bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alfredo Dugès’ type specimens of amphibians and reptiles revisited
Authors: FLORES-VILLELA OSCAR , RÍOS-MUÑOZ CÉSAR A. , MAGAÑA-COTA GLORIA E. , QUEZADAS-TAPIA NÉSTOR L.
Published: March 2016

The type specimens of amphibians and reptiles of the Museo de Historia Natural Alfredo Dugès, at the University of Guanajuato (MADUG) were reviewed following Smith & Necker’s (1943) summary. Owing to this collection’s eventful history and its historical importance as the oldest herpetological collection in Mexico, a review of its conservation status was needed. After many years, the collection has received proper recognition at the University of Guanajuato with a portion of the herpetological types considered “Precious Assets” of the university. We found 34 type specimens pertaining to 18 taxa; six are additional specimens to those previously reported; six herpetological types are missing, including the body of the type of Adelophis copei. All specimens are in good to reasonable condition except for the type of Rhinocheilus antonii, which has dried out completely. All specimens are illustrated to show their condition.
Rhizoecus colombiensis Ramos & Caballero, a new species of hypogeal mealybug (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Rhizoecidae) and a key to the species of Rhizoecus from Colombia
Authors: RAMOS-PORTILLA ANDREA AMALIA , CABALLERO ALEJANDRO
Published: March 2016

A new species belonging to Rhizoecus Künckel d’Herculais (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Rhizoecidae) is described, with hosts and distribution data in the New World. A dichotomous and illustrated key for the twelve species of Rhizoecus recorded from Colombia is presented.
The family Cavognathidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea) in Argentina and adjacent countries
Authors: IORIO OSVALDO DI , TURIENZO PAOLA
Published: March 2016

The family Cavognathidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea) in Argentina is represented by three species of the genus Taphropiestes Reitter, 1875: T. fusca Reitter, 1875 [Chubut], T. magna Ślipiński & Tomaszewska, 2010 [Río Negro; Chubut], and T. plaumanni Ślipiński & Tomaszewska 2010 [Buenos Aires]. A total of 2565 larvae (multiple instars), 83 pupae, 2028 live adults, and 16 dead adults of T. plaumanni were found in Argentina between 2005 and 2013 in the nests of birds representing the families Columbidae, Emberizidae, Falconidae, Furnariidae, Hirundinidae, Mimidae, Passeridae, Psittacidae, Troglodytidae and Tyrannidae. The adults were most abundant in closed mud nests of Furnarius rufus (Gmelin, 1788) [Furnariidae] and its inquiline birds, but the larvae were most abundant in wood nest boxes. When T. plaumanni was scarcely represented in bird nests from some localities, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1797), an exotic darkling beetle [Col.: Tenebrionidae: Tenebrioninae], and one native species, Phobelius crenatus Blanchard, 1842 [Col.: Tenebrionidae: Lagriinae], were most abundant in stick nests of Furnariidae. In contrast, when A. diaperinus and P. crenatus were absent in one locality from the province of Buenos Aires, T. plaumanni was the most abundant beetle. A complete account of data is provided for these collections of T. plaumanni in Argentina. Known distributional data for all Argentinian species of Taphropiestes are plotted on maps with biogeographical provinces indicated.
Two new species of freshwater flatworms (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Continenticola) from South American caves
Authors: SOUZA STELLA , MORAIS ANA LAURA , BICHUETTE MARIA ELINA , LEAL-ZANCHET ANA
Published: March 2016

The diversity of freshwater triclads in the Neotropical region is considered to be low, but extensive areas of South America remain almost unexplored. Herein we describe two cave-dwelling, new species of Girardia, one from a transition zone of the Cerrado and Caatinga phytophysiognomies and the other from the Cerrado phytophysiognomy. The species from the Cerrado-Caatinga transition is a troglobite, eyeless and whitish; the species from the Cerrado area is possibly a troglophile, since it shows heavily pigmented body and eyes. Each species is easily recognized by a unique combination of features in its external morphology and copulatory apparatus. The two new species of Girardia show a restricted distribution, even the troglophile, and occur in caves without legal protection. Therefore, they must be considered as vulnerable organisms in a conservation context.
Item Response Theory in Scale Development Research
Authors: Whittaker Tiffany A. , Worthington Roger L.
Published: March 2016

As scale development researchers, we have followed Mallinckrodt and colleagues’ work over recent years with significant interest. The scale development process can be challenging and typically demands a large investment of time. However, the end of the process is rewarding when the resulting scale is psychometrically sound. Mallinckrodt, Miles, and Recabarren’s contribution in this volume of The Counseling Psychologist attempted to help integrate the use of item response theory in the scale development process. Although they are to be commended for this endeavor, there are some limitations inherent in their contribution. This reaction provides a critical evaluation of their work to augment their recommendations.
Team of former rivals
Authors: Lupu Yonatan , Poast Paul
Published: March 2016

