bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Variability in Portal Venous Phase Acquisition Timing in Tumor Density Measurement and Treatment Response Assessment: Metastatic Colorectal Cancer as a Paradigm
Authors: Dercle Laurent , Lu Lin , Lichtenstein Philip , Yang Hao , Wang Deling , Zhu Jianguo , Wu Feiyun , Piessevaux Hubert , Schwartz Lawrence H. , Zhao Binsheng
Published: December 2017

Purpose

New response patterns to anticancer drugs have led tumor size–based response criteria to shift to also include density measurements. Choi criteria, for instance, categorize antiangiogenic therapy response as a decrease in tumor density > 15% at the portal venous phase (PVP). We studied the effect that PVP timing has on measurement of the density of liver metastases (LM) from colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

Pretreatment PVP computed tomography images from 291 patients with LM-CRC from the CRYSTAL trial (Cetuximab Combined With Irinotecan in First-Line Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00154102) were included. Four radiologists independently scored the scans’ timing according to a three-point scoring system: early, optimal, late PVP. Using this, we developed, by machine learning, a proprietary computer-aided quality-control algorithm to grade PVP timing. The reference standard was a computer-refined consensus. For each patient, we contoured target liver lesions and calculated their mean density.

Results

Contrast-product administration data were not recorded in the digital imaging and communications in medicine headers for injection volume (94%), type (93%), and route (76%). The PVP timing was early, optimal, and late in 52, 194, and 45 patients, respectively. The mean (95% CI) accuracy of the radiologists for detection of optimal PVP timing was 81.7% (78.3 to 85.2) and was outperformed by the 88.6% (84.8 to 92.4) computer accuracy. The mean ± standard deviation of LM-CRC density was 68 ± 15 Hounsfield units (HU) overall and 59.5 ± 14.9 HU, 71.4 ± 14.1 HU, 62.4 ± 12.5 HU at early, optimal, and late PVP timing, respectively. LM-CRC density was thus decreased at nonoptimal PVP timing by 14.8%: 16.7% at early PVP ( P < .001) and 12.6% at late PVP ( P < .001).

Conclusion

Nonoptimal PVP timing should be identified because it significantly decreased tumor density by 14.8%. Our computer-aided quality-control system outperformed the accuracy, reproducibility, and speed of radiologists’ visual scoring. PVP-timing scoring could improve the extraction of tumor quantitative imaging biomarkers and the monitoring of anticancer therapy efficacy at the patient and clinical trial levels.
Combined Experimental and Computational Study on Catalytic Cyclocoupling of Epoxides and CO2 Using Porphyrin-Based Cu(II) Metal-Organic Frameworks with 2D Coordination Networks
Authors: Murayama Tsukasa , Asano Masayuki , Ohmura Tetsushi , Usuki Arimitsu , Yasui Takeshi , Yamamoto Yoshihiko
Published: December 2017

The cyclocoupling of epoxides and CO2 was investigated using porphyrin-based Cu(II) metal-organic frameworks with 2D coordination networks. A variety of mono- and disubstituted epoxides were transformed into cyclic carbonates under mild and neat conditions. Several control experiments were carried out to elucidate that the catalytically active site is the dicopper paddle wheel unit rather than the copper porphyrin complex moiety. The proposed mechanism was corroborated by density functional theory calculations of a model paddle wheel unit.
Advances in the understanding of IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Authors: Paludo Jonas , Ansell Stephen M
Published: December 2017

Among monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance (MGUSs), the immunoglobulin M (IgM) MGUS subtype stands as a unique entity and plays a pivotal role as a pre-malignant condition for multiple B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, most notably Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). A relationship between IgM MGUS and WM has been proposed for decades. However, insight regarding the pathobiology of these two conditions improved significantly in recent years, strengthening the hypothesis that WM and IgM MGUS are different stages of the same disease. Therefore, the understanding of IgM MGUS and that of WM are interconnected and advances in one will likely impact the other. Furthermore, IgM MGUS has been more commonly recognized as the underlying etiology of IgM-related disorders. In this review, we explore recent advances in the understanding of the pathobiology of IgM MGUS and WM and the treatment of common IgM-related disorders.
The role of cotton in respiratory symptoms in the fall
Authors: Tarbox James
Published: December 2017

During the fall, many people in West Texas have worsening respiratory symptomswhile cotton is being harvested and ginned. A common complaint is that cotton itself is toblame for nasal and pulmonary manifestations. Allergic sensitivity to cotton is actually quiteuncommon, even in workers in textile and processing plants. Mold, especially Alternaria andAspergillus species, are occasionally found in cotton crops and can be a source of allergensand mycotoxins. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from bacteria could have a role in reductionof FEV1 in byssinosis. Enterobacter in cotton dust possesses highly potent LPS which canelicit a strong inflammatory response in workers. Defoliants, desiccants, pesticides, fertilizersand exhaust fumes are also potential irritants of the respiratory tract. Cotton alone is not theprimary source of illness during autumn months. A multitude of allergens, microbes, irritants,and chemical agents that co-exist or are a byproduct of cotton harvesting and ginning arepotential contributors to respiratory disease.
Love your complaints – hindsight is a great thing
Authors: Brooks Janine
Published: December 2017

This article describes the use of reflection, and particularly reflective models, to harness the concept of hindsight as a way of deepening insight and learning from experience to minimize serious complaints.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Learning from mistakes improves clinical performance.
O tratado luso-britânico de 1878: história de um acordo tecnodiplomático em três atos
Authors: Pereira Hugo Silveira
Published: December 2017

