bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Normative Impact of Unemployment Insurance
Authors: Tabin Jean-Pierre , Enescu Raluca
Published: July 2018

The debate on classification instruments for social security regimes opened by Esping-Andersen (1990) usually neglects the examination of the normative impact of the welfare state. This article focus on this latter through an analysis of systems of protection against unemployment in 11 of the European countries included in the database known as the Mutual Information System on Social Protection (MISSOC).We show in this article that unemployment insurance only recognize legal, authorized and declared salaried employees who have resided in the country for a set period of time, which confirms the close link between social policy and nationality, with some foreign workers being excluded from the circle of beneficiaries because of these norms. Unemployment insurance also always considers jobs as rare social goods - workers are expected to hold on to them, but they are declined differently along a person’s life course. The dominance of the male employment norm and the complete lack of consideration given to domestic labour by unemployment insurance contribute to structuring gendered roles as separate and hierarchically organized. Disparities between countries, whether related to contextual differences or to the history of the local welfare state, do not weaken these arguments since they are not founded upon fundamentally different conceptions of unemployment.
ANALYSIS OF BIODIVERSITY AND QUALITY OF METRO RIVER IN MALANG CITY (PLANKTON AND BENTOS BIOINDICATOR STUDY)
Authors: Setyobudiarso Hery , Yuwono Endro
Published: July 2018

Metro River is a river that passes through Malang City and empties into Karangkates Dam. The increasing number of residents of Malang City resulted in more volume of waste water produced, and one of them is dumped on the Metro River. This affects the increasing pollution load received by the river so that it affects the decreasing of tamping capacity of river pollution load. Changes in water quality in rivers lead to changes in macrozoobenthic community composition. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the quality status of Metro River by using macrozoobentos animals. The purpose of this research is to make the classification of Metro River based on macrozoobentos animal community in determining the water quality status of Metro River based on macrozoobentos and the classification of pollution level that happened. The research method is field observation, water quality measurement of Metro river and macrozoobentos sampling. The results showed that the distribution of macroinvetebrata in the Site of group of Banana Temple was from Gastropoda family, Leptophlebiidae, Chloroperliidae, and Baetidae on rocks with fast current velocity (1.02 m3 / s), 17-27 ° C, BOD level 3.7 mg / l, and COD content of 20.8 mg / l. While on the Site of group Merjosari, Karang Besuki, Bandulan and Sitirejo were found macrozoobentos from Chironomidae, Hydrop sychidae and Lumbri cullidae families, on the substrate of mud and sand, with slow flow rate (0.0052 - 0.0675 m3 / s), BOD 21, 8 - 45.7 mg / l, and COD content 107.8 -267.2 mg / l. The status of upper Brantas river waters determined by using the BMWP Index of the Pisang Candi, Merjosari, Karang Besuki, Bandulan and Sitirejo groups has medium gray water status with ASPT values ranging from 4 to 6.2.  Keywords: macrozoobentos, Water Quality Status of River, BOD, COD
ANALYSIS OF CONDENSER PERFORMANCE DESALINATION OF SOLAR ENERGY OF THE NATURAL VACUUM SYSTEM AT THE TIME OF LOW RADIATION INTENSITY
Authors: Ambarita Himsar , Setiawan Eko Yohanes
Published: July 2018

Natural desalination device solar vacuum system has a main component of evaporator, condenser, and solar collector. The production of clean water from this appliance is strongly influenced by the performance of the condenser.On this research, condenser performance is performed when the intensity of solar radiation is low. The measurement data for 2 days when the sky is not bright is used to perform the condenser performance analysis. The result of analysis on the first day was found that the working energy of condensorsirippada was 141 J / day, while if without 29 J / day fins. So that the effectiveness of fins of 112 J / day. While on the second day found heat transfer using 122 J / day fins without fins 25 J / day to obtain fin effectiveness of 97 J / day. This is very influential on clean water production. The condensate rate on the 1st day is highest at 0.00018 kg / min, with an average of one day experiment 0.0001 kg / min, yielding fresh water of 0.8 Liter. On the 2nd day the highest condensate rate is 0.00019 kg / min with an average of condensate rate for one day 0.00011 kg / min, yielding fresh water of 0.81 Liter.
Recovery of respiratory function and autonomic diaphragm movement following unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve to phrenic nerve anastomosis in rabbits
Authors: Wen Junxiang , Han Yingchao , Guo Song , Yang Mingjie , Li Lijun , Sun Guixin , Wang Jun , Hu Fangqiong , Liang Jing , Wei Li , Zhou Qi , Zhang Weibin , Tan Jun
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE

Respiratory dysfunction is the leading cause of mortality following upper cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). The authors’ previous study suggested that vagus nerve (VN) and phrenic nerve (PN) anastomosis could partially improve respiratory function in rabbits that had been subjected to PN transection. As a branch of the VN and a motor fiber–dominated nerve, the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) seems a better choice to anastomose with the PN for respiratory function restoration after upper cervical SCI. This study was designed to determine whether RLN-PN anastomosis could restore the respiratory function after upper cervical SCI in rabbits.