Why do states form non-aggression pacts? Non-aggression pacts are different from typical alliances because the latter tend to be focused on relationships between members of the alliance and other states, such as by deterring external threats or mediating the resolution of conflicts between an alliance member and a third-party challenger. We offer two contributions that build on existing work. First, we provide a theory that explains why leaders use non-aggression pacts as information mechanisms. Leaders of states that have recently emerged from a rivalry seek to overcome an important information asymmetry: they know the probability of future conflict among the former rivals has decreased, but other actors may fear a resumption of hostilities. Such leaders use non-aggression pacts to signal that the rivalry has truly ended and that future relations are likely to remain peaceful. Second, our analysis recognizes the often multilateral nature of the non-aggression pact formation process. We use the ‘k’-adic statistical procedure to model non-aggression pact formation as a multilateral process. To operationalize recent rivalry cessation within a group, we use a network analytic density measure. Consistent with our theory, we find that groups of states with greater densities of recently ended rivalries are significantly more likely to form non-aggression pacts. These results hold across a series of model specifications.
A new approach to analyzing coevolving longitudinal networks in international relations
Authors: Minhas Shahryar , Hoff Peter D , Ward Michael D
Published: March 2016

Previous models of international conflict have suffered two shortfalls. They tend not to embody dynamic changes, focusing rather on static slices of behavior over time across a single relational dimension. These models have also been empirically evaluated in ways that assumed the independence of each country, when in reality they are searching for the interdependence among all countries. A number of approaches are available now for analyzing relational data such as international conflict in a network context and a number of these can even handle longitudinal relational data, but none are developed to the point of exploring how networks can coevolve over time. We illustrate a solution to the limitations of existing approaches and apply this novel, dynamic, network based approach to study the dependencies among the ebb and flow of daily international interactions using a newly developed, and openly available, database of events among nations.
Fat infiltration of left ventricle – a rare cause of sudden cardiac death
Authors: Kanchan Tanuj , Acharya Jenash , Ram Pradhum , Khadilkar Urmila N , Rana Talvinder
Published: March 2016

Cor adiposum is a rare disorder of the heart, where the normal heart tissue is replaced by fibro-fatty infiltrates. We report one such case of a middle-aged female who was declared dead shortly after a syncopal episode. At autopsy, the pericardium was intact and firmly adhered to the heart. Histopathology revealed fatty infiltrates extending into the left ventricle of the heart. A post-mortem diagnosis of Cor adiposum was made which is an uncommonly reported cause of sudden cardiac death.
Factors Affecting Resilience in Families of Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Batty Kristine E. , Fain James A.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of family resilience on families of adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A convenience sample of 77 participants was recruited from several diabetes education/support group programs and 1 private medical practice to participate in this descriptive correlational study. Participants completed several instruments measuring family member satisfaction with components of family functioning, family resilience, life orientation (measure of optimism), and diabetes knowledge.

Results

Family members were predominantly female (71%) and white (97%), and they had a minimum of a college education (79%). A significant positive relationship was found between family functioning and family resilience ( r = 0.59, P < .01). Regression analysis revealed that family functioning was the only predictor of family resilience, explaining 46% of the variance. Positive outlook and diabetes knowledge were not significant contributors to the model. A significant low correlation was found between family member’s level of diabetes knowledge and measure of optimism. Additional findings demonstrated that the Family Resilience Assessment tool was a reliable measure, with a Cronbach alpha of 0.91.

Conclusion

Family functioning was associated with family resilience. Future research should focus on replicating the study in a more heterogeneous population, with further investigation into the needs of family members of adults with diabetes.
The Relationship Between Acculturation, Ecodevelopment, and Substance Use Among Hispanic Adolescents
Authors: Martinez Marcos J. , Huang Shi , Estrada Yannine , Sutton Madeline Y. , Prado Guillermo
Published: March 2016

Using structural equation modeling, we examined the relationship of Hispanicism on recent substance use and whether Americanism moderated the effect in a sample of 1,141 Hispanic adolescents. The Bicultural Involvement Questionnaire (BIQ) was used to determine the degree of individual comfort in both Hispanic (Hispanicism) and American (Americanism) cultures. Hispanicism was associated with greater family functioning (β = .36, p < .05) and school bonding (β = .31, p < .01); Americanism moderated the effect of Hispanicism on substance use (β = .92, p < .01). Findings suggest that Hispanic culture was protective against substance use; however, those effects differed depending on level of Americanism.
Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Florczak Kristine L.
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this column is to demonstrate that evidence -based practice actually grew out of the process of research utilization. To that end, there will be a discussion about research utilization and evidence -based practice to expose the linkage between them. Then the newer ideas of implementation and de-implementation science will also be shown to have roots in the process of research utilization.
Humanbecoming Hermeneutic Sciencing
Authors: Parse Rosemarie Rizzo
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this article is to report the details of the humanbecoming hermeneutic sciencing of dignity—the universal living experiences of reverence, awe, betrayal, and shame in The Lives of Others. With this report new language for humanbecoming hermeneutic sciencing is introduced. Language both reflects and cocreates meanings. Language is an evolutionary patterning of symbols specifying meanings for the moment; it is fluid and everchanging. All language evolves gradually as generative ideas dawn, shifting the meaning of words and systems of words. The new language here includes: humanbecoming hermeneutic sciencing as coming to know a text or artform in discoursing with penetrating engaging, interpreting with quiescent beholding, and understanding with inspiring envisaging; horizon of inquiry; scholar-text; scholar-artform; contextually construed circumstance; foreknowings; and newknowings—all of which cocreate new meanings.
Sensitivity of left ventricular mechanics to myofiber architecture: A finite element study
Authors: Nikou Amir , Gorman Robert C , Wenk Jonathan F
Published: March 2016

