bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ORCHIDEE-MICT (revision 4126), a land surface model for the high-latitudes: model description and validation
Authors: Guimberteau Matthieu , Zhu Dan , Maignan Fabienne , Huang Ye , Yue Chao , Dantec-Nédélec Sarah , Ottlé Catherine , Jornet-Puig Albert , Bastos Ana , Laurent Pierre , Goll Daniel , Bowring Simon , Chang Jinfeng , Guenet Bertrand , Tifafi Marwa , Peng Shushi , Krinner Gerhard , Ducharne Agnès , Wang Fuxing , Wang Tao , Wang Xuhui , Wang Yilong , Yin Zun , Lauerwald Ronny , Joetzjer Emilie , Qiu Chunjing , Kim Hyungjun , Ciais Philippe
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The high-latitude regions of the northern hemisphere are a nexus for the interaction between land surface physical properties and their exchange of carbon and energy with the atmosphere. At these latitudes, two carbon pools of planetary significance – those of the permanently frozen soils (permafrost), and of the great expanse of boreal forest – are vulnerable to destabilization in the face of currently observed climatic warming, the speed and intensity of which are expected to increase with time. Improved projections of future Arctic and boreal ecosystem transformation require improved land surface models that integrate processes specific to these cold biomes. To this end, this study lays out relevant new parameterizations in the ORCHIDEE-MICT land surface model. These describe the interactions between soil carbon, soil temperature and hydrology, and their resulting feedbacks on water and CO2 fluxes, in addition to a recently-developed fire module. Outputs from ORCHIDEE-MICT, when forced by two climate input data sets, are extensively evaluated against: (i) temperature gradients between the atmosphere and deep soils; (ii) the hydrological components comprising the water balance of the largest high-latitude basins, and (iii) CO2 flux and carbon stock observations. The model performance is good with respect to empirical data, despite a simulated excessive plant water stress and a positive land surface temperature bias. In addition, acute model sensitivity to the choice of input forcing data suggests that the calibration of model parameters is strongly forcing-dependent. Overall, we suggest that this new model design is at the forefront of current efforts to reliably estimate future perturbations to the high-latitude terrestrial environment.
Study on the dynamic performance of concrete mixer's mixing drum
Authors: Yang Jiapeng , Zeng Hua , Zhu Tongqing , An Qi
Published: June 2017

Abstract. When working, the geometric distribution shape of concrete in concrete mixing truck's rotary drum changes continuously, which cause a great difficulty for studying the dynamic performance of the mixing drum. In this paper, the mixing system of a certain type of concrete mixing truck is studied. A mathematical formulation has been derived through the force analysis to calculate the supporting force. The calculation method of the concrete distribution shape in the rotary drum is developed. A new transfer matrix is built with considering the concrete geometric distribution shape. The effects of rotating speed, inclination angle and concrete liquid level on the vibration performance of the mixing drum are studied with a specific example. Results show that with the increase of rotating speed, the vibration amplitude of the mixing drum decreases. The peak amplitude gradually moves to the right with the inclination angle increasing. The amplitude value of the peak's left side decreases when tilt angle increases, while the right side increases. The maximum unbalanced response amplitude of the drum increases with the decrease of concrete liquid level height, and the vibration peak moves to the left.
Spatial prediction of earthquake-induced landslide probability
Authors: Parker Robert N. , Rosser Nicholas J. , Hales Tristram C.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. We developed a generalized model to describe and predict the spatial distribution of earthquake-induced landslides, based on a regression analysis of 9 co-seismic landslide inventories from different earthquakes and regions. Our model expresses the absolute spatial probability of landslides as a function of peak ground acceleration and hillslope gradient, based on data from global topographic and seismic ground motion datasets. The output from our model predicts probabilities for landslides triggered in sedimentary, meta-sedimentary, igneous and volcanic lithology, and is applicable to shallow continental earthquakes of moment magnitude range 6.2 to 7.9, and depths between 10 and 21 km. To obtain absolute probability predictions, we use only landslide source areas as input data, and explicitly estimate and correct for known incompleteness in input datasets, through a novel Monte Carlo approach. We estimate the uncertainty of these predictions, through extensive testing of the performance of the model, when making out-of-sample predictions for all 9 earthquakes. Our model is notably simpler than others developed to predict spatial probability of landsliding, as we have only included variables that could be constrained consistently at the global-scale, and eliminated those that did not influence landslide probability in a consistent manner across all earthquakes in our dataset. The model outputs also provide a baseline to further investigate spatial and temporal sources of unexplained variability in co-seismic landslide distributions. Using freely available topographic and ground motion data, we suggest that our model can be applied more widely, to provide landslide predictions for earthquakes with no landslide data.
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract in Vitreoretinal Surgery
Authors: Rizzo Stanislao , Bacherini Daniela , Faraldi Francesco , Pellegrini Marco , Mariotti Cesare
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To assess the safety and surgical results of femtosecond laser-assisted phacovitrectomy.

