bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune System Modulation in Patients with Malignant and Benign Breast Disorders: Tryptophan Degradation and Serum Neopterin
Authors: Girgin Gozde , Sahin Tevfik Tolga , Fuchs Dietmar , Kasuya Hideki , Yuksel Osman , Tekin Ercument , Baydar Terken
Published: January 2018

Tryptophan degradation metabolites are known to suppress T-cell function, which is a mechanism of resistance of tumor cells against immune surveillance. The aim of this study was to evaluate tryptophan degradation along with serum neopterin levels in benign and malignant breast disease. Serum tryptophan and kynurenine levels and neopterin concentrations of 30 patients with malignant and 27 patients with benign breast disease were determined by HPLC and ELISA, respectively. The slight increase in tryptophan degradation in a subgroup of cancer patients with higher grade tumors was not statistically significant, but the increased degradation was correlated with higher neopterin concentrations. Neopterin levels in patients with malignant breast disease were significantly higher than in the benign group (p<0.05). Tryptophan degradation positively correlates with the aggressiveness of the tumor because it changes with tumor grade rather than disease stage.
Quantum-dot-based technology for sensitive and stable detection of prostate stem cell antigen expression in human transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Fan , Yu Weimin , Zhang Xiaobin , Ruan Yuan
Published: January 2018

Quantum dots (QDs) as a biological labeling material for medical applications need to be evaluated for the sensitivity and stability of their fluorescence. Comparison of QD-based immunolabeling and commonly used immunohistochemical staining in detecting the expression of prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) in bladder tumor tissues revealed that the two methods had similar sensitivity in the differential display of PSCA expression correlated with tumor stage and grade (κ=0.92, p<0.001). In addition, the intensity of QD fluorescence remained stable for at least 10 days after conjugation to the PSCA protein and nearly 96% of the positive expression in samples lasted for one month.
Association study of an epidermal growth factor gene functional polymorphism with the risk and prognosis of gliomas in Brazil
Authors: Pinto Giovanny R. , Yoshioka France K.N. , Clara Carlos A. , Santos Marcelo J. , Almeida José R.W. , Burbano Rommel R. , Rey Juan A. , Casartelli Cacilda
Published: January 2018

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in cancer. A functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 5′-untranslated region of the EGF gene (+61 A>G) may influence its expression and contribute to cancer predisposition and aggressiveness. Aiming to investigate the role of EGF +61 A>G in the susceptibility to glioma and its prognosis, we performed a case-control study with 165 patients and 200 healthy controls from Brazil. Comparisons of genotype distributions and allele frequencies did not reveal any significant differences between the groups. The mean overall survival was 9.2 months for A/A, 8.2 months for A/G, and 7.7 months for G/G. When survival curves were plotted we found that the +61G allele is associated with poor overall survival (p=0.023) but not with disease-free survival (p=0.527). Our data suggest that, although there is no association between the EGF +61 A>G genotype and glioma susceptibility, this SNP is associated with shorter overall survival of glioma patients in the Brazilian population. Nevertheless, future studies utilizing a larger series are essential for a definitive conclusion.
A New Possible Lung Cancer Marker: VGF Detection from the Conditioned Medium of Pulmonary Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma–Derived Cells using Secretome Analysis
Authors: Matsumoto Toshihide , Kawashima Yusuke , Nagashio Ryo , Kageyama Taihei , Kodera Yoshio , Jiang Shi-Xu , Okayasu Isao , Kameya Toru , Sato Yuichi
Published: January 2018

The prognosis of malignant neuroendocrine tumors of the lung is known to be very poor. Aiming to identify new markers of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors in early stages and also differential diagnostic markers between large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and small cell lung cancer, we comprehensively analyzed peptides which were secreted into conditioned medium by LCN1, a large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma cell line. Specific peaks in conditioned medium but not in used medium alone were detected using matrix-associated laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. Two peptide fragments of 40 and 19 amino acid residues were identified by matrix-associated laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. These two fragments were demonstrated to be parts of VGF nerve growth factor inducible (VGF), which is usually expressed in nerve cells or neuroendocrine cells. RT-PCR analysis of lung cancer cell lines showed that VGF mRNA was expressed only in neuroendocrine carcinoma–derived cells. Our data suggest that VGF can be used as a novel serological diagnostic marker of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors.
It is not Black and White: A comparison of skin tone by playing position in the Premier League and English football
Authors: Mills John P , Ing Charles , Markham Tom , Guppy Fergus
Published: January 2018

Within the present manuscript we explore the role of skin tone on playing position within English football’s top four professional leagues. Player data ( n = 4515) was collected across five seasons (2010–2015). Unlike previous research, results indicate a statistically significant, but arguable minor difference between the skin tones of those who play in central as opposed to wide positions. However, a one-way ANOVA highlights significant differences between skin tone and individual playing positions. Between league differences were, however, non-significant. Although mean skin tone is still darker for peripheral (i.e., wide) positions, the situation is more nuanced than first thought. Instead of segregating players by central versus peripheral roles, it appears that players of a darker skin tone occupy positions associated with athleticism and strength. In contrast, players of a lighter skin tone appear to fulfil positions requiring organizational skills and creativity.
End-of-life care in non-malignant conditions
Authors: Lewis Rachel
Published: January 2018

