bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yield and Quality Features of Buckwheat-Soybean Mixtures in Organic Agricultural Conditions
Authors: Sürmen Mustafa , Kara Emre
Published: December 2017

This study was carried out during the summer of 2014 to determine alternative quality forage sources that could be grown in the Aydın ecological conditions. In the study, effects of 3 different mixtures and 2 pure species (100% Buckwheat, 25% Buckwheat -75% Soybean, 50% Buckwheat -5 0% Soybean, 75% Buckwheat - 25% Soybean, 100% Soybean) and 2 different harvesting times (50%-100% flowering/buckwheat) on yield and quality characteristics were investigated. According to measurements, the highest average herbage yield was obtained from 75% Buckwheat-25% Soybean application (3100 kg/da) at 2nd harvest time. When the average of hay yield was examined, the results were similar to herbage yield. When ADF and NDF were examined, the highest values were seen at the 2nd harvest. When the crude protein ratios were examined, it was found that they decreased at the 2nd harvesting time and the highest value was determined at 100% soybean application at the 1st harvesting time (21.08%). When Digestible Dry Matter (DDM) and Relative Feed Value (RFV) were examined, the highest values were determined in 100%Soybean applications at first harvest time and when the mixture applications were examined, the highest values were determined to be 75% Buckwheat - 25% Soybean application. As a result of the study, it was determined that the yields obtained at the 2nd harvest time were higher but the forage quality decreased. When the mixtures were examined, it was determined that the mixture having the highest roughage value was 75% buckwheat + 25% soybean application. In this study, the buckwheat which have short vegetation and good quality and the soybean, which is infront of with high quality, mixtures were examined. It has also been found that these mixtures may be important for obtaining high-quality forage in the short and intermediate periods.
Assessment of Factors Influencing Strategic Management of Commercial Banks in Vietnam: An Empirical Study in the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam
Authors: Long Tran
Published: December 2017

This research article reviewed related literatures on strategic management of commercial banks; proposed the research model and measured the impact of factors on strategic management in Vietnam commercial banks. Applying the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) based on the Partial Least Squares(PLS) approach, the empirical study in the case of BIDV revealed that reputation factor has most positive impact on the strategic management of the bank. Other following factors have positive impact on the strategic management ranking from the highest to the lowest order including macro environment, bank resources, management style, competitiveness among rivals and structure of ownership. Based on the result of the research, the study has recommended several implications that can be highly applied for the bank management to effectively improve their strategic management in practice.
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY TO IMPROVE BUSINESS SECTOR
Authors: Mohajan Haradhan Kumar
Published: December 2017

Every organization needs the proper knowledge management (KM) strategy for the development of the organization. In the last decades the business environment has changed and recently it becomes more dynamic and more complex. At present KM is valuable not only for individuals, and organizations, but also, for global humanity. So, the directors of the organizations must emphasize on the existing knowledge and try to develop them to achieve the competitive advantage. The purpose of the study is to explore the recent KM practice in the organizations and to show the ways to develop the new KM strategy in future. An attempt has been taken here to apply KM strategy in business performance, business intelligence, and e-business.
CONNECTION BETWEEN ECONOMICS, CULTURE AND CULTURAL DIPLOMACY
Authors: Valiyev Agil
Published: December 2017

Today, culture is one of the main feeble factors of economic development.  The leading role of culture in economic development should be argued as multiplied: so, on firstly, as domestic value, on secondly, as a main factor of regional economic development advanced to raised gravity of different regions for residents, tourists and investors, on thirdly, as major parameters of social development based on tolerance, creativity and knowledge. To the different international experiences, culture is main part of economic development in our life. Cultural diversities are combined into a main reason economic development model. The article consist of explainations about the understanding of culture, cultural diplomacy and economics, approach on conflicts between culture and economics, to find how affecting of culture to economic development, the role of culture in economic development of Azerbaijan. The article can be considered as a useful resource  for experts and researchers conducting research in this field.
IMPACT OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY
Authors: Sofronov Bogdan
Published: December 2017

Sustainable tourism is the concept of visiting a place as a tourist and trying to make only a positive impact on the environment, society and economy. A key aspect is respect for the people who call the location home, the culture and customs of the area, and the socio-economic system. While sustainable tourism is sometimes confused with ecotourism, ecotourism is actually only one aspect of sustainable tourism.Sustainable tourism is attempting to have a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate future employment for local people. The aim of sustainable tourism is to ensure that development brings a positive experience for local people, tourism companies and the tourists themselves.
Night sky quality monitoring in existing and planned dark sky parks by digital cameras
Authors: Kolláth Zoltán , Dömény Anita
Published: December 2017

A crucial part of the qualification of international dark sky places (IDSPs) is the objective measurement of night time sky luminance or radiance. Modern digital cameras provide an alternative way to perform all sky imaging either by a fisheye lens or by a mosaic image taken by a wide angle lens. Here we present a method for processing raw camera images to obtain calibrated measurements of sky quality. The comparison of the night sky quality of different European locations is also presented to demonstrate the use of our technique.
Os índios Xukuru e as Ligas Camponesas (PESQUEIRA-PE, 1961)
Authors: Silva Edson
Published: December 2017