Em 1872 um diferendo alfandegário na Índia entre Portugal e Inglaterra dava início a um processo negocial que culminou na assinatura de um tratado entre aqueles dois países para regular as suas relações naquela parte do mundo. A discussão, que foi alargada a outros aspetos que não apenas os aduaneiros, desde cedo exibiu um grande distanciamento de posições no que respeitava à inclusão de um compromisso para construir um caminho-de-ferro desde o porto de Mormugão em Goa até ao coração da Índia Britânica, desejado por Portugal, mas rejeitado por Inglaterra. Neste artigo iremos analisar este processo diplomático sob o ponto de vista do conceito de tecnodiplomacia. Pretendemos demonstrar que o sublime técnico inerente aos caminhos-de-ferro influenciou indelevelmente a negociação, com consequências sobre a aplicação do tratado na Índia Portuguesa, e assim contribuir para o debate sobre a importância fundamental da tecnologia como elemento cultural da sociedade portuguesa de Oitocentos.
AS PROPRIEDADES CISTERCIENSES NA FRONTEIRA NORTE DE PORTUGAL – OS CASOS DE SANTA MARIA DE MORERUELA, S. MARTÍN DE CASTAÑEDA E SANTA MARIA DE FIÃES
Authors: Sebastião Pedro
Published: December 2017

A Ordem de Cister instalou-se no espaço ibérico em meados do século XII. O sucesso da sua implantação é visível na análise dos casos de Moreruela, Castañeda (Leão) e Fiães (Portugal) sendo possível evidenciar que os processos de expansão patrimonial cisterciense não foram condicionados, inicialmente, pela fronteira, reforçando a noção de que este conceito não deve ser entendido apenas numa abordagem absoluta e linear. Assim, a propriedade monástica cisterciense apenas foi condicionada a partir da territorialização dos poderes régios ibéricos, mormente a que era detida por entidades com sedes em outros reinos. A relevância do tema advém da necessidade de destacar pontos de evolução convergentes na análise da evolução da propriedade cisterciense, na época medieval, nos diferentes reinos peninsulares. Procura-se, ainda destacar de que forma se processava a relação das instituições cistercienses com os poderes régios.
A ANTÍTESE DA FRONTEIRA: O WESTERN DE QUENTIN TARANTINO E O SECCIONALISMO
Authors: Borges Rafael Gonçalves
Published: December 2017

A fronteira oeste dos Estados Unidos tornou-se elemento definidor de suas identidade e narrativa nacional a partir da frontier thesis de Frederick Jackson Turner, e no século XX, o cinema, através do gênero western, cristalizou elementos essenciais que transformaram a fronteira em mito, e colaboraram para fortalecer os pressupostos de grandiosidade que os norte-americanos se atribuem. Tal gênero entra em crise (de produção e representação) em fins da década de 1960, mas tem sido constantemente retomado por alguns cineastas, sendo Quentin Tarantino um dos principais responsáveis por revisitar os cânones. Este texto se propõe a analisar de que modo os dois últimos filmes de Tarantino, Django Unchained e The Hateful Eight, podem ser lidos como uma reinterpretação e questionamento da tese da fronteira de Frederick Jackson Turner, reposicionando o papel dos seccionalismos na elaboração da narrativa nacional.
LA FRONTERA DE LA PERTENENCIA. NACIONALISTAS CATALANESE INMIGRACIÓN EN LA DÉCADA DE 1960
Authors: Cattini Giovanni C. , Santacana Carles
Published: December 2017

El presente trabajo pretende reflexionar sobre el concepto de frontera, aplicado al análisis de la pertenencia de las personas a una comunidad nacional. Concretamente, queremos reseguir el amplio debate que se dio en la intelectualidad catalana durante la década de 1960 ante la masiva llegada de inmigrantes de otras zonas de España, que podía hacer desaparecer la cultura autóctona, ya profundamente perseguida por el régimen franquista. En esta coyuntura, se elaboraron planteamientos que transcendieron su época y dejaron un complejo legado que ha persistido hasta el presente. Para analizar el uso del concepto de frontera cultural entre corrientes migratorias de una población de un mismo Estado nos apoyaremos en las aportaciones que, desde las ciencias históricas hasta las antropológicas, nos permiten identificar en el ejemplo catalán un análisis de caso sugerente.
Cuentos del postconflicto peruano: entre el dolor y la esperanza en Al fin de la batalla. Después del conflicto, la violencia y el terror
Authors: Ferreira Rocío
Published: December 2017

En los cuentos de la antología Al fin de la batalla. Después del conflicto, la violencia y el terror (2015) analizamos la manera en que cada narradora visibiliza con la escritura de su relato casos y experiencias significativos de las violaciones a los derechos humanos que ocurrieron en el Perú. En el acto mismo de escribir sobre el tema, las narradoras se solidarizan e identifican con los sobrevivientes del trauma social que significó el conflicto interno armado peruano con sus políticas de exterminio de los sectores más vulnerables de la población: los indígenas, las mujeres, los niños y los pobres. Nos referimos a las vidas precarias que quedan sin derecho a la protección; es decir, los cuerpos impensables, abyectos, invisibles y que por lo tanto se consideran sacrificables. Las narradoras se resisten con la escritura al silencio, el mismo que oculta y borra del imaginario nacional las experiencias de aquellos que vivieron el trauma de uno u otro flanco de la trinchera.  Más aún, el proyecto de publicación de Al fin de la batalla: Después del conflicto, la violencia y el terror es un intento por acabar con la indiferencia y buscar la empatía hacia ese “otro” y restituirlo al imaginario nacional.
La guerra de los días (Acerca del relato breve en Venezuela)
Authors: Sandoval Carlos
Published: December 2017

