bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cavernous sinus involvement in human papillomavirus associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Case report of an atypical site of distant metastasis
Authors: Forner David , Wilke Derek , Rigby Matthew H. , Croul Sidney , Mishra Anuradha , Massoud Emad , Clarke David B. , Lamond Nathan
Published: May 2018

Background

HPV-associated OSCC (HPV-OSCC) has been determined to be a distinct disease entity from non-HPV associated OSCC. Patients affected by HPV-OSCC generally have a more favourable prognosis, with improved rates of locoregional control and survival compared with their non-HPV counterparts. Despite this, HPV-OSCC has a similar rate of distant metastases. Interestingly, recent evidence has emerged that demonstrates more frequent atypical metastasis patterns when compared to non-HPV associated disease. To the best of our knowledge, this report describes the first case of a confirmed HPV-OSCC with distant metastasis to the cavernous sinus.

Case Presentation

A 62-year-old non-smoking male presented to the head and neck oncology clinic with a five-month history of enlarging right neck mass causing neck pain, dysphagia, and dysphonia. HPV-associated base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (cT4aN2c) was diagnosed, and he was treated with primary chemoradiation. Shortly after treatment, he presented with progressive bilateral cranial nerve palsies including left cranial nerve III and right cranial nerve VI involvement. Imaging identified masses in the left cavernous sinus with extension of tumor into the sella and in the right cavernous sinus at the level of Dorello's canal. Endoscopic Image Guided Transsphenoidal biopsy of the left sellar mass confirmed distant metastases from the previously treated HPV-OSCC primary to the cavernous sinus. The patient was palliated with carboplatin and paclitaxel.

Conclusion

The presented report is the first documented case of confirmed HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma metastasizing to the cavernous sinus, and the only HPV confirmed head and neck cancer case to present with metastasis to the cavernous sinus and limited extracranial disease. This case demonstrates the importance of recognizing presentations of atypical metastasis that are possible in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer. Given the rarity of metastasis to this region, vigilance in follow up is instrumental in early identification and treatment for these patients.
Multicenter Prospective Phase II Trial of Neoadjuvant Dose-Dense Gemcitabine Plus Cisplatin in Patients With Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Iyer Gopa , Balar Arjun V. , Milowsky Matthew I. , Bochner Bernard H. , Dalbagni Guido , Donat S. Machele , Herr Harry W. , Huang William C. , Taneja Samir S. , Woods Michael , Ostrovnaya Irina , Al-Ahmadie Hikmat , Arcila Maria E. , Riches Jamie C. , Meier Andreas , Bourque Caitlin , Shady Maha , Won Helen , Rose Tracy L. , Kim William Y. , Kania Brooke E. , Boyd Mariel E. , Cipolla Catharine K. , Regazzi Ashley M. , Delbeau Daniela , McCoy Asia S. , Vargas Hebert Alberto , Berger Michael F. , Solit David B. , Rosenberg Jonathan E. , Bajorin Dean F.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy (RC) is a standard of care for the management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Dose-dense cisplatin-based regimens have yielded favorable outcomes compared with standard-dose chemotherapy, yet the optimal neoadjuvant regimen remains undefined. We assessed the efficacy and tolerability of six cycles of neoadjuvant dose-dense gemcitabine and cisplatin (ddGC) in patients with MIBC.

Patients and Methods

In this prospective, multicenter phase II study, patients received ddGC (gemcitabine 2,500 mg/m2 on day 1 and cisplatin 35 mg/m2 on days 1 and 2) every 2 weeks for 6 cycles followed by RC. The primary end point was pathologic downstaging to non–muscle-invasive disease (< pT2N0). Patients who did not undergo RC were deemed nonresponders. Pretreatment tumors underwent next-generation sequencing to identify predictors of chemosensitivity.

Results

Forty-nine patients were enrolled from three institutions. The primary end point was met, with 57% of 46 evaluable patients downstaged to < pT2N0. Pathologic response correlated with improved recurrence-free survival and overall survival. Nineteen patients (39%) required toxicity-related dose modifications. Sixty-seven percent of patients completed all six planned cycles. No patient failed to undergo RC as a result of chemotherapy-associated toxicities. The most frequent treatment-related toxicity was anemia (12%; grade 3). The presence of a presumed deleterious DNA damage response (DDR) gene alteration was associated with chemosensitivity (positive predictive value for < pT2N0 [89%]). No patient with a deleterious DDR gene alteration has experienced recurrence at a median follow-up of 2 years.