O objetivo desse texto é evidenciar a mobilização e participação dos Xukuru nas Ligas Camponesas no início da Década de 1960 em Pesqueira/PE, em terras de um antigo aldeamento indígena invadido pelos latifundiários. A pesquisa foi baseada em registros das memórias orais indígenas, jornais da época, documentação do DOPS e relatórios oficiais. As autoridades alertavam que ocorria a doutrinação dos índios em sua “ignorância” pelos comunistas, mas os índios chamados “caboclos” da Serra do Ororubá que viviam explorados na condição de moradores e trabalhadores assalariados pelos latifundiários, apesar da forte repressão oficial viram nas Ligas uma possibilidade de conquistar parte de suas terras.
Achados Dermatoscópicos do Líquen Estriado - Relato de Caso
Authors: Carneiro de Castro Carlos Gustavo , Serra Gomes da Silva Rodrigues Ana Carolina , Beninca Sartori Bartira , Barroso Gonçalves Bruna , Diirr Travaglia Nathalia , Moura Braga Renato , Tinhoso Plata Glaura
Published: December 2017

Líquen estriado é uma erupção papulosa inflamatória que acomete principalmente crianças. Apresenta etiologia desconhecida e uma baixa prevalência. Surge menos frequentemente na idade adulta, e é caracterizado pelo aparecimento abrupto e assintomático de pápulas descamativas em disposição linear, por vezes seguindo as linhas de Blaschko, usualmente unilaterais e em extremidades. É importante considerar no diagnóstico diferencial outras dermatoses que acompanham as linhas de Blaschko, como por exemplo o líquen plano linear. Relata-se um caso atípico de líquen estriado com surgimento na idade adulta e localizado em flanco e região lombar à esquerda. Discutimos sobre a importância da dermatoscopia como ferramenta auxiliar no diagnóstico de líquen estriado.
Avaliação Psicológica em Doentes com Rosácea: Um Estudo de Caso-Controlo com Symptom Checklist -90 - Revised
Authors: Tavares-Bello Rui , Torres Nuno
Published: December 2017

Introdução: A rosácea, uma prevalente dermatose facial crónica, é classicamente considerada uma “psicodermatose” já que factores psicológicos são determinantes no seu desencadeamento ou evolução. Os doentes padecendo de rosácea foram descritos como imaturos, ansiosos, com reduzida auto-estima, com sentimentos de vergonha ou culpa, ou como “psiconeuróticos”, com configurações histéricas ou obsessivo-compulsivas.Objectivo: Neste estudo foi investigado o distress psicopatológico de doentes com rosácea, comparados com um grupo de dermopatas sofrendo de dermatoses agudas, acidentais, não conspícuas. Um objectivo adicional foi o de avaliar a influência determinada pelos dados demográficos e características clínicas sobre os resultados finais.Material e Métodos: Os participantes foram 53 doentes com rosácea e 190 outros dermopatas, com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 72 anos foram recrutados duma consulta externa hospitalar de Dermatologia. A rosácea foi clinicamente avaliada e classificada bem como registada a duração da doença. Foi aplicado a todos os doentes o questionário de auto-resposta SCL-90-R para avaliar o distress psicológico e registar as queixas emocionais e psico-vegetativas.Resultados: As análises estatísticas revelaram uma efectiva influência independente das variáveis rosácea, género, nível escolar/educacional e da Interacção rosácea/género nas variáveis psicométricas. Os doentes com Rosácea revelaram valores superiores aos da população do grupo controlo nas dimensões sensibilidade interpessoal (F[1,241]=3,57, p<0,01). No que concerne às diferenças entre géneros, as doentes com rosácea registaram valores superiores aos dos da população controlo nas dimensões ansiedade, depressão, sensibilidade interpessoal, obsessões e compulsões, ideação paranóide e somatização, ao contrário dos doentes do género masculino em que tal apenas se verificou na sensibilidade interpessoal. No que se refere aos efeitos da duração da doença, os doentes com rosácea com mais de 1 ano de duração registaram scores significativamente mais elevados de ideação paranóide do que os doentes com durações de doença inferiores a um ano (F[2,52]=3,79, p<0,05).Conclusões: Os doentes sofrendo de rosácea – em contraste com outros doentes com outras dermatoses – revelam um distress psicossocial significativo, o qual não se correlaciona no entanto com o sub-tipo clínico da dermatose.
E se também o Melanócito participasse na Fisiopatologia da Psoríase? E esta, hein?!
Authors: Torres Tiago
Published: December 2017

.
Urticária Crónica - Do Diagnóstico ao Tratamento
Authors: Costa Ana Célia , Campina Sofia , Andrade Pedro , Filipe Paulo , Guilherme Arminda , Gonçalo Margarida
Published: December 2017

