bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boracic polyethylene/polyethylene wax blends and open-cell nickel foams as neutron-shielding composite
Authors: Zhang Yun , Chen Feida , Tang Xiaobin , Huang Hai , Chen Tuo , Sun Xiangyu
Published: November 2017

This work shows that mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and secondary gamma-ray shielding ability can be significantly improved when open-cell nickel foams are embedded into the shielding composites. The boracic polyethylene/polyethylene wax blends and open-cell nickel foam composites (PPNM) are designed and prepared by permeating homogeneous mixed melt fillers into open-cell nickel foams. The ratio of polyethylene and polyethylene wax is investigated to achieve higher filling rate. The quasi-static compressive response of PPNMs and polyethylene/polyethylene wax blends is measured, and the crystallization properties are studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The neutron and secondary gamma-ray shielding abilities of PPNMs are also simulated based on Monte Carlo particle transport method. Results show that the compression strength of PPNMs with boron carbide is slightly improved when compared with polyethylene/polyethylene wax blends. The nickel foams in PPNM composites improve the energy-absorbing efficiency by 30%. The thermal conductivity of PPNMs is 300% higher than polyethylene/polyethylene wax. The calculated results show that neutron-shielding abilities of PPNMs increase as content of boron carbide increases. Moreover, secondary gamma-ray shielding ability of PPNMs containing boron carbide is obviously higher than polyethylene/polyethylene wax. The PPNMs containing boron carbide neutron-shielding materials are proved to have good thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, and radiation-shielding ability.
Further Opportunities to Reduce the Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Buildings
Authors: Hsu David , Meng Ting , Han Albert , Suh Daniel
Published: November 2017

Buildings and energy systems are shaped within many different kinds of departments and agencies throughout local governments. This article argues that further opportunities exist to reduce the energy use of buildings and their associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the existing powers and jurisdiction of local governments. We use the example of New York City, where buildings produced 73 percent of all GHG emissions in 2014. By analyzing a data set of almost four thousand large buildings, we identify new opportunities for planners and other professionals to reduce energy use and GHG emissions by focusing on different mechanisms and/or collaborations.
A Morphological and Quantitative Analysis of Lung CT Scan in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and in Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema
Authors: Vergani Giordano , Cressoni Massimo , Crimella Francesco , L’Acqua Camilla , Sisillo Erminio , Gurgitano Martina , Liguori Alessandro , Annoni Andrea , Carrafiello Gianpaolo , Chiumello Davide
Published: November 2017

Background:

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) are both characterized by an increase in lung edema that can be measured by computed tomography (CT). The aim of this study was to compare possible differences between patients with ARDS and CPE in the morphologic pattern, the aeration, and the amount and distribution of edema within the lung.

Methods:

Lung CT was performed at a mean positive end-expiratory pressure level of 5 cm H2O in both groups. The morphological evaluation was performed by two radiologists, while the quantitative evaluation was performed by a dedicated software.

Results:

A total of 60 patients with ARDS (20 mild, 20 moderate, 20 severe) and 20 patients with CPE were enrolled. The ground-glass attenuation regions were similarly present among the groups, 8 (40%), 8 (40%), 14 (70%), and 10 (50%), while the airspace consolidations were significantly more present in ARDS. The lung gas volume was significantly lower in severe ARDS compared to CPE (830 [462] vs 1120 [832] mL). Moving from the nondependent to the dependent lung regions, the not inflated lung tissue significantly increased, while the well inflated tissue decreased (ρ = 0.96-1.00, P < .0001). Significant differences were found between ARDS and CPE mostly in dependent regions. In severe ARDS, the estimated edema was significantly higher, compared to CPE (757 [740] vs 532 [637] g).

Conclusions:

Both ARDS and CPE are characterized by a similar presence of ground-glass attenuation and different airspace consolidation regions. Acute respiratory distress syndrome has a higher amount of not inflated tissue and lower amount of well inflated tissue. However, the overall regional distribution is similar within the lung.
Numerical investigations of gas–liquid two-phase flows in microchannels
Authors: Lou Qin , Yang Mo , Xu Hongtao
Published: November 2017

Immiscible gas–liquid two-phase flows with an initial stochastically distribution, which are driven by a constant body force in a period microchannel of [Formula: see text] in width, are studied using the lattice Boltzmann method under various conditions. Continuous dynamic behaviors of bubbles and droplets including breaking up, coalescence, deformation, and mass exchange between them are observed. The flows reach to their steady state when the rate of breaking up and coalescence are in balance, and no mass exchange occurs. The simulation results show that the steady-state flow regimes depend strongly on the viscous force, surface tension, inertial force, channel width, and wettability of the solid surface. Specially, it is found that slug flow is more probable to occur for the small channel width at the same volume fraction. And the shape of bubble in the slug flow is determined by the wettability of the solid wall. Furthermore, the shape and number of bubbles at steady state are related to surface tension, viscous force, and inertial force. It is also found that the initial bubble distributions have slight effects on the flow regimes at steady state.
The mediating effect of ethical climate on religious orientation and ethical behavior
Authors: Hassanian Zahra Marzieh , Shayan Arezoo
Published: November 2017

Background:

Nurses’ behavior in Educational-Medical centers is very important for improving the condition of patients. Ethical climate represents the ethical values and behavioral expectations. Attitude of people toward religion is both intrinsic and extrinsic. Different ethical climates and attitude toward religion could be associated with nurses’ behavior.