METHODS

Twelve male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1) sham group (no injury), 2) transection group (right RLN and PN were transected), and 3) bridge group (transected right RLN and PN were immediately anastomosed). Spontaneous discharges of the RLN and PN were compared using a bio-signal collection system. RLN and PN cross sections were stained for acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and the numbers of motor fibers were compared. Three months after the initial surgical procedures, the movement of the diaphragm was assessed using a digital subtraction angiography (DSA) system, and discharges from the right diaphragm muscle were recorded. Toluidine blue staining, electron microscopy, and staining for AChE were used to assess whether motor fibers from the RLN regenerated into the PN, and sections of diaphragm were examined after AChE staining to assess the motor endplates.

RESULTS

Both the RLN and PN exhibited highly rhythmic discharges, synchronized with respiration, and most fibers in the RLN and PN were found to be motor fibers. Numerous myelinated fibers were observed in anastomosed PN using toluidine blue staining and electron microscopy. Staining for AChE showed that those regenerated fibers had typical characteristics of motor fibers, and motor endplates with typical morphological characteristics were observed in the diaphragm. Reestablished rhythmic contraction of the hemidiaphragm was directly observed using the DSA system, and rhythmic spontaneous discharge was recorded from the reinnervated hemidiaphragm using the bio-signal collection system.

CONCLUSIONS

Motor fibers from the RLN could regenerate into the PN after end-to-end anastomosis and reinnervate the denervated hemidiaphragm in rabbits. Those regenerated motor fibers restored rhythmic and autonomic movement of the paralyzed diaphragm. These results suggest that the RLN is an optimal donor nerve to anastomose with the PN in order to reestablish the autonomic movement of paralyzed diaphragms after high-level SCI.
Endoscopic clipping of intraventricular aneurysms using the “wet-field” technique
Authors: Takeuchi Kazuhito , Handa Takashi , Chu Jonsu , Wada Kentaro , Wakabayashi Toshihiko
Published: July 2018

Intraventricular hemorrhage and intracerebral aneurysms are relatively frequent complications associated with moyamoya disease. Prevention of aneurysm rerupture is important because it significantly decreases the morbidity and mortality rates. Aneurysms arising distal to collateral flow are sometimes observed in patients with intraventricular hemorrhage; however, the treatment of these aneurysms remains challenging because of their deep-seated location in the brain and accompanying narrow surgical corridor. The authors describe a neuroendoscopic aneurysm clipping technique performed in 2 cases using a small-diameter tubular retractor for intraventricular aneurysms of the distal lateral posterior choroidal artery. In this technique, the surgical field was continuously irrigated with artificial CSF to keep the ventricle size intact, and aneurysm clipping was performed through a tubular retractor that was introduced with neuronavigational guidance. The patients’ postoperative courses were uneventful, and CT angiography revealed complete clipping of the aneurysms and patent parent arteries. Endoscopic clipping using a tubular retractor is an effective and less invasive alternative for treating intraventricular aneurysms. The wet-field endoscopic technique is performed in an aqueous field and maintains an intact ventricle size, allowing for a clear surgical view and a wider, enhanced surgical field.
Use of the Airo mobile intraoperative CT system versus the O-arm for transpedicular screw fixation in the thoracic and lumbar spine: a retrospective cohort study of 263 patients
Authors: Scarone Pietro , Vincenzo Gabriele , Distefano Daniela , Del Grande Filippo , Cianfoni Alessandro , Presilla Stefano , Reinert Michael
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE

Navigation-enabling technology such as 3D-platform (O-arm) or intraoperative mobile CT (iCT-Airo) systems for use in spinal surgery has considerably improved accuracy over that of traditional fluoroscopy-guided techniques during pedicular screw positioning. In this study, the authors compared 2 intraoperative imaging systems with navigation, available in their neurosurgical unit, in terms of the accuracy they provided for transpedicular screw fixation in the thoracic and lumbar spine.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and surgical data of 263 consecutive patients who underwent thoracic and lumbar spine screw placement in the same center. Data on 97 patients who underwent surgery with iCT-Airo navigation (iCT-Airo group) and 166 with O-arm navigation (O-arm group) were analyzed. Most patients underwent surgery for a degenerative or traumatic condition that involved thoracic and lumbar pedicle screw fixation using an open or percutaneous technique. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with at least 1 screw not correctly positioned according to the last intraoperative image. Secondary endpoints were the proportion of screws that were repositioned during surgery, the proportion of patients with a postoperative complication related to screw malposition, surgical time, and radiation exposure. A blinded radiologist graded screw positions in the last intraoperative image according to the Heary classification (grade 1–3 screws were considered correctly placed).

