bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ramucirumab Plus Pembrolizumab in Patients with Previously Treated Advanced or Metastatic Biliary Tract Cancer: Nonrandomized, Open-Label, Phase I Trial (JVDF)
Authors: Arkenau Hendrik-Tobias , Martin-Liberal Juan , Calvo Emiliano , Penel Nicolas , Krebs Matthew G. , Herbst Roy S. , Walgren Richard A. , Widau Ryan C. , Mi Gu , Jin Jin , Ferry David , Chau Ian
Published: May 2018

Lessons Learned

Ramucirumab plus pembrolizumab revealed no unexpected safety findings in patients with advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer, which is consistent with reports of other tumor cohorts within this phase Ia/b trial. Ramucirumab plus pembrolizumab did not demonstrate an improvement in overall survival when compared with historical controls in biomarker unselected, heavily pretreated patients with advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer. Patients with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-positive tumors had improved overall survival compared with patients with PD-L1-negative disease.

Background

Few treatment options exist for patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) following progression on gemcitabine-cisplatin. Preclinical evidence suggests that simultaneous blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) and programmed death 1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) enhances antitumor effects. We assessed the safety and efficacy of ramucirumab, an IgG1 VEGFR-2 antagonist, with pembrolizumab, an IgG4 PD-1 antagonist, in biomarker-unselected patients with previously treated advanced or metastatic BTC.

Methods

Patients had previously treated advanced or metastatic adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder, intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, or ampulla of Vater. Ramucirumab 8 mg/kg was administered intravenously on days 1 and 8 with intravenous pembrolizumab 200 mg on day 1 every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability of the combination. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

Twenty-six patients were treated at 12 centers in five countries. Hypertension was the most common grade 3 treatment-related adverse event (TRAE), occurring in five patients. One patient experienced a grade 4 TRAE (neutropenia), and no treatment-related deaths occurred. Objective response rate was 4%. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 1.6 months and 6.4 months, respectively.

Conclusion

Ramucirumab-pembrolizumab showed limited clinical activity with infrequent grade 3–4 TRAEs in patients with biomarker-unselected progressive BTC.
A Phase I Study of Ganetespib and Ziv-Aflibercept in Patients with Advanced Carcinomas and Sarcomas
Authors: Meehan Robert , Kummar Shivaani , Do Khanh , O'Sullivan Coyne Geraldine , Juwara Lamin , Zlott Jennifer , Rubinstein Larry , Doroshow James H. , Chen Alice P.
Published: May 2018

Lessons Learned

The combination of the antiangiogenic agent ziv-aflibercept and the heat shock protein 90 inhibitor ganetespib was associated with several serious and unexpected adverse events and was not tolerable on the dosing schedule tested. Studies such as these emphasize the importance of considering overlapping toxicities when designing novel treatment combination regimens.

Background

Although inhibition of angiogenesis is an effective strategy for cancer treatment, acquired resistance to antiangiogenic therapy is common. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone that regulates various oncogenic signaling pathways involved in acquired resistance and has been shown to play a role in angiogenesis. Combining an antiangiogenic agent with an Hsp90 inhibitor has therefore been proposed as a strategy for preventing resistance and improving antitumor activity. We conducted a single-arm phase I study evaluating the combination of ziv-aflibercept, an antiangiogenic drug, with the Hsp90 inhibitor ganetespib.

Methods

Adult patients were eligible if they had recurrent or metastatic gastrointestinal carcinomas, nonsquamous non-small cell lung carcinomas, urothelial carcinomas, or sarcomas that had progressed after at least one line of standard therapy. Ziv-aflibercept was administered intravenously on days 1 and 15, and ganetespib was administered intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15, of each 28-day cycle.

Results

Five patients were treated with the combination. Although three patients achieved stable disease, study treatment was associated with several serious and unexpected adverse events.

Conclusion

The dose escalation phase of this study was not completed, but the limited data obtained suggest that this combination may be too toxic when administered on this dosing schedule.
Lipid extractions from labyrinthulomycetes v1
Authors: Halligan Laura , Collier Jackie
Published: May 2018

This protocol is a two-part lipid extraction for labyrinthulomycetes. The only strain we have tried this protocol on so far is Aurantiochytrium limacinumATCC MYA-1381. This protocol was modified from: Higgins, B.T., A. Thornton-Dunwoody,J.M. Labavitch, J.S. VanderGheynst. 2014.Microplate assay for quantitation of neutral lipids in extracts from microalgae. Anal. Biochem. 465: 81-89.
 Prevention of hypoglycaemia in a resource-poor setting with oral 10% dextrose in low birth weight newborns: A randomized controlled trial  v1
Authors: Metz Dominik , Chiurchiù Sara , Bottosso Emanuele , Pontrelli Giuseppe , Mazzocco Martina , Ravà Lucilla
Published: May 2018