Conclusion

Six cycles of ddGC is an active, well-tolerated neoadjuvant regimen for the treatment of patients with MIBC. The presence of a putative deleterious DDR gene alteration in pretreatment tumor tissue strongly predicted for chemosensitivity, durable response, and superior long-term survival.
“Trump”—What Does the Name Signify? or, Protofascism and the Alt-Right
Authors: Flisfeder Matthew
Published: May 2018

This article examines the rise of the alt-right and Donald Trump’s successful campaign for president of the United States in the context of three overlapping contradictions: that of subversion in postmodern culture and politics, that between the democratic and commercial logics of the media, and that of the failure of the Left in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. The article looks at the rise of “Trumpism” and the new brand of white nationalist and misogynistic culture of the so-called alt-right in its historical context to show how it is consistent with but also distinguished from previous right-wing ideologies. More generally, the three contradictions presented here are proposed as explanations for understanding the mainstreaming of the alt-right in contemporary politics and culture.
On the Freedom to Be Opaque Monsters
Authors: Ford Derek R. , Lewis Tyson E.
Published: May 2018

As social movements amplify across the globe, activists and researchers are increasingly interested in the pedagogies of revolutionary transformation. To provide a rich resource for political educators and organizers, this article formulates what we call an (un)communicative communist pedagogy that is oriented against communicative capitalism. We show that there is a taut connection between capitalism and democracy that consists of a shared logic, pedagogy, and aesthetic that revolves around communication, inclusion, and transparency. Without grasping this aesthetic connection, anticapitalist struggles are reduced to liberal reforms that end up reinforcing and deepening capitalist production relations. To break out of this trap, we block together several political, philosophical, and aesthetic theories that might otherwise be thought of as mutually exclusive. In particular, we return to Immanuel Kant and his theory of the beautiful and the sublime to make a case that connections between capitalism and democracy rest on an unexamined aesthetic of the beautiful. To sever this link, and thus to push democratic struggles for equality toward a communist horizon, we suggest a new alignment between radical politics and aesthetics of the sublime via the Communist Party. Importantly, we find in the work of Jean-François Lyotard the point of intersection between communist pedagogy and sublime aesthetics. In closing, we read this aesthetic communist pedagogy through a communist study group in the Jim Crow South. What we find is a different aesthetic relationship between self and world that is not prefigured in various forms of liberal reformism. Rather, an excessive surplus is discovered that presses beyond the boundaries of what can be known and what can be imaginatively figured, provoking a sense of ineffable sublimity or political opacity. We call this excess the aesthetic dimension of (un)communicative communism.
Enhancing Performances of Hybrid Perovskite Light Emitting Diodes with Thickness Controlled PMMA Interlayer
Authors: Kumar Gundam Sandeep , Pradhan Bapi , Kamilya Tapas , Acharya Somobrata
Published: May 2018

Solution processed organic-inorganic halide perovskites emerged as efficient materials for the fabrication of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Spin coating of perovskites on solid support for device integration leads to poor morphology with pinholes and leakage current through electrical shunt paths thereby decreasing the device efficiency. Here, we report a facile route to improve the performance of MAPbBr3 perovskite based LEDs by incorporating a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) interlayer in the device structure at the interface of ZnO and MAPbBr3 layer. The thickness of PMMA interlayer was varied to achieve optimal device performance by overcoming the leakage current and reduced non-radiative recombination pathways. LEDs with optimal PMMA thickness showed a significant enhancement in device performance comparison to the devices without PMMA interlayer. The perovskite LEDs with ∼7 nm PMMA interlayer exhibit a maximum luminance of ∼3450 cdm−2, current efficiency of ∼11.88 cdA−1, external quantum efficiency of ∼2.82% and power efficiency of ∼4.4 lmW−1 showing robust LED properties with ∼6-fold enhancement compared to a device without PMMA. Our route provides a convenient way to improve the efficiency of perovskite LEDs by controlling device structure with planar PMMA interlayer, which can be extended to other perovskite LEDs.
Back-yard medfly is a key factor in area-wide management in Southern Europe. Data from Attiki Greece, 38
Authors: Economopoulos A. P. , Rempoulakis P.
Published: May 2018

A twelve month Mediterranean fruit-fly, medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) record was kept in a small back-yard with 8 medfly host fruit trees in a neighborhood about 7 km from the center of Athens, from November 2015 till November 2016. Similar small back-yards exist in the whole area. Large commercial host tree plantations exist at about 80 km west of Athens, while backyards with fruit trees exist in villages or small towns in-between. McPhail yellow bottom traps (one per tree) with Biolure (3 separate dispensers of ammonium acetate, trimethylamine, and putrescine) and a water solution of 1.5% sodium tetraborate and a few drops of kitchen detergent were used. Traps were examined approximately every week and water solution renewed. The Biolure dispensers were renewed every 3-4 months. On the average (medflies per tree-trap per day) 1.4 flies were trapped in November, less than 1 were trapped between December and early May, except mid-April when 1.7 flies were trapped.From June till October high records were detected. In June-July records up to over 52.7 flies were observed (highest population peak in the year), while in September October records up to 34.3 flies were observed (second highest population peak in the year). The sex ratio of trapped flies was almost always in favor of females, usually between 60-100%. An increase of medfly catches was always detected following Biolure dispensers renewal. In case Area-wide SITapplications are considered, the reproductive behavior of released flies in these special environments must be well investigated.
Comparing protein structures with RINspector automation in Cytoscape
Authors: Brysbaert Guillaume , Mauri Théo , Lensink Marc F.
Published: May 2018