RESULTS

A total of 1361 screws placed in 97 patients in the iCT-Airo group (503 screws) and in 166 in the O-arm group (858 screws) were graded. Of those screws, 3 (0.6%) in the iCT-Airo group and 4 (0.5%) in the O-arm group were misplaced. No statistically significant difference in final accuracy between these 2 groups or in the subpopulation of patients who underwent percutaneous surgery was found. Three patients in the iCT-Airo group (3.1%, 95% CI 0%–6.9%) and 3 in the O-arm group (1.8%, 95% CI 0%–4.0%) had a misplaced screw (Heary grade 4 or 5). Seven (1.4%) screws in the iCT-Airo group and 37 (4.3%) in the O-arm group were repositioned intraoperatively (p = 0.003). One patient in the iCT-Airo group and 2 in the O-arm group experienced postoperative neurological deficits related to hardware malposition. The mean surgical times in both groups were similar (276 [iCT-Airo] and 279 [O-arm] minutes). The mean exposure to radiation in the iCT-Airo group was significantly lower than that in the O-arm group (15.82 vs 19.12 mSv, respectively; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Introduction of a mobile CT scanner reduced the rate of screw repositioning, which enhanced patient safety and diminished radiation exposure for patients, but it did not improve overall accuracy compared to that of a mobile 3D platform.
A systematic review of endoscopic versus open treatment of craniosynostosis. Part 2: the nonsagittal single sutures
Authors: Yan Han , Abel Taylor J. , Alotaibi Naif M. , Anderson Melanie , Niazi Toba N. , Weil Alexander G. , Fallah Aria , Phillips John H. , Forrest Christopher R. , Kulkarni Abhaya V. , Drake James M. , Ibrahim George M.
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE

Despite increasing adoption of endoscopic techniques for repair of nonsagittal single-suture craniosynostosis, the efficacy and safety of the procedure relative to established open approaches are unknown. In this systematic review the authors aimed to directly compare open surgical and endoscope-assisted techniques for the treatment of metopic, unilateral coronal, and lambdoid craniosynostosis, with an emphasis on quantitative reported outcomes.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Relevant articles were identified from 3 electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL [Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials]) from their inception to August 2017. The quality of methodology and bias risk were assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.

RESULTS

Of 316 screened records, 7 studies were included in a qualitative synthesis of the evidence, of which none were eligible for meta-analysis. These reported on 111 unique patients with metopic, 65 with unilateral coronal, and 12 with lambdoid craniosynostosis. For all suture types, 100 (53%) children underwent endoscope-assisted craniosynostosis surgery and 32 (47%) patients underwent open repair. These studies all suggest that blood loss, transfusion rate, operating time, and length of hospital stay were superior for endoscopically treated children. Although potentially comparable or better cosmetic outcomes are reported, the paucity of evidence and considerable variability in outcomes preclude meaningful conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited data comparing open and endoscopic treatments for metopic, unilateral coronal, and lambdoid synostosis suggest a benefit for endoscopic techniques with respect to blood loss, transfusion, length of stay, and operating time. This report highlights shortcomings in evidence and gaps in knowledge regarding endoscopic repair of nonsagittal single-suture craniosynostosis, emphasizing the need for further matched-control studies.
Национально-стилевая идентификация армянской оперы на примере оперы А.Тиграняна «Ануш».
Authors: Arutyunyan Gayane
Published: July 2018

Целью статьи является выявление принципов творческого мышления, характерных для национального армянского стиля в опере А. Тиграняна «Ануш». Методология статьи заключается в источниковедческом, аналитическом и стилевом подходах. Научная новизна состоит в применении стилевого подхода к малоисследованной в современной научной литературе опере А.Тиграняна «Ануш». Выводы. Опера А. Тиграняна «Ануш» является ярким образцом проявления национального стиля в музыке. Ее интонационная основа базируется на типичных для народной армянской музыки мелодических оборотах, жанрах и песенных формах. При этом композитор не прибегает к заимствованию фольклорного материала, а наоборот, глубоко проникнувшись им, воссоздает собственные авторские образцы. Сюжет и драматургия оперы затрагивают близкие для армянского быта, исторически достоверные проблемы. Благодаря этому жанр оперы «Ануш» можно определить реалистическую музыкальную драму. С другой стороны, интонационная составляющая музыкального материала позволяют ее обозначить как жанрово-бытовую оперу. Завершающую роль в формировании национального начала данной оперы сыграли исторические обстоятельства, в которых она была создана.Ключевые слова: национальный стиль, армянская опера, армянский стиль, А. Тигранян, опера «Ануш».
Втілення національної тематики в творчості Йосипа Ельгісера
Authors: Kapliyenko-Iliuk Yulia
Published: July 2018

Мета статті – характеристика творів єврейської тематики в фортепіанній та вокальній творчості одного з буковинських композиторів сучасності – Йосипа Ельгісера. Методологія. Застосовано методи історико-культурологічного, теоретичного та жанрово-стильового аналізу, що дозволило визначити особливості творів єврейської тематики в контексті дослідження музики композитора. Наукова новизна полягає у висвітленні єврейської тематики в музиці, аналізі творів Йосипа Ельгісера – буковинського композитора, творчий стиль якого малодосліджений у сучасному музикознавстві. Висновки. Творчість Йосипа Ельгісера надзвичайно оригінальна та самобутня. Більша частина його творчості – це фортепіанна музика, у різних жанрах якої розкрилися особливості його творчого стилю. Основна частина доробку Ельгісера – програмна музика, яка тісно пов’язана з життям композитора. Особливо важливою темою його творчості стала трагічна доля єврейського народу. Створюючи музичні картини та портрети у вигляді фортепіанних мініатюр, Ельгісер поєднував їх в цикли під загальними програмними назвами.Ключові слова: єврейська народна пісня, обробки єврейських пісень, єврейська фортепіанна музика, фортепіанний цикл, композитори Буковини, творчість Й. Ельгісера.
Композиторські інструментальні стилі в музиці до драматичних вистав (на прикладі творчості вітчизняних композиторів другої половини хх ст.)
Authors: Olendarev Anton
Published: July 2018