Aim:

To study the mediating effect of ethical climate on religious orientation and ethical behaviors of nurses.

Research design:

In an exploratory analysis study, the path analysis method was used to identify the effective variables on ethical behavior.

Participants/context:

The participants consisted of 259 Iranian nurses from Hamadan University of Medical Sciences.

Ethical considerations:

This project with an ethical code and a unique ID IR.UMSHA.REC.1395.67 was approved in the Research Council of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences.

Findings:

The beta coefficients obtained by regression analysis of perception of ethical climate of individual egoism (B = −0.202, p < 0.001), individual ethical principles (B = −0.184, p = 0.001), local egoism (B = −0.136, p = 0.003), and extrinsic religious orientation (B = −0.266, p = 0.007) were significant that they could act as predictors of ethical behavior. The summary of regression model indicated that 0.27% of ethical behaviors of nurses are justified by two variables: ethical climate and religious orientation.

Discussion and conclusion:

Intrinsic religious orientation has the most direct impact and then, respectively, the variables of ethical climate of perceptions in the dimensions of individual egoism, individual ethical principles, local egoism, global ethical principle, and ethical behavior and extrinsic religious orientation follow. All the above, except global ethical principles and intrinsic orientation of religion have a negative effect on ethical behavior and can be predictors of ethical behavior. Therefore, applying strategies to promote theories of intrinsic religious orientation and global ethical principles in different situations of nursing is recommended.
Trade union renewal through local partnerships for skill formation
Authors: Klindt Mads Peter
Published: November 2017

This article investigates how unions can strengthen their role in settings that are highly affected by globalisation and liberalisation through engagement in local partnerships for skill formation. We identify a number of capacities possessed by unions that can be complementary to firms and other actors in the local arena and thus be formative for such partnerships. We build our argument by drawing on concepts from the literature on trade union revitalisation, on governance and on political economy. The article’s claims are substantiated by a multiple-case study from Denmark that illustrates how union-based partnerships have successfully facilitated retraining and labour market inclusion for workers who were made redundant during economic restructuring and, due to neoliberal reforms, were cut off from adequate assistance from the public employment system.
Coordinated Care Organizations: Neonatal and Infant Outcomes in Oregon
Authors: Harvey S. Marie , Oakley Lisa P. , Yoon Jangho , Luck Jeff
Published: November 2017

In 2012, Oregon’s Medicaid program implemented a comprehensive accountable care model delivered through coordinated care organizations (CCOs). Because CCOs are expected to improve utilization of services and health outcomes, neonatal and infant outcomes may be important indicators of their impact. Estimating difference-in-differences models, we compared prepost CCO changes in outcomes (e.g., low birth weight, abnormal conditions, 5-minute Apgar score, congenital anomalies, and infant mortality) between Medicaid and non-Medicaid births among 99,924 infants born in Oregon during 2011 and 2013. We further examined differences in the impact of CCOs by ethnicity and rurality. Following CCO implementation the likelihood of low birth weight and abnormal conditions decreased by 0.95% and 1.08%, a reduction of 13.4% and 10.4% compared with the pre-CCO level for Medicaid enrollees, respectively. These reductions could be predictive of lifelong health benefits for infants and lower costs for acute care and are, therefore, important markers of success for the CCO model.
Public health educational comprehensiveness: The strategic rationale in establishing networks among schools of public health
Authors: Otok Robert , Czabanowska Katarzyna , Foldspang Anders
Published: November 2017

The establishment and continuing development of a sufficient and competent public health workforce is fundamental for the planning, implementation, evaluation, effect and ethical validity of public health strategies and policies and, thus, for the development of the population’s health and the cost-effectiveness of health and public health systems and interventions. Professional public health strategy-making demands a background of a comprehensive multi-disciplinary curriculum including mutually, dynamically coherent competences – not least, competences in sociology and other behavioural sciences and their interaction with, for example, epidemiology, biostatistics, qualitative methods and health promotion and disease prevention. The size of schools and university departments of public health varies, and smaller entities may run into problems if seeking to meet the comprehensive curriculum challenge entirely by use of in-house resources. This commentary discusses the relevance and strength of establishing comprehensive curriculum development networks between schools and university departments of public health, as one means to meet the comprehensiveness challenge. This commentary attempts to consider a two-stage strategy to develop complete curricula at the bachelor and master’s as well as PhD levels.
Atypical Endoleak Associated With Inadvertent Cannulation of the Ipsilateral Gate in an Ovation Trimodular Stent-Graft
Authors: Maleux Geert , Houthoofd Sabrina , Poorteman Lien , Fourneau Inge
Published: November 2017

