bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Liquid-Free, Piezoresistive, SOI-Based Pressure Sensors for Measurements in Harsh Environments
Authors: Ngo Ha-Duong , Mukhopadhyay Biswaijit , Ehrmann Oswin , Lang Klaus-Dieter
Published: August 2015

In this paper we present and discuss two innovative liquid-free SOI sensors for pressure measurements in harsh environments. The sensors are capable of measuring pressures at high temperatures. In both concepts media separation is realized using a steel membrane. The two concepts represent two different strategies for packaging of devices for use in harsh environments and at high temperatures. The first one is a “one-sensor-one-packaging_technology” concept. The second one uses a standard flip-chip bonding technique. The first sensor is a “floating-concept”, capable of measuring pressures at temperatures up to 400 °C (constant load) with an accuracy of 0.25% Full Scale Output (FSO). A push rod (mounted onto the steel membrane) transfers the applied pressure directly to the center-boss membrane of the SOI-chip, which is placed on a ceramic carrier. The chip membrane is realized by Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE or Bosch Process). A novel propertied chip housing employing a sliding sensor chip that is fixed during packaging by mechanical preloading via the push rod is used, thereby avoiding chip movement, and ensuring optimal push rod load transmission. The second sensor can be used up to 350 °C. The SOI chips consists of a beam with an integrated centre-boss with was realized using KOH structuring and DRIE. The SOI chip is not “floating” but bonded by using flip-chip technology. The fabricated SOI sensor chip has a bridge resistance of 3250 Ω. The realized sensor chip has a sensitivity of 18 mV/µm measured using a bridge current of 1 mA.
An Autonomous Self-Aware and Adaptive Fault Tolerant Routing Technique for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Abba Sani , Lee Jeong-A
Published: August 2015

We propose an autonomous self-aware and adaptive fault-tolerant routing technique (ASAART) for wireless sensor networks. We address the limitations of self-healing routing (SHR) and self-selective routing (SSR) techniques for routing sensor data. We also examine the integration of autonomic self-aware and adaptive fault detection and resiliency techniques for route formation and route repair to provide resilience to errors and failures. We achieved this by using a combined continuous and slotted prioritized transmission back-off delay to obtain local and global network state information, as well as multiple random functions for attaining faster routing convergence and reliable route repair despite transient and permanent node failure rates and efficient adaptation to instantaneous network topology changes. The results of simulations based on a comparison of the ASAART with the SHR and SSR protocols for five different simulated scenarios in the presence of transient and permanent node failure rates exhibit a greater resiliency to errors and failure and better routing performance in terms of the number of successfully delivered network packets, end-to-end delay, delivered MAC layer packets, packet error rate, as well as efficient energy conservation in a highly congested, faulty, and scalable sensor network.
Community and the Long Shadow of the Analytic: Rieffian Pessimism in Social Thought
Authors: McMylor Peter
Published: August 2015

This paper sets out to explore the thinking and the direct and often indirect influence of the social theorist Philip Rieff on later generations of social theorists, especially in regard to the key sociological concept of community. It is argued that the work of this culturally-conservative social theorist has had a powerful, if somewhat shadowy, influence on such key radical critics of modern societies such as Christopher Lasch and Richard Sennett, revealing the need to acknowledge the significant resources of a Rieffian cultural sociology for critical thought.
Assessment and Evolution of the Sustainable Development Ability of Human–Ocean Systems in Coastal Regions of China
Authors: Sun Caizhi , Zhang Kunling , Zou Wei , Li Bin , Qin Xionghe
Published: August 2015

The oceans are a crucial source of natural resources for human development, as productive terrestrial resources increasingly reach their limits of economic and ecological exploitation. With increasing human impact on oceans, it is vital to maintain a sustainable human–ocean relationship. We present an indicator system and information entropy model to assess the evolution of human–ocean systems (HOSs) according to the dissipative structure theory. Sustainable development ability (SDA) scores for HOSs are calculated based on the combination-weighting model. Finally, the Richards model is used to depict the HOSs’ evolution states and periods in different coastal regions of China. The assessment indicates that total entropy is undergoing a process of negentropy; and that order degrees of HOSs are gradually improving. The results also suggest that the sustainable development levels of HOSs are continuously improving. The different coastal regions showed notable disparities of SDA and evolutionary processes, due to a differing resource base, environmental carrying capacity, and socio-economic development. Different limiting factors should determine regional policies for enhancing the SDA process; the key to sustainable development of HOS is achieving a balance between the exploitation of ocean resources for socio-economic development and conserving ecosystem services that are critical to wellbeing and livelihoods.
Energy Retrofit Strategies for Residential Building Envelopes: An Italian Case Study of an Early-50s Building
Authors: Evangelisti Luca , Guattari Claudia , Gori Paola
Published: August 2015

