bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nomogram for predicting the survival of gastric adenocarcinoma patients who receive surgery and chemotherapy
Authors: Wang Chaoyang , Yang Jin , Zheng Zhongli , Li Binghui , Wang Yang , Ge Zheng , Jian Guangxu , Lyu Jun , Li Xiaodong , Ren Xue-Qun
Published: June 2019

Background: Surgery is the only way to cure gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), and chemotherapy is the basic adjuvant management for GAC. A prognostic model for predicting the individual disease-specific survival (DSS) rates of GAC patients who receive surgery and chemotherapy has not been established.
Objective: We aimed to establish a survival nomogram for GAC patients who receive surgery and chemotherapy.
Methods: We identified 5764 GAC patients who had received surgery and chemotherapy from the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database. Approximately 80% (n=4034) of the included patients were randomly assigned to the training set, and the remaining patients (n=1729) were assigned to the external validation set. Nomogram was established by the training set and validated by the validation set.
Results: Based on the results of a multivariate analysis, a nomogram was developed that encompassed age at diagnosis, number of regional lymph nodes examined, number of positive regional lymph nodes, sex, race, grade, derived AJCC stage, summary stage, and radiotherapy status. The C-index (Harrell’s concordance index) of the model was higher than that of the traditional seventh AJCC staging system (0.707 vs 0.661). Calibration plots of the nomogram showed that the probability of DSS optimally corresponded to the survival rate. Integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and categorical net reclassification improvement (NRI) showed visible improvement. IDI for 3-, 5- and 10- year DSS were 0.058, 0.059 and 0.058, respectively (P>0.05), and NRI for 3-, 5- and 10- year DSS were 0.380 (95% CI=0.316–0.470), 0.407 (95% CI=0.350–0.505), and 0.413 (95% CI=0.336–0.519), respectively. Decision curve analysis supported that the constructed nomogram was superior to the AJCC staging system.
Conclusion: The proposed nomogram provides more-reliable DSS predictions for GAC patients who receive surgery and chemotherapy in the general population. According to validation, the new nomogram will be beneficial in facilitating individualized survival predictions and useful when performing clinical decision-making for GAC patients who receive surgery and chemotherapy.
The role of Double Strand Break Repair, Translesion Synthesis and Interstrand Crosslinks in Colorectal Cancer progression – clinicopathological data and survival.
Authors: Laporte Gustavo Andreazza , Leguisamo Natalia Meirelles , Glória Helena de Castro e , Azambuja Daniel de Barcellos , Kalil Antonio Nocchi , Saffi Jenifer
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the prognostic value of molecular modulation of double strand break (DSBR) - XRCC2 and XRCC5 - core components; DNA damage tolerance/translesion synthesis (DDT/TLS) - POLH, POLK and POLQ – and, finally, of interstrand crosslink repair (ICLR) -DCLRE1A – pathways in sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) progression.
Method: Tumour specimens and matched health mucosal tissues from 47 patients with CRC who underwent surgery were assessed for gene expression of XRCC2, XRCC5, POLH, POLK, POLQ and DCLRE1A by qRT-PCR; protein expression of Polk, Ku80, p53, Ki67 and mismatch repair MLH1 and MSH2 components were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC); CpG island promoter methylation of XRCC5, POLH, POLK, POLQ and DCLRE1A was performed. Uni and multivariate analyses were employed to determine associations with clinicopathological features and prognostic value of molecular data.
Results: Neoplastic tissues exhibited induction of POLK (p<0.001) and DCLRE1A (p<0.001) expression and low expression of POLH (p<0.001) and POLQ (p<0.001) in comparison to healthy paired mucosa. Low expression of POLH was associated to mucinous histology and T1-T2 tumors (p=0.038); low tumour expression of POLK was associated to distant metastases (p=0.042). POLK promoter methylation was associated to early stages CRC (p=0.011) and POLH promoter methylation to high grade tumors (p=0.023). CRC harbouring POLK promoter methylation exhibited better disease free survival (DFS) (p=0.005).
Conclusion: This study mainly demonstrated that low expression or unmethylated POLH and POLK were related to worse biological behavior tumors. However, POLK methylated was associated with better DFS. POLK and POLH are potential prognostic biomarkers in CRC.
Developing and Implementing a Faculty Development Curriculum in a Japanese Family Medicine Residency
Authors: Ie Kenya , Narushima Masato , Goto Michiko , Merenstein Joel , Wilson Stephen , Takemura Yousuke
Published: June 2019

Background and Objective

Despite the increase in family medicine residency in Japan, there are only a few structured faculty development (FD) programs. The objective of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a FD curriculum in Japan.

Methods

In 2015, a private FD initiative in the Mie University initiated a curriculum development in collaboration with FD fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. A literature review and subsequent Delphi processes was conducted for competency development. Based on the competency list, we designed a two-year part-time FD curriculum. A course evaluation using pre-post confidence level and a focus group was held during March 2017.