End-of-life care refers to the care of patients with progressive, incurable conditions and considered to be in the last year of life. Approximately 75% of end-of-life patients will die from non-malignant conditions. There are significant challenges, both in the identification of patients with chronic disease who are nearing the end of life and in the provision of high-quality palliative care in this group. This article explores the role of GPs in the management of end-of-life care in the most common non-malignant conditions, including management of symptoms and advance care planning.
Acute epididymitis
Authors: Omar Farhiya , Abdi Mohamed
Published: January 2018

Epididymitis refers to inflammation of the epididymis from both infectious and non-infectious causes. This article will focus on acute epididymitis, rather than chronic epididymitis. Although acute epididymitis is a relatively uncommon condition, it is important for GPs to recognise the typical presentation, as it presents acutely and shares some similar features with testicular torsion, which is a surgical urological emergency. This article aims to provide information to aid the diagnosis and management of acute epididymitis in the primary care setting.
Mobility impairment in the elderly
Authors: Khan Rabia Mahmood
Published: January 2018

Decline in functional ability among the elderly is of clinical relevance as a marker of potentially treatable clinical disease. It is possible to screen older people for mobility issues and apply early interventions to prevent mobility problems and rehabilitate existing mobility impairments. This article discusses the predictors of mobility decline, available screening tools and the prevention and management of mobility impairment in primary care.
Resistance to Acetaminophen Interference in a Novel Continuous Glucose Monitoring System
Authors: Calhoun Peter , Johnson Terri Kang , Hughes Jonathan , Price David , Balo Andrew K.
Published: January 2018

Acetaminophen (APAP) can cause erroneously high readings in real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) systems. APAP-associated bias in an investigational rtCGM system (G6) was evaluated by taking the difference in glucose measurements between rtCGM and YSI from 1 hour before to 6 hours after a 1-g oral APAP dose in 66 subjects with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The interference effect was defined as the average post-dose (30-90 minutes) bias minus the average baseline bias for each subject. The clinically meaningful interference effect was defined as 10 mg/dL. The G6 system’s overall mean (±SD) interference effect was 3.1 ± 4.8 mg/dL (one-sided upper 95% CI = 4.1 mg/dL), significantly lower than 10 mg/dL. The G6 system’s resistance to APAP interference should provide reassurance to those using the drug.
The Dyadic Nature of Self-Evaluations: Self-Esteem and Efficacy Shape and Are Shaped by Support Processes in Relationships
Authors: Jayamaha Shanuki D. , Overall Nickola C.
Published: January 2018

The current research tested an important way one person’s self-evaluations could shape their intimate partner’s self-evaluations. We predicted that greater self-esteem would predict greater efficacy and esteem support when partners needed support, which would facilitate greater efficacy and self-esteem in partners. We examined these processes within discussions in which one partner could provide support (support provider) to the other (support recipient). Study 1 illustrated that self-esteem was specifically associated with esteem support. Study 2 demonstrated that support providers higher in self-esteem experienced greater efficacy during couples’ support discussions and thus delivered greater esteem support to their partners. Greater esteem support, in turn, was associated with recipients experiencing greater efficacy within couples’ discussions and greater self-esteem across time. Analyses of alternative explanations indicated these processes were unique to self-esteem and esteem support. The results provide initial evidence that self-esteem and efficacy shape, and are shaped by, esteem-related support processes within relationships.
Changing Norms Following the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election
Authors: Crandall Christian S. , Miller Jason M. , White Mark H.
Published: January 2018

The 2016 presidential election was characterized by the remarkable expression of prejudice toward a range of groups. In two closely related studies ( N = 388; 196 supporting Trump, 192 Clinton), we measured (1) perceptions of social norms toward prejudice or (2) people’s own levels of prejudice toward 19 social groups, shortly before and after the election. Some groups were targeted by the Trump campaign (e.g., Muslims, immigrants) and some were not (e.g., atheists, alcoholics). Participants saw an increase in the acceptability of prejudice toward groups Trump targeted but little shift in untargeted groups. By contrast, participants reported a personal drop in Trump-targeted prejudice, probably due changing comparison standards, with no change in prejudice toward untargeted groups. The 2016 election seems to have ushered in a normative climate that favored expression of several prejudices; this shift may have played a role in the substantial increase in bias-related incidents that follow closely upon the election.
The Distinct Pattern of Relationships Between the Big Five and Racial Resentment Among White Americans
Authors: Federico Christopher M. , Aguilera Rafael
Published: January 2018