Methods

Fifteen patients over 50 years of age with coexisting vitreoretinal pathologies and cataract underwent combined femtosecond laser-assisted cataract extraction and sutureless 25-G and 27-G vitreoretinal surgery.

Results

The indication for surgery was macular hole in 6 patients, epiretinal membrane in 6, vitreous hemorrhage in 2, and retinal detachment in 1. The mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.64 ± 0.23 logMAR and the mean postoperative BCVA was 0.19 ± 0.11 logMAR. In 4 patients with epiretinal membrane with corneal astigmatism of 3.35 ± 0.32 D as mean value, a toric intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted: mean residual refractive cylinder was 0.47 ± 0.23 D. Three months postoperatively, mean IOL rotation was 1.64 ± 0.28°. All patients improved their visual acuity. The intraoperative complications of femtosecond laser were 1 subconjunctival hemorrhage, 1 case of miosis, and 1 suction loss. The surgeon was able to maintain a clear view of the retina at all times. After surgery, a better fundus examination was possible with no capsular opacification. Mean follow-up was 6 months.

Conclusions

Femtosecond laser cataract in vitreoretinal surgery appears a safe and effective technique with potential benefits: the precision and centration of the capsulorhexis may potentially reduce the risk of IOL prolapse into the anterior chamber in gas-filled eyes. Implantation of the toric IOL was effective in reducing preexisting corneal astigmatism and provided good rotational stability and refractive outcome.
Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy after Prone Positioning Spine Surgery
Authors: Ruiz-Sánchez Marcos , Rodríguez-González-Herrero Maria E. , Ruiz-Sará Jenifer
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To report a case of optic disc pit maculopathy after spine surgery performed in the prone position.

Methods

Case report.

Results

A 32-year-old man underwent spine surgery for disc herniation repair. He complained of visual acuity loss immediately after the procedure. Optic disc maculopathy with internal limiting membrane detachment was found to be the cause. Vitrectomy was scheduled after a 12-month follow-up without resolution of the maculopathy.

Conclusions

Optic disc maculopathy has not previously been associated with nonocular surgery or patient positioning. Physiologic changes induced by the prone position likely altered the pressure gradient in the eye and led to the development of the maculopathy.
Anemia after Continuous-flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: Characteristics and Implications
Authors: Amione-Guerra Javier , Cruz-Solbes Ana S. , Bhimaraj Arvind , Trachtenberg Barry H. , Pingali Sai R. , Estep Jerry D. , Park Myung H. , Guha Ashrith
Published: June 2017

Background

Anemia is common in patients with heart failure and is associated with adverse outcomes. Management of anemia in CF-LVAD patients is not well studied. Our purpose is to characterize and identify the etiology of anemia in CF-LVAD patients. Secondary objectives are to describe the effect of CF-LVAD on pre-existing anemia and assess its impact after CF-LVAD support.

Methods

Cross-sectional study from January to July 2015 of ambulatory patients supported with a CF-LVAD for at least 6-months that presented with hemoglobin <12 g/dL and no recent gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients were classified as iron-deficient and non-iron-deficient and compared. Additionally, a retrospective analysis of 116 consecutive patients who underwent CF-LVAD from 2008 to 2013 with reported hemoglobin at 6 months as outpatients were divided into anemic or non-anemic and compared.

Results

In our cross-sectional cohort, iron deficiency was the most common cause of anemia. Notably, 49% of the iron-deficient patients were already on iron supplementation. In our retrospective cohort, 59% of the patients were anemic after 6 months of support. Anemic patients were older, had lower albumin, higher brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), worse renal function and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. Anemia had a HR of 3.16 (95%CI 1.38–7.26) to predict a composite of 1-year death and HF readmissions, as well as HF-readmissions alone.

Conclusions

The most common cause of anemia in our study was iron-deficiency; almost half of the patients were iron deficient despite treatment, suggesting that oral iron may not be sufficient to reverse anemia. Anemia regardless of etiology was associated with adverse outcomes.
Particle Spallation in a Microfluidic Blood Processing Device: The Problem of Using Peristaltic Pumps and Silicon-based Microfilters
Authors: Faria Monica , Liu Yi , Leonard Edward F.
Published: June 2017

Peristaltic pumps rely on constant compression of elastomeric tubing from which particles may be shed, a phenomenon known as spallation. We studied spallated particles on microfluidic filtration devices with photolithographically prepared micron-level pore fields. Filtration of ultra-pure water through these pores was analyzed using either the usual peristaltic pump or a reciprocating pair of syringe pumps. Using syringe pumps, transmembrane pressure (TMP) values during filtration at 2.5 cm3/min revealed steady filtration for over 80 minutes at 2.3 mmHg. Using the peristaltic pump, TMP was never stable, increasing to approximately 11 mmHg during the first 10 minutes. Pore plugging was the culprit, evidenced by post-perfusion microphotography.
Association of N-acetyltransferase 1 Polymorphism and Bladder Cancer Risk: An Updated Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Xu Zicheng , Li Xiao , Qin Zhiqiang , Xue Jianxin , Wang Jingyuan , Liu Zhentao , Cai Hongzhou , Yu Bin , Xu Ting , Zou Qin
Published: June 2017

Background

Individual studies of the association between N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1)*10 allele and bladder cancer susceptibility have shown inconclusive results. To derive a more precise estimation of any such relationship, we performed this systemic review and updated meta-analysis based on 17 publications.

