bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The function of “it” in Ifeanyi Menkiti’s normative account of personhood: a response to Bernard Matolino
Authors: Molefe Motsamai , Maraganedzha Mutshidzi
Published: July 2017

This article is a response to Bernard Matolino’s criticisms against Ifeanyi Menkiti’s elucidations on the normative notion of personhood in African philosophy. This article argues that Menkiti’s article is best understood to be ultimately focused on articulating the normative notion of personhood; so understood, Menkiti’s analysis eschews many of the objections made against it by Matolino. We show that the confusion lies in a general failure in African philosophy to distinguish three distinct senses of the notion of a person. We further show how the referent ‘it’ as used to pick out infants by Menkiti, contrary to Matolino’s analysis that suggests that it is an instance of ‘mal-function’ may be charitably construed to be capturing the idea that infants have moral status and/or that they are morally neutral. A defense of Menkiti’s idea of personhood is crucial in a search for a robust African perfectionist ethics.Keywords: ‘It’, Moral agency, Moral Perfectionism, Moral status, Personhood
Features of atherosclerosis of common carotid arteries among black Kenyans
Authors: Ogeng'o J. , Ongeti K. , Mwachaka P.
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Data on the features of atherosclerosis of common carotid artery are important for informing strategies against ischaemic stroke in Subsaharan Africa, but are scarce. Materials and Methods: This study therefore investigated, by light microscopy, the presence of features of atherosclerosis in the left common carotid artery among 108 black Kenyans [76 males; 32 females; Mean age 36.4, range 22-82 years] who suffered violent death. Specimens from the distal segment of the artery were prepared for routine paraffin embedding, and 5μ sections stained with Mason's Trichome. Results: At least one feature of atherosclerosis was observed in 22 (20.4%) cases. Intimal hyperplasia alone was present in all the 22 cases followed by Intimal hyperplasia and degeneration ofinternal elastic lamina 19 (17.6%); Intimal hyperplasia combined with disintegration ofinternal elastic lamina and medial degeneration 17 (15.7%). Thickening of tunica adventitia with neovascularization were present in 8 (7.4%) of cases. All the features were more frequent in males than females (1.4:1) and those over 40 years old. Eight of the cases (36.4%) were in individuals aged below 40 years. Conclusion: Multiple features of atherosclerosis in common carotid artery are present in over 20% of the asymptomatic black Kenyans studied. They occur more frequently in males, and affect individuals younger than 40 years. These features appear in all three layers of the vessel wall, suggesting that the disease has attained several stages of severity in this population. We recommend early screening for the disease in individuals at risk.
An extensive study and review of literature about multiple variations of the lumbar plexus
Authors: Nayak S. , Surendran S. , Reghunathan D. , Maloor P. , Shetty P.
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Lumbar plexus involves the L1 - L5 spinal segments for the formation of the nerves which supply parts of the abdominal wall, pelvis and the upper part of the thigh (both sensory and motor). Our aim in this study was to compile all the rare variations found in a single cadaver, which is of the rarest possible kind. Methods: During the dissection of the abdomen and pelvis in approximately 70 year old cadaver, there were multiple variations observed in the anatomy of the lumbar plexus. The entire region was cleaned for visibility of the variations and all those were clearly documented for compiling purpose. Results: The following variations in the formation of the lumbar and sacral nerves were observed. 1. The genitofemoral nerve bifurcated at a higher level; genital branch of genitofemoral nerve gave branches to the anterior abdominal wall muscles, 2. A communicating branch was given from the lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh to the medial cutaneous nerve of thigh, 3. A muscular branch was given from femoral nerve to psoas major, 4. There was absence of contribution of L4 spinal nerve in the formation of the lumbosacral trunk, and 5. Lumbosacral trunk gave communicating branches to the femoral and obturator nerves. Most of the variations found were rare and finding all the above said variations in a single cadaver is even rare. Conclusion: Knowledge of the normal anatomy and any possible variations would help the clinicians and surgeons dealing with this region and avoid possible complications beforehand.
Anatomy of the dromedary head skeleton revisited
Authors: El Allali K. , Achaâban M. , Ouassat M.
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Dromedary Camel is known for its specific adaptation to the hostile environment of desert areas. Hence, it is a very interesting model to consider for biological and veterinary sciences. A good knowledge of camel head osteology is relevant to overcome the lack of accurate data useful for comparative anatomy, radiology and clinical practice. Methods: The present work studied the osteology of the camel skull at different age and investigates blood vessels and nerves passing through its foramina. Results: The obtained data show similarities with domestic mammals but also several peculiarities. These include particularly; the existence of an extensive temporal fossa; a prominent external sagittal crest in the adults which is replaced by a large parietal planum in the youngest; the supra-orbital foramina give access only to the frontal vein and thus cannot be used for the nerve block and anesthesia of the upper eyelids; supplementary foramens including, a retroarticular, a lateral sphenopalatine, an accessory maxillary and a lacrimal fontanel were described for the first time. Unlike that reported in the literature, the lacerate foramen is covered by a fibro-cartilaginous layer; whereas the carotid foramen is located caudally to the jugular foramen. The hyoid lingual process is lacking while the epihyoideum is well developed. The mandibular symphysis is well extended reaching 13.2 ± 0.8cm. Also, the literature controversy concerning the lower jaw dental formula was discussed and elucidated: I3-C1-PM2-M3. Conclusion: This study provides a deep anatomy description of the camel skull. The presented results are important for comparative anatomy and clinical investigations.
Electrochemical Characterization of Different Variants of a Commercial Trivalent Chromium Process (TCP) Coating on Aluminum Alloy 7075-T6
Authors: Munson Catherine A. , Zutim Paulo , Swain Greg M.
Published: July 2017

