bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Deposition Conditions on Atmospheric Pitting Corrosion Location Under Evans Droplets on Type 304L Stainless Steel
Authors: Street Steven R. , Cook Angus J.M.C. , Mohammed-Ali Haval B. , Rayment Trevor , Davenport Alison J.
Published: December 2017

Pit location during atmospheric corrosion of Type 304L stainless steel under MgCl2 droplets depends on initial droplet concentration. Pits formed predominantly in the center of the droplet for concentrations ≥4 M, closer to the perimeter for 1.5 M to 3 M, and were randomly distributed for concentrations ≤1 M. Pits initiated only after the droplets had evaporated to a critical concentration >3 M, where droplets deposited with lower initial concentrations were thinner. The results can be explained in terms of “differential aeration” and IR drop effects, showing that corrosion in “splash zones” may differ from that under aerosol salt deposit layers that deliquesce forming initially saturated solutions.
Alt_Right White Lite: Trolling, Hate Speech and Cyber Racism on Social Media
Authors: Jakubowicz Andrew Henry
Published: December 2017

The rapid growth of race hate speech on the Internet seems to have overwhelmed the capacity of states, corporations or civil society to limit its spread and impact. Yet by understanding how the political economy of the Internet facilitates racism it is possible to chart strategies that might push back on its negative social effects. Only by involving the state, economy and civil society at both the global level, and locally, can such a process begin to develop an effective ‘civilising’ dynamic. However neo-liberalism and democratic license may find such an exercise ultimately overwhelmingly challenging, especially if the fundamental logical drivers that underpin the business model of the Internet cannot be transformed. This article charts the most recent rise and confusion of the Internet under the impact of the Alt-Right and other racist groups, focusing on an Australian example that demonstrates the way in which a group could manipulate the contradictions of the Internet with some success. Using an analytical model developed to understand the political economy and sociology of mass media power in the later stages of modernity, before the Internet, the author offers a series of proposals on how to address racism on the Internet.
Validation of spectroscopic gas analyzer accuracy using gravimetric standard gas mixtures: impact of background gas composition on CO2 quantitation by cavity ring-down spectroscopy
Authors: Lim Jeong Sik , Park Miyeon , Lee Jinbok , Lee Jeongsoon
Published: December 2017

Abstract. The effect of background gas composition on the measurement of CO2 levels was investigated by wavelength-scanned cavity ring-down spectrometry (WS-CRDS) employing a spectral line centered at the R(1) of the (3 00 1)III  ←  (0 0 0) band. For this purpose, eight cylinders with various gas compositions were gravimetrically and volumetrically prepared within 2σ = 0.1 %, and these gas mixtures were introduced into the WS-CRDS analyzer calibrated against standards of ambient air composition. Depending on the gas composition, deviations between CRDS-determined and gravimetrically (or volumetrically) assigned CO2 concentrations ranged from −9.77 to 5.36 µmol mol−1, e.g., excess N2 exhibited a negative deviation, whereas excess Ar showed a positive one. The total pressure broadening coefficients (TPBCs) obtained from the composition of N2, O2, and Ar thoroughly corrected the deviations up to −0.5 to 0.6 µmol mol−1, while these values were −0.43 to 1.43 µmol mol−1 considering PBCs induced by only N2. The use of TPBC enhanced deviations to be corrected to ∼ 0.15 %. Furthermore, the above correction linearly shifted CRDS responses for a large extent of TPBCs ranging from 0.065 to 0.081 cm−1 atm−1. Thus, accurate measurements using optical intensity-based techniques such as WS-CRDS require TPBC-based instrument calibration or use standards prepared in the same background composition of ambient air.
Superaggregates or instrument artifact?
Authors: Pierce Ashley M. , Loría-Salazar S. Marcela , Arnott W. Patrick , Edwards Grant C. , Miller Matthieu B. , Sexauer Gustin Mae
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Previous studies have indicated that superaggregates, clusters of aggregates of soot primary particles, can be formed in large-scale turbulent fires. High intensity fires may also produce the right circumstances to inject plumes into the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere during pyrocumulonimbus thunderstorms, where the superaggregates can then be transported long distances. Due to lower effective densities, higher porosity, and lower aerodynamic diameters, superaggregates may be deposited past inlets designed to stop particles  2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter were collected on 36 days. On preliminary analysis, it was thought that these particles were superaggregates, depositing past PM10 (particles
Corruption and the Securitisation of Nature
Authors: White Rob
Published: December 2017

This article considers corruption in Australia in relation to the exploitation and preservation of natural resources. In doing so, it examines issues pertaining to a proposed pulp mill and the forestry industry in Tasmania, the development of mining and ports in Queensland, and international agreements pertaining to deep-sea oil drilling in the Timor Sea. Corruption relating to the environment is interpreted in this article as implying both moral corruption and/or direct corruption. Gaining unfair advantage, protecting specific sectoral interests and over-riding existing environmental regulations are all features of the types of corruption associated with the exploitation of natural resources. The result is lack of transparency, a substantial democratic deficit, and expenditure of public monies, time and resources in support of environmentally and socially dubious activities.
RUBBER CITY GIRL: THE PATH TO THE GOODYEAR MEDAL
Authors: Puskas Judit E.
Published: December 2017

