bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating chronic hepatitis C prognosis using transient elastography‐based liver stiffness: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Erman A. , Sathya A. , Nam A. , Bielecki J. M. , Feld J. J. , Thein H‐H. , Wong W. W. L. , Grootendorst P. , Krahn M. D.
Published: December 2017

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a leading cause of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. The level of fibrosis is traditionally established by histology, and prognosis is estimated using fibrosis progression rates (FPRs; annual probability of progressing across histological stages). However, newer noninvasive alternatives are quickly replacing biopsy. One alternative, transient elastography (TE), quantifies fibrosis by measuring liver stiffness (LSM). Given these developments, the purpose of this study was (i) to estimate prognosis in treatment‐naïve CHC patients using TE‐based liver stiffness progression rates (LSPR) as an alternative to FPRs and (ii) to compare consistency between LSPRs and FPRs. A systematic literature search was performed using multiple databases (January 1990 to February 2016). LSPRs were calculated using either a direct method (given the difference in serial LSMs and time elapsed) or an indirect method given a single LSM and the estimated duration of infection and pooled using random‐effects meta‐analyses. For validation purposes, FPRs were also estimated. Heterogeneity was explored by random‐effects meta‐regression. Twenty‐seven studies reporting on 39 groups of patients (N = 5874) were identified with 35 groups allowing for indirect and 8 for direct estimation of LSPR. The majority (~58%) of patients were HIV/HCV‐coinfected. The estimated time‐to‐cirrhosis based on TE vs biopsy was 39 and 38 years, respectively. In univariate meta‐regressions, male sex and HIV were positively and age at assessment, negatively associated with LSPRs. Noninvasive prognosis of HCV is consistent with FPRs in predicting time‐to‐cirrhosis, but more longitudinal studies of liver stiffness are needed to obtain refined estimates.
A systematic review of the relationship between weight status perceptions and weight loss attempts, strategies, behaviours and outcomes
Authors: Haynes A. , Kersbergen I. , Sutin A. , Daly M. , Robinson E.
Published: December 2017

It is commonly assumed that a person identifying that they are ‘overweight’ is an important prerequisite to successful weight management. However, there has been no systematic evaluation of evidence supporting this proposition. The aim of the present research was to systematically review evidence on the relationship between perceived overweight and (i) weight loss attempts, (ii) weight control strategies (healthy and unhealthy), (iii) weight‐related behaviours (physical activity and eating habits), (iv) disordered eating and (v) weight change. We synthesized evidence from 78 eligible studies and evaluated evidence linking perceived overweight with outcome variables separately according to the gender, age and objective weight status of study participants. Results indicated that perceived overweight was associated with an increased likelihood of attempting weight loss and with healthy and unhealthy weight control strategies in some participant groups. However, perceived overweight was not reliably associated with physical activity or healthy eating and was associated with greater disordered eating in some groups. Rather than being associated with improved weight management, there was consistent evidence that perceived overweight was predictive of increased weight gain over time. Individuals who perceive their weight status as overweight are more likely to report attempting weight loss but over time gain more weight.
The obesity supine death syndrome (OSDS)
Authors: Lemyze M. , Guiot A. , Mallat J. , Thevenin D.
Published: December 2017

The obesity supine death syndrome refers to a catastrophic cascade of cardiorespiratory complications resulting from the supine positioning of a morbidly obese subject which can ultimately lead to death. It was first described in 1977 in two massively obese patients who were forced to lie down for medical procedures. But surprisingly, despite the current worldwide epidemic of obesity, very few cases have been reported yet. It can be assumed that the syndrome is poorly recognized in clinical practice and may participate in the high rate of unexplained death in morbidly obese patients. Based on the previously published cases and on those we met, this review aims at helping clinicians to early detect at‐risk patients, to correctly diagnose this dramatic syndrome and to understand the underlying pathophysiology. More importantly, the main objective is to convince the attending clinicians that they have to do everything in their power to prevent obesity supine death syndrome occurrence by maintaining morbidly obese patients in the sitting or upright position whenever possible. When the syndrome unfortunately occurs, the best therapeutic approach is based on the immediate return to sitting position.
Retained Asset Accounts and Creditor Reactions to an A.M. Best Change
Authors: Bisco Jill , McCullough Kathleen
Published: December 2017

A variety of research has investigated the impact of rating changes on stakeholder and firm behavior. This article provides a unique setting to analyze the effect for both stock and mutual firms and with a class of nontraditional investors, owners of retained asset accounts (RAAs). These individuals become creditors of the insurer upon receipt of life insurance proceeds, which are held in the general accounts of the insurer. The funds receive limited guaranty fund and no Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation protection, thus subjecting the owner to the financial risk of the insurer. Some owners of RAAs may not understand the risk; thus, it is unclear if these owners act as other creditors to changes in the financial stability of the insurer. This provides a setting to analyze reaction to firm risk, as reflected in ratings changes, to stakeholders other than stockholders or customers. We find that RAA owners do act in a manner consistent with traditional investors. Specifically, we find that abnormal retention in the RAAs indicates significant declines in the level of accounts open and funds deposited in the year following a threshold downgrade (falling below an A–) of the A.M. Best rating.
Ski and snowboard school programs: Injury surveillance and risk factors for grade‐specific injury
Authors: Sran R. , Djerboua M. , Romanow N. , Mitra T. , Russell K. , White K. , Goulet C. , Emery C. , Hagel B.
Published: December 2017