We report on a 54-year-old man who presented with an atypical, proximal, intraoperative endoleak after endovascular aortic repair with an Ovation endograft for a 65-mm-diameter abdominal aortic aneurysm. The endografting was complicated by inadvertent bilateral iliac limb insertion into the right gate without cannulation of the left gate. The endoleak was treated by brachial approach: Through the open left gate, the outflow inferior mesenteric artery was coil embolized and the inflow left gate was closed with an Amplatzer plug. Follow-up computed tomography over 3 years showed absence of any endoleak and a stable diameter of the excluded abdominal aortic aneurysm.
“We hide…”: Perceptions of HIV Risk Among Black and Latino MSM in New York City
Authors: Murray Ashley , Gaul Zaneta , Sutton Madeline Y. , Nanin Jose
Published: November 2017

Black and Latino men who have sex with men (BLMSM) are disproportionately infected with HIV; they comprised 66% of HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States in 2015. Risk factors for HIV infection among BLMSM include a high community prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed HIV/STDs, and dense sex partner networks. Perceptions of HIV risk among BLMSM were explored to inform HIV prevention efforts. During 2011–2012, semistructured interviews were conducted with BLMSM in New York City. Using computer-assisted thematic analyses (NVivo), transcribed interview responses to questions regarding HIV risk for main themes were examined. Interview data were available for 108 BLMSM: 86% Black, 13% Latino, 26% aged 18–24 years, 59% self-identified as “gay,” and 33% self-identified as “bisexual.” The main emergent theme was stigma. Subthemes related to stigma included: (a) homophobia in the Black and Latino community, (b) fear of losing support from family and friends, and (c) lack of support leading to low self-esteem. Addressing the stigma felt by BLMSM may be an important strategy to facilitate improved HIV prevention efforts, HIV care and treatment, and to decrease HIV-related disparities.
Relationship between race and outcome in Asian, Black, and Caucasian patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: Data from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive and Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke trial
Authors: Krishnan Kailash , Beishon Lucy , Berge Eivind , Christensen Hanne , Dineen Robert A , Ozturk Serefnur , Sprigg Nikola , Wardlaw Joanna M , Bath Philip M
Published: November 2017

Background and purpose

Although poor prognosis after intracerebral hemorrhage relates to risk factors and hematoma characteristics, there is limited evidence for the effect of race–ethnicity.

Methods

Data from 1011 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage enrolled into hyperacute trials and randomized to control were obtained from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive and Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke Trial. Clinical characteristics and functional outcome were compared among three racial groups – Asians, Blacks, and Caucasians.

Results

The majority of patients were Caucasian (78.1%) followed by Asians (14.5%) and Blacks (5.5%). At baseline, Caucasians were older and had larger hematoma volumes; Blacks had lower Glasgow Coma Scale and higher systolic blood pressure (all p < 0.05). Although the primary outcome of modified Rankin Scale did not differ at 90 days (p = 0.14), there were significant differences in mortality (p < 0.0001) and quality of life (EQ-5D p < 0.0001; EQ-VAS p 0.015). In test of multiple comparisons, Caucasians were more likely to die (p = 0.0003) and had worse quality of life (EQ-5D p = 0.003; EQ-VAS p < 0.0001) as compared to Asians.

Conclusion

Race–ethnicity appears to explain some of the variation in clinical characteristics and outcomes after acute intracerebral hemorrhage. Factors that explain this variation need to be identified.
Secondary prevention programme of ischaemic heart disease in the elderly: A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Marcos-Forniol Elisenda , Meco José F , Corbella Emili , Formiga Francesc , Pintó Xavier
Published: November 2017

Background

Elderly patients have been underrepresented in secondary cardiovascular prevention programmes. This study aimed to ascertain the effects of a secondary coronary disease prevention programme in these patients.

Design

Open randomised intervention study with parallel groups.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-seven patients aged ≥70 years with a recent acute coronary syndrome were randomised to a protocolised clinical intervention plus usual care (intervention group, n = 64) or to usual care alone (control group, n = 63). Patients were assessed at baseline and after 12 months. The main outcome was the percentage of patients with optimal risk factor control after 12 months of follow-up. Secondary outcomes included changes in Mediterranean diet adherence, quality of life and functionality. Mortality was evaluated three years after the end of the intervention.

Results

One hundred and six patients (83.4%) completed 12 months of follow-up (54 in the intervention group and 52 in the control group). At the end of intervention, 34.2% more patients in the intervention group had achieved optimal risk factor control with a number needed to treat of 3 (relative risk 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.36 to 3.50). The intervention group improved adherence to the Mediterranean diet ( p = 0.013) and functionality assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery ( p = 0.047). No differences between groups were found in quality of life (Short-Form 36 Health Survey) or mortality after three years (hazard ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval 0.41 to 3.45).