Research on the relationship between the Big Five and prejudice suggests that low agreeableness and low openness to experience are the most consistent personality correlates of prejudice. However, research on this topic has not examined racial resentment (RR) among White Americans, an affectively charged hostility to Blacks rooted in the perception that they lack self-reliance. Based on work suggesting that prejudices like this may have a value-laden component, we argue that the strongest predictors of RR will be those associated with conservatism: conscientiousness and openness. Using three national surveys, we find that conscientiousness and openness are the strongest predictors of RR among White Americans—matching the predictors of ideology but not a stereotyping measure. Extending this, we demonstrate that conscientiousness and openness predict changes in RR over time.
Malignancy and Meckel's diverticulum: A systematic literature review and 14‐year experience at a tertiary referral center
Authors: van Malderen Kathleen , Vijayvargiya Priya , Camilleri Michael , Larson David W , Cima Robert
Published: January 2018

Background

Meckel's diverticulum is present in about 2% of the population. The literature reports 3.2% incidence of tumors within Meckel's diverticulum; the tumors are predominantly benign.

Objective and methods

The purpose of this study was to evaluate malignant tumors in Meckel's diverticulum through systematic review of the literature and review of electronic medical records including pathology reports over 14 years at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA.

Results

A literature review over the last 10 years identified 37 citations with 402 patients (median age: 58 years; 68.9% males). The predominant malignancy reported was neuroendocrine tumor 84.6%, followed by gastrointestinal stromal tumor 8.2%, and adenocarcinoma 6%. At the time of diagnosis, 29.5% of patients had metastases. In the Mayo Clinic electronic medical records review, there were 19 patients (5.1% of them surgically removed Meckel's diverticulum) who had a malignancy associated with Meckel's diverticulum: 63.2% neuroendocrine tumor, 10.5% gastrointestinal stromal tumor, 5.3% adenocarcinoma, 5.3% pancreatic epithelial neoplasia, and 15.8% metastases from secondary location. Median size of the malignancy was 7 mm, and 17/19 malignancies were coincidental findings. Most neuroendocrine tumors infiltrated the submucosa, while gastrointestinal stromal tumor and adenocarcinoma invaded the serosa. At the time of diagnosis, 33.3% of patients had metastases.

Conclusion

About 5% of Meckel's diverticulums resected were associated with malignant tumors, most commonly neuroendocrine tumor, and a significant portion of Meckel's diverticulum malignancy was metastatic at the time of discovery.
Environmental disputes in China: A case study of media coverage of the 2012 Ningbo anti-PX protest
Authors: Chen Sibo
Published: January 2018

Environmental disputes have surged in China over the past few years. For many scholars, this trend indicates the proliferation of “Not In My Back Yard” resistance among ordinary Chinese citizens. Yet, to what extent does the “Not In My Back Yard” label accurately reflect the complexity of Chinese environmental activism? This article seeks to address this question through a case study of the 2012 Ningbo anti-para-xylene protest. By analyzing how the event was reported in four news sources (Xinhua News Agency, China Daily, South China Morning Post, and Associated Press), the article reveals that while the narratives of domestic sources presented the event as an unfortunate incident caused by irrational citizens, oversea sources presented it as a liberal resistance initiated by China’s rising middle class against an authoritarian government. Both storylines, however, failed to recognize the urban–rural dynamics underlying the protest. Such neglect not only raises concerns regarding the inherent ambiguity of China’s environmental activism but also invites us to think beyond the stereotypical label of “Not In My Back Yard.”
Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysms in Children—A Case Series
Authors: Sreevathsa Prasad , Ram Duvuru , Munuswamy Hemachandren , Satyavathi Davulury Sri , Sai Chandran Bathal Vedagiri
Published: January 2018

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysms are very rare in children. In children, left ventricular pseudoaneurysms can occur following infection, trauma, ischemia, or cardiac surgery. The authors report a series of three cases treated at our hospital with two of the cases having a history of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and one patient with a history of varicella zoster infection.
Daily Compensation Can Improve College Students’ Participation and Retention Rates in Daily Report Studies
Authors: Hall Alysha Ramirez , Nishina Adrienne
Published: January 2018

In longitudinal daily report research, it is challenging to maintain participation with college student samples due to the time and mental energy required. Small monetary incentives can assuage this; thus, the goal of this study was to determine whether incentive distribution method—via (1) the total compensation at the end of the study period, (2) daily compensation that increases with subsequent surveys, or (3) the same steady compensation each day—leads to different completion rates across five consecutive daily surveys. Both steady and increasing compensation groups were more likely to opt-in to the study, while the steady compensation group was more likely to complete the Day 1 survey. Over 5 days, the steady group had a sharper decrease in participation but had a rebound in participation toward the end of the study. Recommendations and rationale for using a daily steady compensation approach with daily report methodology with emerging adults are discussed.
A Comprehensive Evaluation of Factors Affecting Healing, Range of Motion, Strength, and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Wylie James D. , Baran Sean , Granger Erin K. , Tashjian Robert Z.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Rotator cuff repair (RCR) leads to improved patient outcomes, which may or may not coincide with biological healing of the tendon. Many patient factors may play a role in subjective and objective patient outcomes of surgery.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of various patient factors and tendon healing on range of motion, strength, and functional outcomes after arthroscopic RCR.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We reviewed patients who underwent arthroscopic RCR. Postoperative endpoints included physical examination, repeat magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and patient-reported outcome measures. The Short Form–36 (SF-36) was also completed at enrollment. Physical examination included range of motion and strength testing. Preoperative tear characteristics and postoperative healing on MRI were recorded. Associations between these characteristics and rotator cuff healing were determined. Multivariate models investigated factors affecting healing and final outcomes.