The goal of this study was to investigate the sensitivity of computational models of the heart to their incorporated myofiber architecture during diastole. This architecture plays a critical role in the mechanical and electrical function of the heart and changes after myocardial tissue remodeling, which is associated with some of the most common heart diseases. In this study, a left ventricular finite element model of the porcine heart was created using magnetic resonance imaging, which represents the in vivo geometry. Various myofiber architectures were assigned to the finite element mesh, in the form of fiber and sheet angles. A structural-based material law was used to model the behavior of passive myocardium and its parameters were estimated using measured in vivo strains and cavity volume from magnetic resonance imaging. The final results showed noticeable sensitivity of the stress distribution to both the fiber and sheet angle distributions. This implies that a structural-based material law that takes into account the effect of both fiber and sheet angle distributions should be used. The results also show that although the simulation results improve using available data from histological studies of myocardial structure, the need for individualized myofiber architecture data is crucial.
Barriers to Timely Medical Care for Older Adults by Disability Status and Household Composition
Authors: Henning-Smith Carrie E. , Gonzales Gilbert , Shippee Tetyana P.
Published: March 2016

Living arrangements are often influenced by disability status, and co-resident caregivers may facilitate access to health care, especially for community-dwelling older adults with disabilities. Despite this, we know very little about how disability status and household composition work together to affect health services use. Using data from the National Health Interview Survey (2009–2011; n = 16,720), this study investigates (a) how access to medical care varies by disability status and household composition and (b) whether the relationship between household composition and health care access differs by disability status. We find that the risk of delayed care due to cost or lack of transportation is highest for older adults living alone or with non-spousal others. Older adults living alone without disabilities have lower odds of delayed care due to difficulty making a timely appointment than older adults living with a spouse. Furthermore, we find that older adults living alone with disabilities have elevated odds of delayed care for any reason. These findings can help target interventions to improve health care access through programs such as home- and community-based care and non-emergency medical transportation.
Why Don’t BOP Ventures Solve the Environmental Problems They Initially Set Out to Address?
Authors: Duke Duncan
Published: March 2016

As Western firms have tried to create new businesses in low-income communities that solve social and environmental problems, they have learned that they need to be socially embedded in order to develop the business models successfully. Thus, some firms have deployed field teams to their target BOP (bottom of the pyramid) markets; tasked with creating the new businesses in close cooperation with local stakeholders and consumers. In this article, I examine how two firms launched BOP ventures in a socially embedded manner and describe how this iterative approach engenders extensive shared decision making, unclear organizational boundaries, and conflicting goals. These factors obliged the field teams to construct new business opportunities that shifted the initial social and environmental goals of the initiatives: emphasizing locally valued social benefits in the businesses’ value propositions, de-emphasizing the original environmental impact objectives, and generating unforeseen positive environmental effects related to their evolved cost structures.
Effects of Targeted Professional Development on Teachers’ Specific Praise Rates
Authors: Simonsen Brandi , Freeman Jennifer , Dooley Kathryn , Maddock Eleanor , Kern Laura , Myers Diane
Published: March 2016

Classroom management continues to be a concern for educators, administrators, and policymakers. Although evidence-based classroom management practices exist, teachers often receive insufficient training and support to implement these practices successfully. Schools need reliable and efficient ways to support teachers’ classroom management. This study employed a multiple baseline design across elementary teachers to investigate the effect of targeted professional development (TPD), an efficient approach that incorporated self-management and email prompts, on teachers’ rates of specific praise. We replicated this study at a second elementary school to provide additional evidence of the efficacy of TPD. Across teachers in both schools, data support a functional relation between TPD and an increase in teachers’ use of specific praise.
The hotel of tomorrow
Authors: Tuominen Pasi P , Ascenção Mário P
Published: March 2016