During the last few years, the issues of energy efficiency and energy saving have dominated the buildings research field. New constructions are based on efficient design and, because of this, the real challenge is to retrofit existing buildings. Italian standards impose thermal transmittance limits for opaque and transparent surfaces, according to the climatic area. In order to understand buildings’ energy behavior, an accurate analysis, carried out by employing advanced calculation codes and instrumental diagnosis—provided by the use of heat flow meter, surface temperature probes and thermal imaging camera—is needed. In this paper, a structure built in the 50 s has been analyzed, by means of a measurement campaign, to investigate the building’s characteristics and its vulnerability. Finally, some retrofit hypotheses have been evaluated by means of a well-known dynamic code. All investments have to be analyzed under a financial point of view, considering materials and installation costs. For this reason, the payback time has been calculated in order to understand how quickly the energy upgrading can be repaid.
Seasonal and Diurnal Thermal Performance of a Subtropical Extensive Green Roof: The Impacts of Background Weather Parameters
Authors: Peng Lilliana , Jim C.
Published: August 2015

Most studies explored green-roof thermal effects on a few hot summer days based on short-term monitoring data. Few studies investigated the seasonal and diurnal patterns of thermal performance and associated weather effects. This research aims to address the following two questions: (1) how green-roof thermal performance varies with different season and time; and (2) to what extent can thermal performance be predicted by background weather parameters? A retrofitted extensive green roof was established on the top of a railway station in subtropical Hong Kong. Monitoring data covering a two-year period, one year before roof greening and one year after, were collected and analyzed. Results indicated notable seasonal and diurnal patterns of green-roof thermal performance. It exhibited cooling effects in spring, summer and fall, but warming effects in winter. The cooling effects were more pronounced in summer than spring and fall, on sunny days than rainy and cloudy days, and in nighttime than daytime. Air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and soil moisture could explain 83.6%–86% of the thermal effects’ variation. The multiple-regression models based on the five weather variables established in this study provide an uncomplicated and direct approach to predict the thermal performance of similar extensive green roofs in subtropical areas.
Exploring Gamification Techniques and Applications for Sustainable Tourism
Authors: Negruşa Adina , Toader Valentin , Sofică Aurelian , Tutunea Mihaela , Rus Rozalia
Published: August 2015

Tourism is perceived as an appropriate solution for pursuing sustainable economic growth due to its main characteristics. In the context of sustainable tourism, gamification can act as an interface between tourists (clients), organisations (companies, NGOs, public institutions) and community, an interface built in a responsible and ethical way. The main objective of this study is to identify gamification techniques and applications used by organisations in the hospitality and tourism industry to improve their sustainable activities. The first part of the paper examines the relationship between gamification and sustainability, highlighting the links between these two concepts. The second part identifies success stories of gamification applied in hospitality and tourism and reviews gamification benefits by analysing the relationship between tourism organisations and three main tourism stakeholders: tourists, tourism employees and local community. The analysis is made in connection with the main pillars of sustainability: economic, social and environmental. This study is positioning the role of gamification in the tourism and hospitality industry and further, into the larger context of sustainable development.
Quantitative Decision Making Model for Carbon Reduction in Road Construction Projects Using Green Technologies
Authors: Jang Woosik , You Hyun-Woo , Han Seung
Published: August 2015

Numerous countries have established policies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and have suggested goals pertaining to these reductions. To reach the target reduction amounts, studies on the reduction of carbon emissions have been conducted with regard to all stages and processes in construction projects. According to a study on carbon emissions, the carbon emissions generated during the construction stage of road projects account for approximately 76 to 86% of the total carbon emissions, far exceeding the other stages, such as maintenance or demolition. Therefore, this study aims to develop a quantitative decision making model that supports the application of green technologies (GTs) to reduce carbon emissions during the construction stage of road construction projects. First, the authors selected environmental soundness, economic feasibility and constructability as the key assessment indices for evaluating 20 GTs. Second, a fuzzy set/qualitative comparative analysis (FS/QCA) was used to establish an objective decision-making model for the assessment of both the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the key indices. To support the developed model, an expert survey was performed to assess the applicability of each GT from a practical perspective, which was verified with a case study using two additional GTs. The proposed model is expected to support practitioners in the application of suitable GTs to road projects and reduce carbon emissions, resulting in better decision making during road construction projects.
G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Next Generation Therapeutic Targets in Head and Neck Cancer?
Authors: Kanazawa Takeharu , Misawa Kiyoshi , Misawa Yuki , Uehara Takayuki , Fukushima Hirofumi , Kusaka Gen , Maruta Mikiko , Carey Thomas
Published: August 2015