Results:

A total of 81 patients had MRI before and a minimum of 1 year after RCR. Patient-reported outcomes were available for all patients at mean 2.7 years (range, 1-7.7 years) after RCR. Seventy-five patients had physical examination data. Patients were less likely to heal if they had tears involving multiple tendons ( P = .037), tears >2.2 cm ( P = .037), tears retracted >2.0 cm ( P = .006), and tears with cumulative Goutallier grade ≥3 ( P = .003). Patients who healed were stronger on manual muscle testing in forward elevation ( P < .001) and external rotation ( P = .005) and on forward elevation isometric testing ( P = .033), and they reported better patient-reported outcomes ( P ≤ .01) at final follow-up. In multivariate models, tendon healing was associated with less pain ( P = .019) and better patient-reported outcomes (all P ≤ .006). Lower SF-36 mental component summary (MCS) score was associated with increased pain ( P = .025) and lower final American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score ( P = .035), independent of healing status.

Conclusion:

Larger, more retracted tears with greater fatty infiltration are less likely to heal per MRI. Patients who do not heal are weaker and have worse patient-reported outcome measures. Lower SF-36 MCS score was associated with poorer patient-reported outcomes independent of tendon healing.
Acute Transverse Myelitis Caused by Echovirus 11 in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Moline Heidi L. , Karachunski Peter I. , Strain Anna , Griffith Jayne , Kenyon Cynthia , Schleiss Mark R.
Published: January 2018

A 12-year-old boy presented with acute flaccid weakness of the right upper extremity and was found to have acute flaccid myelitis with transverse myelitis involving the cervical cord (C1-T1). An interdisciplinary team-based approach was undertaken, including input from a generalist, an infectious diseases physician, and a pediatric neurologist. Consultation was sought from the Minnesota Department of Health to investigate for a potential etiology and source of the responsible infection. Evaluation for an infectious etiology demonstrated infection with human echovirus 11. The patient recovered with some disability. Echovirus 11 is among the more common etiologies of acute flaccid myelitis and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of this increasingly recognized pediatric infection.
Evaluation Markers and Mitigators in Analyst Reports in Light of Market Response to Stock Recommendations
Authors: Klimczak Karol Marek , Dynel Marta
Published: January 2018

Professionals and individuals who invest in equity markets rely on financial analysts’ recommendations and reports to decide on what to invest in and when to trade. This study examines the role of two groups of communication strategies, evaluation markers and mitigators, in establishing analysts’ credibility. The sample consists of 80 reports written in Polish for companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange in Poland. In this emerging market setting, where credibility is challenged by uncertainty, analysts deploy various strategies depending on the recommendation they make: “buy,” “hold,” or “sell” shares. The findings point toward a specific group of mitigators, namely subjectivization, as a means of communicating expert opinion. Regression results reveal that investors’ reaction to the publication of a recommendation to “hold” or “sell” shares, measured based on the changes in share prices, is stronger when subjectivization is used in a report. The findings carry implications for research into analyst behavior and for the development of professional writing skills.
Assessing nighttime lights for mapping the urban areas of 50 cities across the globe
Authors: Bagan Hasi , Borjigin Habura , Yamagata Yoshiki
Published: January 2018

Nighttime data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Operational Linescan System have been widely used to map urban/built-up areas (hereafter referred to as “built-up area”), but to date there has not been a geographically comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of using nighttime lights data to map urban areas. We created accurate, convenient, and scalable grid cells based on Defense Meteorological Satellite Program/Operational Linescan System nighttime light pixels. We then calculated the density of Landsat-derived built-up areas within each grid cell. We explored the relationship between Defense Meteorological Satellite Program/Operational Linescan System nighttime lights data and the density of built-up areas to assess the utility of nighttime lights for mapping urban areas in 50 cities across the globe. We found that the brightness of nighttime lights was only in moderate agreement with the density of built-up areas; moreover, correlations between nighttime lights and Landsat-derived built-up areas were weak. Even in relatively sparsely populated urban regions (where the density of the built-up area is less than 20%), the highest correlation coefficient ( R2) was only 0.4. Furthermore, nighttime lights showed lighted areas that extended beyond the area of large cities, and nighttime lights reduced the area of small cities. The results suggest that it is difficult to use the regression model to calibrate the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program/Operational Linescan System nighttime lights to fit urban built up areas.
Hif-1α and Hif-2α regulate hemogenic endothelium and hematopoietic stem cell formation in zebrafish
Authors: Gerri Claudia , Marass Michele , Rossi Andrea , Stainier Didier Y. R.
Published: January 2018

