bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A star polymer with a metallo-phthalocyanine core as a tunable charge storage material for nonvolatile transistor memory devices
Authors: Aimi Junko , Wang Po-Hung , Shih Chien-Chung , Huang Chih-Feng , Nakanishi Takashi , Takeuchi Masayuki , Hsueh Han-Yu , Chen Wen-Chang
Published: January 2018

A novel strategy to control the OFET memory device performance has been demonstrated using a metallophthalocyanine-cored star-shaped polystyrene as a charge storage material.
Role of ClC-K and barttin in low potassium-induced sodium chloride cotransporter activation and hypertension in mouse kidney
Authors: Nomura Naohiro , Shoda Wakana , Wang Yuanlong , Mandai Shintaro , Furusho Taisuke , Takahashi Daiei , Zeniya Moko , Sohara Eisei , Rai Tatemitsu , Uchida Shinichi
Published: January 2018

The sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) has been identified as a key molecule regulating potassium balance. The mechanisms of NCC regulation during low extracellular potassium concentrations have been studied in vitro. These studies have shown that hyperpolarization increased chloride efflux, leading to the activation of chloride-sensitive with-no-lysine kinase (WNK) kinases and their downstream molecules, including STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) and NCC. However, this mechanism was not studied in vivo. Previously, we developed the barttin hypomorphic mouse (Bsndneo/neo mice), expressing very low levels of barttin and ClC-K channels, because barttin is an essential β-subunit of ClC-K. In contrast with Bsnd−/− mice, Bsndneo/neo mice survived to adulthood. In Bsndneo/neo mice, SPAK and NCC activation after consuming a low-potassium diet was clearly impaired compared with that in wild-type (WT) mice. In ex vivo kidney slice experiment, the increase in pNCC and SPAK in low-potassium medium was also impaired in Bsndneo/neo mice. Furthermore, increased blood pressure was observed in WT mice fed a high-salt and low-potassium diet, which was not evident in Bsndneo/neo mice. Thus, our study provides in vivo evidence that, in response to a low-potassium diet, ClC-K and barttin play important roles in the activation of the WNK4-SPAK-NCC cascade and blood pressure regulation.
Multi‐object control of an isolated DC–DC modular multilevel converter
Authors: Chen Yu , Zhao Shanshan , Li Zuoyu , Kang Yong
Published: January 2018

Two medium voltage direct current (MVDC) grids can be connected via an isolated DC–DC modular multilevel converter (DC–DC MMC) to enhance the power transmission and supporting abilities. DC power, DC terminal currents, arm energy balancing and active/reactive power through inner AC link need to be controlled in such a DC–DC MMC, and the submodule and grid fault situations should also be addressed. Therefore, a multi‐object controller is inherently required. This study thus proposes a multi‐object control frame that can realise not only DC power regulation but also inner dynamic control, reactive power optimisation and fault riding through. To facilitate the controller design, a detailed dynamic model of DC–DC MMC is also derived, and such a model is turned into different forms according to different control objects. The proposed control method and the main design considerations are given in a detailed mathematical way. A full‐scale simulation system containing a 6 MW DC–DC MMC, a 20 kV MVDC grid, a 10 kV MVDC grid, and several sources and loads is built to verify the control compatibility, and a down‐scale low‐power prototype is also built to test the control performance.
Control, implementation, and analysis of a dual two‐level photovoltaic inverter based on modified proportional–resonant controller
Authors: Kumar Nayan , Saha Tapas Kumar , Dey Jayati
Published: January 2018

This study presents a modified proportional–resonant (M‐PR) control topology for single‐stage photovoltaic (PV) system, operating both in grid‐connected and stand‐alone modes. Dual two‐level voltage source inverter fed three‐phase open‐end winding transformer is used to supply the load in this scheme. The M‐PR controller is developed for the inner current control loop of the system. The M‐PR controller has the ability to track ac current with zero steady‐state error. The outer dc‐link voltage control loop is developed through the indirect vector control method at synchronously rotating reference frame. The control scheme ensures improved performance of the system at variable solar irradiance and load disturbances. The performance analysis of the dual two‐level PV inverter is carried out for different operating conditions. The control scheme is implemented in MATLAB–SIMULINK environment. The theoretical results are verified through experiments in a laboratory prototype. The experimental results show close match with their theoretical counterparts.
Design and operation of DSTATCOM for power quality improvement in distribution systems
Authors: Kumar Manish , Swarnkar Anil , Gupta Nikhil , Niazi Khaleequr Rehman
Published: January 2018

This study provides a control scheme for distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) which compensates three‐phase, four‐wire distribution system and operates the DSTATCOM in voltage control mode (VCM). This algorithm provides achievement of advantages of current control mode operation while DSTATCOM operated in VCM. Compensator injects reactive and harmonic component of load current and it provides fast voltage regulation at the load terminal with maintaining nearly unity power factor (UPF). Deadbeat voltage control law is used for generating switching pulses for insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) switches and reference terminal voltage is generated by system in such a way that point of common coupling maintains nearly UPF. The proposed design is implemented to mitigate power quality issues induced by source as well as load and it is found to be efficient and robust which is validated through performance under nominal operation, unbalance and distorted source voltage, sag‐swell and unbalancing in load for any types of load. Capability of this arrangement has been verified using result obtained from MATLAB–SIMULINK‐based environment. Different types of loads have been considered (balanced and unbalanced, linear and non‐linear) to check the performance of this arrangement.
Stellar mass spectrum within massive collapsing clumps
Authors: Lee Yueh-Ning , Hennebelle Patrick
Published: January 2018

Context. Stars constitute the building blocks of our Universe, and their formation is an astrophysical problem of great importance.