Therapeutic outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is poor in most advanced cases. To improve therapeutic efficiency, novel therapeutic targets and prognostic factors must be discovered. Our studies have identified several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as promising candidates. Significant epigenetic silencing of GPCR expression occurs in HNSCC compared with normal tissue, and is significantly correlated with clinical behavior. Together with the finding that GPCR activity can suppress tumor cell growth, this indicates that GPCR expression has potential utility as a prognostic factor. In this review, we discuss the roles that galanin receptor type 1 (GALR1) and type 2 (GALR2), tachykinin receptor type 1 (TACR1), and somatostatin receptor type 1 (SST1) play in HNSCC. GALR1 inhibits proliferation of HNSCC cells though ERK1/2-mediated effects on cell cycle control proteins such as p27, p57, and cyclin D1, whereas GALR2 inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in HNSCC cells. Hypermethylation of GALR1, GALR2, TACR1, and SST1 is associated with significantly reduced disease-free survival and a higher recurrence rate. Although their overall activities varies, each of these GPCRs has value as both a prognostic factor and a therapeutic target. These data indicate that further study of GPCRs is a promising strategy that will enrich pharmacogenomics and prognostic research in HNSCC.
Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Different Toxigenic and Atoxigenic Isolates of Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Fountain Jake , Scully Brian , Chen Zhi-Yuan , Gold Scott , Glenn Anthony , Abbas Hamed , Lee R. , Kemerait Robert , Guo Baozhu
Published: August 2015

Drought stress in the field has been shown to exacerbate aflatoxin contamination of maize and peanut. Drought and heat stress also produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant tissues. Given the potential correlation between ROS and exacerbated aflatoxin production under drought and heat stress, the objectives of this study were to examine the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress on the growth of different toxigenic (+) and atoxigenic (−) isolates of Aspergillus flavus and to test whether aflatoxin production affects the H2O2 concentrations that the isolates could survive. Ten isolates were tested: NRRL3357 (+), A9 (+), AF13 (+), Tox4 (+), A1 (−), K49 (−), K54A (−), AF36 (−), and Aflaguard (−); and one A. parasiticus isolate, NRRL2999 (+). These isolates were cultured under a H2O2 gradient ranging from 0 to 50 mM in two different media, aflatoxin-conducive yeast extract-sucrose (YES) and non-conducive yeast extract-peptone (YEP). Fungal growth was inhibited at a high H2O2 concentration, but specific isolates grew well at different H2O2 concentrations. Generally the toxigenic isolates tolerated higher concentrations than did atoxigenic isolates. Increasing H2O2 concentrations in the media resulted in elevated aflatoxin production in toxigenic isolates. In YEP media, the higher concentration of peptone (15%) partially inactivated the H2O2 in the media. In the 1% peptone media, YEP did not affect the H2O2 concentrations that the isolates could survive in comparison with YES media, without aflatoxin production. It is interesting to note that the commercial biocontrol isolates, AF36 (−), and Aflaguard (−), survived at higher levels of stress than other atoxigenic isolates, suggesting that this testing method could potentially be of use in the selection of biocontrol isolates. Further studies will be needed to investigate the mechanisms behind the variability among isolates with regard to their degree of oxidative stress tolerance and the role of aflatoxin production.
Anthrax Toxins in Context of Bacillus anthracis Spores and Spore Germination
Authors: Cote Christopher , Welkos Susan
Published: August 2015

The interaction of anthrax toxin or toxin components with B. anthracis spores has been demonstrated. Germinating spores can produce significant amounts of toxin components very soon after the initiation of germination. In this review, we will summarize the work performed that has led to our understanding of toxin and spore interactions and discuss the complexities associated with these interactions
Pharmacological Alternatives for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders: Wasp and Bee Venoms and Their Components as New Neuroactive Tools
Authors: Silva Juliana , Monge-Fuentes Victoria , Gomes Flávia , Lopes Kamila , Anjos Lilian , Campos Gabriel , Arenas Claudia , Biolchi Andréia , Gonçalves Jacqueline , Galante Priscilla , Campos Leandro , Mortari Márcia
Published: August 2015

Neurodegenerative diseases are relentlessly progressive, severely impacting affected patients, families and society as a whole. Increased life expectancy has made these diseases more common worldwide. Unfortunately, available drugs have insufficient therapeutic effects on many subtypes of these intractable diseases, and adverse effects hamper continued treatment. Wasp and bee venoms and their components are potential means of managing or reducing these effects and provide new alternatives for the control of neurodegenerative diseases. These venoms and their components are well-known and irrefutable sources of neuroprotectors or neuromodulators. In this respect, the present study reviews our current understanding of the mechanisms of action and future prospects regarding the use of new drugs derived from wasp and bee venom in the treatment of major neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Comparative Aspects of Osteosarcoma Pathogenesis in Humans and Dogs
Authors: Fan Timothy , Khanna Chand
Published: August 2015

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary and aggressive bone sarcoma affecting the skeleton of two principal species, human beings and canines. The biologic behavior of OS is conserved between people and dogs, and evidence suggests that fundamental discoveries in OS biology can be facilitated through detailed and comparative studies. In particular, the relative genetic homogeneity associated with specific dog breeds can provide opportunities to facilitate the discovery of key genetic drivers involved in OS pathogenesis, which, to-date, remain elusive. In this review, known causative factors that predispose to the development OS in human beings and dogs are summarized in detail. Based upon the commonalities shared in OS pathogenesis, it is likely that foundational discoveries in one species will be translationally relevant to the other and emphasizes the unique opportunities that might be gained through comparative scientific approaches.
Modeling of Breaching Due to Overtopping Flow and Waves Based on Coupled Flow and Sediment Transport
Authors: He Zhiguo , Hu Peng , Zhao Liang , Wu Gangfeng , Pähtz Thomas
Published: August 2015