Метою статті є встановлення закономірностей інструментального мислення І. Шамо, В. Рождественського, М. Скорика в музиці до драматичних вистав. Методологія: у статті застосовано аналітичний, жанровий, інтонаційний, стильовий та системний підходи. Наукова новизна: у статті вивчаються особливості інструментальних стилів провідних вітчизняних композиторів ХХ ст. – В. Рождественського, І. Шамо, М. Скорика – в контексті музики до драматичних вистав. Висновки: на основі зробленого аналізу можна стверджувати, що ці композитори проявили себе як майстри з чітко визначеним власними інструментальними стилями. Стрижнем цього слід вважати постійне намагання індивідуалізувати, перш за все, виконавський склад. Базою для того виступає великий симфонічний оркестр парного складу, «адаптований» для потреб і можливостей драматичного театру.Ключові слова: театр, музика, оркестр, інструментарій, інструментальний стиль, українські композитори.
Принцип сонатности как музыкально-исполнительский феномен	в фортепианном творчестве Л. Бетховена
Authors: Pean Sun
Published: July 2018

Цель работы – раскрыть содержание и значение принципа сонатности как музыкально-исполнительского явления в фортепианном творчестве Л. Бетховена. Методология исследования предполагает единство текстологического и аналитического музыковедческого подходов, усиление интерпретативного исполнительского ракурса изучения жанровой формы в музыке. Научная новизна определяется превалированием исполнительского подхода и выделением на его основе категории сонатности как специфического принципа фортепианного (пианистического) мышления. Впервые предлагается сопоставление явлений композиторской и исполнительской игровой полистилистики, разрабатывается понятие исполнительской сонатной семантики. Выводы. Фортепианные сонаты Л. Бетховена знаменуют вершинное положение в развитии принципа сонатности и выражении игровой логики сонатной композиции. Они аккумулируют те исполнительские приемы и средства выразительности, которые  специфичны именно для сонатного способа фактурного изложения и временного становления, определяют весь основной круг специфического музыкально-тематического содержания фортепианной сонаты как жанровой формы, значение сонатного типа мышления в фортепианной музыке и фортепианном исполнительстве. Ключевые слова: фортепианная соната, принцип сонатности, игровая логика сонаты, сонатное мышление, музыкально-тематическое содержания, фортепианное мышление, семантическая программа сонатного жанра, сонаты Л. Бетховена.
У пошуках смислової організації ролі: постать Д.Гнатюка в практиці вітчизняного оперного виконавства 1958 – 1959 років
Authors: Bondarchuk Viktor
Published: July 2018

Мета роботи. Тема, обрана для дослідження, проектує мистецькі апробації Дмитра Михайловича Гнатюка в контексті театральних тенденцій українського оперного виконавства кінця 50-х років. Методологія дослідження передбачає обов’язкове закріплення проблеми в координатах історичного, мистецтвознавчого та культурологічного дискурсу з використанням аналогічних методів дослідження, що дає можливість розкрити сутнісні основи творчої особистості Д.М.Гнатюка в проекції на мистецькі поступи театральних реалій часу. Наукова новизна. На прикладі діяльності видатного і титулованого актора, прослідковується потужні трансформації в практиці вітчизняного оперного мистецтва. Увагу дослідження сконцентровано на важливих етапах анастазису української оперної традиції на прикладі творчості Р.Вагнера, В.Шебаліна, М.Лисенка. Висновки. Сутність Д.М.Гнатюка сформована реаліями повоєнних десятиліть акумулювала енергетичний досвід українців, сформувала власне відчуття дійсності і вкарбувала естетичні пріоритети у площину суспільних інтересів та поглядів. Феномен особистості кристалізується у його мистецькому універсалізмі, що синтезує, узагальнює і стимулює до розвитку велику кількість жанрових моделей, стильових концепцій та виконавських механізмів.Ключові слова: літературний жанр, національно-виконавські традиції, школа вітчизняного оперного виконавства, міжнаціональна комунікація.
Колективний спів у дитячому фольклорі
Authors: Dolinskaya Larisa
Published: July 2018

Мета роботи. Стаття пов'язана з дослідженням природи, умов та особливостей функціонування колективного співу у дитячому фольклорі зі спиранням на категорії колективності, гри, цілісності, а також дитинства, дитячості. Методологія дослідження полягає в застосуванні компаративного, естетико-культурологічного, історичного методів, а також музикознавчого аналітичного підходу, які утворюють єдину методологічну основу. Зазначений методологічний підхід дозволяє розкрити модель дитячого колективного співу як специфічного культурного явища у синкретичній системі фольклору. Наукова новизна роботи полягає в розширенні уявлень про дитячий колективний спів у фольклорі у мистецтвознавчому та музикологічному аспектах. Доводяться колективна природа, ігрові засади дитячого співу у фольклорі, іманентність якості цілісності, зв’язок зі смисловим полем дитячості. Висновки. Категорії колективності, гри, цілісності, а також дитинства, дитячості, виступають у дитячому фольклорі (поряд з синкретизмом, утилітарністю, символізмом, образністю, декоративністю і традиційністю) тими основними концептами, які визначають його зміст, розвиток, міфологічні й виховальні засади, музично-мовні засоби.Ключові слова: дитячий фольклор, дитинство, колективний дитячий спів, ігрова природа, цілісність.
Certificateless Public Key Cryptography in the Standard Model
Authors: Canard Sébastien , Trinh Viet Cuong
Published: July 2018

