bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Highly Efficient Predetection-Based Anticollision Mechanism for Radio-Frequency Identification
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsiung , Liang Chiu-Kuo
Published: March 2018

One of the research areas in radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems is the reduction of the identification processing time for a number of tags within an RFID reader recognition region. In the last decade, many research results regarding anticollision algorithms have been presented in the literature. Most of them are tree-based protocols. However, it is important for tree-based protocols to enhance stability and system throughput, since they may face long identification delays when the network density is high. In this study, we present a highly efficient predetection tree-based algorithm to achieve more efficient tag identification performance. Our proposed mechanism can effectively reduce both collisions and idle cycles by exploiting the predetection technique and adjustable slot size mechanism. The simulation results show that the proposed mechanism can effectively improve tag identification time performance by around 29.9% to 64.8% over previous techniques. Further, the number of query cycles, number of collisions, and total number of slots are reduced compared to previous predetection-based protocols. It is also observed that the proposed scheme can have good performance in large-scale RFID systems.
Network-Based Identification of Altered Stem Cell Pluripotency and Calcium Signaling Pathways in Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Neves de Oliveira Ben-Hur , Dalmaz Carla , Zeidán-Chuliá Fares
Published: March 2018

Malignancy of cancer has been linked to distinct subsets of stem-like cells, the so-called cancer stem cells (CSCs), which persist during treatment and seem to lead to drug-resistant recurrence. Metastatic spread of cancer cells is one of the hallmarks of malignancy and contributes to most human melanoma-related deaths. Recently, overlapping groups of proteins and pathways were shown to regulate stem cell migration and cancer metastasis, raising the question of whether genes/proteins involved in stem cell pluripotency may have important implications when applied to the biology of cancer metastasis. Furthermore, it is well known that ion channels and receptors, particularly those responsible for calcium (Ca2+) signal generation, are critical in determining the cellular fate of stem cells (SCs). In the present study, we searched for evidence of altered stem cell pluripotency and Ca2+ signaling-related genes in the context of melanoma metastasis. We did this by using network analysis of gene expression in tissue biopsies from three different independent datasets of patients. First, we created an in silico network model (“STEMCa” interactome) showing the landscape of interactions between stem cell pluripotency and Ca2+ signaling-related genes/proteins, and demonstrated that around 51% (151 out of 294) of the genes within this model displayed significant changes of expression (False Discovery Rate (FDR), corrected p-value < 0.05) in at least one of the datasets of melanoma metastasis when compared with primary tumor biopsies (controls). Analysis of the properties (degree and betweenness) of the topological network revealed 27 members as the most central hub (HB) and nonhub-bottlenecks (NH-B) among the 294 genes/proteins of the whole interactome. From those representative genes, CTNNB1, GNAQ, GSK3B, GSTP1, MAPK3, PPP1CC, PRKACA, and SMAD4 showed equal up- or downregulation (corrected p-value < 0.05) in at least 2 independent datasets of melanoma metastases samples and PTPN11 showed upregulation (corrected p-value < 0.05) in three of them when compared with control samples. We postulate that altered expression of stem cell pluripotency and Ca2+ signaling pathway-related genes may contribute to the metastatic transformation, with these central members being an optimal candidate group of biomarkers and in silico therapeutic targets for melanoma metastasis, which deserve further investigation.
A Comparative Study of Corrosion Behavior of Hard Anodized and Micro-Arc Oxidation Coatings on 7050 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Shao Lianlian , Li Hongtao , Jiang Bailing , Liu Cancan , Gu Xin , Chen Dichun
Published: March 2018

Two kinds of metal oxide coatings were fabricated on 7050 Al alloy by hard anodization (HA) and micro-arc oxidation (MAO) techniques. The microstructure, phase composition, and corrosion behavior of the two coatings were studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and corrosion tests, respectively. When compared with the HA coating, the MAO one was more effective to isolate the substrate from the corrosive environment. In addition, as confirmed by electrochemical tests, the MAO coating was of better corrosion resistance than the HA coating. Furthermore, it was revealed by neutral salt spray test that the MAO coating could protect substrate alloy over 1140 h, while the HA coating can only protect substrate alloy for 46 h due to the amorphous composition and through thickness defects (micro-pores and micro-cracks).
Coordinated Regulation of Metabolic Transporters and Migration/Invasion by Carbonic Anhydrase IX
Authors: McDonald Paul , Swayampakula Mridula , Dedhar Shoukat
Published: March 2018

