\circ Y$.In this paper, some properties of$\prec_{H}$ on $\textbf{M}_{n}$ are first obtained, and then the (strong) linear preservers of$\prec_{H}$ on $\textbf{M}_{n }$ are characterized. For $n\geq3$, it is shown that the strong linear preservers of Hadamard majorization on $\textbf{M}_{n}$ are precisely the invertible linear maps on $\textbf{M}_{n}$ which preserve the set of matrices of term rank 1.An interesting graph theoretic connection to the linear preservers of Hadamard majorization is exhibited. A number of examples are also provided in the paper.
Establishing data-intensive healthcare: the case of Hospital Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration systems in Scotland
Authors: Cresswell Kathrin , Smith Pam , Swainson Charles , Timoney Angela , Sheikh Aziz
Published: October 2016

Background Creating learning health systems, characterised by the use and repeated reuse of demographic, process and clinical data to improve the safety, quality and efficiency of care, is a key aim in realising the potential benefits and efficiency savings associated with the implementation of health information technology.Objectives We sought to investigate stakeholder perspectives on and experiences of the implementation of hospital electronic prescribing and medicines administration (HEPMA) systems in Scotland and use these to inform political decisions on approaches to promoting the use and reuse of digitised prescribing and medication administration data in order to improve care processes and outcomes.Methods We identified and recruited key national stakeholders involved in implementing and/or using HEPMA data from generic and specialty systems. These included representatives from healthcare settings (i.e. doctors, pharmacists and nurses), managers of existing national databases, policy makers, healthcare analytics companies, system suppliers and patient representatives. We conducted multi-disciplinary focus group discussions, audio-recorded these, transcribed data verbatim and thematically analysed the transcripts with the help of NVivo10. In analysing the data, we drew on theoretical and previous empirical work on information infrastructures.Results We identified the following key themes: 1) micro-factors – usability of systems and motivating users to input data; 2) meso-factors – developing technical and organisational infrastructures to facilitate the aggregation of data; and 3) macro-factors – facilitating interoperability and data reuse at larger scales to ensure that data are effectively generated and used.Conclusions This work is relevant not only to countries in the early stages of data strategy development but also to countries aiming to aggregate data at national levels. An overall shared vision of a learning health system at individual, organisational and national levels can help to catalyse such data-intensive transformational efforts.
Subcutaneous emphysema after treatment using air-abrasive device: a case report
Authors: Toniollo Marcelo Bighetti , Terada Andrea Sayuri Silveira Dias , Yamaji Marco Aurelio Kenichi
Published: October 2016

Subcutaneous emphysema is an event often generated by iatrogenic reason, caused by improper dissection of air into soft tissues and/or anatomical structures, causing edema and visually noticeable volumetric change in the area of the incident. The main etiological factor for this is the use of equipment such as syringe air or high-speed handpieces in surgical procedures of greater magnitude; however, subcutaneous emphysema may also occur in simple procedures, such as occurred in the present case report, using the air-abrasive device usually proper for prophylaxis execution. The aim of this article is to report the case and to describe the care to avoid such an event, describing proper procedures for the correct resolution of the case, as well as alert the professional of the risks and necessary precautions.
Low-concentrated nonvital bleaching effect on bond strength of composite resin restorations
Authors: Néspoli Fabiana Gomes , Bernardineli Norberti , Garcia Roberto Brandão , Bramante Clovis Monteiro , Munhoz Etiene Andrade , Bodanezi Augusto
Published: October 2016