Identity-based cryptography has been introduced by Shamir at Crypto’84 to avoid the use of expensive certificates in certified public key cryptography. In such system, the identity becomes the public key and each user needs to interact with a designated authority to obtain the related private key. It however suffers the key escrow problem since the authority knows the private keys of all users. To deal with this problem, Riyami and Paterson have introduced, at Asiacrypt’03, the notion of certificateless public key cryptography. In this case, there is no need to use the certificate to certify the public key, and neither the user nor the authority can derive the full private key by himself. There have been several efforts to propose a certificateless signature (CLS) scheme in the standard model, but all of them either make use of the Waters’ technique or of the generic conversion technique (proposed by Yum and Lee at ACISP’04) which both lead to inefficient CLS schemes. Besides making use of the Waters’ technique and the generic conversion technique (proposed also by Yum and Lee at ICCSA’04), there exists direct approaches to construct certificateless public key encryption (CLE) scheme in the standard model. In this paper, we introduce a new and direct approach to construct a CLS scheme in the standard model with constant-size of all parameters and having efficient computing time. We also show that the Boneh et al.’s identity-based encryption scheme secured in the standard model at EC’04 can be extended to the certificateless setting. Interestingly, the resulting scheme can be comparable with the existing CLE schemes in term of both efficiency and security.
The Use of Mobile Games to Assess Cognitive Function of Elderly with and without Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Bonnechère Bruno , Van Vooren Mélissa , Bier Jean-Christophe , De Breucker Sandra , Van Hove Olivier , Van Sint Jan Serge , Feipel Véronique , Jansen Bart
Published: July 2018

Background:

In the past few years numerous mobile games have been developed to train the brain. There is a lack of information about the relation between the scores obtained in these games and the cognitive abilities of the patients.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine whether or not mobile games can be used to assess cognitive abilities of elderly.

Methods:

Twenty healthy young adults, 29 old patients with cognitive impairments (Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) [ 20 – 24 ]) and 27-aged controls participated in this study. Scores obtained in 7 mobile games were correlated with MMSE and the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Evaluation revised (ACE-R).

Results:

Statistically significant differences were found for all games between patients with cognitive impairments and the aged controls. Correlations between the average scores of the games and the MMSE and ACE-R are significant (R = 0.72 [ p < 0.001] and R = 0.81 [ p < 0.001], respectively).

Conclusion:

Scores of cognitive mobile games could be used as an alternative to MMSE and ACE-R to evaluate cognitive function of aged people with and without cognitive impairment at least when MMSE is higher than 20/30.
Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy is a Well-Tolerated and Effective Treatment for the Long-Term Control of Intra-Abdominal and Retroperitoneal Oligometastatic Renal Cell Cancer
Authors: Maund Isabella , Bowzyk Al-Naeeb Anna , Welsh Sarah J. , Eisen Tim , Fife Kate
Published: July 2018

Background:

The use of conventionally fractionated intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in the management of oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is currently poorly characterised in the literature.

Objective:

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of IMRT for intraabdominal and retroperitoneal RCC oligometastases.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 14 patients with oligometastatic RCC treated with IMRT with the aim of inducing long-term control. Indications for radiotherapy included bleeding abdominal mass (5 patients), solitary renal bed recurrence (5 patients) and isolated, asymptomatic pancreatic mass (4 patients). The prescribed radiotherapy dose was 50 Gray in 20 to 25 fractions. Patients were followed up long-term using regular cross-sectional imaging and clinical review to assess local and distant disease control and treatment related toxicity.

Results:

At median follow up of 33.5 (6–68) months, 12 patients remain alive (86%), of whom 11 (92%) have no evidence of local recurrence. Six patients (43%) developed further metastatic disease, of whom 4 (67%) received systemic treatment. Median duration of local control was 33.5 months, and 1- and 3-year overall survival (OS) was 92.9% and 85.7% respectively. No treatment-related toxicities ≥ grade 3 and no long-term sequelae were observed.