Reports from the UN World Tourism Organization, the World Travel and Tourism Council, the European Travel Commission, Amadeus, and other similar organizations are all unanimous, the future of tourism and hospitality is prosperous. Tourism destinations and hotels have suffered paradigmatic shifts from Fordist to post-Fordist and then to neo-Fordist modes of production and consumption. The current century is bringing us new neo-Fordist forms of hotel businesses, and due to the industry’s steady growth, more and more companies are required to develop new perspectives in order to stay relevant and to gain competitive advantage in the various fragmented markets. In an era of impermanency and fluidity, destinations and their businesses are forced to be dynamic and innovative. Considering the current and unforeseen developments in technology, consumption, management and operations, the hotel of tomorrow will not be incrementally but radically different from today. In this context, this article focuses on describing, interpreting and anticipating the changes the hotel industry is expected to face in the coming years. The study uses service design approach and various data collection instruments such as e-Delphi and Lego® Serious Play® to depict how the hotel of the future will be. Involving current and future hospitality and tourism professionals, this study synthesizes three possible scenarios, thus portraying a foresight into the hotel of the future.
Separation strain for progressive collapse analysis of reinforced concrete building using applied element method
Authors: Kim Han-Soo , Wee Hae-Hwan
Published: March 2016

The basic theory of the applied element method is described in this article, and some modeling techniques for applying this analysis method to the simulation of the progressive collapse of reinforced concrete tall buildings are suggested. Separation strain, which is considered to have potential for use in realistic representation of the collapse of structures, was parametrically investigated in this study, and the appropriate value for the separation strain for use in the analysis of the progressive collapse of reinforced concrete buildings is proposed. The progressive collapse of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in response to a bombing was analyzed by applying the suggested modeling techniques. Two alternatives for modification of the structural design of the building were developed, and the expected responses of the building with the suggested modifications were analyzed and compared with the response of the actual building to the bombing. The analysis method proposed in this article can be used to visualize the progressive collapse of tall buildings and can be effectively applied to the design of progressive-collapse-resistant structural systems for tall buildings.
Conceptualisation of ageing in relation to factors of importance for extending working life – a review
Authors: Nilsson Kerstin
Published: March 2016

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore and understand the complexity of ageing in relation to factors of importance for extending working life. Method: Discourse analysis of documents was used in an integrative review including 128 articles. Result: Four different conceptualisation of ageing are shown to affect older workers’ ability to extend their working life: (a) biological ageing people’s health in relation to their physical and mental work environment, their pace of work and recuperation needs; (b) chronological ageing statutory retirement age and policies and economic incentives devised for older workers by society, unions and organisations/enterprises; (c) social ageing inclusion in different social groups, the attitude of managers, organisations and family members, the leisure activities and surrounding environment; and (d) mental/cognitive ageing self-crediting, motivating and meaningful activities, competence and skills in working life. Conclusions: Societies today focus mostly on chronological ageing and are looking to increase the retirement age with regard to statutory pension systems, e.g. beyond 65 years of age. The inter-relationships between chronological, mental, biological and social ageing and the nine areas identified as being important to older workers in these respects need to be considered when aiming to provide a sustainable working life for the increasing numbers of older workers in modern society. The theoretical model developed is a contribution to the critical debate that can be applied by societies, employers and managers in order to provide older workers with an inclusive and sustainable extended working life.
Imaginary travellers: Identity conceptualisations of the audience among travel journalists
Authors: Duffy Andrew , Mangharam Shrutika
Published: March 2016

Travel journalists cannot know each traveller for whom they write, so they must imagine what a reader wants. The subsequent journalism influences how tourists travel and engage with a foreign country and its inhabitants. This article uses an independent/connected framework of tourist behaviour to identify how travel journalists imagine their readers’ interests. Through content analysis of texts in newspapers from Asia and the West, we find that the reader is more often imagined as independent and adventurous than connected and concerned with tourist sights. However, the latter were more common in Asia, which suggests that travel writers across the globe imagine readers differently. It suggests that in an increasingly globalised world, the post-colonial power dynamic that has been a stalwart of scholarly thought on travel writing may be outdated and could be more usefully replaced by one that considers the financial privilege of tourism, seen in texts from both hemispheres.
Improved crack monitoring in structural concrete by combined acoustic emission and digital image correlation techniques
Authors: Omondi Benard , Aggelis Dimitrios G , Sol Hugo , Sitters Cox
Published: March 2016

Crack monitoring is crucial for safety, cost-effective design and maintenance of concrete structures. Most stand-alone crack monitoring techniques have some limitations in characterizing concrete cracking. Therefore, this article focuses on a combined use of acoustic emission and digital image correlation techniques for more effective monitoring of cracks in concrete structures at laboratory standard tests level. The combined methodology provides complimentary information from ‘the ear’ aided by the acoustic emission and from ‘the eye’ aided by the digital image correlation. This complimentary approach is applied herein to characterize the mechanical and damage behaviour of prestressed concrete sleepers that plays an important role in the structural mechanism of the railway structure. The obtained acoustic emission datasets were post-processed, in combination with digital image correlation and mechanical information, using parametric analyses to investigate progressive failure of the prestressed concrete sleepers under three-point bending at the rail seat and at the centre section. Digital image correlation clearly identified critical damage areas as a function of loading periods, while acoustic emission was capable of monitoring the damage process and revealed changes in the overall behaviour. It is demonstrated that the combined use of digital image correlation and acoustic emission can enhance practical applications and improve the understanding of concrete cracking behaviour.
Management of Iatrogenic Pseudoaneurysms in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Stone Patrick A. , Thompson Stephanie N. , Hanson Brent , Masinter David
Published: March 2016

Objective:

A plethora of papers have been written regarding postcatheterization femoral pseudoaneurysms. However, literature is lacking on pseudoaneurysmal management in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Thus, we examined if pseudoaneurysms with subsequent CABG can be managed with the same strategies as those not exposed to the intense anticoagulation accompanying CABGs.