Breaching of earthen or sandy dams/dunes by overtopping flow and waves is a complicated process with strong, unsteady flow, high sediment transport, and rapid bed changes in which the interactions between flow and morphology should not be ignored. This study presents a depth-averaged two-dimensional (2D) coupled flow and sediment transport model to investigate the flow and breaching processes with and without waves. Bed change and variable flow density are included in the flow continuity and momentum equations to consider the impacts of sediment transport. The model adopts the non-equilibrium approach for total-load sediment transport and specifies different repose angles to handle non-cohesive embankment slope avalanching. The equations are solved using an explicit finite volume method on a rectangular grid with the improved Godunov-type central upwind scheme and the nonnegative reconstruction of the water depth method to handle mixed-regime flows near the breach. The model has been tested against two sets of experimental data which show that it well simulates the flow characteristics, bed changes, and sediment transport. It is then applied to analyze flow and morphologic changes by overtopping flow with and without waves. The simulated bed change and breach cross-section shape show a significant difference if waves are considered. Erosion by flow without waves mainly occurs at the breach and is dominated by vertical erosion at the initial stage followed by the lateral erosion. With waves, the flow overtops the entire length of the dune to cause faster erosion along the entire length. Erosion mainly takes place at the upper layer at the initial stage and gradually accelerates as the height of the dune reduces and flow discharge increases, which indicates the simulated results with waves shall be further verified by physical experimental evidence.
A New Spatiotemporal Risk Index for Heavy Metals: Application in Cyprus
Authors: Karydas Christos , Tzoraki Ourania , Panagos Panos
Published: August 2015

The main aim of this research was to improve risk mapping of heavy metals by taking account of erosion effects. A new spatiotemporal index, namely the G2met index, is introduced, with integration of pre-existing methodologies (Hakanson, EPM, and G2). The G2met index is depicted as a series of risk maps for each heavy metal on a month-time step. The southern part of Cyprus Island was selected as a study area. Concentration of major heavy metals was extracted with soil sampling in a grid of 5350 sites. Rainfall, vegetation, soil, land use, topographic, and hydrologic data were collected from existing European or global databases (WorldClim, BioBar, REDES, ESDAC, CORINE, ASTER GDEM, and USGS). A large number of regional-scale risk maps (with 500-m cell size) were created: one for each heavy metal and totally per month and annually; in addition, choropleth maps in terms of statistics per river basin were produced for every metal. Generally, the G2met maps resulted in different spatial patterns in comparison to those depicted by the Hakanson index alone.
Field Evaluation of a Stormwater Treatment Train with Pit Baskets and Filter Media Cartridges in Southeast Queensland
Authors: Drapper Darren , Hornbuckle Andy
Published: August 2015

Field monitoring of a stormwater treatment train has been underway between November 2013 and May 2015 at a townhouse development located at Ormiston, southeast Queensland. The research was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of a 200 micron mesh pit basket in a 900 square format and an 850 mm high media filtration cartridge system for removing total suspended solids and nutrients from stormwater runoff. The monitoring protocol was developed with Queensland University of Technology (QUT), reflecting the Auckland Regional Council Proprietary Device Evaluation Protocol (PDEP) and United States Urban Stormwater BMP Performance Monitoring Manual with some minor improvements reflecting local conditions. During the 18 month period, more than 30 rain events have occurred, of which nine comply with the protocol. The Efficiency Ratio (ER) observed for the treatment devices are 32% total suspended solids (TSS), 37% for total phosphorus (TP) and 38% total nitrogen (TN) for the pit basket, and an Efficiency Ratio of 87% TSS, 55% TP and 42% TN for the cartridge filter. The performance results on nine events have been observed to be significantly different statistically (p < 0.05) for the filters but not the pit baskets. The research has also identified the significant influence of analytical variability on performance results, specifically when influent concentrations are near the limits of detection.
In Serum, Higher Parathyroid Hormone but Not Lower Vitamin D Is Associated with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang H. , Lu H. , Shrestha C. , Feng Y. , Li Y. , Peng J. , Li Y. , Xie Z.
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Vitamin D and calcium are known to regulate differentiation and proliferation of keratinocytes; they might potentially have a role in suppressing carcinogenesis in squamous epithelium. Serum parathyroid hormone (pth) is a sensitive indicator of calcium and vitamin D deficiency, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is an established marker of vitamin D status. Methods: To determine whether levels of 25(OH)D, calcium, or pth in serum are associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (oscc), we examined those parameters in serum collected from 70 patients with oscc and from an equal number of matched control subjects. Results: The results showed that intact pth was significantly higher in serum from oscc patients than in serum from control subjects. However, we observed no significant differences in 25(OH)D or calcium in serum from oscc patients and from control subjects. Conclusions: We conclude that higher serum pth, but not lower serum vitamin D or calcium, is associated with oscc.
Cost–Utility of Adjuvant Zoledronic Acid in Patients with Breast Cancer and Low Estrogen Levels
Authors: Lamond N.W.D. , Skedgel C. , Rayson D. , Younis T.
Published: August 2015