Conclusions:

IMRT to intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal metastasis in oligo-metastatic RCC can be delivered safely, provide durable responses and excellent longer-term survival if given to a sufficiently high dose over a conventionally fractionated course. Our study is the first to date with long-term follow up to evaluate the role of IMRT in such cases and has important implications for treatment of oligometastatic RCC.
Is rapamycin a rapalog?
Authors: Glass David J. , Lamming Dudley W.
Published: July 2018

David Glass and Dudley Lamming debate the question of “Is Rapamycin a Rapalog” while the world votes.
Morphological Variations of the Liver in Autopsies of the Iranian Population
Authors: Mohammadi Shabnam , Hadjazi Arya , Sajjadian Maryam , Attaran Hamid , Mohammadi Maryam
Published: July 2018

Knowledge about the variations in liver is essential for surgeons and radiologists, so as to prevent wrong interpretation and diagnosis. So far, no data are available on the standard characteristics of normal liver in the Iranian population. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the standard data of a normal liver including weight, length, width, thickness and lobes variations of the liver of Iranians. This cross sectional study was perfomed on 600 cadavers in Mashhad Legal Medicine Center in 2016. After obtaining demographic characteristics of cadavers, the weight, length, width, thickness and variations of the liver lobes were evaluated. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. The mean values of the liver length, width, thickness, weight, and index of the liver were 23.56 ± 16.37 cm, 14.18 ± 3.49 cm, 6.53 ± 1.71cm, 1357.59 ± 381.5 g and 25.44 ± 47.72 respectively. The average length of the portal vein was 5.73±1.56 cm, while the average diameter of the portal vein was 8.90 ± 2.23 mm. Based on Netter's anatomy, most livers (56.7%) were Type III (saddle like liver) and the lowest number of livers (2.2%) were Type II (left liver lobe atrophy). Although, the dimensions and weight of the liver was more in men than women, but except for the portal vein diameter, there was no statistically significant difference between the sexes in other values. There were significant differences between the dimensions of the liver with age, body weight and BMI. Investigation of liver morphological characteristics is useful for surgeons as well as anatomists. Besides, it includes the standard data of anthropometry in the Iranian population.
Clinical Accuracy of Electronic Apex Locator in Measuring Working Length during Root Canal Treatment
Authors: Bashar AKM , Rafique Tanzila , Ghosh Ranjit , Abdullah Kamal , Sajedeen Mohmood , Hassan Gazi Shamim
Published: July 2018

Obtaining a correct working length is critical to success of endodontic therapy. The procedure for establishment of working length should be performed using techniques that have been proven to give valuable and accurate results and methods that are practical and efficacious. The development of the electronic apex locator has helped to assess the working length more accurate and predictable. So the objective of this in vivo-ex vivo study was to evaluate the clinical accuracy of electronic apex locator in measuring the working length of the root canal in vivo, and comparing the lengths so measured, to the actual working length, ex vivo and after extraction. Electronic apex locator C-Root-I VI (Foshan COXO Medical Instrument Co. China) was used to measure the working length in 100 root canals (one palatal canal and one buccal canal in fifty maxillary 1st premolar) in vivo before extraction, that were scheduled for orthodontic treatment in twenty-five patients. Teeth were then extracted and apical constrictions were identified by careful preparation of the apical 4 mm of all the roots. Actual working lengths were determined by adjusting an endodontic file in the root canal upto the constriction from the coronal reference point. Electronic working lengths obtained in vivo were then compared for coincidence with the actual lengths thus measured after extraction (ex vivo). The data were statistically analysed by a paired Student 't' test and Pearson correlation-coefficient test. In 14 canals out of 100 electronic working lengths (EWL) truly coincided with actual working length (AWL). Eighty two canals out of 100, EWLs were <0.5 mm short in measurement than AWLs but the difference with AWL was statistically insignificant (p >0.01). Only in 4 canals (4%) EWLs were either >0.5mm short or more than AWL, thereby fail to meet the criteria of acceptable range of coincidence (⩽0.5 mm from the apical constriction). On reliability analysis, all (100%) electronic working length significantly correlate with the actual working length (r=0.971). Within a clinically acceptable range of ⩽0.5 mm, C Root I apex locator device showed a high degree of success (96%) in determination of working length during root canal treatment.
Genetics of Lipodystrophy: Can It Help in Understanding the Pathophysiology of Metabolic Syndrome?
Authors: Mathur Sandeep Kumar , Tiwari Pradeep , Gupta Sonal , Gupta Nidhi , Nimesh Surendra , Medicherla Krishna Mohan , Suravajhala Prashanth
Published: July 2018

Understanding phenotypes and their genetic determinants for metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been quite challenging. With the advent of systems genomic approaches, there is a need to decipher methods for identification and evaluating the functional role of phenotypic traits associated with complex diseases, such as MetS. The monogenic syndromes of lipodystrophy are well understood, but the molecular pathophysiology of insulin resistance (IR) underpinning the obesity, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia is not well deciphered. In this commentary, we argue the role of pathophysiology of MetS, and its effects into possible understanding of genetic determinants associated with lipodystrophy-mediated diabetes mellitus.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Tourette Syndrome: A Historical Perspective, Its Current Use and the Influence of Comorbidities in Treatment Response
Authors: Grados Marco , Huselid Rachel , Duque-Serrano Laura
Published: July 2018