Conclusions

A secondary coronary disease prevention programme in elderly patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome improved risk factor control, Mediterranean diet adherence and functionality.
Lokasamgraha and Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness: Converging Models for Workplace Spirituality and Well-being
Authors: Belwalkar Shibani , Vohra Veena
Published: November 2017

In today’s turbulent global society, a growing number of people are actively seeking the means to accomplish their well-being needs. They desire well-being through their states, in their roles as citizens and through their workplaces. Studies pertaining to prominent traditional philosophies could contribute to key insights about the necessity and benefits of creating responsible societies. This article is an exploration of the convergence of the principal dimensions of Lokasamgraha, a revered concept in the Hindu scripture, Bhagwad Gita and the Bhutanese government’s concept of Gross National Happiness. The article explores the understanding Lokasamgraha as a framework of workplace spirituality at an organizational level, and Gross National Happiness, at a national level.
Combined allelic dosage of Nfia and Nfib regulates cortical development
Authors: Bunt Jens , Osinski Jason M , Lim Jonathan WC , Vidovic Diana , Ye Yunan , Zalucki Oressia , O’Connor Timothy R , Harris Lachlan , Gronostajski Richard M , Richards Linda J , Piper Michael
Published: November 2017

Background:

Nuclear factor I family members nuclear factor I A and nuclear factor I B play important roles during cerebral cortical development. Nuclear factor I A and nuclear factor I B regulate similar biological processes, as their expression patterns, regulation of target genes and individual knockout phenotypes overlap. We hypothesised that the combined allelic loss of Nfia and Nfib would culminate in more severe defects in the cerebral cortex than loss of a single member.

Methods:

We combined immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation, gene expression analysis and immunohistochemistry on knockout mouse models to investigate whether nuclear factor I A and nuclear factor I B function similarly and whether increasing allelic loss of Nfia and Nfib caused a more severe phenotype.

Results:

We determined that the biological functions of nuclear factor I A and nuclear factor I B overlap during early cortical development. These proteins are co-expressed and can form heterodimers in vivo. Differentially regulated genes that are shared between Nfia and Nfib knockout mice are highly enriched for nuclear factor I binding sites in their promoters and are associated with neurodevelopment. We found that compound heterozygous deletion of both genes resulted in a cortical phenotype similar to that of single homozygous Nfia or Nfib knockout embryos. This was characterised by retention of the interhemispheric fissure, dysgenesis of the corpus callosum and a malformed dentate gyrus. Double homozygous knockout of Nfia and Nfib resulted in a more severe phenotype, with increased ventricular enlargement and decreased numbers of differentiated glia and neurons.

Conclusion:

In the developing cerebral cortex, nuclear factor I A and nuclear factor I B share similar biological functions and function additively, as the combined allelic loss of these genes directly correlates with the severity of the developmental brain phenotype.
Subscapularis Tenotomy in Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Sanchez-Sotelo Joaquin
Published: November 2017

Tenotomy of the subscapularis is commonly used for exposure at the time of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. Understanding the anatomy of the subscapularis and its footprint for insertion into the lesser tuberosity helps perform an adequate tenotomy. Incision of the tendon at the right level, release of the anterior capsule to restore excursion, a sound repair, and postoperative protection are important. Controversy remains regarding the relative advantages and disadvantages of tenotomy compared with alternatives, in particular osteotomy of the lesser tuberosity. Tenotomy has been associated with a higher rate of positive physical examination findings for subscapularis weakness and concerning tendon attenuation or rupture in some shoulders evaluated with ultrasound. However, patient-reported outcomes, objective measurement of strength in internal rotation, and revision and reoperation rates are identical with tenotomy and osteotomy. Tenotomy is particularly attractive in terms of simplicity, shorter operative time, and use in stemless shoulder arthroplasty. Failure of the tenotomy to heal leading to anterior instability can be salvaged surgically, but oftentimes requires revision to a reverse arthroplasty.
Intraocular Lens Repositioning With Polypropylene Suture to Reduce Optic Tilt
Authors: Lertjirachai Itsara , Stem Maxwell S. , Todorich Bozho , Wolfe Jeremy D. , Capone Antonio
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To describe a technique to reduce intraocular lens (IOL) tilt after sutureless intrascleral (SIS) fixation.

Methods:

Case report with review of surgical technique.

Results:

We report a technique that can be used to correct IOL tilt that may rarely accompany SIS IOL fixation. The procedure involves placing pupil-spanning polypropylene sutures on either side of the IOL optic to keep the optic parallel to the plane of the iris.

Conclusion:

Sutureless intrascleral IOL tilt correction can be achieved using polypropylene suture, thus obviating the need for more invasive surgical maneuvers, such as IOL exchange.
Smoothened signaling in the mouse osteoblastoid lineage is required for efficient B lymphopoiesis
Authors: Lu Wenyan , Dordai Dominic , Huso David , Desiderio Stephen
Published: November 2017

Key Points

Hh signaling has been selectively extinguished in the mouse osteoblastoid lineage. Removal of Smo from osteoblasts results in a profound B-lymphopoietic defect.
Constitutive Ras signaling and Ink4a/Arf inactivation cooperate during the development of B-ALL in mice
Authors: Sewastianik Tomasz , Jiang Meng , Sukhdeo Kumar , Patel Sanjay S. , Roberts Kathryn , Kang Yue , Alduaij Ahmad , Dennis Peter S. , Lawney Brian , Liu Ruiyang , Song Zeyuan , Xiong Jessie , Zhang Yunyu , Lemieux Madeleine E. , Pinkus Geraldine S. , Rich Jeremy N. , Weinstock David M. , Mullighan Charles G. , Sharpless Norman E. , Carrasco Ruben D.
Published: November 2017

