bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of high tibial osteotomy on hip biomechanics in patients with genu varum: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Moghtadaei Mehdi , Yeganeh Ali , Boddouhi Bahram , Alaee Atefe , Farahini Hossein , Otoukesh Babak
Published: May 2017

Background and aims

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of proximal tibia osteotomy on hip biomechanics.

Methods

This cohort study was conducted on 50 knees of 37 patients divided into two groups of unilateral and bilateral surgeries during 2015–2016. Patients underwent medial open-wedge osteotomy of proximal tibia. Axial alignment of lower limb radiography was carried out for the patients before and after the osteotomy.

Results

Findings from unilateral and bilateral high tibial osteotomies demonstrated that the average of greater trochanter (GT) angle from femoral head center and also the average angle of knee varus were significantly decreased (P = 0.001). Although not statistically significant, the average angle of the mechanical axis of lower limb showed an increase in unilateral osteotomy (P = 0.889) and a decrease in bilateral osteotomy (P = 0.887). The average angle of pelvic obliquity after unilateral osteotomy increased significantly (P = 0.001) but showed no statistically significant difference in bilateral osteotomy (P = 0.631).

Conclusion

High tibial osteotomy significantly affects the GT and causes the downward replacement of GT and consequent shortening of the abductors moment arm, increased hip joint reaction force, and reduction of the shear force on the femoral neck.
The guanine-nucleotide exchange factor CalDAG GEFI fine-tunes functional properties of regulatory T cells
Authors: Niemz Jana , Kliche Stefanie , Pils Marina C. , Morrison Eliot , Manns Annika , Freund Christian , Crittenden Jill R. , Graybiel Ann M. , Galla Melanie , Jänsch Lothar , Huehn Jochen
Published: May 2017

Using quantitative phosphopeptide sequencing of unstimulated versus stimulated primary murine Foxp3+ regulatory and Foxp3− conventional T cells (Tregs and Tconv, respectively), we detected a novel and differentially regulated tyrosine phosphorylation site within the C1 domain of the guanine-nucleotide exchange factor CalDAG GEFI. We hypothesized that the Treg-specific and activation-dependent reduced phosphorylation at Y523 allows binding of CalDAG GEFI to diacylglycerol, thereby impacting the formation of a Treg-specific immunological synapse. However, diacylglycerol binding assays of phosphomutant C1 domains of CalDAG GEFI could not confirm this hypothesis. Moreover, CalDAG GEFI−/− mice displayed normal Treg numbers in thymus and secondary lymphoid organs, and CalDAG GEFI−/− Tregs showed unaltered in vitro suppressive capacity when compared to CalDAG GEFI+/+ Tregs. Interestingly, when tested in vivo, CalDAG GEFI−/− Tregs displayed a slightly reduced suppressive ability in the transfer colitis model when compared to CalDAG GEFI+/+ Tregs. Additionally, CRISPR-Cas9-generated CalDAG GEFI−/− Jurkat T cell clones showed reduced adhesion to ICAM-1 and fibronectin when compared to CalDAG GEFI-competent Jurkat T cells. Therefore, we speculate that deficiency in CalDAG GEFI impairs adherence of Tregs to antigen-presenting cells, thereby impeding formation of a fully functional immunological synapse, which finally results in a reduced suppressive potential.
UV Absorption of KDP Single Crystals as a function of Growth Conditions
Authors: Kolybayeva M. I. , Pritula I. M. , Salo V. I.
Published: May 2017

UV-spectroscopy method is used to study the influence ofdifferent varying growth parameters (growth rate, crystallization temperature, pH of the solution, complexating additions) on the absorption spectra of KH2PO4 crystals. It is found that the minimal value of the absorption coefficient (k ˜ 0.01–0.02cm−1)may be achieved under the following growth conditions: 1) crystallization temperature ˜ 55°C, 2) growth rate ˜ 1mm/24hrs, 3)pH = 4.
Highly Doped P-Type, N-Type CdS Thin Films and Diodes
Authors: Shen Wen P. , Kwok Hoi S.
Published: May 2017

CdS thin films with doping concentration as high as 1017 cm-3 for p-type or 1021 cm-3 for n-type were achieved by pulsed excimer laser deposition without any post-annealing process. These films were grown on InP or GaAs substrates with good crystalline quality. By using this technique, CdS thin film p-n junctions were produced successfully.
Fabrication and Optical Characterization of Doped Germanosilicate Fibres
Authors: Taylor Elizabeth R. , Ye C. C. , Ault B. J. , Payne D. N.
Published: May 2017

This work assesses the incorporation of dopant ions such as Al3+, Ga3+, Zr4+, Nb5+, Ta5+ and Er3+ into the core of germanosilicate optical fibres via modified-chemical-vapour-deposition plus solution doping fabrication techniques. We find that highly-charged smaller ions, like Al3+ and Ta5+, behave similarly. These ions are more efficiently incorporated, assist in the incorporation of Er3+, and have the same influence on the fluorescence spectra of Er3+. The structural role of these ions appear to be their ability to provide nonbridging oxygens around Er3+. The waveguide and lasing characteristics of Er3+ codoped with Ta5+ are presented.
Diode Pumped Miniature Lasers at 2 μm
Authors: Kintz Gregory J.
Published: May 2017