Aim. We aim to understand the fragmentation of massive molecular star-forming clumps and the effect of initial conditions, namely the density and the level of turbulence, on the resulting distribution of stars. For this purpose, we conduct numerical experiments in which we systematically vary the initial density over four orders of magnitude and the turbulent velocity over a factor ten. In a companion paper, we investigate the dependence of this distribution on the gas thermodynamics.

Methods. We performed a series of hydrodynamical numerical simulations using adaptive mesh refinement, with special attention to numerical convergence. We also adapted an existing analytical model to the case of collapsing clouds by employing a density probability distribution function (PDF) ∝ρ−1.5 instead of a lognormal distribution.

Results. Simulations and analytical model both show two support regimes, a thermally dominated regime and a turbulence-dominated regime. For the first regime, we infer that dN∕d logM ∝ M0, while for the second regime, we obtain dN∕d logM ∝ M−3∕4. This is valid up to about ten times the mass of the first Larson core, as explained in the companion paper, leading to a peak of the mass spectrum at ~0.2 M⊙. From this point, the mass spectrum decreases with decreasing mass except for the most diffuse clouds, where disk fragmentation leads to the formation of objects down to the mass of the first Larson core, that is, to a few 10−2 M⊙.

Conclusions. Although the mass spectra we obtain for the most compact clouds qualitatively resemble the observed initial mass function, the distribution exponent is shallower than the expected Salpeter exponent of − 1.35. Nonetheless, we observe a possible transition toward a slightly steeper value that is broadly compatible with the Salpeter exponent for masses above a few solar masses. This change in behavior is associated with the change in density PDF, which switches from a power-law to a lognormal distribution. Our results suggest that while gravitationally induced fragmentation could play an important role for low masses, it is likely the turbulently induced fragmentation that leads to the Salpeter exponent.
ALMA observations of molecular absorption in four directions toward the Galactic bulge
Authors: Liszt H. , Gerin M.
Published: January 2018

Context. Alma Cycle 3 observations serendipitously showed strong absorption from diffuse molecular gas in the Galactic bulge at − 200 km s−1 < v < −140 km s−1 toward the compact extragalactic continuum source J1744-3116 at (l, b) = −2.13°, − 1.00°. Aims. We aimed to test whether molecular gas in the bulge could also be detected toward the three other, sufficiently strong mm-wave continuum sources seen toward the bulge at |b| < 3°.

Methods. We took absorption profiles of HCO+ (1−0), HCN(1−0), C2H (1−0), CS(2−1) and H13CO+ (1−0) in ALMA Cycle 4 toward J1713-3418, J1717-3341, J1733-3722 and J1744-3116.

Results. Strong molecular absorption from disk gas at |v|≲30 km s−1 was detected in all directions, and absorption from the 3 kpc arm was newly detected toward J1717 and J1744. However, only the sightline toward J1744 is dominated by molecular gas overall and no other sightlines showed molecular absorption from gas deep inside the bulge. No molecular absorption was detected toward J1717 where H I emission from the bulge was previously known. As observed in HCO+, HCN, C2H and CS, the bulge gas toward J1744 at v < −135 km s−1 has chemistry and kinematics like that seen near the Sun and in the Milky Way disk generally. We measured isotopologic ratios N(HCO+)/N(H13CO+) > 51 (3σ) for the bulge gas toward J1744 and 58 ± 9 and 64 ± 4 for the disk gas toward J1717 and J1744, respectively, all well above the value of 20−25 typical of the central molecular zone.

Conclusions. The kinematics and chemistry of the bulge gas observed toward J1744 more nearly resemble that of gas in the Milky Way disk than in the central molecular zone.
A spectroscopic survey of the youngest field stars in the solar neighborhood
Authors: Frasca A. , Guillout P. , Klutsch A. , Freire Ferrero R. , Marilli E. , Biazzo K. , Gandolfi D. , Montes D.
Published: January 2018

Context. Star formation in the solar neighborhood is mainly traced by young stars in open clusters, associations, and in the field, which can be identified, for example, by their X-ray emission. The determination of stellar parameters for the optical counterparts of X-ray sources is crucial for a full characterization of these stars.

Aims. This work extends the spectroscopic study of the RasTyc sample, obtained by the cross-correlation of the Tycho and ROSAT All-Sky Survey catalogs, to stars fainter than V = 9.5 mag and aims to identify sparse populations of young stars in the solar neighborhood.

Methods. We acquired 625 high-resolution spectra for 443 presumably young stars with four different instruments in the northern hemisphere. The radial and rotational velocity (vsini) of our targets were measured by means of the cross-correlation technique, which is also helpful to discover single-lined (SB1), double-lined spectroscopic binaries (SB2), and multiple systems. We used the code ROTFIT to perform an MK spectral classification and to determine the atmospheric parameters (Teff, logg, [Fe/H]) and vsini of the single stars and SB1 systems. For these objects, we used the spectral subtraction of slowly rotating templates to measure the equivalent widths of the Hα and Li I 6708 Å lines, which enabled us to derive their chromospheric activity level and lithium abundance. We made use of Gaia DR1 parallaxes and proper motions to locate the targets in the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram and to compute the space velocity components of the youngest objects.