Project Summary Background Rationale Neonatal hypoglycaemia is a common condition, particularly affecting LBW newborns, and is associated with both acute and long standing complications. Ideally, the mother can provide breast milk as soon as possible; however, in many circumstances (poor nutrition of mother, post-operative Caesarian section, etc) this may not be the case for hours or even days. If resources are available, this can be managed by providing the LBW neonate with artificial milk/donor whilst waiting for breast milk when required. However, this is often not available in resource poor countries due to expense and difficulty in production (timely clean safe water, training in how to make the milk etc). Furthermore, in resourced hospitals, glucose is monitored in at risk babies, and should they develop hypoglycemia, IV 10% dextrose can be relatively simply administered. In resource poor settings, this is challenging- firstly, glucose monitoring and then the administration of IV 10% dextrose require resources, skills and nursing that are often not available. The primary aim of this study is to assess whether the use of oral 10% dextrose, is tolerable and reduces the incidence of hypoglycaemia in LBW newborns in the absence of sufficient maternal breast milk. 10% dextrose is readily available, inexpensive and can be stored at room temperature. Objectives Our aim was to assess whether hypoglycaemia could be prevented in LBW babies with insufficient maternal breast milk (MBM), by supplementing their feed with oral 10% dextrose. Methods This is a 8 months, interventional, prospective, single centre, randomised, double arm control trial on 74 newborns conducted at a district hospital in Tanzania (Tosamaganga Hospital) where Doctors with Africa - CUAMM has ongoing projects on maternal-neonatal health. LBW newborns fulfilling the inclusion criteria will be randomly allocated to either the intervention (supplemental oral 10% dextrose) or monitoring arm. Glucose will be monitored regularly in both arms and the incidence of hypoglycaemic episodes recorded together with normal vital signs. A budget of 16,000,000Tsh has been proposed for the study. Outcomes The primary outcome will be hypoglycemia (<2·6mmol/L) in the first three days of life.
REVERT™ Total Protein Stain Normalization Protocol v2
Authors: Biosciences LI-COR
Published: May 2018

REVERT™ Total Protein Stain is a near-infrared fluorescent membrane stain used for total protein detection and normalization. REVERT staining is imaged at 700 nm, and fluorescent signals are proportional to sample loading. This protocol describes how to use REVERT™ Total Protein Stain for Western blot normalization and quantitative analysis. Note: This protocol is intended for use with near-infrared fluorescent Western blots.
Doing Participatory Research with Disabled People in Kuwait
Authors: Alenaizi Hussain Mohammed
Published: May 2018

This paper explores the experiences of participatory PhD research with six disabled people in Kuwait. The contributors participated in my PhD project (which was conducted with the University of Manchester) as co-researchers. The paper attempts to answer the following questions: What are the co-researchers' motivations behind participating in this research? Do the co-researchers believe that they will benefit from this process and if so, how? What are our (i.e. the researcher and the co-researchers) experiences of the process of participatory research? The findings highlight the process of participatory research with the co-researchers and highlight the issues of power relations, skills development and reciprocity, decision-making processes and sharing experiences, and the possibility of this research opening the door for further research and attitudinal change.
"Oh, Why Can't You Remain Like This Forever!": Children's Literature, Growth, and Disability
Authors: Michals Teresa , McTiernan Claire
Published: May 2018

One of the foundational gestures of the disability rights movement was the rejection of the common description of people who live with physical or mental impairments as "eternal children." This paper argues that the contradictions inherent in applying this trope to adults amplify the contradictions inherent in applying it to children themselves. From its heyday in in the 19th-century "Golden Age" of children's literature to its afterlife in 20th-century disabling rhetoric, the fantasy of childhood as stasis requires denying the fact of growth.
Legal Ableism, Interrupted: Developing Tort Law & Policy Alternatives to Wrongful Birth & Wrongful Life Claims
Authors: Brown Lydia X. Z.
Published: May 2018

Early in 2016, the widely acclaimed film Me Before You premiered nationally to a spate of disabled-led protests against the ableism in the film's core story – that of a wealthy, physically disabled young man whose romantic and sexual relationship with a young woman hired as his caregiver (and quasi-maternal or mentoring figure) leads to his choice to kill himself to avoid living further while disabled, and to bequeath his assets to her. Protested as a "disability snuff film" by leading groups like Not Dead Yet, disabled activists lambasted the film for its glorification of assisted suicide as a brave and heroic choice because of the protagonist's disability – criticizing the writers for sending a very strong message that it is better to be dead than to live as disabled, however that might be defined or understood. U.S. law has often embodied that very same message despite the existence of civil rights protections for people with disabilities, and most particularly and glaringly in its adoption of wrongful birth and wrongful life claims as cognizable in tort. In this paper, I aim to provide brief context on the nature and history of wrongful birth and wrongful life claims, examine the myriad social harms toward disabled people that stem from their assertion, explore non-ableist purposes for which these claims might be brought, and propose potential legal and policy mechanisms as alternative means for achieving their possible legitimate purposes without reliance on them.
"I Know You Think I'm Crazy": Post-Horrorcore Rap Approaches to Disability, Violence, and Psychotherapy
Authors: Koivisto Mikko O.
Published: May 2018