Residue interaction networks (RINs) have been shown to be relevant representations of the tertiary or quaternary structures of proteins, in particular thanks to network centrality analyses. We recently developed the RINspector Cytoscape app, which couples centrality analyses with backbone flexibility predictions. This combined approach permits the identification of crucial residues for the folding or function of the protein that can constitute good targets for mutagenesis experiments. Here we present an application programming interface (API) for RINspector that enables interplay between Cytoscape, RINspector and external languages, such as R or Python. This API provides easy access to batch centrality calculations and flexibility predictions, and allows for the easy comparison of results between different structures. These comparisons can lead to the identification of specific and conserved central residues, and show the impact of mutations to these and other residues on the flexibility of the proteins. We give two use cases to demonstrate the interest of these functionalities and provide the corresponding scripts: the first concerns NMR conformers, the second focuses on mutations in a structure.
Molecular systematics of Caryopteris (Lamiaceae) and its allies with reference to the molecular phylogeny of subfamily Ajugoideae
Authors: Xiang Chun-Lei , Zhao Fei , Cantino Philip D. , Drew Bryan T. , Li Bo , Liu En-De , Soltis Douglas E. , Soltis Pamela S. , Peng Hua
Published: May 2018

Ajugoideae, the third–largest subfamily of Lamiaceae with 23 genera and about 760 species, is distributed worldwide, but is primarily found in tropical regions. During the past two decades, substantial progress has been made towards discerning phylogenetic relationships and generic boundaries in Ajugoideae, but major questions still remain. This phylogenetic study was conducted using 422 DNA sequences from seven DNA regions (nrITS, ETS, and matK, rbcL, rps16, trnL–trnF, trnH–psbA) representing 50 species from 22 of 23 genera in Ajugoideae, to reconstruct the backbone phylogeny of the subfamily, with emphasis on phylogenetic relationships among Caryopteris, Schnabelia and their closest allies. Key results: (1) Ajugoideae is monophyletic and can be divided into four main clades. (2) Discretitheca and Glossocarya, which have not been included in any previous molecular analysis, are members of Ajugoideae and closely related to Karomia and Rotheca. (3) Expanded Schnabelia is monophyletic, sister to Rubiteucris, and consists of two morphologically distinct clades, recognized here as sect. Cylindricaulis and sect. Schnabelia. (4) Traditionally defined Caryopteris is confirmed to be polyphyletic, with several segregate genera. (5) Recircumscribed Caryopteris was found to be monophyletic, but intrageneric relationships were not fully resolved. Synapomorphies of Caryopteris include boat–shaped nutlets that are winged along the edge, fimbriate anterior corolla lobes, and suprareticulate pollen sculpturing. Caryopteris forrestii var. minor was elevated to species rank based on molecular and morphological evidence.
The basics of customer service: general care and personal care
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: May 2018

Last month we had a look at intergenerational care as a way to improve resident's happiness and increase their sense of belonging. This month Adrian Ashurst discusses some general points to keep the resident's health and wellbeing in check
Pathogenesis of equine squamous and glandular gastric disease
Authors: Hallowell Gayle
Published: May 2018

Recent publications have cast light on the marked differences between diseases in the squamous and glandular regions of the equine stomach. Until recently the focus regarding all aspects of gastric disease has been on disease of the squamous mucosa and findings have then been extrapolated to disease in the glandular region. Disease of the squamous mucosa is caused by acid and results in hyperkeratosis, erosions and ulceration. Many of the risks for development of squamous disease relate to factors that allow or promote a more acidic gastric pH or increase exposure of the squamous mucosa to this acid. We know that this is not the case for the glandular mucosa as the epithelial cells in this region in health have protective factors against acid. We now know that disease in the glandular region is inflammatory in origin and not ulcerative. It is proposed that the inciting cause to this lesion is reduced gastric glandular blood flow and it is speculated that it may be an extension of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease; acid may then slow or inhibit healing. Lesions in the glandular mucosa vary in appearance and these differences may relate to differing aetiologies. Recommendations for management changes are different to squamous disease and primarily involve minimising stress. Treatment for glandular disease is more challenging, healing may take longer and requires alternative approaches to oral omeprazole monotherapy when compared with squamous disease.
Diagnosing upper airway disorders
Authors: Barnett Timothy P
Published: May 2018

The correct diagnosis of upper airway conditions in the horses is imperative to ensure that the horse receives the correct and most appropriate treatment and management. With the introduction of overground exercising endoscopy, examination of the patient is now readily available. Ultrasonography of the upper airway has also entered into the diagnostic repertoire of the clinician. However, interpretation of these examinations is not always straightforward with some conditions, most notably dorsal displacement of the soft palate, still sometimes questionably elusive. Additionally, many horses are found to have multiple forms of upper airway obstruction, so a complete diagnosis is essential to ensure that some conditions are not overlooked.
Uncemented short stems in primary total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Loppini Mattia , Grappiolo Guido
Published: May 2018