Objective: To investigate if short-term dentin bleaching with low-concentrated substances affects the bond strength of immediate resin composite restorations. Material and Methods: The buccal surfaces of fifty molar crowns were ground for dentin exposure and randomly assigned into 5 groups (n=10), according to the following treatments: sodium perborate + water; sodium perborate + 6% hydrogen peroxide; 6% hydrogen peroxide; 35% hydrogen peroxide (positive control), or no bleaching agent (negative control). The specimens were immediately restored with resin composite. Seven days after treatments, the shear bond test was performed in a universal test machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test (? = 0.05). Results: The shear bond strength mean values for the negative control group were higher than all experimental and positive control groups (p < 0.000), whose differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Short-term dentin bleaching with sodium perborate+water, 6% hydrogen peroxide, or sodium perborate mixed with 6% hydrogen peroxide reduced the shear bond strength of immediate resin composite restorations. KeywordsResins, synthetic; Hydrogen peroxide; Shear strength; Esthetics; Tooth.
Model of oral rehabilitation with immediate or delayed implant-supported complete dentures: Radiographic evaluation
Authors: Semenoff-Segundo Alex , Borges Alvaro Henrique , Da Silva Natalino Francisco , Bocardi Edinei Rocha de Almeida , Granjeiro Claudia da Fonseca , Medeiros Ana Luisa Lima Pereira , Semenoff Tereza Aparecida Delle Vedove
Published: October 2016

Objective: The study aims were to compare the radiographic bone loss of implant-supported complete dentures submitted to immediate or delayed loading and to correlate this loss with different features of the patients involved. Material and Methods: Sixty protocol model implants, in 49 patients, were selected. Thirty-two protocol model implants were submitted to immediate loading, i.e., within 48 h. The remainder were submitted to delayed loading, three to six months later. Questionnaires that collected data on gender, age, location and number of implants, maintenance time and socioeconomic status were analysed. The measurements were obtained from digital panoramic radiographs (ANOVA, MANOVA; Student’s t test, p < 0.05). Results: The radiographic bone loss in the models that underwent immediate and delayed loading was 2.4 mm and 2.5 mm (p > 0.05), respectively; regarding gender and the location and number of implants, the results did not differ (p > 0.05). The average ages of the immediate (62.8 ± 10.1 years old) and the delayed (54.5 ± 5.46 years old) protocol groups were significantly different (p < 0.05). In tests examining multivariate associations with the dependent variable of bone loss >4 mm, there was association with a greater number of sites in the maxilla, older age and female gender. The odds ratio indicated that a loss of more than 4 mm was 17 times more likely in the maxilla. Conclusion: 1 - Well-maintained implant-supported complete denture sunder went little bone loss; 2 - there were no differences in radiographic outcomes between different techniques of rehabilitation; and 3 - there was greater bone loss in the maxilla, compared to the mandible; 4 - there were no correlations between bone loss and social class, age or gender of the patients.Key Words: Bone Loss, Dental, Dental Implants, Radiography.
Comparative study of different alloys during thermal debind-ing of powder injection molded parts
Authors: El-Garaihy Waleed , Nassef Ahmed , El-Hadek Medhat
Published: October 2016

Powder injection molding (PIM) is an interesting technique and address of research, in which a thermoplastic polymeric material is used to form the powder into the desired shape in a closed die. Binders have a crucial importance in the powder metallurgy technology as they play a vital role to provide efficient powder agglomeration and/or lubrication during shaping. At the same time, they have to be easily removed from the compacts during initial stages of sintering, using debinding process, without any damaging effect for the base material. Thermal debinding is a vital process requiring somewhat elevated temperatures to remove binder from the compact. In the current study, an investigation has been made about the effect of process variables on the debinding of injection molded pieces, by melt wicking. The debinding process was performed at temperatures ranging from 160- up to-200°C for a time duration varying from 1-up to-27 hours. All powders used in injection molding feedstock have an inherent packing porosity. Several types of alloy powders (Carbonyl iron steel, Nickel aluminide, and 316L stainless powders), with various size distributions, particle shapes, and materials are adopted to define the influence on binder incorporation resulted from this inherent porosity. Results revealed that the increase of debinding time or decrease in the wicking powder (alumina) particle size lead to an increase in the thickness of the adhered layer of alumina. When the wicking powder is very fine (0.3 mm) or has a wide particle size range (<10 mm), it becomes more dense and its debinding efficiency is decreased. At high debinding temperatures (200 °C) the rate of binder evaporation and removal increased, which leads to decreasing the cohesion of the samples yielding a shape distortion. In addition, the effect of the wicking powder (Al2O3) sizes and debinding time on the binder weight loss percentage after debinding process for FeOX, Ni3Al, and 316L has been investigated.
Semi-implicit semi-Lagrangian modelling of the atmosphere: a Met Office perspective
Authors: Benacchio Tommaso , Wood Nigel
Published: October 2016