Methods

A total of 17 studies were investigated with 4,322 bladder cancer cases and 4,944 controls. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of the association. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on ethnicity, sex, source of controls and detecting methods. Then trial sequential analysis was performed to evaluate whether the evidence of the results was sufficient and reduce the risk of type I error.

Results

There was no association between NAT1*10 allele and bladder cancer risk in a random-effects model (OR = 0.96, 95% CI, 0.84-1.10) or in a fixed-effects model (OR = 0.95, 95% CI, 0.87-1.03). In addition, no significantly increased risk of bladder cancer was found in any other subgroup analysis. Then, trial sequential analyses demonstrated that the results of our study need to be further verified.

Conclusions

Despite its limitations, the results of the present meta-analysis suggested that there was no association between NAT1* 10 allele and bladder cancer risk. More importantly, our findings need to be further validated regarding whether being without the NAT1*10 allele could in the future be shown to be a potential marker for the risk of bladder cancer.
Prognostic and Clinicopathological Significance of CCAT2 in Chinese Patients with Various Tumors
Authors: Tian Guang-Wei , Li Nan , Xin Yan
Published: June 2017

Background

Colon cancer–associated transcript 2 (CCAT2) as a long noncoding RNA (IncRNA) is overexpressed and plays a significant prognostic role in patients with tumors. The present study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the clinical value of CCAT2 in the Chinese population, as a potential prognostic marker in multiple cancers.

Methods

A systematic search of eligible studies was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Wanfang and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases as of March 31, 2017. Approximately 1,711 tumor patients from 16 eligible studies were selected. Analyses of the pooled data were performed, and the odds ratio (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated and summarized to evaluate the strength of this association using a fixed- or random-effects model.

Results

Overall analyses showed that increased CCAT2 expression was associated with a higher risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM), an increased potential for distant metastasis (DM) and higher clinical stage (p<0.001 for LNM, p = 0.001 for DM, p<0.001 for clinical stage). HR and the 95% CI for overall survival (OS) were assessed to pool the effect size using a fixed-effects model. A significant association was observed between increased CCAT2 expression and poor OS (pooled HR = 1.91, 95% CI, 1.63-2.22, p<0.001).

Conclusions

These results indicate that CCAT2 is a biomarker to predict tumor progression and a potential prognostic marker in multiple cancers. Additional well-designed clinical studies are needed to validate these findings.
Biodegradable intramedullary nails reinforced with carbon and alginate fibers: In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility
Authors: Morawska-Chochół Anna , Domalik-Pyzik Patrycja , Menaszek Elżbieta , Sterna Jacek , Bielecki Wojciech , Bonecka Joanna , Boguń Maciej , Chłopek Jan
Published: June 2017

Background:

Commonly, intramedullary nails are made of nondegradable materials, and hence they need to be removed once the bone fracture is healed. We propose a novel composite material consisting of poly-L-lactide matrix modified with carbon and alginate fibers to be used for biodegradable intramedullary fixation. The aim of this study was to make in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility assessments.

Methods:

In the in vitro conditions, biocompatibility of biomaterials was compared using normal human osteoblasts. After 3 and 7 days, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation tests were performed, as well as cell morphology and adhesion observations. In the in vivo experiments, Californian rabbits (approx. 9 months old) were used. The composite nails and controls (Kirschner wires) were used for fixation of distal femoral osteotomy. The evaluation was made on the basis of clinical observations, radiographs taken after 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks post implantation, and macroscopic and histological observations.

Results:

Cell tests indicated that both modifiers had a positive influence on cell viability. Biodegradable composite nails led to bony union when used for fixation of distal diaphysis osteotomy in rabbits. Histological analysis showed that the initial focal necrosis should be fully compensated for by the osteoblast proliferation and trabeculae formation.

Conclusions:

Both in vitro and in vivo tests confirmed biocompatibility and potential applicability of novel biodegradable intramedullary nails modified with long carbon and alginate fibers for osteosynthesis of bone epiphysis.
The Familial Risk of Endometriosis among the Female Relatives of Patients with Endometriosis in Greece
Authors: Matalliotakis Michail , Goulielmos George N. , Zervou Maria I. , Matalliotaki Charoula , Koumantakis Georgios , Matalliotakis loannis
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Endometriosis is a gynecologic disease affecting up to 10% of the women and a major cause of pain and infertility. It is a complex genetic disease with an overall heritability estimated at around 4%. We aimed to study the familial risk of endometriosis among the female relatives of patients with endometriosis. Furthermore, we compared the demographic variable characteristics of patients with and without family history of endometriosis.