Cerca de 20 % da população sofre pelo menos um episódio de urticária e 0,5 a 1 % sofre de urticária crónica, com uma duração média entre 1 e 5 anos e uma maior incidência em mulheres entre os 20 e os 40 anos. Dada a publicação, em 2014, de recomendações europeias para a sua orientação diagnóstica e terapêutica, os autores fazem uma revisão dos vários aspetos da urticária crónica. A urticária crónica, resultante da libertação de mediadores pró-inflamatórios do mastócito, caracteriza- se pelo aparecimento diário ou quase diário, de lesões cutâneas maculopapulares, eritematosas, pruriginosas e/ou angioedema, que persistem por um período superior a 6 semanas. Classifica-se em urticária crónica espontânea ou indutível, sendo aconselhável a realização de exames complementares de acordo com a história clínica. O tratamento é sintomático, baseado em evidência, sendo a 1ª linha os anti-histamínicos H1 de 2ª geração, que podem ser aumentados até 4x a dose aprovada e numa 3ª linha, fármacos como o omalizumab ou a ciclosporina. Dado o impacto negativo na qualidade de vida e os custos que esta patologia crónica acarreta, é de extrema importância alertar os clínicos para a necessidade de diagnóstico e tratamento correcto precoces e, se necessário, referenciação atempada para centros especializados, tendo sempre como objetivo o controlo completo dos sintomas, da forma mais segura possível.
Protocolos de Fototerapia no Tratamento da Psoríase
Authors: Teixeira Ana Isabel , Leal Filipe Paulo
Published: December 2017

A psoríase é uma doença inflamatória crónica muito frequente na prática Dermatológica. Apesar de ser possível o controlo da maioria dos doentes com recurso apenas a terapêuticas tópicas, uma percentagem significativa é refractária a estes tratamentos, sendo necessária a instituição de terapêutica sistémica. Nestes casos, uma das opções será a fototerapia. Neste trabalho são detalhadas as várias modalidades terapêuticas da Fototerapia disponíveis no tratamento da Psoríase e os protocolos mais frequentemente utilizados.
Síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz - Relato de Dois Casos
Authors: Higino de Souza Gabriela , Santiago Ormay Mariana , Leal Novello D'Elia Marcella , Silva Correia Priscila , Cardoso Maciel Costa Silva Solange
Published: December 2017

A síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz é uma rara desordem hereditária autossômica dominante, causada pela mutação no gene PTCH1 (patched homolog 1 da Drosophila), um gene supressor tumoral. A tríade clássica descrita por Gorlin e Goltz em 1960 é composta por múltiplos carcinomas basocelulares, queratocistos odontogénicos e costela bífida, porém várias outras alterações podem estar presentes, como depressões palmoplantares, calcificações da foice cerebral, neoplasias raras como o meduloblastoma, malformações congénitas, macrocefalia e diversas alterações esqueléticas. O diagnóstico é baseado em critérios clínicos, radiológicos e presença de parente de primeiro grau com a síndrome. Relatamos dois casos que ilustram a necessidade de exame clínico rigoroso, investigação radiológica e acompanhamento multidisciplinar após a suspeita clínica, já que a expectativa de vida geralmente não é afetada, porém o potencial de morbidade pode ser considerável.
Peeling Skin Syndrome - Relato de Caso
Authors: Silva Correia Priscila , Higino de Souza Gabriela , Marques Feitosa Mendes Siqueira Thais , Aguiar Luz Fernando , Lago Obadia Daniel , Azulay-Abulafia Luna
Published: December 2017

Peeling skin syndrome (PSS) é uma genodermatose rara, de herança autossômica recessiva causada por mutações nos genes CDSN, TGM5 ou CHTS8 dependendo do tipo da doença. É caracterizada por descamação superficial da pele, localizada (acral) ou generalizada, com ou sem eritema e prurido. Relativamente à forma generalizada, Heiko Traupe propôs distinção entre o tipo A, não inflamatório, e o tipo B, associado à eritrodermia congênita (inflamatória). Mevorah descreveu o tipo C que possui características mais próximas ao B. O tipo generalizado não inflamatório é caracterizado por áreas de eliminação espontânea e contínua do estrato córneo, com início no nascimento ou durante a infância. Descrevemos o caso de um paciente masculino de 19 anos, com descamação no pescoço, tronco e membros superiores desde a infância e história de patologia semelhante na família.
Dermatose Neglecta - Afecção de Difícil Suspeição Diagnóstica
Authors: Mosena Gabriela , Bonkevitch Fernanda , Damiani Leandro , Martins Souza Paulo Ricardo
Published: December 2017

Dermatose neglecta caracteriza-se por ser uma afecção formada por camadas compactas e aderentes de células córneas, sebo e lixo exógeno. Higiene inadequada na pele com imobilidade, hiperestesia, trauma prévio ou cirurgia são usualmente os fatores desencadeantes. Reconhecer este diagnóstico evita condutas diagnósticas agressivas e terapêuticas desnecessárias. Relatamos caso de paciente com dermatose neglecta devido à falta de higiene em local de intervenção prévia.
Valorizar a Revista da SPDV
Authors: Gonçalo Margarida
Published: December 2017

.
Escabiose: revisão e foco na realidade portuguesa
Authors: Santiago Felicidade , Januário Gustavo
Published: December 2017