Background: Adjuvant zoledronic acid (ZA) appears to improve disease-free survival (DFS) in women with early-stage breast cancer and low levels of estrogen (LLE) because of induced or natural menopause. Characterizing the cost–utility (CU) of this therapy could help to determine its role in clinical practice. Methods: Using the perspective of the Canadian health care system, we examined the CU of adjuvant endocrine therapy with or without ZA in women with early-stage endocrine-sensitive breast cancer and LLE. A Markov model was used to compute the cumulative costs in Canadian dollars and the quality-adjusted life-years (QALYS) gained from each adjuvant strategy, discounted at a rate of 5% annually. The model incorporated the DFS and fracture benefits of adjuvant ZA. Probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine key model parameters. Results: Compared with a no-ZA strategy, adjuvant ZA in the induced and natural menopause groups was associated with, respectively, $7,825 and $7,789 in incremental costs and 0.46 and 0.34 in QALY gains for CU ratios of $17,007 and $23,093 per QALY gained. In one-way sensitivity analyses, the results were most sensitive to changes in the ZA DFS benefit. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis suggested a 100% probability of adjuvant ZA being a cost-effective strategy at a threshold of $100,000 per QALY gained. Conclusions: Based on available data, adjuvant ZA appears to be a cost-effective strategy in women with endocrine-sensitive breast cancer and LLE, having cu ratios well below accepted thresholds.
A Retrospective Review of Cancer Treatments and Outcomes among Inuit Referred from Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Asmis T.R. , Febbraro M. , Alvarez G.G. , Spaans J.N. , Ruta M. , Lalany A. , Osborne G. , Goss G.D.
Published: August 2015

Background: Cancer is a health concern in Inuit populations. Unique cultural, dietary, and genetic factors and geographic isolation influence cancer epidemiology in this group. Inuit-specific data about oncology treatments and survival outcomes in Canadian Inuit referred to urban treatment centres are lacking. Methods: A retrospective chart review of Inuit patients referred to The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre (TOHCC) from the Baffin region of Nunavut between 2000 and 2010 was conducted. Nunavut cancer registry data were used to establish the percentage of cancer cases referred and their survival outcomes. Results: Of 307 cancer patients registered among Baffin-region Inuit, 216 [70% (63 men, 153 women)] were referred to TOHCC for chemotherapy (CT) and radiation therapy (RT). Mean age in the referred group was 59.3 years (range: 25–89 years), and current smokers constituted half the group (52%). The cancers most commonly leading to referral in men were lung (55%), colorectal (19%), and nasopharyngeal (11%) cancers; in women, they were lung (46%), colorectal (24%), breast (10%), nasopharyngeal (6%), and cervical (5%) cancers. Of the 216 referred patients, 82 (38%) had already undergone surgery, and 18 (8%) received chemoradiation or RT only, all given with curative intent. Among the surgical patients referred, 33 (40%) and 23 (28%) went on to receive adjuvant CT and adjuvant RT respectively. Among 116 patients referred for palliative care, 64 (55%) received CT, 76 (66%) received RT, 43 (37%) received both CT and RT, and 19 (16%) received neither treatment. Median all-stage overall survival was 10 months for patients with lung cancer [95% confidence interval: 6.1 to 13.9 months] and 37 months for patients with colorectal cancer [95% confidence interval: 14.8 to 59.2 months]. Conclusions: High uptake of palliative and adjuvant CT and RT was observed in the Inuit patients referred to TOHCC. Lung cancer was the most common cancer in referred Inuit men and women. The survival rates for Inuit lung cancer patients referred to TOHCC were comparable to those in the rest of Canada. Further research is required to understand reasons for non-referral of Canadian Inuit to TOHCC.
Nonsurgical Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma
Authors: Gallego O.
Published: August 2015

Standard treatment for glioblastoma multiforme is surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, generally with temozolomide. However, disease recurs in almost all patients. Diagnosis of progression is complex given the possibility of pseudoprogression. The Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology criteria increase the sensitivity for detecting progression. Most patients will not be candidates for new surgery or re-irradiation, and anticancer drugs are the most common approach for second-line treatment, if the patient’s condition allows. Antiangiogenics, inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor, nitrosoureas, and re-treatment with temozolomide have been studied in the second line, but a standard therapy has not yet been established. This review considers currently available medical treatment options for patients with glioblastoma recurrence.
Advance Care Planning: Identifying System-Specific Barriers and Facilitators
Authors: Hagen N.A. , Howlett J. , Sharma N.C. , Biondo P. , Holroyd-Leduc J. , Fassbender K. , Simon J.
Published: August 2015