An overview of my 40-year career will be provided, spanning both industry and academe, and two continents. During my industrial years at LANXESS (formerly the Rubber Division of Bayer), I solved long-standing (10-yr) major manufacturing problems related to Taktene-55 and developed on-line and off-line process control tools that are still in operation. I also developed new technologies (bimodal butyl, one-step halobutyl, branched butyl, liquid carbon dioxide process) that resulted in patents. After transferring to academe, I continued the development of new polyisobutylene-based materials. I have held the Bayer (LANXESS) Industrial Research Chair for 12 yr, working closely with the rubber industry. My most important accomplishments include developing advanced elastomers and thermoplastic elastomers for health care, enzyme-catalyzed polymer functionalization, a “green” synthesis of disulfide polymers and gels, and research into natural rubber biosynthesis. Poly(styrene-isobutylene-polystyrene) is used in a Food and Drug Administration–approved drug-eluting stent, implanted in more than six million patients, saving lives. The recently patented poly(alloocimene-isobutylene-alloocimene) is also a potential biomaterial and also a potential halogen-free halobutyl rubber. I will also discuss my adventure of a field experiment at a Brazilian Hevea plantation to verify our laboratory discovery that the rubber content of Hevea latex can be increased by 20–50% using a special method of tapping. My goal now is creating safer breast implants with cancer-fighting and healing properties. I am proud that the Rubber World trade journal listed me among the 125 inventors that influenced rubber technology in a profound way. I thank my family, Professor Joseph P. Kennedy, and Dr. Adel Halasa for their mentorship and support.
Outcomes in patients with late sequelae (healed stage) of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease undergoing arthroscopic treatment: retrospective case series
Authors: Lee Woo-Yong , Hwang Deuk-Soo , Ha Yong-Chan , Kim Pil-Sung , Zheng Long
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

The residual hip deformities after Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) cause mechanical symptoms and are associated with a pathomechanical environment that can feature femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes in residual or healed LCPD after arthroscopic treatment.

Patients and methods:

We retrospectively reviewed patients with LCPD amongst patients with FAI who underwent arthroscopic treatment between January 2009 and June 2013. We determined LCPD through 3-dimensional computed tomographic scans and simple radiography of the hip joint. The clinical outcomes were rated using a visual analogue scale pain score (VAS), the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and hip range of motion (ROM) preoperatively and at the 2-year follow-up. All radiographs were assessed using the Tönnis classification system preoperatively and at the final follow-up of each patient. There were 23 patients (14 men, 9 women) with mean age 26.4 (range, 16-49) years undergoing arthroscopic treatment for FAI symptoms because of residual or healed LCPD.

Results:

At the 2-year follow-up, the mean VAS had improved significantly from 6.7 to 2.1, the mean mHHS had improved significantly from 62.6 to 87.4, and hip flexion and external rotation had improved significantly from 88.7° to 106.5° and from 20.4° to 33.5°, respectively (all p<0.001). The Tönnis osteoarthritis grade had not changed in any patient at the latest follow-up.

Conclusions:

Arthroscopic treatment for sequelae of LCPD relieved symptoms and improved range of motion, making arthroscopic treatment a good option for the sequelae of LCPD.
Overestimation of the risk of revision with Kaplan-Meier presenting the long-term outcome of total hip replacement in older patients
Authors: Lampropoulou-Adamidou Kalliopi , Karachalios Theofilos S , Hartofilakidis George
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

The purpose of the present study was (i) to review the long-term outcome of cemented Charnley total hip replacements (THRs) performed by 1 surgeon (GH), 20 to 42 years ago, in patients ≥60 years, using both the Kaplan-Meier (KM) and the cumulative incidence (CI) methods, and (ii) to compare the estimations of the 2 statistical methods.

Methods:

We evaluated the outcome of 306 consecutive primary cemented THRs that were performed in 265 patients. The final clinical, radiographic assessment and satisfaction of living patients were also included. The survivorship was estimated with the use of KM and CI methods and the relative difference between their estimations was calculated.

Results:

Living patients’ final clinical results were significantly improved in comparison with respective preoperative ones, and all the acetabular and 91% of femoral components considered as well fixed. 95% of these patients reported satisfaction. The risk of revision at 25 years, with revision for aseptic loosening for 1 or both components as the endpoint, with 21 hips at risk, assessed with KM analysis was 6.9% and with CI approach was 3.9%. The relative difference between KM and CI estimations was increasing during follow-up, reaching up to 76.8% at 25 years.

Conclusions:

We concluded that fixation of implants with cement in older patients had satisfactory long-term results and can serve as a benchmark with which to compare newer fixation methods (hybrid and uncemented) and materials. However, KM method, in studies that include older population with long-term follow-up, may significantly overestimate the risk of revision and clinicians could consider using besides the cumulative incidence of competing risk method.
Leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty: comparison of 3 intraoperative measurement methods
Authors: Nossa Juan M , Muñoz Juan M , Riveros Emilio A , Rueda Guillermo , Márquez Diego , Pérez Javier
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is 1 of the most successful and frequent orthopaedic procedures around the world. Leg length discrepancy is reported in 1% to 60% of cases and is 1 of the most frequent causes of patient dissatisfaction and a common reason for litigation. The aim of this study was to compare leg length discrepancies following THA using 3 different intraoperative measuring methods.