Diode pumped thulium and holmium lasers have long been thought to be the ideal solution to be problem of producing a high energy, efficient, diode-pumped, laser source due to the long upper state lifetimes. However the fundamental energy transfer process of upconversion can limit the storage of energy in the system and increase the thermal loading on the crystal. A numerical solution to the rate equations is used to model the laser performance of both 785 nm pumped Tm: YAG and 1.9 μm pumped Ho: YAG, including the effects of ground state depletion and upconversion. The benefits and problems of both systems will be discussed in detail.
Spectroscopy of the Laser Ion Mn5+ in Sr5(VO4)3F
Authors: Merkle Larry D. , Chai Bruce H. T. , Guyot Yannick
Published: May 2017

Mn5+:Sr5(VO4)3F is a new laser material with spectroscopic and laser properties similar to those of other recently reported Mn doped vanadates, but with the advantage of easier crystal growth. It has strong, broad absorption bands from 600–1000 nm and a sharp emission peak at 1164 nm. The splittings and polarization dependence of the spectra are consistent with the approximate C3v site symmetry reported for other apatites. Despite relatively large distortion from tetrahedral symmetry, the 1E and 3T2 states remain sufficiently separate that the emission is almost purely from the 1E state. As a result, laser operation is of the three-level type. Single pass gain/loss measurements indicate that any excited state absorption at the laser wavelength must be significantly smaller than the stimulated emission.
Laser Performance and Material Properties of a High Temperature Plastic Doped with Pyrromethene-BF2 Dyes
Authors: Allik Toomas H. , Chandra Suresh , Robinson Timothy R. , Hutchinson J. Andrew , Sathyamoorthi Govindarao , Boyer Joseph H.
Published: May 2017

Four pyrromethene-BF2 visible laser dyes, dissolved in a MIL-STD tested high temperature polymer matrix and pumped with a doubled Nd:YAG laser produced 61 % slope efficiency and retained 78% of the initial lasing efficiency after 95,000 pulses.
The Way to Producing of the Perfect Sapphire Crystals
Authors: Flerov Vladimir , Flerov Alexei , Musatov Michael
Published: May 2017

It is elaborated the crystal growth technique on base of Cyropulos method that allows to receive the sapphire single crystals of high quality with small dislocation density, low levels of X-ray luminescence and thermoluminescence, high transparency, and high radiation resistance. The main features of developed technique are: low temperature gradient in growth zone, acute-angled crystallization front, and absence of any mechanical displacement during growing process.

Some other growing factors influencing on crystal quality are discussed.
Fluorescence Characteristics of Rare Earth Silica Fibers
Authors: Zhenan Gu
Published: May 2017

Fluorescence of silica fibers doped with Ce, Eu, Yb, Sm,Pr and Tb ions were obtained when excited by UV light, and also excited by Ar ion laser (514.5nm) and YAG laser(1.06 μ m), superfluorescence and upconversion fluorescence of Er-doped fiber were observed.
High Power CW Diode-Pumped LiSaF Laser
Authors: Balembois F. , Falcoz F. , Georges P. , Roger G. , Brun A.
Published: May 2017

This paper is devoted on Cr:LiSAF laser pumped by cw visible GaAlInP diode at 670nm. Ouput power of more than 60 mW at 850 nm has been obtained with a 500 mW pump laserdiode and the laser is tunable from 810 to 900 nm.
Generation of Circularly Polarized Light of Highly Oriented Poly(P-Phenylene Vinylene)
Authors: Marletta A. , Gonçalves D. , Oliveira O. N. , Faria R. M. , Guimarães F. E. G.
Published: May 2017

Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films of poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) were prepared using an amphiphilic precursor, where the counterion chloride was partially replaced by a long chain dodecylbenzenesulfonate ion. These LB-PPV films are highly ordered along the dipping direction as demonstrated by linear dichroism experiments using linearly polarized optical absorption and emission. The intensity ratio between emitted light parallel and perpendicular to the dipping direction was ca. 17, which is much higher than the dichroic ratio of 3.6 found in the polarized absorption experiment. These values indicate an efficient energy and/or charge transfer between low conjugated segments (disordered) and highly conjugated (ordered) ones after excitation. In addition, the LB films displayed large circular polarization with an asymmetry factor ge which varies from 0.6 to –0.2 when the sample temperature is increased from 30 to 300 K.
New Transparent Substrate with Silica Aerogel Film for Surface-Emissive Devices
Authors: Yokogawa H. , Kawano K. , Yokoyama M. , Tsutsui T. , Yahiro M. , Shigesato Y.
Published: May 2017

Silica aerogels prepared by sol-gel methods with supercritical drying process have transparency and extremely low refractive index which is not available in any other materials. This extraordinary refractivity is expected to present some new features as an optical material. Ordinarily, coupling-out efficiency of surface-emissive light sources has been assumed to be low. It is due to the losses organized from internal reflection of emitted light at the air-glass interface and dissipation during wave-guiding propagation within the substrate.