Results

28 objectives were defined under five core domains: 1) care management/family medicine principle, 2) leadership/professional development, 3) administrative/management, 4) teaching, and 5) research/scholarly activity. The focus group identified five themes regarding the learning process: foundational soil; seedbed; sowing of seeds; nurture and growth; and reaping the harvest. A pre-post survey revealed significant increase in learner confidence for “care management/family medicine principle”(p=0.03), “teaching”(p<0.01), and “research/scholarly activity”(p<0.01), as well as the total score (p=0.03).

Conclusions

Further curriculum refinements will be required to see if the curriculum could be used for faculty development in other family medicine residencies.
Emergence Delirium in children is not related to intraoperative Burst Suppression – prospective, observational Electrography study
Authors: Koch Susanne , Stegherr Anna-Maria , Rupp Leopold , Kruppa Jochen , Prager Christine , Kramer Sylvia , Fahlenkamp Astrid , Spies Claudia
Published: June 2019

Background: Emergence-delirium is the most frequent brain dysfunction in children recovering from general anaesthesia, though the pathophysiological background remains unclear. The presented study analysed an association between emergence delirium and intraoperative burst suppression activity in the electroencephalogram, a period of very deep hypnosis during general anaesthesia.
Methods: In this prospective, observational cohort study at the Charité - university hospital in Berlin / Germany children aged 0.5 to 8 years, undergoing planned surgery, were included between September 2015 and February 2017. Intraoperative bi-frontal electroencephalogram were recorded. Occurrence and duration of burst suppression periods were visually analysed. Emergence delirium was assessed with the Pediatric Assessment of Emergence Delirium Score.
Results: From 97 children being analysed within this study, 40 children developed emergence delirium, and 57 children did not. Overall 52% of the children displayed intraoperative burst suppression periods; however, occurrence and duration of burst suppression (Emergence delirium group 55% / 261+462sec vs. Non-emergence delirium group 49% / 318+531sec) did not differ between both groups.
Conclusions: Our data reveal no correlation between the occurrence and duration of intraoperative burst suppression activity and the incidence of emergence delirium. Burst suppression occurrence is frequent; however, it does not seem to have an unfavourable impact on cerebral function at emergence from general anaesthesia in children.
Variation of bispectral index in children aged 1-12 years under propofol anesthesia: An observational study
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhang Jianmin , Yu Jie , Tian Muyang , Cui Xiaohuan , Wu Anshi
Published: June 2019

Background: The use of the bispectral index (BIS) is widespread in pediatric anesthesia, but few studies have attempted to perform a detailed evaluation of how BIS varies according to age in children under propofol anesthesia. This prospective study aimed to explore the exact relationship between BIS value and the age of 1- to 12-year-old children under propofol anesthesia. Methods: This study enrolled 165 children (1<yr≤12), scheduled for surgery under anesthesia, and divided them into 11 age groups. Of the 165 participants, 157 completed the study protocol. All patients were anesthetized with propofol for over 30 s. An observation period of 4 min followed. BIS values were recorded at 0 (immediately after propofol injection), 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 s after the injection. BIS values at each time point corresponding to the 11 age groups were compared using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: BIS values significantly differed among the nine time points (p<0.01) as well as among the different age groups (p<0.01) after propofol administration. Post-hoc Bonferroni tests showed a difference in BIS values between groups 1–4 (1<yr≤5) and groups 5–11(5<yr≤12). BIS values were lower in the latter than in the former, from 50 to 240 s. The minimum BIS values in group 1<yr≤5 and in group 5<yr≤12 were recorded at 60 s as 49 ± 17 and 35 ± 14, respectively.Conclusions: During propofol anesthesia, the BIS values were closely related to age, which can be divided into two groups: 1<yr≤5 and 5<yr≤12. BIS values of the older age group were lower than those of the younger age group at the same time points.
Signed Networks for the US Supreme Court Overturning its Prior Decisions
Authors: Doreian Patrick , Mrvar Andrej
Published: June 2019

This paper introduces the idea of studying the decision citation network of the US Supreme Court in a new fashion by focusing on this Court’s overturning of some of its prior decisions. Two departures from current practices were developed. One was to consider the phenomenon of overturning in a broader network context. The second was to treat the citations between overturning decisions and the overturned decisions as negative ties. This led to the creation of multiple signed citation networks. These networks were studied to get a better understanding of the operation of this Court. The results show that, frequently, when decisions are overturned, this is not done in a logically consistent fashion. A research agenda is proposed regarding a reexamination of stare decesis, thought to be a bedrock of the US legal system, and calling it into question as a genuine operating legal principle.
Infiltration from the Pedon to Global Grid Scales: An Overview and Outlook for Land Surface Modeling
Authors: Vereecken Harry , Weihermüller Lutz , Assouline Shmuel , Šimůnek Jirka , Verhoef Anne , Herbst Michael , Archer Nicole , Mohanty Binayak , Montzka Carsten , Vanderborght Jan , Balsamo Gianpaolo , Bechtold Michel , Boone Aaron , Chadburn Sarah , Cuntz Matthias , Decharme Bertrand , Ducharne Agnès , Ek Michael , Garrigues Sebastien , Goergen Klaus , Ingwersen Joachim , Kollet Stefan , Lawrence David M. , Li Qian , Or Dani , Swenson Sean , de Vrese Philipp , Walko Robert , Wu Yihua , Xue Yongkang
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

Land surface models (LSMs) show a large variety in describing and upscaling infiltration.