Over the last two decades, several conservative femoral prostheses have been designed. The goals of conservative stems include: the spearing of the trochanteric bone stock; a more physiological loading in the proximal femur reducing the risk of stress shielding; and to avoid a long stem into the diaphysis preventing impingement with the femoral cortex and thigh pain. All stems designed to be less invasive than conventional uncemented stems are commonly named ‘short stems’. However, this term is misleading because it refers to a heterogeneous group of stems deeply different in terms of design, biomechanics and bearing. In the short-term follow-up, all conservative stems provided excellent survivorship. However, variable rates of complications were reported, including stem malalignment, incorrect stem sizing and intra-operative fracture. Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) studies demonstrated that some conservative stems were affected by an early slight migration and rotation within the first months after surgery, followed by a secondary stable fixation. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) studies demonstrated an implant-specific pattern of bone remodelling. Although the vast majority of stems demonstrated a good osseointegration, some prostheses transferred loads particularly to the lateral and distal-medial regions, favouring proximal stress shielding and bone atrophy in the great trochanter and calcar regions.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:149-159. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.170052
Summary of U.S. Injuries and Fatalities Involving Entrapment and Suffocation in Grain Transport Vehicles
Authors: Cheng Yuan-Hsin , Field William E. , Issa Salah F. , Kelley Kevin , Heber Matthew , Turner Robert
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Since 1978, the Purdue University Agricultural Safety and Health Program has managed a surveillance effort and database to collect information on documented injuries and fatalities in all forms of U.S. agricultural confined spaces. The database currently contains 1,968 cases documented in the U.S. between 1964 and 2016. Of these cases, 174 (8.8%) involved entrapment or suffocation in grain transport vehicles (GTVs), including gravity-flow wagons, semi-truck trailers, and other agricultural transport vehicles that have limited access and are not considered normal work spaces or are classified as confined spaces. These GTV cases represent the overwhelming majority of documented cases involving all forms of agricultural transport vehicles, including forage and manure transport vehicles. Of the incidents documented, 64.3% resulted in fatalities and 71.8% involved children and youth age 20 years and under, when the age was determined. For the GTV cases, the typical victim was male (88.5%), and the average age of the victim was 19.9 (median 12), with over 63.5% of the cases involving children under the age of 15. In numerous incidents, more than one victim became entrapped, including one incident involving five victims. The number of documented cases decreased sharply from a peak of approximately 7 cases per year in the early 1990s to an average of 3.1 cases per year over the past two decades, with no cases documented in 1998 and 2013. However, there is a linear increase in the frequency of incidents since the first case was documented in 1964. This trend is partially due to peaks in 2011 and 2014, when 10 and 9 cases, respectively, were documented, along with more vigilant surveillance methods due to online search capabilities. The general decline, more recently, in the annual number of cases is attributed to increased awareness of the hazards to youth during transport in GTVs, increased use of warnings on GTVs, and the increased size of GTVs, which makes human access more difficult and less practical. Efforts over the past decade to bring attention to the risk of entrapment in GTVs should be recognized as a success of the educational and technological strategies initiated due to earlier high-profile incidents. However, with 6, 10, 9, and 4 cases documented in 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2016, respectively, continued efforts to address the problem are justified. Recommendations for future actions include development of a safety standard for GTVs that includes placement of safety messages on all new GTVs, use of windows above outlets, retrofitting older GTVs with appropriate warnings, and continuing to address the hazard with safety resources targeting all workers exposed to grain handling and transport. Keywords: Agricultural transport vehicle, Farm safety, Grain suffocation, Grain transport vehicle, Wagon.
Editorial: Let’s Stop Treating Our Youth Like Dummies
Authors: Field William E. , Cheng Yuan-hsin , Tormoehlen Roger , Aherin Robert , Schwab Charles , Neenan Daniel , Roberts Matthew
Published: May 2018

At a recent training event to evaluate various types of rescue devices and strategies to extricate victims from partial entrapment in free-flowing grain, a group of volunteer high school students were invited to participate as test subjects. For each test, two youth were equipped with full-body harnesses and lifelines, asked to stand on the grain surface in a semi-trailer load of dry corn, and then allowed to be drawn into the grain as the bottom discharge gate under each youth was opened. Both “victims” were drawn into the grain at either end of the trailer at the same time, each located over the deepest section of the trailer directly above a hopper. Photos were taken of the entrapped youth showing no more than their heads and shoulders above the grain surface. Keywords:
Métodos WTF e simulação numérica de fluxo para estimativa de recarga – exemplo Aquífero Rio Claro em Paulínia/SP
Authors: Teramoto Elias Hideo , Chang Hung Kiang
Published: May 2018

A estimativa do volume de recarga dos aquíferos é fundamental para o gerenciamento de recursos hídricos de subsuperfície. Parte da área de ocorrência do aquífero Rio Claro no munícipio de Paulínia/SP é marcada pela presença de hidrocarbonetos na fase residual e influência de poços de bombeamento dos sistemas de remediação em operação, além de incertezas associadas a heterogeneidades geológicas peculiares a essa unidade hidrogeológica. Esses fatores dificultam estimativas seguras de recarga. Para contornar o problema, foram realizadas simulações numéricas de fluxo, em regime transiente, utilizando dados de monitoramento levantados ao longo de 7 anos, para estimar a recarga do Aquífero Rio Claro nessa área. As variações de carga hidráulica da simulação são similares às variações do nível d’água em todos os poços monitorados, indicando que o modelo foi satisfatoriamente calibrado. A comparação entre as estimativas de recarga pelo método Water Table Fluctuation e os valores obtidos pelos modelos matemáticos revelam elevada discrepância entre ambos. Tal discrepância está associada à diferença nos valores do parâmetro Sy (produtividade específica) empregados nos diferentes métodos. Os valores de Sy podem promover taxas de recarga do aquífero superestimadas por não contemplar o efeito da histerese durante a flutuação do nível d’água.
ŽAMPA’S SYSTEMS THEORY: A COMPREHENSIVE THEORY OF MEASUREMENT IN DYNAMIC SYSTEMS
Authors: Rychtáriková Renata , Urban Jan , Štys Dalibor
Published: May 2018