Material and methods:

We present a prospective cohort study of 454 hips undergoing THA for osteoarthritis between January 2009 and August 2016. We compared postoperative leg length discrepancy using 1 of the following 3 measurement methods: (1A) direct intraoperative comparison of the legs; (1B) measurement with a compass-like device with supra-acetabular fixation, involving length and offset; (1C, D) an intraoperative device that measures the trochanteric/joint ratio.

Results:

Leg length discrepancy >5 mm was present in 26% of the total study population. Direct intraoperative leg-to-leg assessment resulted in the greatest proportion of leg length discrepancy >5 mm (31%), followed by the compass group (27%) and the least discrepancy was observed in the trochanteric/joint ratio group (15%). The trochanteric/joint ratio assessment method resulted in the greatest reduction in discrepancy when compared to the other methods: discrepancies of 5-10 mm fell by 48% (relative risk [RR] 0.40 CI [confidence interval [CI] 95%, 0.22-0.74), and discrepancies of ≥10 mm fell by 59% (RR 0.52; CI 95%, 0.32-0.84).

Conclusions:

We conclude that the use of an intraoperative measurement device can reduce the leg length discrepancy, with best results when using the trochanteric/joint ratio device.
Cephalic Vein Transposition is a Durable Approach to Managing Cephalic Arch Stenosis
Authors: Henry Jon C. , Sachdev Ulka , Hager Eric , Dillavou Ellen , Yuo Theodore , Makaroun Michel , Leers Steven A.
Published: December 2017

Introduction

The proximal cephalic vein that enters the axillary vein (cephalic arch) is a common site of stenosis in patients with upper extremity arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis (HD). In this study, we present the outcomes of a series of cephalic vein transposition, to determine its utility in the setting of refractory arch stenosis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patients undergoing cephalic vein transposition to manage refractory cephalic arch stenosis from January 1, 2008 to August 31, 2015. Demographics, past medical history, access history of the patients as well as procedural details of the surgery to the stenotic segment, patency of the access, and the need for subsequent interventions were recorded.

Results

Twenty-three patients underwent a cephalic vein transposition during the study period. The patients undergoing cephalic transposition had their current access for an average of 3.0 ± 2.6 years and had an average of 2.3 ± 0.9 interventions on the access prior to the surgery. Complications from the surgery were uncommon (8.7%) and no patient required a temporary tunneled dialysis catheter. The re-intervention rate was 0.2 ± 0.2 interventions per patient per year. At two years, primary patency was 70.9% and cumulative patency was 94.7% for the patients with cephalic transposition.

Conclusions

Cephalic vein transposition is safe and effective treatment for cephalic arch stenosis without interrupting utilization of the access. The surgical approach to stenosis of the proximal cephalic vein is effective, requires minimal re-interventions, and should be considered for isolated, refractory cephalic arch stenosis in mature arteriovenous fistulas.
Resolution of reactive angioendotheliomatosis in an arteriovenous fistula with innominate vein angioplasty
Authors: Vacharathit Voranaddha , Billings Steven D. , Kirksey Lee
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF)-associated reactive angioendotheliomatosis (RAE) is a very rare entity (three previously reported cases in the literature) that can manifest as extremity wounds. RAE’s etiopathology is unknown.

Case description:

We report a case of severe limb-threatening upper extremity wound with pathology-proven RAE. This lesion was previously refractory to standard wound care. There was no evidence of limb ischemia or steal syndrome, previously deemed to be the underlying cause of AVF-associated RAE in other reports.

Conclusions:

Successful endovascular treatment of an ipsilateral innominate vein stenosis led to reduction of venous hypertension, resolution of associated arm edema, and subsequent wound healing. We therefore propose that venous engorgement and hypertension from central venous stenosis is the likely underlying cause for AVF-associated RAE. If this rare entity is encountered in the setting of AVF, there is utility in treating the wound as a sentinel lesion and venography should be conducted to rule out central venous pathology. Vascular intervention complements aggressive local wound management and biopsy is requisite for prompt diagnosis.
Heart disease in chronic kidney disease – review of the mechanisms and the role of dialysis access
Authors: Malik Jan
Published: December 2017

Cardiovascular complications are responsible not only for the high mortality, but also the morbidity of end-stage renal disease patients. Cyclic changes of fluid load, together with the altered metabolism, are responsible and are mirrored in many particular parts of the heart. A review of the mechanisms involved is presented and the role of dialysis access is highlighted.
Viabahn stent for hemodialysis shunt: efficacy, long segment recanalization and prognostic factors for reintervention
Authors: Salsano Giancarlo , Trezzi Matteo , Barattini Matteo , Puccianti Franca , Romano Nicola , Zattera Tito , Chiappini Nadia , Londrino Francesco , Rolla Davide , Stefanini Teseo
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

The study evaluated the Heparin Bioactive Surface (HBS) Viabahn Stent (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Arizona) efficacy in the maintenance or re-establishment of hemodialysis.

Materials and methods:

Fifty HBS Viabahn stents deployed in 37 consecutive patients with hemodialysis dysfunction from January 2008 to May 2016 were evaluated in a single-institution retrospective review. Outcomes were stent patency intended as primary circuit patency (PP), assisted primary patency (APP), target lesion primary patency (TLPP) and secondary patency (SP). Moreover, the risk factor analysis for hemodialysis dysfunction that required reintervention was performed. A subgroup analysis was conducted to assess patency of Viabahn stent to treat peripheral venous long segment obstruction (LSO).