Hypoxia is a prominent feature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and cancer cells must dynamically adapt their metabolism to survive in these conditions. A major consequence of metabolic rewiring by cancer cells in hypoxia is the accumulation of acidic metabolites, leading to the perturbation of intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis and increased acidosis in the TME. To mitigate the potentially detrimental consequences of an increasingly hypoxic and acidic TME, cancer cells employ a network of enzymes and transporters to regulate pH, particularly the extracellular facing carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) and CAXII. In addition to the role that these CAs play in the regulation of pH, recent proteome-wide analyses have revealed the presence of a complex CAIX interactome in cancer cells with roles in metabolite transport, tumor cell migration and invasion. Here, we explore the potential contributions of these interactions to the metabolic landscape of tumor cells in hypoxia and discuss the role of CAIX as a hub for the coordinated regulation of metabolic, migratory and invasive processes by cancer cells. We also discuss recent work targeting CAIX activity using highly selective small molecule inhibitors and briefly discuss ongoing clinical trials involving SLC-0111, a lead candidate small molecule inhibitor of CAIX/CAXII.
Monitoring of Non-Ferrous Wear Debris in Hydraulic Oil by Detecting the Equivalent Resistance of Inductive Sensors
Authors: Zeng Lin , Zhang Hongpeng , Wang Qiang , Zhang Xingming
Published: March 2018

Wear debris in hydraulic oil contains important information on the operation of equipment, which is important for condition monitoring and fault diagnosis in mechanical equipment. A micro inductive sensor based on the inductive coulter principle is presented in this work. It consists of a straight micro-channel and a 3-D solenoid coil wound on the micro-channel. Instead of detecting the inductance change of the inductive sensor, the equivalent resistance change of the inductive sensor is detected for non-ferrous particle (copper particle) monitoring. The simulation results show that the resistance change rate caused by the presence of copper particles is greater than the inductance change rate. Copper particles with sizes ranging from 48 μm to 150 μm were used in the experiment, and the experimental results are in good agreement with the simulation results. By detecting the inductive change of the micro inductive sensor, the detection limit of the copper particles only reaches 70 μm. However, the detection limit can be improved to 48 μm by detecting the equivalent resistance of the inductive sensor. The equivalent resistance method was demonstrated to have a higher detection accuracy than conventional inductive detection methods for non-ferrous particle detection in hydraulic oil.
Geochronology and Genesis of the Xitian W-Sn Polymetallic Deposit in Eastern Hunan Province, South China: Evidence from Zircon U-Pb and Muscovite Ar-Ar Dating, Petrochemistry, and Wolframite Sr-Nd-Pb Isotopes
Authors: Cao Jingya , Wu Qianhong , Yang Xiaoyong , Kong Hua , Li Huan , Xi Xiaoshuang , Huang Qianfeng , Liu Biao
Published: March 2018

The recently explored Xitian tungsten-tin (W-Sn) polymetallic ore field, located in Hunan province, South China, is one of the largest ore fields in the Nanling Range (NLR). Two major metallogenic types appeared in this ore field, skarn- and quartz vein-type. They are distributed within Longshang, Heshuxia, Shaiheling, Hejiangkou, Goudalan, and so on. Hydrothermal zircons from two altered granites yielded U-Pb ages of 152.8 ± 1.1 Ma, and 226.0 ± 2.8 Ma, respectively. Two muscovite samples from ore-bearing quartz vein yielded 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages of 156.6 ± 0.7 Ma, 149.5 ± 0.8 Ma, respectively. Combined with the geological evidence, two metallogenic events are proposed in the Xitian ore field, with skarn-type W-Sn mineralization in Late Triassic (Indosinian) and quartz vein/greisen type W-Sn mineralization in Late Jurassic (Yanshanian). The relatively low Ce/Ce* ratios and high Y/Ho ratios in zircons from two altered granites indicate that the hydrothermal fluids of two metallogenic events are characterized by low oxygen fugacities and enrichment in F. The similar chondrite-normalized patterns between the skarn and Xitian Indosinian granites and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions of wolframite suggest that the metal sources for both types W-Sn mineralization are derived from a crustal source.
Transport and Field Emission Properties of MoS2 Bilayers
Authors: Urban Francesca , Passacantando Maurizio , Giubileo Filippo , Iemmo Laura , Di Bartolomeo Antonio
Published: March 2018

We report the electrical characterization and field emission properties of

MoS

2

bilayers deposited on a

SiO

2

/
Si

substrate. Current–voltage characteristics are measured in the back-gate transistor configuration, with

Ti

contacts patterned by electron beam lithography. We confirm the n-type character of as-grown

MoS

2

and we report normally-on field-effect transistors. Local characterization of field emission is performed inside a scanning electron microscope chamber with piezo-controlled tungsten tips working as the anode and the cathode. We demonstrate that an electric field of

~
200
 
V
/
μ
m

is able to extract current from the flat part of

MoS

2

bilayers, which can therefore be conveniently exploited for field emission applications even in low field enhancement configurations. We show that a Fowler–Nordheim model, modified to account for electron confinement in two-dimensional (2D) materials, fully describes the emission process.
The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Smolle Maria , Pichler Martin
Published: March 2018