En este artículo se evalúa el estado del cuento venezolano del lapso 2001-2016 de manera sintética, estableciendo algunas marcas críticas que caracterizan esa manifestación narrativa en el período señalado. La intención es ofrecer una panorámica del género en el país con base en el difícil contexto socio-cultural que vive Venezuela desde la asunción al poder de la llamada “revolución bolivariana”, sin desconocer ciertos antecedentes que permitieron el actual estado de cosas. En tanto objeto artísticamente comunicativo, el cuento resulta un precioso instrumento de indagación de esta realidad en una tierra donde abundan sus cultores.
«La confesión de Pelino Viera», de William Henry Hudson: un cuento argentino escrito en inglés
Authors: Maudo García Lucía
Published: December 2017

El presente trabajo busca recuperar el cuento «La confesión de Pelino Viera», y con ello a su autor, William Henry Hudson, tantas veces olvidado y desterrado de la literatura argentina debido al idioma que eligió para expresarse: el inglés. Hudson tiene la virtud de encontrarse entre los autores del siglo XIX que iniciaron la corriente fantástica argentina, mérito que, sin embargo, no le es siempre reconocido.
Propuesta metodológica para valorar la calidad escénica de los paisajes del agua y su potencial como recurso turístico
Authors: Pueyo-Ros Josep , Fraguell Rosa M. , Ribas Anna
Published: December 2017

Los paisajes del agua en destinos turísticos costeros pueden ayudar a reducir la saturación y estacionalidad que sufren este tipo de destinos basados en el recurso playa. A la vez, el turismo puede ofrecer argumentos para la conservación de estos paisajes, a menudo olvidados, creando una relación simbiótica entre turismo y conservación. Para ello se hace necesaria una valoración y tipificación de las cualidades de estos espacios para convertirse en recursos turísticos. En este artículo presentamos una metodología para valorar simultáneamente la calidad escénica de los paisajes y su potencial de atracción turística. La calidad escénica se enfoca con una perspectiva multisensorial, considerando no sólo el paisaje visual, sino también el sonoro y el olfativo. Para evaluar el potencial turístico se valoran aspectos como la relevancia, accesibilidad, calidad de los equipamientos y viabilidad a largo plazo. La metodología es aplicada y testada en tres paisajes del agua del destino turístico Costa Brava (Girona, España), demostrando suficiente fiabilidad para ser extrapolada a otros paisajes del agua.
Lelé: arquitetura, urbanismo e engenharia na reestruturação de bairros populares
Authors: Kopinski Ekerman Mg. Arq. Sergio
Published: December 2017

Lembrado por sua contribuição como arquiteto e construtor, João Filgueiras Lima (1932-2014) deixou também legado no campo do urbanismo a partir de seu trabalho em Salvador, Abadiânia e Rio de Janeiro ao longo da década de 80. Tomando como referencial teórico os escritos do arquiteto e urbanista português Nuno Portas, este artigo analisa distintas naturezas da ação de Lelé sobre as cidades, transitando entre escalas variadas de desenho para integrar decisões que transformaram a arquitetura e tecnologia em ferramentas de apoio a uma pioneira consolidação de bairros populares, ainda durante a ditadura militar. Para isto, utilizamos ampla revisão bibliográfica, entrevistas, atividades de campo e pesquisa em arquivos que apoiam tese de doutorado em estágio de conclusão e que objetiva, dentre outros, identificar novos rumos de desenvolvimento e aplicação para tecnologias de pré-fabricação e industrialização da arquitetura na transformação das cidades brasileiras.
Editorial
Authors: Arroyo Arq. Julio
Published: December 2017

Editorial
The effects of water level shrinkage in the Lake Chad Basin on costs of production of local residents
Authors: Danna Abba , Abbo Bakari , Pare Youssouf
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we are interested at the modeling and numerical simulation of the impact of dewatering of Lake Chad on income riverrains, to help decision-makers to take the appropriate measures.But in these case, we use the dual of simplex method in order to minimizing the three "targets" populations production costs.Â
Opisna raziskava mnenj in stališč študentov zdravstvene nege ter kliničnih mentorjev glede ocenjevanja kliničnega usposabljanja
Authors: Meden Edita , Kvas Andreja , Hoyer Silvestra
Published: December 2017

Uvod: Z nenačrtovanim ocenjevanjem na podlagi pomanjkljivo opredeljenih kriterijev lahko spregledamo neuspešnega študenta in tako prispevamo k njegovemu nevarnemu delovanju v kliničnem okolju. Namen raziskave je bil ugotoviti, kakšna so stališča in mnenja kliničnih mentorjev ter študentov zdravstvene nege glede ocenjevanja kliničnega usposabljanja.

Metode: Uporabljena je bila kvantitativna deskriptivna metoda dela. Spletno anketo je izpolnilo 84 dodiplomskih študentov zdravstvene nege, njeno tiskano različico pa 37 kliničnih mentorjev. Zbiranje podatkov je potekalo od oktobra do novembra 2015. V analizi je bila uporabljena osnovna opisna statistika, hi-kvadrat test, Mann-Whitneyev U-test in Pearsonov koeficient korelacije.

Rezultati: Klinični mentorji so v večji meri kot študenti mnenja, da bi se morali na klinično usposabljanje načrtno pripraviti (U = 790, p < 0,001). S Pearsonovim koeficientom korelacije (r = −0,215, p = 0,024) smo ugotovili, da je zadovoljstvo z ocenjevanjem vseh anketiranih večje, če je ocenjevanje sprotno in ne le končno. Hi-kvadrat test je pokazal, da anketiranci ocenjevalni list ocenjujejo kot samo zadovoljiv (n = 47, 43,5 %; χ2 = 4,3, p = 0,229).