Soil structural effects on infiltration in LSMs are mostly neglected.

New soil databases may help to parameterize infiltration processes in LSMs.

Infiltration in soils is a key process that partitions precipitation at the land surface into surface runoff and water that enters the soil profile. We reviewed the basic principles of water infiltration in soils and we analyzed approaches commonly used in land surface models (LSMs) to quantify infiltration as well as its numerical implementation and sensitivity to model parameters. We reviewed methods to upscale infiltration from the point to the field, hillslope, and grid cell scales of LSMs. Despite the progress that has been made, upscaling of local‐scale infiltration processes to the grid scale used in LSMs is still far from being treated rigorously. We still lack a consistent theoretical framework to predict effective fluxes and parameters that control infiltration in LSMs. Our analysis shows that there is a large variety of approaches used to estimate soil hydraulic properties. Novel, highly resolved soil information at higher resolutions than the grid scale of LSMs may help in better quantifying subgrid variability of key infiltration parameters. Currently, only a few LSMs consider the impact of soil structure on soil hydraulic properties. Finally, we identified several processes not yet considered in LSMs that are known to strongly influence infiltration. Especially, the impact of soil structure on infiltration requires further research. To tackle these challenges and integrate current knowledge on soil processes affecting infiltration processes into LSMs, we advocate a stronger exchange and scientific interaction between the soil and the land surface modeling communities.
The relation between product market competition and corporate tax avoidance: evidence from Korea
Authors: Shin Ilhang , Park Sorah
Published: June 2019

This paper examines the effect of industry-wide factors such as product market competition on corporate tax avoidance. Specifically, the focus is on the moderating role of corporate governance in the relationship between product market competition and tax avoidance. To conduct an empirical analysis, a sample of public companies that are listed on the Korea Stock Exchange between 2001 and 2016 is used. The empirical analyses provide the following results. First, product market competition is negatively related to tax avoidance. This suggests that competitive markets act as external corporate governance mechanisms and discipline managers to decrease tax avoidance. Second, the negative association between product market competition and tax avoidance is more pronounced for firms with more independent board of directors and firms with audit committee consisting of outside directors. These findings imply that product market competition acts more effectively when the firm has strong internal governance mechanisms such as board independence and audit committee independence. Therefore, we provide evidence on a complementary relationship between internal governance system and product market competition. The results may be of interest to policy makers and regulators like Korea Fair Trade Commission and Financial Supervisory Service who are involved in promoting market competition, monitoring any abuse of market dominance, and supervising financial reporting quality.
Results of the use of ramucirumab in combination with irinotecan and fluoropyrimidines in the second-line chemotherapy for disseminated gastric cancer
Authors: Besova N. S. , Titova T. A. , Stroyakovsky D. L. , Perminova E. V. , Bagrova S. G. , Obarevich E. S. , Gorbunova V. A. , Artamonova E. V. , Stilidi I. S.
Published: June 2019

Background: Several studies show that the combination chemotherapy with ramucirumab allows to improve the treatment results of advanced gastric cancer (GC). Irinotecan with fluoropyrimidines is own of the second line chemotherapy options for these patients. As angiogenesis inhibitors can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy, we investigated the combination of irinotecan and fluoropyrimidines with ramucirumab in metastatic GC.

Methods: Eligible patients had advanced morphologically verified GC and disease progression during or within 4 months following first-line therapy. They received FOLFIRI plus ramucirumab (8 mg/kg on day 1) or XELIRI in combination with ramucirumab (8 mg/kg on days 1 and 8). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end-points were disease control rate (DCR) and safety.

Results: Between September 2015 and April 2019, 39 patients (pts) were enrolled and 38 were evaluated for efficacy and toxicity. Median number of cycles was 9 (2-20). Seven patients achieved a partial response (PR) for an overall response rate of 17.9%. A total of 29 (74.4%) patients had stable disease (SD) for a DCR of 92.3%. With a median follow up 7,5 months, median PFS was 7.58 months (95% CI 6.6-8.5) and the median OS has not yet been reached. Median duration of PR response was 8,7 months (4,11-10,94+) and median duration of SD was 4,14 months (1,84-11,99+). The main treatment-related grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (7/38; 18.4%), anemia (1/38; 2.6%) and diarrhea (2/38; 4.3%).The most frequent adverse events of special interest (AESIs) any grade were hypertension (16/38; 42.1%), bleeding/hemorrhage (10/38; 26.3%), proteinuria (6/38; 15.7%) and venous thromboembolic events (10/38; 26,3%). Gastrointestinal perforation developed in two patients (2/38; 5.3%). No treatment-related deaths occurred.