Introdução: A escabiose é uma infecção cutânea parasitária comum nos cuidados de saúde primários, pediatria e dermatologia. Apesar de não ser ameaçadora da vida, é uma infecção com elevada morbilidade e impacto na qualidade de vida. Em países subdesenvolvidos, está associada a altas taxas de sobreinfeção bacteriana cutânea, nomeadamente de impetigo.Objectivos: Rever os aspectos gerais da escabiose, com particular enfâse no diagnóstico e tratamento.  Analisar a realidade epidemiológica nacional e internacional e as opções terapêuticas disponíveis em Portugal.Material e métodos: Pesquisa bibliográfica em livros e bases de dados científicas (Pubmed, Medline, Cochrane, UpTodate, IndexRMP).Discussão: A escabiose é uma dermatose com características clínicas muito típicas, nomeadamente prurido, aparência das lesões cutâneas e sua distribuição, e presença de contexto epidemiológico. O tratamento eficaz do doente e dos contactos próximos é dependente de um reconhecimento atempado da doença, sendo fundamental evitar atrasos no diagnóstico, baixa adesão ao tratamento e sua aplicação incorreta.Conclusão: Atendendo à eficácia e toxicidade das várias opções terapêuticas, a permetrina a 5% e a ivermectina oral são consideradas de primeira linha. Contudo, em Portugal, pela ausência de comercialização destas, o mais usado é o benzoato de benzilo. A explicação cuidadosa e correta do tratamento ao doente tem um papel vital para o seu sucesso. Em Portugal seria útil e aconselhável haver uma notificação dos casos de escabiose.
A Importância do Dermatologista na Dermatite Atópica
Authors: Gonçalo Margarida
Published: December 2017

.
Lesões Punched-Out da Glande
Authors: Pinho A , Ferreira B , Moreno A , Reis J. P.
Published: December 2017

.
PUTUSAN PEMIDANAAN TERHADAP KORPORASI TANPA DIDAKWAKAN DALAM PERSPEKTIF ”VICARIOUS LIABILITY”
Authors: Suhariyanto Budi
Published: December 2017

ABSTRAKKorporasi telah ditetapkan sebagai subjek tindak pidana, maka terhadapnya dapat dituntutkan pertanggungjawaban pidana. Sebagai subjek hukum, korporasi juga ditentukan mekanisme pemidanaannya mulai dari proses penyidikan, penuntutan, dan pemeriksaan di sidang pengadilan. Mahkamah Agung dalam Putusan Nomor 2239 K/PID.SUS/2012 mengesampingkan prosedur hukum acara dengan menjatuhkan putusan pemidanaan terhadap korporasi tanpa didakwakan. Permasalahannya bagaimanakah eksistensi pemidanaan korporasi menurut hukum acara pidana di Indonesia, dan bagaimanakah pemidanaan korporasi dalam praktik penegakan hukum, serta bagaimana putusan pemidanaan terhadap korporasi tanpa didakwakan dalam perspektif vicarious liability? Metode penelitian normatif digunakan untuk menjawab permasalahan ini. Terdapat tiga pendekatan untuk mengkaji permasalahan yaitu pendekatan perundang-undangan, pendekatan kasus, dan pendekatan konseptual. Metode analisis yang diterapkan untuk mendapatkan kesimpulan atas permasalahan yang dibahas adalah melalui analisis yuridis kualitatif. Dari hasil pembahasan dapat disimpulkan bahwa dalam perspektif vicarious liability, korporasi dapat dipertanggungjawabkan atas perilaku seseorang yang secara personifikasi mewakili korporasi sehingga dapat dijatuhkan putusan pemidanaan.Kata kunci: putusan pemidanaan, pemidanaan korporasi, vicarious liability.ABSTRACTA corporation has been set as the subject of criminal offense, and so criminal liability on this subject is enforceable by law. As the subject of law, a corporation has its own mechanism in term of criminal liability, starting from investigation process, prosecution and examination before trial. The Supreme Court Decision Number 2239 K/PID.SUS/2012 overruled the ordinances of the procedural law by imposing a sentencing decision against a corporation without charges. The problems are: how does the corporate criminal liability exist according to the criminal procedural law in Indonesia, and how is the corporate criminal liability implemented in the practices of law enforcement, as well as how is the corporate criminal liability without charges examined through the perspective of vicarious liability? Normative research method is applied in responding to this problem. Three approaches to examine these problems are the statutory regulations, the case-based, and conceptual approaches. The analytical method applied to come to the conclusion of the issues discussed is through the qualitative juridical analysis. The results of discussions deduce that in the perspective of vicarious liability, a corporation is liable for the criminal conduct of a person who is in personification of the corporation and may be subject to corporate criminal liability.
Keywords: sentencing decision, corporate criminal liability, vicarious liability.
PENERAPAN PIDANA TAMBAHAN DALAM PERTANGGUNGJAWABAN PIDANA KORPORASI PADA TINDAK PIDANA LINGKUNGAN HIDUP
Authors: Satria Hariman
Published: December 2017

