bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-Beam Free-Space Optical Link to Mitigation of Rain Attenuation
Authors: Shaker Farouk Kh. , Ali Mazin Ali A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractFree-Space optical (FSO) link is an optical communication technology that uses light or laser as the carrier diffuses into free space to transfer data information between the transmitter and the receiver through the air channel. In this paper, a dual transmitters and receivers with multi-beam technique were designed to Study the effects of rain attenuation on the system to be used through FSO during the rainy weather. FSO model system was designed and simulated using OptiSystem7.0 software. The results analysis of FSO link within (1.6 - 3.9 km) ranges according to a Charbonneau model for rain attenuation. The transmitting data with NRZ modulation was designed and analysis of the performance System efficiency parameters such as bit error rate (BER) and Q. Factor for different optical links. The results of the simulation showed that the received signal power decreases and the bit error rate is increasing when the rain rate is increasing.
The effects of cross-linked/uncross-linked electrospun fibrinogen/polycaprolactone nanofibers on the proliferation of normal human epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Mirzaei-Parsa Mohamad Javad , Ghanbari Hossein , Bahrami Naghmeh , Hadadi-Abianeh Shahryar , Faridi-Majidi Reza 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
The aim of this study was an investigation on the proliferation rate of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) on the cross-linked and uncross-linked fibrinogen/polycaprolactone (Fbg/PCL) nanofibers to determine a suitable scaffold for skin tissue engineering. Nanofibrous scaffolds were prepared by electrospinning of different weight ratios of Fbg to PCL and were analyzed as morphology, surface chemical properties and cytocompatibility by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, respectively. The diameters of the blended uncross-linked scaffolds were in the range of 124±43 nm–209±155 nm. Cross-linking of scaffolds with glutaraldehyde did not make a significant change in the diameter of blended scaffolds in 16 h. Cross-linking also improved the tensile strength and weight loss rate of scaffolds. However, cross-linking demonstrated an unfavorable effect on the attachment and proliferation of NHEK cells. The proliferation study revealed that uncross-linked scaffolds containing 50% and 70% Fbg provide a better environment for the growth of NHEK cells, and can be considered promising scaffolds in tissue engineering applications.
Study protocol: phase 1 dose escalating study of Pressurized Intra-Peritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) with oxaliplatin in peritoneal metastasis
Authors: Kim Guowei , Tan Hon Lyn , Chen Elya , Teo Siok Chin , Jang Clarisse Jia Min , Ho Jingshan , Ang Yvonne , Ngoi Natalie Yan Li , Chee Cheng Ean , Lieske Bettina , Shabbir Asim , Wang Ling-Zhi , So Jimmy Bok Yan , Yong Wei Peng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundPressurized Intra-Peritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a novel laparoscopic intraperitoneal chemotherapy technique, with advantages such as homogeneous distribution of aerosol and deeper tissue penetration. Thus far, PIPAC oxaliplatin has been administered at an arbitrary dose of 92 mg/m2.AimWe aim to determine the dose-related safety profile and tolerability of PIPAC oxaliplatin using an evidence-based approach. The secondary aim is to evaluate clinic-pathologic response and the pharmacokinetic profile.MethodsThis is a phase I 3+3 dose escalation study for gastric and colorectal cancer with predominant peritoneal metastasis starting at a dose of 45 mg/m2. Safety is assessed according to Clavien-Dindo Classification and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.0). Clinico-pathologic response is assessed using the Peritoneal Regression Grading Score, Peritoneal Cancer Index, and Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumour criteria (version 1.1). Pharmacokinetic analysis is performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry assay. This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03172416).ConclusionsThis phase I study can provide the scientific basis to identify the optimal dose for PIPAC with oxaliplatin such that the benefits of this novel and promising intraperitoneal chemotherapy delivery technique can be maximized.
Comparison of ELISA and flow cytometry for measurement of interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α
Authors: Çetin Aysun , Şen Ahmet , Çetin Ihsan , Çimen Behzat , Cimen Leyla , Savas Göktug , Öztürk Ahmet , Koker Mustafa Yavuz 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Background
Although majority of the previous studies have shown a good correlation between enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry in terms of cytokines, two laboratory methods usually were compared with the regression analysis and correlation in the literature. This study aimed at comparing the ELISA and flow cytometry assay for measuring cytokines by using two different statistical methods, regression analysis and Bland-Altman plot.

Materials and methods
Fifty patients, diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia and expecting high level serum cytokines, and 30 healthy volunteers, expecting normal level serum cytokines, were enrolled in the study. The interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured using ELISA, and compared with obtained levels using flow cytometric method.