Cultural representations of Black people as well as people with mental disabilities have historically been derogatory and dehumanizing. Even though the erroneousness and injuriousness of this representational vilification has been increasingly addressed and acknowledged, the power the imagery possesses seems almost indestructible: the stereotypes and myths about blackness and madness live on persistently in our everyday language, in entertainment, media, and other cultural texts. In the face of its seeming indestructibility, alternative ways can be established for encountering the imagery in ways that employ the inertia of its power. This paper explores first-person representations of mental disability as potential egresses from hegemonic representations of psychiatric disability. Recently some disability studies scholars have explored the relationship between disability and rap music and my work contributes to the discussion by examining the work by the rapper Tyler, the Creator. His first three albums are framed as meetings between the artist and his fictional therapist, who is portrayed by the artist himself. This dialogue/monologue brings forth multiple subject positions that frequently overlap and even collide. Operating on the threshold between performance and representation, and between the autobiographical and the fictional, Tyler, the Creator's œuvre challenges stereotypical representations of both Black men and people with psychiatric disabilities.
Uterine tamponade using condom catheter balloon in the management of non-traumatic postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Jain Renu
Published: May 2018

Background: In low-resource countries, Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality. The intrauterine balloon tamponade was recently incorporated into the strategy to manage uterine atony. There are many types of tamponades. Among them, the condom catheter seems to be an efficient and economic intervention for the treatment of PPH in low-resource countries. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the condom catheter balloon in treating postpartum hemorrhage refractory to medical treatment.Methods: The retrospective analysis of 22 cases of PPH, treated with a condom catheter as a conservative therapeutic option, was done in department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India.Results: The condom catheter was successful in controlling PPH in 90.9% cases. It was effective in 94.44% women with uterine atony, who did not respond to uterotonic drugs. It was also effective in one case of placental implantation site bleeding and two cases of deranged coagulation function. In 2 cases it failed to control PPH and peripartum hysterectomy was done. The volume of saline solution used to fill the balloon was from 150 -350 ml and the time for which the balloon remained inflated was 36-48 hours. No case of febrile morbidity and wound sepsis was noted. There was no maternal death.Conclusions: Its ease of use and high effectiveness make condom catheter a useful approach for the conservative management of PPH. This device reduces bleeding, shortens the hospital stay and avoids the need for more aggressive procedures.
Evaluating the efficacy of context-focused intervention in improving performance of functional tasks in preschool children with central nervous system dysfunction
Authors: Paithankar Anushka B. , Jaywant Shailaja S.
Published: May 2018

Background: Children with central nervous dysfunction should be given a variety of long-term physical and occupational therapy interventions to facilitate their self-development and to enhance functional independence in movement, self-care, play, school activities and leisure. The present study aimed to investigate the benefit of implementing context-focused intervention approach along with occupational therapy intervention in children with CNS dysfunctions.Methods: This randomized case control study conducted in 30 children with CNS dysfunction aging between 12 months to 48 months were randomly divided into control and experimental groups consisting of 15 children in each group. Control group received conventional occupational therapy for 45 min, and experimental group received context-focused intervention approach for 30 min along with conventional occupational therapy for 15 min (thrice a week). The patients were evaluated at baseline, after 12 and 24 weeks of follow up period on Canadian occupational performance measure (COPM) to evaluate parental perception about intervention, GMFM (gross motor function measure) to study the motor ability of the patient and ICF-CY (International classification of functioning, disability and health for children and youth) for activity participation and performance with evaluation of context.Results: Significant progress in the satisfaction score during 2nd and 3rd follow ups were noted (p <0.001) in experimental group. All the activities in GMFM score except lying and rolling showed significant improvement in experimental group (p <0.001). In experimental group a significant improvement in performance qualifier of ICF was seen during follow ups (p<0.001). The capacity qualifier scoring of ICF was improved in experimental group during 2nd follow up (p = 0.006). Progress in environmental scores of ICF during all the follow ups was noted (p <0.001) in experimental group. Significant correlation in GMFM scores and COPM performance score was noted during last follow-up in both the groups.Conclusions: The findings of the study showed positive results with context focused therapy and thus can be inferred that new intervention approach context focused therapy along with the conventional occupational therapy is very effective in improving the performance of functional tasks in children with CNS dysfunction.
El responsabilismo epistémico en la analogía etnoarqueológica: aproximaciones a una teoría de la justificación para la práctica arqueológica en México
Authors: Robles Alfredo
Published: May 2018

En el artículo se defiende que si se acepta la superación entre fundacionismo y coherentismo que plantea Ernest Sosa y se sostiene una teoría de la justificación epistémica basada en el ejercicio de virtudes intelectuales, esta no es condición suficiente para usar el razonamiento analógico en la investigación arqueológica. Por ende, aunque se puede sostener su necesidad para utilizar la analogía, no es suficiente a menos que se recurra a la virtud de la responsabilidad (Code) como eje de la justificación epistémica. Finalmente se discute su viabilidad e importancia para el caso de la arqueología en México.
Consistencia, no trivialidad y redundancia en matemática
Authors: Catsigeras Eleonora
Published: May 2018