Methods:

During a 14-year study period, we retrospectively examined femoral iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms (IPSAs) diagnosed postheart catheterization in patients having a subsequent CABG. Patient information was obtained from electronic medical records and included pseudoaneurysm characteristics, treatment, and resolution. Outcomes of interest included the occurrence of IPSA treatment failures and complications.

Results:

In the 66 patients (mean age, 66 ± 11 years, 46% male) meeting inclusion criteria, mean dose of heparin received during the CABG procedure was 34 000 ± 23 000 units. The IPSA size distribution was the following: 17% of IPSAs measured <1 cm, 55% between 1 and 3 cm, and 21% measured >3 cm. Pseudoaneurysms were managed with compression, duplex-guided thrombin injection, and surgical repair (1%, 27%, and 26% of cases, respectively). Thrombin injection and surgical repair were 100% effective at treating pseudoaneurysms, with 1 patient experiencing a surgical site infection postsurgical repair. Observation-only management was employed in 30 (45%) patients. Nine of 30 patients with no intervention beyond observation had duplex documented resolution/thrombosis during follow-up. One patient initially managed by observation required readmission and surgical repair of an enlarging pseudoaneurysm (6 cm growth) following CABG.

Conclusion:

Management of pseudoaneurysms in patients prior to CABG should be similar to those patients not undergoing intense anticoagulation. In appropriate cases, small aneurysms can be safely observed, while thrombin injections are effective and safe as well. Thus, routine open surgical repair is not routinely required in patients with femoral pseudoaneurysms at time of CABG.
Carl Schmitt and the mythological dimensions of partisan war
Authors: Schulzke Marcus
Published: March 2016

I offer a reading of Theory of the Partisan that focuses on Carl Schmitt’s discussion of the ideological dimensions of war. Schmitt indicates that partisans are heavily mythologized figures that are partially constructed by politicians, military strategists, and intellectuals in an effort to incite and control “people’s wars.” The myths are open to appropriation and modification by states, intellectuals, and revolutionaries. These actors engage in an ideological struggle over myths and use them to ensure success in wars that depend on mass mobilization. Partisan myths are particularly valuable in moments of crisis, when states must go beyond the boundaries of conventional war to preserve their territorial boundaries. However, they are capricious weapons that are often turned on their creators.
Analysis of FIFA’s Attempt at Image Repair
Authors: Onwumechili Chuka , Bedeau Koren
Published: March 2016

This study analyzes the response by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) after its top officials were arrested for corruption early in 2015. FIFA’s response included President Sepp Blatter’s brief address to FIFA Congress. In the days that followed, Mr. Blatter also gave a television interview and appeared in other media events where he attempted to repair the organization’s image. The analysis focuses on the effectiveness of FIFA’s attempt at image repair. First, it uses Benoit’s image repair theory (IRT) to analyze FIFA’s rhetoric. Second, it conducts a thematic analysis of content from 215 publications in eight newspapers selected from four continents during three crises stages. The results indicate that FIFA failed in its attempt to repair its image following the corruption crisis.
When a participatory slum sanitation project encounters urban informality: The case of the Greater Mumbai Metropolitan Region
Authors: van Dijk Tara , Bhide Amita , Shivtare Vinay
Published: March 2016

This paper traces what happens to the official process and objectives of a participatory slum sanitation project, the Nirmal Mumbai Metropolitan Region Abhiyan, when non-governmental organizations (NGOs) encounter informalized municipal administration. We do this by describing the implementation phase from the points of view of the actors involved in two cities within the region, analysing them in terms of contraventions and non-enforcement of official objectives and regulations and then relating it back to discussions about both participatory slum sanitation and informality and municipal administration in India. In this case, elected councillors’ territoriality over slums, plus the coordinated actions among them, municipal officials and local contractors undermined the declared physical and social objectives of these programmes. In fact, NGOs quickly began following the rules and practices of informalized municipal administration. These findings are significant for those working on improving basic urban services because where incumbent actors in municipal governance can coordinate to undermine programmes, or alter them to their relative advantage, then participatory development programmes (as currently organized) lack fitness for purpose. This paper also contributes to debates on municipal governance in India by focusing on how political mediators, in this case ward councillors’ bending or breaking of formal regulations and protocols and the municipal officials’ non-enforcement together, informalized the municipal administration of this project.
Medical Thoracoscopy
Authors: Alraiyes Abdul Hamid , Dhillon Samjot S. , Harris Kassem , Kaphle Upendra , Kheir Fayez
Published: March 2016