The objective of our study was to evaluate incidence rates and profile of school program ski and snowboard‐related injuries by school grade group using a historical cohort design. Injuries were identified via Accident Report Forms completed by ski patrollers. Severe injury was defined as those with ambulance evacuation or recommending patient transport to hospital. Poisson regression analysis was used to examine the school grade group‐specific injury rates adjusting for risk factors (sex, activity, ability, and socioeconomic status) and accounting for the effect of clustering by school. Forty of 107 (37%) injuries reported were severe. Adolescents (grades 7‐12) had higher crude injury rates (91 of 10 000 student‐days) than children (grades 1‐3: 25 of 10 000 student‐days; grades 4‐6: 65 of 10 000 student‐days). Those in grades 1‐3 had no severe injuries. Although the rate of injury was lower in grades 1‐3, there were no statistically significant grade group differences in adjusted analyses. Snowboarders had a higher rate of injury compared with skiers, while higher ability level was protective. Participants in grades 1‐3 had the lowest crude and adjusted injury rates. Students in grades 7‐12 had the highest rate of overall and severe injuries. These results will inform evidence‐based guidelines for school ski/snowboard program participation by school‐aged children.
Research on physical disability in sociological social psychology: The state of the field and future directions
Authors: Lucas Jeffrey W. , Greenberg Mollie , Beavan Kelly
Published: December 2017

We discuss the state of the research literature on physical disability in sociology, focusing particularly on social psychology. We first trace the history of treatments of disability in the field, noting a movement from a medical model that located disability in the individual to a social model that recognizes physical disability as an important social characteristic that is both produced by and has important consequences for social interactions. We then summarize contemporary research, identifying areas in which sociological research tends to be located, particularly in critical approaches, health‐related outcomes, and stigma. Finally, we discuss areas in which more research on physical disability would be fruitful. We believe that research on group processes, intersectionality, and identity would each especially benefit from greater attention to physical disability.
RADIATION PATTERN RECONFIGURABLE MICROSTRIP PATCH ANTENNA USING DUAL DELAY LINE
Authors: Aris M. A. , Ali M. T. , Ab Rahman N. H. , Pasya I.
Published: December 2017

This paper proposes radiation reconfigurable patch antenna using feeding delay line technique. The 2 x 2 antenna array is designed and investigated. The direction of radiation pattern is newly controlled by interchanging two different lengths of corporate feeding network based on dedicated switches’ states of feeding line network. The size of radiating patches are remained minimum by introducing dumbbell slot structure that etched on the ground layer with dual functions, to couple the feeding network on the bottom substrate with radiating patches on the top substrate, and to get desired working frequency at 7.5 GHz. Three directions of radiation pattern are obtained from the proposed reconfigurable antenna according to states of OPEN and SHORT of feeding line network. From the antenna structure, the antenna beam is steerable towards three angles -30 degree, 0 degree and +30 degree. With return loss (S11) in range of -20 dB to -33 dB, the antenna successfully resonant at 7.5 GHz during OFF while 7.46 GHZ during ON condition. In addition, the directivity gain of the antenna almost consistent at three different directions in range of 9.67 dBi to 9.8 dBi. The results from fabricated antenna are agreed with simulated, and the antenna has potential to serve for outdoor wireless communication systems.
Actitudes de madres adultas y adolescentes hacia la crianza de bebés prematuros
Authors: Villamizar Carvajal Beatriz , Vargas Porras Carolina Vargas Porras , Rueda Nieves Eugenia
Published: December 2017

Introducción: Un nacimiento prematuro trae consigo la interrupción de la temprana relación madre-hijo, que influye en la formación del apego o en las actitudes hacia la crianza y se convierten en una situación de especial vulnerabilidad. Objetivo: Determinar las actitudes de madres adultas y adolescentes hacia la crianza de bebés prematuros. Método: Estudio de corte transversal, con muestra no probabilística de 204 madres de bebés prematuros. La información se recolectó entre agosto y diciembre del 2013 en Bucaramanga, a través del Inventario de Paternidad para Adultos y Adolescentes, conformado por cuatro dimensiones relacionadas con las expectativas inadecuadas, falta de empatía, la creencia en el castigo físico y la inversión del rol materno, que miden el riesgo de negligencia en el cuidado. Se utilizó el programa Stata versión 12R, para el procesamiento y análisis de la información. Resultados: Las madres tanto adolescentes como adultas no mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la puntuación de las dimensiones expectativas inadecuadas (p = 0,97), creencia en el castigo físico (p = 0,34), inversión del rol materno (p = 0,68), las cuales se ubicaron en calificaciones promedias y altas, pero en la dimensión falta de empatía sí hubo diferencia significativa (p = 0,02). La mayoría de madres presentaron un riesgo mínimo de negligencia en el cuidado. Conclusiones: Al parecer, la condición de prematurez hace que estos dos grupos de madres no tengan diferencias significativas en sus actitudes hacia la crianza, pues, en general, son adecuadas, a pesar de la vivencia de la hospitalización con mucha carga de estrés.
Comportamiento ante la transmisión del VIH/sida en adolescentes y jóvenes en universidades privadas de Villavicencio (Meta, Colombia)
Authors: Salamanca Ramos Emilce , Romero González Esperanza
Published: December 2017