Exploramos los criterios racionales formales e informales de consistencia, no trivialidad y redundancia en la investigación matemática actual. Desarrollamos la discusión paradigmática analizando las diferentes concepciones de esos criterios, desde las lógico-formales hasta las informales (pero aún racionales). Ilustramos la discusión con ejemplos concretos extraídos de la actividad de investigación matemática, particularmente la publicada en los últimos cincuenta años en la teoría matemática de los sistemas dinámicos deterministas.
Heidegger y Einstein: relación en torno al tiempo
Authors: Orozco Pereira Edward Duván
Published: May 2018

Propongo establecer las relaciones existentes en torno al tiempo entre los textos El concepto de tiempo (el tratado y la conferencia publicados en 1924), Prolegómenos para una historia del concepto de tiempo (1925) y Ser y tiempo (1927) de Heidegger, y la teoría de la relatividad especial y general de Albert Einstein, específicamente en la obra del mismo nombre, publicada en 1916. A partir de esto, se identifican las referencias directas e indirectas de Heidegger a Einstein y su pensamiento, así como los puntos centrales sobre los que ellas versan. Así, se concluye la primacía de las apreciaciones críticas del filósofo alemán al científico relativista, principalmente en torno al fallido intento de la relatividad por replantear el concepto de tiempo.
Applying Bourdieu's field theory to analyze the changing status of the research librarian
Authors: Wien Charlotte Nordahl , Dorch Bertil F.
Published: May 2018

Research librarians no longer need to perform as many of the traditional chores of the research library. This is due to many factors like digitalization, changing research policies and changes in researchers’ behaviour. With these changes also comes a demand for new skills. We seek an answer to how this demand can be met. We argue that changes that have taken place in the research library have also led to a loss of prestige for the research librarians. We use Bourdieu’s field theory to analyse the power struggles in the academic field and in the field of the research library and to identify means of reclaiming the previous prestigious position in both fields.  We end up creating a 60 ECTS framework for a flexible part-time master’s program for research librarians. The first cohort of students has already been enrolled and they evaluate the program in very positive terms.
Cloning, purification and enzymatic characterization of recombinant human Superoxide dismutase 1 expressed in Escherichia coli
Authors: FENG LIN , Dan Yan Dan , Wen Chen Ya , E Fletcher Emmanuella , Feng Shi Hai , Xing Han Bang , Yang Zhou
Published: May 2018

Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is a metalloenzyme that catalyzes disproportion-action superoxide into molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. In this study, the human SOD1 (hSOD1) gene was cloned, expressed, and purified. The hSOD1 gene was amplified from a pool of Bxpc3 cell cDNAs by PCR and cloned into expression vector pET-28a (+). The recombinant soluble hSOD1 was expressed in E.coli BL21 (DE3) at 37°C and purified by Nickel column affinity chromatography. The soluble hSOD1 was produced with a yield of 5.9 ug/mL medium. Considering that metal ions have a certain influence on the structure and activity of protein, we researched the influences of different concentrations of Cu2+ and Zn2+ on hSOD1 activity at induction and the time of activity detection. The results implied Cu2+ and Zn2+ can’t enhance SOD1 expression, however can improve the catalytic activity at induction. Furthermore, most of bivalent cations have an improve effect on enzyme activity at the time of detection.
Is it possible to predict a risk of osteoporosis in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis? A study of serum levels of markers of bone turnover
Authors: Janicka-Szczepaniak Marta , Orczyk Krzysztof , Szymbor Katarzyna , Chlebna-Sokół Danuta , Smolewska Elzbieta
Published: May 2018

Background: Low bone mineral density is a common finding in children with systemic connective tissue diseases, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The influence of the ongoing process of bone remodeling on the disease course merits further investigation. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical relevance of markers of bone turnover and their potential role as predictors of higher fracture risk and, by extension, risk of osteoporosis.Materials and methods: Blood samples were collected from 59 patients diagnosed with JIA in order to determine serum levels of the following markers of bone turnover: Beta-Crosslaps, osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase, osteoprotegerin and receptor activator for nuclear factor kappa-B ligand. The values were analyzed with laboratory parameters and results of dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).Results: Osteoprotegerin and bone alkaline phosphatase levels were age-dependent. Beta‑Crosslaps values were significantly higher in patients with positive JADAS27 score (p=0.0410). Osteoprotegerin levels were higher in patients treated with biological agentsthan only withdisease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (p=0.0273). There was no relation between markers of bone turnover and sex, DXA results, dosage of glucocorticosteroids and disease duration.Conclusions:Authors postulate performing DXA measurements every 6 months in patients with higher disease activity. The potential lower fracture risk in children with JIA within biological treatment needs future assessment. Age- and sex-adjusted reference rates of markers of bone turnover for Central Europe need to be developed in order to assess individual values properly.
Impact of polyphenol-rich green tea extracts on the protection of DOPC monolayer against damage caused by ozone induced lipid oxidation
Authors: Rudolphi-Skórska Elżbieta , Dyba Barbara , Kreczmer Barbara , Filek Maria
Published: May 2018