Results
Although regression analysis showed that the two methods are compatible with measurements of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, they tended to show dissimilarity with measurements of IL-1β and TNF-α based on Bland-Altman graphs.

Conclusion
According to Bland-Altman plot, our results providing evidence of ELISA and flow cytometry assays were compatible with each other for IL-1β and IL-6 measurements compared to TNF-α measurement. However, our study has a small number of participants, hence this study need to be confirmed by investigations involving more participants.
Tracer Tests in Stratified Alluvial Aquifers: Predictions of Effective Porosity and Longitudinal Dispersivity versus Field Values
Authors: Chapuis R. P. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Tracer tests in aquifers are key tests to delineate protection perimeters around drinking water wells. They help to determine field values of effective porosity, ne, and longitudinal dispersivity, αL, from curve fitting to a breakthrough curve (BTC). It is difficult to predict ne, but correlations obtained with field or numerical tracer tests may be used to predict αL. The BTCs of field tracer tests differ from those predicted by the advection-dispersion theory in three ways: (1) early arrival with smaller than expected ne, (2) scale-dependent αL, and (3) a long thick tail. In this article, physical principles are used to obtain new closed-form predictive equations for ne and αL in stratified alluvial aquifers. The new equations give ne and αL for the hydraulically equivalent homogeneous aquifer. The predicted values for ne are shown to fit the field values of seven well-documented field tracer tests. The new equations explain the ne field values and can explain field values of αL for stratified aquifers, their variation with distance, and the variance of the ln(K) distribution. If the tracer is injected for a limited time, the predicted BTC also displays the three usual features of field data, which simply result from a lognormal K-distribution. The new equations and their experimental verification correctly elucidate some difficulties due to aquifer heterogeneity and improve our ability to predict groundwater movements in the subsurface.
Mechanical Properties of Cement Asphalt Mortar under Low Temperature Condition
Authors: Wang Jin-feng , Wang Wen-hao , Wu Xi , Zhou Yu-bing 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Cement asphalt (CA) mortar is a composite material used in the non-ballast slab track of high-speed railways. The behavior of CA mortar under the exterior environmental actions is essential to the safety of high-speed railways. In this article, the low-temperature behavior of CA mortar was investigated. The compressive test of CA mortar at the temperature of −20°C and 0°C was conducted first, and the stress–strain curves and mechanical properties were experimentally determined to analyze the effect of low temperature. Nanomaterials were also included in CA mortar to improve the performance of CA mortar at low temperatures. The results indicated that the descending branch of stress–strain curves of CA mortar is closely related to the temperature, and the compressive strength and elastic modulus of CA mortar were decreased with temperature with different decreasing patterns. Nanomaterials were also found to be favorable to the ductility of CA mortar. Based on the experimental observations, a stress–strain model of CA mortar to describe the performance of CA mortar at low temperatures was finally proposed and verified.
Study of the Strain Response of Asphalt Pavements on Orthotropic Steel Bridge Decks through Field Testing and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Zeng Guodong , Xu Wei , Huang Hongming 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
A composite structural system consisting of an orthotropic steel bridge deck, waterproof prime, binding course, and wearing surface is complicated. To simplify the analysis of such systems, general elastic and continuous structure theory is applied to the asphalt pavement on steel bridge decks to determine the magnitude of the strain. Large differences in mechanical results have been previously obtained in assessments of steel bridge deck pavements. Few studies have focused on the mechanical state and time-dependent response of a realistic steel bridge deck wearing surface because of the difficulty of measuring the strain of the pavement on a steel deck of a long-span bridge that is in service. This study performed static and dynamic loading tests on an actual long-span steel bridge and analyzed the characteristics of the time-dependent strain response of the bridge deck wearing surface. The results demonstrate that the asphalt wearing surface exhibited significant loading time and rate-dependent characteristics under both static and dynamic loading conditions. The test analysis results also revealed that the axle load, vehicle speed, and longitudinal slope of the bridge had significant effects on the mechanical responses of the bridge deck wearing surface. Based on a comparison between the finite element numerical simulation results and the measurements obtained from testing the actual bridge, the magnitudes of the mechanical strain responses of the wearing surface on a steel bridge deck under the dynamic wheel load of a vehicle were analyzed assuming that the wearing surface is elastic and that the elastic modulus can be determined from a four-point bending test. However, the cumulative effect of plastic deformation must be considered when analyzing the fatigue damage of a permanent wearing surface.
Surgeries and Health Outcomes Among Patients With Spina Bifida
Authors: Alabi Noreen B. , Thibadeau Judy , Wiener John S. , Conklin Mike J. , Dias Mark S. , Sawin Kathleen J. , Valdez Rodolfo 
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Patients with spina bifida (SB) typically develop serious secondary conditions and undergo surgical procedures related to neurologic disorders, orthopedic abnormalities, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and skin breakdown. In this study, we describe the age distribution of common surgical procedures and health outcomes in patients with SB.