ABSTRAKMahkamah Agung melalui Putusan Nomor 1554 K/PID.SUS/2015 menghukum terdakwa PT KA yang diwakili oleh SR selaku direktur utama, karena melakukan pembakaran hutan yang merusak lingkungan hidup, dengan pidana denda sebesar Rp3.000.000.000,- Permasalahan yang timbul adalah bagaimanakah penerapan pertanggungjawaban pidana korporasi dalam tindak pidana lingkungan hidup, kaitannya dengan pidana tambahan berupa pemulihan kerugian akibat kerusakan lingkungan yang terjadi? Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian hukum normatif dengan menggunakan dua pendekatan, yaitu pendekatan kasus dan pendekatan konseptual. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pertanggungjawaban pidana korporasi belum dilakukan secara maksimal karena didasari oleh tiga alasan. Pertama, terdakwa dipidana denda dengan menggunakan ancaman pidana minimal sebagaimana yang disebutkan dalam Pasal 108 Undang- Undang Perlindungan dan Pengelolaan Lingkungan Hidup. Kedua, terdakwa tidak dikenai pidana tindakan tata tertib seperti perbaikan akibat tindak pidana guna memulihkan kerugian keuangan negara. Ketiga, terdakwa juga tidak dikenai pidana tambahan. Tegasnya putusan a quo belum maksimal baik dilihat dari sisi pemulihan kerugian keuangan negara, maupun dari sisi sanksi pidana denda kepada pelaku.Kata kunci: pidana tambahan, pertanggungjawaban pidana, korporasi, lingkungan hidup. ABSTRACTSupreme Court convicted PT KA represented by SR as the President Director, through Court Decision Number 1554 K/PID.SUS/2015 on an environmentally damaging forest fire to a maximum fine of Rp3,000,000,000,- The problem addressed in this research analysis is how the implementation of corporate criminal liability in environmental crime related to additional criminal charges, in the form of compensation for environmental damage caused? The method used is a normative legal research, focusing on two approaches: case and conceptual approaches. The results indicated that corporate criminal liability has not performed optimally for three reasons. First, the defendant is subject to minimal criminal sanction as mentioned in Article 108 of Law on Environmental Protection and Management. Second, the defendant is not subject to sanction of disciplinary action, such as the restoration of state financial losses. Third, the defendant is also not  subject to additional criminal charges. As a result, a quo decision is not maximal both in terms of state financial losses recovery and criminal sanction of fines to the offender.Keywords: additional charges, criminal liability, corporate, environment.
Preliminary trial of an online acceptance-based behavioural treatment for military, police, and Veterans with chronic pain
Authors: Holens Pamela L. , Buhler Jeremiah N. , Klassen Kristen , Sharpe Donald
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Chronic pain is a serious health issue in Canada but an even greater issue in military populations. Individuals experiencing chronic pain frequently find attending in-person treatment sessions difficult because of pain flare-ups, discomfort when travelling, and pain-related avoidance behaviours. These challenges function to maintain the pain cycle and prevent engagement in previously enjoyed activities. The purpose of this study was to gather preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of an online acceptance-based behavioural treatment of chronic pain designed specifically for military, police, and Veterans of these forces. Methods: In this preliminary trial, 15 participants engaged in an 8-week online treatment of chronic pain supplemented with optional biweekly group sessions. Participants completed pre- and post-treatment measures relating to key facets of the fear–avoidance model of chronic pain. Results: Participants' scores improved following treatment on measures of pain acceptance, kinesiophobia, and pain catastrophizing, and pain intensity ratings trended in the expected direction. Discussion: These preliminary results support the feasibility of our online acceptance-based treatment of chronic pain when combined with optional biweekly in-person group sessions.
Evaluation of predictive factors of vertebral compression fracture after conventional palliative radiotherapy for spinal metastasis from colorectal cancer
Authors: Lee Jeongshim , Rhee Woo Joong , Chang Jee Suk , Chang Sei Kyung , Koom Woong Sub
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVE

Delayed consequences of spinal radiotherapy (RT), including vertebral compression fracture (VCF), are critical complications. However, the predisposing factors that contribute to VCF after conventional RT are unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of VCF and to determine the predictors of VCF following conventional spinal RT specific to colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed 237 spinal segments (147 metastatic and 90 nonmetastatic) in 53 patients with CRC who underwent RT with a median total dose of 30 Gy in 10 fractions between January 2007 and December 2014. The primary end point was the development of a VCF following RT, either de novo VCF or the progression of a baseline VCF. VCFs were assessed using the spinal instability neoplastic score (SINS) criteria.

RESULTS

Among all 237 spinal segments, 22 VCFs (9.3%) were observed following RT, including 13 de novo and 9 progressive fractures, and the median time to VCF was 4 months. All VCFs developed in metastatic spines. Among 147 metastatic spinal segments, 22 fractures were observed, with a 12-month cumulative incidence of VCF of 14.8%. Results of multivariable analysis indicated sex (p = 0.023) and SINS class II/III (p < 0.001) as risk factors related to development of a VCF in metastatic spinal segments. Among the SINS criteria, a lytic tumor and the presence of a baseline VCF were identified as predictors of VCF in metastatic spinal segments.

CONCLUSIONS

In osteolytic or mixed lesions that were predominant in spinal metastases of CRC, the incidence of VCF was not negligible, even in patients treated with conventional spinal RT. This was especially evident in patients with spinal metastases with a SINS score ≥ 7. Presence of a baseline VCF after spinal RT is a predictor of VCF development and should be observed carefully.
Surveillance versus ablation for incidentally diagnosed small renal tumours: the SURAB feasibility RCT
Authors: Soomro Naeem , Lecouturier Jan , Stocken Deborah D , Shen Jing , Hynes Ann Marie , Ainsworth Holly F , Breen David , Oades Grenville , Rix David , Aitchison Michael
Published: December 2017

Background

There is uncertainty around the appropriate management of small renal tumours. Treatments include partial nephrectomy, ablation and active surveillance.

Objectives

To explore the feasibility of a randomised trial of ablation versus active surveillance.

Design

Two-stage feasibility study: stage 1 – clinician survey and co-design work; and stage 2 – randomised feasibility study with qualitative and economic components.