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute non-protein coding transcripts with a size > than 200 nucleotides. They are involved in many cellular processes, such as chromatin remodelling, transcription, and gene expression. They play a role in the development, progression, and invasion of many human cancers, including osteosarcoma. This rare tumor entity predominantly arises in children and young adults. Treatment consists of polychemotherapy and surgical resection, increasing survival rates up to 60%. In the present review, the role of lncRNAs with prognostic, predictive, therapeutic, and diagnostic significance in osteosarcoma is discussed. Moreover, their potential application in clinical practice is highlighted.
Adherence to Oral Anticancer Medications: Evolving Interprofessional Roles and Pharmacist Workforce Considerations
Authors: Paolella Gennaro , Boyd Andrew , Wirth Scott , Cuellar Sandra , Venepalli Neeta , Crawford Stephanie
Published: March 2018

Interprofessional care is exhibited in outpatient oncology practices where practitioners from a myriad of specialties (e.g., oncology, nursing, pharmacy, health informatics and others) work collectively with patients to enhance therapeutic outcomes and minimize adverse effects. Historically, most ambulatory-based anticancer medication therapies have been administrated in infusion clinics or physician offices. Oral anticancer medications (OAMs) have become increasingly prevalent and preferred by patients for use in residential or other non-clinic settings. Self-administration of OAMs represents a significant shift in the management of cancer care and role responsibilities for patients and clinicians. While patients have a greater sense of empowerment and convenience when taking OAMs, adherence is a greater challenge than with intravenous therapies. This paper proposes use of a qualitative systems evaluation, based on theoretical frameworks for interdisciplinary team collaboration and systems science, to examine the social interactionism involved with the use of intravenous anticancer treatments and OAMs (as treatment technologies) by describing patient, organizational, and social systems considerations in communication, care, control, and context (i.e., Kaplan’s 4Cs). This conceptualization can help the healthcare system prepare for substantial workforce changes in cancer management, including increased utilization of oncology pharmacists.
Multivariate Birnbaum-Saunders Distributions: Modelling and Applications
Authors: Aykroyd Robert , Leiva Víctor , Marchant Carolina
Published: March 2018

Since its origins and numerous applications in material science, the Birnbaum–Saunders family of distributions has now found widespread uses in some areas of the applied sciences such as agriculture, environment and medicine, as well as in quality control, among others. It is able to model varied data behaviour and hence provides a flexible alternative to the most usual distributions. The family includes Birnbaum–Saunders and log-Birnbaum–Saunders distributions in univariate and multivariate versions. There are now well-developed methods for estimation and diagnostics that allow in-depth analyses. This paper gives a detailed review of existing methods and of relevant literature, introducing properties and theoretical results in a systematic way. To emphasise the range of suitable applications, full analyses are included of examples based on regression and diagnostics in material science, spatial data modelling in agricultural engineering and control charts for environmental monitoring. However, potential future uses in new areas such as business, economics, finance and insurance are also discussed. This work is presented to provide a full tool-kit of novel statistical models and methods to encourage other researchers to implement them in these new areas. It is expected that the methods will have the same positive impact in the new areas as they have had elsewhere.
Development and Validation of the Psychological Well-Being Scale for Children (PWB-c)
Authors: Opree Suzanna , Buijzen Moniek , Van Reijmersdal Eva
Published: March 2018

Research into children’s psychological well-being is scarce and fragmented. To be able to study the predictors of children’s psychological well-being and advance the field, a reliable and valid measure is needed. In studies among adults, psychological well-being (PWB) is commonly measured along six dimensions (environmental mastery, personal growth, purpose in life, self-acceptance, autonomy, and positive relations with others) using Ryff’s PWB scale. Because the original scale was too abstract for use among children, we adapted its items to make them suitable for 8- to 12-year-olds. After a successful pretest, we conducted a pilot study (N = 157) and main study (N = 1877) to test the statistical properties of our Psychological Well-Being scale for children (PWB-c). Based on confirmatory factor analysis three versions were developed with, respectively, 24, 12, and 6 items. All versions were tested for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity. We recommend using the 24- or 12-item versions of the scale, because they score high on all three criteria.
Public Participation in Science: The Future and Value of Citizen Science in the Drinking Water Research
Authors: Brouwer Stijn , Van der Wielen Paul , Schriks Merijn , Claassen Maarten , Frijns Jos
Published: March 2018

This paper explores the value of involving citizens in the generation of knowledge in drinking water research. To this end, the significance of the ‘Freshness of Water’ citizen science project on the microbiological stability of drinking water was analyzed, supplemented with a series of expert interviews. In this project, citizens of Amsterdam participated in taking samples from their own kitchen tap and testing the water using test strips. The subsequent monitoring of bacteria revealed that the total number of bacterial species in all of the Amsterdam drinking water samples was high. For the participants, the presence of ten thousands of bacterial species in their drinking water, as well as the interpretation that this is perfectly normal and not a health concern, was obviously new. However, instead of causing concern or worry, this transparency clearly functioned as a strong confidence-inducing signal. A majority of the citizen scientists state that, as a result of their participation, their confidence in the quality of drinking water and the water company has increased. This study suggests that citizen science can raise the participant’s water awareness and that, with the appropriate support, non-professionals can make a valuable contribution to scientific drinking water research.
Effectiveness of a Natural Headwater Wetland for Reducing Agricultural Nitrogen Loads
Authors: Uuemaa Evelyn , Palliser Chris , Hughes Andrew , Tanner Chris
Published: March 2018