Background: Advance care planning (acp) is an important process in health care today. How to prospectively identify potential local barriers and facilitators to uptake of acp across a complex, multi-sector, publicly funded health care system and how to develop specific mitigating strategies have not been well characterized. Methods: We surveyed a convenience sample of clinical and administrative health care opinion leaders across the province of Alberta to characterize system-specific barriers and facilitators to uptake of acp. The survey was based on published literature about the barriers to and facilitators of acp and on the Michie Theoretical Domains Framework. Results: Of 88 surveys, 51 (58%) were returned. The survey identified system-specific barriers that could challenge uptake of acp. The factors were categorized into four main domains. Three examples of individual system-specific barriers were “insufficient public engagement and misunderstanding,” “conflict among different provincial health service initiatives,” and “lack of infrastructure.” Local system-specific barriers and facilitators were subsequently explored through a semi-structured informal discussion group involving key informants. The group identified approaches to mitigate specific barriers. Conclusions: Uptake of acp is a priority for many health care systems, but bringing about change in multi-sector health care systems is complex. Identifying system-specific barriers and facilitators to the uptake of innovation are important elements of successful knowledge translation. We developed and successfully used a simple and inexpensive process to identify local system-specific barriers and enablers to uptake of acp, and to identify specific mitigating strategies.
Diagnosing Lung Cancer in the 21st Century: Are We Ready to Meet the Challenge of Individualized Care?
Authors: VanderMeer R. , Chambers S. , Van Dam A. , Cutz J.C. , Goffin J.R. , Ellis P.M.
Published: August 2015

Background: Histologic and molecular subtyping have become increasingly important as predictors of treatment benefit in lung cancer. The objective of the present study was to determine whether current diagnostic approaches provide adequate tissue to allow for individualized treatment decisions. Methods: Our retrospective cohort study of new lung cancer patients seen at an academic centre between July 2007 and June 2008 collected baseline demographic and diagnostic information, including mode of diagnosis, type of diagnostic material, and pathology diagnosis. Results: Of the 431 study patients, 20% had stage i or ii non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc), 24% stage iii disease, and 39% stage iv nsclc. Three quarters of the small-cell lung cancer (sclc) cases were extensive stage. Diagnostically, 18% of patients had sclc; 30%, adenocarcinoma; 27%, squamous-cell cancer; 2%, large-cell carcinoma; 1%, bronchoalveolar carcinoma; 1%, mixed histology; 18%, nsclc not otherwise specified; 4%, other; and 2%, no pathology diagnosis. Surgical pathology material was available in 80% of cases, and cytology material alone in 20%. Surgical pathology material was more common in patients with early-stage than with advanced disease (89% for stages i and ii vs. 74% for stages iii and iv, p < 0.0001). The pathology report included ambiguous terms in 24% of cases: “consistent” (12%), “suspicious” (3%), “favour” (2%), “suggestive” (2%), “likely” (1%), “compatible” with malignancy (1%), “at least” (1%), “atypical” (0.5%), and “no pathology” (1.5%). Conclusions: Current diagnostic approaches in most lung cancer patients appear adequate, but complete histopathologic identification is missing in nearly 20% of cases, and some uncertainty as to the final diagnosis is expressed in 24% of pathology reports. Some improvement in diagnostic sampling and pathology reporting are required to allow for implementation of current treatment approaches.
Is It Time to Offer BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing to All Jewish Women?
Authors: Metcalfe K.A. , Eisen A. , Lerner-Ellis J. , Narod S.A.
Published: August 2015

It was 2007 when Women’s College Hospital first began to test for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations among all Jewish women in Ontario [...]
The Organization of Colposcopy Services in Ontario: Recommended Framework
Authors: Murphy J. , Varela N.P. , Elit L. , Lytwyn A. , Yudin M. , Shier M. , Wu V. , El-Khatib S.
Published: August 2015

Objective: The purpose of this guideline is to help ensure the provision of high-quality colposcopy practices in the province of Ontario, including those conducted as diagnostic procedures in follow-up to an abnormal cervical screening test. Methods: This document updates the recommendations published in the 2008 colposcopy guideline from Cancer Care Ontario, The Optimum Organization for the Delivery of Colposcopy Service in Ontario. A systematic review of guidelines was conducted to evaluate the existing evidence and recommendations concerning these key aspects of colposcopy: (1) Training, qualification, accreditation, and maintenance of competence; (2) Practice setting requirements; (3) Operational practice; (4) Quality indicators and outcomes. Results: This guideline provides recommendations on training and maintenance of competence for colposcopists in the practice settings in which colposcopic evaluation and treatments are conducted. It also provides recommendations on operational issues and quality indicators for colposcopy. Conclusions: This updated guideline is intended to support quality improvement for colposcopy for all indications, including the follow-up of an abnormal cervical screening test and work-up for lower genital tract lesions that are not clearly malignant. The recommendations contained in this document are intended for clinicians and institutions performing colposcopy in Ontario, and for policymakers and program planners involved in the delivery of colposcopy services.
Professionalism
Authors: Lindeque B.G.
Published: August 2015

I have been reading medical literature since 1970. I started medical school in 1970 [...]
Recent Trends in Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Test Utilization in Canada, Using Self-Reported Data from 2008 and 2012
Authors: Major D. , Armstrong D. , Bryant H. , Cheung W. , Decker K. , Doyle G. , Mai V. , McLachlin C.M. , Niu J , Payne J. , Shukla N.
Published: August 2015