However, when material that has extremely low refractive index is inserted between a thin luminescence layer and glass substrate, almost all the light from the luminescence layer can efficiently couple out to air passing through the glass substrate. In this report, we introduce a silica aerogel film as a low refractive index material for surface-emissive devices, such as photoluminescent and electroluminescent device. In the experiments, the photoluminescence intensity of Alq3 through the silica aerogel layer was twice as large as that of the glass substrate without the silica aerogel film. Moreover, we formed a new substrate which contained a transparent electrode on the silica aerogel film. Using this substrate, we fabricated the OLED and observed the disappearance of wave-guiding propagation within the glass substrate.
A Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study of Ethylenedioxythiophene Adsorption on Polycrystalline Gold Surfaces
Authors: Birgerson J. , Keil M. , Denier van der Gon A. W. , Crispin X. , Lögdlund M. , Salaneck W. R.
Published: May 2017

The interaction between thin films of ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and polycrystalline copper and gold surfaces has been studied using photoelectron spectroscopy. Thick films of EDOT (∼100 Å) have been prepared by vapor deposition onto clean gold surfaces, which were cooled down to a temperature of 170 K during the deposition process. Monolayers were prepared by slowly heating the thick films up to 300 K. At 300 K most of the material has evaporated from the surface and about one monolayer remains chemisorbed on the gold surface. This shows that there is an interaction between EDOT and Au. This chemisorption causes a shift of around -0.5 eV of the binding energies for the core level electrons, presumably because of screening of the core-hole by the metal. An experimental and theoretical analysis of the valence level electrons suggests that two molecular orbitals, localized at the thiophene part of the molecule, are involved in the interaction with the metal atoms of the surface. The most likely orientation of the EDOT molecules is parallel to the Au surface. Upon adsorption the work function is changed from 5.2 eV for the clean gold surface to 4.0 eV for the EDOT monolayer. In the case of EDOT adsorbed on clean copper surfaces, no interaction was observed.
Synthesis of New Dendrimers Based on 6,8-Dinitroquinazoline and 3,5-Dimercaptobenzyl Blocks
Authors: Miki Hideki , Yokoyama Shiyoshi , Mashiko Shinro
Published: May 2017

Two types of core-shell structured dendrimer, 2,4-bis-{3,5-bis-[3,5-bis-(3,5-di-tert- butylbenzylthio)benzylthio]benzyloxy}-6,8-dinitroquinazoline (7a) and 2,4-bis-{3,5-bis-[3,5-bis- (3,5-di-tertbutylbenzyloxy)benzyloxy]benzyloxy}-6,8-dinitroquinazoline (7b) as a referential compound were synthesized. These compounds consist of a 6,8-dinitroquinazoline ring as the functional unit and a 3,5-dimercaptobenzyl or a 3,5-dihydroxybenzyl group as the dendritic unit. In order to protect the sulfur atom in dendrimer (7a) from the oxidation reaction, a 3,5-di-tert- butylbenzyl group was designed as the outer-most unit. The synthesized dendrimer containing 3,5-dimercaptobenzyl blocks (7a) is completely novel, and is interesting as a photoelectronic material to examine what kind of influence the d-orbital electron properties give to the whole molecule.
Study of 2,6-Linked Quinquepyridine Derivative as Luminescence Materials
Authors: Fu Y.J. , Wong T.K.S. , Wang G.M. , Hu X. , Buddhudu S. , Zhang H.X. , Gao Z.S. , Jiang M.H.
Published: May 2017

Both photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) properties of 6,6””-dimethyl-4', 4”'-diphenyl-2,2':6',2”:6”,2”':6”',2””-quinquepyridine (DMDPQPY), a 2,6-linked oligopy- ridine derivative, have been investigated. Two maxima are observed from its PL spectra in solid state, but only one peak appears in its PL in solutions. Emission from the single layer device with indium-tin-oxide (ITO) and Al as the respective anode and cathode (ITO/DMDPQPY/Al) is very weak, but introduction of a hole transporting layer polyvinylcarbazole (PVK), in the double layer device (ITO/PVK/DMDPQPY/Al), increases the luminance significantly indicating a better charge balance. Two peaks appear in the EL spectra, one at 419 nm and another at 536 nm, ascribed to PVK and DMDPQPY respectively.
Electrical Instabilities and 1/f Noise in Organic Pentacene Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Necliudov P. V. , Shur M. , Gundlach D. J. , Jackson T. N.
Published: May 2017

We report on the influence of Bias-Temperature Stress (BTS) on the pentacene Thin Film Transistors (TFTs) electrical characteristics and on their 1/f noise level. The gate BTS primarily affects the TFT threshold voltage, leaving both mobility and sub-threshold slope values almost unchanged. The degree of the threshold voltage shift induced by the positive or negative BTS depends on the TFT design and the BTS parameters. The current-voltage characteristics time dependence of the organic TFTs, subjected to the BTS, resembles that for amorphous-Si TFTs. The results of the 1/f noise measurements in the organic TFTs allowed us to conclude that the gate BTS primarily affects the TFT contact regions, resulting in the increase of both the contact noise and the contact resistance.
Carrier Dynamics in Poly(Octylthiophene) Gels
Authors: Vial J-C , Pépin-Donat B. , Viallat A. , Fedorko P.
Published: May 2017