Natural wetlands can play a key role in controlling non-point source pollution, but quantifying their capacity to reduce contaminant loads is often challenging due to diffuse and variable inflows. The nitrogen removal performance of a small natural headwater wetland in a pastoral agricultural catchment in Waikato, New Zealand was assessed over a two-year period (2011–2013). Flow and water quality samples were collected at the wetland upper and lower locations, and piezometers sampled inside and outside the wetland. A simple dynamic model operating on an hourly time step was used to assess wetland removal performance for key N species. Hourly measurements of inflow, outflow, rainfall and Penman-Monteith evapotranspiration estimates were used to calculate dynamic water balance for the wetland. A dynamic N mass balance was calculated for each N component by coupling influent concentrations to the dynamic water balance and applying a first order areal removal coefficient (k20) adjusted to the ambient temperature. Flow and water quality monitoring showed that wetland was mainly groundwater fed. The concentrations of oxidised nitrogen (NOx-N, Total Organic Nitrogen (TON) and Total-N (TN) were lower at the outlet of the wetland regardless of flow conditions or seasonality, even during winter storms. The model estimation showed that the wetland could reduce net NOx-N, NH4-N, TON and TN loads by 76%, 73%, 26% and 57%, respectively.
Sensitivity Analysis for the Inverted Siphon in a Long Distance Water Transfer Project: An Integrated System Modeling Perspective
Authors: Jin Sifan , Liu Haixing , Ding Wei , Shang Hua , Wang Guoli
Published: March 2018

Long distance water diversion projects are developed to alleviate the conflicts between supply and demand of water resources across different watersheds. However, the significant scale water diversion projects bring new challenges for the water supply security. This paper presents the flood risk of inverted siphon structure which is used for crossing transversally in the water diversion project through sensitivity analysis. Soboĺ and regionalized sensitivity analysis are used to investigate the sensitive parameters of the integrated model and the sensitive range of the parameters, respectively. The integrated system model consists of the hydrologic model, the sediment transport model and the siphon hydraulic model to determine the flood overtopping duration and volume, which are used to quantify flood risk in this study. The flood overtopping duration and volume indicators are used to quantify flood risk in the sensitivity analysis. The South to North Water Diversion Project in China is used as a case study. The results show the mean rainfall and roughness coefficient of the pipe are the most sensitive parameters in the integrated models, while the sensitive range of these two parameters are distinct. The sensitivity analysis of the inverted siphon provides an insight into the significant contributions to the flood risk. The analysis can provide the guidance for the system operation security.
The Role of Women in Tijāniya: From Three Oromo Religious Centers in Western Ethiopia / Le rôle des femmes dans l’ordre Tijāniya à partir de l’étude de trois centres religieux oromo dans l’Ouest de l’Éthiopie
Authors: Ishihara Minako
Published: March 2018

This article is about how women take part in the Islamic mystical (Sufi) order named Tijāniya. Basically in Ethiopia, Muslim women are generally regarded as secondary in gaining access to religious education, thus, few women take the mystical license to perform the Tijānī rituals and become a Tijānī disciple in Ethiopia. However, this fact does not indicate that women are excluded from any kind of Sufi activities. The focal person is Al-Fakī Ahmad Umar (d. 1953), a renowned Tijānī shaykh (Sufi master) from Bornu (of present northern Nigeria), venerated as walī (saint) mainly in western Ethiopia. In this article, a comparison is made of three religious centers of Tijāniya in western Ethiopia, where Al-Fakī Ahmad Umar took up residence during his lifetime. The comparison shows how Muslim women, as adherents of the Tijānī master, contribute to expanding the Tijānī community by chanting the Tijānī litany, Salāt al -Fātih in religious ceremonies.
Comboni Missionary Sisters in Eritrea (1914-2014) / Les Soeurs missionnaires comboniennes en Érythrée (1914-2014)
Authors: Fusari Valentina
Published: March 2018

This article aims at presenting the missionary population belonging to the Comboni Missionary Sisters who served in Eritrea between 1914 and 2014 . The choice of this congregation is due to the quality and reliability of available data found in the Comboni Missionary Sisters’ Private Archives (Verona and Asmara); to their weight in terms of number and activities (health, education, social works) carried out in Eritrea; to the possibility of including a gender perspective in the analysis, and applying the ethnodemographic method. Furthermore, the founder Daniele Comboni’s thought about the importance of female missionaries in implementing his idea of “reconstructing Africa through Africans” opened new opportunities for the missionaries themselves. Thus the CMS missionary experience is contextualized in the socio-political and cultural environment in which it took place, underlining the transition from colonial actors to postcolonial subjects. The main challenge of this article is to outline the demographic history of Italian CMS in Eritrea, highlighting their specificities in terms of mobility, age at arrival, mortality and morbidity.
Figures féminines chrétiennes, exaltation de la dignité de roi et participation politique des reines (Éthiopie, XVe-XVIIIe siècle) / Christian Female Figures, Exaltation of the King’s Dignity and Political Involvement of the Queens (Ethiopia, 15th-18th centuries)
Authors: Herman Margaux
Published: March 2018