The semi-Lagrangian numerical method, in conjunction with semi-implicit time integration, provides numerical weather prediction models with numerical stability for large time steps, accurate modes of interest, and good representation of hydrostatic and geostrophic balance. Drawing on the legacy of dynamical cores at the Met Office, the use of the semi-implicit semi-Lagrangian method in an operational numerical weather prediction context is surveyed, together with details of the solution approach and associated issues and challenges. The numerical properties and performance of the current operational version of the Met Office’s numerical model are then investigated in a simplified setting along with the impact of different modelling choices.
Changes in vegetation of the Mszar Bogdaniec nature reserve
Authors: Dyderski Marcin K. , Jagodziński Andrzej M.
Published: October 2016

Changes of vegetation in forests and wetlands require continuous monitoring and evaluation. Due to the lack of in-depth knowledge, it is still very challenging to predict and record vegetation changes. This study attempts to evaluate changes in forest and transitional bog vegetation over 14 years in the Mszar Bogdaniec nature reserve (West Poland; 21.98 ha). We described the current vegetation using 50 phytosociological relevés conducted in 2012 and 2013. Moreover, we calculated and compared ecological indices describing ecological traits of the vegetation in two different times. We also used Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) to assess changes in floral composition. Most of the studied vegetation traits did not change significantly during the last 14 years. Statistically significant changes occured in the proportion of mosses and cover of the herb layer, both of which increased, as well as species richness in forest plant communities, and the cover of species from Scheuchzerio-Caricetea class in peat bog plant communities, both of which decreased. The current state of the vegetation is a result of former human activity such as drainage and planting monoculture tree stands. The observed changes during the last 14 years were fluctuations rather than direct changes. Encroachment of the woody species into transitional bog is a fluctuation, which may be secondary succession in the long-term.
The influence of climatic conditions on the tree-ring width of wild service trees (Sorbus torminalis L.) in Wielkopolska
Authors: Cedro Anna
Published: October 2016

The wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis L.) is a very rare tree species in Poland, where it reaches the north-eastern border of its natural range. The majority of this species’ stands is found in Wielkopolska. This study was aimed at examining the relationships between the growth and climate for trees of the species Sorbus torminalis L. growing in the Wielkopolska National Park and the Pniewy forest district (Wielkopolska). The samples for the analysis were taken from 63 trees. However, taking into account the missing growth rings and the difficult identification of the tree ring borders in sapwood, only ca. 30% of the samples could be synchronised and dated accurately. Applying the classic methods of dendrochronological dating, a 94- year STW chronology was constructed, spanning the years of 1920-2013. The chronology, in turn, was used as a basis for dendroclimatological analyses, including correlation, response function, and pointer years. The climatic data used in the analyses came from the meteorological station in Poznań; providing air temperature and precipitation for a period of 66 years (1948-2013) and 48 years of insolation data (1966-2013). Insolation had the highest negative impact and precipitation had the highest positive impact on the annual growth in May and June. Positive pointer years could be linked to humid months with low insolation during the growing season, while negative pointer years are characterised by deficient precipitation, a large number of sunny hours, and high air temperatures in the summer months.
Power-velocity characteristics and jumping abilities in male combat athletes
Authors: Buśko Krzysztof
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The aim of the study was to examine differences in power-velocity characteristics, and the maximal power and height
of rise of the body’s centre of mass, measured in the counter-movement jump (CMJ) and the spike jump (SPJ), between judoists,
boxers and taekwondo athletes