Conclusion: In our research ramucirumab with irinotecan and fluoropyrimidines demonstrate the high activity and a manageable safety profile in patients with pre-treated metastatic GC
A preliminary results of integrated chemotherapy with EGFR receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with non-small-cell-lung cancer harboring EGFR mutation
Authors: Laktionov K. K. , Yudin D. I. , Breder V. V. , Reutova E. V. , Laktionov K. P. , Marinov D. T. , Peregudov D. A. , Ardzinba M. S.
Published: June 2019

In the open prospective non-randomized single-center study we recruited patients with advanced NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations. Initially there were two months of treatment by gefitinib 250 mg daily. Then, after a 2-week drug-free period, 3 cycles of paclitaxel 175 mg / m2 and carboplatin AUC5 were administrated at days 71-113. Thereafter, gefitinib was re-started on day 135 and continued until disease progression. The primary endpoint was progressive free survival (PFS) time. One-year PFS in all patients group included in the study at the time of the preliminary analysis was 79.8%, median PFS was 17 months (13.5–23, CI 95%). In the group of integrated chemotherapy one-year PFS was 89.3%, median PFS was 19 months (14–23.5, CI 95%).
Clinical example of enhancing efficacy of paclitaxel by combining it with ramuchirumabin in the second-line chemotherapy of disseminated gastric cancer
Authors: Titova T. A. , Artamonova E. V. , Besova N. S.
Published: June 2019

The low efficacy of cytostatic therapy in mGC led to an active study of the role of molecular targets in the carcinogenesis of GC. Ramucirumab is the only neoangiogenesis inhibitor, which demonstrated its antitumor activity both as monotherapy and in combination with paclitaxel in patients with mGC. A clinical case demonstrated an example of a long-term (26+ months) response to paclitaxel therapy after it was combined with ramucirumab with an acceptable toxicity profile, which allowed a patient to participate in social activities and maintain quality of life.
Oncofertility in men cured of Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a child
Authors: Kuleva S. A. , Kurochkina D. N. , Zvyagintseva D. A. , Ivanova S. V. , Tsyrlina Ye. V.
Published: June 2019

Hodgkin’s lymphoma, being a highly malignant disease, has now acquired the property of a curative one. The article describes the basic principles of therapy of children with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, slow fixation of risk-adapted treatment positions. The possibility of complete cure of most patients appeared, which made this tumor a unique model for studying the remote consequences of cancer treatment. After the antitumor treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, boys may suffer from testicular insufficiency (due to cytostatics), obstructive azoospermia (as a consequence of radiation therapy in the pelvic area), hypogonadism (secondary - after exposure of the pituitary gland to radiation, primary - after exposure of the pelvis due to the toxic effects of cytostatics). In order to reduce the gonadotoxicity of treatment, studies are being conducted to modify chemotherapy in the direction of lowering the doses of alkylating cytostatics, reducing the doses of radiation therapy without losing the effectiveness of treatment. Regardless of the cause of male infertility diagnosis includes the collection of reproductive history, external examination of the genitals, analysis of ejaculate, ultrasound examination of the scrotum, assessment of hormone levels (follicle stimulating hormone, total testosterone, serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, inhibin B, thyroid stimulating hormone).
Second line of therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors: is there a choice?
Authors: Kogonia L. M. , Koroleva A. M.
Published: June 2019

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare mesenchymal tumors. Currently, it is possible to carry out three consecutive lines of target therapy against metastatic GISTs: imatinib as first-line, sunitinib as second line and regorafenib as third line. The mutation status of the C-Kit gene is a predictor of GIST sensitivity to imatinib and sunitinib. Some patients have to stop the treatment due to sunitinib related toxicity. Regorafenib can be used as the second line therapy of metastatic GISTs in case of sunitinib intolerance.
Ceritinib in the treatment of ALK-positive patients with nonsmall-cell lung cancer
Authors: Laktionov K. K. , Reutova E. V.
Published: June 2019

Ceritinib is the second ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor after crizotinib, registered in the Russian Federation for the treatment of ALKpositive patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Later alectinib was registered. Thus, we have the opportunity, firstly, to continue targeted therapy with second-generation drugs after progression on crizotinib, and secondly, the appointment of more active drugs in the first line provides the best results of treatment.
Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors: efficacy and safety
Authors: Kononenko I. B. , Snegovoi A. V. , Selchuk V. Yu.
Published: June 2019

Breast Cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide. Scientific advances and new ways of treating have significantly improved the prognosis of breast cancer in recent decades. The emergence of modern cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors has changed the treatment paradigm for metastatic hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer. In the past four years, the CDK4/6 inhibitors, ribociclib, palbociclib and abemaciclib, received their first FDA approval for the treatment of Hormone Receptor (HR)- positive and Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer after showing significant improvements in progression-free survival in the PALOMA, MONALEESA and the MONARCH randomized clinical trials, respectively. In the Russian standards for the treatment of metastatic HR positive and HER2-negative breast cancer are included two inhibitors of CDK4/6 – ribociclib, palbociclib. This review summarizes the background of clinical efficacy and potential toxicities seen with the use CDK4/6 inhibitors with endocrine treatment in pre- or postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Despite the similar toxicities, inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases differ in their severity and some types of adverse events. Most hematologic abnormalities seen with CDK4/6 inhibitors are not complicated and are adequately managed with standard supportive care and dose adjustments when indicated. This review focuses on the practical management of adverse events associated with CDK4/6 inhibitors.
Nab-paclitaxel monotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer with visceral crisis: evaluation of efficacy and tolerability in clinical practice
Authors: Vladimirova L. Yu. , Novoselova K. A. , Abramova N. A. , Popova I. L. , Tikhanovskaya N. M. , Ryadinskaya L. A. , Lyanova A. A. , Ezhova M. O. , Teplyakova M. A. , Tishina A. A. , Prikhodko E. V.
Published: June 2019