During the 15th century, two kings, Dāwit (1379/80-1413) and his fourth son Zar’a Ya’eqob (1434-1468), promoted the cult of two Christian female figures to legitimize their religious policies and to exalt their own image within the monarchy. Spotlighted were the historical Queen Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine (272-237), and the biblical Virgin Mary. To justify their increasing involvement within religious affairs, the kings associated their own persons and images with these two feminine characters so as to enhance the sacral dimension of their power. In parallel, they organized and imposed the cults of these women by translating a variety of texts, dedicating to them holy days within the synaxarium, and developing an iconography to give visual support to these new devotions. I argue that one of the consequences of this was to enable, or at least to accompany, female political participation. At the end of the 15th century, the principle of regency was introduced. During the 16th century, queens were regents, they started to build royal churches, the new rank of itēgē was created to replace the old system of the queens’ titulary, and they become advisers to the king or protectors of the clergy. In parallel, their descriptions within the royal chronicles are increasingly linked with Helena and Mary. Hence, queens started to be integrated into the representation of the royal power and family. During the 17th century, they were represented as Mary within the royal and religious iconography. These analogies became the model for representation of the queen’s rank. In the middle of the 18th century, this archetype reached its climax with queen-itēgē Mentewwāb. Twice regent for her son and grandson, she ruled the country for almost half a century. In order to do so, she developed around her a strong propaganda, appearing as Mary and as Helena, as a queen in her own right, and as the true sovereign of the kingdom thereby de facto supplanting the ruling king.
Procaine Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Colon Cancer Cells Through Inactivation of the ERK/MAPK/FAK Pathways by Regulation of RhoA
Authors: Li Chang , Gao Shuohui , Li Xiaoping , Li Chang , Ma Lianjun
Published: March 2018

Colon cancer is one of the most lethal varieties of cancer. Chemotherapy remains as one of the principal treatment approaches for colon cancer. The anticancer activity of procaine (PCA), which is a local anesthetic drug, has been explored in different studies. In our study, we aimed
to explore the anticancer effect of PCA on colon cancer and its underlying mechanism. The results showed that PCA significantly inhibited cell viability, increased the percentage of apoptotic cells, and decreased the expression level of RhoA in HCT116 cells in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05
or p < 0.01). Moreover, PCA increased the proportion of HCT116 cells in the G1 phase as well as downregulated cyclin D1 and cyclin E expressions (p < 0.05). In addition, we found that PCA remarkably inhibited cell migration in HCT116
cells (p < 0.01). However, all these effects of PCA on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration were significantly reversed by PCA + pc-RhoA (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). PCA also significantly decreased the
levels of p-ERK, p-p38MAPK, and p-FAK, but PCA + pc-RhoA rescued these effects. Furthermore, the ERK inhibitor (PD098059), p38MAPK inhibitor (SB203580), and FAK inhibitor (Y15) reversed these results. These data indicate that PCA inhibited cell proliferation and migration but
promoted apoptosis as well as inactivated the ERK/MAPK/FAK pathways by regulation of RhoA in HCT116 cells.
An erratum for this article has been published in Oncology Research, Volume 28, Number 6, pp.675-679 (https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/cog/or/2021/00000028/00000006/art00009). Note that an updated article PDF will be delivered from this page further to the issuing of the erratum.
ERRATUM
Authors: Mini Enrico , Landini Ida , Lucarini Laura , Lapucci Andrea , Napoli Cristina , Perrone Gabriele , Tassi Renato , Masini Emanuela , Moroni Flavio , Nobili Stefania
Published: March 2018

The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes play a key role in the regulation of cellular processes (e.g., DNA damage repair, genomic stability). It has been shown that PARP inhibitors (PARPIs) are selectively cytotoxic against cells having dysfunctions in genes involved in DNA repair
mechanisms (synthetic lethality). Drug-induced PARP inhibition potentiates the activity of anticancer drugs such as 5-fluorouracil in enhancing DNA damage, whose repair involves PARP-1 activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of a novel PARPI, HYDAMTIQ, on growth
in human tumor cell lines characterized by different features with regard to DNA damage response pathways (BRCA mutational status, microsatellite status, and ATM expression level) and degree of sensitivity/resistance to 5-fluorouracil. HYDAMTIQ showed a more potent inhibitory effect
on cell growth in a BRCA2 mutant cell line (CAPAN-1) compared with wild-type cells (C2-6, C2-12, and C2-14 CAPAN-1 clones, and MCF-7). No statistically significant difference was observed after HYDAMTIQ exposure between cells having a different MS status or a different MRE11 mutational
status. HYDAMTIQ induced greater antiproliferative effects in SW620 cells expressing a low level of ATM than in H630 cells expressing a high level of ATM. Finally, the combination of HYDAMTIQ and 5-fluorouracil exerted a synergistic effect on the inhibition of SW620 cell growth and an antagonistic
effect on that of H630 cell growth. Our results show that the novel PARP inhibitor HYDAMTIQ potently inhibits the growth of human tumor cells with defective DNA damage response pathways and exerts synergistic cytotoxicity in combination with 5-fluorouracil. These data provide relevant examples of synthetic lethality and evidence for further development of this novel PARPI.
Towards the third dimension in direct electron beam writing of silver
Authors: Höflich Katja , Jurczyk Jakub Mateusz , Madajska Katarzyna , Götz Maximilian , Berger Luisa , Guerra-Nuñez Carlos , Haverkamp Caspar , Szymanska Iwona , Utke Ivo
Published: March 2018