Results:

Overall Kaplan-Meyer PPs were 60% at 12 months and 42% at 24 months. Overall TLPP estimated rates were 68% and 49% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. The corresponding SP rates were 85% and 78% at the same period. Estimated PP rates at 12 and 24 months for stent placement after peripheral venous long segment recanalization procedure were 53% and 31%, respectively. Corresponding SP rates were 82% and 68%, respectively. The APP rates were 79% at 12 months and 61% at 24 months. Female sex, access age and thrombosis were associated with reduced primary patency.

Conclusions:

Considering the high rates of PP, TLPP, APP and SP, Viabahn stents have been proven effective in maintaining or re-establishing the hemodialysis access. Moreover, stent placement after recanalization of LSO of venous out-flow represented a valid approach to rescue a dysfunctional fistula that would otherwise be abandoned.
Bilateral parotid gland metastases from gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma
Authors: Nichetti Federico , Morano Federica , Fabbri Alessandra , de Braud Filippo , Di Bartolomeo Maria
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

Signet-ring cell (SRC) carcinoma is a common subtype of gastric adenocarcinoma associated with poor prognosis. Metastatic involvement of the parotid gland has been reported in gastric cancer patients, but never bilaterally nor in association with the SRC histotype. Here, we report the first case and a brief review of the literature.

Case description:

A 47-year-old woman was referred to our center for a signet-ring gastric carcinoma with synchronous hepatic and peritoneal metastases. After 3 lines of chemotherapy, the patient reported a progressive bilateral enlargement in the periauricolar area. An ultrasound of the salivary glands and a fine needle biopsy were diagnostic for parotid metastases of gastric origin. In the literature, only 3 cases of parotid gland metastases arising from gastric cancer are described – none with a feature of SRC carcinoma.

Conclusions:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of gastric SRC carcinoma with bilateral parotid metastases. This case highlights the importance of considering a parotid enlargement as a possible sign of disease progression in a patient with gastric cancer. Fine-needle biopsy and immunocytochemistry are essential in establishing the origin of the secondary lesion.
Biliary tract rhabdomyosarcoma: a report from the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee of the Associazione Italiana Ematologia Oncologia Pediatrica
Authors: Perruccio Katia , Cecinati Valerio , Scagnellato Angela , Provenzi Massimo , Milano Giuseppe Maria , Basso Eleonora , Manzitti Carla , Cecchetto Giovanni , Alaggio Rita , Di Martino Martina , Schiavetti Amalia , Melchionda Fraia , Affinita Maria Carmen , Chiaravalli Stefano , Miglionico Lucia , Balter Rita , Tamburini Angela , Bisogno Gianni , Ferrari Andrea
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a soft tissue malignant musculoskeletal tumor frequent in children. Biliary duct localization is extremely rare, but it is the most common cause of malignant obstructive jaundice in pediatric patients.

Methods:

This report describes a series of 10 patients under 18 years of age with biliary tract rhabdomyosarcoma who were enrolled, from 1979 to 2004, in 3 consecutive Italian pediatric cooperative protocols that had been drawn up by the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee of the Associazione Italiana Ematologia Oncologia Pediatrica (AIEOP).

Results:

Considering initial and delayed surgery, tumor resection was achieved in 7 cases, 3 complete with free margins (2 liver transplants) and 4 with microscopic residual disease. Chemotherapy was given to all patients and radiotherapy to 3. At present, 5 patients survive in complete remission 90-200 months after diagnosis while 4 died of disease progression or relapse and 1 of liver transplant-related complications.

Conclusions:

Better outcomes in this series were associated with the feasibility of conservative surgery due to the favorable location of the tumor, in particular in the common bile duct. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy might obviate the need for demolitive surgery or liver transplant, which were linked to worse outcomes in our series.
Can pancreatic cancer be detected by adrenomedullin in patients with new-onset diabetes? The PaCANOD cohort study protocol
Authors: Antolino Laura , Rocca Mara La , Todde Federico , Catarinozzi Elena , Aurello Paolo , Bollanti Lucilla , Ramacciato Giovanni , D’Angelo Francesco
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Its diagnosis is often delayed and patients are frequently found to have unresectable disease. Patients diagnosed with new-onset diabetes have an 8-fold risk of harboring pancreatic cancer. Adrenomedullin has been claimed to mediate diabetes in pancreatic cancer. New screening tools are needed to develop an early diagnosis protocol.

Methods:

Patients aged 45-75 years within 2 years of first fulfilling the ADA criteria for diabetes will be prospectively enrolled in this study. Sepsis, renal failure, microangiopathy, pregnancy, acute heart failure and previous malignancies will be considered as exclusion criteria.

Results:

440 patients diagnosed with new-onset diabetes will be enrolled and divided into 2 groups: one with high adrenomedullin levels and one with low adrenomedullin levels. Patients will undergo 3 years’ follow-up to detect pancreatic cancer development.

Conclusions:

Identifying a marker for pancreatic cancer among high-risk patients such as new-onset diabetics might lead to the identification of a subpopulation needing to be screened in order to enable early diagnosis and treatment of a highly lethal tumor.