El Plan Nacional de Respuesta ante la Infección del VIH/Sida en Colombia hace hincapié en fomentar conocimientos, actitudes, comportamientos y prácticas para el desarrollo de una sexualidad autónoma, responsable y placentera. Objetivo: Identificar comportamientos de riesgo para la trasmisión del VIH/sida en adolescentes y jóvenes de las universidades privadas del municipio de Villavicencio. Método: Estudio descriptivo. Diseño de muestreo probabilístico multietápico. Población: 10.324 estudiantes- IP 2014 (n = 357). Error: 1 %; nivel de confianza: 95 %. Se utilizó la encuesta Conocimientos, prácticas y asesoría en prueba voluntaria para VIH en jóvenes de 15 a 24 años, y la información se procesó con el programa SPSS v. 14. Resultados: El 95 % de los estudiantes tiene conocimientos sobre el VIH/sida. La principal fuente de información son los programas de televisión (28,6 %). Para el 51,6 % su primera relación sexual ocurrió antes de los 16 años de edad; para el 32,5 %, entre 17 y 19 años. El 31,9 % no utilizó condón en la primera relación sexual. El 86,6 % considera que el sida se puede prevenir usando condón. De los encuestados, han tenido una pareja sexual en el último año, el 35,5 %; entre 2 y 4 parejas sexuales, el 37,2 %; más de 5, el 13,4 %. El 31,1 % no utilizó condón en su última relación. Conclusiones: El estudio indica que las prácticas sexuales de riesgo de la población estudiada es el inicio temprano de las relaciones sexuales, hay un predominio significativo de no uso de condón, a pesar de identificarlo como una forma de prevención de la infección por VIH.
Es importante desarrollar estrategias educativas para la promoción de la salud en contexto universitario que fomenten estilos de vida saludables.
Nuevas formas de resistencia transnacional: la lucha Awá, 2009-2014
Authors: Aguilar Gómez Danna Carolina , Cruz Medina Jefferson José , Sánchez Vargas Juan David , Torres Chaves Sergio Esteban
Published: December 2017

El presente texto pretende comprender cómo se ha desarrollado el proceso de resistencia y lucha del pueblo indígena Awá en el plano internacional, frente a las problemáticas ligadas con el conflicto armado interno colombiano en el período comprendido entre 2009 y 2014. Para alcanzar este propósito fue indispensable la realización de un trabajo de campo con la comunidad Awá en el corregimiento de Llorente, San Andrés de Tumaco (departamento de Nariño), en el que se pusieron en práctica técnicas de recolección de la información como entrevistas grupales a líderes de la comunidad que aportaron a la construcción de este escrito. De esta manera, el estudio evidencia que la lucha del pueblo indígena Awá por la defensa de sus derechos ha estado mediada por la creación de redes transnacionales de defensa y la instrumentalización subalterna del derecho internacional en un contexto en el que la estrategia política de internalización de la causa indígena ha tomado vuelo.
The Discursive Use and Development of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in Latin America
Authors: Carrillo-Santarelli Nicolás , Arevalo-Narváez Carlos
Published: December 2017

Como consecuencia de su amplia aceptación, los Principios Rectores sobre Empresas y Derechos Humanos se han erigido en el principal referente normativo en la materia. Ello explica que, gracias a sus efectos expresivos, hayan permeado e influido en la forma en que diferentes actores presenten sus discursos. Al apropiarse de los conceptos que en ellos se encuentran, tanto los Estados como órganos supervisores, activistas y las propias empresas en América Latina pueden o bien invocarlos para fortalecer iniciativas que buscan mejorar la protección frente a abusos empresariales o abstenerse de ir más allá de lo que los Principios dicen. Este artículo estudia cómo se han presentado estas dinámicas en América Latina, analizando la jurisprudencia de la Comisión y Corte Interamericanas de Derechos Humanos, planes de acción nacional y otras iniciativas estatales en la región, y si ha habido pronunciamientos de empresas que operan en la región que se hayan referido a los Principios.
Agile Architecture in Action (AGATA)
Authors: Muñoz Luis Freddy , Hurado Julio Ariel , Álvarez Francisco Javier
Published: December 2017