The article outlines in memoriam Prof. Pavel Žampa’s concepts of system theory which enable us to devise a measurement in dynamic systems independently of the particular system behaviour. From the point of view of Žampa’s theory, terms like system time, system attributes, system link, system element, input, output, sub-systems, and state variables are defined. In Conclusions, Žampa’s theory is discussed together with another mathematical approaches of qualitative dynamics known since the 19th century. In Appendices, we present applications of Žampa’s technical approach to measurement of complex dynamical (chemical and biological) systems at the Institute of Complex Systems, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice.
On local integration of Lie brackets
Authors: Cabrera Alejandro , Mărcuţ Ioan , Salazar María Amelia
Published: May 2018

We give a direct, explicit and self-contained construction of a local Lie groupoid integrating a given Lie algebroid which only depends on the choice of a spray vector field lifting the underlying anchor map. This construction leads to a complete account of local Lie theory and, in particular, to a finite-dimensional proof of the fact that the category of germs of local Lie groupoids is equivalent to that of Lie algebroids.
The history of the sedimentation processes and heavy metal pollution in the Central Danube Delta (Romania)
Authors: Begy Róbert-Csaba , Kelemen Szabolcs , Simon Hedvig , Tănăselia Claudiu
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Iron Gates (IG) hydroelectric power station on the Danube Delta sediment dynamics, and to assess the heavy metal concentrations and pollution in a typical Central Danube Deltaic lake.

Eight sediment cores were analysed. The total 210Pb content was measured with 210Po using alpha spectrometry, and the supported 210Pb (226Ra) and 137Cs were measured by gamma spectrometry. The age depth model was derived by applying the 210Pb dating method, and for the calculation of the ages and the sedimentation rates the CRS model was used.

The sedimentation rates can be divided into four periods:1940–1972, 1972–1980, 1972–1989 and 1989–2013. In the case of Lake Iacob in the first period, the average sedimentation rate was 0.418 g/cm2y, while in the second it slowly decreased to 0.376 g/cm2y. In the third period, the sedimentation fell to 0.209 g/cm2y, which means the retention of 27.3% of the sediment by the IG dam. In the case of Lake Isac the changes were more visible: in the first period the average sedimentation rate was 0.446 g/cm2y, while in the second it decreased to 0.197 g/cm2y, which means a 42.35% retention of sediment. In the last period, in both cases, a high increase in the sedimentation rate is shown: 0.677 g/cm2y for Lake Iacob and 0.715 g/cm2y for Lake Isac. The heavy-metal concentrations for As, Co, Cr and Ni show decreasing and Hg increasing tendencies, while Cd and Pb show constant values of 310 ± 12 ppb and 9 ± 1 ppm respectively.
On mixed norm Bergman–Orlicz–Morrey spaces
Authors: Karapetyants Alexey N. , Samko Stefan G.
Published: May 2018

Following the ideas of our previous research, in this paper we continue the study of new Bergman-type spaces on the unit disc with mixed norm in terms of Fourier coefficients. Here we deal with the case where the sequence of norms of Fourier coefficients in the Orlicz–Morrey space in radial variable belongs to

l
q

{l^{q}}

. We study the boundedness of the Bergman projection and provide a description of functions in these spaces via the behavior of their Taylor coefficients.
Microwave-assisted synthesis and biological evaluation of thiazole-substituted dibenzofurans
Authors: Kumar Baba N.H. , Ashok D. , Rao Boddu Ananda , Madderla Sarasija , Murthy N.Y.S.
Published: May 2018

New thiazole-substituted dibenzofurans 7a–j were synthesized from dibenzofuran derivatives 5a–b and substituted thiosemicarbazones 6a–h under conventional and microwave irradiation conditions. The structures of all products were established on the basis of analytical and spectral data. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Compounds 7b, 7d and 7h are active against Bacillus subtilis (+ve), and compound 7i displays good activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (-ve) strain. Compounds 7a–j were also evaluated for their in vitro antimycobacterial activity, and compound 7b shows antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium bovis strain.
A non-smooth and non-convex regularization method for limited-angle CT image reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Lingli , Zeng Li , Wang Chengxiang , Guo Yumeng
Published: May 2018

Restricted by the practical applications and radiation exposure of computed tomography (CT), the obtained projection data is usually incomplete, which may lead to a limited-angle reconstruction problem. Whereas reconstructing an object from limited-angle projection views is a challenging and ill-posed inverse problem. Fortunately, the regularization methods offer an effective way to deal with that. Recently, several researchers are absorbed in

ℓ
1

{\ell_{1}}

regularization to address such problem, but it has some problems for suppressing the limited-angle slope artifacts around edges due to incomplete projection data. In this paper, in order to surmount the ill-posedness, a non-smooth and non-convex method that is based on