In Canada, self-reported data from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2008 and 2012 provide an opportunity to examine overall utilization of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening tests for both programmatic and opportunistic screening. Among women 50–74 years of age, utilization of screening mammography was stable (62.0% in 2008 and 63.0% in 2012). Pap test utilization for women 25–69 years of age remained high and stable across Canada in 2008 and 2012 (78.9% in 2012). The percentage of individuals 50–74 years of age who reporting having at least 1 fecal test within the preceding 2 years increased in 2012 (to 23.0% from 16.9% in 2008), but remains low. Stable rates of screening mammography utilization (about 30%) were reported in 2008 and 2012 among women 40–49 years of age, a group for which population-based screening is not recommended. Although declining over time, cervical cancer screening rates were high for women less than 25 years of age (for whom screening is not recommended). Interestingly, an increased percentage of women 70–74 years of age reported having a Pap test. In 2012, a smaller percentage of women 50–69 years of age reported having no screening test (5.9% vs. 8.5% in 2008), and more women reported having the three types of cancer screening tests (19.0% vs. 13.2%). Efforts to encourage use of screening within the recommended average-risk age groups are needed, and education for stakeholders about the possible harms of screening outside those age groups has to continue.
Dasatinib for a Child with Philadelphia Chromosome–Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Persistently Elevated Minimal Residual Disease during Imatinib Therapy
Authors: Wu K.H. , Wu H.P. , Weng T. , Peng C.T. , Chao Y.H.
Published: August 2015

Imatinib has improved outcomes in patients with Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (all). Minimal residual disease (mrd) is a useful tool for predicting leukemia relapse. However, there is no consensus on how to treat children with elevation of BCR-ABL transcripts but no evidence of hematologic relapse during chemotherapy combined with imatinib. Here, we report the case of a child with Ph+ all who had persistent elevation of mrd, but no evidence of hematologic relapse while receiving imatinib plus intensive chemotherapy. Dasatinib was substituted for imatinib because no suitable donor for allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (hsct) was available. Less-intensive chemotherapy with methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine was administered concomitantly. No serious adverse events were encountered. With continuous dasatinib combined with chemotherapy, but no allogeneic hsct, our patient reached complete molecular remission and has been in complete molecular remission for more than 13 months. This report is the first about the long-term use of dasatinib in patients with Ph+ all and mrd elevation but hematologic remission during imatinib chemotherapy. In a similar situation, chemotherapy combined with dasatinib instead of allogeneic hsct could be considered to avoid hsct-related mortality and morbidity. Clinical trials are needed.
Enhancing Access to Cancer Care for the Inuit
Authors: Doering P. , DeGrasse C.
Published: August 2015

Of Canada’s Inuit, 49% reside in Nunavut [...]
Why base-catalyzed isomerization of N-propargyl amides yields mostly allenamides rather than ynamides
Authors: Navarro-Vázquez Armando
Published: August 2015

The base-catalyzed isomerization of N-propargylamides or carbamates may furnish N-allenyl compounds (allenamides/allencarbamates) or further evolve to N-alkynyl compounds (ynamides or yncarbamates). The particular fate of this reaction varies from experiment to experiment and there is no clear rule for predicting the reaction outcome for a particular structure. With the support of ab initio and DFT computations, this work shows that observed results can be explained by assuming an exchange equilibrium between energetically close N-propargyl, allenyl and N-alkynyl forms and that the reaction outcome correlates to a particular equilibrium mixture. Due to the very small energy gap between the N-allenyl and N-alkynyl forms, small structural changes may easily alter the equilibrium position, explaining the variety of observed experimental results. Based on CBS-QB3 computations, the ωB97 functional provided reasonably accurate isomerization energies and could successfully predict the experimentally observed behavior for several examples from the literature.
Portuguese two-lane highways: modelling crash frequencies for different temporal and spatial aggregation of crash data
Authors: Otilia da Costa Jocilene , Jacques Maria Alice Prudêncio , Alves Pereira Paulo António , Freitas Elisabete Fraga , Cunha Soares Francisco Emanuel
Published: August 2015

The identification of contributory factors to crash frequencies observed in different highway facilities can aid transportation and traffic management agencies to improve road traffic safety. In spite of the strategic importance of the national Portuguese road network, there are no recent studies concerned with either the identification of contributory factors to road crashes or Crash Prediction Models (CPMs) for this type of roadway. This study presents an initial contribution to this problem by focusing on the national roads NR-14, NR-101 and NR-206, which are located in Northern region of Portugal. They are two-lane single carriageway rural roads. This study analysed the crash frequencies, Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) and geometric characteristics of 88 two-lane road segments. The selected segments were 200-m-long and did not cross through urbanized areas. The fixed length of 200 meters corresponds to the road length used in Portugal to define a critical point. Data regarding the annual crash frequency and the AADT were available from 1999 to 2010. Due to the high number of zero-crash records in the initial database, the data were explored to identify the best statistical modelling approach to be adopted. The Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) procedure was applied to 10 distinctive databases formed by grouping the original data in time and space. The results show that the different observations within each road segment present an exchangeable correlation structure type. This paper also analyses the impact of the sample size on the model’s capability of identifying the contributing factors to crash frequencies. The major contributing factors identified for the two-lane highways studied were the traffic volume (expressed in AADT), lane width, vertical sinuosity, and Density of Access Points (DAP). Acceptable CPM was identified for the highways considered, which estimated the total number of crashes for 400-m-long segments for a cumulative period of two years.
NUCLEAR INFRASTRUCTURE IN A NUCLEAR WEAPON-FREE WORLD
Authors: Smetana Michal
Published: August 2015