Introduction: This work proposes Agile Architecture in Action (AGATA), a software process framework that scales Agile methods to larger teams. Methodology following a human interface model, several Extreme Programming (XP) development teams work together around a central team that takes advantage of the ability of architectural methods to define the solution at the architectural level, improving communication and maintaining Agile parameters. Results: AGATA was applied in a development project, involving software engineers and final year software engineering students, organized as a postgraduate practical course. In this case study we measured communication based in the architecture and face-to-face channels, taking into account the degree of distortion and quality of the channels. The main results show that communication levels in the whole team are reasonable and that the channels proposed by AGATA maintain Agile parameters as to intergroup relationship and client deliveries. There are reports indicating scaling problems as teams grow; particularly, communication worsens. Conclusion: It is necessary to propose clear channels of communication. AGATA practices managed to maintain Agile elements with a large team.
Democracia y derechos humanos: compensación por la pérdida del juicio común en la era del capitalismo privado
Authors: Quintero Calvache Juan Carlos
Published: December 2017

Este trabajo advierte que los imaginarios institucionales de la democracia representativa despojan a los individuos de la facultad de juzgar en común las situaciones del mundo que comparten en un espacio común, estableciendo universales que reemplazan el juicio individual y colectivo, para decidir y juzgar por anticipado, en nombre de los individuos, los eventos del mundo social. A partir de ahí, se logra evidenciar que la democracia funciona como un extraórgano que compensa la pérdida de la facultad de juzgar, y realiza los juicios y los deseos de los agentes sociales que viven un mundo común juzgado anticipadamente por un superpoder que emerge del modelo económico capitalista-liberal y de la mundialización económica y política. Se recurre a la antropología filosófica y a la teoría de la compensación para revelar que el capitalismo liberal adopta la democracia representativa como un modelo político que le permite asumir la orientación de la vida del individuo, sin apelar a la fuerza para arrebatarle su facultad de juzgar y decidir sobre su mundo. Se pudo determinar que la democracia y los derechos fundamentales cumplen la función instrumental de compensar en el individuo la pérdida de autonomía para juzgar en común el mundo social y político en la era de la mundialización. Desde ahí se puede comprender el alcance de la democracia y los derechos fundamentales cuando ambos resultan incompatibles con los propósitos capitalistas.
Identidad regional y modelo de desarrollo alternativo: la Patagonia verde de Aysén
Authors: Pressacco Carlos Fabián , Valenzuela Esteban , Soto Gonzalo
Published: December 2017

Chile experimenta, desde hace varias décadas, un proceso de descentralización que ha fortalecido la autonomía de las regiones. Se trata, no obstante, de un proceso gradual que no ha logrado modificar de manera significativa el carácter centralista de su modelo estatal. Si bien dicho proceso cuenta con un marco general decidido en el Estado central, se expresa de manera específica de acuerdo con las especificidades de cada territorio. En tal sentido, el artículo explora el proceso de fortalecimiento regional en una de las regiones del Chile, Aysén, con tres objetivos principales: 1) indagar sobre el proceso de construcción de identidad regional asociado a la idea de Patagonia, 2) vincular ese proceso identitario con la elaboración de un modelo de desarrollo sustentable y 3) analizar el proceso de politización y la conformación de una coa-lición social-empresarial local que se opuso a megarrepresas hidroeléctricas y que contó con apoyo de redes internacionales. En cuanto a los resultados, observamos que la región de Aysén experimenta un proceso de politización sobre la base de la constitución de una identidad socioterritorial que se diferencia en dos aspectos centrales: 1) la apropiación de “lo patagónico” como sinónimo de “intocado” y 2) el intento por sentar las bases de un modelo de desarrollo alternativo. Una de las conclusiones principales del artículo es que la región de Aysén es la más permeable a la búsqueda de cooperación entre las regiones chilenas y argentina que configuran dicho territorio con una creciente identidad ecoturística a escala planetaria.
Dossier temático: Terapias innovadoras y tendencias de tratamiento en Odontología / Thematic Dossier: Innovative Therapies and Treatment Trends in Dentistry
Authors: Rivera Barrero Jaime Rodrigo , Allen Lengua Samuel Alejandro , Hirschhaut Miguel , Gutiérrez Prieto Sandra Janeth
Published: December 2017

RESUMEN. En este editorial, cuatro destacados especialistas latinoamericanos, quienes sirvieron como editores invitados, introducen el dossier Terapias Innovadoras y tendencias de Tratamiento en Odontología. Los autores presentan un panorama de los avances que han tenido las ciencias biomédicas, particularmente en odontología, desde las ciencias básicas aplicadas, la biotecnología y los materiales dentales. Adicionalmente, listan los temas generales de los artículos que contiene el dossier. ABSTRACT. In this editorial, four outstanding Latin American specialists, who served as guess editors, introduce the dossier “Innovative Therapies and Treatment Trends in Dentistry.” The authors show a panorama of advances among biomedical sciences, particularly in dentistry, from the perspective of applied sciences, biotechnology, and dental materials. In addition, they list the main topics of the articles included in the dossier.
Analytical study of polymer deposition distribution for two-dimensional trench sidewall in low-k fluorocarbon plasma etching process
Authors: Kim Sun-Woo , Zang Hwan-Jun , Park June , Kim Gwang-Sik , Yu Hyun-Yong , Ha Minwoo , Ko Kyungbo , Park Sang Soo , Kim Choon Hwan
Published: December 2017