Effectiveness of green tea (compared to two single polyphenols) in removing ozone derived reactive oxygen species acting on dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine monolayers was determined. The lipid oxidation was followed by changes of mechanical properties of the layer spreaded on the aqueous subphase containing various amounts of ozone in presence and absence of polyphenolics. It was shown that tea extract (containing 8.5x10-4 mg/cm3 polyphenols) is capable of inactivating 0.4 ppm ozone.The DPPH radical scavenging test set polyphenols in the order of increasing activity, consistent with their protective effect in relation to lipid oxidation, showing the highest efficacy of EGCG.
Harmonization of higher education in Africa and Europe: Policy convergence at supranational level
Authors: Woldegiyorgis Ayenachew Aseffa
Published: May 2018

While the Bologna Process in Europe is the leading example, regional efforts towards harmonization of higher education are taking place in every corner of the world. In Africa, such a process has its roots from decades ago, although more coordinated activities are only recent phenomena. This paper looks back at the harmonization processes in Africa and Europe, and argues that although the process in Africa has been influenced by its European counterpart, the former has its own unique features, among other things, in its thematic and sub-regional initiatives. The paper notes similarities and differences between the two processes, appreciates the strengths and shortcomings of the African process, and highlights the importance for the African Union to more effectively utilize its leverage as a coordinating body, with a wider and more meaningful involvement of higher education institutions and other stakeholders. It also calls for more exploration into the potential strengths and risks in harmonization initiatives strongly rooted at sub-regional level.Received: 06 March 2018 Accepted: 04 May 2018 Published online: 31 May 2018
Multimedia technologies and online task-based foreign language teaching-learning
Authors: Nobre Ana Maria de Jesus Ferreira
Published: May 2018

Teaching and learning a foreign language at a distance implies many challenges, namely regarding oral skills. At Universidade Aberta (the Portuguese Open University), and taking into account its virtual pedagogical model (Pereira, 2007) and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (Alves, 2001), we suggest curricular paths which include online communicative practices, both oral and written, within the present pedagogical offer, following a student-centred, task-oriented approach. Thus, in this text, we share some examples of training activities in German, French and English, focusing on oral practice, and based on digital resources. These digital resources comprise multimedia materials, either produced by the teachers or the students, as well as other materials available on the web 2.0. Our teaching and research practice within the field of foreign languages and in e-learning, in particular, leads us to conclude that the multimedia resources used are suitable for the online teaching and learning of foreign languages (see third question of questionnaire), especially for professionally engaged adults, as is the case with Universidade Aberta’s students, providing them with real-life situations that foster the teaching-learning of languages in the virtual environment. We include responses to a questionnaire survey filled out by a group of students.Received: 09 May 2018Accepted: 28 May 2018Published online: 31 May 2018
An unusual cause of hemorrhagic shock: gastric Dieulafoy’s lesion
Authors: Erdoğan Ahmet , Ferhatoğlu Murat Ferhat , Pehlevan Hikmet , Yıldırım Osman , Şenol Kazım
Published: May 2018

Dieulafoy's
lesion (DL) related massive gastrointestinal bleeding is a rare and mortal
health condition. DL is a superficial vascular lesion of the gastric mucose
that is mostly located in the proximal part of the stomach which is difficult
to diagnose. Endoscopy is a safe and effective method for diagnosis and
treatment. However, emergency surgery should be essential for diagnosis and
treatment. Here we present a succesfull clinical and surgical
management of a case with massive gastrointestinal bleeding
related to gastric DL.
Diş aşınmalarının etiyolojisi, prevalansı ve patogenezi
Authors: BULUT Ali Can , TÜRKOĞLU Özge
Published: May 2018

The
most common reason for tooth and dental hard tissue loss has been dental
caries. Since application of fluoride, the prevalence, incidence and severity
of caries has declined and the dental life expectancy has increased. One of the
most common factor associated with this prolonged dental life expectancy is
tooth wear. Tooth wear is an irreversible, non carious, destructive process,
which results in a functional loss of dental hard tissue. It can manifest as
abrasion, attrition, abfraction and erosion. This article will describe the
etiology, prevalance and pathogenesis of tooth wear.
Partial Sternotomy Application in Mediastinal Parathyroid Adenomas
Authors: KATRANCIOĞLU Özgür , ŞAHİN Ekber , KARADAYI Şule
Published: May 2018

Background:
Solitary parathyroid adenomas are the most common cause of primary
hyperparathyroidism. Generally neck exploration is adequate for parathyroid
adenoma surgery, however some of them aren’t accessible using a
cervical approach and sternotomy or thoracotomy can be required. In this
study we present surgical application of eight cases with mediastinal
parathyroid adenoma. Material
and Methods: Between
Jan 2006 - Mar 2018, eight patients who underwent partial sternotomy for
mediastinal parathyroid adenoma in our clinic were included in the study.
Patients' datas were retrospectively reviewed. Blood tests, radiographic and
scintigraphic methods were performed and the results were reviewed.
Localization of mediastinal
parathyroid adenoma, performed treatment methods and prognosis were
evaluated.Results:  Seven of the cases were
female (87.5%) and the mean age was found to be 49.7 years (range: 30-64 years). Bone pain what’s the most
common symptom. All of the patients experienced hypercalcemia and
hyperparathyroidia. PTH and Ca values returned to normal in postoperative period. No recurrent or
consistent hyperparathyroidism was seen during follow-up period. No
postsurgical morbidity or mortality developed.