Key Points

Hypoxia regulates EHT through Hif-1α and Hif-2α. The Hif pathway functions upstream of Notch signaling in HSC formation.
Onset of action for loratadine tablets for the symptomatic control of seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults challenged with ragweed pollen in the Environmental Exposure Unit: a post hoc analysis of total symptom score
Authors: Tenn Mark W. , Steacy Lisa M. , Ng Charlene C. , Ellis Anne K.
Published: January 2018

Background

Loratadine is a second-generation, non-sedating antihistamine used for the relief of allergic rhinitis symptoms. Previous studies reported that when loratadine was encapsulated, the onset of action for symptom relief was 180 min. However, unmodified loratadine tablets were not evaluated at that time. Using data from a previously published Environmental Exposure Unit (EEU) study comparing azelastine nasal spray with loratadine tablets, cetirizine tablets, and placebo, this post hoc analysis determines the onset of action of loratadine tablets (i.e. unmodified) by analyzing the total symptom score for the relief of nasal and ocular seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) symptoms.

Methods

A Phase IV, randomized, single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, double-dummy, four-way crossover study was conducted in the EEU. Seventy participants were randomized sequentially into one of the four treatments during ragweed pollen exposure. Nasal and ocular symptom scores were self-reported by the participants and recorded. The original study analysis was carried out by evaluating the nasal symptom scores only. For this post hoc analysis, both nasal and ocular data from the loratadine and placebo treatment arms were analyzed. The primary endpoint for this analysis was the onset of action of loratadine as measured by the change in total symptom score (TSS) from baseline in comparison to placebo. The onset of ocular symptom relief using the total ocular symptom score (TOSS) was also reported.

Results

Loratadine tablets demonstrated a significant and durable improvement in both TSS (P = .005) and TOSS (P = .013) at 75 min post-treatment administration compared to placebo. The mean proportion of participants reporting none or mild for all component symptoms of TSS and TOSS at 75 min and thereafter was significantly higher in the loratadine (TSS, P = .0005; TOSS, P ≤ .0001) vs. placebo treatment arm.

Conclusions

The onset of action of loratadine tablets was 75 min for the relief of nasal and ocular symptoms in adults with SAR. These results suggest a faster onset of action for loratadine tablets (75 min) compared to previously reported studies which were conducted with modified (i.e. gelatin-encapsulated) loratadine tablets (180 min).

Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00561717
Free-style puzzle flap as a cross-leg pedicled flap: the concept of re-using a flap in acute burns, a case report
Authors: Serror Kevin , Chaouat Marc , Romano Golda , Schmidt Magali , Blet Alice , Mimoun Maurice , Boccara David
Published: January 2018

Background

In well-selected cases, flaps can play a pivotal role in optimizing outcomes in the acute phase of burns. A previous redundant flap could be reused or recycled as a donor site from which a new flap could be raised.

Case presentation

We report the case of a patient with full thickness burns on both legs, leading to the exposure of joints of the right ankle and the right foot and left patellar tendon. The right lower extremity was covered with a free musculo-cutaneous latissimus dorsi flap. Then, a musculo-cutaneous cross-leg flap pedicled on the anterior branch and centered on a perforator was harvested from the previous redundant flap to cover the controlateral knee.

Conclusion

Sequential flap coverage can be considered in cases of extensive soft tissue defects and particularly in burns. This case illustrates that re-using a redundant part of a previous flap to cover another defect is a safe and interesting alternative in the event of a lack of donor sites or to save donor sites for later reconstruction of contracted burn scars.
Toward a Unified Near-Field Intensity Map of the 2015 Mw 7.8 Gorkha, Nepal, Earthquake
Authors: Adhikari Sujan Raj , Baysal Gopi , Dixit Amod , Martin Stacey S. , Landes Mattieu , Bossu Remy , Hough Susan E.
Published: January 2018

We develop a unified near-field shaking intensity map for the 25 April 2015 Mw 7.8 Gorkha, Nepal, earthquake by synthesizing intensities derived from macroseismic effects that were determined by independent groups using a variety of approaches. Independent assessments by different groups are generally consistent, with minor differences that are likely due in large part to differences in spatial sampling. Throughout most of the near-field region, European Macroseismic Scale (EMS-98) intensities were generally close to 7 EMS. In the Kathmandu Valley, intensities were somewhat higher (6.5–7.5) along the periphery of the valley and in the adjacent foothills than in the central valley, where they were ≈6. The results are consistent with instrumental intensity values estimated from available data using a published relationship between peak ground acceleration (PGA) and intensity. Using this relationship to convert intensities to PGA, we estimate strong-motion PGA de-amplification factors of ≈0.7 in the central Kathmandu Valley, with amplification of ≈1.6 in adjacent foothills. The results support the conclusion that the Kathmandu Valley experienced a pervasively nonlinear response during the Gorkha main shock.
Qualitative Analysis of Palliative Care for Pediatric Patients With Cancer at Bugando Medical Center: An Evaluation of Barriers to Providing End-of-Life Care in a Resource-Limited Setting
Authors: Esmaili B. Emily , Stewart Kearsley A. , Masalu Nestory A. , Schroeder Kristin M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Palliative care remains an urgent, neglected need in the developing world. Global disparities in end-of-life care for children, such as those with advanced cancers, result from barriers that are complex and largely unstudied. This study describes these barriers at Bugando Medical Center, one of three consultant hospitals in Tanzania, to identify areas for palliative care development suitable to this context.