Methods

The study involved 7 judoists, 6 boxers, and 6 taekwondo athletes. The maximal
power and height of jump were measured at CMJ and SPJ jumps. Force-velocity and power-velocity relations were determined
on the basis of 5 maximal cycle ergometer exercise bouts at increasing external loads of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, and 12.5% of body
weight (BW)

Results

The absolute and relative power and velocity recorded for an external force-velocity relationship were
similar in the groups. A significant difference was only observed between taekwondo athletes and judoists for absolute power
at the external load of 2.5% BW (p < 0.05). The judoists had significantly smaller relative maximal power in SPJ (p < 0.05) and
height of rise of the body mass centre in CMJ (p < 0.05) than taekwondo athletes. The relative maximal power in CMJ and
height of rise of the body mass centre in SPJ was similar in the groups.

Conclusions

In martial arts, training and competition
should affect physical characteristics, including jumping and power. The power and velocity recorded for an external forcevelocity
relationship were similar in the groups. Judoists and boxers did not differ in terms of power or height of the jumps.
Taekwondo athletes developed the biggest power and height of the jumps. This is consistent with the discipline characteristics.
Biomechanical analysis of ankle during the stance phase of gait on various surfaces: a literature review
Authors: Psarras Athanasios , Mertyri Dimitra , Tsaklis Panagiotis
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this article is to review the literature that deals with the biomechanical analysis of the ankle during gait stance phase on slopes, on uneven and rock surfaces, on sand, and on grass surfaces, as well as to present the observed differences.

Methods

The literature was searched in the databases of PubMed and Google Scholar, for the years of 2005–2015. The keywords were: biomechanics, gait analysis, ankle joint, stance phase, uphill walking, downhill walking, sand surface, uneven surface, grass surface, and ballast.

Results

The kinetic and kinematic gait behaviour is directly influenced by the surface on which it is being performed. The uphill or downhill surfaces, the surfaces of stone, sand, grass, and uneven surfaces have a direct impact on the biomechanics on joints of the lower limb, changing the energy cost, muscle activation, the resulting mechanical work, ground reaction forces and balance, and the parameters of the gait cycle. All these changes are raising many questions about the safety and comfort of these surfaces. In the structures of the foot, ankle and lower leg high compressive and rotational forces are transmitted resulting in injuries in these regions.

Conclusions

Each surface has its own advantages and disadvantages, changing the biomechanics of the lower extremity and particularly the ankle. According to the purpose that one wants to achieve they can choose a suitable surface. To prevent injuries and falls, we must choose shoes that fit well, are comfortable with cushioning, and have a feeling neither too hard nor too soft, with laces and low collar.
Why the intellectually disabled in the Evans case continue to hold the DC government neglectful after 40 years: a history of differing views about disability rights
Authors: Terrar Toby
Published: October 2016

This article is about Washington, DC’s intellectually disabled and the history of their struggle for habilitation rights, which for them includes gainful employment and having a family. Against them has been a conservative local and national government and the US District Court in its rulings over the past 40 years in the
Language maintenance and shift under pressure: Three generations of the Turkish immigrant community in the Netherlands
Authors: Sevinç Yeşim
Published: October 2016