Key Points

Ras pathway activation cooperates with Ink4a/Arf locus deletion in B cells to induce a fully penetrant lymphoma/leukemia phenotype in mice. These tumors resemble high-risk subtypes of human B-ALL, providing a convenient and highly reproducible model of refractory B-ALL.
Lexis as most local context: towards an SFL approach to lexicology
Authors: Fontaine Lise
Published: November 2017

The world of lexis is vast and complex and it is generally accepted in psycholinguistics that it is represented as part of a large complex network. However, in systemic functional linguistics (SFL) modelling lexis has remained a relatively underdeveloped area of the theory. The ideas underpinning this paper stem from exploring the interface of context and lexicology, asking how SFL does and could handle lexis within the theory. Here the SFL concept of context is used to develop a similar account of lexis. The argumentation is based on the assumption that ‘knowing about’ context and 'knowing about’ lexis is contained and maintained within a networked cognitive system. The common view of the relationship between context and lexis is generally one of disambiguation, frequently through collocation. However, I argue that there is more involved than that. In this paper, I use the SFL approach to context to establish the first steps towards an analogous approach to lexicology. The conclusion offered here is that it is theoretically plausible to draw on the dimension of instantiation, in a complementary way to delicacy, in order to model lexis as most local context, where the lexeme (or lemma) is modelled as meaning potential.
Diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT for detection of peritoneal carcinomatosis; a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Seong-Jang , Lee Sang-Woo
Published: November 2017

Objective:

The current review aimed to investigate the performance of the diagnostic accuracy of 18F- fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) in detecting peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

The MEDLINE via PubMed and EMBASE from the earliest available date of indexing to 31 March 2017, were searched for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET/CT in detecting PC. We evaluated the pooled sensitivities and specificities across included studies, calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−), and plotted summary receiver operating characteristic curves. Deek’s funnel plot asymmetry tests were used to assess the possible underlying publication bias.

Results:

The current meta-analysis demonstrated no significant publication bias (p = 0.21). Across 14 studies (671 patients), the overall sensitivity of 18F-FDG PET/CT was 0.87 [95% CI (0.77−0.93)] with heterogeneity (χ  2 = 94.2, p = 0.00) and a pooled specificity of 0.92 [95% CI; (0.89−0.94)] with heterogeneity (χ  2 = 20.6, p = 0.08). LR syntheses gave an overall LR+ of 10.4 [95% CI (7.5−14.5)] and LR− of 0.14 [95% CI (0.08−0.26)]. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 73 [95% CI (34−159)]. In univariate meta-regression analysis, publication year and cohort homogeneity were the potent sources of heterogeneity. However, in multivariate meta-regression, no definite variable was the source of the study heterogeneity.

Conclusion:

18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity for the detection of PC. Further large multicentre studies would be necessary to substantiate the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT for the diagnosis of PC in various cancers.

Advances in knowledge:

18F-FDG PET/CT showed good diagnostic performance in the evaluation of PC and could provide additional information for that purpose in various cancers.
Initial clinical observations of intra- and interfractional motion variation in MR-guided lung SBRT
Authors: Thomas David H , Santhanam Anand , Kishan Amar U , Cao Minsong , Lamb James , Min Yugang , O'Connell Dylan , Yang Yingli , Agazaryan Nzhde , Lee Percy , Low Daniel
Published: November 2017

Objective:

To evaluate variations in intra- and interfractional tumour motion, and the effect on internal target volume (ITV) contour accuracy, using deformable image registration of real-time two-dimensional-sagittal cine-mode MRI acquired during lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatments.

Methods:

Five lung tumour patients underwent free-breathing SBRT treatments on the ViewRay system, with dose prescribed to a planning target volume (defined as a 3–6 mm expansion of the 4DCT-ITV). Sagittal slice cine-MR images (3.5 × 3.5 mm2 pixels) were acquired through the centre of the tumour at 4 frames per second throughout the treatments (3–4 fractions of 21–32 min). Tumour gross tumour volumes (GTVs) were contoured on the first frame of the MR cine and tracked for the first 20 min of each treatment using offline optical-flow based deformable registration implemented on a GPU cluster. A ground truth ITV (MR-ITV20 min) was formed by taking the union of tracked GTV contours. Pseudo-ITVs were generated from unions of the GTV contours tracked over 10 s segments of image data (MR-ITV10 s).

Results:

Differences were observed in the magnitude of median tumour displacement between days of treatments. MR-ITV10 s areas were as small as 46% of the MR-ITV20 min.

Conclusion:

An ITV offers a “snapshot” of breathing motion for the brief period of time the tumour is imaged on a specific day. Real-time MRI over prolonged periods of time and over multiple treatment fractions shows that ITV size varies. Further work is required to investigate the dosimetric effect of these results.