METHODS:
Using serial cross-sectional data from the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (2009–2013; n = 4664), we examined surgical procedures (gastrointestinal, neurologic, orthopedic, skin, urologic, and other) and health outcomes (fecal continence, urinary continence, skin breakdown, and ambulation status) of patients with SB by age and SB type (myelomeningocele and nonmyelomeningocele).

RESULTS:
All patients who were enrolled had available health outcome data, and 81.5% (n = 3801) of patients had complete surgical procedure data, which totaled 18 891 procedures across their lifetimes. Almost all procedures (91.4%) occurred among participants with myelomeningocele SB. For both types of SB, the distribution of procedures varied by age. The most frequent procedures were neurologic, with approximately half (53%) occurring in patients &lt;1 year of age; orthopedic and urologic procedures followed in frequency but tended to occur at older ages. The health outcomes for patients with myelomeningocele SB revealed lower frequencies of positive health outcomes than those for patients with nonmyelomeningocele SB across all age groups. Overall, the rates of fecal and urinary continence and skin breakdown increased with age whereas the ability to ambulate declined with age.

CONCLUSIONS:
Understanding the surgical procedures and health outcome variations by age and SB type can help clinicians and populations that are affected set expectations regarding the occurrence of these procedures and the outcomes throughout the patients’ life spans.
Perception of corporate social responsibility in a cooperative banks by their clients
Authors: Nowacka Anna 
Published: August 2018

The concept of corporate social responsibility is part of the strategy of cooperative banks since they were set up. The cooperative character of these institutions and their willingness to compete with other financial market players reflect the main assumptions of CSR. Cooperative banks, while pursuing their mission and vision, try to combine commercial goals with the social dimension of their business.
The main purpose of the article is to present opinions of clients of cooperative banks on the implementation of corporate social responsibility by these institutions. The author attempts to answer the question, whether customers perceive the social aspect of cooperative banks operation and how they assess their approach to running a business.
The empirical basis for the issues discussed in the article is a study of the literature on the subject and the survey results of 132 clients of selected cooperative banks. The questions concerned include: social initiatives undertaken by cooperative banks, forms of support provided by these institutions and participation of clients in events sponsored by cooperative banks. To develop the research results the following methods have been used: structural indicators and chi-squared compliance test.
Following the results of the conducted research the general conclusion have been drawn. The most important of these is the fact, that the clients recognize social initiatives undertaken by cooperative banks. They appreciate the involvement of these institutions in promoting cultural and educational events as well as supporting and donating to social and charitable organizations. The idea of CSR is also realized through the process of financial education of the local community, and youth in particular.
Erlotinib as Neoadjuvant Therapy in Stage IIIA (N2) EGFR Mutation-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Prospective, Single-Arm, Phase II Study
Authors: Xiong Liwen , Li Rong , Sun Jiayuan , Lou Yuqing , Zhang Weiyan , Bai Hao , Wang Huiming , Shen Jie , Jing Bo , Shi Chunlei , Zhong Hua , Gu Aiqin , Jiang Liyan , Shi Jianxing , Fang Wentao , Zhao Heng , Zhang Jie , Wang Junyuan , Ye Junyi , Han Baohui 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Lessons Learned
The findings of this prospective, single-arm, phase II study showed that neoadjuvant erlotinib was well tolerated and might improve the radical resection rate in patients with stage IIIA-N2 epidermal growth factor receptor mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Erlotinib shows promise as a neoadjuvant therapy option in this patient population. Next-generation sequencing may be useful for predicting outcomes with preoperative tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with NSCLC. Large-scale randomized controlled trials investigating the role of TKIs in perioperative therapy, combining neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatments to enhance personalized therapy for patients in this precision medicine era, are warranted.

Background
Information on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as neoadjuvant therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is scarce. We evaluated whether neoadjuvant erlotinib improves operability and survival in patients with stage IIIA-N2 EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC.

Methods
We conducted a prospective, single-arm, phase II study. Patients received erlotinib 150 mg per day for 56 days in the neoadjuvant period. The primary endpoint was the radical resection rate.