Carboxylates constitute an extremely promising class of precursor compounds for the electron beam induced deposition of silver. In this work both silver 2,2-dimethylbutyrate and silver pentafluoropropionate were investigated with respect to their dwell-time-dependent deposition behavior and growth characteristics. While silver 2,2-dimethylbutyrate showed a strong depletion in the center of the impinging electron beam profile hindering any vertical growth, silver pentafluoropropionate indicated a pronounced dependency of the deposit height on the dwell time. Truly three-dimensional silver structures could be realized with silver pentafluoropropionate. The pillars were polycrystalline with silver contents of more than 50 atom % and exhibit strong Raman enhancement. This constitutes a promising route towards the direct electron beam writing of three-dimensional plasmonic device parts from the gas phase.
The construction client satisfaction model: a PLS-SEM approach
Authors: DURDYEV Serdar , IHTIYAR Ali , BANAITIS Audrius , THURNELL Derek
Published: March 2018

The satisfaction of the client is of utmost importance in procuring future projects; however, anecdotally client satisfaction (CS) is not adequately considered in many developing countries. Factors associated with the influence of service quality (SQ) on construction client satisfaction and how it affects their behavioural intentions in Cambodia are investigated. A theoretical structural model was developed to investigate the influence of five SQ factors on CS and their links to the future behavioural intentions of the client. A partial least square approach of the structural equation modelling technique (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyse data collected from a questionnaire survey of 227 participants comprising the clients of small and medium size projects. The structural model adapts 22 attributes across five SQ factors, namely: reliability; responsiveness; assurance; empathy, and tangible factors. PLS-SEM outcomes confirmed that the future behavioural intentions of the client are influenced by their satisfaction over the service excellence provided by construction companies. Moreover, treating every client individually and demonstrating an approachable attitude towards their needs will increase their satisfaction with the experience they had with a contractor. Findings and recommendations of the study may be useful to construction companies who are seeking ways to improve CS in developing countries.
Implications of Global Mental Health for Addressing Health Disparities in High-Income Countries
Authors: Fiskin Anna , Miglani Megha , Buzza Colin
Published: March 2018

The fields of cultural psychiatry and global mental health have distinct lineages but share domains of interest. The movement for global mental health has been successful in making mental health a priority in global health and securing grants to study interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Lessons learned from global mental health efforts in LMICs are relevant to addressing health disparities and improving care for vulnerable populations in high-income countries. These interventions stress community collaboration in designing and delivering mental health care, integration of mental health into primary care settings, and engagement of trained and supervised nonspecialist health workers in care delivery. The framework of structural competence provides a path forward for psychiatry to collaborate with community organizations to adapt global interventions to local settings.

[
Psychiatr Ann.
2018;48(3):149–153.]
Health Literacy and Plan Choice: Implications for Medicare Managed Care
Authors: Braun Robert T. , Barnes Andrew J. , Hanoch Yaniv , Federman Alex D.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Older adults with inadequate health literacy may have difficulty selecting optimal coverage when faced with multiple health insurance plans to choose from.

Objective:

This study sought to examine how health literacy affects which Medicare Advantage plans seniors select.

Methods:

We surveyed 311 Medicare beneficiaries who did not have concurrent Medicaid coverage. Participants chose from three Medicare Advantage plans: (1) lower-premium, less coverage; (2) higher-premium, more coverage; and (3) an intermediate option. Adjusted associations between health literacy, plan choice, and the importance of plan attributes in decision-making were tested using ordered and multinomial logistic regressions.

Key Results:

Beneficiaries with inadequate health literacy chose the lower-premium, less coverage plan over the higher-premium, more coverage option compared to beneficiaries with adequate health literacy (
p
< .05) perhaps because participants with inadequate health literacy tended to rank the importance of plan attributes differently than those with adequate health literacy (
p
< .05).

Conclusions:

This evidence suggests there may be a disconnect among those with inadequate health literacy between attributes that were ranked as important and the plans they chose, resulting in choices that are not consistent with their preferences. Beneficiaries with inadequate health literacy may be at increased risk of selecting plans that do not meet their health needs, resulting in reduced access and higher costs. Medicare and consumer groups should support interventions to raise literacy levels and those that reduce the reliance on literacy when plan shopping.