The electrochemical properties (open-circuit potentials, anodic and cathodic polarization curve currents, and polarization resistances) were evaluated for AA7075-T6 alloys coated with three variants of a commercial trivalent chromium process (TCP) pretreatment coating. The coatings were formed on degreased and deoxidized aluminum alloy specimens. Measurements were made in oxygenated 0.5 M Na2SO4 and 3.5% NaCl. Comparison of coatings formed by immersion and spray was undertaken. The three coating variants were 650 chromitAL, versions E, V, and C. Similar concentrations of Cr were in all three coating baths but there were differences in Zr, Zn, S (likely as sulfate), and Fe among the three. TCP coatings formed by immersion exhibited electrochemical properties similar to those formed by spray. Overall, the greatest level of corrosion protection was provided by 650 E based on electrochemical data and results from a 14 d thin-layer mist (3.5% NaCl, 55°C) accelerated degradation test. The coating provides both anodic and cathodic protection in low-chloride electrolytes and functions as more of a cathodic inhibitor in high-chloride electrolytes. Rotating disk voltammetric data revealed the coating inhibits the reduction of dissolved oxygen by providing a diffusional barrier and possibly blocking sites for O2 chemisorption on the cathodically-active intermetallic phases.
Black France, Black America: Engaging Historical Narratives
Authors: Berteaux John Anthony
Published: July 2017

Abstract During the first quarter of the 20th Century a small group of black intellectuals, artists, and musicians abandoned the United States for Paris. The rumor was that the French did not believe in racist theories – that France offered blacks social and economic opportunities not available in the States. This paper critically examines that narrative as well as North America’s melting pot legend – an expression of the promise of America made popular in 1909 by playwright Israel Zangwill. The stories that we tell about ourselves as a nation are important because our moral sentiments are frequently a product of these narratives. They influence our vision of populations and their circumstances. They serve as starting points for philosophical investigation and critical self-reflection. My intent is not to prove these stories or narratives false but rather, to illustrate how their widespread acceptance has affected people’s abilities to recognize, understand, and responsibly address compelling and complex racial problems. What I recommend is the need for an on-going, comprehensive, and critical examination of socially dominant historical narratives.
Disinformation Society, communication and cosmopolitan democracy
Authors: Marshall Jonathan Paul
Published: July 2017

This paper argues that ‘fake news’ is endemic to ‘information society’ as a whole, not just the internet or news media. It is part of daily experience, generated by established patterns of communication, social group categorisation, framing, and patterns of power. These disruptions are intensified  though interacting with the dynamics of information capitalism, which values strategic effectiveness more than accuracy. Assuming democratic cosmopolitan society must have good communication, this paper explores the factors which produce obstacles to such communicative processes, as the patterns which support bad communication and disinformation must be understood before they can be dealt with.
Organic molecular tracers in the atmospheric aerosols from Lumbini, Nepal, in the northern Indo-Gangetic Plain: influence of biomass burning
Authors: Wan Xin , Kang Shichang , Li Quanlian , Rupakheti Dipesh , Zhang Qianggong , Guo Junming , Chen Pengfei , Tripathee Lekhendra , Rupakheti Maheswar , Panday Arnico K. , Wang Wu , Kawamura Kimitaka , Gao Shaopeng , Wu Guangming , Cong Zhiyuan
Published: July 2017

Abstract. To better understand the characteristics of biomass burning in the northern Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), total suspended particles were collected in a rural site, Lumbini, Nepal, during April 2013 to March 2014 and analyzed for the biomass burning tracers (i.e., levoglucosan, mannosan, vanillic acid). The annual average concentration of levoglucosan was 734 ± 1043 ng m−3 with the maximum seasonal mean concentration during post-monsoon season (2206 ± 1753 ng m−3), followed by winter (1161 ± 1347 ng m−3), pre-monsoon (771 ± 524 ng m−3) and minimum concentration during monsoon season (212 ± 279 ng m−3). The other biomass burning tracers (mannosan, galactosan, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid and dehydroabietic acid) also showed the similar seasonal variations. There were good correlations among levoglucosan, organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC), indicating significant impact of biomass burning activities on carbonaceous aerosol loading throughout the year in Lumbini area. According to the characteristic ratios, levoglucosan ∕ mannosan (lev ∕ man) and syringic acid ∕ vanillic acid (syr ∕ van), we deduced that the high abundances of biomass burning products during non-monsoon seasons were mainly caused by the burning of crop residues and hardwood while the softwood had less contribution. Based on the diagnostic tracer ratio (i.e., lev ∕ OC), the OC derived from biomass burning constituted large fraction of total OC, especially during post-monsoon season. By analyzing the MODIS fire spot product and 5-day air-mass back trajectories, we further demonstrated that organic aerosol composition was not only related to the local agricultural activities and residential biomass usage but also impacted by the regional emissions. During the post-monsoon season, the emissions from rice residue burning in western India and eastern Pakistan could impact particulate air pollution in Lumbini and surrounding regions in southern Nepal. Therefore, our finding is meaningful and has a great importance for adopting the appropriate mitigation measures, not only at the local level but also by involving different regions and nations, to reduce the biomass burning emissions in the broader IGP region nations.
Using ERA-Interim reanalysis for creating datasets of energy-relevant climate variables
Authors: Jones Philip D. , Harpham Colin , Troccoli Alberto , Gschwind Benoit , Ranchin Thierry , Wald Lucien , Goodess Clare M. , Dorling Stephen
Published: July 2017