The authors analysed the efficacy and safety of Nab-paclitaxel (Nab-R) monotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer with visceral crisis (VC) in the second- and further-line chemotherapy. The objective response rate (ORR) was 35.3% (6 of 17 persons). The most frequent side effects were general weakness, nausea, symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. The degree of toxicity did not exceed 1–2 in 60% of cases. The median time to progression was 7.8 months. (95% CI 6–10.6). The median overall survival for patients with VC was 14.9 months. (95% CI 12.0–16.9). Efficacy and controlled toxicity of Nab-P allows its use in pre-treated patients, including ones with VC.
ASSESSMENT OF RELIABILITY OF ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS USING STATISTICAL PREDICTION METHODS
Authors: Arkhipova I. V.
Published: June 2019

Ithin the framework of this article the question of gamma‑percentile time to failure of the electronic components of domestic production with strict performance requirements for resistance to external factors, as well as reliability, is considered. By now requirements in terms of gamma‑percentile time to failure of electronic components, used as part of advanced electronic equipment, reaching 150,000 hours under value of γ = 99%. Due to the increase in requirements for these products in terms  of reliability, there is a need to develop new ideas and methods of reliability theory. In this article it is proposed to estimate the gamma‑percentile time to failure on the basis of the results of measurements of parameters‑criteria of validity, controlled by accelerated tests for reliability.
IMAGES FORMATION WITH POWERFUL INTERFERENCE IN ON-BOARD RADARS
Authors: Petrov Yu. V. , Rogozhin V. A.
Published: June 2019

The article analyzes the problems arising in the process of radar images (RI) formation in onboard radar. In conditions of limited processing time the RI formation a number of factors an reduce the results. This can reduce the quality of the RI and limit their future use. The article analyzes these factors and considers some possible ways to reduce their influence and improve the characteristics of the generated radar images. The development of a new adaptive algorithm for processing and formation of the RI, the simulation of its work. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed solution, expressed in improving the quality of the formed RI and its information content. Proposed by the authors new algorithms for processing and formation of RI require significant additional computing resources and memory, but can be implemented using modern on‑Board computing facilities.
LOCATION OF RADIO SOURCE AND PARAMETERS OF ITS MOTION BY MEANS OF TWO-POSITION PASSIVE RADAR
Authors: Yukhno S. A.
Published: June 2019

The article describes a method for determining the location of a mobile source of radio emission using two mobile passive radars located on surface ships by comparing the measured bearings on the source of radio emission from each radar with the assumed for a predetermined set of hypotheses about its movement (the initial range to the source of radio emission, speed and course). The method is based on the nomination of a number of hypotheses, the construction of a set of Kalman filters for each hypothesis, after filtering the calculation at each iteration of the sums of squares of residuals, finding the minimum amount by which the conclusion about the current range to the target. It is assumed that the it during the operation of the algorithm moves rectilinearly at a constant speed. This method allows you to determine the range to the radio source for a time of about 300 seconds with a probability of 0.9.
ONBOARD COMPLEX OF INFORMATION SUPPORT OF SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS IN ARCTIC
Authors: Matveev S. А. , Rudyka S. А. , Petrov Yu. V. , Zhdanov А. S.
Published: June 2019

The article discusses a variant of the all‑season and all‑weather complex for providing search and rescue operations conducted with the help of aircraft in the Arctic. The creation of such a complex is associated with the active development of the Arctic zones of the Russian Federation and the difficulties that are characteristic of these regions of the country: extreme climatic conditions, underdeveloped ground and aviation infrastructure, etc. A promising direction is the development of hardware‑software complexes of «improved vision», including various sensors: television and infrared cameras, radar stations, lidars. The article defines the main functional tasks for such complexes, analyzes foreign and domestic analogues of onboard complexes of information support for search and rescue operations. The absence of the complexes providing simultaneous solution of all the noted functional tasks was revealed, in connection with which a new onboard complex was proposed. In this work, the components of the proposed complex  are  considered:  a  laser‑television  module,  radar  stations  for  forward  vision  and  sensing  of  the  underlying  surface; methods of visualization of complex multi‑spectral images of the environment, as well as the formation of messages and signals about the danger are presented.
RESEARCH OF EFFECT OF ANGLE OF BANK ON RADAR SIGNALS UNDER MONOPULSE MODE OF AIRCRAFT RADAR
Authors: Sotnikiva N. V. , Sorokin A. A. , Stukalova A. S. , Smirnov V. V.
Published: June 2019