Carrier dynamics properties in swollen poly(octylthiophene) gels are investigated via their radiative and non-radiative recombination rates (Wr and Wnr respectively) as a function of their swelling ratio (Q). Photoluminescence decay time (τ, in the picosecond range) and luminescence quantum efficiency (QE) are found to strongly increase with Q. This implies that Wr increases and Wnr decreases as Q increases; such a result cannot be understood if one accounts only for the well-known dilution effect observed for organic dyes. Our interpretation is that the enhanced carrier transport due to the increase of interchain interactions observed upon deswelling induces a separation of carriers. Then, these latter present an increased probability to find non-radiative traps. Variation of the conductivity versus Q in doped gels is also discussed.
Novel Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Azobenzene Functionalized Ribonucleic Acid
Authors: Roy Sucharita , Nagarajan Ramaswamy , Wu Peichuan , Tripathy Sukant K. , Kumar Jayant , Samuelson Lynne , Bruno Ferdinando F.
Published: May 2017

Ribonucleic acids, often called a biological jack of all trades, contribute intimately to every aspect of gene expression, including the synthesis of other polypeptide biocatalysts. The fundamental importance of recurring structural motifs and the kinetics and energetics of the complex secondary and tertiary structure of RNA have been shown to be intimately linked with its functions in vivo. We have developed a novel enzymatic synthetic approach for covalent attachment of photoresponsive units into the RNA backbone. The synthetic conditions of this approach are extremely mild, involving the reverse micellar solubilization of nucleic acid along with lipase in apolar hydrocarbon solvents. Lipase catalyzed acylation of the 2' hydroxyl group in the ribose sugars of the RNA molecule has been used to incorporate photo-isomerizable azobenzene groups into the RNA strands. This micellar approach was envisaged for RNA functionalization while maintaining the conformational integrity of the macromolecular backbone in neutral buffer solution. The modification of RNA using covalently attached chromophores or fluorophores can be extended to other biomacromolecular matrices leading to the development of more versatile photoactive biopolymers. The photo-isomerizable groups incorporated in the RNA molecule can serve as optical ‘handles’ for the manipulation of the conformation of RNA and open new opportunities for biophotonic device applications.
In Situ Second Harmonic Generation Measurements of the Growth of Nonlinear Optical Ionically Self-Assembled Monolayers
Authors: Brands C. , Neyman P.J. , Guzy M.T. , Shah S. , Van Cott K.E. , Davis R.M. , Wang H. , Gibson H.W. , Heflin J.R.
Published: May 2017

Ionically self-assembled monolayers (ISAMs) have recently been shown to spontaneously exhibit a polar ordering that gives rise to a substantial second order nonlinear optical (NLO) response. Here, the deposition of ISAMs has been studied in situ via second harmonic generation (SHG). We show that the adsorption and ordering of a noncentrosymmetric nonlinear optical polymer is constant over a wide range of concentrations. Upon immersion in the NLO-active polyelectrolyte solution, the SHG rises sharply over the first minute. Immersion in the NLO-inactive partner polyelectrolyte leads to a reduction in the SHG signal. Furthermore, when the film is removed from the NLO-active solution and allowed to dry, the SHG increases rapidly as the water evaporates. These studies provide greater understanding of the processes by which noncentrosymmetric order is formed in ISAM films and allows design of improved self- assembled nonlinear optical materials.
Emission Light Properties from Ag/Rhodamine-B LB Films Due to Surface Plasmon Excitations in the Kretschmann and Reverse Configurations
Authors: Nakano T. , Kobayashi H. , Shinbo K. , Kato K. , Kaneko F. , Kawakami T. , Wakamatsu T.
Published: May 2017

Emission light from Ag/ Rhodamine-B (RB) Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films due to surface plasmon (SP) excitations has been investigated using the Kretschmann configuration of the attenuated total reflection (ATR) method and the reverse irradiation of laser beam from air to the samples. The conventional photoluminescence (PL) of the RB LB films showed a broad spectrum and the peak wavelength was about 600 nm. In the reverse irradiation, emission light was observed through the prism, and the intensities and the spectra strongly depended upon the emission angle where the light was observed. The wavelengths of the emission light became shorter as the emission angles increased. The relation between the wavelength and the emission angle agreed with the resonant condition of excitations of SPs in the Kretschmann configuration of ATR method. It was concluded that the emission light was caused by excitations of multiple SPs at the Ag/RB LB films.
Energy Level Alignment at the Metal/Alq3 Interfaces Investigated with Photoemission Methods
Authors: Yan Li , Tang C.W. , Mason M. G. , Gao Yongli
Published: May 2017

Tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) based organic light emission diodes (OLED) have been a focus of material research in recent years. One of the key issues in searching for a better device performance and fabricating conditions is suitable electron-injection materials. We have investigated the energy alignment and the interface formation between different metals and Alq3 using X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS and UPS). The interface is formed by depositing the target cathode material, such as Ca, Al or Al/LiF, onto an Alq3 film in a stepwise fashion in an ultrahigh vacuum environment. While the UPS results show the work function and vacuum level changes during interfaces formation, implying a possible surface dipole layer, XPS results show a more detailed and complex behavior. When a low work function metal such as Ca is deposited onto an Alq3 surface, a gap state is observed in UPS. At the same time, a new peak can be observed in the N 1s core level at a lower binding energy. These results can be characterized as charge transfer from the low work function metal to Alq3. The shifting of core levels are also observed, which may be explained by doping from metal atoms or charge diffusion. These interfaces are drastically different than the Al/Alq3 interface, which has very poor electron injection. At the Al/Alq3 interface there is a destructive chemical reaction and much smaller core level shifts are observed. Based on detailed analysis, energy level diagrams at the interface are proposed.
Geniusz kobiety w nauczaniu Kościoła
Authors: Zwoliński Andrzej
Published: May 2017