Abstract. The construction of a bias-adjusted dataset of climate variables at the near surface using ERA-Interim reanalysis is presented. A number of different, variable-dependent, bias-adjustment approaches have been proposed. Here we modify the parameters of different distributions (depending on the variable), adjusting ERA-Interim based on gridded station or direct station observations. The variables are air temperature, dewpoint temperature, precipitation (daily only), solar radiation, wind speed, and relative humidity. These are available on either 3 or 6 h timescales over the period 1979–2016. The resulting bias-adjusted dataset is available through the Climate Data Store (CDS) of the Copernicus Climate Change Data Store (C3S) and can be accessed at present from ftp://ecem.climate.copernicus.eu. The benefit of performing bias adjustment is demonstrated by comparing initial and bias-adjusted ERA-Interim data against gridded observational fields.
2D dipping dike magnetic data interpretation using a robust particle swarm optimization
Authors: Essa Khalid S. , El-Hussein Mahmoud
Published: July 2017

Abstract. A robust Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) investigation for magnetic data by a 2D dipping dike has been presented. The interpretive model parameters are: the amplitude coefficient (K), the depth to the top of the dipping dike (z), exact origin of the dipping dike (x0), and the width of dipping dike (w). The inversion procedure is actualized to gauge the parameters of a 2D dipping dike structures where it has been confirmed first on synthetic models without and with different level of random noise. The results of the inversion demonstrate that the parameters derived from the inversion concur well with the true ones. The root mean square (RMS) is figured by the strategy which is considered as the misfit between the measured and computed anomalies. The technique has been warily and effectively applied to real data examples from China and UK with the presence of ore bodies. The present technique can be applicable for mineral exploration and ore bodies of dike-like structure embedded in the shallow and deeper subsurface.
Parametrisation of the variety of human behaviour related to building energy consumption in the Town Energy Balance (SURFEX-TEB v. 8.2)
Authors: Schoetter Robert , Masson Valéry , Bourgeois Alexis , Pellegrino Margot , Lévy Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2017

Abstract. The anthropogenic heat flux can be an important part of the urban surface energy balance. Some of it is due to energy consumption inside buildings, which depends on building use and human behaviour, both of which are very heterogeneous in most urban areas. Urban canopy parametrisations (UCP), such as the Town Energy Balance (TEB), parametrise the effect of the buildings on the urban surface energy balance. They contain a simple building energy model. However, the variety of building use and human behaviour at grid point scale has not yet been represented in state of the art UCPs. In this study, we describe how we enhance the Town Energy Balance in order to take fractional building use and human behaviour into account. We describe how we parametrise different behaviours and initialise the model for applications in France. We evaluate the spatio-temporal variability of the simulated building energy consumption for the city of Toulouse. We show that a more detailed description of building use and human behaviour enhances the simulation results. The model developments lay the groundwork for simulations of coupled urban climate and building energy consumption which are relevant for both the urban climate and the climate change mitigation and adaptation communities.
Flood type classification and assessment of their past changes across Europe
Authors: Hundecha Yeshewatesfa , Parajka Juraj , Viglione Alberto
Published: July 2017