Ensuring the safety of low‑altitude flight is one of the most important tasks of modern aviation. One of the possible ways to solve this problem is to estimate the terrain in an elevation plane. Processing radar signals in a monopulse mode of operation of radar with an elliptical‑shaped antenna system for solving problems of locating extended moving objects and an elevation estimate of the terrain in a maneuvering aircraft has several features, so one of the important tasks is to estimate the degree of signal distortion depending on from roll angle. In this regard, criteria have been developed, mathematical modeling and research have been carried out, which makes it possible to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the degree of influence of the angle of heel  of an aircraft on the change in the radar signal, which makes it possible to develop algorithms for correcting the quadrature components of the radar signal.
SYSTEM OF AUTOMATIC SYNCHRONIZATION OF TEMPORAL POSITION OF EMITTED SIGNALS OF A SUBNANOSECOND PULSED PHASED ANTENNA ARRAY
Authors: Flerov A. N. , Flerova A. A.
Published: June 2019

The structure of a pulsed phased antenna array (PPAA) of the sub nanosecond range with an automatic synchronization system  (ASS) of the temporal position of the emitted ultra‑wideband (UWB) pulses is presented. Considered aspects of the implementation of the components of the ASS. Particular attention is paid to the implementation of the temporary discriminator. The possibility of  implementing the ASS sub nanosecond time discriminator as a binary time comparator based on a high‑speed D‑trigger CMOS  series has been proved. It is shown that in the presence of jitter of the output pulse of the generator, the nonlinear model of the  system of automatic stabilization of the parameter with the characteristics of a relay type discriminator is reduced to a linear  model, which makes it possible to simply determine the main parameters and characteristics of the ASS. The results of the above  analysis were confirmed by laboratory and bench tests of the ASS elements and PPAA mock‑up samples.
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT FOR COLLOIDAL SYSTEMS EXPERIMENTAL STUDYING IN MICROGRAVITY
Authors: Boreysho A. S. , Bakhanov I. S. , Kiselev I. A. , Rabchinskii M. K. , Chugreev A. V.
Published: June 2019

Dispersia scientific instrument is designed to carry out series of experiments for the study of colloidal systems in microgravity conditions on the board of Russian Segment of the International Space Station. There are strong requirements on the reliability,  safety, mass and overall dimensions for spaceborn scientific instruments. The design and distinctive characteristics of the scientific instrument for study of processes of colloidal crystallization, aggregation, spinodal decomposition are discussed. The  experimental results of first ground tests are presented. The originally designed optic scheme for the analysis of static light scattering is described. Technical solutions developed to allow forming external stimuli to the studied sample are reviewed as  well. Finally, the experimental results on the study of colloidal system with the use of the developed scientific instrument during the first ground tests are presented.
FEATURES OF MATHEMATICAL DESCRIPTION OF RANDOM SIGNALS WITH THREELEVEL OF QUANTIZATION
Authors: Mityushov A. I. , Egorenkov L. S. , Karpov S. A.
Published: June 2019

The paper describes the method of mathematical description of an additive mixture signal with noise when using the three‑level quantization. Method is based on the presentation of the implementation of the signal after quantization in the form of a random discrete 3D vector. It is proposed that statistical calculation technique characteristics of three‑level signals. The technique allows visualizing the probability distribution law of radar signals of different shapes on the background noise and calculating its numeric parameters. Knowledge of the law of probability distributions, assuming that the only inlet noise and distribution law of probability signal with noise allows to calculate the detection quality indicators to build a detector performance. Three‑level quantization allows to considerably simplify the technical implementation of electronic signal processing device with acceptable energy loss.
A Mobile Phone–Based Sexual and Reproductive Health Intervention for Female Sex Workers in Kenya: Development and Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ampt Frances H , L'Engle Kelly , Lim Megan S C , Plourde Kate F , Mangone Emily , Mukanya Collins Mudogo , Gichangi Peter , Manguro Griffins , Hellard Margaret , Stoové Mark , Chersich Matthew F , Jaoko Walter , Agius Paul A , Temmerman Marleen , Wangari Winnie , Luchters Stanley
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Female sex workers (FSWs) have high rates of both unintended pregnancy and HIV, but few health promotion interventions address their contraceptive needs or other sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) concerns. A broader approach integrates contraceptive promotion with HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and management, alcohol awareness, gender-based violence and rights, and health care utilization. The Women’s Health Intervention using SMS for Preventing Pregnancy (WHISPER) mobile phone intervention uses a participatory development approach and behavior change theory to address these high-priority concerns of FSWs in Mombasa, Kenya.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aimed to (1) describe the process of development of the WHISPER intervention, its theoretical framework, key content domains and strategies and (2) explore workshop participants’ responses to the proposed intervention, particularly with regard to message content, behavior change constructs, and feasibility and acceptability.

METHODS

The research team worked closely with FSWs in two phases of intervention development. First, we drafted content for three different types of messages based on a review of the literature and behavior change theories. Second, we piloted the intervention by conducting six workshops with 42 FSWs to test and refine message content and 12 interviews to assess the technical performance of the intervention. Workshop data were thematically analyzed using a mixed deductive and inductive approach.