Results. We find a remarkable percentage (at least 35%) of binaries and multiple systems. On the basis of the lithium abundance, the sample of single stars and SB1 systems appears to be mostly (~60%) composed of stars younger than the members of the UMa cluster. The remaining sources are in the age range between the UMa and Hyades clusters (~20%) or older (~20%). In total, we identify 42 very young (PMS-like) stars, which lie above or very close to the Pleiades upper envelope of the lithium abundance. A significant percentage (~12%) of evolved stars (giants and subgiants) is also present in our sample. Some of these stars (~36%) are also lithium rich (A(Li) > 1.4).
First detection of cyanamide (NH2CN) towards solar-type protostars
Authors: Coutens A. , Willis E. R. , Garrod R. T. , Müller H. S. P. , Bourke T. L. , Calcutt H. , Drozdovskaya M. N. , Jørgensen J. K. , Ligterink N. F. W. , Persson M. V. , Stéphan G. , van der Wiel M. H. D. , van Dishoeck E. F. , Wampfler S. F.
Published: January 2018

Searches for the prebiotically relevant cyanamide (NH2CN) towards solar-type protostars have not been reported in the literature. We present here the first detection of this species in the warm gas surrounding two solar-type protostars, using data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array Protostellar Interferometric Line Survey (PILS) of IRAS 16293–2422 B and observations from the IRAM Plateau de Bure Interferometer of NGC 1333 IRAS2A. We also detected the deuterated and 13C isotopologs of NH2CN towards IRAS 16293–2422 B. This is the first detection of NHDCN in the interstellar medium. Based on a local thermodynamic equilibrium analysis, we find that the deuteration of cyanamide (~1.7%) is similar to that of formamide (NH2CHO), which may suggest that these two molecules share NH2 as a common precursor. The NH2CN/NH2CHO abundance ratio is about 0.2 for IRAS 16293–2422 B and 0.02 for IRAS2A, which is comparable to the range of values found for Sgr B2. We explored the possible formation of NH2CN on grains through the NH2 + CN reaction using the chemical model MAGICKAL. Grain-surface chemistry appears capable of reproducing the gas-phase abundance of NH2CN with the correct choice of physical parameters.
Manifolds of differentiable densities
Authors: Newton Nigel J.
Published: January 2018

We develop a family of infinite-dimensional (non-parametric) manifolds of probability measures. The latter are defined on underlying Banach spaces, and have densities of class Cbk with respect to appropriate reference measures. The case k = ∞, in which the manifolds are modelled on Fréchet spaces, is included. The manifolds admit the Fisher-Rao metric and, unusually for the non-parametric setting, Amari’s α-covariant derivatives for all α ∈ ℝ. By construction, they are C∞-embedded submanifolds of particular manifolds of finite measures. The statistical manifolds are dually (α = ±1) flat, and admit mixture and exponential representations as charts. Their curvatures with respect to the α-covariant derivatives are derived. The likelihood function associated with a finite sample is a continuous function on each of the manifolds, and the α-divergences are of class C∞.
The detection of ultra-relativistic electrons in low Earth orbit
Authors: Katsiyannis Athanassios C. , Dominique Marie , Pierrard Viviane , Rosson Graciela Lopez , Keyser Johan De , Berghmans David , Kruglanski Michel , Dammasch Ingolf E. , Donder Erwin De
Published: January 2018

Aims. To better understand the radiation environment in low Earth orbit (LEO), the analysis of in-situ observations of a variety of particles, at different atmospheric heights, and in a wide range of energies, is needed. Methods. We present an analysis of energetic particles, indirectly detected by the large yield radiometer (LYRA) instrument on board ESA's project for on-board autonomy 2 (PROBA2) satellite as background signal. Combining energetic particle telescope (EPT) observations with LYRA data for an overlapping period of time, we identified these particles as electrons with an energy range of 2 to 8 MeV. Results. The observed events are strongly correlated to geo-magnetic activity and appear even during modest disturbances. They are also well confined geographically within the L = 4–6 McIlwain zone, which makes it possible to identify their source. Conclusions. Although highly energetic particles are commonly perturbing data acquisition of space instruments, we show in this work that ultra-relativistic electrons with energies in the range of 2–8 MeV are detected only at high latitudes, while not present in the South Atlantic Anomaly region.
Lipomatose epidural lombar: Relato de dois casos
Authors: Zanatelli Marcelo Motta , Nassif Pedro Oscar , Vilar Felipe
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: Descrever e relatar uma patologia relativamente rara, que deve ser sugerida no diagnóstico diferencial das lombalgias e síndromes radiculares lombossacrais. Método: Análise e descrição de dois casos de lipomatose epidural lombar operados no Serviço de Neurocirurgia da Santa Casa de Santos pelos autores no período de três anos. Resultados: Os pacientes operados evoluíram com melhora dos sintomas relacionados à lipomatose epidural lombar. Conclusão: A lipomatose epidural deve sempre ser incluída no diagnóstico diferencial diante de queixa de lombalgia e ciática, ou ainda compressão medular dorsal. Obesidade e uso de corticóides devem ser considerados como sinais de suspeita para tal patologia, que, quando correta e rapidamente descoberta e tratada, pode evitar graves conseqüências para o doente.
Uso da nanotecnologia no reparo das lesões traumáticas de nervos
Authors: Martins Roberto S. , Siqueira Mario G.
Published: January 2018