Trial registration:

This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on May 25, 2015 under registration number NCT02456051.
Risk prediction model for disease-free survival in women with early-stage cervical cancers following postoperative (chemo)radiotherapy
Authors: Je Hyoung Uk , Han Seungbong , Kim Young Seok , Nam Joo-Hyun , Park Won , Song Sanghyuk , Song Changhoon , Kim Jin Hee , Kim Juree , Yoon Won Sup , Yoon Mee Sun , Choi Hwa Jin , Kim Joo-Young
Published: December 2017

Purpose:

To investigate disease-free survival (DFS) and prognostic factors following the administration of postoperative (chemo)radiotherapy in patients with early-stage cervical cancers.

Methods:

The medical records of 1,069 patients from 10 participating institutions were reviewed. Statistically and clinically established factors were considered as candidates for constructing the prediction model. This model was validated, using bootstrapping to correct for optimistic bias.

Results:

The 5-year DFS rate was 81.1%, with a median follow-up period of 59.6 months. The statistically significant prognostic factors were as follows: pelvic lymph node metastasis, histologic type, parametrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, and tumor size. The nomogram for DFS was constructed, and it demonstrated a good discrimination performance, with an internally validated concordance index of 0.72.

Conclusions:

Our predictive model exhibited accurate predictions and may be useful in designing clinical trials to study if further chemotherapy can reduce the recurrence of disease in high-risk patients.
Impact of coexistent adenomyosis on outcomes of patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Aydin Hulya Ayik , Toptas Tayfun , Bozkurt Selen , Pestereli Elif , Simsek Tayup
Published: December 2017

Purpose:

Despite the common occurrence of adenomyosis in endometrial cancer (EC), there is a paucity and conflict in the literature regarding its impact on outcomes of patients. We sought to compare outcomes of patients with endometrioid type EC with or without adenomyosis.

Methods:

A total of 314 patients were included in the analysis. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of adenomyosis. Adenomyosis was identified in 79 patients (25.1%). A propensity score-matched comparison (1:1) was carried out to minimize selection biases. The propensity score was developed through multivariable logistic regression model including age, stage, and tumor grade as covariates. After performing propensity score matching, 70 patients from each group were successfully matched. Primary outcome of the study was disease-free survival (DFS), and the secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS).

Results:

Median follow-up time was 61 months for the adenomyosis positive group and 76 months for the adenomyosis negative group. There were no statistically significant differences in 3- and 5-year DFS, OS, and DSS rates between the 2 groups. Five-year DFS was 92% vs 88% (hazard ratio [HR] 1.54 [0.56-4.27]; p = 0.404), 5-year OS was 94% vs 92% (HR 1.60 [0.49-5.26]; p = 0.441), and 5-year DSS was 94% vs 96% (HR 2.51 [0.46-13.71]; p = 0.290) for patients with and without adenomyosis, respectively.

Conclusions:

Coexistent adenomyosis in EC is not a prognostic factor and does not impact survival outcomes.
TARIBO trial: targeted therapy with or without nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: liquid biopsy for biomarkers discovery
Authors: Verzoni Elena , Ratta Raffaele , Grassi Paolo , Salvioni Roberto , Stagni Silvia , Montone Rosanna , Fucà Giovanni , Cappelletti Vera , Reduzzi Carolina , De Giorgi Ugo , Procopio Giuseppe
Published: December 2017

Purpose:

Two randomized trials in the cytokine era showed that cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) had a role in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), increasing life expectancy. The survival benefit of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including first-line sunitinib and pazopanib, in mRCC has been demonstrated, but the majority of patients enrolled in the pivotal phase III studies had undergone nephrectomy. Therefore it is unknown if similar survival benefit with targeted agents could be achieved without CN. We hypothesize that in these patients CN could increase overall survival (OS) in comparison to targeted therapy without CN. We also will investigate mechanisms of primary and secondary resistance to TKIs in patients with mRCC and identify prognostic or predictive biomarkers.

Methods:

This is a randomized, open-label, controlled, multicenter phase 3 study comparing sunitinib or pazopanib vs CN followed by sunitinib or pazopanib as first-line therapy for patients with mRCC who have not received surgery and prior systemic treatment for metastatic disease. We will identify 270 patients eligible for randomization. The planned treatment duration per patient will be until progressive disease is observed. Secondary endpoints are the evaluation of progression-free survival (PFS) and response rate and the assessment of the safety profile. Exploratory objectives include the evaluation of circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA and correlation with response/resistance to treatment.

Results:

The study is enrolling patients.

Conclusions:

The use of CN in addition to targeted therapy in patients with renal cell carcinoma with synchronous metastases could lead to a significant improvement in OS and PFS.
Thirty-day mortality and five-year survival in thoracic surgery: “real-world” assessment of outcomes from a single-institution audit
Authors: Cantarutti Anna , Galeone Carlotta , Leuzzi Giovanni , Bertocchi Elena , Pomponi Giovanna , Langer Martin , Mazzaferro Vincenzo , Galmozzi Gustavo , Apolone Giovanni , Corrao Giovanni , Pastorino Ugo
Published: December 2017

Background:

Accurate measurement of outcomes is essential to monitor the effectiveness of public health policies. In Italy, the Ministry of Health has chosen 30-day mortality after major surgical or medical procedures as the main outcome measure, pooling all pulmonary resections for malignancy in a single category. The present audit evaluated all pulmonary resections performed over a 13-year period in a single institution to assess the immediate (30-day mortality) and long-term (5-year survival) outcomes according to type and stage of disease and extent of surgery.