In this study, a new polymer deposition distribution model for a two-dimensional low-k porous SiOCH trench structure during the fluorocarbon plasma etching process is described so as to investigate the bowing effect in a nanoscale trench. The model consists of three processes, namely, (1) polymer reflection, (2) ion-assisted polymer deposition, and (3) ion-assisted polymer emission. To calculate the distribution of the polymer, the polymer flux arrived at the surface points of the trench was calculated based on the model. To estimate the profile of the trench, the flux of the etchants at the point of the trench surface was also considered. The simulated etching process is based on a simple flux model, which takes into account angular distributions for ions and radicals from the sheath edge to the trench. Simulation results show that the lower section of the sidewall had a larger number of polymer particles than the other positions of the sidewall did. According to the simulated results, the sidewall bowing amount was estimated to be about 2.9 nm and the bowing position was approximately 29.8 nm at a trench depth of about 148.5 nm. With the proposed polymer distribution model, the bowing effect during fluorocarbon plasma etching can be further understood for a nanoscale process.
BICAO-induced ischaemia caused depressive-like behaviours and caspase-8/-9-dependent brain regional neural cell apoptosis in mice
Authors: Liu Shuiqiao , Han Song , Dai Qingqing , Li Shujuan , Li Junfa
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Cerebral ischaemia-induced depression is among the most frequent neuropsychiatric consequences and adversely impact the prognosis and recovery of patients. Although several brain regions have been implied in the development of ischaemia-induced depression, the brain region-specific neural cell apoptosis pathways have not been clarified yet.

Methods

In this study, bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion (BICAO) mouse model was established to induce cerebral ischaemia. Sucrose preference, tail suspension and forced swim tests were conducted on mice at 7, 21 and 30 days after BICAO treatment. In addition, brain regional ischaemic neuron loss was investigated by using immunofluorescent staining of neuronal nuclei (NeuN) and caspase-8/-9-dependent cell apoptosis was also examined by western blot analysis.

Results

BICAO-induced cerebral ischaemia resulted in decreased sucrose preference and increased immobility times, which were representative depressive-like behaviours of mice until 30 days after BICAO treatment compared with Sham-operated mice. This outcome was associated with significant neuron loss by using immunofluorescent staining and increased cleavage levels of pro-caspase-3/-8/-9, but not pro-caspase-12, by western blot analysis in hypothalamus, midbrain, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of mice.

Conclusions

This study showed that BICAO-induced ischaemia caused depressive-like behaviours and caspase-8/-9-dependent neural cell apoptosis in several brain regions, including hypothalamus and midbrain of mice.
Rearrangement and nucleophilic trapping of bicyclo[4.1.0]hept-2-yl derived nonclassical bicyclobutenium ions
Authors: Saunders James , Adamson Chris , Ganga-Sah Yumeela , Lewis Andrew R. , Bennet Andrew J.
Published: December 2017

Here we describe the synthesis of two specifically labelled 13C isotopologues of cis-2-(4-nitrophenoxy)bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane and their solvolysis reactions in trifluoroethanol. By using one- and two-dimensional 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, we characterized the pathways for the rearrangement of these isotopologues to give 13C-labelled 4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)cycloheptene. We show that the initially formed cationic intermediate undergoes a degenerate rearrangement, which does not reach equilibrium before nucleophilic capture of the cation. Moreover, we show that the nonclassical carbocation, cyclohept-3-ene(3,1,4-deloc)ylium, gives an approximate 6:1 ratio of the cis- to trans-diastereomeric 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane as reaction intermediates that subsequently solvolyze to the 4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)cycloheptene product.
The community of Ursula Franklin Academy: Ursula as friend and inspiration
Authors: Bernstein Seth
Published: December 2017

Founded in 1995, Ursula Franklin Academy is a Toronto District School Board secondary school that specializes in integrated technology and academics for the real world. Ursula herself was actively involved in the planning of the school, and her values and activism continue to shape our program and community. One of the core structural elements that emerged from the early planning phases was The Wednesday Program, a place where teachers and students can design and deliver unique, locally developed curriculum. Though we no longer have Ursula with us, we work in her memory to best prepare students for the personal and global challenges they face, towards a world with social and environmental justice.
Spectroscopic study of EUV and SXR transitions of Cs XXV
Authors: Goyal Arun , Khatri Indu , Singh Narendra , Aggarwal Sunny , Singh A.K. , Sharma Rinku
Published: December 2017

We report an extensive and elaborate theoretical study of atomic data for Cs XXV by using multi-configuration Dirac–Fock method and calculated energy levels for the lowest 110 fine structure levels. We have presented the radiative data for electric and magnetic dipole (E1, M1) and quadrupole (E2, M2) transitions among lowest 110 levels. We have made comparisons of our calculated excitation energies with theoretically calculated and experimentally observed energy levels. We have studied the effect of correlation by introducing more configurations in our calculations. We have also computed energy levels by performing similar relativistic distorted wave calculations using Flexible Atomic Code. Additionally, we have also provided new atomic data for Cs XXV and identified extreme ultraviolet and soft X-ray spectral lines with gA spectra for E1 and M2 transitions, which are not published elsewhere in the literature. We believe that our results may be beneficial in fusion plasma research and applications.
Enemy escape: A general phenomenon in a fragmented literature?
Authors: Mlynarek Julia J. , Moffat Chandra E. , Edwards Sara , Einfeldt Anthony L. , Heustis Allyson , Johns Rob , MacDonnell Mallory , Pureswaran Deepa S. , Quiring Dan T. , Shibel Zoryana , Heard Stephen B.
Published: December 2017