Methods

Stage 1 – survey of radiologists and urologists, and development of patient information materials. Stage 2 – patients identified across eight UK centres with small renal tumours (< 4 cm) were randomised (1 : 1 ratio) to ablation or active surveillance in an unblinded manner. Randomisation was carried out by a central computer system. The primary objective was to determine willingness to participate and to randomise a target of 60 patients. The qualitative and economic data were collected separately.

Results

The trial was conducted across eight centres, with a site-specific period of recruitment ranging from 3 to 11 months. Of the 154 patients screened, 36 were eligible and were provided with study details. Seven agreed to be randomised and one patient was found ineligible following biopsy results. Six patients (17% of those eligible) were randomised: three patients received ablation and no serious adverse events were recorded. The 3- and 6-month data were collected for four (67%) and three (50%) out of the six patients, respectively. The qualitative substudy identified factors directly impacting on the recruitment of this trial. These included patient and clinician preferences, organisational factors (variation in clinical pathway) and standard treatment not included. The health economic questionnaire was designed and piloted; however, the sample size of recruited patients was insufficient to draw a conclusion on the feasibility of the health economics.

Conclusions

The trial did not meet the criteria for progression and the recruitment rate was lower than hypothesised, demonstrating that a full trial is presently not possible. The qualitative study identified factors that led to variation in recruitment across the sites. Implementation of organisational and operational measures can increase recruitment in any future trial. There was insufficient information to conduct a full economic analysis.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN31161700.

Funding

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 21, No. 81. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
Iteration Scheme for Solving the System of Coupled Integro-Differential Equations for Excited and Ionized States of Molecular Systems
Authors: Kasprzhitskii Anton , Lazorenko Georgy , Yavna Victor
Published: December 2017

Investigation of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with molecular systems provides most of the information on their structure and properties. Interpretation of experimental data is directly determined by the knowledge of the structure of energy levels and its change in the transition of these systems to an excited state. A key task of the methods for calculating the molecular orbitals of excited states is to accurately describe the emerging vacancies of the molecular core, leading to radial relaxation of the electron density. We propose an iterative scheme for solving a system of coupled integro-differential equations for obtaining molecular orbitals of electron configurations with excited/ionized deep and subvalent shells in a single-center representation. The numerical procedure of the iterative scheme is reduced to solving a boundary value problem based on a combination of the three-point difference scheme of Numerov and Thomas algorithm. To increase the rate of convergence of the computational procedure, an accurate account is taken of the behavior of the electron density near the nuclei of the molecular system. The realization of the algorithm of the computational scheme is considered on the example of a diatomic hydrogen fluoride molecule. The energy characteristics of the ground and ionized states of the molecule are estimated, and also the spatial distribution of the electron density is presented for the example of the σ-symmetry shell.
Label-Free Biosensor Detection of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds Using Engineered Estrogen Receptors
Authors: La Spina Rita , Ferrero Valentina , Aiello Venera , Pedotti Mattia , Varani Luca , Lettieri Teresa , Calzolai Luigi , Haasnoot Willem , Colpo Pascal
Published: December 2017

Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) are chemical substances shown to interfere with endogenous hormones affecting the endocrine, immune and nervous systems of mammals. EDCs are the causative agents of diseases including reproductive disorders and cancers. This highlights the urgency to develop fast and sensitive methods to detect EDCs, which are detrimental even at very low concentrations. In this work, we propose a label-free surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor method to detect specific EDCs (17 β-estradiol (E2), ethinyl-estradiol, 4-nonylphenol, tamoxifen) through their binding to estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). We show that the use of rationally designed ERα (as bio-recognition element) in combination with conformation-sensitive peptides (as amplification agent, resulting in increased responses) enables the detection of low parts per billion (ppb) levels of E2. As a proof of concept, this bioassay was used to detect E2 in (spiked) real water samples from fish farms, rivers and the sea at low ppb levels after concentration by solid phase extraction. In addition, the present SPR assay that combines a conformation-sensitive peptide with an array of ERα mutants is very promising for the assessment of the risk of potential estrogenic activity for chemical substances.
Effects of Laser Processing Parameters on Texturized Layer Development and Surface Features of Ti6Al4V Alloy Samples
Authors: Vázquez Martínez Juan , Salguero Gómez Jorge , Batista Ponce Moises , Botana Pedemonte Francisco
Published: December 2017

Surface engineering is widely used in different areas, such as the aerospace industry or the biomechanical and medical fields. Specifically, laser surface modification techniques may obtain specific surface finishes for special applications. In texturing laser procedures, the control of processing parameters has a great influence on the geometry and characteristics of the treated area. When these processes are carried out on titanium alloys, thin oxide layers are usually developed on the irradiated surface, formed through the thermochemical combination of vaporized material with atmospheric oxygen in the air. In thermal oxidation treatments of Ti6Al4V, the highest concentration of oxides is mainly composed by rutile (TiO2), producing surface property modifications such as hardness, among others. In this research, a thermochemical oxidation of Ti6Al4V alloy has been performed through laser texturing, using laser scanning speed (Vs) and pulse rate (f) as process control variables, and its influence on the beam absorption capacity of the modified layer have been analyzed. Combined evaluations of microgeometrical features and mechanical properties, such as hardness, verified that, by means of laser texturing treatments, the ability to generate specific topographies and increase the initial hardness of the alloy is obtained. The most advantageous results for the increase of hardness by thermochemical oxidation have been detected in low scan speeds of laser beam treatments, resulting in an increase of approximately 270% using a scanning speed of 10 mm/s. On the other hand, a dependence between roughness values, in terms of Ra and Rz, and the energy density of pulse (Ed) has been observed, showing higher values of roughness for a 17.68 J/cm2 energy density of pulse.
Tuning the Friction of Silicon Surfaces Using Nanopatterns at the Nanoscale
Authors: Han Jing , Sun Jiapeng , Xu Song , Song Dan , Han Ying , Zhu Hua , Fang Liang
Published: December 2017