Wśród dokumentów Soboru Konstytucja duszpasterska o Kościele w świecie współczesnym kilkakrotnie mówi o kobiecie. Przypomina o równości kobiety im mężczyzny jako osób, także w małżeństwie. Wzywa do przezwyciężania dyskryminacji społecznej i kulturowej i podkreśla słuszność domagania się prawnego i faktycznego zrównania kobiet z mężczyznami. Orzeka się, że kobieta powinna mieć prawo do wolnego wyboru stanu życia, dostępu do równego z mężczyznami wykształcenia i wychowania. Podkreślono, że haniebną praktyką jest handel kobietami, co ubliża ich godności. Zauważono też, że kobiety pracują już we wszystkich prawie dziedzinach życia społecznego, wypada więc, by mogły uczestniczyć w pracy odpowiednio do swych uzdolnień. Jako papież Jan Paweł II od początku swego pontyfikatu przygotowywał wiernych do poznania owego „geniuszu kobiety”. Istotnym nurtem nauki Papieża o kobiecie jest refleksja nad miłością. Geniusz kobiety wyraża się i w tym, że dopiero przy niej mężczyzna poznaje siebie, odkrywa kim jest i jakim być powinien. Dokonuje się to na etapie narzeczeństwa, ale też w małżeństwie.
Wyzwania wychowawcze w rodzinie zastępczej
Authors: Duda Małgorzata
Published: May 2017

Dyskusja ostatnich lat w obszarze funkcjonowania rodziny współczesnej nie słabnie – podkreślane jest jej znaczenie, ale jednocześnie wskazuje się zagrożenie w realizacji jej funkcji opiekuńczo­‑wychowawczej. Młodzi ludzie decydujący się na założenie rodziny coraz częściej nie są przygotowani do wyzwań, jakie stawia przed nimi społeczeństwo. Dotyczy to zwłaszcza funkcji rodzicielskiej – coraz więcej dzieci potrzebuje rodziny zastępczej, która otoczy ich – przede wszystkim – miłością, zapewni poczucie bezpieczeństwa. Czy rzeczywiście funkcjonowanie rodziny zastępczej różni się od życia w rodzinie pochodzenia? Jeżeli tak, to co należy robić, by różnice te były jak najmniejsze? Czy w ogóle jest to możliwe? Wreszcie – czy istnieje różnica w realizowaniu funkcji opiekuńczo­‑wychowawczej „wczoraj” i „dzisiaj”? Na te i inne pytania spróbuje odpowiedzieć niniejszy artykuł.
First-Line Palliative HER2-Targeted Therapy in HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer Is Less Effective After Previous Adjuvant Trastuzumab-Based Therapy
Authors: Rier Hánah N. , Levin Mark-David , van Rosmalen Joost , Bos Monique M. E. M. , Drooger Jan C. , de Jong Paul , Portielje Johanneke E. A. , Elsten Elisabeth M. P. , Ten Tije Albert-Jan , Sleijfer Stefan , Jager Agnes
Published: May 2017

Background

Survival of patients with human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has improved dramatically since trastuzumab has become available, although the disease eventually progresses in most patients. This study investigates the outcome (overall survival [OS] and time to next treatment [TNT]) in MBC patients pretreated with trastuzumab in the adjuvant setting (TP-group) compared with trastuzumab-naïve patients (TN-group) in order to investigate the possibility of trastuzumab resistance.

Patients and Methods

Patients treated with first-line HER2-targeted-containing chemotherapy were eligible for the study. A power analysis was performed to estimate the minimum size of the TP-group. OS and TNT were estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Between January 1, 2000, and June 1, 2014, 469 patients were included, of whom 82 were in the TP-group and 387 were in the TN-group. Median OS and TNT were significantly worse in the TP-group compared with the TN-group (17 vs. 30 months, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.84 [1.15–2.96], p = .01 and 7 vs. 13 months, adjusted HR 1.65 [1.06–2.58], p = .03) after adjustment for age, year of diagnosis, disease-free interval, hormone receptor status, metastatic site, and cytotoxic regimens.

Conclusion

First-line trastuzumab-containing treatment regimens are less effective in patients with failure of adjuvant trastuzumab compared with trastuzumab-naïve patients and might be due to trastuzumab resistance. The impact of trastuzumab resistance on the response on dual HER2 blockade with trastuzumab and pertuzumab and how resistance mechanisms can be used in the optimization of HER2-targeted treatment lines need further investigation.
Weekly Low-Dose Versus Three-Weekly High-Dose Cisplatin for Concurrent Chemoradiation in Locoregionally Advanced Non-Nasopharyngeal Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Aggregate Data
Authors: Szturz Petr , Wouters Kristien , Kiyota Naomi , Tahara Makoto , Prabhash Kumar , Noronha Vanita , Castro Ana , Licitra Lisa , Adelstein David , Vermorken Jan B.
Published: May 2017

Background

Three-weekly high-dose cisplatin (100 mg/m2) is considered the standard systemic regimen given concurrently with postoperative or definitive radiotherapy in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA-SCCHN). However, due to unsatisfactory patient tolerance, various weekly low-dose schedules have been increasingly used in clinical practice. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy, safety, and compliance between these two approaches.