ℓ
0

{\ell_{0}}

and

ℓ
1

{\ell_{1}}

regularization is presented to better deal with the limited-angle problem. Firstly, the splitting technique is utilized to deal with the presented approach called LWPC-ST-IHT. Afterwards, some propositions and convergence analysis of the presented approach are established. Numerical implementations show that our approach is more capable of suppressing the slope artifacts compared with the classical and state of the art iterative reconstruction algorithms.
Language policy and practice in multilingual production workplaces
Authors: Lønsmann Dorte , Kraft Kamilla
Published: May 2018

Transnational mobility results in a diversification of languages and cultures in the workplace. A common means of managing this diversity is to introduce language policies that often privilege English or the locally dominant language(s). In contrast, managing their everyday working lives may require employees to draw on a range of multilingual and non-verbal resources. Such tensions between policy and practice in multilingual workplaces may impact structures and processes of inequality and power in the workplace. By looking at two sites within logistics and construction, this article offers a critical look at multilingual policies and practices and their consequences for speakers within the workplace. The article investigates how language is conceptualised in language policies and enacted in language practice. From this point of departure we discuss how the tensions between policies and practices impact on the daily working life and professional opportunities of the workers. Our findings suggest that even though multilingual practices are crucial for the flow of everyday work interactions on the floor, the language requirements within the workplace mirror the repertoires and practices of high-status employees, and therefore their competence is valued more highly than the more multilingual repertoires of their subordinates. A consequence of this unequal valorisation of the different linguistic repertoires is the maintenance of existing hierarchies in the workplace and the creation of new ones.
Tax or social security contribution, a world of difference?
Authors: Weerepas Marjon
Published: May 2018

Cross-border employees and self-employed workers are confronted with the regulations of at least two states when it comes to taxation and social security. Without delving into the specifics of national regulations, this article examines the applicable rules concerning the levy of taxes and social security contributions in the context of cross-border employment. Regulations aimed at avoiding double taxation are different from those aimed at avoiding the double payment of social security contributions. Because social security in the Member States can be financed in different ways, the levying of so-called economic double taxation is possible. This is true in particular where states use a large part of the tax revenues to finance their social security system. Cross-border workers that are required to pay taxes in these states and also pay social security contributions in another state can feel that they are paying double social security contributions. This contributes to a sense of injustice and is undesirable. The conclusion is that possible double economic contributions must be studied in a broader European context. First, the problem must be identified and then solutions formulated in order to prevent double levying.
Organizational Culture and Scale Development: Methodological Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Bavik Ali , Duncan Tara
Published: May 2018

Defining and measuring organizational culture (OC) is of paramount importance to organizations because a strong culture could potentially increase service quality and yield sustainable competitive advantages. However, such process could be challenging to managers because the scope of OC has been defined differently across disciplines and industries, which has led to the development of various scales for measuring OC. In addition, previously developed OC scales may also not be fully applicable in the hospitality and tourism context. Therefore, by highlighting the key factors affecting the business environment and the unique characteristics of hospitality industry, this paper aims to align the scope of OC closely with the industry and to put forth the need for a new OC scale that accurately responds to the context of the hospitality industry.
Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model to Predict Graduate Unemployment in Indonesia
Authors: Mahmudah Umi
Published: May 2018

Nowadays it is getting harder for higher education graduates in finding a decent job. This study aims to predict the graduate unemployment in Indonesia by using autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. A time series data of the graduate unemployment from 2005 to 2016 is analyzed. The results suggest that ARIMA (1,2,0) is the best model for forecasting analysis, where there is a tendency of increasing number for the next ten periods. Furthermore, the average of point forecast for the next 10 periods is about 1,266,179 while its minimum value is 1,012,861 the maximum values is 1,523,156. Overall, ARIMA (1,2,0) provides an adequate forecasting model so that there is no potential for improvement.
Der Wandel des italienischen Sozialstaats in Zeiten politischer Umbrüche
Authors: Kramer Nicole
Published: May 2018

Riassunto:

La storia dello Stato sociale italiano affonda le sue radici nel XIX secolo e comprende un periodo di radicali cambiamenti politici. Introducendo la sezione tematica „Le molte facce dello Stato sociale. Prospettive sulla storia della protezione sociale in Italia tra dittatura e democrazia“, il contributo offre una panoramica della ricerca e discute, in particolare, i risultati a cui sono giunti nuovi studi. A partire dai primordi delle assicurazioni sociali nel nuovo Regno d’Italia si seguono le fasi dell’ampliamento e della trasformazione dei sistemi di sicurezza sociale con particolare riguardo alle innovazioni realizzate durante la guerra e nel dopoguerra, nonché al quadro ideologico e alle idee guida su cui si basano. Da ciò emerge che la forma dello Stato sociale italiano è stata influenzata sia dalla monarchia che dalla dittatura e la democrazia. Si discute in quale misura i passaggi da un regime all’altro, come pure le conseguenze prodotte dalla guerra, abbiano innescato dinamiche trasformative.
Das faschistische System der sozialen Vorsorge im Spannungsverhältnis zwischen autoritären Maßnahmen und sozialer Integration
Authors: Giorgi Chiara
Published: May 2018

Riassunto:

Il saggio ripercorre alcuni passaggi fondamentali inerenti lo sviluppo dello Stato sociale italiano durante gli anni del fascismo, inquadrandoli tanto nel dibattito storiografico più recente, quanto nell’ambito di alcune issues nazionali e internazionali. In questo senso le politiche assicurative e previdenziali fasciste verranno prese in esame sia nel contesto più complessivo della crescita delle politiche sociali degli anni Trenta (europee e non solo), sia in riferimento alle principali istituzioni italiane (in primis l’INFPS, l’Istituto nazionale fascista di previdenza sociale). In particolare il testo è teso a mettere in evidenza la centralità dell’esperienza fascista rispetto al consolidamento storico del welfare nazionale, i cui connotati originali si collocano proprio negli anni di costruzione del regime. Il periodo fascista pose infatti le basi di quel sistema cosiddetto „particolaristico-clientelare“ che si sarebbe poi sviluppato e intensificato nel secondo dopoguerra e che rappresenta, secondo varie voci storiografiche, il tratto più distintivo della vicenda italiana. I dati conclusivi che emergono sono che, in relazione ad una media europea, l’Italia riuscì a recuperare sotto il profilo quantitativo, aumentando la spesa per la sicurezza sociale e il grado di copertura assicurativa. Tuttavia, la cifra impressa dal regime al welfare nazionale ne avrebbe segnato gli sviluppi successivi, facendo emergere la centralità dell’esperienza fascista in ordine alle caratteristiche (e alle dimensioni) di quest’ultimo. Secondariamente, la riorganizzazione avvenuta sotto il fascismo dell’ambito assicurativo e previdenziale – in ordine all’estensione delle forme di tutela, del numero degli assistiti e soprattutto in materia di sistematizzazione – riguardò per lo più gli aspetti gestionali. Invariata restò una politica di differenziazione delle spettanze che anzi venne accentuata e utilizzata dal regime ai fini del controllo sociale. Il fascismo infatti moltiplicò forme e regimi assicurativi diversi e differenziati, nella misura, nella qualità e nel tempo. La ricostruzione delle vicende previdenziali italiane nel periodo tra le due guerre è così inserita in un più ampio contesto sia geografico (europeo e d’Oltreoceano), sia economico, politico e sociale.
La santa di Casa: Benedetto XIV e la beata Imelda Lambertini
Authors: Fattori Maria Teresa
Published: May 2018

Papst Benedikt XIV. leitete keinen auf die Kanonisierung zielenden Seligsprechungsprozess Imelda Lambertinis ein, obgleich er als Prälat die junge, 1333 verstorbene Nonne schätzte. Die Überlieferung weist in diesem Fall viele Lücken und kaum zuverlässiges Quellenmaterial auf, während die Literatur des 18. Jh. aus dem Umfeld Muratoris dem Seligenkult Imeldas eher abträglich war. Der Beitrag analysiert in drei Schritten die Gründe für die Weigerungshaltung Benedikts XIV. (1675–1758). Zunächst werden die Fakten und Dokumente zusammengestellt, über die sich der Papst die entsprechenden Informationen zu verschaffen versuchte. In einem zweiten Schritt wird die Entwicklung des Imelda-Kultes im 17. und 18. Jh. skizziert, wobei der potentiell heilige Wesenszug dieser Figur aufscheint und das Thema der eucharistischen Devotion, die für ihr Leben kennzeichnend ist, in den Zusammenhang der Debatten über die Eucharistie eingeordnet wird. Schließlich sollen die Zweifel erörtert werden, mit denen die Kultur des 18. Jh. auf die hagiographische Tradition blickte; vor dem Hintergrund des innigen, aber auch höchst kritischen Verhältnisses zwischen dem Bologneser Papst einerseits und seiner Familie bzw. seiner Geburtsstadt andererseits lassen sich auf diese Weise die Beweggründe herausarbeiten, die ihm nahelegten, auf eine Selig- und Heiligsprechung zu verzichten.
Das epistolarische Werk von Ferdinand Gregorovius. Eine Bestandsaufnahme
Authors: Steinsiek Angela
Published: May 2018

Riassunto:

Quello di Ferdinand Gregorovius è uno dei più importanti carteggi del XIX secolo. Nonostante gli sforzi dell’autore di sottrarre questa parte delle sue carte al pubblico, si sono conservate diverse migliaia di lettere che, accanto alla sua opera complessiva, rivestono un valore straordinario anche dal punto di vista letterario. Indispensabili sono le lettere per ricostruire la genesi dei suoi lavori, per comprenderne la qualità nella dialettica tra letteratura e scienza, per identificare i suoi scritti anonimi. Le sue corrispondenze con studiosi, nobili, politici, scrittori, artisti ed editori rappresentano nell’insieme un documento unico della storia politica e sociale, culturale e delle scienze nel XIX secolo e permettono di farsi un’idea concreta sulle vaste reti di contatto transnazionali non solo epistolari, ma anche personali, e sulle condizioni di lavoro di uno storico che svolgeva le sue attività liberamente e in modo indipendente. Le sue corrispondenze, coprendo diversi decenni, mettono infine in luce i rapidi sviluppi che nella loro interazione contrassegnarono la storia italiana e tedesca dell’epoca.
Hat Papstgeschichte Zukunft?
Authors: Reinhard Wolfgang
Published: May 2018