Background. Tourette syndrome (TS) is a childhood-onset neuropsychiatric disorder consisting of impairing motor and vocal tics which often persists adolescent and adult years. In this older refractory group, standard treatments such as pharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutic interventions may only have limited effects. Based on electrical cortical dysregulation in individuals with TS, a novel approach has employed brain stimulation strategies to modulate the putative aberrant neural electrical activity in pathways that may underlie tics, such as insula-supplementary motor area (SMA) connectivity. Methods. This review will examine all published clinical trials employing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to ameliorate tics, and discuss a framework for the pathophysiology of TS in relation to electrical brain activity. A framework for future research in tic disorders using TMS and imaging targeting neuroplasticity will be discussed. Results. Therapeutic electrical brain activity modulation with TMS has been carried out in stroke neuro-rehabilitation and neuropsychiatry, including trials in TS. Eleven trials document the use of TMS in TS targeting several brain areas, a positive effect is seen for those trials targeting the SMA. In particular, it appears that younger individuals with concurrent attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) benefit the most. Conclusions. TMS can be used as an effective tool to explore the psychophysiology of TS and potentially provide a therapeutic option. Ultimately, translational research using TMS in TS needs to explore connectivity differences pre- and post-treatment in individuals with TS that are linked to improvement in tic symptoms, with an emphasis on approaches using functional neuroimaging as well as other probes of neuroplasticity.
Valproic Acid Downregulates Cytokine Expression in Human Macrophages Infected with Dengue Virus
Authors: Delgado Félix G. , Cárdenas Paola , Castellanos Jaime E.
Published: July 2018

Natural infection with dengue virus (DENV) induces an increase in the production of cytokines that play an important role in disease pathogenesis. Despite numerous scientific studies, there are still no commercially available disease-specific therapeutics. Previous evidence shows that inhibiting histone deacetylase enzymes (HDACs) regulates the immune response in several inflammatory disease models. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of HDAC inhibition in the production of inflammatory cytokines in human monocyte-derived macrophages infected with DENV serotype 2 (DENV-2). To this end, human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) were treated with valproic acid (VPA) before or after infection and the inflammatory cytokine concentration was quantified by flow cytometry. We found that infected MDMs secreted IL-8, IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-10, but not IL-12. Strikingly, treatment of infected cells with VPA had a differential and concentration-dependent effect on the production of specific cytokines without eliciting significant changes in cell viability. Using the highest concentration of VPA, a significant reduction in the production of all cytokines was observed. These results suggest that HDAC inhibition during DENV-2 infection could exert an important regulatory effect in the production of inflammatory cytokines, representing a significant advance in the design of novel therapeutic dengue treatments.
Applications of Yeast Synthetic Biology Geared towards the Production of Biopharmaceuticals
Authors: Walker Roy S. K. , Pretorius Isak S.
Published: July 2018

Engineered yeast are an important production platform for the biosynthesis of high-value compounds with medical applications. Recent years have witnessed several new developments in this area, largely spurred by advances in the field of synthetic biology and the elucidation of natural metabolic pathways. This minireview presents an overview of synthetic biology applications for the heterologous biosynthesis of biopharmaceuticals in yeast and demonstrates the power and potential of yeast cell factories by highlighting several recent examples. In addition, an outline of emerging trends in this rapidly-developing area is discussed, hinting upon the potential state-of-the-art in the years ahead.
Wave (Current)-Induced Pore Pressure in Offshore Deposits: A Coupled Finite Element Model
Authors: Liao Chencong , Jeng Dongsheng , Lin Zaibin , Guo Yakun , Zhang Qi
Published: July 2018

The interaction between wave and offshore deposits is of great importance for the foundation design of marine installations. However, most previous investigations have been limited to connecting separated wave and seabed sub-models with an individual interface program that transfers loads from the wave model to the seabed model. This research presents a two-dimensional coupled approach to study both wave and seabed processes simultaneously in the same FEM (finite element method) program (COMSOL Multiphysics). In the present model, the progressive wave is generated using a momentum source maker combined with a steady current, while the seabed response is applied with the poro-elastoplastic theory. The information between the flow domain and soil deposits is strongly shared, leading to a comprehensive investigation of wave-seabed interaction. Several cases have been simulated to test the wave generation capability and to validate the soil model. The numerical results present fairly good predictions of wave generation and pore pressure within the seabed, indicating that the present coupled model is a sufficient numerical tool for estimation of wave-induced pore pressure.
Nonlinear Time Series Modeling: A Unified Perspective, Algorithm and Application
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Subhadeep , Parzen Emanuel
Published: July 2018

A new comprehensive approach to nonlinear time series analysis and modeling is developed in the present paper. We introduce novel data-specific mid-distribution-based Legendre Polynomial (LP)-like nonlinear transformations of the original time series {Y(t)} that enable us to adapt all the existing stationary linear Gaussian time series modeling strategies and make them applicable to non-Gaussian and nonlinear processes in a robust fashion. The emphasis of the present paper is on empirical time series modeling via the algorithm LPTime. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our theoretical framework using daily S&P 500 return data between 2 January 1963 and 31 December 2009. Our proposed LPTime algorithm systematically discovers all the ‘stylized facts’ of the financial time series automatically, all at once, which were previously noted by many researchers one at a time.
Fabrication and Mechanical Properties of Tungsten Inert Gas Welding Ring Welded Joint of 7A05-T6/5A06-O Dissimilar Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Wang Wukun , Cao Zengqiang , Liu Kai , Zhang Xianglong , Zhou Kewen , Ou Peng
Published: July 2018