Materials and Methods

We systematically searched literature for prospective trials of patients with LA-SCCHN who received postoperative or definitive conventionally fractionated concurrent chemoradiation. Radiation doses were usually 60–66 gray (Gy) in the postoperative setting and 66–70 Gy in the definitive setting. Standard, three-weekly high-dose cisplatin (100 mg/m2, 3 doses) was compared with the weekly low-dose protocol (≤50 mg/m2, ≥6 doses). The primary endpoint was overall survival. Secondary outcomes comprised response rate, acute and late adverse events, and treatment compliance.

Results

Fifty-two studies with 4,209 patients were included in two separate meta-analyses according to the two clinical settings. There was no difference in treatment efficacy as measured by overall survival or response rate between the chemoradiation settings with low-dose weekly and high-dose three-weekly cisplatin regimens. In the definitive treatment setting, the weekly regimen was more compliant and significantly less toxic with respect to severe (grade 3–4) myelosuppression (leukopenia p = .0083; neutropenia p = .0024), severe nausea and/or vomiting (p < .0001), and severe nephrotoxicity (p = .0099). Although in the postoperative setting the two approaches were more equal in compliance and with clearly less differences in the cisplatin-induced toxicities, the weekly approach induced more grade 3–4 dysphagia (p = .0026) and weight loss (p < .0001).

Conclusion

In LA-SCCHN, current evidence is insufficient to demonstrate a meaningful survival difference between the two dosing regimens. Prior to its adoption into routine clinical practice, the low-dose weekly approach needs to be prospectively compared with the standard three-weekly high-dose schedule.
Global challenges, geosynthetic solutions and counting carbon
Authors: Dixon N. , Fowmes G. , Frost M.
Published: May 2017

The earth is experiencing unprecedented change driven by increasing population, industrialisation and urbanisation. This is leading to rapid climate change and scarcity of resources. There is growing agreement globally of the need to deliver sustainable development to improve the lives of millions of people in low and middle income countries through provision of clean water, sanitation, energy and transport solutions. The response of the international community to this challenge is via the United Nations programme (published in January 2016), which establishes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including response to climate change. These SDGs will guide decisions taken by nations and organisations over the next 15 years. This paper is the written version of the opening keynote lecture delivered to the 3rd Pan American Conference on Geosynthetics in Miami Beach, USA, in April 2016; it considers the role that geosynthetics can make in achieving the SDGs. Scientific evidence for climate change is presented, and the value and uncertainty in available climate change information is discussed to inform its use in design. International agreements on reducing greenhouse gas emissions are based on country specific action plans for mitigation and adaptation against climate change, and the potential for geosynthetics to help achieve these targets is identified. Finally, approaches for calculating embodied carbon for solutions incorporating geosynthetics are introduced and case studies that provide evidence for the ‘sustainability’ case for geosynthetics are summarised. The geosynthetics community is challenged to play a leading role in helping to deliver the SDGs and hence a better future for populations worldwide.
System dynamics simulation on municipal solid waste in Hong Kong
Authors: Wang Chen
Published: May 2017

The municipal solid waste (MSW) generation in Hong Kong (HK) is increasing at a rapid pace, resulting in health and environmental issues for the public. Compared with Singapore and Shanghai, HK has a higher MSW generation rate due to less effective measures and government policies. To forecast the MSW generation and recycling in HK, system dynamics modelling was conducted using Vensim 6.0, based on the data collected from semi-structured interviews and official reports in the Environmental Protection Department of HK, the National Environmental Agency Singapore and Shanghai Environmental Protection Agency that regularly provide statistics on waste outputs. The simulation results show that shortly the MSW in HK will increase based on the current growth rates, and along with that, recycling will also increase. The recycling rates will offset that of the MSW generation due to the closure of landfills, and MSW will be effectively recycled due to more advanced disposal techniques. The strategies developed by the HK government will be able to manage the MSW disposal, but the city will experience more severe MSW conditions in the future as its landfills are expected to close earlier than planned. Recommendations for HK to deal with MSW generation were derived from the experiences in Singapore and Shanghai.
Comparative Advantage in Innovation and Production
Authors: Somale Mariano
Published: May 2017

This paper develops a multi-country, general equilibrium, semi endogenous growth model of innovation and trade in which specialization in innovation and production are jointly determined. The distinctive element of the model is the ability of the agents to direct their research efforts to specific goods, in a context of heterogeneous innovation capabilities across countries and contemporaneous decreasing returns to R&amp;D. The model features a two-way relationship between trade and technology absent in standard quantitative Ricardian trade models. I calibrate the model using a sample of 29 countries and 18 manufacturing industries and quantify the importance of endogenous adjustments in technology. I find that endogenous adjustments in technology due to directed research can account for up to 52.8% of the observed variance in comparative advantage in production. In addition, the model suggests that standard Ricardian models overestimate the reductions in real income from increases in trade costs and underestimate the increment in real income due to trade liberalizations.
THE ENGAGEMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL LEARNERS FOR LEARNING SCIENCE BY RESPONSIBLE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
Authors: Peciuliauskiene Palmira
Published: May 2017