Methods:

We analyzed the results of 4,234 first pulmonary resections performed from 2003 to 2015 for lung cancer (2,636), lung metastases (1,080), other primary cancers (259) and benign diseases (259). The median follow-up of cancer patients was 4.1 years.

Results:

Overall 30-day mortality was 1.1%, being 1.2% for lung cancer, 0.3% for lung metastases, 3.5% for pneumonectomies, 1% for lobectomies, and 0.5% for sublobar resections. Among lung cancer patients, 30-day mortality was 0.7% for simple anatomical resections, 2.8% for complex resections, 0.7% for stage I, and 1.6% for higher stages. Overall 5-year survival was 56% for lung cancer, 49% for lung metastases, and 53% for other primary cancers (p = 0.03). According to the surgical procedure for lung cancer, 5-year survival was 60%, 55% and 36% for lobectomies, segmentectomies and pneumonectomies, respectively (p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

For better monitoring of thoracic surgery outcomes in a real-world setting, we suggest evaluating lung cancer separately from other thoracic malignancies, and including 5-year survival rates stratified by resection volume and surgical procedure complexity.
From General History to Philosophy: Black Lives Matter, Late Neoliberal Molecular Biopolitics, and Rhetoric
Authors: Biesecker Barbara A.
Published: December 2017

This article aspires to explain how it is possible that “white lives matter,” “blue lives matter,” and, ultimately, “all lives matter,” can sound, feel like and act as responses to the claim that “black lives matter” for so many Americans by approaching the political sequence as both a historical (situated, epistemological, and ideological) problem and a philosophical (metaphysical and ontological) question. By way of general history, the first part of the article specifies how a statement (vital but otherwise unqualified human life), a political rationality (molecularization), and a rhetoric of democratic indifference (whose master trope is the metonym) lend to our political present its common sense. The second part pushes against it, first by advocating on behalf of the usefulness of spectralization in antiracist struggle and, second, by recommending a dramatic transformation of the common sense—from molecularization to singularization or bios as “singularly plural coexistence,” founded on a rhetoric of democratic copossibility whose master trope is the exemplar.
Zōon Logon Ekhon: (Dis)possessing an Echo of Barbarism
Authors: Doxtader Erik
Published: December 2017

Zōon logon ekhon echoes. Across the terrain of philosophy and rhetoric, it echoes as an echo, an expression that does not come from where it is alleged to come and which these two fields may not have in the way that they have so long claimed to have it. In the midst of zōon logon ekhon there abides an unasked and pressing question of possession, a question of how to bring the (dis)possession of language to recognizability.
On Rhetoric and the School of Philosophy Without Tears
Authors: Murray Stuart J.
Published: December 2017

This article addresses the contentious philosophical claim that rhetoric is merely a “philosophy without tears.” Mindful of the institutional and disciplinary stakes of this claim today, it offers a genealogy of “philosophy without tears” across the past century, from the popular “no more tears” genre to midcentury debates between ordinary language philosophers and logical atomists. What emerges is an ethical argument concerning the materiality and transitivity of language, fleshed out through a rhetoric of tears and as an ontology of pain and suffering. Drawing on a rhetorical reading of Wittgenstein's “form-of-life,” I argue that both pain and its expression should be understood as transitive rather than as epistemological or private phenomena. Transitivity helps us to better understand the perlocutionary power of pain and suffering in the politics of war and terrorism, in the “man-philosopher,” who disavows such transitivity, and, finally, in the necessary risk of responsibility toward the “other” of philosophy (and of rhetoric).
Do Perceptions of Gifted Intelligence and Normal Intelligence Participants Differ About Social Science and Social Scientists?
Authors: Selvi Sezgin , Demir Selcuk Besir
Published: December 2017

This qualitative study was conducted to compare the perceptions of students with gifted intelligence and studentswith those of normal intelligence about social science and social scientists. The data obtained from 23 giftedintelligent and 23 normal participants within the same age group was analysed using content analysis and resultswere represented with a straight and systematic language. A significant part of normal participants confused socialscience teacher with social scientist. Both groups find a social scientist happy. Social scientist was represented asyoung and dynamic, was thought without hindrance as well. As a common finding, gender is significant for bothgroups and males were distinguished. They do not sufficiently recognise social scientists. However, normalintelligence participants confuse social sciences with the natural sciences and they give names of both naturalscientists and inventors instead of social scientists.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration’s Exegesis of the Regime of Islands and China’s Nine-Dash-Line Claims in the South China Sea Arbitration
Authors: Okonkwo Theodore
Published: December 2017