Abstract. This study was carried out to establish the characteristics of observed flood events across Europe in the past in terms of their spatial extent and the processes leading up to the events. Daily discharge data from more than 745 stations of the Global Runoff Data Centre were used to identify peak flows at each station for the period 1961-2010. The identified events at the different stations were further analysed to determine whether they form the same flood event, thereby delineating the spatial extent of the flood events. A pan-European hydrological model was employed to estimate a set of catchment hydrological and hydro-meteorological state variables that are relevant in the flood generation process for each of the identified spatially delineated flood events. A subsequent clustering of the events based on the simulated state variables was used to identify the flood generation mechanism of each flood event. Four general flood generation mechanisms were identified: long-rain flood, short-rain flood, snowmelt flood, and rain-on-snow flood. A trend analysis was performed to investigate how the frequency of each of the flood types has changed in time over the investigation period. In order to investigate whether there is a regional and seasonal pattern in the dominant flood generating mechanisms, this analysis was performed separately for winter and summer seasons and five different regions of Europe: Northern, Western, Eastern, Southern Europe, and the Alps. Continentally, the total number of flood events didn’t show a significant change. However, the frequency of winter long rain events increased significantly while that of summer rain-on-snow events decreased significantly over the investigation period. Regional differences were detected in the dominant flood generating mechanism and the corresponding trends. In Western Europe, the frequency of both winter and summer rainfall events increased significantly. In Northern and Eastern Europe, the frequency of summer rain-on-snow events decreased significantly. In addition, winter short rainfall events increased significantly in Eastern Europe. In the Alps, the frequency of summer short rain events increased significantly.
Regional analysis of parameter sensitivity for simulation of streamflow and hydrological fingerprints
Authors: Höllering Simon , Wienhöfer Jan , Ihringer Jürgen , Samaniego Luis , Zehe Erwin
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Diagnostics of hydrological models is pivotal for a better understanding of catchment functioning. The analysis of dominating parameters for the simulation of streamflow plays a key role for region specific model diagnostics, model calibration or parameter transfer. A major challenge in this analysis of parameter sensitivity is the assessment of both temporal and spatial differences of parameter influences on simulated streamflow response. A methodical approach is presented, wherein a two-tiered global sensitivity analysis on a spatially distributed hydrological model is applied to 14 mesoscale headwater catchments of the river Ruhr in western Germany. The analysis of parameter sensitivity is geared towards two complementary forms of streamflow response targets. The analysis of the temporal dynamics of parameter sensitivity (TEDPAS) is contrasted with sensitivity analysis directed to hydrological fingerprints, i.e. temporally independent and temporally aggregated characteristics of streamflow (INDPAS). The two-tiered approach allows to discern a clarified sensitivity pattern pinpointed to diverse response characteristics, to detect regional differences and to reveal the regional relevance of the response target. Small local differences in the hydroclimatic and topographic setting of the headwaters lead to slight differences in the hydrological functioning, which was revealed by gradual differences in TEDPAS and INDPAS.
Evaluation of extensive floods in western/central Europe
Authors: Gvoždíková Blanka , Müller Miloslav
Published: July 2017

Abstract. This paper addresses the identification and evaluation of extreme flood events in the transitional area between western and central Europe in the period 1951–2013. Floods are evaluated in terms of three variants on an extremity index that combines discharge values with the spatial extent of flooding. The indices differ in the threshold of the considered maximum discharges; the flood extent is expressed by a length of affected river network. This study demonstrates that using the index with a higher flood discharge limit changes the floods' rankings significantly. It also highlights the high severity events. In general, we detected an increase in the proportion of warm half-year floods when using a higher discharge limit. Nevertheless, cold half-year floods still predominate in the lists because they generally affect large areas. This study demonstrates the increasing representation of warm half-year floods from the northwest to the southeast.
Reply to “Basal buoyancy and fast-moving glaciers: in defense of analytic force balance” by C. J. van der Veen (2016)
Authors: Hughes Terence J.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Two approaches to ice-sheet modeling are available. Analytical modeling is the traditional approach (Van der Veen, 2016). It solves the force (momentum), mass, and energy balances to obtain three-dimensional solutions over time, beginning with the Navier–Stokes equations for the force balance. Geometrical modeling employs simple geometry to solve the force and mass balance in one dimension along ice flow (Hughes, 2012a). It is useful primarily to provide the first-order physical basis of ice-sheet modeling for students with little background in mathematics. The geometric approach uses changes in ice-bed coupling along flow to calculate changes in ice elevation and thickness, using a floating fraction ϕ along a flow line or flow band, where ϕ = 0 for sheet flow, 0 < ϕ < 1 for stream flow, and ϕ = 1 for shelf flow. An attempt is made to reconcile the two approaches.
Audit Committee Compliance and Company Performance Nexus: Evidence from ASX Listed Companies
Authors: Gani Ismail , Wijeweera Albert , Eddie Ian
Published: July 2017

This study examines whether the compliance with the audit committee recommendations which the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) Corporate Governance Council (2003, 2007, 2010, 2014) put forward as part of its corporate governance reforms has enhanced corporate performance of ASX listed companies. Using company performance variables for 97ASX listed companies in the materials sector, the study estimates six different company performance models under two major categories of accounting performance indicators and investor performance indicators. Result clearly suggest that among corporations that operated within the materials sector and ranked in the top 500 companies listed on the ASX, those that complied with ASX recommendation of audit committee requirements, have achieved a higher corporate performances as measured by return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) as opposed to those firms that did not comply with the recommendation.
Th17/Regulatory T Cell Imbalance in Sepsis Patients with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome: Attenuated by High-volume Hemofiltration
Authors: Guo Jiguang , Tao Wu , Tang Dan , Zhang Jianbin
Published: July 2017

Background

We assessed the Th17 (T-helper cell)/Treg (Regulatory T cell) imbalance in sepsis patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and the clinical benefits of continuous high-volume hemofiltration (HVHF).