RESULTS

The intervention framework specified six SRHR domains that were viewed as highly relevant by FSWs. Reactions to intervention content revealed that social cognitive strategies to improve knowledge, outcome expectations, skills, and self-efficacy resonated well with workshop participants. Participants found the content empowering, and most said they would share the messages with others. The refined intervention was a 12-month SMS program consisting of informational and motivational messages, role model stories portraying behavior change among FSWs, and on-demand contraceptive information.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the need for health promotion interventions that incorporate broader components of SRHR, not only HIV prevention. Using a theory-based, participatory approach, we developed a digital health intervention that reflects the complex reality of FSWs’ lives and provides a feasible, acceptable approach for addressing SRHR concerns and needs. FSWs may benefit from health promotion interventions that provide relevant, actionable, and engaging content to support behavior change.
Digitalizing Health Services by Implementing a Personal Electronic Health Record in Germany: Qualitative Analysis of Fundamental Prerequisites From the Perspective of Selected Experts (Preprint)
Authors: Pohlmann Sabrina , Kunz Aline , Ose Dominik , Winkler Eva C , Brandner Antje , Poss-Doering Regina , Szecsenyi Joachim , Wensing Michel
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

The implementation of a personal electronic health record (PHR) is a central objective of digitalization policies in the German health care system. Corresponding legislation was passed with the 2015 Act for Secure Digital Communication and Applications in the Health Sector (eHealth Act). However, compared with other European countries, Germany still lags behind concerning the implementation of a PHR.

OBJECTIVE

In order to explore potential barriers and facilitators for the adoption of a PHR in routine health care in Germany, this paper aims to identify policies, structures, and practices of the German health care system that influence the uptake and use of a PHR.

METHODS

A total of 33 semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of experts: 23 interviews with different health care professionals and 10 interviews with key actors of the German health care system who were telematics, eHealth, and information technology experts (eHealth experts). The interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to a content analysis.

RESULTS

From the expert perspective, a PHR was basically considered desirable and unavoidable. At the same time, a number of challenges for implementation in Germany have been outlined. Three crucial themes emerged: (1) documentation standards: prevailing processes of the analog bureaucratic paper world, (2) interoperability: the plurality of actors and electronic systems, and (3) political structure: the lack of clear political regulations and political incentive structures.

CONCLUSIONS

With regard to the implementation of a PHR, an important precondition of a successful digitalization will be the precedent reform of the system to be digitized. Whether the recently passed Act for Faster Appointments and Better Care will be a step in the right direction remains to be seen.
Impact of a Knowledge Translation Intervention on Physical Activity and Mobility in Older Adults (the Move4Age Study): Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Neil-Sztramko Sarah , Smith-Turchyn Jenna , Richardson Julie , Dobbins Maureen
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

The McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (the Portal) was launched in 2014 as a knowledge translation (KT) tool to increase access to evidence-based health information.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to understand if and how dissemination of mobility information through the Portal impacts physical activity (PA) in older adults.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, participants (n=510) were assigned to a 12-week mobility-focused KT intervention or self-serve control group. The intervention included weekly email alerts and a study-specific social media hashtag linking to mobility-focused Portal materials. The control group was able to access the Portal on their own but did not receive targeted KT strategies. Participants completed questionnaires (including the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity to quantify PA) at baseline, end of the study, and 3-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Participants were predominantly female (430/510, 84.3%), mean age 64.7 years, with no baseline differences between groups. Over half (277/510, 54.3%) of the participants were classified as “active” at baseline. There was no significant between-group difference in the PA category. Overall, both groups increased their PA with improvements maintained at 3-month follow-up (P<.001). In planned subgroup analyses, the KT intervention had a significant effect for those with poor or fair baseline self-rated health (P=.03).

CONCLUSIONS

No differences were found between those who received the targeted intervention and a control group with self-serve access to the Portal, except in subgroups with low self-rated health. Both groups did report increases in PA that were sustained beyond participation in a research study. Findings suggest that different KT strategies may be needed for different types of users, with more intense interventions being most impactful for certain groups (ie, those with lower self-rated health).

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02947230; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02947230
Gait Abnormalities and the Risk of Falls in CKD
Authors: Tran Jeannie , Ayers Emmeline , Verghese Joe , Abramowitz Matthew K.
Published: June 2019

Background and objectives

Older adults with CKD are at high risk of falls and disability. It is not known whether gait abnormalities contribute to this risk.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Quantitative and clinical gait assessments were performed in 330 nondisabled community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years. CKD was defined as an eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Cox proportional hazards models were created to examine fall risk.

Results

A total of 41% (n=134) of participants had CKD. In addition to slower gait speed, participants with CKD had gait cycle abnormalities including shorter stride length and greater time in the stance and double-support phases. Among people with CKD, lower eGFR was independently associated with the severity of gait cycle abnormalities (per 10 ml/min per 1.73 m2 lower eGFR: 3.6 cm [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.4 to 5.8] shorter stride length; 0.7% [95% CI, 0.3 to 1.0] less time in swing phase; 1.1% [95% CI, 0.5 to 1.7] greater time in double-support phase); these abnormalities mediated the association of lower eGFR with slower gait speed. On clinical gait exam, consistent with the quantitative abnormalities, short steps and marked swaying or loss of balance were more common among participants with CKD, yet most had no identifiable gait phenotype. A gait phenotype defined by any of these abnormal signs was associated with higher risk of falls among participants with CKD: compared with people without CKD and without the gait phenotype, the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.72 (95% CI, 1.06 to 2.81) for those with CKD and the phenotype; in comparison, the adjusted hazard ratio was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.40 to 1.25) for people with CKD but without the phenotype (P value for interaction of CKD status and gait phenotype =0.01).