Drawing on questionnaire and interview data, this study explores the process of language maintenance and shift across three generations of Turkish immigrants in the Netherlands. It compares three generations of Turkish-Dutch bilinguals by examining age and place of language learning, self-rated language proficiency, and language choices in six domains (home, school, work, friends, media and leisure time activities, and cognitive activities). Furthermore, it investigates bilinguals’ experiences, motivations for learning languages and attitudes towards bilingualism. Findings suggest that following the typical pattern of language shift described by Mario Saltarelli and Susan Gonzo in 1977, language history, self-rated language proficiency and current language practices of third-generation children differ from those of first- and second-generation bilinguals. Consequently, possible language shift among third-generation bilinguals causes socioemotional pressure about maintaining the Turkish language, triggering intergenerational tensions in Turkish immigrant families. At the same time, the perceived need to shift to Dutch for social and economic reasons causes immigrant children to experience tensions and ambiguities in the linguistic connections between the family and other social domains (e. g. school, friendship). The findings evidence that the Turkish immigrant community in the Netherlands may no longer be as linguistically homogeneous as once observed. The dissolution of homogeneity can be a sign of social change in which maintaining the Turkish language has become a challenge, whereas speaking Dutch is a necessity of life in the Netherlands.
The idea of a Kosovan language in Yugoslavia’s language politics
Authors: Kamusella Tomasz
Published: October 2016

Not only are nations invented (imagined) into and out of existence, but languages and states are as well. Decisions on how to construct, change or obliterate a language are essentially arbitrary, and as such dictated by political considerations. The entailed language of politics (often accompanied by the closely related politics of script) is of more immediate significance in Central Europe than elsewhere in the world, because in this region language is the sole and fundamental basis for creating, legitimating and maintaining nations and their nation-states. Since 1918, the creation and destruction of ethnolinguistic nation-states in Central Europe has been followed (or even preceded) by the creation and destruction of languages so that a unique language could be fitted to each nation and its national polity. This article focuses on the politics of the Albanian language in Yugoslavia’s Autonomous Province of Kosovo and in independent Kosovo with an eye to answering two questions at the level of language politics. First, what was the kind of Albanian standard employed in Kosovo before the 1968/1970/1974 acceptance of Albania’s Tosk-based standard Albanian in Yugoslavia? Second, why is Kosovo the sole post-Yugoslav nation-state that has not (yet?) been endowed with its own unique (Kosovan) language?
Digital Preservation Practices in University Libraries: A Survey of Institutional Repositories in Nigeria
Authors: Kari Kingdom H. , Baro Ebikabowei E.
Published: October 2016

The purpose of the study is to investigate the digital preservation practices in institutional repositories (IRs) in Nigeria. Data from the IRs developed in university libraries in Nigeria was collected in three phases: initial phone calls, website investigation, and questionnaire. After the phone calls to librarians and website investigation of libraries of the 141 approved universities in Nigeria, the researchers found only 15 university libraries to have developed institutional repositories in Nigeria. Out of these numbers, 12 respondents, representing their university libraries were reached to respond to the questionnaire. Results from the study showed that the majority of IRs in Nigeria used DSpace software to manage their digital contents and that half of the IRs engage in information migration. The study also revealed that the majority of the responding institutions provide long-term digital preservation. Regrettably, most of the IRs do not have a digital preservation policy to guide the implementation of digital preservation for IR contents. Finally, the majority of the respondents indicated that they do not have long-term funding and lack the necessary technical staff with required skills to handle and manage the IR. The findings will inform information professionals, particularly librarians in developing countries who are planning to create institutional repositories and to provide long-term digital preservation of electronic resources in their institutions.
Sensation Seeking as one of the Motivating Factors for Performing Skydiving
Authors: Bołdak Agnieszka , Guszkowska Monika
Published: October 2016