Methods

In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 caregivers of pediatric patients with cancer and 14 hospital staff involved in pediatric end-of-life care. This was combined with 1 month of participant observation through direct clinical care of terminally ill pediatric patients.

Results

Data from interviews as well as participant observation revealed several barriers to palliative care: financial, infrastructure, knowledge and cultural (including perceptions of pediatric pain), and communication challenges. Although this study focused on barriers, what also emerged were the unique advantages of end-of-life care in this setting, including community cohesiveness and strong faith background.

Conclusion

This study provides a unique but focused description of barriers to palliative care common in a low-resource setting, extending beyond resource needs. This multidisciplinary qualitative approach combined interviews with participant observation, providing a deeper understanding of the logistical and cultural challenges in this setting. This new understanding will inform the design of more effective—and more appropriate—palliative care policies for young patients with cancer in the developing world.
Rapid Decoloration of Photochromic 3H-Naphthopyran Attached to Three-Dimensional Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Network
Authors: Ubukata Takashi , Ozawa Yasushi , Saito Masako , Hiwatari Ken-ichiro , Yokoyama Yasushi
Published: January 2018

The attachment of 3H-naphthopyran to a three-dimensional network of polysiloxane elastomer was carried out by hydrosilylation reactions using 3H-9-(5-hexenyloxy)naphthopyran. The photochemical coloration and subsequent thermal decoloration behaviors of polysiloxane-bound 3H-naphthopyran molecules were examined by comparing their properties with those of a model 9-hexyloxy-3H-naphthopyran compound doped in a polysiloxane film, a PMMA film, and in solutions. The decoloration reaction rate of polysiloxane-bound naphthopyran was basically the same as that in the polysiloxane-doped system and in solutions. However, the polysiloxane-bound system is superior to the doped system due to: (1) more concentrated incorporation of naphthopyran molecules in the polysiloxane film; (2) less degradation of naphthopyran molecules during film preparation; and (3) less temperature dependence in the thermal decoloration rate.
The Hippo Signaling Pathway in the Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function
Authors: Watt Kevin I. , Goodman Craig A. , Hornberger Troy A. , Gregorevic Paul
Published: January 2018

The Hippo signaling pathway regulates the activity of the proteins Yes-associated protein (Yap) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (Taz) to control tissue growth in many different cell types. Previously, we demonstrated that Yap is a critical regulator of skeletal muscle mass. We hypothesize that alterations in Yap and Taz activity modulate the anabolic adaptations of skeletal muscle to resistance exercise.
Potential Role of MicroRNA in the Anabolic Capacity of Skeletal Muscle With Aging
Authors: Margolis Lee M. , Rivas Donato A.
Published: January 2018

Age-induced loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, termed sarcopenia, may be the result of diminished response to anabolic stimulation. This review will explore the hypothesis that alterations in the expression of microRNA with aging contributes to reduced muscle plasticity resulting in impaired skeletal muscle adaptations to exercise-induced anabolic stimulation.
Humor as a Survival Technique during Communism in Romania
Authors: Iacob Miruna
Published: January 2018

Humour is generally considered a universal feature, but it is also a context-related notion and it may involve the specificity of a certain culture. The present paper attempts to explore the ethics of humor and its subversive nature perceived as a survival technique during the communist regime in Romania, with an emphasis on Ioan Groșan’s short story, The Island. Being in a constant battle with censorship, humour often proves to be a form of dissidence. Critical laughter functions as a corrective, undermining political principles and denouncing their inflexibility aimed at achieving a progressive social degradation. Therefore, a theoretical re-evaluation of the relationship between context and humor will reveal that the latter concept – with its forms and variations – becomes the escape from the gangrenous tissues of totalitarian societies.
Autobiography and Ethical Literary Criticism
Authors: Kuek Florence , Tek Soon Ling
Published: January 2018

Autobiographies are traditionally understood as means of selfredemption or self-validation of the respective autobiographers, but they seem to have become tools of self-assertion in the recent times. The writers of this paper noticed that the underlying patterns in major autobiographies of the respective centuries such as those of Augustine, Rousseau, Virginia Woolf, Han Suyin and other male or female autobiographers commonly evolve around one’s ethical choices in response to the vices caused by one’s natural will and when facing ethical dilemmas caused by life challenges. This paper examines the abovementioned autobiographies via the Ethical Literary Criticism (ELC). Developed by Professor Nie Zhenzhao since 2004, ELC is one of the most insightful critiques in expounding the relationship of the self with oneself, self with others, and self with the divine or higher moral order in the context of the literary world.
Good and Bad Variance Premia and Expected Returns
Authors: Kilic Mete , Shaliastovich Ivan
Published: January 2018

We measure “good” and “bad” variance premia that capture risk compensations for the realized variation in positive and negative market returns, respectively. The two variance premium components jointly predict excess returns over the next one and two years with statistically significant positive (negative) coefficients on the good (bad) component. The R2s reach about 10% for aggregate equity and portfolio returns and 20% for corporate bond returns. To explain the new empirical evidence, we develop a model that highlights the differential impact of upside and downside risk on equity and variance risk premia.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2890 .