Medical thoracoscopy (MT) is a procedure that involves access to the pleural space with an endoscope allowing direct visualization of the pleural space and intrathoracic structures while aiding in obtaining tissue or performing interventions under direct visual guidance. This article reviews the technique, applications, and complications of MT.
Simulating propagation of decoupled elastic waves using low-rank approximate mixed-domain integral operators for anisotropic media
Authors: Cheng Jiubing , Alkhalifah Tariq , Wu Zedong , Zou Peng , Wang Chenlong
Published: March 2016

In elastic imaging, the extrapolated vector fields are decoupled into pure wave modes, such that the imaging condition produces interpretable images. Conventionally, mode decoupling in anisotropic media is costly because the operators involved are dependent on the velocity, and thus they are not stationary. We have developed an efficient pseudospectral approach to directly extrapolate the decoupled elastic waves using low-rank approximate mixed-domain integral operators on the basis of the elastic displacement wave equation. We have applied [Formula: see text]-space adjustment to the pseudospectral solution to allow for a relatively large extrapolation time step. The low-rank approximation was, thus, applied to the spectral operators that simultaneously extrapolate and decompose the elastic wavefields. Synthetic examples on transversely isotropic and orthorhombic models showed that our approach has the potential to efficiently and accurately simulate the propagations of the decoupled quasi-P and quasi-S modes as well as the total wavefields for elastic wave modeling, imaging, and inversion.
Efficient 3D elastic full-waveform inversion using wavefield reconstruction methods
Authors: Raknes Espen Birger , Weibull Wiktor
Published: March 2016

In reverse time migration (RTM) or full-waveform inversion (FWI), forward and reverse time propagating wavefields are crosscorrelated in time to form either the image condition in RTM or the misfit gradient in FWI. The crosscorrelation condition requires both fields to be available at the same time instants. For large-scale 3D problems, it is not possible, in practice, to store snapshots of the wavefields during forward modeling due to extreme storage requirements. We have developed an approximate wavefield reconstruction method that uses particle velocity field recordings on the boundaries to reconstruct the forward wavefields during the computation of the reverse time wavefields. The method is computationally effective and requires less storage than similar methods. We have compared the reconstruction method to a boundary reconstruction method that uses particle velocity and stress fields at the boundaries and to the optimal checkpointing method. We have tested the methods on a 2D vertical transversely isotropic model and a large-scale 3D elastic FWI problem. Our results revealed that there are small differences in the results for the three methods.
Constrained indicator data resampling — A parameter constrained irregular resampling method for scattered point data
Authors: Menzel Peter
Published: March 2016

Resampling of high-resolution data sets is often required for real-time applications in geosciences, e.g., interactive modeling and 3D visualization. To support interactivity and real-time computations, it is often necessary to resample the data sets to a resolution adequate to the application. Conventional resampling approaches create uniformly distributed results, which are not always the best possible solution for particular applications. I have developed a new resampling method called constrained indicator data resampling (CIDRe). This method results in irregular point distributions that are adapted to local parameter signal wavelengths of the given data. The algorithm identifies wavelength variations by analyzing gradients in the given parameter distribution. A higher point density is ensured in areas with larger gradients than in areas with smaller gradients, and thus the resulting data set shows an irregular point distribution. A synthetic data test showed that CIDRe is able to represent a data set better than conventional resampling algorithms. In a second application, CIDRe was used to reduce the number of gravity stations for interactive 3D density modeling, in which the resulting point distribution still allows accurate interactive modeling with a minimum number of data points.
A new measurement protocol of direct current resistivity data
Authors: Kim Jung-Ho , Supper Robert , Ottowitz David , Jochum Birgit , Yi Myeong-Jong
Published: March 2016

We have developed a new protocol for measuring direct current (DC) resistivity data, in which self-potential (SP) data were measured immediately prior to obtaining the resistivity data. Based on this SP measurement, we have defined two different resistances: the forward resistance (i.e., a normalized potential difference caused by forward current injection) and the backward resistance (i.e., a normalized potential difference caused by backward current injection). This has allowed us to quantify distortions in the DC resistivity potential field caused by all unknown mechanisms, including ambient noises. In accordance with the proposed measurement protocol, we further devised a data-weighting method in a resistivity inversion for calculating more reasonable subsurface structures, and the method was based on the forward and backward resistances. Through inversion experiments using field resistivity data acquired by the proposed protocol, we have determined the validity and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Phase II Randomized Preoperative Window-of-Opportunity Study of the PI3K Inhibitor Pictilisib Plus Anastrozole Compared With Anastrozole Alone in Patients With Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Schmid Peter , Pinder Sarah E. , Wheatley Duncan , Macaskill Jane , Zammit Charles , Hu Jennifer , Price Robert , Bundred Nigel , Hadad Sirwan , Shia Alice , Sarker Shah-Jalal , Lim Louise , Gazinska Patrycja , Woodman Natalie , Korbie Darren , Trau Matt , Mainwaring Paul , Gendreau Steven , Lackner Mark R. , Derynck Mika , Wilson Timothy R. , Butler Hannah , Earl Gemma , Parker Peter , Purushotham Arnie , Thompson Alastair
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Preclinical data support a key role for the PI3K pathway in estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer and suggest that combining PI3K inhibitors with endocrine therapy may overcome resistance. This preoperative window study assessed whether adding the PI3K inhibitor pictilisib (GDC-0941) can increase the antitumor effects of anastrozole in primary breast cancer and aimed to identify the most appropriate patient population for combination therapy.