Conclusion: We claimed
that partial sternotomy is a safe and adequate method for removing ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenomas.
Research and Analysis for Cancerous Perianal Disease
Authors: Chen Taiyu , Chen Hongyu , Jiang Xiaodong , Gui Tangxue
Published: May 2018

Objective To analyze cancerous perianal disease. This study summed up the effective measures for prevention and treatment of perianal cancer patients. Methods Twelve perianal cancer patients were recruited from June 2011 to June 2016. Retrospective analysis was carried out for the 12 patients and further discussed for the factor of cancerous and effective treatment. Results Systematic analysis found out that six patients had hemorrhoids cancer (only two patients received treatment, one patient had metastasis and received chemotherapy; 1 patient had good prognosis after colon diversion; the rest of the patients were discharged from the hospital and received conservative treatment but treatments were ineffective and the condition worsen), two patients had anal fistula cancer (one patients underwent surgery, one patient gave up treatment), two patients had anal cancer (both underwent surgery), one patient had perianal skin squamous cell carcinoma (patients were transfer to other hospital for treatment), one patient had perianal melanoma (inpatient due to perianal neoplasm, histopathology confirmed melanoma and patient gave up for treatment).Conclusion Perianal cancerous phenomenon is unfavorable for the quality of life and health of patients. The relevant medical institutions must actively take measures against the perianal cancer, which has significant effect to survival of patients.
Does Operational Efficiency Depend on the Airport’s Size?
Authors: Tracey Tshianeo
Published: May 2018

This paper presents operational performance analysis using DEA which is short for data envelopment analysis. The study focuses on 9 South African commercial airports. These were divided into different hub groups according to their size. Few airports utilize any type of operational performance indicators for performance evaluation. Operational information such as aircrafts’ landing and take-off movements are some of the important data that can be used. Airport performance measures are necessary for stakeholders such as passengers and day-to-day business operations. The study was limited to only two inputs and two outputs. Outputs being passenger throughput and total air traffic movements. The inputs being hourly runway capacity and public parking bays. After DEA was used to evaluate the efficiency of the airports, statistical analysis was done to identify those airports that dominate others in terms of efficiency.
The Development of Quality Management System ISO 9001
Authors: Hadian Dedi
Published: May 2018

This research aims to develop quality management system ISO 9001. The result of an introductory study in analyzing the existing condition of the management system of Pasundan School of Economic Bandung has not been optimal because it is assumed that the ISO 9001 quality management system has not been implemented in stating vision and mission. Based on the phenomenon above, the problems are formulated as follows: How to make The Design of ISO 9001 Quality Management System; the quality guidelines; the standard operating procedure; the job description and work instruction; and make an internal evaluation to suit ISO 9001 quality system. The method used in this study is Research and Design which intends to develop new skills or new approaches and to solve the problems in implementing directly in actual fields. The study findings show that School of Economic Pasundan Bandung has a design of quality management system ISO 9001:2008.
PERBANDINGAN PENERAPAN METODE DRILL DAN RESITASI TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR KOGNITIF MATEMATIKA SISWA KELAS XI IPA DI SMA ABC CIKARANG [A COMPARISON OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DRILL AND RECITATION METHODS TOWARD GRADE 11 SCIENCE STUDENTS’ COGNITIVE ACHIEVEMENT AT A HIGH SCHOOL IN CIKARANG]
Authors: Soponyono Andreas Eko , Sinaga Kelly , Seleky Jacob S.
Published: May 2018

This research aims to investigate the comparison of the improvement average in student’s mathematics cognitive learning outcomes between an 11th grade science class taught by drill strategy and by recitation method. This research used quasi-experimental with pre-test post-test comparison group design. The sample was taken by a convenient random sampling. The instruments were tried before being given to the research sample to measure the validity, reliability, difficulty index and discriminating power. The analysis uses the U Mann-Whitney test. The results of the research show that there are no different improvement average in mathematics cognitive outcomes between an 11th grade science class that taught by drill and by recitation method (p= 0,152 > 0,05).

BAHASA INDONESIA ABSTRAK: Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menyelidiki perbandingan peningkatan hasil belajar kognitif Matematika antara siswa kelas XI IPA yang mengalami pembelajaran dengan metode drill dan yang dengan resitasi. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kuasi eksperimen dengan pre-test post-test comparison group design. Instrumen telah diujicoba sebelum diberikan kepada sampel penelitian untuk mengukur validitas, reliabilitas, taraf kesukaran dan daya pembeda. Analisis data menggunakan tes U Mann-Whitney. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tidak terdapat perbedaan peningkatan hasil belajar kognitif Matematika antara siswa yang diterapkan metode drill dengan yang diterapkan metode resitasi (p= 0,152 > 0,05).