The article deals with the role of responsible research and innovation (RRI) in promoting intrinsic motivation of secondary school learners. RRI is a new concept highlighted by the European Commission that refers to the process which requires a dialogue between scientists and all citizens including the young generation to align the results of research with societal needs in a better way. RRI deals with uncertain areas of knowledge, where arguments and values matter as much as facts. It gives students an opportunity for responsibility and self-expression for coming to informed decisions about the science innovation and their impact. This situation requires a deeper look into the problem of motivation for learning science from the aspect of RRI activity. The research problem is formulated as a question: how does responsible research and innovation in science education promote intrinsic motivation of secondary school learners. Learners’ intrinsic motivation was analysed on the basis of Self-Determination Theory (STD). According to STD, it is important to fulfil three basic psychological needs of learners: the need for autonomy, the need for competence and the need for relatedness. Intrinsic motivation inventory (IMI) was used to assess the participants’ intrinsic motivation related to the RRI activity in science. The article describes the results of RRI project ENGAGE in Lithuania.
PEDAGOGICAL STRATEGIES THAT IMPROVE CHILDREN’S PLAY-BASED LEARNING
Authors: Monkevičienė Ona , Stankevičienė Kristina , Autukevičienė Birutė , Jonilienė Marija
Published: May 2017

This article focuses on the analysis of the issue of children and play-based learning. The theoretical position that play and learning are frequently integrated processes for a child and that there are methods of teacher-child interaction which make play-based learning more efficient, is followed. The pedagogical strategies that enable a child to learn through play without disrupting the authenticity of the play itself are theoretically substantiated: the strategy for promotion of children’s learning “en passant”, the strategy for initiation and promotion of joint attention, the strategy for promotion of children’s learning from peers, the strategy for promotion of communicative teacher-children encounters in play and the strategy for promotion of children’s reflection on play-based learning. On the basis of the qualitative research, the specific methods of practical implementation of each strategy have been described.
THE STUDENT LEARNING MOTIVATING FACTORS ON THE EXAMPLE OF TECHNICAL IT SUBJECTS
Authors: Noga Henryk
Published: May 2017

Teacher other than parents, has a decisive influence on the formation of students personality. Students have different motivation to work is which also constantly evolving. Teachers and educators play significant role in the life of a young people life. The primary objective of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of the teacher attitude on the formation of motivation for learning among students. The way a teacher motivates and how it affects students results. It is therefore essential to find those patterns that will allow work a teacher so that his students start to want learn, in the future, make his lessons remembered and find these lessons as interesting as they can be. Teachers should be able to adopt the attitude that in the memories of students will be referred as a positive, learning encouraging and equitable.
STUDENT`S GAINS OF DEBATING IN THE PRODUCTIVE LEARNING PROCESS
Authors: Samuseviča Alīda , Ročāne Maija
Published: May 2017

Publication highlights pedagogical possibilities of gaining transversal competences through debating process. Productive learning process has been described and data have gathered in order to identify the results of productive learning through debating. The necessity of productive learning has been emphasized in the context of key competencies and learning outcomes-based education approach as in the 21st century students need not only to take the initiative, understand the needs, formulate objectives, identify learning strategies, evaluate their learning achievements but also to explore a set of information offered by the information society which must be transformed into the knowledge society. The publication reflects the results of the case study, which emphasize obtaining the transversal skills through debating.
GENDERED LEARNING BIOGRAPHIES: BECOMING A TEACHER IN MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION
Authors: Mazeikiene Natalija , Gerulaitiene Egle
Published: May 2017

Research presented in the paper focuses on learning biographies and professional identity development of 14 female and male teachers at university colleges in Norway. Biographical narratives reveal subjective accounts and perception of gender roles and it exposes interaction of formal, non-formal, informal experiential learning in different cultural contexts (journeys), combination of learning, work and family life. Learning as a lifelong process is inter-woven with distribution of power in society, social stratification, structural economic and labour market processes, social identities (including gender) and relation between various spheres of social life (public and private, work, family and learning, etc.). In the settings of late modernity globalisation and the process of disembedding mechanisms of social institutions allow individuals to experience new cultures, new lifestyles and feel disembedded and detached from institutions. Internationalization of higher education is an example of empowering detachment mechanisms, when people choose to learn in different cultural settings and develop intercultural competence through experiential learning. The aim of the paper is to analyse (re)construction of self-identity in biographical narratives and conceptualize male and female learning biographies and learning paths in becoming teachers in multicultural education.
THE PEDAGOGICAL TOOLS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPASSION OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH REGARD TO THEIR PSYCHOLOGICAL TYPES
Authors: Guseva Victoria
Published: May 2017

The article contains the development of pedagogical tools of the compassion in the primary school children in the educational process with regard to their psychotypes. It also includes examples of learning activities for primary school teachers.
REFLECTION OF THE ACQUIRED FORMAL EDUCATION OF TEACHERS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THEIR VALUE ORIENTATION
Authors: Kropac Jiri , Koribska Iva
Published: May 2017

The article deals with the value orientation of teachers in the Czech Republic, who attempt to extend their formal education in the process of lifelong learning. The quality of the teacher directly influences the quality of the educational process, therefore the qualification of teachers has become the front theme of the international organisations. Lifelong Learning Centres as parts of the universities offer the programmes for teachers to extend their formal qualification. The primary aim of the article is to analyse teachers’ value orientation reflected by the formal education.
SUCCESSFUL AGEING FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF YOUNG ADULTS IN POLAND
Authors: Kozerska Agnieszka
Published: May 2017

On the basis of the theoretical and empirical analyses published in the scientific literature, it can be stated that the concept of successful ageing presented in educational discourses is understood differently by authors and it is focused primarily on three issues related to 1/ spirituality, 2/ well-being, 3/ a sense of community. The article discusses research results aimed at comparing ways of understanding successful ageing in the scientific literature with ways of defining this term by young adults in Poland. The survey participants are pedagogy students. The article attempts to answer the following questions: 1/ How do young adults in Poland understand the concept of successful ageing?, 2/ To what extent do the ways of understanding this concept, which have been distinguished based on the analysis of empirical data, coincide with a typology created based on a review literature.