Methods

48 sepsis patients, including 22 patients with MODS (MODS group, n = 22) and 26 without (non-MODS group, n = 26), and 20 healthy volunteer controls were enrolled. The patients in MODS group were randomly divided into the continuous blood purification (CBP) group (n = 11) receiving conventional comprehensive treatment plus high-volume hemofiltration and the non-CBP group (n = 11) receiving conventional comprehensive treatment only. At day 28, all 48 patients were divided into the survival group (n = 36) and the non-survival group (n = 12). Venous blood samples, collected at 0, 6, 12 and 24 hours during hemofiltration (or equivalent times in the non-CBP group), were assessed by flow cytometry to detect the Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood. Serum cytokines (such as IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, IL-10 and TGF-β1) were detected by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Th17%, Treg%, Th17/Treg, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, IL-10 and TGF-β1 were significantly higher in MODS and non-MODS group than in the health control (p<0.05), while Th17%, Treg%, Th17/Treg and measured cytokines were significantly higher in the MODS group compared to the non-MODS group (p<0.05). After HVHF treatment, Th17%, Treg%, Th17/Treg, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-10 were significantly reduced (p<0.05), while there were no significant changes in the non-CBP group (p>0.05). In addition, APACHE II and SOFA scores decreased markedly after HVHF treatment. Baseline Th17%, Treg%, Th17/Treg, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, IL-10 and TGF-β1 were significantly higher in the non-survival group compared to the survival group. Both Th17% and Th17/Treg were positivity correlated with concentration of IL-6 and APACHE II score (p<0.01).

Conclusions

The level of Th17/Treg imbalance in sepsis is related to the occurrence and prognosis of MODS. High-volume hemofiltration can attenuate the Th17/Treg imbalance in sepsis patients, possibly by removing inflammatory mediators.
Endometriosis and Infertility: A Systematic Review
Authors: Harris Amani , Tsaltas Jim
Published: July 2017

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynaecological conditions affecting 6% to 12% of women in the reproductive age group. It can be found in 35% to 45% of women who are trying to conceive and are infertile. Infertility is one of the most common problems associated with endometriosis. This review will look at the evidence that endometriosis may lead to infertility and the data looking at whether surgical correction of endometriosis may improve fertility outcomes.
High sensitivity troponin might be a marker of subclinical scleroderma heart involvement: a preliminary study
Authors: Barsotti Simone , Stagnaro Chiara , d'Ascanio Anna , Parma Alice , Emdin Michele , Conti Umberto , Mosca Marta , Della Rossa Alessandra
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Although often asymptomatic, cardiac involvement is common in systemic sclerosis (SSc), and is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate whether high-sensitivity troponin (HSTn) might represent a useful tool to detect subclinical scleroderma heart involvement (SHI) in SSc.

Methods

We enrolled 65 consecutive SSc patients who performed HSTn test, electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram within six months of HSTn test. We acquired also data about N-terminal segment of proBNP (NT-proBNP) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI). We excluded patients with overt pulmonary arterial hypertension. We defined as subclinical SHI the presence of the following conditions: diastolic dysfunction, pericardial effusion, conduction abnormalities/arrhythmias, oedema and/or T2 weighted non-ischemic pattern showed by cMRI.

Results

Twelve patients showed SHI, and 23 and 29, respectively, had high levels of HSTn and of NT-proBNP. SHI is correlated with high levels of HSTn (p = 0.02) with a significant difference between HSTn values in patients with or without SHI (59 vs. 13 ng/mL; p = 0.0097). Moreover, among patients with abnormal NT-proBNP, 18 also had out of range HSTn (Spearman rank correlation 0.5; p<0.0001). According to ROC curve analysis, the best HSTn cut-off value in distinguishing between patients with and patients without SHI was 16 ng/mL (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 83%; area under the curve: 0.77 (95% CI: 0.65-0.87) p<0.001.

Conclusions

Our data show a close relationship between HSTn and NT-proBNP in SSc patients with SHI. HSTn might be a marker of SHI while NT-proBNP seems to be less specific for heart dysfunction.
Patient Satisfaction and Acceptance of Their Totally Implanted Central Venous Catheter: A French Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Marcy Pierre-Yves , Schiappa Renaud , Ferrero Jean-Marc , Dahlet Christian , Brenet Olivier , Yazbec Gabriel , Dubois Pierre-Yves , Salm Bernard , Fouche Yves , Mari Veronique , Montastruc Marion , Lebrec Nathalie , Ancel Benoit , Paillocher Nicolas , Dupoiron Denis , Rangeard Olivier , Gal Jocelyn , Ettaiche Marc , Chateau Yann , Chamorey Emmanuel
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Most cancer patients require a totally implanted central venous catheter (TIVAD) for their treatment. In a previous study, we developed and validated a questionnaire dubbed QASICC (Questionnaire for Acceptance of, and Satisfaction with, Implanted Central Venous Catheter) assessing patient satisfaction with, and acceptance of, their TIVAD. In the present study, we conducted a large, prospective, multicenter study in cancer patients aimed to analyze factors that could influence patients’ acceptance of, and satisfaction with, their device.

Methods

The QASICC is composed of 22 items assessing 5 dimensions. The construction and validation of the questionnaire was achieved using validated methodology to determine its psychometric characteristics. The questionnaire was submitted to 720 patients in 11 French institutions; 567 answers were analyzed.

Results

Younger patients had the most difficulties in coping with their TIVAD, especially regarding daily activities and their body image and private life compared to older patients. Sex was significantly related to patient satisfaction, with worse scores in women. Breast tumor location was also correlated with low TIVAD acceptance. TIVAD on the right side also positively influenced satisfaction and acceptance of the device.