A nanotecnologia tem permitido avanços revolucionários nos últimos anos em diversas áreas da Ciência, incluindo a medicina, onde o impacto de novas aquisições se faz presente também na neurocirurgia. Trabalhos experimentais têm demonstrado diversas possibilidades do uso de artefatos obtidos a partir da nanotecnologia no tratamento das lesões traumáticas de nervos periféricos. Isto inclui desde a construção de dispositivos semi-sintéticos que substituem a estrutura de um nervo até a manipulação direta dos axônios. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar ao neurocirurgião uma revisão sobre as principais técnicas de manufatura de nanomateriais e suas aplicações atuais e futuras no manejo das patologias traumáticas dos nervos periféricos.
Alterações eletrocardiográficas em traumatismo craniencefálico grave na infância
Authors: Pereira Carlos Umberto , Oliveira Junior Celso Luis , Silva Santos Egmond Alves , Sousa Santos Ana Paula , Silva Almeida Luis André , Barreto Filho José Augusto Soares
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: Estudar as alterações eletrocardiográficas encontradas em crianças com traumatismo craniencefálico grave, pois há poucos registros na literatura mundial sobre o tema. Pouco se conhece acerca da incidência, causas, suscetibilidade e o tratamento destes pacientes. Pacientes e métodos: Foram estudados prospectivamente oito pacientes vítimas de traumatismo craniencefálico grave na infância. Na admissão, foram avaliados, quanto ao escore na escala de coma de Glasgow, exame neurológico, tomografia computadorizada craniana e exame eletrocardiográfico de 12 derivações. Resultados: A idade variou de 3 a 15 anos, com média de 10 anos. A causa mais comum do traumatismo craniano foi acidente automobilístico. O exame de tomografia computadorizada demonstrou: edema cerebral difuso (4 casos), hemorragia subaracnóidea traumática (2 casos), contusão em lobo temporal (1 caso) e hemorragia intraventricular (1 caso). Eletrocardiograma na admissão não revelou presença de alterações isquêmicas. A freqüência cardíaca esteve elevada em cinco casos, com taquicardia supraventricular em um paciente e ritmo sinusal nos demais. A pressão arterial foi normal em sete casos e houve hipotensão arterial em um paciente. O tratamento conservador foi realizado em sete casos. Sete pacientes evoluíram com déficits neurológicos leves ou moderados e houve um óbito. Conclusão: Existe divergência da incidência de alterações eletrocardiográficas em pacientes pediátricos vítimas de traumatismo craniencefálico grave. Na presente casuística não foram observadas alterações significantes. Desta forma, estudos mais aprofundados e duradouros merecem ser desenvolvidos sobre o assunto, para se determinar a conduta adequada nestes casos.
Meningiomas da asa esfenoidal. Resultados cirúrgicos
Authors: Simis André , Aguiar Paulo Henrique , Mariani Pedro Augusto , Santana Junior Pedro Augusto , Teles Gomes Marcos Queirós
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: Analisar o resultado do tratamento cirúrgico dos meningiomas esfenoidais. Método: Estudo retrospectivo de 32 pacientes com meningiomas da asa do esfenóide, operados de janeiro de 2000 a janeiro de 2004 na Clínica Neurocirúrgica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Resultados: A média etária dos pacientes foi de 43 anos, sendo 26 do sexo feminino e 6 do sexo masculino. Crises convulsivas foram a primeira manifestação clínica de 16 pacientes. Quanto à localização, 3 pacientes apresentavam meningiomas em placa, 8 localizados no terço interno, 14 no terço médio e 7 no terço externo. Ressecção Simpson I foi obtida em 9 pacientes, Simpson II em 15, Simpson III em 6, e Simpson IV em 2. Quanto aos resultados do tratamento cirúrgico, observamos 22 resultados excelentes, 7 bons, 2 ruins e 1 óbito. Conclusão: O tratamento cirúrgico é o tratamento de escolha para meningiomas da asa do esfenóide, com bons resultados e reduzidas complicações.
Hemangioblastomas aparentemente esporádicos e doença de von Hippel-Lindau não suspeita
Authors: Ortiz-Velázquez Rogelio Iván , Santos-Franco Jorge Arturo , Pereira Caldas Jose Guilherme Mendes , Mercado-Pimentel Rodrigo , Rasmussen Astrid , Revuelta Rogelio
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: Apresentar os achados associados à doença de von Hippel-Lindau em pacientes portadores de hemangioblastoma do sistema nervoso central, aparentemente esporádico, submetidos a rastreamento (screening) em um centro neurocirúrgico de referência. Métodos: Na base de dados do Instituto Nacional de Neurologia e Neurocirurgia da Cidade do México foram identificados todos os pacientes com diagnóstico histológico confirmado de hemangioblastoma do sistema nervoso central entre janeiro de 1980 e agosto de 2000. Os arquivos médicos, radiológicos e patológicos desses pacientes foram revisados retrospectivamente. Destes, 25 pacientes assintomáticos concordaram em submeter-se ao rastreamento, por meio de exame físico, ultra-sonografia e tomografia axial computadorizada de abdômen, ressonância magnética cranioespinhal e exame oftalmológico. Resultados: 32% dos pacientes apresentaram policistose, 16%, hemangioblastomas múltiplos e 12%, carcinomas viscerais. Segundo os critérios de Neumann, logrou-se estabelecer o diagnóstico clínico da doença de von Hippel-Lindau em 60% dos casos. Conclusão: A presença de lesões assintomáticas nos portadores da doença de von Hippel-Lindau assinala a falta de sensibilidade do exame clínico, fazendo-se necessário o rastreamento de todo paciente portador de hemangioblastomas do sistema nervoso central.
Cavernoma gigante de ínsula esquerda operado por via subfrontal: Relato de caso
Authors: Stávale Marcos
Published: January 2018