The big South China Sea is one of the most dangerous hotspot in the world. By words and actions, there are sixclaimants of the South China Sea. The People’s Republic of China and the Republic of the Philippines are some ofthem. Each want to control the numerous features and resources in boosting their economic interests. The UnitedNations was actively involved in the settlement of the disputes for their own security and economic interests. Thegreat ownership question that comes about in this is the rightful owner of the South China Sea which involved theNine-Dash Line claims by the government of the People’s Republic of China, which laid claims to the ParacelIslands, the Spratly Islands, the Pratas Islands, the Maccles field Bank and the Scarborough Shoal. In the Arbitrationbetween the two parties: China and Philippines, Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seawas relied upon by the tribunal which gave award on 29th October, 2015 on admissibility and jurisdiction. Howeverthe objection that was presented by China was rejected by the tribunal. This was because of the issue of the territorialsovereignty of China in the South China Sea which was not within the jurisdiction of the tribunal. The tribunal foundinteralia that the submission made by Philippines showed the dispute between the parties putting in mind theConvention interpretation and application. The requirements under article 283 of the Convention were met by thePhilippines in regards to the settlement of the dispute. This paper examines the South China Sea arbitration awardand the interpretation and the application of the regime of islands under article 121 of the United Nations Conventionon the Law of the Sea.
Recommendations for followup of stage I and II seminoma: The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre approach
Authors: Lieng Hester , Warde Padraig , Bedard Philippe , Hamilton Robert J. , Hansen Aaron R. , Jewett Michael A. S. , O'Malley Martin , Sweet Joan , Chung Peter
Published: December 2017

Testicular seminoma most commonly affects young men and is associated with favourable prognosis. Various followup schedules and imaging protocols for testicular seminoma have been described without overall consensus. We reviewed the literature together with our experience at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and present an evidence-based followup approach for patients with stage I and II seminoma.
Adaptive Functioning in Students with Cochlear Implants Assessed in Spain through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
Authors: De la Rosa Olga María Alegre , Pérez-Jorge David , Jiménez María del Carmen Rodríguez , Herrera Ana Isabel González
Published: December 2017

Cochlear implantation has become increasingly accepted as an option for early implantation in the deaf. The aim of this study was to compare the opinions of 250 classroom teachers and 200 speech, language and hearing specialist teachers regarding the behavior and emotions of the students with cochlear implants using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), which is divided between 5 scales: a) emotional symptoms, b) conduct problems, c) prosocial behavior, d) peer relationship problems, and e) hyperactivity/inattention. The results have shown that there are important discrepancies between the two, both in the externalization of conduct problems and in prosocial behaviors, although there are notable coincidences related to attention factors and to the exceptional presence of emotional symptoms of these students in new situations.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Management and Sustainability, Vol. 7, No. 4
Authors: Xiao Evelyn
Published: December 2017

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Management and Sustainability, Vol. 7, No. 4, 2017.
Regular clique assemblies, configurations, and friendship in Edge-Regular graphs
Authors: Guest Kelly B. , Hammer James M. , Johnson Peter D. , Roblee Kenneth J.
Published: December 2017

An edge-regular graph is a regular graph in which, for some $\lambda$, any two adjacent vertices have exactly $\lambda$ common neighbors. This paper is about the existence and structure of edge-regular graphs with $\lambda =1$ and about edge-regular graphs with $\lambda >1$ which have local neighborhood structure analogous to that of the edge-regular graphs with $\lambda =1$.
On solutions of some non-linear differential equations in connection to Bruck Conjecture
Authors: Pamanik Dilip Candra , Biswas Manab
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we investigate on the non-constant entire solutions of some non-linear complex differential equations in connection to Br\"{u}ck conjecture and prove some results which improve and extend the results of Xu and Yang\bf{[Xu HY, Yang LZ. On a conjecture of R. Br\"{u}ck and some linear differential equations. Springer Plus 2015; 4:748,:1-10, DOI 10.1186/s40064-015-1530-5.]}
La consciència de l’irreal en «Ronda naval sota la boira» de Pere Calders.
Authors: Quintana Trias Lluís
Published: December 2017

Quan Pere Calders va presentar Ronda naval sota la boira (1957) a un concurs literari va provocar reaccions adverses en el jurat; quan la va publicar nou anys després la reacció crítica tampoc no va ser positiva. Una possible explicació es deu al fet que Calders, amb una consciència clara del desafiament, desvela els mecanismes de ficció i d’irrealitat que encobreix la tradició de la novel·la realista, que era considerada de referència tant per la crítica com pels lectors del país. En aquest article analitzem els procediments pels quals Calders construeix aquest món irreal alhora que els desvela.
La construcció del coneixement gramatical en aprenents d’educació primària i secundària: algunes aproximacions a l’aprenentatge del verb
Authors: Casas-Deseures Mariona , Durán Carme , Fontich Xavier
Published: December 2017

El verb és una de les categories que una gramàtica escolar ha d’abordar necessàriament, tant pel que fa al coneixement de la noció i de la seva relació amb altres categories, com per la funció fonamental que pren en l’escriptura. En aquest article presentem tres recerques que descriuen el procés d’aprenentatge que els alumnes de primària i de secundària segueixen a l’hora d’aprendre continguts vinculats amb el verb: el temps del present, el mode verbal i la complementació verbal. Aquests treballs mostren quines estratègies desenvolupen els aprenents i quins obstacles han d’afrontar per desenvolupar un raonament gramatical. Dels estudis es desprèn que determinades intervencions didàctiques (basades en la interacció, entre iguals i amb el suport del docent i l’escriptura) afavoreixen el desenvolupament d’activitat metalingüística i que aquesta activitat pot ajudar a connectar el saber gramatical amb els usos lingüístics.
Les creences del professorat sobre l’ensenyament de la gramàtica a l’aula: cap a una tipologia de docents
Authors: Bastons Núria , Comajoan-Colomé Llorenç , Guasch Oriol , Ribas Teresa
Published: December 2017