Friction and wear become significant at small scale lengths, particularly in MEMS/NEMS. Nanopatterns are regarded as a potential approach to solve these problems. In this paper, we investigated the friction behavior of nanopatterned silicon surfaces with a periodical rectangular groove array in dry and wear-less single-asperity contact at the nanoscale using molecular dynamics simulations. The synchronous and periodic oscillations of the normal load and friction force with the sliding distance were determined at frequencies defined by the nanopattern period. The linear load dependence of the friction force is always observed for the nanopatterned surface and is independent of the nanopattern geometry. We show that the linear friction law is a formal Amontons’ friction law, while the significant linear dependence of the friction force-versus-real contact area and real contact area-versus-normal load captures the general features of the nanoscale friction for the nanopatterned surface. Interestingly, the nanopattern increases the friction force at the nanoscale, and the desired friction reduction is also observed. The enlargement and reduction of the friction critically depended on the nanopattern period rather than the area ratio. Our simulation results reveal that the nanopattern can modulate the friction behavior at the nanoscale from the friction signal to the friction law and to the value of the friction force. Thus, elaborate nanopatterning is an effective strategy for tuning the friction behavior at the nanoscale.
Autoimmune Diseases and Oral Health: 30-Year Follow-Up of a Swedish Cohort
Authors: Julkunen Anna , Heikkinen Anna , Söder Birgitta , Söder Per-Östen , Toppila-Salmi Sanna , Meurman Jukka
Published: December 2017

Oral infections up-regulate a number of systemic inflammatory reactions that, in turn, play a role in the development of systemic diseases. We investigated the association between oral health and autoimmune diseases in a cohort of Swedish adults. Hypothesis was that poor oral health associates with incidence of autoimmune diseases. Overall 1676 subjects aged 30–40 years old from Stockholm County (Sweden) participated in this study in 1985. Subjects were randomly selected from the registry file of Stockholm region and were followed-up for 30 years. Their hospital and open health care admissions (World Health Organization ICD 9 and 10 codes) were recorded from the Swedish national health registers. The association between the diagnosed autoimmune disease and the oral health variables were statistically analyzed. In all, 50 patients with autoimmune diagnoses were detected from the data. Plaque index was significantly higher in the autoimmune disease group (≥median 35 (70%) vs. ˂median 872 (54%), p = 0.030). No statistical difference was found in gingival index, calculus index, missing teeth, periodontal pockets, smoking or snuff use between patients with and without autoimmune disease. Our study hypothesis was partly confirmed. The result showed that subjects with a higher plaque index, marker of poor oral hygiene, were more likely to develop autoimmune diseases in 30 years.
Polar Codes for Covert Communications over Asynchronous Discrete Memoryless Channels
Authors: Frèche Guillaume , Bloch Matthieu , Barret Michel
Published: December 2017

This paper introduces an explicit covert communication code for binary-input asynchronous discrete memoryless channels based on binary polar codes, in which legitimate parties exploit uncertainty created by both the channel noise and the time of transmission to avoid detection by an adversary. The proposed code jointly ensures reliable communication for a legitimate receiver and low probability of detection with respect to the adversary, both observing noisy versions of the codewords. Binary polar codes are used to shape the weight distribution of codewords and ensure that the average weight decays as the block length grows. The performance of the proposed code is severely limited by the speed of polarization, which in turn controls the decay of the average codeword weight with the block length. Although the proposed construction falls largely short of achieving the performance of random codes, it inherits the low-complexity properties of polar codes.
A Hybrid Fault-Tolerant Strategy for Severe Sensor Failure Scenarios in Late-Stage Offshore DFIG-WT
Authors: Li Wei , Li Gengyin , Ni Kai , Hu Yihua , Li Xinhua
Published: December 2017

As the phase current sensors and rotor speed/position sensor are prone to fail in the late stage of an offshore doubly-fed induction generator based wind turbine (DFIG-WT), this paper investigates a hybrid fault-tolerant strategy for a severe sensor failure scenario. The phase current sensors in the back-to-back (BTB) converter and the speed/position sensor are in the faulty states simultaneously. Based on the 7th-order doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) dynamic state space model, the extended Kalman filter (EKF) algorithm is applied for rotor speed and position estimation. In addition, good robustness of this sensorless control algorithm to system uncertainties and measurement disturbances is presented. Besides, a single DC-link current sensor based phase current reconstruction scheme is utilized for deriving the phase current information according to the switching states. A duty ratio adjustment strategy is proposed to avoid missing the sampling points in a switching period, which is simple to implement. Furthermore, the additional active time of the targeted nonzero switching states is complemented so that the reference voltage vector remains in the same position as that before duty ratio adjustment. The validity of the proposed hybrid fault-tolerant sensorless control strategy is demonstrated by simulation results in Matlab/Simulink2017a by considering harsh operating environments.
Autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Reduce Burn-Induced Neuropathic Pain in a Rat Model
Authors: Lin Cen-Hung , Wu Sheng-Hua , Lee Su-Shin , Lin Yun-Nan , Kuo Yur-Ren , Chai Chee-Yin , Huang Shu-Hung
Published: December 2017