Patients and Methods

In this randomized, open-label phase II trial, postmenopausal women with newly diagnosed operable estrogen receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–negative breast cancers were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated (2:1, favoring the combination) to 2 weeks of preoperative treatment with anastrozole 1 mg once per day (n = 26) or the combination of anastrozole 1 mg with pictilisib 260 mg once per day (n = 49). The primary end point was inhibition of tumor cell proliferation as measured by change in Ki-67 protein expression between tumor samples taken before and at the end of treatment.

Results

There was significantly greater geometric mean Ki-67 suppression of 83.8% (one-sided 95% CI, ≥ 79.0%) for the combination and 66.0% (95% CI, ≤ 75.4%) for anastrozole (geometric mean ratio [combination:anastrozole], 0.48; 95% CI, ≤ 0.72; P = .004). PIK3CA mutations were not predictive of response to pictilisib, but there was significant interaction between response to treatment and molecular subtype (P = .03); for patients with luminal B tumors, the combination:anastrozole geometric mean ratio of Ki-67 suppression was 0.37 (95% CI, ≤ 0.67; P = .008), whereas no significant Ki-67 response was observed for pictilisib in luminal A tumors (1.01; P = .98). Multivariable analysis confirmed Ki-67 response to the combination treatment of patients with luminal B tumors irrespective of progesterone receptor status or baseline Ki-67 expression.

Conclusion

Adding pictilisib to anastrozole significantly increases suppression of tumor cell proliferation in luminal B primary breast cancer.
Short Androgen Suppression and Radiation Dose Escalation for Intermediate- and High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer: Results of EORTC Trial 22991
Authors: Bolla Michel , Maingon Philippe , Carrie Christian , Villa Salvador , Kitsios Petros , Poortmans Philip M.P. , Sundar Santhanam , van der Steen-Banasik Elzbieta M. , Armstrong John , Bosset Jean-François , Herrera Fernanda G. , Pieters Bradley , Slot Annerie , Bahl Amit , Ben-Yosef Rahamim , Boehmer Dirk , Scrase Christopher , Renard Laurette , Shash Emad , Coens Corneel , van den Bergh Alphonsus C.M. , Collette Laurence
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Up to 30% of patients who undergo radiation for intermediate- or high-risk localized prostate cancer relapse biochemically within 5 years. We assessed if biochemical disease-free survival (DFS) is improved by adding 6 months of androgen suppression (AS; two injections of every-3-months depot of luteinizing hormone–releasing hormone agonist) to primary radiotherapy (RT) for intermediate- or high-risk localized prostate cancer.

Patients and Methods

A total of 819 patients staged: (1) cT1b-c, with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≥ 10 ng/mL or Gleason ≥ 7, or (2) cT2a (International Union Against Cancer TNM 1997), with no involvement of pelvic lymph nodes and no clinical evidence of metastatic spread, with PSA ≤ 50 ng/mL, were centrally randomized 1:1 to either RT or RT plus AS started on day 1 of RT. Centers opted for one dose (70, 74, or 78 Gy). Biochemical DFS, the primary end point, was defined from entry until PSA relapse (Phoenix criteria) and clinical relapse by imaging or death of any cause. The trial had 80% power to detect hazard ratio (HR), 0.714 by intent-to-treat analysis stratified by dose of RT at the two-sided α = 5%.

Results

The median patient age was 70 years. Among patients, 74.8% were intermediate risk and 24.8% were high risk. In the RT arm, 407 of 409 patients received RT; in the RT plus AS arm, 403 patients received RT plus AS and three patients received RT only. At 7.2 years median follow-up, RT plus AS significantly improved biochemical DFS (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.66; P < .001, with 319 events), as well as clinical progression-free survival (205 events, HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.84; P = .001). In exploratory analysis, no statistically significant interaction between treatment effect and dose of RT could be evidenced (heterogeneity P = .79 and P = .66, for biochemical DFS and progression-free survival, respectively). Overall survival data are not mature yet.