Riassunto:

Sembra che almeno in Germania si stia esaurendo l’attività editoriale che riguarda i rapporti mandati dai nunzi alla segreteria di Stato. Nella digitalizzazione delle fonti si può ravvisare una valida alternativa compensatoria, tanto più che essa consentirebbe di creare una vasta banca dati che, raccogliendo i dati di tutte le persone e tutti gli uffici della curia, offrirebbe un’ottima base per ulteriori ricerche. In ogni caso è possibile raccordare la storia dei papi al nuovo approccio decostruttivista della storia politica e culturale, se si pone al centro dell’attenzione il papato nella sua qualità di singolare potenza culturale che coltiva una sua singolare cultura del potere. Decisiva è la constatazione che la chiesa papale non solo funse da modello per la formazione degli Stati europei, ma sarebbe diventata Stato essa stessa. In questo senso sarebbero auspicabili studi a lungo termine sul personale e sulle istituzioni. Accanto a questa storia materiale sarebbero utili sia l’indagine della devozione personale dei papi, e in particolare del culto mariano, che l’esplorazione del culto del papa e di altre pratiche premoderne, ma tuttora vive, nei credenti.
Effect of Exercise on Cognition, Conditioning, Muscle Endurance, and Balance in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Langoni Chandra da Silveira , Resende Thais de Lima , Barcellos Andressa Bombardi , Cecchele Betina , Knob Mateus Soares , Silva Tatiane do Nascimento , da Rosa Juliana Nunes , Diogo Tamiris de Souza , Filho Irenio Gomes da Silva , Schwanke Carla Helena Augustin
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose:

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may be a precursor to dementia; however, its progression may be prevented or slowed with exercise. This study aimed at determining the effects of group aerobic and strength training on cognition, conditioning, muscle endurance, and balance in underprivileged community-dwelling older adults with MCI.

Methods:

This was a single-blind, randomized, and matched-pair controlled (gender, age, body mass index, and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination—Revised for MCI diagnosis) clinical trial. It was developed in 4 community centers. Fifty-two sedentary, functionally independent individuals, aged 60 years or more, with MCI were randomized into intervention group (n = 26) and control group (n = 26). Participants were tested before and after a 24-week exercise program. Sociodemographic characteristics, cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination), conditioning (2-minute stationary walk test), lower-limb endurance (30-second sit/stand test), and balance data (Functional Reach test) were collected. The intervention group walked and exercised twice weekly (60 minutes each) using ankle weights, latex resistance bands, and dumbbells. The exercise load and intensity were regularly increased on the basis of a preestablished incremental number of sets and repetitions and on the basis of the participants' correct movement execution with a given load. Data were analyzed with Pearson χ2 test, Fisher exact test, Student t test, Mann-Whitney U test, 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance, and the Cohen d.

Results and Discussion:

Before the intervention, no significant differences were found between groups for any of the variables. Postintervention, significant differences were observed in cognition, conditioning, muscle endurance, and balance. Significant time-by-group interactions were detected in all the intergroup analyses. The improvements observed in the intervention group had medium to large effect sizes (0.35-1.15). The control group's decrease in cognition (13.9%) had a large effect size, while its Functional Reach test decrease (11.4%) had a medium effect size, with no significant change in conditioning or muscle endurance.

Conclusion:

The training program improved cognitive function, muscle endurance, aerobic conditioning, and balance in older adults with MCI.
A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Active Recovery Interventions on Athletic Performance of Professional-, Collegiate-, and Competitive-Level Adult Athletes
Authors: Ortiz Robert O. , Sinclair Elder Amanda J. , Elder Craig L. , Dawes J. Jay
Published: May 2018

Ortiz Jr, RO, Sinclair Elder, AJ, Elder, CL, and Dawes, JJ. A systematic review on the effectiveness of active recovery interventions on athletic performance of professional-, collegiate-, and competitive-level adult athletes. J Strength Cond Res 33(8): 2275–2287, 2019—Active recovery (AR) is a popular approach to enhancing athlete recovery from participation through physical action, and it has a perceived benefit in the recovery of athletes' enhancement of postexertional physiological status; however, it is unclear whether these recovery techniques enhance athletic performance. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of AR interventions conducted postexertion on athletic performance among professional, collegiate, and competitive adult athletes. Articles were collected via 4 online databases restricted to publication in English between 1998 and 2014. After the evaluation of overlap among the databases and abstract review, 150 potential eligible studies remained. Twenty-six articles involving 471 subjects remained after full analysis. The primary exclusion factor was absence of AR types of interest or measures of performance. The review resulted in a wide variety of findings indicating the vagueness in AR approach and outcome measures, making it difficult to draw specific conclusions. The review demonstrated that AR interventions lasting 6–10 minutes revealed consistently positive effects on performance. The appropriate intensity level of AR sessions was inconclusive in the literature; however, blood lactate clearance rate as a recovery marker appeared unreliable. The review suggests that there are positive psychological outcomes from AR sessions, a need to determine if AR should be individualized in its application, and weak evidence regarding the efficacy of postexercise AR, particularly relating to performance. Future research is needed for reliable and accurate markers for fatigue, physiological recovery, performance, and markers of intensity and duration for AR interventions.