Diskusija in zaključek: Večina anketirancev ni zadovoljnih z načinom ocenjevanja kliničnega usposabljanja. Zavedajo se pomanjkljivosti ocenjevalnega lista, opozarjajo tudi na pomanjkanje časa pri mentoriranju študentov. Raziskava prispeva k boljšemu razumevanju razmer v procesu ocenjevanja kliničnega usposabljanja.
Development of nursing professionalization elements in Slovenia: the group interview technique
Authors: Skela-Savič Brigita
Published: December 2017

Introduction: An occupation becomes a profession once it uses a systematic approach to generate new knowledge and transfer it directly into professional work. The aim of this paper is to show the attitudes of nursing care professionals towards the professionalization of nursing care and make a contribution by means of identifying the factors that are important for the development of the professionalization of nursing in Slovenia. Methods: The group interview technique was used with two rounds. Participants responded to 15 open premises/questions. Purposive sampling was used and groups were comprised of professionals from all levels of clinical environments, secondary and higher education teachers and master's and doctoral degree students (n = 48). Results: The results of the first round produced 3 themes, while the second round generated findings related to 4 themes. The synthesis of the findings from both rounds resulted in two overarching themes. The first is "National responsibility" which includes the responsibility of the nursing care management and the management of higher education institutions as well as the responsibility of the Nurses and Midwives Association of Slovenia for developing nursing care as a scientific discipline. The second theme is "National indicators for the realization of national responsibility" which includes (1) Classification of jobs in nursing care to reflect the 4 levels of nursing care competencies, (2) research and development as work tools in nursing care, and (3) the national institute for nursing care research. Discussion and conclusion: The responsibility for the development of professionalization lies with several sectors. A clear and ambitious vision, and a strategy for the development of nursing care that should include responsibility for setting a new paradigm for the development of nursing care as a response to the needs of the society, occupation and science, are needed. The strategy should be supported by means of a planned distribution of means to facilitate its realisation.
Roles of KH. Abdul Wahab Sya'roni and Syaikh Ali bin Ahmad Basalamah in the Development of Thariqoh Tijaniyah in Jatibarang, Brebes, Central Java
Authors: Yusuf Mustain , Rochwulaningsih Yety , Sulistiyono Singgih Tri
Published: December 2017

The main purpose of this article is to examine the roles of K.H. Abdul Wahab Sya'roni and Shaykh Ali bin Ahmad Basalamah in the development of Thariqoh At-Tijaniyah in Jatibarang Brebes, Central Java Province. This discussion is very interesting given that this thoriqoh is developing in the spreading area of other thariqoh that is Thariqoh Qoodiriyah Naqsyabandiyah. Therefore, its spreading faces some challenges. The spread of Thariqoh At-Tijaniyah in Jatibarang Brebes cannot be separated from the critical roles of Kyai Sya'roni and Shaykh Ali bin Ahmad Basalamah. In the beginning, these two ulamas pioneered the establishment and development of thariqoh which is not only bounded to Jatibarang Brebes but also widen to the neighboring areas, especially in the Northern Coast of Java (Pantura). Nevertheless, the next development of this thariqoh is centered in Jatibarang, Brebes. Regarding to this matter, the development of Thariqoh At-Tijaniyah especially in Brebes and the roles of these kyai will be discussed.
De arte moriendi Jana Gersona – średniowieczny przeżytek czy dar dla współczesnych? Próba analizy w świetle dokumentu Aktualne problemy eschatologii Międzynarodowej Komisji Teologicznej (1992)
Authors: Kulik Bogdan
Published: December 2017

Śmierć jest elementem ludzkiego życia, którego nie da się usunąć. Jak kiedyś, tak i obecnie, zmusza ludzi do stawiania wielu pytań o jej przyczynę, następstwa, naturę, a także o to, jak można się do niej przygotować. Odpowiedzią na ostatnie pytanie były w historii ludzkości dzieła o sztuce umierania, które powstawały przede wszystkim w średniowieczu.Ponieważ ludzie umierają i dzisiaj, zauważa się potrzebę opracowania „nowej sztuki umierania” odpowiadającej mentalności współczesnego człowieka. Pierwszym krokiem jest przeanalizowanie, czy i w jakiej mierze mogą w tym pomóc teksty średniowieczne. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest analiza jednego z takich utworów, autorstwa J. Gersona, pt. De arte moriendi w świetle współczesnej eschatologii.W pierwszym rozdziale zostają omówione rzeczy ostateczne człowieka opisane przez Gersona, czyli: śmierć, raj, czyściec, piekło. W drugim rozdziale przedstawia się, w jaki sposób naucza o nich Międzynarodowa Komisja Teologiczna w dokumencie pt. Aktualne problemy eschatologii (1992 r.). Rozdział trzeci jest próbą porównania eschatologii obu tekstów.
Małżeństwo a migracja – aspekty teologiczne i prawne
Authors: Gajewska Jolanta
Published: December 2017