Many populations are thought to be regulated, in part, by their natural enemies. If so, disruption of this regulation should allow rapid population growth. Such “enemy escape” may occur in a variety of circumstances, including invasion, natural range expansion, range edges, suppression of enemy populations, host shifting, phenological changes, and defensive innovation. Periods of relaxed enemy pressure also occur in, and may drive, population oscillations and outbreaks. We draw attention to similarities among circumstances of enemy escape and build a general conceptual framework for the phenomenon. Although these circumstances share common mechanisms and depend on common assumptions, enemy escape can involve dynamics operating on very different temporal and spatial scales. In particular, the duration of enemy escape is rarely considered but will likely vary among circumstances. Enemy escape can have important evolutionary consequences including increasing competitive ability, spurring diversification, or triggering enemy counteradaptation. These evolutionary consequences have been considered for plant–herbivore interactions and invasions but largely neglected for other circumstances of enemy escape. We aim to unite the fragmented literature, which we argue has impeded progress in building a broader understanding of the eco-evolutionary dynamics of enemy escape.
Wear Characteristics of the Material Specimen and Method of Predicting Wear in Floating Spline Couplings of Aero-Engine
Authors: Xue Xiangzhen , Wang Sanmin , Yu Jie , Qin Liyun
Published: December 2017

In order to reduce wear and design high-performance spline coupling, the friction coefficient, wear coefficient, and wear depth of 14 groups of material specimens were tested using multifunctional friction and wear tester. The effect of materials, loads, rotation speed, and surface treatment on friction coefficient, wear coefficient, and wear depth was investigated. A method using an Archard’s equation based on the finite element method to calculate the wear depth of 14 groups of material specimens was proposed, and the results were consistent with the experimental results. Then, the wear of a floating involute spline coupling of aero-engine was predicted using this method. It can be concluded that carburizing and silvering can decrease the friction coefficient. The wear and wear coefficient decreased after carburizing. So, it is necessary to take 18CrNi4A with carburization and 32Cr3MoVA with nitridation as the material of the spline coupling in aero-engine to minimize wear. Furthermore, the method presented to predicate the wear of spline coupling in this work provided a good fundament for the fatigue prediction methodology of spline coupling.
Socioeconomic Status, Frailty, and All-Cause Mortality in Korean Older Adults: A 3-Year Population-Based Prospective Study
Authors: Cho Jinkyung , Lee Inhwan , Park Soo Hyun , Jin Youngyun , Kim Donghyun , Kong Ji Young , Kang Hyunsik
Published: December 2017

Background. Little is known regarding the effects of socioeconomic status (SES) and frailty on mortality in Korea. Objective. This study investigated the combined impact of low SES and frailty on all-cause mortality in Korean older adults. Methods. Study sample at baseline comprised 7,960 community-dwelling adults (56.8% women) aged 65 years and older. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of low SES and frailty for all-cause mortality. Results. Overall, low SES plus frailty resulted in an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.09–2.23, P=0.015) even after adjustments for all the measured covariates, as compared with high SES plus nonfrailty (HR = 1). Among older adults aged 65–75 years, the increased mortality risk of either low SES plus nonfrailty (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.02–1.84, P=0.038) or high SES plus frailty (HR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.12–3.91, P=0.021) remained significant even after adjustments for all the covariates, as compared with high SES plus nonfrailty (HR = 1). Conclusion. The current findings suggest that either low SES or frailty is significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality in Korean older adults.
The Relation between the Quasi-Localized Energy-Momentum Complexes and the Thermodynamic Potential for the Schwarzschild-de Sitter Black Hole
Authors: Yang I-Ching
Published: December 2017

The Schwarzschild-de Sitter black hole solution, which has two event horizons, is considered to examine the relation between the energy component of quasi-localized energy-momentum complexes on M and the heat flows passing through its boundary ∂M. Here M is the patch between cosmological event horizon and black hole event horizon of the SdS black hole solution. Conclusively, the relation, like the Legendre transformation, between the energy component of quasi-localized Einstein and Møller energy-momentum complex and the heat flows passing through the boundary is obeyed, and these two energy components of quasi-localized energy-momentum complexes could be corresponding to thermodynamic potentials.
A Cognitive Radio-Based Energy-Efficient System for Power Transmission Line Monitoring in Smart Grids
Authors: Ahmed Saeed , Lee Young Doo , Hyun Seung Ho , Koo Insoo
Published: December 2017