L’article s’insereix en la tradició d’estudis sobre els sabers i les creences del professorat que indaguen en les concepcions sobre l’ensenyament i l’aprenentatge com a punt de referència per a la planificació de la millora dels criteris d'intervenció a les aules. Recull dos estudis paral·lels que pretenen conèixer la cognició i les pràctiques dels docents en relació amb l’ensenyament de la gramàtica, un sobre una mostra de professorat de primària i de secundaria encarregat de l’ensenyament del català i el castellà, i un altre sobre una mostra de professorat de català com a segona llenguaen l'àmbit de l'ensenyament d'adults. En tots dos casos, les respostes a un qüestionari sobre el paper de la gramàtica en l’ensenyament de la llengua i sobre les pràctiques habituals permeten establir una tipologia en què es distingeixen perfils docents diferenciats.
Lola Badia, Lluís Cifuentes, Sadurní Martí & Josep Pujol (eds.), «Els manuscrits, el saber i les lletres a la Corona d’Aragó, 1250-1500», Barcelona, Publicacions de l’Abadia de Montserrat, 2016, 267 pp.
Authors: Alemany Ferrer Rafael
Published: December 2017

Ressenya sobre el llibre de Lola Badia, Lluís Cifuentes, Sadurní Martí & Josep Pujol (eds.), Els manuscrits, el saber i les lletres a la Corona d’Aragó, 1250-1500, Barcelona, Publicacions de l’Abadia de Montserrat, 2016, 267 pp., ISBN: 978-84-9883-861-9.
Variable within variable - Simultaneous stability and change. The case of syllable-final s in Ciudad Real
Authors: Kapović Marko
Published: December 2017

Spanish syllable-final s has been found to be completely stable in the great majority of the varieties in which it has been studied as a sociolinguistic variable. The same is true for the variety of Ciudad Real, Spain, where our data have shown not only lack of indication of any type of change at the present moment through inferences made from apparent time, but also evidence of its stability in the last hundred years by looking at the data from the available linguistic atlases. However, in our investigation, we performed a study of all the separate contexts in which the syllable-final s occurs, and it was discovered that in one of them, the sequence /s/+/t/, a different kind of behavior was registered. Namely, in this specific context, apparent-time inferences additionally supported by the older linguistic atlas data show a clear pattern of a change from above towards a normative realization of the sibilant. In this paper, we will try to explain how it is possible for a stable variable to contain within itself a subvariable which in turn shows signs of a change in progress.
New anatomical information of the wukongopteridKunpengopterus sinensisWang et al., 2010 based on a new specimen
Authors: Cheng Xin , Jiang Shunxing , Wang Xiaolin , Kellner Alexander W.A.
Published: December 2017

The Wukongopteridae compose a non-pterodactyloid clade of pterosaurs that are the most abundant flying reptiles in the deposits of the Middle-Late Jurassic Yanliao Biota. Until now, five species of three genera and two additional unnamed specimens have been described. Here we report on a new material, IVPP V 23674, that can be referred to the wukongopteridKunpengopterus sinensisdue to several features such as a comparably short nasoantorbital fenestra, the dorsally rising posterodorsal margin of the ischium, and the very short first pedal phalanx of digit V relative to metatarsal IV. IVPP V 23674 provides the first view of a wukongopterid palate, which differs from all other pterosaurs by having a very large postpalatine fenestra and laterally compressed choanae, indicating that the evolution of the pterosaur palate was more complex than previously thought. Sesamoid bones at the dorsal side of manual unguals are present and are reported for the first time in a wukongopterid suggesting an arboreal life-style for these pterosaurs.
Lead (Pb) Bioaccessibility and Mobility Assessment of Urban Soils and Composts: Fingerprinting Sources and Refining Risks to Support Urban Agriculture
Authors: Sharp Rosalie M. , Brabander Daniel J.
Published: December 2017

While the presence of legacy lead (Pb) in urban soil is well documented, less is known about the bioaccessibility, transport, and exposure pathways of urban soil Pb. We study Pb bioaccessibility in Roxbury and Dorchester, MA, urban gardens to assess exposure risk and identify remediation strategies, applicable locally and in urban gardens across the country. We work in partnership with The Food Project, which brings the goals and perspectives of local farmers to the center of the research process and enables efficient local application of results to reduce Pb exposure. We measure changes in Pb bioaccessibility as a function of growing material, grain size, and Pb source. In comparison to soils, compost has lower total Pb concentrations, has lower Pb solubility in gastric fluid, and limits fine particle resuspension. The mean bioaccessible Pb concentration of compost is 265 mg/kg, nearly an order of magnitude lower than that of soils, and compost contains 14% higher carbon content than soils, which may account for the observed 19% lower Pb bioaccessibility in compost. For all matrices (soil, raised bed fill, and compost) grain sizes <37 μm contain a disproportionate fraction of the total pool of bioaccessible Pb. Furthermore, the isotopic composition of Pb in the size fractions linked with resuspension and elevated blood lead levels is indicative of leaded gasoline and leaded paint even decades removed from the primary deposition of these sources.