O autor relata o caso de uma paciente com volumoso cavernoma na região da ínsula esquerda, removido com sucesso por via subfrontal. A anatomia e a escolha do acesso cirúrgico são discutidas.
Women in Brazilian neurosurgery
Authors: Ivamoto Henrique S.
Published: January 2018

Medicine remained as a male profession during many centuries, but the proportion of women rose steadily during the second part of the 20th century in the world and in Brazil. In 2006 they became the majority (51.75%) of the new physicians licensed by the Regional Council of Medicine of the State of São Paulo. Nevertheless, the proportion of women in Neurosurgery and in directive posts in entities of the specialty in Brazil continue very low or absent. Data obtained from the Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery and the Brazilian Academy of Neurosurgery are very similar to those of the American counterparts, like the proportion of women among the associates, around 5%, and one single female chief of a service certified for training in each country. Authors from WINS, an American entity, reported several problems suffered by female neurosurgeons, including gender discrimination. Such occurrences, as reported in online news, should alert against discriminatory attitudes.
Neurofibroma plexiforme gigante da região lombar com transformação hemorrágica – Relato de caso
Authors: Cardoso de Lima Mayara Dalila , Luiz de Oliveira Washington , Barcelos Carlos Elizeu , Sprengel Sergio Luiz , Araújo João Cândido
Published: January 2018

A neurofibromatose tipo 1 é uma facomatose que apresenta, entre outras características, tumores oriundos da bainha dos nervos como o neurofibroma plexiforme. Neste artigo é relatado o caso de um paciente que sofreu transformação hemorrágica espontânea de um neurofibroma plexiforme gigante na região lombar. Existem apenas cinco casos relatados na literatura de neurofibroma plexiforme gigante na região lombar, havendo apenas dois casos de transformação hemorrágica de tal lesão, sendo este o terceiro maior neurofibroma plexiforme relatado na região lombar. O paciente foi submetido à cirurgia e à ressecção total da lesão. O anatomopatológico confirmou o diagnóstico de neurofibroma plexiforme e revelou a presença de vasos displásicos, que poderiam ser a causa do sangramento espontâneo. É ressaltada a necessidade de orientação aos pacientes quanto ao crescimento súbito da lesão e à hemorragia como diagnóstico diferencial etiológico de tal crescimento.
Epidemiologia das neoplasias intracranianas no Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo: 2010-2012
Authors: Rodrigues Daniella Brito , Lima Lorena de Oliveira , Rodrigues Pereira Edmundo Luis , Souza Ulysses de Oliveira , Fernandes de Oliveira Matheus , Lima Alessandra de Moura , Rotta José Marcus
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: Analisar aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos dos tumores cerebrais primários e metastáticos entre os pacientes atendidos no Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, durante os anos de 2010 a 2012. Método: Estudo transversal, retrospectivo, do tipo observacional, com análise de 369 casos de neoplasias intracranianas de acordo com os dados obtidos no setor de registro hospitalar, nos prontuários da instituição e registros anatomopatológicos dos pacientes tratados cirurgicamente. Resultados: Tumores cerebrais primários corresponderam a 69% da amostra; houve predomínio do sexo feminino; a média de idade foi de 62 anos, com pico na incidência na faixa etária de 41 a 64 anos. Meningiomas foram os tumores cerebrais primários mais encontrados (23%), seguidos pelos gliomas (21%). Cânceres de pulmão, de mama e do trato gastrointestinal foram, em ordem decrescente, as localizações primárias mais frequentes das metástases; estas foram múltiplas em somente 26% dos casos e tiveram predileção pelo lobo frontal e pelo cerebelo. Conclusão: Tumores intracranianos primários foram predominantes na casuística; desses, os meningiomas e os gliomas corresponderam aos principais tipos histológicos. As neoplasias de pulmão, mama e do trato gastrointestinal foram, em ordem decrescente, as localizações primárias mais frequentes das metástases intracranianas; estas tiveram predileção pelo lobo frontal e cerebelo e foram únicas, em sua maioria.
Glioblastoma multiforme em idosos: uma revisão sobre seu tratamento com ênfase na abordagem cirúrgica
Authors: Badke Guilherme Lellis , Panagopoulos Alexandros Theodoros , Brasileiro de Aguiar Guilherme , Esteves Veiga José Carlos
Published: January 2018

O glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) é o tumor primário mais comum do sistema nervoso central (SNC). Em virtude do envelhecimento populacional, entre outros fatores, sua ocorrência em faixas etárias avançadas tem se mostrado crescente nas últimas décadas. Os objetivos da ressecção do GBM incluem: alívio do efeito de massa, citorredução tumoral, diagnóstico histopatológico, controle dos sintomas e melhoria nas taxas de sobrevivência. Por muito tempo acreditou-se que a idade seria fundamental na decisão pelo tratamento, embora alguns autores afirmem que a extensão da ressecção cirúrgica constitui o principal fator determinante do prognóstico, sobretudo para pacientes que foram eleitos para radioterapia e quimioterapia. A ressecção de mais de 98% do volume tumoral é capaz de interferir na sobrevivência, e ressecções menores proporcionaram sobrevivência semelhante à dos pacientes não abordados. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo realizar uma revisão da literatura atual a respeito do tratamento do GBM nos idosos, com enfoque especial na abordagem cirúrgica.
Compressão medular decorrente de hiperdrenagem de derivação ventriculoperitoneal: uma rara complicação
Authors: Cardoso Marcio de Mendonça , Gepp Ricardo de Amoreira , Sainz Quiroga Marco Rolando , Caetano de Sousa Henrique
Published: January 2018

A derivação ventriculoperitoneal (DVP) representa uma forma importante e comum de tratamento da hidrocefalia. Entretanto, pode ocorrer uma série de complicações durante a sua instalação ou por causa de seu mau funcionamento, como infecção, obstrução e hiperdrenagem liquórica. Nesse trabalho, descrevemos uma rara complicação em que um paciente submetido à DVP evoluiu com tetraparesia progressiva. Investigação posterior evidenciou hiperdrenagem da válvula, levando a diminuição do retorno venoso intracraniano, dilatação do plexo venoso epidural e consequente compressão medular no nível da junção bulbomedular. Após o diagnóstico, fizemos o ajuste no nível de desempenho da válvula, e o paciente evoluiu com melhora clínica. Concluímos que o conhecimento desse tipo de complicação associada à disfunção de DVP pode levar a um diagnóstico mais precoce e melhor resposta ao tratamento. O tratamento envolve a correção do fator causal, ou seja, a hiperdrenagem.
Unusual case of isolated frontal sinus mycosis after several years of frontal sinus fracture: case report
Authors: Lopez Gonzalez Demian Manzano , Rubino Pablo
Published: January 2018

Fractures of the frontal sinus account for 5 to 12% of all the maxillofacial fractures. There are different complications related to frontal sinus fractures and some of them may develop even years after the traumatic episode. Isolated fungal infection of the frontal sinus is very exceptional. The most commonly affected paranasal sinus by fungal infection is maxillary sinus. We present an unusual case of isolated fungal infection of the frontal sinus on an immunocompetent patient who had an old frontal sinus fracture that had happened 70 years before. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in which these particular circumstances coexist.
Chronic subdural hematoma treatment with adjustment of programmable valve in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus patient: a case report
Authors: Fernandes de Oliveira Matheus , Reis Rodolfo Casimiro , Gomes Pinto Fernando Campos , Rotta José Marcus
Published: January 2018

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common entity in daily neurosurgical practice. It is considered a benign condition. Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) is characterized by gait disturbance, dementia and/or urinary incontinence added to dilation of ventricular system due to disturbance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation with normal CSF pressure. We describe an experience of a conservative treatment of subdural hematoma based in the physiopathology and ability to control the pressure in programmable valves. The adjustment of programmable valves in the treatment of INPH allow us the therapeutic control of hydrocephalus and an important tool to manage complications, especially overshunting and undershunting.
The effect of sky view factors on optimized photovoltaic fields
Authors: Appelbaum J. , Aronescu A.
Published: January 2018

Photovoltaic (PV) fields deployed in multiple collector rows, with two modules one on the top of the other, experience uneven incident diffuse radiation due to the difference in the modules' sky view factor. It is plausible that the two modules may be installed with different inclination angles to obtain an improved field design compared to a common inclination angle for both modules. The examination of these two types of field installations was based on the maximum annual incident energy on the PV fields. The comparison for obtaining maximum incident energy was investigated at two monitoring stations (Tel Aviv and Lindenberg-Germany) having different percentages of diffuse radiation. The study shows that top and bottom modules collect different amounts of annual energies. Designing optimal PV fields mounted with two inclination angles for the top and bottom modules may result in an annual energy gain of about 2÷3%.
Culture conditions affect Ca2+ release in artificially activated mouse and human oocytes
Authors: Lu Yuechao , Bonte Davina , Ferrer-Buitrago Minerva , Popovic Mina , Neupane Jitesh , Van der Jeught Margot , Leybaert Luc , De Sutter Petra , Heindryckx Björn
Published: January 2018

Inconsistent fertilisation and pregnancy rates have been reported by different laboratories after application of ionomycin as a clinical method of assisted oocyte activation (AOA) to overcome fertilisation failure. Using both mouse and human oocytes, in the present study we investigated the effects of ionomycin and Ca2+ concentrations on the pattern of Ca2+ release and embryonic developmental potential. In the mouse, application of 5 μM ionomycin in potassium simplex optimisation medium (KSOM) or 10 µM ionomycin in Ca2+-free KSOM significantly reduced the Ca2+ flux and resulted in failure of blastocyst formation compared with 10 μM ionomycin in KSOM. Increasing the Ca2+ concentration up to three- or sixfold did not benefit mouse embryonic developmental potential. Similarly, 10 μM ionomycin-induced rise in Ca2+ in human oocytes increased with increasing total calcium concentrations in the commercial medium. Remarkably, we observed significantly reduced mouse embryo development when performing AOA over a period of 10 min in Quinn’s AdvantageTM Fertilisation medium (Cooper Surgical) and IVFTM medium (Vitrolife) compared with Sydney IVF COOK cleavage medium (Cook Ireland), using the same sequential culture system from the post-activation stage to blastocyst formation stage in different AOA groups. In conclusion, concentrations of both ionomycin and Ca2+ in culture media used during AOA can have significant effects on Ca2+ release and further embryonic developmental potential.
Influence of Malayalam on temporal clauses in Malabar Indo-Portuguese
Authors: Krajinović Ana
Published: January 2018