The research in industry and academia on smart grids is predominantly focused on the regulation of generated power and management of its consumption. Because transmission of bulk-generated power to the consumer is immensely reliant on secure and efficient transmission grids, comprising huge electrical and mechanical assets spanning a vast geographic area, there is an impending need to focus on the transmission grids as well. Despite the challenges in wireless technologies for SGs, cognitive radio networks are considered promising for provisioning of communications services to SGs. In this paper, first, we present an IEEE 802.22 wireless regional area network cognitive radio-based network model for smart monitoring of transmission lines. Then, for a prolonged lifetime of battery finite monitoring network, we formulate the spectrum resource allocation problem as an energy efficiency maximization problem, which is a nonlinear integer programming problem. To solve this problem in an easier way, we propose an energy-efficient resource-assignment scheme based on the Hungarian method. Performance analysis shows that, compared to a pure opportunistic assignment scheme with a throughput maximization objective and compared to a random scheme, the proposed scheme results in an enhanced lifetime while consuming less battery energy without compromising throughput performance.
The Incidence of Acute Gastrointestinal Illness in Canada, Foodbook Survey 2014-2015
Authors: Thomas M. Kate , Murray Regan , Nesbitt Andrea , Pollari Frank
Published: December 2017

Acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) is an important public health issue, with many pathogen sources and modes of transmission. A one-year telephone survey was conducted in Canada (2014-2015) to estimate the incidence of self-reported AGI in the previous 28 days and to describe health care seeking behaviour, using a symptom-based case definition. Excluding cases with respiratory symptoms, it is estimated that there are 0.57 self-reported AGI episodes per person-year, almost 19.5 million episodes in Canada each year. The proportion of cases seeking medical care was nearly 9%, of which 17% reported being requested to submit a sample for laboratory testing, and 49% of those requested complied and provided a sample. Results can be used to inform burden of illness and source attribution studies and indicate that AGI continues to be an important public health issue in Canada.
A Method to Remotely Track a Magnetic Target Using a Scalar Magnetometer Array
Authors: Zhang Xiaojun , Fan Liming , Cheng Peng , Chen Chunlei , Liu Xuejun , Kang Chong
Published: December 2017

The orientation of a vector magnetic sensor can affect the measurement accuracy of magnetic anomaly, thereby increasing the localization error of a magnetic target. Compared with vector magnetic sensor, the measurement of the scalar magnetic sensor is almost not influenced by its orientation. Therefore, we present a method for tracking the magnetic target with a static scalar magnetometer array. In this study, the magnitude of the target’s magnetic moment is a key parameter. We isolate it and formulate an optimization problem based on it to estimate the position and magnetic parameters of the target. To calculate the solution of this optimization problem, a dedicated particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is developed. Then, we define a quality index to evaluate the solution calculated by the optimization problem. The proposed method was validated by the simulation and the real data collected when an SUV car was passing by the array on a straight path. The results show that the tracked trajectory is very close to the true trajectory and the quality index can be used as a criterion to allow accepting or rejecting the localization of the target.
Simultaneous Noncentered Photoactivated Chromophore for Keratitis-Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking and Penetrating Keratoplasty for Treatment of Severe Marginal Fusarium spp. Keratitis: A Description of a New Surgical Technique
Authors: Balparda Kepa , Mejia-Turizo Juan Carlos , Herrera-Chalarca Tatiana
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this article is to describe the use of simultaneous noncentered photoactivated chromophore for keratitis-corneal collagen cross-linking (PACK-CXL) combined with penetrating keratoplasty in the treatment of a severe marginal Fusarium spp. keratitis case with imminent corneal perforation. It is a retrospective case report study; it was performed by collecting clinical data, images, video, and postoperative evaluations. The clinical control of the infection was accomplished, despite difficulties in obtaining antifungal medications due to the patient’s extremely poor socioeconomic status and essentially nonexistent health insurance. We can conclude that combining simultaneous decentered PACK-CXL with centered penetrating keratoplasty appears to be a safe and effective way of treating patients with fungal marginal keratitis with corneal perforation, in which regular penetrating keratoplasty alone would leave fungal elements in the receptor corneal tissue, which would predispose to infection of the graft.
Treatment Outcome of Carcinoma Vulva Ten-Year Experience from a Tertiary Cancer Centre in South India
Authors: Jeevarajan Sakthiushadevi , Duraipandian Amudhan , Kottayasamy Seenivasagam Rajkumar , Shanmugam Subbiah , Ramamurthy Rajaraman
Published: December 2017

Background. Carcinoma vulva is a rare disease accounting for 1.3% of all gynaecological malignancies. The present study is a 10-year retrospective review of our experience of the surgical options, morbidity, failure pattern, and survival for invasive carcinoma vulva. Materials and Methods. Retrospective analysis of case records of 39 patients who underwent surgery for invasive vulval cancer between 2004 and 2013 in the Department of Surgical Oncology at the Government Royapettah Hospital, Chennai. Results. The median age was 55 years. Radical vulvectomy was the preferred surgery. 31 patients underwent lymphadenectomy. Seroma formation and groin skin necrosis were the most common postoperative complications. With a median follow-up of 32 months, 8 patients (20.5%) developed recurrence (systemic = 1, regional = 4, and local = 3). The estimated 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 65.4% and the overall survival (OS) was 85.1%. On univariate analysis, stage and lymph node involvement significantly affected OS. Nodal involvement with extracapsular spread (ECS) significantly affected both DFS and OS. Conclusion. The treatment of carcinoma vulva should be individualized with multidisciplinary cooperation. The paucity of data, especially from India, necessitates the need for more studies, preferably multicentric, keeping in mind the low prevalence.
Early Orthopaedic Treatment of Hemifacial Microsomia
Authors: Cassi Diana , Magnifico Marisabel , Gandolfinini Mauro , Kasa Ilda , Mauro Giovanni , Di Blasio Alberto
Published: December 2017