This paper was accepted by Neng Wang, finance.
An innovation in mental health specialty placements
Authors: Jack Eleanor , Jadzinski Megan
Published: January 2018

The current article describes how an innovative approach to mental health training for student paramedics can prepare the future workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality care. Action research methodology is used to describe the delivery and evaluation of the placement, identifying its key and sustainable learning impacts for all involved. Key to its success was the co-production of the placement from beginning to end, including service users and qualified paramedics. The outcome of the placement enabled students to develop the confidence and ability to provide compassionate person-centred care as well as the skills to cultivate self-care and resilience.
Solving manufacturing problems for L-carnitine-L-tartrate to improve the likelihood of successful product scale-up
Authors: Badawi Aliaa A. , Hegazy Mahmoud M. , Louis Dina , Eldegwy Mohammed A.
Published: January 2018

L-carnitine-L-tartrate, a non-essential amino acid, is hygroscopic. This causes a problem in tablet production due to pronounced adhesion of tablets to punches. A 33 full factorial design was adopted to suggest a tablet formulation. Three adsorbents were suggested (Aerosil 200, Aerosil R972, talc) to reduce stickiness at three concentrations (1, 3 and 5 %), and three fillers (mannitol, Avicel PH 101, Dibasic calcium phosphate) were chosen to prepare 27 formulations. Micromeritic properties of formulations were studied, and tablets were prepared by wet granulation. Absence of picking, sticking or capping, recording of sufficient hardness, acceptable friability and tablet ejection force indicated formulation success. The resulting formulation prepared using Avicel PH 101 and 1 % Aerosil 200 was submitted to further investigation in order to choose the most suitable compression conditions using a 33 full factorial design. Variables included compression force, tableting rate and magnesium stearate (lubricant) concentration. The formulation prepared at compression force of 25 kN, using 2 % magnesium stearate, at a production rate of 30 tablets/ minute, was found to be the most appropriate scale up candidate.
Breeding range, population size and population trend of the Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana in Slovenia between 1979 and 2016
Authors: Stanič Domen , Kmecl Primož , Figelj Jernej , Sovinc Andrej
Published: January 2018

In this work we investigated the historical and present breeding range of the Ortolan Bunting in Slovenia and studied one of its last remaining breeding grounds in the country. Its range has suffered a marked decline in the last few decades, bringing the species on the brink of extinction in Slovenia. Firstly, we gathered all the available data and field records regarding the species in Slovenia and created several distribution maps outlining the status of the Ortolan Bunting in Slovenia. Thus we were able to confirm the drastic reduction in the species range, now confined to only two larger breeding grounds on the Karst (Kras). Field work was then concentrated on studying and monitoring one of the two last known populations of Ortolan Buntings in Slovenia. We paid special attention to the study of the males’ singing territories. Our main discovery was the presence of a lek in the central part of the study area, where several different male Ortolan Buntings shared their song-posts. In 2013 we counted a total of 18 Ortolan Buntings and found 5 nests, whereas in 2014 we counted 16 individuals, with 4 pairs probably breeding there. The number of breeding pairs is thus significantly lower than the total number of males holding territory. In the period from 2005 to 2016, the population of Ortolan Bunting in Slovenia was in steep decline.
Diet of the Tawny Owl Strix aluco in the area of Slovenske gorice (NE Slovenia)
Authors: Janžekovič Franc , Polc Mateja , Petovar Polona , Klenovšek Tina
Published: January 2018

The diet of Tawny Owl Strix aluco was studied in the area of Slovenske gorice - NE Slovenia. The analysis was carried out by examining pellets collected at ten locations in the period from 1984 to 2015. From the pellets, 2,121 prey units were isolated. The predominant prey were mammals (Mammalia, 84.8%), followed by birds (Aves, 8.3%), insects (Insecta, 4.7%), frogs (Anura, 1.6%) and earthworms (Oligochaeta, 0.5%). Four orders of mammals were found: rodents (Rodentia), insectivores (Insectivora), bats (Chiroptera) and carnivores (Carnivora). The most frequent prey in the owls’ diet were voles (Arvicolinae, 46.6%) and mice (Murinae, 28.8%), while the number of shrews (Soricidae) was low (4.5%). The obtained results are in concordance with the conclusions of other studies. In the area of Slovenske gorice, the Tawny Owl is an opportunistic predator of small mammals with an emphasis on voles and mice. Prey frequencies differ significantly among some localities. Variability in proportions of prey species among localities can also be the result of sampling carried out in different seasons and variability in the population dynamics of small mammals among years. Challenges for future research are to describe seasonal variability of the diet and to evaluate interspecific competition within the guild of night predators of small mammals: Tawny Owl, Long-eared Owl Asio otus, and Barn Owl Tyto alba, which are sympatric in this area.
Occurrence of the Red Kite Milvus milvus in Slovenia
Authors: Bordjan Dejan
Published: January 2018