Introduction. For some time, the issue of participating in high-risk sports, including skydiving, has been linked to the trait of sensation seeking, but skydivers do not constitute a homogeneous group in terms of this factor. The aim of the study was to determine the role of the need for sensation in performing skydiving and to examine whether the importance of this factor differs depending on gender. Material and methods. The study included a total of 143 skydivers (98 men and 45 women) aged from 17 to 49 years with different levels of expertise in skydiving. In total, 73 respondents were categorised as novices, and 70 were considered experts. Novice skydivers were defined as having completed no more than 10 jumps in their lives. Expert skydivers were persons who had made at least 100 jumps in their lives and had a licence to perform skydiving independently, without instructor supervision. The need for stimulation was measured using the Sensation Seeking Scale IV by Zuckerman, in its Polish version by Oleszkiewicz-Zsurzs. Results. Since a high proportion of individuals with a strong need for sensation was found among both men and women, it can be concluded that it is an important factor in primary selection in skydiving (when the sport is undertaken), regardless of gender. Conclusions. The significance of sensation seeking as a factor in secondary selection in skydiving (when the sport is being performed) differs depending on the particular dimension of sensation seeking and gender. Susceptibility to boredom is probably a significant factor in secondary selection in women.
Functional vascular anatomy of the peritoneum in health and disease
Authors: Solass Wiebke , Horvath Philipp , Struller Florian , Königsrainer Ingmar , Beckert Stefan , Königsrainer Alfred , Weinreich Frank-Jürgen , Schenk Martin
Published: October 2016

The peritoneum consists of a layer of mesothelial cells on a connective tissue base which is perfused with circulatory and lymphatic vessels. Total effective blood flow to the human peritoneum is estimated between 60 and 100 mL/min, representing 1–2 % of the cardiac outflow. The parietal peritoneum accounts for about 30 % of the peritoneal surface (anterior abdominal wall 4 %) and is vascularized from the circumflex, iliac, lumbar, intercostal, and epigastric arteries, giving rise to a quadrangular network of large, parallel blood vessels and their perpendicular offshoots. Parietal vessels drain into the inferior vena cava. The visceral peritoneum accounts for 70 % of the peritoneal surface and derives its blood supply from the three major arteries that supply the splanchnic organs, celiac and superior and inferior mesenteric. These vessels give rise to smaller arteries that anastomose extensively. The visceral peritoneum drains into the portal vein. Drugs absorbed are subject to first-pass hepatic metabolism. Peritoneal inflammation and cancer invasion induce neoangiogenesis, leading to the development of an important microvascular network. Anatomy of neovessels is abnormal and characterized by large size, varying diameter, convolution and blood extravasation. Neovessels have a defective ultrastructure: formation of large “mother vessels” requires degradation of venular and capillary basement membranes. Mother vessels give birth to numerous “daughter vessels”. Diffuse neoangiogenesis can be observed before appearance of macroscopic peritoneal metastasis. Multiplication of the peritoneal capillary surface by neoangiogenesis surface increases the part of cardiac outflow directed to the peritoneum.
Maximal Sprinting Speed of Elite Soccer Players During Training and Matches
Authors: Djaoui Leo , Chamari Karim , Owen Adam L. , Dellal Alexandre
Published: October 2016

Djaoui, L, Chamari, K, Owen, A, and Dellal, A. Maximal sprinting speed of elite soccer players during training and matches. J Strength Cond Res 31(6): 1509–1517, 2017—The aim of the present study was to compare (a) the maximal sprinting speed (MSS) attained by soccer players during matches (MSSmatch) according to their level of play (professional first French division vs. elite amateur fourth French division) and the playing positions and (b) the MSS attained by professional soccer players during 14 different types of small-sided games (SSG, MSSSSG) and match-play. All players monitored through the study performed a 40-m sprint test to assess individual MSS (MSStest) and compare it to the training and match activity, with the calculation of the percentage of MSStest (%MSStest) reached. No differences were found according to the level of play; however, positional wide players achieved a higher MSSmatch, %MSStest, and MSSSSG than central players (both defenders and midfielders) during matches and SSG. MSSmatch were higher than all MSSSSG, and MSSSSG were positively correlated with the area of the pitch (0.45, p < 0.001), its length (0.53, p < 0.001), and the number of players involved (0.38, p < 0.001). The closer SSG was to match situation in terms of rules, the higher the MSSSSG. Wide players reached higher MSS in match and SSG than central players, confirming the relevance of using SSG close to match situation to specifically prepare elite players to the maximal running speed demand of the match.