The article aims to unpack the paradoxical double-edged nature of military nuclear infrastructure in relation to nuclear disarmament. On the one hand, efficient nuclear complex provides the nuclear weapon possessors with confidence in the sensitive final stages of nuclear abolition, and therefore facilitates the political decision to engage in disarmament. On the other hand, the maintenance of a robust infrastructure beyond the abolition point as a latent "virtual arsenal" represents a serious threat to the stability of the disarmament regime.
Pig manure treatment with housefly (Musca domestica) rearing – an environmental life cycle assessment
Authors: Roffeis M. , Muys B. , Almeida J. , Mathijs E. , Achten W.M.J. , Pastor B. , Velásquez Y. , Martinez-Sanchez A.I. , Rojo S.
Published: August 2015

The largest portion of a product’s environmental impacts and costs of manufacturing and use results from decisions taken in the conceptual design phase long before its market entry. To foster sustainable production patterns, applying life cycle assessment in the early product development stage is gaining importance. Following recent scientific studies on using dipteran fly species for waste management, this paper presents an assessment of two insect-based manure treatment systems. Considering the necessity of manure treatment in regions with concentrated animal operations, reducing excess manure volumes with the means of insects presents a potentially convenient method to combine waste reduction and nutrient recovery. An analytical comparison of rearing houseflies on fresh and pre-treated pig manure is reported with reference to agricultural land occupation, water and fossil depletion potential. Based on ex-ante modelled industrial scale rearing systems, the driving factors of performance and environmentally sensitive aspects of the rearing process have been assessed. Expressed per kg manure dry matter reduction, the estimated agricultural land occupation varied between 1.4 and 2.7 m2yr, fossil depletion potential ranged from 1.9 to 3.4 kgoil eq and the obtained water depletion potential was calculated from 36.4 to 65.6 m3. System improvement potential was identified for heating related energy usage and water consumption. The geographical context and the utility of the co-products, i.e. residue substrates and insect products, were determined as influential variables to the application potential of this novel manure treatment concept. The results of this study, applied at the earliest stages of the design of the process, assist evaluation of the feasibility of such a system and provide guidance for future research and development activities.
La espiritualidad de Hipólita de Rocabertí y la construcción de su imagen en el siglo XVII
Authors: Alabrús Iglesias Rosa María
Published: August 2015

El artículo analiza las características objetivas de la espiritualidad de Hipólita de Rocabertí, manifestadas en su Autobiografía. Se contrasta la religiosidad de la monja dominica con los esfuerzos de construcción de su imagen en el siglo XVII: la glosa del jesuita Jaume Puig, la biografía escrita por Antonio de Lorea y la operación de promoción a la beatificación que desarrolló su sobrino Juan Tomás de Rocabertí. Se estudian las causas de su proceso de beatificación fallida.
Using of Anisotropic Continuum Damage Mechanics to Describe Yield Surface Distortion
Authors: Nayebi Ali , Rokhgireh Hojjatollah
Published: August 2015

In this paper, yield surface distortion was studied by considering the combination of nonlinear kinematic hardening model of Chaboche and a new anisotropic continuum damage evolution model. The constitutive relations for anisotropic damage of elastoplasic materials were developed based on irreversible thermodynamics. The internal state manifold which consists of internal variables to specify the thermodynamic state of solids was described by a 2nd rank symmetric damage tensor, the kinematic hardening tensor and tensor of movement of damage potential surface. In order to describe the damage state, the fictitious continuum domain was considered and the consistent relations between real and fictitious domains were developed. It was indicated that the combination of the Chaboche’s model and model of anisotropic continuum damage leads to the well description of the subsequent yield surface.
Microstructural Modeling of Dual Phase Steel Using a Higher-Order Gradient Plasticity-Damage Model
Authors: Abu Al-Rub Rashid K. , Abid Najmul H. , Ettehad Mahmood , Palazotto Anthony N.
Published: August 2015

This work focuses on the application of a higher-order gradient-dependent plasticity-damage model for microstructural modeling of dual-phase (DP) steels. Damage evolution is governed by the evolution of a nonlocal plasticity measure which is a function of the local equivalent plastic strain rate and its corresponding first-order gradient. Different RVEs of DP microstructures are virtually generated and simulated in order to predict the macroscopic mechanical response. Size effects and additional hardening due to evolution of geometrically necessary dislocations are predicted.