The Red Kite Milvus milvus breeds alomost exclusively in Europe, its population is in decline. In the past, it was regarded as a rare migrant in Slovenia. In the 1990s it was classified as a possible breeder, extremely rare winter guest with more observations during migration. Between 1977 and January 2017 117 records of 121 individuals were gathered. Most (113) involved single birds on migration. Exceptionally, birds were present for a longer period - a single record of a summering bird is known. Since 1980 the number of birds per year increased from 1 to 1.1, 3 and 9 after 2009. Possible reasons are increased awareness and population increases to the north and northeast of Slovenia. Red Kites were observed throughout the year with the lowest numbers during summer and winter, which surprising, because the species is increasingly common during winter in central Europe. Migration of Red Kites in Slovenia begins in February with a peak in early April and May and between August and mid-November with a peak in early in October. The migration period coincides with arrivals and departures from breeding grounds. Red Kites have been observed all across the country, with more observations at well-watched sites. Birds were observed between sea level and 1740 m a.s.l. with only a handful of observations above 1000 m a.s.l.
Tribological Characterization of Al-bronzes Used as Mold Materials
Authors: Atapek Ş. H. , Çelik G. Aktaş , Polat Ş. , Pisarek B.
Published: January 2018

Among the copper based alloys, Cu-Al-X bronzes are commonly used as mold materials due to their superior physical and chemical properties. Mold materials suffer from both wear and corrosion, thus, it is necessary to know which one of the competitive phenomenon is dominant during the service conditions. In this study, tribo-corrosion behavior of CuAl10Ni5Fe4 and CuAl14Fe4Mn2Co alloys were studied and electrochemical measurements were carried out using three electrode system in 3.5 % NaCl solution in order to evaluate their corrosion resistance. In tribo-corrosion tests, alloys were tested against zirconia ball in 3.5 % NaCl solution, under 10N load with 0.04 m/s sliding speed during 300 and 600 m. The results indicate that (i) CuAl10Ni5Fe4 alloy is more resistant to NaCl solution compared to CuAl14Fe4Mn2Co alloy that has major galvanic cells within its matrix, (ii) although CuAl10Ni5Fe4 alloy has lower coefficient of friction value, it suffers from wear under dry sliding conditions, (iii) as the sliding distance increases, corrosion products on CuAl14Fe4Mn2Co surface increase at a higher rate compared to CuAl10Ni5Fe4 leading to a decrease in volume loss due to the lubricant effect of copper oxides.
Vibratory Machining Effect on the Properties of the Aaluminum Alloys Surface
Authors: Bańkowski D. , Spadło S.
Published: January 2018

The article presents an example of finishing treatment for aluminum alloys with the use of vibration machining, with loose abrasive media in a closed tumbler. For the analysis of selected properties of the surface layer prepared flat samples of aluminum alloy PA6/2017 in the state after recrystallization. The samples in the first stage were subjected to a treatment of deburring using ceramic media. In a second step polishing process performed with a strengthening metal media. In addition, for comparative purposes was considered. only the case of metal polishing. The prepared samples were subjected to hardness tests and a tangential tensile test. As a result of finishing with vibratory machining, it was possible to remove burrs, flash, rounding sharp edges, smoothing and lightening the surface of objects made. The basic parameters of the surface geometry were obtained using the Talysurf CCI Lite - Taylor Hobson optical profiler. As a result of the tests it can be stated that the greatest reduction of surface roughness and mass loss occurs in the first minutes of the process. Mechanical tests have shown that the most advantageous high values of tensile strength and hardness are obtained with two-stage vibration treatment, - combination of deburring and polishing. Moreover the use of metal media resulted in the strengthening of the surface by pressure deburring with metal media.
Antimony Influence on Shape of Eutectic Silicium in Al-Si Based Alloys
Authors: Bolibruchová D. , Brůna M.
Published: January 2018

Liquid AI-Si alloys are usually given special treatments before they are cast to obtain finer or modified matrix and eutectic structures, leading to improved properties. For many years, sodium additions to hypoeutectic and eutectic AI-Si melts have been recognized as the most effective method of modifying the eutectic morphology, although most of the group IA or IIA elements have significant effects on the eutectic structure. Unfortunately, many of these approaches also have associated several founding difficulties, such as fading, forming dross in presence of certain alloying elements, reduced fluidity, etc. ln recent years, antimony additions to AI-Si castings have attracted considerable attention as an alternative method of refining the eutectic structure. Such additions eliminate many of the difficulties listed above and provide permanent (i.e. non-fading) refining ability. In this paper, the authors summarize work on antimony treatment of Al-Si based alloys.