Conclusion

Six months of concomitant and adjuvant AS improves biochemical and clinical DFS of intermediate- and high-risk cT1b-c to cT2a (with no involvement of pelvic lymph nodes and no clinical evidence of metastatic spread) prostatic carcinoma, treated by radiation.
International Myeloma Working Group Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Management of Myeloma-Related Renal Impairment
Authors: Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Sonneveld Pieter , Leung Nelson , Merlini Giampaolo , Ludwig Heinz , Kastritis Efstathios , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Joshua Douglas , Orlowski Robert Z. , Powles Raymond , Vesole David H. , Garderet Laurent , Einsele Hermann , Palumbo Antonio , Cavo Michele , Richardson Paul G. , Moreau Philippe , San Miguel Jesús , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Durie Brian G.M. , Terpos Evangelos
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The aim of the International Myeloma Working Group was to develop practical recommendations for the diagnosis and management of multiple myeloma–related renal impairment (RI).

Methods

Recommendations were based on published data through December 2015, and were developed using the system developed by the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Working Group.

Recommendations

All patients with myeloma at diagnosis and at disease assessment should have serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and electrolytes measurements as well as free light chain, if available, and urine electrophoresis of a sample from a 24-hour urine collection (grade A). The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration, preferably, or the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula should be used for the evaluation of estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with stabilized serum creatinine (grade A). International Myeloma Working Group criteria for renal reversibility should be used (grade B). For the management of RI in patients with multiple myeloma, high fluid intake is indicated along with antimyeloma therapy (grade B). The use of high-cutoff hemodialysis membranes in combination with antimyeloma therapy can be considered (grade B). Bortezomib-based regimens remain the cornerstone of the management of myeloma-related RI (grade A). High-dose dexamethasone should be administered at least for the first month of therapy (grade B). Thalidomide is effective in patients with myeloma with RI, and no dose modifications are needed (grade B). Lenalidomide is effective and safe, mainly in patients with mild to moderate RI (grade B); for patients with severe RI or on dialysis, lenalidomide should be given with close monitoring for hematologic toxicity (grade B) with dose reduction as needed. High-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (with melphalan 100 mg/m2to 140 mg/m2) is feasible in patients with RI (grade C). Carfilzomib can be safely administered to patients with creatinine clearance > 15 mL/min, whereas ixazomib in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone can be safely administered to patients with creatinine clearance > 30 mL/min (grade A).
Closing the circle: from organoids back to development
Authors: Little Melissa H.
Published: March 2016

Summary: This Editorial looks at the emerging field of in vitro organogenesis and discusses how organoid technology can be applied to better understand developmental processes.
EFFECTIVENESS IN APPLICATION OF FILM-FORMING MATERIALS IN ABRASIVE DISKS
Authors: Бутенко Виктор , Butenko Viktor , Гусакова Лиана , Gusakova Liana
Published: March 2016

A basic problem in current mechanical engineering consists in manufacturing long-lived, reliable and competitive products. One of factors meeting these requirements is manufacturing parts with high servicing characteristics. In spite of that today there is a large number of various methods for product finishing the routine method in our country and abroad is an abrasion, and, in particular - grinding.

As a result of theoretical and experimental re-searches carried out there is solved a significant scien-tific problem having a considerable production and economical importance for an engineering technique there are developed and investigated methods for effectiveness increase in grinding part surfaces made of highalloy and heatresistant materials through changes in design and structure of abrasive tools.

For the first time theoretically and experimentally there was proved a possibility of use chromium diiodide in the composition of mass for abrasive tool manufacturing with the aid of which films are formed ensuring lowering the temperature by 20-30 % in the area of grinding.
TEST PROCEDURE DEVELOPMENT FOR LOW-SPENDING PARTS OF TURBINE AND COMPRESSOR
Authors: Беседин Сергей , Besedin Sergey , Барсков Виктор , Barskov Viktor , Рассохин Виктор , Rassokhin Viktor , Тулубенский Евгений , Tulubenskiy Evgeniy
Published: March 2016

In 2014 for the realization of experimental investigation there was assembled a completed experimental plant for testing lowspending turbo-machines with the use of an inductor brake (IB) at the enterprise “Microturbine Techniques” Co. and was installed on a test board of the laboratory of the department “Turbines, Fluid Machines and Aviation Engines” of SPbPU. In the structure of a test bench there is included an air system, oil system, system of control, measuring and information accumulation. From the air system air passes through a flow gage and delivered to IB. All tests will be agreed with the frequencies of rotor rotation in the course of which there were carried out measurements. According to values read of consumption, pressure, temperatures and efforts to a stator lever of an inductor brake with the aid of PC software the parameters of a lowspending centrifugalflow compressor (LCC) will be computed. The criterion of capacity equality consumed by LCC and taken off from a lowspending radialaxial turbine will be zero value of the effort on a stator lever of an inductor brake. As a result of the work performed the IB equipment is prepared, all systems of the test board are connected up. The systems of control, measuring and experimental data accumulation are connected up and adjusted. A visualization program is developed.