[
HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2018;2(1):e40–e54.]

Plain Language Summary:

We examined how health literacy affects seniors' choice of Medicare Advantage plans. Results indicate that beneficiaries with inadequate health literacy chose the lower-premium, less coverage plan over the higher-premium, more coverage option compared to beneficiaries with adequate health literacy. Beneficiaries with inadequate health literacy tended to rank the importance of plan attributes differently than those with adequate health literacy.
Logique, mathématiques, langue universelle
Authors: Couturat Louis
Published: March 2018

Ce volume regroupe trente-neuf articles publiés entre 1893 et 1917 par le philosophe de la logique, des mathématiques et du langage que fut Louis Couturat (1868-1914). Ces articles, publiés pendant dans diverses revues, en particulier dans la Revue de métaphysique et de morale, sont ici rassemblés pour la première fois.

Ils portent essentiellement sur la logique, la philosophie des mathématiques et celle du langage sous l’angle de la langue universelle. Ils illustrent aussi la vigueur du lien entre sciences et philosophie à cette époque.

Ce volume n’est pas seulement intéressant pour mieux comprendre les thèses rationalistes que défendit Couturat au tournant des XIXe et XXe siècles, alors que le logicisme d’un côté, le bergsonisme de l’autre, semblaient transformer totalement la philosophie. Il fournit également un nouvel éclairage sur le mouvement des idées à la veille de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, alors que la Société française de philosophie était créée et qu’étaient organisés les premiers Congrès internationaux rassemblant des savants par-delà les frontières.
Correlation between flexibility and muscular power in vertical jumps in women practitioners handball and weight lifters
Authors: Barbosa Igor Martins , Rosa Hyago Bernardes da , Santos Lucas Souza , Prusch Samuel Klippel , Oliveira Vinicius Da Silva Lessa de , Lemos Luiz Fernando Cuozzo
Published: March 2018

The present study has the objective to correlate the variables of flexibility and muscle power present in the vertical jumps, through tests done with female individuals, performing analyzes about two groups: Handball players (HG); weight lifters (WL). Initially, the protocol consisted on the performing of the flexibility test at Wells Bank. Subsequently, the jump test was performed, using the Counter movement jump (CMJ) and Squat jump (SJ). About the study groups, it can be observed that they have similar physical characteristics, but practice times (HG = 9.25 ± 3.28  versus WL = 1.85 ± 1.47 years) and weekly hours of activities (HG = 3.33 ± 1.23 versus WL = 5.29 ± 1.81 hours) were distinct. In the execution of SJ for HG, a high correlation was presented for all variables (Height 0.615; Power 0.718; Standard power 0.618). It also presented a high correlation in the non-normalized power (0.688) in CMJ. WL did not present a significant correlation for any of the variables. Based on the findings of the present study, jump test results have correlation with variables of flexibility, muscle power and handball players. However, there is no correlation for any variable for weight lifters.
Cytopathologist-performed and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology enhances diagnostic accuracy and avoids pitfalls: An overview of 20 years of personal experience with a selection of didactic cases
Authors: Paksoy Nadir , Ozbek Busra
Published: March 2018

Over the last few decades, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNA) has emerged as a SAFE (Simple, Accurate, Fast, Economical) diagnostic tool based on the morphologic evaluation of cells. The first and most important step in obtaining accurate results from FNA is to procure sufficient and representative material from the lesion and to appropriately transfer this material to the laboratory. Unfortunately, the most important aspect of this task occurs beyond the control of the cytopathologist, a key reason for obtaining unsatisfactory results with FNA. There is growing interest in the field of cytology in “cytopathologist-performed ultrasound (US)-guided FNA,” which has been reported to yield accurate results. The first author has been applying FNA in his own private cytopathology practice with a radiologist and under the guidance of US for more than 20 years. This study retrospectively reviews the utility of this practice. We present a selection of didactic examples under different headings that highlight the application of FNA by a cytopathologist, accompanied by US, under the guidance of a radiologist, in the form of an “outpatient FNA clinic.” The use of this technique enhances diagnostic accuracy and prevents pitfalls. The highlights of each case are also outlined as “take-home messages.”
Planning community-based intervention for speech for children with cleft lip and palate from rural South India: A needs assessment
Authors: Balasubramaniyan Subramaniyan , Raghunathan Vaidyanathan , Rajashekhar B. , Sathiyasekaran B. W. C. , Nagarajan Roopa
Published: March 2018