Advances in knowledge:

Five lung tumour patients underwent free-breathing MRI-guided SBRT treatments, and their tumours tracked using deformable registration of cine-mode MRI. The results indicate that variability of both intra- and interfractional breathing amplitude should be taken into account during planning of lung radiotherapy.
The Effect of Subscription Video-on-Demand on Piracy: Evidence from a Household-Level Randomized Experiment
Authors: Godinho de Matos Miguel , Ferreira Pedro , Smith Michael D.
Published: November 2017

We partner with a major multinational telecommunications provider to analyze the effect of subscription video-on-demand (SVoD) services on digital piracy. For a period of 45 consecutive days, a group of randomly selected households who used BitTorrent in the past were gifted with a bundle of TV channels with movies and TV shows that could be streamed as in SVoD. We find that, on average, households that received the gift increased overall TV consumption by 4.6% and reduced Internet downloads and uploads by 4.2% and 4.5%, respectively. However, and also on average, treated households did not change their likelihood of using BitTorrent during the experiment. Our findings are heterogeneous across households and are mediated by the fit between the preferences of households in our sample for movies and the content available as part of the gifted channels. Households with preferences aligned with the gifted content reduced their probability of using BitTorrent during the experiment by 18% and decreased their amount of upload traffic by 45%. We also show using simulation that the size of the SVoD catalog and licensing window restrictions limit significantly the ability of content providers to match SVoD offerings to the preferences of BitTorrent users. Finally, we estimate that households in our sample are willing to pay at most $3.25 USD per month to access a SVoD catalog as large as Netflix’s in the United States. Together, our results show that, as a stand-alone strategy, using legal SVoD to curtail piracy will require, at the minimum, offering content much earlier and at much lower prices than those currently offered in the marketplace, changes that are likely to reduce industry revenue and that may damage overall incentives to produce new content while, at the same time, curbing only a small share of piracy.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2875 .

This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information systems.
Collusion in Bertrand vs. Cournot Competition: A Virtual Bargaining Approach
Authors: Melkonyan Tigran , Zeitoun Hossam , Chater Nick
Published: November 2017

How do firms manage to collude without communicating? Why do we find more collusion in price competition than in quantity competition? Why is collusion so hard to detect? We examine strategic behavior in competitive interactions by developing and applying the concept of virtual bargaining. When decision makers virtually bargain, they mentally simulate, and choose among, agreements that they could reach if they were able to explicitly negotiate with each other. Virtual bargainers focus on agreements that offer some protection against the possibility that their counterparts may deviate and best respond to these agreements. We develop a formal account of virtual bargaining and demonstrate that it leads to collusion in Bertrand, but not in Cournot, competition. In this framework, collusion is a result of virtual bargaining as a mode of reasoning and requires neither communication nor dynamic considerations, such as rewards and punishments, between the players.

This paper was accepted by Manel Baucells, decision analysis.
Impact of Media on Major Choice: Survey of Communication Undergraduates
Authors: Hoag Anne , Grant August E. , Carpenter Serena
Published: November 2017

Popular and news media sources may play a key role in influencing undergraduate choice of major, yet their unique impact has not been investigated. Most research has focused on the influence of unmediated salient referents, such as parents, on students' major choices. Therefore, we developed a scale to examine the role of media professionals and celebrities (mediated salient referents) and unmediated salient referents on career selection. Overall, we investigated the ways media exposure, technology use, mediated salient referents, and unmediated salient referents influenced variations in the likelihood students choose the media-related major of journalism through a survey of communication undergraduates (N = 2,401). Results showed mediated referents and news consumption positively predicted the choice of journalism as a major, while unmediated referents influenced students' selection of other communication-related majors.
Latest clinical research
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: November 2017

Mark Greener presents key studies published in healthcare journals
Understanding the underlying causes of nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Rogers June
Published: November 2017

June Rodgers explains why it is vital to ensure prompt and appropriate assessment for bedwetting
‘Fragile’ computer science hit by CPD and recruitment woes
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: November 2017

More than half of schools do not offer computer science GCSE Missed recruitment targets mean an under-supply of teachers Call for £60m CPD investment to boost skills and confidence
The cornerstones of character
Authors: Bawden Matt
Published: November 2017

The importance of good leadership in mental health and character education provision has been identified as one of the four cornerstones of best practice. Matt Bawden explores what this might look like
Development of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Review
Authors: van Baal Juliette O. A. M. , van Noorden Cornelis J. F. , Nieuwland Rienk , Van de Vijver Koen K. , Sturk Auguste , van Driel Willemien J. , Kenter Gemma G. , Lok Christianne A. R.
Published: November 2017