Conclusions

CKD in older adults is associated with quantitative gait abnormalities, which clinically manifest in a gait phenotype that is associated with fall risk.
Cost–effectiveness of lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients ineligible for stem cell transplantation in China
Authors: Lu Jin , Chen Wendong
Published: June 2019

Aim:
To assess the cost–effectiveness of lenalidomide plus low dose dexamethasone (Rd) relative to bortezomib-contained therapy (BCT) for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients ineligible for stem cell transplantation (ndMM) in China.
Materials & methods:
A literature review was conducted to identify appropriate evidence for developing a cost–effectiveness model comparing Rd with BCT for lifetime health outcomes and direct medical costs in Chinese ndMM patients.
Results:
The estimated incremental cost–effectiveness ratio per gained quality-adjusted life years for Rd versus BCT was ¥49,793. The chance for Rd to be cost effective, under the cost–effectiveness thresholds of three-times the 2018 Chinese gross domestic goods per capita, was 90.8%.
Conclusion:
The cost–effectiveness of Rd relative to BCT for ndMM in Chinese patients is highly attractive.
OBSERVATORIO ANDALUZ DE ASTRONOMÍA
Authors: Espartero F. , Martínez G. , Frías M.
Published: June 2019

The Andalusian Astronomy Observatory (OAA) has been designed and built in order to fill a gap betweenthe professional observatory, for exclusive use for research, and the small amateur observatory. The OAA is intended to be a mid-level observatory that allows to work in Astrophysics Research and, at the same time, perform an important role in the outreach and dissemination of astronomy. In addition to meeting the demands of the general public through exhibitions, public observations and outreach activities, this observatory is a pioneer in complying with the legal regulations that allow public access to meet the growing demand for astronomical tourism, which is also a source of additional funding for research projects.
Imperfect Thermalizations Allow for Optimal Thermodynamic Processes
Authors: Bäumer Elisa , Perarnau-Llobet Martí , Kammerlander Philipp , Wilming Henrik , Renner Renato
Published: June 2019

Optimal (reversible) processes in thermodynamics can be modelled as step-by-step processes, where the system is successively thermalized with respect to different Hamiltonians by an external thermal bath. However, in practice interactions between system and thermal bath will take finite time, and precise control of their interaction is usually out of reach. Motivated by this observation, we consider finite-time and uncontrolled operations between system and bath, which result in thermalizations that are only partial in each step. We show that optimal processes can still be achieved for any non-trivial partial thermalizations at the price of increasing the number of operations, and characterise the corresponding tradeoff. We focus on work extraction protocols and show our results in two different frameworks: A collision model and a model where the Hamiltonian of the working system is controlled over time and the system can be brought into contact with a heat bath. Our results show that optimal processes are robust to noise and imperfections in small quantum systems, and can be achieved by a large set of interactions between system and bath.
SISTEM PENGAMBILAN KEPUTUSAN PENERIMAAN BEASISWA DENGAN SIMPLE MULTI ATTRIBUTE RATING TECHNIQUE ( Studi Kasus Pada SMA Yuppentek 1 Tangerang)
Authors: Manikam Ratna Mutu , Yanuar Mohamad Yogi
Published: June 2019

SMA Yuppentek 1 Tangerang adalah sekolah menengah atas yang memberikan beasiswa kepada siswa. Pemberian beasiswa dilakukan dengan cara sekolah yang menentukan siswa mana yang berhak mendapatkan beasiswa. Untuk membantu penentuan dalam menetapkan siswa yang layak menerima beasiswa maka dibutuhkan sebuah system pengambilan keputusan. Dalam pembuatan proses sistem pengambilan keputusan untuk menentukan penerima beasiswa di SMA Yuppentek 1 Tangerang mengggunakan metode Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique (SMART). Metode ini dipilih karena teknik pengambilan keputusan multi kriteria ini didasarkan pada teori bahwa setiap alternatif terdiri dari sejumlah kriteria yang memiliki nilai-nilai dan setiap kriteria memiliki bobot yang menggambarkan seberapa penting ia dibandingkan dengan kriteria lain.
SISTEM PENUNJANG KEPUTUSAN PEMILIHAN ROUTER MIKROTIK DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE AHP (Analitycal Hierarchy Process)
Authors: Gustina Dian , Mutiara Dian
Published: June 2019

Laporan Penelitian dengan judul ”Sistem Penunjang Keputusan Pemilihan Router Mikrotik dengan Metode AHP” mempunyai tujuan yaitu memberikan kemudahan konsumen yang akan membeli router sesuai dengan keinginan dan kebutuhan. Dewasa ini, banyak merk router yang beredar dipasaran dengan berbagai fitur yang ada, ini akan mempersulit para konsumen dalam menentukan pilihan yang tepat sesuai dengan kriteria yang diinginkan. Sistem Penunjang keputusan dengan Metode AHP merupakan metode yang tepat untuk mengatasi masalah dalam pemilihan router mikrotik dengan berbagai kriteria yang ditawarkan mulai dari harga, banyaknya fitur sampai dengan kemudahan dalam penyetingan.