Methods

We evaluated the medical reports of 400 women with endometriosis and 400 without, all of whom underwent consultation for infertility or pelvic pain and had surgery between 2002 and 2016. This retrospective study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Venizeleio General Hospital of Heraklion, Crete. Data were collected from patients' charts and analyzed by statistical methods including x2 and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

The overall risk of first-degree relatives of endometriosis was 10.2% versus only 0.7% of controls p<0.001. Among 25 pairs of sisters we found one or more sisters with endometriosis. Additionally, we reported a family with six members with endometriosis within three generations. In women with positive family history of endometriosis we observed earlier menarche and more severe stage of endometriosis. Moreover, we did not notice any difference in the demographic characteristics between the endometriosis and the control group patients; similar clinical data was observed in both groups.

Conclusions

These data support the view that genetic factors play a role in the development of this condition.
Functional autoantibodies directed against cell surface receptors in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Cabral-Marques Otavio , Riemekasten Gabriela
Published: June 2017

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex and heterogeneous systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of high serum levels of antibodies targeting a variety of self-antigens. In addition to autoantibodies directed against nuclear antigens, patients with SSc also develop high serum levels of functional autoantibodies that target cell surface receptors when compared to healthy subjects. Following binding to extracellular receptors, these functional autoantibodies trigger the activation of signal transducing pathways, resulting in a stimulatory or suppressive effect. For example, stimulatory autoantibodies toward platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) or antibodies targeting G protein–coupled receptors (e.g., angiotensin II receptor type 1 and endothelin receptor type A) have pleiotropic roles in the pathogenesis of SSc. High levels of these functional autoantibodies dysregulate the response of non-immune cells (e.g., fibroblasts and endothelial cells) as well as innate and adaptive immune cells, including myeloid cells and lymphocytes, respectively. Thus, the immunobiology of such autoantibodies clarifies why patients with SSc develop clinical features such as extensive fibrosis, vasculopathies and abnormal immune responses. Future interventions that modulate the natural production of functional autoantibodies that target cell surface receptors or neutralize such autoantibodies would be essential in reducing morbidity and mortality rates presented by SSc patients.
Validity of the PROMIS-29 in a large Australian cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Morrisroe Kathleen , Stevens Wendy , Huq Molla , Sahhar Joanne , Ngian Gene-Siew , Zochling Jane , Roddy Janet ,   the Australian Scleroderma Interest Group (ASIG), Proudman Susanna , Nikpour Mandana
Published: June 2017

Background

We aimed to evaluate the construct validity of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29 (PROMIS-29) in Australian systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.

Methods

SSc patients, identified through the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study database, completed two quality-of-life instruments concurrently, the PROMIS-29 and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The construct validity of the PROMIS-29 was assessed by the correlations between the PROMIS-29 and the SF-36 and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Cronbach's alpha was used to test the internal reliability of all instruments in Australian SSc patients and non-parametric correlation, including Spearman's correlation, was used to test the construct validity of PROMIS-29 against the SF-36 and HAQ-DI.

Results

A total of 477 completed questionnaires were returned, equating to a response rate of 59.6%. The mean (±SD) age of respondents at the time of the survey was 64.1 (±11.1) years. They were predominantly female (87.4%), with limited disease subtype (lcSSc) (77.8%) and long disease duration from onset of first non-Raynaud's phenomenon symptom at the time of survey (10.9 ± 11.1 years). For the correlation analysis between the PROMIS-29 and the legacy instruments, all Spearman correlation coefficients were in the logical direction and highly significant suggesting that the PROMIS-29 is a good alternative to other validated measures of disease burden.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that the PROMIS-29 questionnaire is a valid instrument for measuring health-related quality of life in Australian females with lcSSc of long duration.
Efficacy of statin on vascular access patency in diabetic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Sanada Satoru , Miyasaka Yasunori , Kanno Atsuhiro , Sato Kozo , Sato Mitsuhiro , Sugai Hisako , Kitamura Hiroshi , Sato Toshinobu , Taguma Yoshio
Published: June 2017

Introduction

An effective approach to prevent hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction is still unclear despite previous studies, which have shown conflicting results of several drugs on vascular access outcomes. In this study, we focused on diabetic hemodialysis patients with native arteriovenous fistula and evaluated the impact of statin treatment on vascular access patency.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 268 consecutive patients who newly started hemodialysis due to diabetic nephropathy between January 2011 and December 2013 at Japan Community Health Care Organization Sendai Hospital was performed and the patients were followed for two years. The primary outcome was vascular access dysfunction. Effect of statin treatment was examined using Kaplan Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard, after adjusting for covariates.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 426.7 days, and 117 (52.2%) patients developed vascular access dysfunction. The two-year patency rate was 55.0% among statin users and 36.1% in non-users. Vascular access survival period was significantly longer among statin users (log-rank test, p = 0.004). In multivariable analysis, statin treatment is significantly associated with better vascular access outcomes, in which the hazard ratio was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.52 to 0.97; p = 0.028) in the unadjusted model and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.45 to 0.88; p = 0.007) after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusions

Statin treatment could be associated with improved vascular access dysfunction among diabetic hemodialysis patients.
One-lung Ventilation for Thoracic Surgery: Current Perspectives
Authors: Bernasconi Filippo , Piccioni Federico
Published: June 2017

One-lung ventilation (OLV) is an anesthesiological technique that is increasingly being used beyond thoracic surgery. This requires specific skills and knowledge about airway management, maintenance of gas exchange and prevention of acute lung injury. Sometimes maintaining adequate gas exchange and minimizing acute lung injury may be opposing processes. Parameters validated for OLV titration still have not been found, but a multimodal approach based on low tidal volume, end-expiratory pressure application and alveolar recruitment maneuvers is considered the best way to ensure protective ventilation and reduce lung damage. The purpose of this review is to analyze all these factors using the latest scientific evidence and the opinions of the most influential authors.
Italian cultural adaptation of the Memorial Anxiety for Prostate Cancer scale for the population of men on active surveillance
Authors: Alvisi Maria F. , Repetto Claudia , Rancati Tiziana , Badenchini Fabio , Magnani Tiziana , Marenghi Cristina , Villa Silvia , Nicolai Nicola , Salvioni Roberto , Avuzzi Barbara , Valdagni Riccardo , Bellardita Lara ,   The Prostate Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic Working Group
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

The Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC) is a self-report questionnaire that was developed in English to assess prostate cancer (PCa)-related anxiety. The aim of this study was to perform a cultural adaptation for the tool to be used in a population of Italian men on active surveillance (AS).

Methods:

A total of 222 patients with localized PCa who were recruited for the Prostate Cancer Research International: Active Surveillance (PRIAS) protocol completed the MAX-PC. Psychometric analysis was performed to assess reliability indexes. A Spearman rank correlation was used to test the association between MAX-PC scales and other questionnaires and was used for longitudinal analysis.

Results:

Cronbach coefficients and item to total correlation demonstrated good internal consistency. Some items related to the repetition of the PSA test showed a large floor effect and thus were poorly effective in measuring anxiety for PSA testing in patients on AS. Confirmatory factor analysis partly failed to reproduce the structure of the original version. A modified version of MAX-PC, excluding the items with a large floor effect, was thus considered for AS patients. Factor analysis on this version demonstrated considerable consistency with the presence of 3 subscales: anxiety related to PCa, anxiety related to PSA testing, and anxiety related to the fear of tumor progression. Longitudinal analysis showed an acceptable validity over time. The MAX-PC was correlated with the anxious preoccupation subscale of the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer scale.

Conclusions:

A slightly modified version of the MAX-PC was developed for use in Italian men on AS. This instrument appears to be a valid and reliable tool that measures anxiety in men with PCa who are enrolled in AS programs.
Ureteroscopy in the Diagnosis of Upper Tract Transitional Cell Cancer: A 10-Year Experience Providing Outcome Data for Informed Consent
Authors: Hanna Luke , Chung Vera , Ali Ahmed , Ritchie Robert , Rogers Ann , Sullivan Mark , Keoghane Stephen
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of ureteroscopy and biopsy in the diagnosis and management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively collated data from pathology, radiology and operating theatre data sets from two large UK hospitals. During the 10-year period examined, 160 patients underwent ureteroscopy prior to nephro-ureterectomy (NU)/distal ureterectomy (DU).

Results

Of the 160 patients identified, 140 were ureteroscopically evaluated and biopsied, 104 (74.3%) had positive biopsies, 5 (3.6%) had negative biopsies and 31 (22.1%) had nondiagnostic biopsies. One hundred and forty patients of 160 (88.8%) resulted in positive findings as a result of their ureteroscopy [positive biopsy/positive operative cytology/visible upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) at ureteroscopy)]. A total of 108 patients had cytological samples sent for histological analysis where grade was able to be assessed at DU/NU. Of these samples, 35 had positive cytology, 58 had an abnormal result that was not diagnostic and 15 had negative cytology. Patients with positive biopsies had upstaging (58.4%) and/or upgrading (30.5%) of their initial ureteroscopic histology at NU/DU. The overall success rate of ureteroscopy for cancer diagnosis was 88.8%.

Conclusions

Upper tract endoscopy and biopsy yielded positive biopsy results in 74.3% of cases and confirmed a cancer diagnosis in 88.8%. Five patients had negative histology at biopsy, all of whom eventually underwent a NU/DU confirming cancer.
Allium stent for the treatment of a malignant ureteral stenosis: A paradigmatic case
Authors: Oderda Marco , Lacquaniti Sergio , Fasolis Giuseppe
Published: June 2017

Objective:

The aim of this study was to present a paradigmatic case where the new-generation Allium URS stent was the optimal choice to treat a malignant ureteral stenosis.

Methods:

We describe in detail all the steps of our surgery, performed on a 69-year-old patient with left hydronephrosis caused by lumbo-aortic nodal metastases compressing the ureter. The patient was intolerant to double-J stent due to strong irritative urinary symptoms. Allium URS stent was positioned under fluoroscopy in replacement of pre-existing double-J stent.