Conclusions

QASICC has proved to be efficient, and to detect known issues regarding daily activities and body image. As our population was mostly composed of women with breast cancer, our results reflect specific aspects of this population. The TIVAD remains generally well-accepted and our questionnaire should help health-care workers to better address the specific needs of their patients based on the answers provided.
Significance of Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio in Western Advanced EGFR-mutated Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Receiving a Targeted Therapy
Authors: Meriggi Fausto , Codignola Claudio , Beretta Giordano D. , Ceresoli Giovanni L. , Caprioli Alberto , Scartozzi Mario , Fraccon Anna P. , Prochilo Tiziana , Ogliosi Chiara , Zaniboni Alberto
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide and, although targeted therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors has dramatically improved the rates of response and survival in advanced EGFR-mutated adenocarcinoma, the overall outcome remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, new prognostic factors, preferably simple, inexpensive, and easy to reproduce on a large scale, are needed. We performed a retrospective analysis of our database including 63 western Caucasian patients with advanced EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma and receiving gefitinib, erlotinib, or afatinib as first- or second-line therapy. Several studies demonstrated a strong link between elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and poor prognosis both in early and advanced stages of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

From January 2011 to December 2015, 63 consecutive elegible patients with advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC were included in this analysis from 5 institutions. The NLR was derived from the absolute neutrophil and the absolute lymphocyte counts of a full blood count and the cutoff value was determined according to the mean NLR level.

Results

Despite the small sample analyzed, we found that NLR has a prognostic role for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), reaching a statistically significant difference with a better PFS and OS in the lower NLR group.

Conclusions

Pretreatment NLR seems to represent a reliable, simple, and easy to reproduce laboratory tool to predict outcome and response to cancer therapies in this setting of Western Caucasian patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
Truncated Weibull-G More Flexible and More Reliable than Beta-G Distribution
Authors: Najarzadegan Hossein , Alamatsaz Mohammad Hossein , Hayati Saied
Published: July 2017

Our purpose in this study includes introducing a new family of distributions as an alternative to beta-G (B-G) distribution with flexible hazard rate and greater reliability which we call Truncated Weibull-G (TW-G) distribution. We shall discuss several submodels of the family in detail. Then, its mathematical properties such as expansions, probability density function and cumulative distribution function, moments, moment generating function, order statistics, entropies, unimodality, stochastic comparison with the B-G distribution and stress-strength reliability function are studied. Moreover, we study shape of the density and hazard rate functions, and based on the maximum likelihood method, estimate parameters of the model. Finally, we apply the model to a real data set and compare B-G distribution with our proposed model.
Nonparametric Tests for Convexity/Monotonicity/Positivity of Multivariate Functions with Noisy Observations
Authors: Lim Eunji , Tavarez Elizabeth
Published: July 2017

We propose a new method of testing for a function's convexity, monotonicity, or positivity, based on some noisy observations of the function made over a finite set $\mathcal{T}$ of points in the domain, where the observations can be made multiple times at each point in $\mathcal{T}$. One of the traditional approaches to the test of a function's shape characteristic is to fit a convex, a monotone, or a positive function, depending on the shape characteristic we wish to test for, to the data set minimizing the sum of squared errors, and to compute the sum of squared differences (SSD) between the fit and the data set. While the traditional approach proceeds by observing the SSD as the number of points in $\mathcal{T}$ increases to infinity, we propose observing the SSD as $r$, the number of observations taken at each point in $\mathcal{T}$, increases to infinity. This new way of observing the asymptotic behavior of the SSD leads to a test procedure that does not require the estimation of any additional parameters, and hence, is easy to implement. The proposed test procedure is proven to achieve a prescribed power as $r \rightarrow \infty$. Numerical examples illustrate that the proposed test successfully detects the convexity/monotonicity/positivity of a function, as well as the non-convexity/non-monotonicity/non-positivity of a function.
Methodology To Facilitate Successful Lean Implementation
Authors: Berlec Tomaž , Kleindienst Mario , Rabitsch Christian , Ramsauer Christian
Published: July 2017

The implementation of lean production in a company is a transformation of the whole company’s culture. To achieve such a lean culture, the role and support of management are decisive. This paper introduces a newly defined model and methodology with an interview guide which helps to distinguish a supportive from a non-supportive management team when introducing lean production, and helps to decide if a step needs to be repeated, improved, or the next step can be initiated. The methodology is especially suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s), because of their lack of human resources, where this model was also tested.
Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation in a Pre-Stressed Large-Displacements Dynamical System
Authors: Skrinjar Luka , Slavič Janko , Boltežar Miha
Published: July 2017

The design process for dynamical models has to consider all the properties of a mechanical system that have an effect on its dynamical response. In multi-body dynamics, flexible bodies are frequently modeled as rigid, resulting in non-valid modeling of the pre-stress effect. In this research a focus on the pre-stress effect for a flexible body assembled in a rigid-flexible multibody system is presented. In a rigid-flexible assembly a flexible body is modeled with an absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) of finite elements. The geometrical properties of the flexible body are evaluated based on the frequency response and compared with the experimental values. An experiment including the pre-stress effect and large displacements is designed and the measured values of the displacement are compared to the numerical results in order to validate the dynamical model. The pre-stress was found to be significant for proper numerical modeling. The partially validated numerical model was used to research the effect of different parameters on the dynamical response of a pre-stressed, rigid-flexible assembly.
Reseña: "La isla de los ingenios. Aventuras e infortunios de un corresponsal en La Habana en las postrimerías del castrismo" de Fernando García del Río
Authors: Basáñez Barrio Endika
Published: July 2017