 
PENERAPAN TEAM QUIZ UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN KERJA SAMA ANTAR SISWA KELAS VIII-B PADA MATA PELAJARAN MATEMATIKA [THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A TEAM QUIZ TO IMPROVE COOPERATION SKILLS AMONG GRADE 8B STUDENTS IN MATHEMATICS]
Authors: Marcella Adelia , Wulanata Imanuel Adhitya , Listiani Tanti
Published: May 2018

Based on observations of grade 8B students in a Christian junior high school in Kupang, it was found that students were not able to demonstrate the ability to cooperate in mathematics lessons. To overcome this, the researcher implemented a Team Quiz to assist students in developing their cooperative skills. This research used Kemmis & McTaggart’s model for Classroom Action Research (CAR). The research was done in two cycles. The instruments used were mentor’s and peer’s observations, student’s questionnaires, and tests. The findings showed that Team Quiz could help grade 8B students to improve their cooperation skills in mathematics subjects.

BAHASA INDONESIA ABSTRAK: Berdasarkan hasil observasi pada siswa kelas VIII-B di salah satu SMP Kristen Kupang, ditemukan bahwa siswa belum mampu menunjukkan kemampuan kerja sama dalam pelajaran Matematika. Untuk mengatasi hal tersebut, peneliti menerapkan Team Quiz untuk membantu siswa dalam mengembangkan kemampuan kerja sama. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) model Kemmis dan Mc Taggart. PTK ini berlangsung dalam dua siklus. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah lembar observasi check-list mentor dan teman sejawat, lembar observasi rating scale mentor dan teman sejawat, lembar angket siswa, dan lembar wawancara mentor. Hasil Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) menunjukkan bahwa penerapan Team Quiz dapat meningkatkan kemampuan kerja sama antar siswa kelas VIII-B pada mata pelajaran Matematika.

 
Agricultor familiar e produtor rural no Brasil: os efeitos jurídicos de sua formalização como empresários individuais
Authors: Ferreira Daniela Dos Santos , Chaves Vinícius Figueiredo , Sant´Anna Leonardo Da Silva
Published: May 2018

Apoiado em pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e de levantamento de dados, este artigo estuda as figuras do agricultor familiar e do produtor rural no Brasil, com foco na análise crítica dos efeitos jurídicos de sua formalização como empresários individuais rurais. Inicialmente é realizada uma breve síntese sobre o fomento do Estado à profissionalização da agricultura familiar, a partir da concessão do crédito rural. Após, são tratados os aspectos gerais relacionados à teoria da empresa, seguidos da apresentação do conceito e da natureza da categoria jurídica empresário individual rural. Na sequência, discute-se a questão da equiparação do agricultor familiar e do produtor rural à figura do empresário, assim como os efeitos jurídicos decorrentes de sua formalização como empresários individuais, cujas vantagens são questionadas haja vista as demais alternativas que lhes permitem mover suas empresas.
Elementos para uma compreensão histórica do controle da constitucionalidade no Brasil (1891 e 1965)
Authors: Continentino Marcelo Casseb
Published: May 2018

Esta investigação analisa dois momentos constitutivos fundamentais da história do controle da constitucionalidade das leis no Brasil, de modo a oferecer uma visão crítica das narrativas constitucionais hegemônicas, bem como contribuir para a ciência do direito constitucional. Destaca-se, a exemplo do controle judicial, que os mesmos institutos podem dar ensejo a usos e práticas antagônicas ao longo do tempo.
Os quatro pilares para a preservação da imparcialidade técnica das agências reguladoras
Authors: Araújo Valter Shuenquener de
Published: May 2018

A disseminação da regulação por intermédio de agências reguladoras no Brasil tem originado uma série de controvérsias alusivas aos limites de sua atuação e ao alcance de sua discricionariedade técnica. A maior autonomia técnica dessas autarquias de regime especial não pode se consubstanciar em diretriz existente apenas no papel. Este trabalho analisa, assim, os quatro pilares centrais para a preservação da autonomia reforçada e da imparcialidade técnica das agências reguladoras. São eles: a regra do mandato fixo, o princípio da menor intensidade (deferência) no controle dos atos das agências, a vedação de contingenciamento de seus recursos orçamentários e a impossibilidade de supressão de competências das agências por medida provisória. Sem a manutenção desses pilares, as agências terão diminuta capacidade institucional e ficarão comprometidas na sua atuação neutra em matéria técnica.
A GNSS Kinematic Analysis System for Japanese GEONET Stations
Authors: Munekane Hiroshi ,   Geospatial Information Authority of Japan 1 Kitasato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0811, Japan
Published: May 2018

Currently, the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan routinely operates the GNSS analysis system to produce coordinate solutions using a GNSS station network called GEONET. The sampling rate of these coordinate solutions is 1 day, or 3 hours at the highest. To augment the system to produce coordinate solutions with higher temporal resolution, a GNSS analysis system to produce kinematic coordinate solutions using the GEONET stations has been developed. This analysis system adopts the precise point positioning strategy to make the system robust and lightweight. In fact, the system is so lightweight that it can be operated with two personal computers. The system produces three types of coordinate solutions with intervals of 30 s, depending on their latency. Each coordinate solution has a quality represented by a typical coordinate repeatability of 1 cm in horizontal components. The system has been successfully utilized in constructing a fault model of the 2016 Central Tottori Earthquake. In the future, the system will be updated to host capacities for 1) producing post-processing 1 s coordinate solutions and 2) producing real-time 1 s coordinate solutions.
Role of Real-Time GNSS in Near-Field Tsunami Forecasting
Authors: Ohta Yusaku , Inoue Takuya , Koshimura Shunichi , Kawamoto Satoshi , Hino Ryota ,   Research Center for Prediction of Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University 6-6 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan,   International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan,   Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, Tsukuba, Japan
Published: May 2018