Results:

Our approach was successful and irritative urinary symptoms disappeared. At 6 months, the Allium URS was correctly positioned and no hydronephrosis was detected on ultrasound. The stent can be left in place for a maximum of 3 years.

Conclusions:

In complicated scenarios of chronic ureteral stenosis, the new-generation Allium URS can be an interesting option to treat the obstruction while sparing the patient the irritative urinary symptoms and periodic replacements typical of a double-J stent.
Deriving bounded tone with layered feet in Harmonic Serialism: The case of Saghala
Authors: Breteler Jeroen
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes an approach to bounded tone shift and spread as found in Bantu languages. Its core intuition is that the bounding domain is delimited by foot structure. The approach uses layered foot representations to capture ternary phenomena, following Martinez-Paricio & Kager (2015). A set of licensing and structural constraints regulate tone-foot interactions. Harmonic Serialism is adopted as the grammatical framework, to allow for an account of opaque patterns (Prince & Smolensky 1993/2004; McCarthy 2010a).The present approach improves on previous accounts in two ways. Firstly, the size of the tonal bounding domain follows from independently motivated foot representations, rather than being stipulated in the constraint set. Secondly, the approach obviates the need for markedness constraints that refer to underlying structure, because all relevant lexical information is reflected in foot structures.The approach is demonstrated on Saghala (Patin 2009). Saghala shows both shift and spread in a trisyllabic domain. There are six tone patterns, dependent on the contact or near-contact of tones, and the position of word boundaries. An analysis is presented that accounts for all patterns. The success of the analysis shows that the foot-based approach is equipped to deal with a variety of bounded tone phenomena.
Estructura de una política pública para la empresa familiar de Honduras
Authors: Munguia López Rina Patricia
Published: June 2017

En el mundo, se encuentran las denominadas empresas familiares, las cuales son parte de los actores en la dinámica empresarial, el contenido de este trabajo inicia con el abordaje de la experiencia internacional identificando las iniciativas de cada país como punto de partida para el proceso de la investigación.A pesar de la relevancia de las empresas familiares como generadoras de la estabilidad económica y social de los países, los hallazgos encontrados detectan una similitud: falta políticas públicas que permitan el fomento, mejoramiento y continuidad de las mismas en el tiempo.
Análisis de minería de datos distribuida con Weka Parallel en computadoras con múltiples procesadores físicos y lógicos
Authors: Martínez Jairo Jonathan
Published: June 2017

Los estudiantes e investigadores cada vez más tienen la necesidad de aplicar de minería de datos. Weka, surge como un proyecto que pone a su disposición una colección de algoritmos que facilitan el descubrimiento de conocimiento en los datos. Sin embargo, no fue diseñado para aprovechar el paralelismo local con multihilo ni los ambientes distribuidos. Ante esta necesidad han surgido algunos proyectos que extienden Weka permitiéndole aprovechar mejor los recursos. Uno de estos es Weka Parallel. En este artículo se analiza el rendimiento de Weka Parallel y la mejor forma de utilizar en una sola computadora que tenga procesador multinúcleo.
Interactional Pathology among Couples with Borderline Personality Disorder Wives: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hoveidafar Rezvan , Fatehizadeh Maryam , Ahmadi Ahmad , Jazayeri Rezvan , Abedi Mohammad reza
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain a deeper understanding of interactional pathology among couples with the borderline personality female partners by examining the experiences of 10 men/male partners. This main inquiry question is/can be stated as follows; “How do men experienced their communication with their partner who has been diagnosed as displaying traits/characteristics?”. The latter was supplemented by various sub questions exploring the different dimensions of marital life. The major data collection tool was semi-structured interviews. Forty to 60-minute interviews were conducted with each participant. Data analysis included a three-phase process: description, reduction, and interpretation. The latter was completed using the qualitative content analysis by Colaizzi (1978).six categories of experiences indicating interactional difficulty among the couples were obtained from the data analysis. Marital communication pathology, interpersonal pathology, destructive cognition, destructive relations with children, relationship problems due to economical impulse control and social impulse control sense and descriptions may need attention. The results of inquiry determined that the root of interactional pathology can be ascribed to’ instability’. As regard the results it can be said the men with border line personality disorder wives endure interactional pathologies that finally they cause collapsing their family sentence needs attention.
Older Thai Peoples’ Perceptions and Experiences of Major Depression
Authors: Kleebthong Duangkaew , Chareonsuk Sukjai , Kristiansen Lisbeth
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND: Depressive disorders are common mental health problems and may be disabling among the general older population. Although older people have significant symptoms of depression, the symptoms are likely to be underreported. The condition often co-exist along with somatic ill and has often been unrecognized. The aim of the study was to explore and understand the perceptions and experiences of older Thai people diagnosed with major depressive disorder.METHODS: A qualitative inductive research design was used and latent content analysis was utilized. The data were collected through face-to-face, in-depth interviews. Fourteen older people diagnosed with major depressive disorder were selected for participant using purposive sampling. FINDINGS: Older Thai peoples’ perceptions and experiences of depression were abstracted into two themes. First theme was leading a life in detachment, which included three subthemes: living with meaninglessness, holding distress with one’s self, and feeling judged by surrounded people. The second theme was inconvenience of approaching mental health treatment, which included two subthemes: sensing an unapproachable health care service, and lacking knowledge about clinical depression.CONCLUSION: Older Thai peoples’ perceptions and experiences of major depression were affected with high level suspected existential loneliness that might even be worse in a collect oriented society as in the Thai context. Further, it seem hard to approach the mental health care. The central reason for this is interpreted as lack of mental health literacy, and in this case, specifically, knowledge on depression. Future studies should focus on relatives’ experiences of living with an older family member that suffered from major depression, and on the state of mental health literacy in the rural Thai population.
Situación actual de la actividad física para personas con discapacidad en la Comunidad de Madrid
Authors: Pinilla Arbex Javier , Pérez-Tejero Javier
Published: June 2017