Reseña crítica de la obra La isla de los ingenios. Aventuras e infortunios de un corresponsal en La Habana en las postrimerías del castrismo (2015) del periodista español Fernando García del Río.
Tezcatlipoca (post)moderno: reinterpretaciones de la figura del Espejo Humeante en la narrativa mexicana contemporánea.
Authors: Andzel-O'Shanahan Edyta
Published: July 2017

El propósito del presente trabajo es el de rastrear la presencia de la figura de Tezcatlipoca y de los mitos relacionados con él en la literatura mexicana de los siglos XX y XXI. Uno de los dioses principales en la cosmovisión azteca, el omnipotente y omnipresente dios de la guerra, capaz de entender los secretos de los corazones humanos y de revelar el destino, reaparece en la narrativa contemporánea con todo su rico simbolismo. Las reelaboraciones de su imagen se inscriben, sin embargo, dentro de una neocultura, fuera de su contexto original. Los ejemplos selectos ilustran la reinterpretación del pensamiento mítico indígena y la adaptación del valor simbólico del mito a la realidad mexicana transculturada.
Reseña: "Réplicas. Escritos sobre literatura, arte y política" de Diamela Eltit
Authors: Cabrera Mario Federico
Published: July 2017

Reseña de "Réplicas. Escritos sobre literatura, arte y política" de Diamela Eltit
Cuando el atraso se hace norma. Geografía, comercio y alteridad en la narrativa de viaje de John Steuar
Authors: Mora Silva Julimar del Carmen
Published: July 2017

El presente ensayo buscará reflexionar en torno a la construcción de la alteridad representada en el diario de viaje de un comerciante escocés residente en Nueva Granada entre los años 1839 y 1837. En la narrativa de ese diario se encuentra cierta simultaneidad entre las connotaciones sociales asignadas a lo no europeo en el medioevo —a través del mito del Dorado—, la Ilustración —a través de la relación entre raza y geografía— y el liberalismo decimonónico —a través de la explicación del atraso pos-colonial—. Lo anterior se expresó en la ecuación atraso-progreso que buscó negativizar lo neogranadino y, por consiguiente, lo suramericano, en relación a los referentes ubicados en Europa y Norteamérica. De esta forma, se quiere exaltar la potencialidad de aquel tipo de fuente como un buen instrumento para leer las ideas y los discursos de agentes específicos, en este caso, de un extranjero en el siglo XIX.
Un futuro hecho de pasado: texturas de la temporalidad en Antón Arrufat
Authors: Maccioni Laura
Published: July 2017

Este artículo examina los modos de reorganizar el tiempo luego del triunfo de la revolución cubana en 1959, deteniéndose en particular en dos textos del escritor Antón Arrufat (1935) que abordan la cuestión de la herencia familiar: la novela Mi antagonista (1963) y la obra teatral Los siete contra Tebas (1968). Frente a la idea de la revolución como un nuevo origen, la lectura que realizo aquí propone que Arrufat entiende al tiempo como una textura compleja, en la que las transformaciones futuras están ligadas a la reapropiación de lo heredado. Así, Arrufat articula repetición y novedad de una manera singular en el horizonte cultural de los sesenta cubanos.
Poesía peruana post-Vallejo: de los indigenismos a las opacidades
Authors: Granados Agüero Pedro
Published: July 2017

César Vallejo sepultó con su obra poética --aunque valiéndose también de sus persuasivas crónicas y ensayos-- todos los indigenismos; y sacó adelante un concepto y una práctica que podríamos motejar como Indigenismo-3, pero que preferimos --junto con Édouard Glissant-- denominar “opacidad”.  Esto en primer lugar.  Luego, o en segundo lugar, aunque acaso sea lo más importante aquí, proponer una metodología de lo “opaco” lo más discreta posible y, esperamos, lo más productiva también.  Por último, o en tercer lugar,  aplicar dicho método en nuestro análisis de algunos hitos de la poesía post-Vallejo: Magdalena Chocano (1957), Vladimir Herrera (1950), Rocío Castro Morgado (1959) y  Juan de la Fuente Umetsu (1963), fundamentalmente.
Un Fantasma recorre la provincia: la poesía de Jorge Teillier a partir de los años 70
Authors: Rios Baeza Felipe Adrián
Published: July 2017

Este ensayo propone matizar en la obra del poeta chileno Jorge Teillier el manido concepto de “poesía lárica”, a través de la propuesta de una relectura crítica de las recurrencias que, a partir de la década de 1970, el chileno fija en su poesía, desde su volumen Crónica del forastero (1968) hasta Hotel Nube (1997). Se muestra cómo los motivos y modos de enunciación que establece desde su primer libro, Para ángeles y gorriones (1956), se reiteran obsesivamente y se agudizan, pasando de aquella poesía de corte bucólico a una que testifica la disolución y el desgarro de su propio lenguaje y de sus propios paisajes. Este trabajo, también, propone empezar a leer lo lárico ya no como un lugar amable, ni para el poeta ni para el lector, sino, en el mejor de los casos, como un territorio constituido desde una fantasía que se presentará constantemente inestable.
El proyecto creador frente al estado totalitario en “Fuera del juego” de Heberto Padilla y “Otras cartas a Milena” de Reina María Rodríguez.
Authors: Palencia Andrés Eloy
Published: July 2017