Results
Nineteen patients were included in the final analysis. After erlotinib treatment, 14 patients underwent surgery. The radical resection rate was 68.4% (13/19) with a 21.1% (4/19) rate of pathological downstaging. The objective response rate was 42.1%; 89.5% (17/19) of patients achieved disease control, with a 10.3-month median disease-free survival among patients who underwent surgery. Among all 19 patients who received neoadjuvant therapy, median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 11.2 and 51.6 months, respectively. Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 36.8% (7/19) of patients, with the most common AE being rash (26.3%); 15.8% experienced grade 3/4 AEs. Quality of life (QoL) improvements were observed after treatment with erlotinib for almost all QoL assessments. Effects of TP53 mutation on prognosis were evaluated in eight patients with adequate tissue samples. Next-generation sequencing revealed that most patients had a TP53 gene mutation (7/8) in addition to an EGFR mutation. No TP53 mutation, or very low abundance, was associated with longer PFS (36 and 38 months, respectively), whereas high abundance was associated with short PFS (8 months).

Conclusion
Neoadjuvant erlotinib was well tolerated and may improve the radical resection rate in this patient population. Next-generation sequencing may predict outcomes with preoperative TKIs.
Antitumor Effect of Nivolumab on Subsequent Chemotherapy for Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Inayama Yoshihide , Hamanishi Junzo , Matsumura Noriomi , Murakami Ryusuke , Abiko Kaoru , Yamaguchi Ken , Baba Tsukasa , Horie Katsuyuki , Konishi Ikuo , Mandai Masaki 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer is generally refractory to chemotherapy. Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) signaling is a new target for antitumor therapy. The anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab had a 10% durable complete response rate in our phase II clinical trial. However, how nivolumab affects sensitivity to subsequent chemotherapy remains unclear. We encountered several cases of unexpected antitumor response among patients who underwent palliative chemotherapy in the follow-up study of our phase II nivolumab trial (UMIN000005714). Several agents had an unexpected antitumor response in patients who were resistant or refractory to standard chemotherapeutic agents. In one patient, both pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and nedaplatin (CDGP) resulted in partial response. In another patient, PLD and CDGP resulted in partial response and stable disease, respectively. These two patients remained alive on the cutoff date. These two cases raise the possibility that nivolumab might improve sensitivity to adequate chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.
The Current and Evolving Landscape of First-Line Treatments for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Calvo Emiliano , Porta Camillio , Grünwald Viktor , Escudier Bernard 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFRs), as well as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and immune checkpoint receptor programmed death 1 (PD-1) signaling pathway have improved clinical outcomes for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) pazopanib and sunitinib are FDA-approved first-line treatment options for advanced RCC; however, other treatment options in this setting are available, including the recently approved combination of nivolumab (anti-PD-1) and ipilimumab (anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 [CTLA-4]) for patients with intermediate or poor risk. Unfortunately, treatment guideline recommendations provide little guidance to aid first-line treatment choice. In addition, several ongoing randomized phase III trials of investigational first-line regimens may complicate the RCC treatment paradigm if these agents gain approval. This article reviews clinical trial and real-world evidence for currently approved and investigational first-line treatment regimens for advanced RCC and provides clinical evidence to aid first-line treatment selection.

Implications for Practice
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as first-line treatment options for advanced renal cell carcinoma; however, the treatment paradigm is rapidly evolving. The combination of nivolumab plus ipilimumab was recently approved for intermediate- and poor-risk patients, and other combination strategies and novel first-line agents will likely be introduced soon.
Proceso monitorio: ¿qué hacer cuando no se logra notificar personalmente al demandado?
Authors: Rincón-Almeyda Ariel 
Published: August 2018

Tema y alcance: el proceso monitorio ha sido una de las instituciones jurídicas que más ha generado comentarios y despertado inquietudes en la comunidad jurídica colombiana desde que se propuso como institución a incorporarse en el Código General del Proceso. Dicha institución procesal tiene sus orígenes en la Edad Media y se desarrolla, históricamente, incorporándose en los diferentes sistemas procesales. Características: entre sus características es posible identificar la celeridad, la posibilidad de sentencia sin controversia y su carácter estrictamente patrimonial. Hallazgos: sin embargo, la incorporación de dicha institución jurídica acarrea el problema de su inutilización, pues ante la imposibilidad de notificar al demandado, la salida jurídica que tiene el demandante es retirar la demanda e iniciar otro tipo de actuación jurídica. Conclusiones: el artículo que se presenta tiene como finalidad demostrar que las limitaciones impuestas a la forma de notificación en el proceso monitorio conllevan a la denegación de justicia, así como que el ciudadano termine no utilizando el proceso monitorio, sino las formas tradicionales a fin de constituir un título ejecutivo.