El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo analizar la situación de la actividad física adaptada para personas con discapacidad en la Comunidad de Madrid. Para ello, se analizaron las fuentes oficiales de 2014 relativas a la demografía y a la participación en programas de actividad física. Los resultados indicaron un censo de 307.880 personas con discapacidad en la región (4,7 % de la población), siendo la discapacidad física la más representativa. Menos del 2,53 % de las personas con discapacidad practicaba deporte federado y el 21,49 % de los ciudadanos de Madrid con discapacidad disfrutaron del “Carné Especial” que da acceso a las instalaciones deportivas municipales. Sin embargo, no se encontraron indicadores de práctica físico-deportiva recreativa o saludable de personas con discapacidad en la Comunidad de Madrid. Estos resultados sugieren mejorar los indicadores de seguimiento oficiales y establecer pautas de acción que respondan al perfil demográfico analizado.
Aplicación de las nuevas tecnologías en la rehabilitación del lesionado medular
Authors: Cáceres Saavedra Sara , Gómez Saldaña María Belén , García Carpintero María Jesús , Milian Alonso Marina , Arroyo Arias Ana , Cascante Gutiérrez Lía
Published: June 2017

Cáceres, S. et al. (2017): “Aplicación de las nuevas tecnologías en la rehabilitación del lesionado medular”. Revista Española de Discapacidad, 5 (I): 229-236.
Dream It, Write It, Share It: How One Library Engages Students’ Summer Learning Program Interest
Authors: Lewis Melanie
Published: June 2017

The Mint Hill Branch Library is one of twenty locations in the Charlotte (NC) Mecklenburg Library (CML) system. While Charlotte is home to over eight hundred thousand people, Mint Hill is a quieter suburb southeast of the Queen City with a population just over twenty-four thousand. There are three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools in the library’s assigned region.
Adsorption of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) onto Activated Carbon Modified with Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4)
Authors: Kano Naoki , Pang Meiling , Deng Yanling , Imaizumi Hiroshi
Published: June 2017

The adsorption capacity of activated carbon modified with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) for rare earth elements (REEs) from aqueous solution was investigated. The modified activated carbon was characterized by SEM (scanning electron microscopy), FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectrometer), and N2 adsorption-desorption tests. Adsorption experiments from aqueous solutions containing known amounts of some REEs (i.e. La, Lu, Yb, Eu, Y, Sc) onto the carbon were explored in a batch system. The amount of REEs adsorbed at different pH values, initial concentrations, and contact times were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) in order to determine the optimum conditions for REEs adsorption. The adsorption of REEs on the activated carbon was well fitted by the Langmuir isothermal adsorption equation. The rates of adsorption were found to conform to pseudo-second order kinetic. These results present the modified activated carbon as an efficient adsorbent for REEs, hence creating new avenues for the treatment of industrial waste waters including pollutants. It is very significant information from the viewpoint of environmental protection.
Color and Fastness Properties of Woven Stretchable Fabrics
Authors: Ali Abu Nassif Najwa
Published: June 2017

Stretchable fabrics have gained much interest in the last few years because their higher comforts and aesthetic properties. The main parameters which control the stretchable fabric properties were found to be spandex linear density and draft ratio. In this research paper, the influences of these variables on color properties of stretchable fabrics were investigated. Color properties of the stretchable fabrics were characterized by whiteness index, K/S values, and colorfastness to washing, rubbing and perspiration. The results of this work showed that color properties of the stretchable woven fabrics were affected by independent variables. Generally, impact of spandex draft ratio on color properties was more pronounced than the effects of spandex linear density.
Air Conditioning
Authors: Cooper Kenneth W. , Updated by Staff
Published: June 2017