Background: Burn scar pain is considered as neuropathic pain. The anti-inflammation and anti-neuroinflammation effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) were observed in several studies. We designed a study using a murine model involving the transplantation of autologous ASCs in rats subjected to burn injuries. The aim was to detect the anti-neuroinflammation effect of ASC transplantation and clarify the relationships between ASCs, scar pain, apoptosis and autophagy. Methods: We randomized 24 rats into 4 groups as followings: Group A and B, received saline injections and autologous transplantation of ASCs 4 weeks after sham burn, respectively; Group C and D, received saline injections and autologous transplantation 4 weeks after burn injuries. A designed behavior test was applied for pain evaluation. Skin tissues and dorsal horn of lumbar spinal cords were removed for biochemical analysis. Results: ASC transplantation significantly restored the mechanical threshold reduced by burn injury. It also attenuated local inflammation and central neuroinflammation and ameliorated apoptosis and autophagy in the spinal cord after the burn injury. Conclusion: In a rat model, autologous ASC subcutaneous transplantation in post-burn scars elicited anti-neuroinflammation effects locally and in the spinal cord that might be related to the relief of post-burn neuropathic pain and attenuated cell apoptosis. Thus, ASC transplantation post-burn scars shows the potential promising clinical benefits.
Neural Stem Cells and Its Derivatives as a New Material for Melanin Inhibition
Authors: Hwang Insik , Hong Sunghoi
Published: December 2017

The pigment molecule, melanin, is produced from melanosomes of melanocytes through melanogenesis, which is a complex process involving a combination of chemical and enzymatically catalyzed reactions. The synthesis of melanin is primarily influenced by tyrosinase (TYR), which has attracted interest as a target molecule for the regulation of pigmentation or depigmentation in skin. Thus, direct inhibitors of TYR activity have been sought from various natural and synthetic materials. However, due to issues with these inhibitors, such as weak or permanent ability for depigmentation, allergy, irritant dermatitis and rapid oxidation, in vitro and in vivo, the development of new materials that inhibit melanin production is essential. A conditioned medium (CM) derived from stem cells contains many cell-secreted factors, such as cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and extracellular vesicles including exosomes. In addition, the secreted factors could negatively regulate melanin production through stimulation of a microenvironment of skin tissue in a paracrine manner, which allows the neural stem cell CM to be explored as a new material for skin depigmentation. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge regulating depigmentation, and discuss the potential of neural stem cells and their derivatives, as a new material for skin depigmentation.
3D Powder Printed Bioglass and β-Tricalcium Phosphate Bone Scaffolds
Authors: Seidenstuecker Michael , Kerr Laura , Bernstein Anke , Mayr Hermann , Suedkamp Norbert , Gadow Rainer , Krieg Peter , Hernandez Latorre Sergio , Thomann Ralf , Syrowatka Frank , Esslinger Steffen
Published: December 2017

The use of both bioglass (BG) and β tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) for bone replacement applications has been studied extensively due to the materials’ high biocompatibility and ability to resorb when implanted in the body. 3D printing has been explored as a fast and versatile technique for the fabrication of porous bone scaffolds. This project investigates the effects of using different combinations of a composite BG and β-TCP powder for 3D printing of porous bone scaffolds. Porous 3D powder printed bone scaffolds of BG, β-TCP, 50/50 BG/β-TCP and 70/30 BG/β-TCP compositions were subject to a variety of characterization and biocompatibility tests. The porosity characteristics, surface roughness, mechanical strength, viability for cell proliferation, material cytotoxicity and in vitro bioactivity were assessed. The results show that the scaffolds can support osteoblast-like MG-63 cells growth both on the surface of and within the scaffold material and do not show alarming cytotoxicity; the porosity and surface characteristics of the scaffolds are appropriate. Of the two tested composite materials, the 70/30 BG/β-TCP scaffold proved to be superior in terms of biocompatibility and mechanical strength. The mechanical strength of the scaffolds makes them unsuitable for load bearing applications. However, they can be useful for other applications such as bone fillers.
Dependence of Creep Performance and Microstructure Evolution on Solution Cooling Rate in a Polycrystalline Superalloy
Authors: Xu Chao , Liu Feng , Huang Lan , Jiang Liang
Published: December 2017

It is well known that the solution cooling rate has a great effect on the creep life of superalloys. In this research, three typical cooling rates were applied to generate different distributions of γ’ precipitates for creep tests. Ingots used to make specimens were manufactured by hot extrusion, and the master alloy had the composition of an FGH4096 power metallurgy superalloy. SEM and SESD were used to observe the microstructure’s evolution. The experimental results show that the fastest cooling rate corresponds to the highest creep life as well as the smallest rupture strain, and vice versa. The microscopic observations disclose that with an increasing cooling rate, the size and area fraction of γ’ precipitates decrease, and the rupture mechanism changes from transgranular to intergranular. Moreover, some γ’ precipitates changed to cuboid after the creep test. The results will provide new technological processes to design more creep-resistant, nickel-base superalloys.