Background and Aim: A community-based rehabilitation programme, Sri Ramachandra University-Transforming Faces project, was initiated to provide comprehensive management of communication disorders in individuals with CLP in two districts in Tamil Nadu, India. This community-based programme aims to integrate hospital-based services with the community-based initiatives and to enable long-term care. The programme was initiated in Thiruvannamalai (2005) district and extended to Cuddalore (2011). The aim of this study was to identify needs related to speech among children with CLP, enroled in the above community-based programme in two districts in Tamil Nadu, India. Design: This was a cross–sectional study. Participants and Setting: Ten camps were conducted specifically for speech assessments in two districts over a 12-month period. Two hundred and seventeen individuals (116 males and 101 females) >3 years of age reported to the camps. Methods: Investigator (SLP) collected data using the speech protocol of the cleft and craniofacial centre. Descriptive analysis and profiling of speech samples were carried out and reported using universal protocol for reporting speech outcomes. Fleiss’ Kappa test was used to estimate inter-rater reliability. Results: In this study, inter-rater reliability between three evaluators revealed good agreement for the parameters: resonance, articulatory errors and voice disorder. About 83.8% (n = 151/180) of the participants demonstrated errors in articulation and 69% (n = 124/180) exhibited abnormal resonance. Velopharyngeal port functioning assessment was completed for 55/124 participants. Conclusion: This study allows us to capture a “snapshot” of children with CLP, living in a specific geographical location, and assist in planning intervention programmes.
A study the various clinical and electrophysiological parameters of severity of carpal tunnel syndrome, their correlation with post-operative recovery
Authors: Nehete Sushil Ramesh , Raut Binita B. , Hiremath Amita S. , Thatte R. Mukund
Published: March 2018

Objective: We aimed to study the various clinical and electrophysiological parameters of severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and to see if the severity of CTS affects recovery after surgery. Patients and Methods: A prospective study of 35 patients suffering from CTS. Clinical severity was assessed using visual analogue scale and standard questionnaires such as Levine and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaires. All the patients underwent electrophysiological evaluation to assess electrophysiological severity of CTS. According to modified Padua classification, they were classified into three groups, namely, minimal to mild, moderate and severe to extreme. All patients underwent Carpal tunnel release in our unit. The clinical assessment was repeated 3 months post-operatively. Results: Out of 33 patients, majority (65.7%) of the patients were suffering from moderately severe CTS. The clinical provocative tests were positive in majority of patients. Clinically and statistically significant (P < 0.001) improvement was seen in all clinical severity scores. However, it did not show any statistical correlation with electrophysiological severity of the disease when compared among the groups. There was no association of age, gender of the patient, body mass index, hand dominance, affected side of the patient, results of provocative tests and the presence or absence of thenar muscle atrophy when compared among the three severity groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Although pre-operative clinical scores of severity and electrophysiology have a diagnostic role in CTS, they do not correlate with post-operative recovery and in turn fail to predict the extent of post-operative recovery before surgery.
Ad hoc posterior tibial vessels perforator propeller flaps for the reconstruction of lower third leg soft- tissue defects
Authors: Balakrishnan Thalaivirithan Margabandu , Ramkumar Jayagosh , Jaganmohan Janardhanan
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Lower third leg soft tissue defects with anatomical and pathological constraints are posing formidable challenges to reconstructive surgeon. Aim: This retrospective study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of ad hoc posterior tibial vessels perforator-propeller flaps for the reconstruction of small and medium sized soft tissue defects in the lower third leg. Patients and Methods: 22 patients (16 were males and 6 were females) were involved in this study between period of January 2012 and December 2016. We followed the protocol of initial non delineating exploratory incision made to find out single best perforator in all patients. All the defects in leg reconstructed with adhoc posterior tibial vessel propeller flaps. Results: All 22 flaps survived well. All in an average of 13 months follow up period, had pain free walking, with minimal scarring and acceptable aesthesis at the reconstruction sites with no need for any secondary procedure. Conclusion: With inability of preoperatively dopplering the perforators in the lower third leg region, the exploratory posterior nondelineating incision was used in all cases to secure the single best perforator for the propeller flaps. Thus adhoc posterior tibial vessel propeller flaps are dependable, easily adoptable for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the lower third leg region.
A comprehensive functional classification of cleft hand: The DAST concept
Authors: Sharma Alok , Sharma Namita
Published: March 2018

Context: Phenotypic expressions of the congenital cleft hand are variable and might baffle even the experienced as to the choice of surgery. The morphological parameters defining the anomaly dictate not only the functional capacity of the anomalous hand but also the degree of possible surgical restoration. Despite a large number of classifying systems available, none encompass all the relevant issues. Aims: The purpose of this work is to present an all-inclusive and universally acceptable classification of the deformity which would graphically represent the entire gamut of possible presentations; principal and associated. Furthermore, based on such staging, the choice of surgical procedure and the stages of surgical intervention can be standardised to ensure the best results for the patient. Patients and Methods: This study is based on a series of 27 patients with a total of 38 cleft hands. Results and Conclusions: The necessity to include and to assess all determinants of function and complexity in these hands to standardise the choice of management, gave rise to the DAST system of classification; an acronym for all the morphological determinants of the anomaly (D = Digits missing, A = Associated anomalies in the hand, S = Site of cleft, T = Functional state of the Thumb). Numerical values were assigned to each component in increasing order of complexity. Score for each determinant as well as the aggregate score indicates the degree of complexity in a graphic manner. The DAST classification has a predictive value in choice of procedure and prognosticating surgical outcomes.