Air conditioning may involve heating or cooling air, humidifying or drying it, and the control of chemical impurities to maintain the desired space conditions. The focus of this article is on the design of air conditioning systems for industrial setting.The article begins by introducing the principles that govern all air conditioning processes, then, the fundamentals of air conditioning system design are presented, focusing on performance as well as addressing worker comfort. Process requirements and equipment of typical systems and system control are discussed next. Industrial applications, energy conservation, and economic consideration are also discussed.
Normal faulting and mass movement during ridge subduction inferred from porosity transition and zeolitization in the Costa Rica subduction zone
Authors: Hamahashi Mari , Screaton Elizabeth , Tanikawa Wataru , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Martin Kylara , Saito Saneatsu , Kimura Gaku
Published: June 2017

Subduction of the buoyant Cocos Ridge offshore the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica substantially affects the upper plate structure through a variety of processes, including outer forearc uplift, erosion, and focused fluid flow. To investigate the nature of a major seismic reflector (MSR) developed between slope sediments (late Pliocene‐late Pleistocene silty clay) and underlying higher velocity upper plate materials (late Pliocene‐early Pleistocene clayey siltstone), we infer possible mechanisms of sediment removal by examining the consolidation state, microstructure, and zeolite assemblages of sediments recovered from Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 344 Site U1380. Formation of Ca‐type zeolites, laumontite and heulandite, inferred to form in the presence of Ca‐rich fluids, has caused porosity reduction. We adjust measured porosity values for these pore‐filling zeolites and evaluated the new porosity profile to estimate how much material was removed at the MSR. Based on the composite porosity‐depth curve, we infer the past burial depth of the sediments directly below the MSR. The corrected and uncorrected porosity‐depth curves yield values of 800 ± 70 m and 900 ± 70 m, respectively. We argue that deposition and removal of this entire estimated thickness in 0.49 Ma would require unrealistically large sedimentation rates and suggest that normal faulting at the MSR must contribute. The porosity offset could be explained with maximum 250 ± 70 m of normal fault throw, or 350 ± 70 m if the porosity were not corrected. The porosity correction significantly reduces the amount of sediment removal needed for the combination of mass movement and normal faulting that characterize the slope in this margin.
The effect of speleothem surface slope on the remanent magnetic inclination
Authors: Ponte J. M. , Font E. , Veiga‐Pires C. , Hillaire‐Marcel C. , Ghaleb B.
Published: June 2017

Speleothems are of interest for high‐resolution reconstruction of the Earth's magnetic field. However, little is known about the influence of speleothem morphologies on their natural remanent magnetization (NRM) record. Here we report on a high‐resolution paleomagnetic study of a dome‐shaped speleothem of middle Holocene age from southern Portugal, with special attention to the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and anisotropy of anhysteretic remanent magnetization (AARM). To assess the potential influence of the slope of the speleothem surface on the recorded remanent magnetization, we compare magnetic directions and AMS and AARM fabrics from subhorizontal to gradually subvertical calcite growth layers collected in a transversal cross section of the speleothem. A linear correlation is observed between magnetic inclinations, calcite laminae slope, and AARM k1 inclination. The AMS fabric is mostly controlled by calcite crystals, with direction of the minimum axes (k3) perpendicular to laminae growth. Magnetic inclinations recorded in inclined and vertical calcite growth layers are underestimated when compared to a global paleosecular variation (PSV) model. After extrapolating magnetic inclinations to the horizontal, the corrected data better fit the PSV model but are still lower than the predicted magnetic inclinations, suggesting that inclination shallowing affects the entire speleothem. We suggest that speleothem morphology exerts a critical role on the magnetic inclination recording, which is controlled by the Earth's magnetic field but also influenced by particle rolling along the sloping surfaces. These observations open new avenues for reconstructing high‐resolution paleomagnetic secular variation records from speleothems and provide new insights into their NRM acquisition mechanisms.
Physical response of a back‐barrier estuary to a post‐tropical cyclone
Authors: Beudin A. , Ganju N. K. , Defne Z. , Aretxabaleta A. L.
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a modeling investigation of the hydrodynamic and sediment transport response of Chincoteague Bay (VA/MD, USA) to Hurricane Sandy using the Coupled Ocean‐Atmosphere‐Wave‐Sediment‐Transport (COAWST) modeling system. Several simulation scenarios with different combinations of remote and local forces were conducted to identify the dominant physical processes. While 80% of the water level increase in the bay was due to coastal sea level at the peak of the storm, a rich spatial and temporal variability in water surface slope was induced by local winds and waves. Local wind increased vertical mixing, horizontal exchanges, and flushing through the inlets. Remote waves (swell) enhanced southward flow through wave setup gradients between the inlets, and increased locally generated wave heights. Locally generated waves had a negligible effect on water level but reduced the residual flow up to 70% due to enhanced apparent roughness and breaking‐induced forces. Locally generated waves dominated bed shear stress and sediment resuspension in the bay. Sediment transport patterns mirrored the interior coastline shape and generated deposition on inundated areas. The bay served as a source of fine sediment to the inner shelf, and the ocean‐facing barrier island accumulated sand from landward‐directed overwash. Despite the intensity of the storm forcing, the bathymetric changes in the bay were on the order of centimeters. This work demonstrates the spectrum of responses to storm forcing, and highlights the importance of local and remote processes on back‐barrier estuarine function.