Data analysis (cluster analysis) enables to distinguish two types of successful ageing understood as a link between transcendence and generativity. The third type consists of elements of Rowe and Kahn model which are supplemented with good family relations.
NON-FORMAL ADULT EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA
Authors: Zemaitaityte Irena
Published: May 2017

The article reviews the regulatory legal documents for non-formal adult education and lists the diversity of institutions providing non-formal adult education. Non-formal adult education forms a large part of a permanent education system and is an active factor in stimulating Lithuanian democracy growth; it empowers individuals and social groups to deal with social, economical and political problems by advanced critical thinking and assists adults in gaining diverse approaches to tolerance. A system of non-formal education consists of training institutions, voluntary organizations, culture and education institutions, commercial establishments and groups of mutual support. Media and modern information technologies play an important role in this system. Non-formal adult education through its complexities and structural diversity develops conceptual change and behavior of the individuals in the complicated and ever changing modern world.
THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECT OF THE LIFELONG LEARNING BASED ON COMPETENCIES
Authors: Zenčaka Andra , Silakalne - Arāja Daina , Šenfelde Maija
Published: May 2017

Generation of the 21st century threatened by many global problems: ecological, demographic, resource crisis, and also social conflicts. Therefore it becomes urgent the need for learning, regardless of age. As stated in the Latvian Sustainable Development Strategy, highly educated workforce training, the state human capital investments, public motivations in learning should be considered as a decisive aspect of the Latvian long-term economic improvement of the 21st century in order to ensure the competitiveness of the Latvian economy on a global scale. The aim of this article is to analyses the competence-based lifelong learning development’s possibilities in human capital and society in general, affecting green, competitive economy, where the country's internal resources are effectively used without threatening a capability of future generations to satisfy their requirements. The authors of a research have used the scientific analysis of literature, life-long learning policy issues in the international and national documents and expert evaluations, and also methods of processing of statistical data. The most fundamental problem in the article is the long-term economic growth in Latvia based on the skills and knowledge. It was emphasized in "EU 2020 strategy" also. According to the author’s conclusions, lifelong learning needs an improvement for achievement the new long-term objectives of the education system. Recommendations for the improvement of the lifelong learning for low-skilled workers and for the development of competencies of small and medium enterprises employees will be provided in the article.
PRECONDITIONS FOR THE SUCCESSFUL INTEGRATION OF DISABLED PERSONS INTO THE LABOUR MARKET
Authors: Baranauskienė Ingrida , Dobrovolskytė Ilona
Published: May 2017

Low activity level of disabled persons is closely related to the lack of their vocational skills, qualification, experience and motivation. All of the above mentioned elements are interrelated and can be the cause of each other.

The aim of the research – to create the grounded theory for the successful integration of disabled persons into the labour market after their vocational rehabilitation. The given paper presents a model for the successful integration of disabled persons into the labour market. The model can be further used in order to improve the vocational rehabilitation process and, consequently, increase the number of employed disabled persons. Such integration does not only improve the employment indicators of disabled persons but also contributes to their socialization and wellbeing.
THE CONDITIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHERS’ PROFESSIONAL ADAPTATION AND CAREER IN SCHOOLS OF LATVIA AND LITHUANIA
Authors: Melnikova Julija , Zaščerinska Jeļena
Published: May 2017

The article highlights the modern notion of career and explores the salient factors, influencing teachers’ professional development and career opportunities in today’s secondary schools in Latvia and Lithuania. The implications of empirical research on the peculiarities of teachers’ as young specialists’ adaptation and it influencing factors are presented. The contradictory views on the problems of professional adaptation, expressed by two groups of respondents - school heads and young specialists - are analyzed. The article examines opinion of teachers, who have different work experience and professional category, on the topic of career development opportunities. The article also presents the empirical evidence on the question: what is the role of school heads (principal and deputy heads) in the aspect of optimization of teachers’ professional career. Moreover, the recommendations for high schools on how to optimize the teaching-learning process in order to ensure successful start of teachers’ pedagogical career are provided.
CHALLENGES OF WEB-BASED PARTICIPATORY LEARNING
Authors: Marzano Gilberto , Ochoa-Siguencia Luis
Published: May 2017

In the last decade, the spread of the Internet has increased the importance of informal learning, since any sort of knowledge, both popular and scientific, can be found on the Internet in multifarious forms, e.g. online newspapers, books and e-books, scientific journals, blogs, forums, images, videos, etc.

This paper analyses some challenges of Web-based learning, and briefly reports on an experience of computer-supported collaborative learning that is based on a social learning approach.