Niniejsza praca poświęcona jest instytucji małżeństwa i migracji w świetle przepisów prawa i teologii. Współczesną cywilizację charakteryzuje relatywizm wartości, wybujały indywidualizm, pośpiech, konsumpcjonizm, brak dojrzałości i poczucia odpowiedzialności, co osłabia kondycję duchową i moralną wielu par. Ponadto w ostatnich latach gwałtownie wzrosła liczba migrantów i uchodźców, co również wywiera niekorzystny wpływ na małżeństwo i rodzinę. Konieczne jest poszukiwanie sposobów wspierania i ochrony małżeństwa, które jest podstawową komórką społeczeństwa. Istniejące rozwiązania prawne koncentrują się wokół kwestii takich, jak prawa człowieka czy formalne warunki zawierania małżeństw i rozwodów. Prawo pracy i zabezpieczenia socjalne często są niewystarczające. Obecna sytuacja małżonków-migrantów jest zatem szczególnym wyzwaniem dla Kościoła i teologii. Duszpasterstwo migrantów ma już własną strukturę organizacyjną, corocznie obchodzony jest Światowy Dzień Migranta i Uchodźcy. Liczne konferencje, kongresy i wydarzenia integrujące poświęcają coraz więcej uwagi sytuacji małżeństw i rodzin. Większego zaangażowania wymaga tworzenie wspólnot lokalnych w celu przezwyciężenia samotności i izolacji, pogłębione przygotowanie do małżeństwa, ukazywanie codzienności życia świętych par małżeńskich. Należy troszczyć się o wychowanie i formację duchową młodych ludzi i kształtować w nich poczucie odpowiedzialności za małżonka i zakładaną rodzinę.
Arming shoes of the fifteenth century
Authors: Volken Marquita
Published: December 2017

Military footwear for the fifteenth century includes arming shoes worn under sabatons. Written sources suggest arming shoes and footwear used for fighting were ordinary shoes adapted for the purpose. Archaeological footwear was examined for signs of such modifications. Medieval shoe technology is presented, showing the range of footwear and its uses and gait biomechanics. Based on experiences from re-enactors wearing armours, medieval shoe styles are discussed for appropriateness as arming shoes. The question of why medieval military footwear shows no purposed development is addressed.
Fighting with the Longsword: Modern-day HEMA Practices
Authors: Gassmann Jack , Gassmann Jürg , Le Coultre Dominique
Published: December 2017

This article is based on the talk presented on 27th November 2016 in the course of the Journées d’études sur le costume et les simulateurs d’armes dans les pratiques d’arts martiaux anciens. The talk itself involved practical demonstrations and interaction with other presentations given at the event; this article does not purport to be a transcript of the presentation, but elaborates on the key themes of the presentation: The objectives of HEMA as a modern practice, and their relationship to what we know about the historical practice of the European martial arts in the Middle Ages, including physical fitness, fencing techniques and tactical awareness, based on the Fechtbücher extant. A key element of the discussion involved a comparison between the objectives of and drivers behind historical and modern tournament rule-sets.
Sibling cigarette smoking and peer network influences on substance use potential among adolescent: a population based study
Authors: Mahboubi Samira , Salimi Yahya , Jorjoran Shushtari Zahra , Rafiey Hasan , Sajjadi Homeira
Published: December 2017

Background

Peer and parental substance use are established predictors for substance use among adolescent, little is known about influence of sibling cigarette smoking and its interaction with peer network on substance use potential that can introduce an important way for substance use prevention programs.

Objective

The aim of present study was to explore the association of sibling cigarette smoking and peer network with substance use potential among high school students in Tehran.

Subjects

Data were drawn from the population-based cross-sectional study of among 650 high schools students.

Methods

Multiple linear regression was used in order to determine the adjusted association between cigarette smoking among family members, peer network, their interaction and substance use potential.

Result

Having a sister who smokes (B = 3.19; p < 0.01) and peer network quality were associated with substance use potential (B = −0.1; p < 0.05). The increase in mean of substance use potential associated with decreases in peer network quality score is much more than in who have a sister with a cigarette smoking habit.

Conclusion

Having a sister who smokes interacts with peer network quality; appears to be one of the important mechanisms for adolescents’ tendency to substance use. These findings can help in a better understanding of substance use potential mechanisms, screening efforts and the formulation of prevention programs.
Initial-Boundary Value Problems for the Coupled Higher-Order Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations on the Half-line
Authors: Hu Bei-bei , Xia Tie-cheng , Zhang Ning , Wang Jin-bo
Published: December 2017

In this article, we use the unified transform method to analyze the initial-boundary value problem for the coupled higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equations on the half-line. Suppose that the solution $\{q_1(x,t),q_2(x,t)\}$ exists, we show that it can be expressed in terms of the unique solution of a matrix Riemann–Hilbert problem formulated in the plane of the complex spectral parameter $\lambda$.
„Keine Wende“?
Authors: Damm Veit
Published: December 2017

This article examines financial aid for companies and the guidelines of subsidy policy in East Germany after 1989 in the context of German structural policy in the “Helmut Kohl era” (1982-1998). It comes to the conclusion that – after a short period of fast structural change in East Germany – efforts increased to rescue existing businesses and industrial sites, as well as the jobs they provided after the end of 1992, primarily through the initiative of regional actors. Financial aid for companies – particularly for funding industrial investments in modernisation and new plants – played a key role in the rescuing and restructuring process. At the same time, structural policy gradually converged with the patterns that had been formed during the political management of structural change in the “former” Federal Republic. Only the short period of the postreunification years 1991 and 1992 was characterised by the steering of structural change and the redefinition of East German industry by the markets as well as by a renunciation of subsidies for the preservation of existing jobs. The temporary retreat of the state from structural policy was partly a result of the experience of the 1980s, when structural policy was criticized for slowing down German economic growth and impeding structural change.
The Role of the Future in Law and Finance
Authors: Pacces Alessio M
Published: December 2017