In this paper, Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (TIG) and single-sided welding and double-sided forming have been used to weld the 7A05-T6/5A06-O dissimilar aluminum alloy circular welded joint of a ring-stiffened closed cylindrical sandwich shell. Microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of welded joints were investigated by use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), backscatter electron diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Hardness distribution and tensile properties of the welded joints were examined. The results showed the failure of the welded joints produced in the fusion zone (FZ). The tensile strength and yield strength of the welded joints were, respectively, 78.87% and 97.24% of the 5A06-O base metal (BM), and the elongation reached 84.29% of 7A05-T6 base metal. Welding high heat input led to the coarse grain size in the fusion zone, and the long-term similar quenching effect can lead to the full dissolution of the strengthening zone of the fusion zone resulting in the reductions of strength and hardness. Around 7A05 heat-affected zone (HAZ), there is an obvious hardening zone and softening zone, the solid solution precipitates into the Rayleigh brilliant η′ (MgZn2) phase, which results in natural aging strengthening, thus obtaining high hardness. η′ (MgZn2) enhanced phase dissolved fully and the dislocation density decreased rapidly in the HAZ region resulted in a softening zone with a lower hardness at about (10–18) mm from the center of the weld center.
Risk factors of main cancer sites
Authors: Uleckienė Saulė , Didžiapetrienė Janina , Griciūtė Liudvika , Urbelienė Janina , Kasiulevičius Vytautas , Šapoka Virginijus
Published: July 2018

Cancer prevention is a system of various measures devoted to avoid this disease. Primary cancer prevention means the identification, avoidance, or destruction of known risk factors. The main risk factors are smoking, diet, alcohol consumption, occupational factors, environmental pollution, electromagnetic radiation, infection, medicines, reproductive hormones, and lack of physical activity. Approximately onethird of cancers can be avoided by implementing various preventive measures. The aim of this article was to acquaint medical students, family doctors with risk factors of main cancer sites (lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate).
Effect of Cold Deformation on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Xu Deming , Wan Xiangliang , Yu Jianxin , Xu Guang , Li Guangqiang
Published: July 2018

In this paper, the effect of cold deformation on the microstructures and mechanical properties of 316LN austenitic stainless steel (ASS) was investigated. The results indicated that the content of martensite increased as the cold rolling reduction also increased. Meanwhile, the density of the grain boundary in the untransformed austenite structure of CR samples increased as the cold reduction increased from 10% to 40%, leading to a decreased size of the untransformed austenite structure. These two factors contribute to the improvement of strength and the decrease of ductility. High yield strengths (780–968 MPa) with reasonable elongations (30.8–27.4%) were achieved through 20–30% cold rolling. The 10–30% cold-rolled (CR) samples with good ductility had a good strain hardening ability, exhibiting a three-stage strain hardening behavior.
Anti-Agglomeration Behavior and Sensing Assay of Chlorsulfuron Based on Acetamiprid-Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Guangyang , Zhang Ruonan , Li Lingyun , Huang Xiaodong , Li Tengfei , Lu Meng , Xu Donghui , Wang Jing
Published: July 2018

Monitoring of low levels of chlorsulfuron in environmental water samples is important. Although several detection methods have been developed, they all have some drawbacks, such as being time-consuming, requiring expensive instruments and experienced operators, and consuming large volumes of organic solvents. There is an urgent need for a simple, rapid, and inexpensive detection method for chlorsulfuron. Herein, such a method was developed using anti-aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the presence of acetamiprid in agricultural irrigation water samples. Aggregation of the AuNPs was induced by acetamiprid, and this produced a distinct color change from Bordeaux red to blue. However, the strong hydrogen bonding interaction between chlorsulfuron and acetamiprid could inhibit AuNP aggregation. The effect of chlorsulfuron on the anti-agglomeration behavior of AuNPs was monitored by ultraviolet–visiblespectroscopy (UV-Vis) and the naked eye over a concentration range 0.1–100 mg/L. The detection limit for chlorsulfuron was 0.025 mg/L (signal-to-noise ratio of three). This colorimetric method was successfully applied to the determination of chlorsulfuron in spiked tap water and agricultural irrigation water with satisfactory recoveries (76.3%–94.2%).
A Self-Powered Six-Axis Tactile Sensor by Using Triboelectric Mechanism
Authors: Chen Tao , Shi Qiongfeng , Yang Zhan , Liu Jinchang , Liu Huicong , Sun Lining , Lee Chengkuo
Published: July 2018

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are highly promising because they can scavenge energy from their working environment to sustainably power wearable/mobile electronics. In this work, we propose a novel and straightforward strategy for six-axis force detection and object controlling by using a self-powered sensor based on TENG. The self-powered sensor can be used in diversified tactile sensing and energy saving applications, which has been demonstrated to be able to detect normal force in the range of 0–18 N. Using the vector properties of external force, six-axis directions in three-dimensional (3D) space is detected. Additionally, it is fabricated with environmental friendly materials, i.e., galinstan and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), promoting its applications in more diversified situations. Because of the available and high output voltage as well as the low internal impedance, the self-powered sensor is readily compatible with commercial signal processing and management circuits. The device presented in this work shows robust structure and stable output performance, enabling itself as an ideal human machine interface in self-powered, batteryless, and electric energy saving applications.