Temporal clauses with the subordinatorskandə(< Portuguesequando) andk(w)ain Malabar Indo-Portuguese creole (MIP) are used to express any kind of temporal relation between two clauses, typically sequence or simultaneity. These temporal clauses are ubiquitous in contexts in which Portuguese, the lexifier of MIP, could not employ temporalquandoclauses. In this paper, I show that the morphosyntax and semantics of temporal clauses withkandəandk(w)ain MIP differ from corresponding Portuguese strategies, and that these differences can be explained by the influence of Malayalam (Dravidian), the substrate and adstrate language of MIP. One of the most salient properties of Malayalam adverbial subordination present in MIP is clause chaining. I position this study within the debate on creole exceptionalism, and show that the South Asian typological profile of MIP can only be explained within the view that language ecology determines the typology of a creole (Ansaldo 2009).
Preparation and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of quercetin-loaded mixed micelles for oral delivery
Authors: Lu Zhen , Bu Cuiping , Hu Weicheng , Zhang Hui , Liu Mengrui , Lu Meiqi , Zhai Guangxi
Published: January 2018

Quercetin (QT) is a plant polyphenol with various pharmacological properties. However, the low water solubility limits its therapeutic efficacy. In the present study, QT-loaded sodium taurocholate-Pluronic P123 (QT-loaded ST/P123) mixed micelles were developed and characterized, and the effect of the formulation on improving the water solubility of QT was investigated. QT-loaded ST/P123 mixed micelles were prepared by thin film hydration-direct dissolution and optimized by uniform design. The optimal formulation possessed high drug loading (12.6%) and entrapment efficiency (95.9%) in small (16.20 nm) spherically-shaped micelles. A low critical micelle concentration indicated that the micelles were stable, and they showed a sustained release pattern, as determined in vitro in simulated gastric fluid and intestinal fluid. Pharmacokinetic evaluation showed the Cmax and AUC0–24 were 1.8-fold and 1.6-fold higher than the QT suspension. The present results indicate that QT-loaded ST/P123 micelles are potential candidates to improve the solubility and oral bioavailability of QT.
Pseudospectral method for the quantum state determination of the superconductor in the nonuniform magnetic field
Authors: Korchagin D S , Kartsev P F
Published: January 2018

In this work, we present the numerical approach to determine the quantum state of a superconductor using the Ginzburg-Landau equations by means of a pseudospectral method. Its convergence is demonstrated by simulation of a test problem. All the analytics is given with details.
TcR-α recombinations in renal cell carcinoma exome files correlate with an intermediate level of T-cell exhaustion biomarkers
Authors: Mai Anne T. , Tong Wei Lue , Tu Yaping N. , Blanck George
Published: January 2018

Renal cell carcinoma exome-derived, V(D)J recombination reads had an elevated presence and variability, for both TcR-α and -β, when compared to marginal tissue, reflecting an opportunity to assess tumor immunogenicity by comparison with marginal tissue T cells. PD-1, PD-L2, CTLA4 and FOXP3, all of which are implicated in the evasion of an anti-tumor immune response, had a significantly higher expression for samples representing co-detection of productive TcR-α and -β recombination reads. Samples representing tumors with productive TcR-α recombination reads but no detectable, productive TcR-β recombination reads, reflected a 20% survival advantage, and RNASeq data indicated an intermediate level of immune checkpoint gene expression for those samples. These results raise the question of whether relatively high levels of detection of productive TcR-α recombination reads, in comparison with detection of reads representing the TcR-β gene, identify a microenvironment that has not yet entered a T-cell exhaustion phase and may thereby represent conditions for immune enhancements that do not require anti-immune checkpoint therapies.
Toward rational antibody design: recent advancements in molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Yamashita Takefumi
Published: January 2018

Because antibodies have become an important therapeutic tool, rational antibody design is a challenging issue involving various science and technology fields. From the computational aspect, many types of design-assist methods have been developed, but their accuracy is not fully satisfactory. Because of recent advancements in computational power, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation has become a helpful tool to trace the motion of proteins and to characterize their properties. Thus, MD simulation has been applied to various systems involving antigen–antibody complexes and has been shown to provide accurate insight into antigen–antibody interactions and dynamics at an atomic resolution. Therefore, it is highly possible that MD simulation will play several roles complementing the conventional antibody design. In this review, we address several important features of MD simulation in the context of rational antibody design.
Levinas on Ecology and Nature
Authors: Boothroyd David
Published: January 2018

Most attempts to articulate the relevance of Levinas’s philosophy to the project of rethinking nature, ecology, and “the environment” in view of the perceived impending planetary crisis focus on his key ethical concepts such as the face-to-face, transcendence, absolute alterity, and Infinity. The implicit anthropocentrism of this dimension of his schema is often found to be a decisive impasse regarding the question of the ethical status of the nonhuman. This chapter explains why recurrent focus on the ethical relation and “the beyond” should be balanced by attention to his philosophy of existence; his empiricism; and his analyses of individuation, immanence, and Totality. Focussing on the “dark side” of the face-to-face and Levinas’s notion of the milieu will show the relevance of nature and ecology to the human-nonnhuman relation.
Introduction
Authors: Averett Susan L. , Argys Laura M. , Hoffman Saul D.
Published: January 2018