This short paper reviews the role of real-time global navigation satellite system (GNSS) in near-field tsunami forecasting. Recent efforts highlight that coseismic fault model estimation based on real-time GNSS has contributed substantially to our understanding of large magnitude earthquakes and their fault expansions. We briefly introduce the history of use of real-time GNSS processing in the rapid estimation of the coseismic finite fault model. Additionally, we discuss our recent trials on the estimation of quasi real-time tsunami inundation based on real-time GNSS data. Obtained results clearly suggest the effectiveness of real-time GNSS for tsunami inundation estimation as the GNSS can capture fault expansion and its slip amount in a relatively accurate manner within a short time period. We also discuss the future prospects of using real-time GNSS data for tsunami warning including effective combination of different methods for more reliable forecasting.
Onboard Realtime Processing of GPS-Acoustic Data for Moored Buoy-Based Observation
Authors: Kido Motoyuki , Imano Misae , Ohta Yusaku , Fukuda Tatsuya , Takahashi Narumi , Tsubone Satoshi , Ishihara Yasuhisa , Ochi Hiroshi , Imai Kentaro , Honsho Chie , Hino Ryota ,   International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University 468-1 Aza-aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8572, Japan,   Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan,   Marine Technology and Engineering Center, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Yokosuka, Japan,   Earthquake and Tsunami Research Division, National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience, Tsukuba, Japan,   Interlink Inc., Nagoya, Japan,   Research and Development Center for Earthquake and Tsunami, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Yokohama, Japan
Published: May 2018

Realtime observations of vertical/horizontal seafloor movements and sea surface height associated with a huge earthquake are crucial for immediate recognition of its causal fault rupture, so that tsunami early warning can be issued and also the risk of subsequent ruptures can be evaluated. For this purpose, we developed an offshore monitoring system using a moored buoy platform to measure, in realtime, the three observables mentioned above and operated it on a trial basis for a year. While operating the system, GPS-acoustic observation of horizontal movement on the buoy was especially a new challenge. To achieve realtime GPS-acoustic observation under conditions of the limited power supply and narrow bandwidth in satellite communication, we developed special hardware suitable for use on a buoy and software to minimize onboard computational procedures and data transmission. The system functioned properly through the year; 53 regular weekly measurements and 55 on-demand measurements at arbitrary timings. Each measurement consisted of 11 successive acoustic rangings. The buoy tended to drift far from the preferred position for GPS-acoustic measurement, i.e., the center of the seafloor transponder array, due to strong current. The accuracy of the GPS-acoustic positioning achieved ∼46 cm (2σ) even only with “a single ranging” when the buoy was inside the array, while it degraded to ∼1.0 m when the buoy was outside the array. Although the 1.0 m accuracy is a detectable level of possible displacement due to a M8-class earthquake in the source region, further improvement to keep the drifting range smaller despite the current will enhance the utilization of the system.
A Trial Application of Geodetic Data for Inland Fault Assessment – Coulomb Stress Changes Estimated from GNSS Surface Displacements
Authors: Nishimura Takuya ,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
Published: May 2018

We examine a method to calculate changes in Coulomb failure stress (ΔCFS) from observed GNSS displacements. The method assumes no stress changes on a horizontal plane and a linear elastic relation between strain and stress, represented by Hooke’s law. The ΔCFS distributions calculated using this method are applied to the 2003 Tokachi-oki and the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes and they are compared with those using a standard dislocation model buried in an elastic half-space. The results suggest that the ΔCFS distribution at a depth of 10 km in a region far from a deformation source can give a first-order approximation using observations of surface displacements. However, ΔCFS distributions near the source cannot be reproduced by the examined method and need to be evaluated using the standard method. We apply the examined method and GNSS displacement data to calculate ΔCFS on major active faults as well as source faults of large inland earthquakes in southwest Japan for the period 1996-2017. ΔCFS from five large earthquakes, including the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake are separately calculated using the standard method with published fault models. Calculated ΔCFS increases by an order of 10 KPa at most faults over the past 21 years. ΔCFS on the source faults for the 2000 Western Tottori, the 2016 Kumamoto, and the 2016 Central Tottori earthquakes reached a maximum just before their rupture. Coseismic and postseismic deformation of the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake accelerated an increase of ΔCFS at some faults, including the source fault of the 2016 Central Tottori earthquake and the Arima-Takatsuki fault zone. The examined method can provide information on the activity of inland earthquakes using contemporarily observed deformation, and can hopefully improve the preparedness for earthquakes.