The success of a capitalist economy rests upon the ability of finance to sustain potentially infinite growth, based on funding today the output of tomorrow. Finance, however, needs rules. The aim of the law and finance scholarship is precisely to identify the best regulation of finance to support economic growth. Traditionally, law and finance is concerned with investor protection. This would be sufficient if the future were predictable. However, because the future is uncertain, the prices of financial assets are flawed and in the short run they may result in serious mistakes, if not widespread crises. Although these mistakes are corrected in the long run, significant harm may occur in the meantime. Financial law should therefore be concerned not only with investor protection, but also with mitigating the temporary excesses of markets in allowing or restricting access to finance. The challenge of this goal is to remedy market myopia without allowing policymakers to abuse the power of governments. However imperfect, prices remain the best instrument of discipline and growth in a market economy.
Insulin-mediated pseudoacromegaly: a report of two pediatric patients
Authors: Inman Mark , Nour Munier A.
Published: December 2017

Background:

Insulin-mediated pseudoacromegaly is a rarely described pediatric phenotype. We present two patients displaying excessive growth associated with marked acanthosis nigricans, hyperinsulinemia and metabolic dysregulation.

Case presentation:

Both patients, of First Nations descent, presented with excessive growth – patient one at 3.92 years (height z-score +3.75) and patient two at 9.0 years (height z-score 5.15). Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels were normal with appropriate growth hormone suppression, yet marked hyperinsulinemia. Prepubescent growth velocities exceeded 9 cm/year, resulting in final adult height predictions exceeding 3 standard deviations (SDs) of predicted. Clinical courses were complicated by type 2 diabetes, marked acanthosis nigricans and long-standing psychosocial distress.

Conclusions:

Pediatric patients with insulin-mediated pseudoacromegaly are at risk of significant physical, metabolic and psychosocial comorbidities. Unlike adults, the implications in childhood prompt consideration for therapies to decelerate linear growth and avert progression to metabolic dysregulation. Increased recognition of this condition may improve pathophysiological understanding, diagnostic criteria and therapeutic options.
Constitutionalism, Cheap Indeterminism and the Grounding Problem
Authors: Campdelacreu Marta
Published: December 2017

Thomas Sattig has argued recently that constitutionalism renders determinism about the actual world false, just in virtue of ordinary facts about ordinary middle-sized material objects. However, it seems that, if determinism about the actual world is false, this should be so for reasons of physics rather than in virtue of ordinary facts about ordinary objects. This is the problem of cheap indeterminism. Sattig also claims, however, that constitutionalists can solve this problem if they abandon an attractive and promising solution to the classical grounding problem affecting their view. In this paper I argue that, against his claims, constitutionalists can solve the problem of cheap indeterminism and the grounding problem simultaneously.
Crystal structure of [N,N-bis((pyrrol-2-yl)ethylidene)butane-1,4-diamine-κ4
N,N′,N′′,N′′′]-nickel(II), C16H20N4Ni
Authors: Mao Pan-Dong , Zhao Xiao-Lei , Yang Qing-Wen , Yang Miao , Wang Yuan
Published: December 2017

C16H20N4Ni, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 7.6578(10) Å, b = 17.184(2) Å, c = 11.6581(15) Å, β = 100.837(2)°, V = 1506.7(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0356, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0945, T = 296(2) K.
The post-morphological analysis of electrospun vascular grafts following mechanical testing
Authors: Yalcin Enis Ipek , Gok Sadikoglu Telem , Horakova Jana , Lukas David
Published: December 2017

Vascular grafts provide promising scaffolds for patients recuperating from cardiovascular diseases. Since it is necessary to mimic the native vessel in order to overcome the limitations of currently employed synthetic prostheses, researchers are tending to focus on the design of electrospun biodegradable multi-layer scaffolds which involves varying either the polymer type or constructional properties in each layer which, in turn, reveals the importance of layer interactions and their composite effect on the final multi-layer graft. This study describes the fabrication of biodegradable single-layer tubular scaffolds from polycaprolactone and poly(L-lactide)caprolactone polymers composed of either randomly distributed or, preferably, radially oriented fibers. Subsequently, bi-layer scaffolds were fabricated with a randomly distributed inner layer and a radially oriented outer layer from various polymer couple variations. The study focuses on vascular graft production technology including its morphology and mechanical properties. The post-morphologies of single-layer and bi-layer tubular scaffolds designed for vascular grafts were investigated as a continuation of a previously performed analysis of their mechanical properties. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of the final bi-layer grafts were principally influenced by the radially oriented outer layers acting as the tunica media of the native vessels when the appropriate polymer couples were chosen for the sub-layers.
Loss of Intercalated Cells (ITCs) in the Mouse Amygdala ofTshz1Mutants Correlates with Fear, Depression, and Social Interaction Phenotypes
Authors: Kuerbitz Jeffrey , Arnett Melinda , Ehrman Sarah , Williams Michael T. , Vorhees Charles V. , Fisher Simon E. , Garratt Alistair N. , Muglia Louis J. , Waclaw Ronald R. , Campbell Kenneth
Published: December 2017