¿Qué sucede cuando una obra literaria se opone y resiste a un estado totalitario? Intentar responder esta interrogante, y encontrar respuestas válidas que nos permitan valorar en su justa dimensión esas obras literarias es la finalidad de este trabajo. Específicamente en las obras “Fuera del juego” de Heberto Padilla y “Otras cartas a Milena” de Reina María Rodríguez, se puede apreciar una postura de crítica y resistencia ante una realidad agobiante y cada vez más restrictiva propiciada por el poder tiránico y represivo, haciendo de la palabra y la obra, la mejor herramienta de resistencia y salvaguarda ante la represión del estado totalitario.
Un recorrido por el bestiario migratorio de Jorge Boccanera, Eduardo Chirinos y Fabio Morábito
Authors: Pineda Domínguez Octavio
Published: July 2017

Los poetas desplazados de sus países de origen alojan diferentes perspectivas del fenómeno migratorio, articulando un especial diálogo entre el afuera y el adentro. En este caso, los tres poetas estudiados: Jorge Boccanera (1952), Fabio Morábito (1955) y Eduardo Chirinos (1960-2016), recurren a la zoología para evocar diferentes actitudes ante el desarraigo. A través del bestiario, el poeta exhibe los grados del viaje: el rechazo, la desubicación y la integración.
Tiempo y medida en Purgatorio de Raúl Zurita
Authors: Rowe William
Published: July 2017

En este trabajo se rechazan las lecturas tradicionales que ignoran la crisis del lenguaje para investigar en Zurita la relación entre las técnicas artísticas y las formas de producción de la coyuntura socio-histórica. Para hacer esta lectura radical, que se produce en conflicto con otro tipo de lecturas, se examinan críticamente tres elementos: el Yo, incluyendo su derivado, el "hablante lírico"; el paisaje, entendido como marco pre-existente; y, en tercer lugar, lo trascendente tradicional (es decir, religioso o mítico o el que se ha heredado de la poesía romántica).  De esta manera, se llega a la conclusión de que los elementos clave para leer esta poesía sólo pueden ser comprendidos en una relación de tensión y de paradoja.
Using proton-pump inhibitors among hemodialysis patients - single academic dialysis center’s preliminary experience
Authors: Rakowska M. , Brzósko S. , Dąbrowska E. , Jabłońska E. , Szczykowska J. , Prusator P. , Kwaśniewska A. , Naumnik B.
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of drugs which decrease gastric acid production, their overuse is becoming increasingly common. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate medical indications for PPIs in a cohort of prevalent hemodialysis (HD) patients and their awareness about the medical effects of these drugs. Materials and methods: The study was performed in 78 HD patients enrolled in a chronic dialysis program in a single academic dialysis unit. The study was based on medical history obtained from the patients (survey about drugs they take with intention of revealing PPIs, indications for the treatment, their awareness of the mechanism of action of these drugs).Results: 46 patients (59%) took or have been taking PPIs. Almost half (49%; n=22) had no clear medical indications for the drugs. Prescription of PPIs without medical indications was more common among nephrologists (27%), when compared with gastroenterologists (5%; p<0.05). Only 29% (n=13) of patients taking PPIs were aware of the mechanism of action of the drugs. Conclusions: Results of this study reveal the problem of PPI overuse among HD patients. Gastroenterologists usually prescribed PPIs according to medical indications. Lack of patients’ knowledge about the indications for PPI therapy is overwhelming.
Efficacy of Lepidium Sativum to act as an anti-diabetic agent
Authors: Mishra N. , Mohammed A. , Rizvi SI.
Published: July 2017

Objective: Lepidium sativum, commonly known as chandrashoor in India, has been used in the Indian traditional medicine system for the treatment of various diseases. The present study was undertaken to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of Lepidium sativum in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Materials and methods: Thirty (30) adult male Wistar rats weighing 157±51g were randomly assigned to five groups of six rats each as Normal control, Diabetic control, Diabetics supplemented with Lepidium sativum extract, Diabetics treated with insulin, and Normal rats supplemented with Lepidium sativum. All rats were fed with a normal laboratory diet, nutrient rich pellets, and had free access to drinking water. The rats were injected with streptozotocin at a dose of 45 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally to induce diabetes. The extracts were then given orally to different groups of rats at a dose of 20mg/kg body weight for 16 days. Thereafter, the rats were sacrificed, and blood samples collected by cardiac puncture were used for the determination of Glucose, Creatinine, Alkaline Phosphatase, Cholesterol, Malondialdehyde level, % DPPH, and FRAP content.
Results: Administration of lepidium extract showed a significant reduction in glucose, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase levels. Elevated cholesterol level was restored approximately to normal; a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels was also observed compared to diabetic controls.
Conclusion: Lepidium sativum extract shows efficacy in the prevention and management of diabetes mellitus and its related complications.