The aim of this paper is to report treatment effects of functional therapy in a growing patient affected by hemifacial microsomia (HM). According to Kaban’s classification, the patient was classified as grade IIa as she presented all mandibular and temporomandibular joint components and a normal shaped, hypoplastic mandible. The therapeutic approach included the use of an asymmetrical functional activator (AFA) to stimulate the growth of the affected side and consequently to improve symmetry of the mandible and maxillary deficiency. Further effects were the lengthening of the mandibular ramus, restoration of occlusion, and expansion of soft tissues.
Simulation Results: Optimization of Contact Ratio for Interdigitated Back-Contact Solar Cells
Authors: Budhraja Vinay , Devayajanam Srinivas , Basnyat Prakash
Published: December 2017

In the fabrication of interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells, it is very important to choose the right size of contact to achieve the maximum efficiency. Line contacts and point contacts are the two possibilities, which are being chosen for IBC structure. It is expected that the point contacts would give better results because of the reduced recombination rate. In this work, we are simulating the effect of contact size on the performance of IBC solar cells. Simulations were done in three dimension using Quokka, which numerically solves the charge carrier transport. Our simulation results show that around 10% of contact ratio is able to achieve optimum cell efficiency.
Service Composition Optimization Method Based on Parallel Particle Swarm Algorithm on Spark
Authors: Guo Xing , Chen Shanshan , Zhang Yiwen , Li Wei
Published: December 2017

Web service composition is one of the core technologies of realizing service-oriented computing. Web service composition satisfies the requirements of users to form new value-added services by composing existing services. As Cloud Computing develops, the emergence of Web services with different quality yet similar functionality has brought new challenges to service composition optimization problem. How to solve large-scale service composition in the Cloud Computing environment has become an urgent problem. To tackle this issue, this paper proposes a parallel optimization approach based on Spark distributed environment. Firstly, the parallel covering algorithm is used to cluster the Web services. Next, the multiple clustering centers obtained are used as the starting point of the particles to improve the diversity of the initial population. Then, according to the parallel data coding rules of resilient distributed dataset (RDD), the large-scale combination service is generated with the proposed algorithm named Spark Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm (SPSO). Finally, the usage of particle elite selection strategy removes the inert particles to optimize the performance of the combination of service selection. This paper adopts real data set WS-Dream to prove the validity of the proposed method with a large number of experimental results.
Aeroengine Fault Diagnosis Using Optimized Elman Neural Network
Authors: Pi Jun , Huang Jiangbo , Ma Long
Published: December 2017

A new Elman Neural Network (ENN) optimized by quantum‐behaved adaptive particle swarm optimization (QAPSO) is introduced in this paper. According to the root mean square error, QAPSO is used to select the best weights and thresholds of the ENN in training samples. The optimized neural network is applied to aeroengine fault diagnosis and is compared with other optimized ENN, original ENN, BP, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) methods. The results show that the QAPSO‐ENN is more accurate and reliable in the aeroengine fault diagnosis than the conventional neural network and other ENN methods; QAPSO‐ENN has great diagnostic ability in small samples.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Barriers to Kidney Transplant Evaluation among Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Jones Derek , You Zhiying , Kendrick Jessica B.
Published: December 2017

Background: Only a small percentage of dialysis patients receive a transplant and this is particularly the case for racial/ethnic minorities. Our objective was to identify barriers to initial transplant evaluation in our dialysis centers. Methods: We conducted a survey of adult hemodialysis patients from 4 dialysis units in the Denver Metro area in 2016. Participants completed an 11-item survey with demographic information and questions regarding time on dialysis, if a provider ever spoke to them about transplant, and whether they had been evaluated for a transplant. Reasons for not having an evaluation were explored. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, and multivariate analyses were used to examine the responses. Results: A total of 167 patients completed the survey (response rate 63.9%). The majority of participants were male and were Hispanic (49%) or Non-Hispanic black (31.7%). Of these, 140 patients (84.0%) reported discussing kidney transplantation with their doctor but only 53% reported having a transplant evaluation. After adjustment for age, gender, and time on dialysis, significantly fewer blacks reported having an evaluation than Non-Hispanic whites or Hispanics (43.4 vs. 57.7% [whites] and 59.7% [Hispanics], p = 0.03). The most frequent responses of the patients who had not been evaluated were the following: not referred by their provider (46%), did not know how to proceed (43.4%), or did not understand the benefits (39.5%) or transplant process (38.2%). Compared to Non-Hispanic whites, blacks and Hispanics reported less understanding of the benefits and process of transplant. Conclusion: Timely referral by providers and improved kidney transplantation education may reduce disparities in access to kidney transplantation.