The intercalated cells (ITCs) of the amygdala have been shown to be critical regulatory components of amygdalar circuits, which control appropriate fear responses. Despite this, the molecular processes guiding ITC development remain poorly understood. Here we establish the zinc finger transcription factor Tshz1 as a marker of ITCs during their migration from the dorsal lateral ganglionic eminence through maturity. Using germline and conditional knock-out (cKO) mouse models, we show thatTshz1is required for the proper migration and differentiation of ITCs. In the absence ofTshz1, migrating ITC precursors fail to settle in their stereotypical locations encapsulating the lateral amygdala and BLA. Furthermore, they display reductions in the ITC marker Foxp2 and ectopic persistence of the dorsal lateral ganglionic eminence marker Sp8.Tshz1mutant ITCs show increased cell death at postnatal time points, leading to a dramatic reduction by 3 weeks of age. In line with this,Foxp2-null mutants also show a loss of ITCs at postnatal time points, suggesting thatFoxp2may function downstream ofTshz1in the maintenance of ITCs. Behavioral analysis of maleTshz1cKOs revealed defects in fear extinction as well as an increase in floating during the forced swim test, indicative of a depression-like phenotype. Moreover,Tshz1cKOs display significantly impaired social interaction (i.e., increased passivity) regardless of partner genetics. Together, these results suggest thatTshz1plays a critical role in the development of ITCs and that fear, depression-like and social behavioral deficits arise in their absence.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe show here that the zinc finger transcription factor Tshz1 is expressed during development of the intercalated cells (ITCs) within the mouse amygdala. These neurons have previously been shown to play a crucial role in fear extinction.Tshz1mouse mutants exhibit severely reduced numbers of ITCs as a result of abnormal migration, differentiation, and survival of these neurons. Furthermore, the loss of ITCs in mouseTshz1mutants correlates well with defects in fear extinction as well as the appearance of depression-like and abnormal social interaction behaviors reminiscent of depressive disorders observed in human patients with distal 18q deletions, including theTshz1locus.
ALGILANAN ÖRGÜTSEL DESTEĞİN ÖRGÜTSEL VATANDAŞLIK DAVRANIŞI ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİSİNDE ÖRGÜTSEL GÜVENİN ARACILIK ROLÜ
Authors: BÜYÜKYILMAZ Ozan , FİDAN Yahya
Published: December 2017

Bu çalışma ile algılanan örgütsel destek, örgütsel güven ve örgütsel vatandaşlık davranışı kavramları arasındaki doğrudan ve dolaylı ilişkiler araştırılmaktadır. Çalışmanın amacı, çalışanların örgütsel destek algısının örgütsel vatandaşlık davranışı sergileme eğilimleri üzerindeki etkisini belirlemek ve örgüte duyulan güvenin algılanan örgütsel destek ile örgütsel vatandaşlık davranışı ilişkisindeki aracılık rolünü tespit etmektir. Çalışma kapsamında kullanılan veri, Karabük Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü’nde öğrenim görmekte olan ve aynı zamanda devlet ve özel kuruluşlarda çalışmakta olan 228 lisansüstü öğrencinden anket yöntemiyle toplanmıştır. Hipotezlerin test edilmesi sürecinde, yapısal eşitlik modellemesi çerçevesinde gerçekleştirilen yol analizi kullanılmıştır. Çalışmanın sonucunda, algılanan örgütsel desteğin, örgütsel vatandaşlık davranışının diğerkâmlık test edilmiştir, vicdanlılık ve centilmenlik boyutları üzerindeki etkisinde örgütsel güvenin tam aracılığının bulunduğu, nezaket ve sivil erdem boyutları üzerindeki etkisinde ise kısmi aracılığının bulunduğu belirlenmiştir.
Development of a method for monitoring personal exposure to benzyl violet 4B and direct blue 15 in workplace air
Authors: Takeuchi Akito , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Nishinoiri Osamu , Kanno Seiichiro , Shimizu Hidesuke
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The purpose of this research was to develop a method for monitoring personal exposure to benzyl violet 4B (BV) and direct blue 15 (DB) in workplace air for risk assessment.

Methods

We evaluated the utility of the proposed method by examining the following: recovery; method limit of quantification; reproducibility; and storage stability of the samples.

Results

An air sampling cassette containing a glass fiber filter was chosen as the sampler. BV and DB were extracted from the sampler filters with a solution of water and methanol (7 : 3, v/v) and then analyzed by a highperformance liquid chromatograph equipped with a photo-diode array detector. The overall recoveries from spiked samplers were 94-102% and 94-99% for BV and DB, respectively. The recovery after seven days of storage at 4°C exceeded 95%. The method limits of quantification were 0.250 and 1.25 μg/sample for BV and DB, respectively. The relative standard deviations, which represent the overall reproducibility defined as precision, were 0.6-4.1% and 0.8-2.9% for BV and DB, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed method enables 4 h personal exposure monitoring of BV and DB at concentrations of 1-2,000 μg/m3 for BV and 5-2,000 μg/m3 for DB, with a 240 l sampling. Thus, the proposed method is useful for estimating worker exposure to BV and DB.
Challenge or hindrance: Does job stress affect presenteeism among Chinese healthcare workers?
Authors: Yang Tianan , Ma Mingxu , Zhu Mingjing , Liu Yuanling , Chen Qian , Zhang Shiyang , Deng Jianwei
Published: December 2017

Background

We examined the effects of challenge stress and hindrance stress on general health and presenteeism among Chinese healthcare workers.

Methods

Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate data from a national hospital survey in China (n= 1392). Job stress, general health, and presenteeism were measured by the Perceived Ability to Work Scale, the 8-item Short-Form Health Survey, and the Challenge- and Hindrance-Related Self-reported Stress Scale.

Results

Challenge stress and hindrance stress were significantly positively correlated (β = 0.62, SE = 0.021; p < 0.001). Challenge stress was directly negatively associated with presenteeism (β = -0.05, SE 0.037; p < 0.001), while hindrance stress was positively associated with presenteeism (β = 0.25, SE = 0.040; p < 0.001). These associations with presenteeism were partially mediated by health.