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) metastasizes intra-abdominally with often numerous, superficial, small-sized lesions. This so-called peritoneal carcinomatosis is difficult to treat, and peritoneal recurrences are frequently observed, leading to a poor prognosis. Underlying mechanisms of interactions between EOC and peritoneal cells are incompletely understood. This review summarizes and discusses the development of peritoneal carcinomatosis from a cell-biological perspective, focusing on characteristics of EOC and peritoneal cells. We aim to provide insight into how peritoneum facilitates tumor adhesion but limits size of lesions and depth of invasion. The development of peritoneal carcinomatosis is a multistep process that requires adaptations of EOC and peritoneal cells. Mechanisms that enable tumor adhesion and growth involve cadherin restructuring on EOC cells, integrin-mediated adhesion, and mesothelial evasion by mechanical forces driven by integrin-ligand interactions. Clinical trials targeting these mechanisms, however, showed only limited effects. Other factors that inhibit tumor growth and deep invasion are virtually unknown. Future studies are needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms that underlie the development and limited growth of peritoneal carcinomatosis. This review on development of peritoneal carcinomatosis of EOC summarizes the current knowledge and its limitations. Clarification of the stepwise process may inspire future research to investigate new treatment approaches of peritoneal carcinomatosis.
It’s alive in the laboratory of the mind: Frankenstein, thought experiment and facing the future of science
Authors: Gil Steven
Published: November 2017

Science fiction splices actuality, eventuality and imagination into creations that provide novel and sometimes highly influential perspectives on science and society. One of the greatest examples of this is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein – the infamous tale of a man who literally splices dead flesh into a new form and bestows this creation with life. By examining Frankenstein as a thought experiment, this article demonstrates how science fiction can become a commentary on scientific activity, give insight about where science might lead, and provide a resource for discussing and framing new science.
Science fictional doubles: Technologization of the doppelgänger and sinister science in serial science fiction TV
Authors: Mountfort Paul
Published: November 2017

This article focuses on iterations of the double in science fiction television (SFTV) of the 2010s and in particular how four recent series attest to both the increasing technologization of the doppelgänger and concomitant representations of science and scientists as tending towards the sinister. Each of the shows analysed here – Fringe (2008–13), Continuum (2012–15), Äkta människor (Real Humans) (2012–14) and Orphan Black (2014–17) – feature, to varying degrees, doubles of human characters that owe their fictional existence to formative scientific/technological breakthroughs. I will discuss how this recourse to science – including quantum physics, time travel, robotics and genetics – serves to technologize and thus reconfigure the double, while at the same time (re)producing powerful representations of science and scientists that tap into broader cultural memes. These include the archetypal mad scientist, corporatized and militarized science, science driven by utilitarianism and science in service to sinister conspiracy.
Whose ‘science’ is this? – reflections on a 1930s survey of popular science
Authors: LaFollette Marcel Chotkowski
Published: November 2017

For historians of twentieth-century popular science, Watson Davis’ 1939 report, A Survey of the Interpretation of Science to the Public, has long represented a special part of the field’s ‘grey literature’. The report’s analyses appear sophisticated and nuanced. But if the survey analysis was reliable, why had it never been published? The saga of the suppressed report offers insight into how scientists and journalists perceived the role, goals and importance of popularization. The report’s observations about contemporary culture and its statistical analysis of contemporary movies, radio programming, newspapers, magazines and books, preserved in the Smithsonian Institution Archives, are valuable resources for historians.
Análisis de un discurso político : la investidura de Lenin Moreno.
Authors: Minervini Rosaria
Published: November 2017

Este artículo de investigación de tipo descriptivo se propone analizar el discurso que Lenín Moreno pronunció con ocasión de su investidura como Presidente de Ecuador. Los estudios que abordan el análisis del lenguaje político actual en lengua española son copiosos. Sin embargo, el discurso de investidura parece ser uno de los que menos se han estudiado. El análisis del discurso político constituye una herramienta para entender mejor cómo funcionan las instituciones y cómo los políticos interpretan y consideran la realidad social. Por lo tanto, nuestro objetivo es examinar cómo construye su discurso de investidura quien es, hasta la fecha, el último presidente electo de uno de los países que conforman América Latina, abordando tanto sus aspectos lingüísticos como de contenido.
The Cost Analysis of Corrosion Protection Solutions for Steel Components in Terms of the Object Life Cycle Cost
Authors: Kowalski Dariusz , Grzyl Beata , Kristowski Adam
Published: November 2017

Steel materials, due to their numerous advantages - high availability, easiness of processing and possibility of almost any shaping are commonly applied in construction for carrying out basic carrier systems and auxiliary structures. However, the major disadvantage of this material is its high corrosion susceptibility, which depends strictly on the local conditions of the facility and the applied type of corrosion protection system. The paper presents an analysis of life cycle costs of structures installed on bridges used in the road lane conditions. Three anti-corrosion protection systems were considered, analyzing their essential cost components. The possibility of reducing significantly the costs associated with anti-corrosion protection at the stage of steel barriers maintenance over a period of 30 years has been indicated. The possibility of using a new approach based on the life cycle cost estimation in the anti-corrosion protection of steel elements is presented. The relationship between the method of steel barrier protection, the scope of repair, renewal work and costs is shown. The article proposes an optimal solution which, while reducing the cost of maintenance of road infrastructure components in the area of corrosion protection, allows to maintain certain safety standards for steel barriers that are installed on the bridge.
Effect of Organic Substances on the Efficiency of Fe(Ii) to Fe(Iii) Oxidation and Removal of Iron Compounds from Groundwater in the Sedimentation Process
Authors: Krupińska Izabela
Published: November 2017