The transformation of women’s lives in the past century is among the most significant and far-reaching social and economic phenomena, affecting not only women but also their partners and children. In developed and developing countries alike, women are acquiring more education, marrying later, having fewer children, and spending a far greater fraction of their adult lives in the labor force. This Handbook provides the first comprehensive collection of essays that addresses these issues, using the powerful framework of economics. The Introduction offers an overview of the field. It outlines its intellectual foundations and then reviews the many ways in which research into women’s issues expanded and strengthened research methods and practices throughout economics. It then provides an overview of the thirty-one chapters in the Handbook. It concludes with thoughts about the strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature and about the further development of the field.
International Cyber Conflict and National Security
Authors: Maness Ryan C. , Valeriano Brandon
Published: January 2018

Cyber conflict is often called the fifth domain of conflict. As more and more systems, networks, and information become digitized, there is contestation as to the growing nature of the threat and how exactly this domain can be exploited to coerce the enemy for either geopolitical or financial gain. Some argue that the cyber threat is exponentially growing and that offensive dominance reigns, making cyber conflict extremely unstable. Others contest that the threat is overblown and is more socially constructed. In this chapter we take a middle ground and find that much of the cyber conflict and security discourse has gotten it wrong through conjecture and worst- (or best-) case scenarios. We argue that a system of norms must be built upon and preserved to keep cyberspace a domain of relative openness and nonescalation. Arms races and deterrence strategies are not the path forward for a secure, prosperous cyberspace.
Food Ethics in the Middle Ages
Authors: Lagerlund Henrik
Published: January 2018

This chapter looks at what kind of foods medieval people ate and what impact on their habits religion had. It then looks closer at what they said about animals as food, but also looks at perhaps the most important aspect of medieval food ethics, namely, the moral aspect of eating itself. This is foremost governed by the virtue of fasting and the vice, or even deadly sin, of gluttony.
Love
Authors: Wolf Susan
Published: January 2018

It is a common and plausible thought that love is one of the most important things in life. This essay sets out to explain why. After noting that outlooks like hedonism and stoicism fail to acknowledge love’s fundamental importance, the essay considers the variety of kinds of love, and argues that any love that involves caring deeply and personally about something for its own sake can have the relevant kind of importance. Specifically, love orients us in and roots us motivationally to the world in a way that self-interest does not. Consideration of how love would affect our attitude to Nozick’s experience machine reinforces this point.
Monastic Theology
Authors: Harmless William
Published: January 2018

Monastic theology emerged in the very era that saw the great patristic bishop-theologians, from Athanasius to Augustine, and the great ecumenical councils, from Nicaea to Chalcedon. Monastic theologians certainly meditated on the big picture, but more as map-makers than systematicians. The theological task, as they conceived it, was to map precisely how the individual Christian journeys to God. Ultimately, it was a mode of theology that flowed from and flowed back into the practice of mystical contemplation. This chapter traces the history of monastic theology from John Cassian (d. 435) through the Venerable Bede (673–735) and on to Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153).
The Holy Spirit
Authors: White Thomas Joseph
Published: January 2018

This chapter explores the basic structure of Christian teaching about the Holy Spirit—pneumatology. The chapter considers, first, the biblical presentation of the Spirit and then explores the decisive contribution of theological debates in the fourth century ad. The contributions of the Cappadocian fathers and St Augustine of Hippo are considered. The chapter then focuses on the Filioque clause in the Latin version of the Nicene Creed, and the contribution of St Thomas Aquinas. It then goes on to explores the possibilities for ecumenical convergence on pneumatology, with a final discussion emphasizing the Spirit’s role as the soul of the Church.
Understanding Severe Maternal Morbidity: Hospital-based Review
Authors: KILPATRICK SARAH J.
Published: January 2018

Cases of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) share similarities to maternal deaths, including increasing in frequency and having similar rates of preventability. This article will review steps to organizing and implementing standard reviews of all cases of SMM. These steps include create multidisciplinary SMM review committee; identify potential SMM cases and confirm true SMM; identify the morbidity; abstract and summarize data; present case to review committee for discussion; determine events leading to morbidity; determine opportunities to improve outcome; assess provider, system and patient factors in cases with opportunities to improve outcome; make recommendations; and effect change and evaluate improvement.
Excision of mucinous cystadenoma of pancreas is safe and effective: a case report
Authors: Weledji Elroy P. , Eyongetah Divine , Nana Theophile C. , Ngowe Marcelin N.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Pancreatic cysts are frequently detected incidentally, and a definitive preoperative diagnosis remains challenging. Benign cystic lesions have a very high cure rate unless malignant change supervenes. Simple excision of benign cysts of the pancreas is safe and effective.

Case presentation:

We present a 31-year-old woman with a 3-year history of an enlarging symptomatic benign pancreatic mucinous cystadenoma, which was misdiagnosed radiologically as a pancreatic serous cystadenoma or a mesenteric cyst. This was managed safely by excision and resection with a distal pancreatectomy that was avoided.

Conclusions:

Excision of benign mucinous cystadenoma of the pancreas is safe and effective, and surveillance for recurrence is not necessary.