Conclusions

Hospital managers should provide healthcare workers with an appropriate level of challenge, but employee health is the most important consideration. Further efforts targeting job stress and health of junior healthcare workers are required.
EFFECTS OF ADDITION OF DIFFERENT SPICES ON THE QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF TIGER-NUT MILK (KUNUN-AYA) DURING STORAGE
Authors: Monday Kayode Rowland , Kolade Joseph John , Olanike Adegunwa Mojisola , Oladele Dauda Adegbola , Adeyemi Akeem Sarafa , Idowu Kayode Bukola , Ajoke Babayeju Adeshola , Orobola Olabanji Stephen
Published: December 2017

Kunun-aya is a traditional fermented non-alcoholic tiger-nut beverage widely consumed in the Northern parts of Nigeria especially during dry season. Kunun-aya was prepared from tiger-nut, coconut, date and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, coriander, ginger, rosemary and black pepper were added separately. The samples were stored at 4°C for 5 days and the effects of added spices on physicochemical, microbial and sensory properties of the samples were evaluated. The results of the pH (4.25–5.95) and titratable acidity (2.95–12.17) showed that all the samples were acidic throughout the storage period. Brix values ranged from 0.05–2.85% during the storage period. The moisture, protein, ash, fat, fibre and carbohydrate contents of kunun-aya ranged from 85.35–95.22%, 1.53–4.06%, 0.14–0.64%, 0.31–0.85%, 0.23–1.84% and 0.69–10.85%, respectively prior to storage and ranged from 79.50–98.24%, 0.27–2.56%, 0.04–2.25%, 0.24–0.42%, 0.09–3.74% and 1.05–17.34%, respectively after storage. The bacterial count of kunun-aya ranged from (1.1–5.4, 2.0–6.9, 3.6–9.8)×104 CFU/ml and fungal count from (1.0–6.4, 1.3–7.4, 5.2–9.5)×104 CFU/ml on days 1, 3 and 5, respectively. The phytochemical screening of the spices revealed that ginger contained alkaloid, glycoside, saponin, steroid, flavonoid and terpenoid but not tannin while other spices contained one or two of these phytochemicals. There was significant difference between the sensory attributes of the treated kunun-aya and the control samples with the control sample having the highest score ratings. Addition of spices had varying effects on the quality attributes of kunun-aya and could extend its shelf life for 5 days under refrigerated conditions.
The Future Role of Cardio-oncologists
Authors: Pudil Radek ,   1st Department of Medicine – Cardioangiology, Charles University Prague, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
Published: December 2017

Cardiovascular (CV) disease and cancer remain the two most common causes of mortality in developed countries; however, progress in the treatment of malignant diseases significantly improved survival of oncological patients. Similarly, there is an increased number of the patients with malignancy who have a history of CV disease or an increased CV risk. Rates of CV problems from cancer-related therapeutics are high, and cardiotoxicity is the second most common cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors. Therefore, there is a need for the development of an efficient programme to manage the problem of cardiotoxicity with the aim to decrease morbidity and mortality in patients and to improve their quality of life. For this purpose, cardio-oncological clinics should be an essential part of the strategy.
Risco cardiovascular avaliado pelo índice de conicidade em mulheres no climatério: análise comparativa entre os períodos pré e pós-menopausa
Authors: Dallazen Fernanda , Winkelmann Eliane Roseli , Berlezi Evelise Moraes
Published: December 2017

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o risco cardiovascular pelo índice de conicidade em mulheres no período do climatério, comparando o período pré e pós-menopausa.MÉTODOS: Este estudo transversal com dados secundários, realizado a partir do banco de dados da pesquisa de coorte "Envelhecimento Feminino" avaliou mulheres entre 35 e 65 anos de idade, cadastradas nas Unidades da Estratégia Saúde da Família do município de Ijuí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram incluídas mulheres que tinham avaliação das condições gerais de saúde, do estado nutricional, clínica e bioquímica; e excluídas as com diagnóstico de doença cardiovascular e diabetes mellitus tipo I.  O risco cardiovascular foi determinado obtendo-se o índice de conicidade, a partir das medidas de peso corporal, estatura e circunferência da cintura. As participantes foram divididas em dois grupos: pré-menopausa e pós-menopausa.RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta por 102 mulheres, cuja média de idade era 51,5±7,9 anos. Destas, 41 (40,2%) estava na pré-menopausa e 61 (59,8%) na pós-menopausa. Todas as participantes possuíam alto risco cardiovascular pelo índice de conicidade, mas naquelas no período pós-menopausa, a média desse índice foi maior em comparação às que estavam na pré-menopausa (1,25±0,0 vs.1,19±0,9). Considerando apenas as mulheres com risco cardiovascular baixo, as do grupo pós-menopausa, em comparação ao pré-menopausa, apresentavam maiores valores de circunferência da cintura (84,8±5,5 vs. 78,0±7,5; p=0,005) e percentual gordura corporal (36,8±5,5 vs. 32,9±6,5; p=0,005). Considerando as participantes com risco cardiovascular elevado, o grupo na pós-menopausa apresentou valores maiores para o percentual de gordura corporal (39,8±4,0 vs. 35,7±6,9; p=0,010), colesterol total (204,9±42,7 vs.184,2±40,0; p=0,005) glicose (107,3±65,4 vs. 82,5±14,1; p=0,001) e colesterol ligado à lipoproteína de baixa densidade (132,4±41,8 vs. 109,3±38,8; p=0,002).CONCLUSÕES: A utilização do índice de conicidade pelas equipes da atenção primária indicou que nesta amostra de mulheres, independente da fase do climatério, havia condições subclínicas para o desenvolvimento de doença cardiovascular, mais acentuadas no período pós-menopausa.