One of the problems with iron removal from groundwater is organic matter. The article presents the experiments involved groundwater samples with a high concentration of total iron - amounting to 7.20 mgFe/dm3 and an increased amount of organic substances (TOC from 5.50 to 7.50 mgC/dm3). The water samples examined differed in terms of the value of the ratio of the TOC concentration and the concentration of total iron (D). It was concluded that with increase in the coexistence ratio of organic substances and total iron in water (D = [TOC]/[Fetot]), efficiency of Fe(II) to Fe(III) oxidization with dissolved oxygen decreased, while the oxidation time was increasing. This rule was not demonstrated for potassium manganate (VII) when used as an oxidizing agent. The application of potassium manganate (VII) for oxidation of Fe(II) ions produced the better results in terms of total iron concentration reduction in the sedimentation process than the oxidation with dissolved oxygen.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of a Shear Connection Made Using a Top-Hat Profile
Authors: Helbrych Paweł , Major Maciej , Nawrot Jacek
Published: November 2017

The paper proposed a numerical model of a shear connection between a reinforced concrete slab and a steel shape. The connection was made using a top-hat profile. A method for conducting experimental research on shear connections in the composite structures was presented. Geometric dimensions and material parameters of the analysed model of connection, on which the experimental research was conducted, were noted. The results of the conducted experimental research were compared to the results of the numerical analysis performed using ANSYS software. displecement curves were analysed for both cases and any correlation between experimental and numerical results was noted.
The ℳ-projective curvature tensor field on generalized (κ,μ)-paracontact metric manifolds
Authors: Prakasha Doddabhadrappla G. , Fernández Luis M. , Mirji Kakasab
Published: November 2017

We consider generalized

(
κ
,
μ
)

{(\kappa,\mu)}

-paracontact metric manifolds satisfying certain flatness conditions on the

ℳ

{\mathcal{M}}

-projective curvature tensor. Specifically, we study ξ-

ℳ

{\mathcal{M}}

-projectively flat and

ℳ

{\mathcal{M}}

-projectively flat generalized

(
κ
,
μ
)

{(\kappa,\mu)}

-paracontact metric manifolds and, further, ϕ-

ℳ

{\mathcal{M}}

-projectively symmetric generalized

(

κ
≠

-
1

,
μ

)

{(\kappa\neq-1,\mu)}

-paracontact metric manifolds. We prove that they are characterized by certain structures whose properties are discussed in some detail.
Load Model Verification, Validation and Calibration Framework by Statistical Analysis on Field Data
Authors: Jiao Xiangqing , Liao Yuan , Nguyen Thai
Published: November 2017

Accurate load models are critical for power system analysis and operation. A large amount of research work has been done on load modeling. Most of the existing research focuses on developing load models, while little has been done on developing formal load model verification and validation (V&V) methodologies or procedures. Most of the existing load model validation is based on qualitative rather than quantitative analysis. In addition, not all aspects of model V&V problem have been addressed by the existing approaches. To complement the existing methods, this paper proposes a novel load model verification and validation framework that can systematically and more comprehensively examine load model’s effectiveness and accuracy. Statistical analysis, instead of visual check, quantifies the load model’s accuracy, and provides a confidence level of the developed load model for model users. The analysis results can also be used to calibrate load models. The proposed framework can be used as a guidance to systematically examine load models for utility engineers and researchers. The proposed method is demonstrated through analysis of field measurements collected from a utility system.
Microhabitat structure and food availability modelling a small mammal assemblage in restored riparian forest remnants
Authors: Corrêa Matheus R.J. , Bellagamba Yuri M. , Magalhães Adriele P. de , Martins Joice P.V. , Cruz Antônio J. do R. , Kozovitz Alessandra R. , Messias Maria C.T.B. , de Azevedo Cristiano S.
Published: November 2017

Small mammal populations respond to environmental changes in secondary riparian forest remnants in different ways, depending on the influences of biotic and abiotic variables. The present study evaluated how habitat/microhabitat structure and food availability influence small mammal assemblages in restored riparian forest remnants. Pitfall traps disposed in three linear transects were used to collect small mammals during 9 months of field work. General linear models were built to test the hypothesis that microhabitat structure (litter biomass and type – leaves and branches) and food availability (richness of zoochoric tree species and arthropods) influence species richness and abundance of small mammals. Three hundred and eighty-two individuals belonging to 14 species were captured. Biomass and type of litter (leaves or branches) provided greater structural to microhabitats, allowing the coexistence of morphologically similar species. Besides, food availability influenced foraging strategies of marsupials, forcing them to use the forest floor when zoochoric plants were rare. Thus, litter structure and food availability, allowing spatial segregation of the small mammal species using the forest fragments. We concluded that the maintenance of small mammals and their ecosystem services in restored riparian forests are dependent on habitat structure and food availability, thus, litter and zoochoric plants should be conserved in riparian forest fragments, especially those reforested.