bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unmanned aerial vehicle-based sounding of subsurface concrete defects
Authors: Blaney Sean , Gupta Rishi
Published: September 2018

A sounding technique that uses an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with two microphones can detect subsurface concrete defects. Use of flexural vibration frequency as a basis for defect depth estimation is evaluated. While many non-destructive tests for concrete can detect depth, current UAV-based inspection methods like optical and thermal imaging are typically limited to two-dimensional subsurface defect information. Acoustic signals from sounding and UAV noise are known to exist in similar frequency ranges. Accordingly, three noise reduction measures for this sounding technique are assessed. Given adequate distance between the microphones and UAV, a two microphone signal subtraction technique is slightly effective for some noise, but a spectral noise gating procedure is shown to substantially decrease noise in the frequency range of interest.
Denuclearizing North Korea: A verified, phased approach
Authors: Glaser Alexander , Mian Zia
Published: September 2018

The process must reflect existing levels of trust at each stage
Learning to migrate
Authors: Festa-Bianchet Marco
Published: September 2018

Hoofed animals, such as bighorn sheep and moose, learn migratory behaviors from other herd members
Matchmaking molecule for egg and sperm
Authors: Lehmann Ruth
Published: September 2018

Species-specific recognition molecule facilitates sperm binding to eggs at fertilization
Characterization of Influenza B Virus Variants with Reduced Neuraminidase Inhibitor Susceptibility
Authors: Farrukee R. , Zarebski A. E. , McCaw J. M. , Bloom J. D. , Reading P. C. , Hurt A. C.
Published: September 2018

Treatment options for influenza B virus infections are limited to neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs), which block the neuraminidase (NA) glycoprotein on the virion surface. The development of NAI resistance would therefore result in a loss of antiviral treatment options for influenza B virus infections.
Male sterility induction of sorghum using chemical hybridizing agent TFMSA, trifluoromethanesulfonamide
Authors: Hodnett George L. , Rooney William L.
Published: September 2018

In sorghum, male sterility has been induced mainly using mechanical and genetic means with minimal use of chemical methods. Mechanical sterility induction is limited to producing small quantities of seed and genetic male sterility is limited to specific germplasm. An effective chemical hybridizing agent could be used to produce large amounts of seed and would not be limited by genotypes. The chemical trifluoromethanesulfonamide (TFMSA) was evaluated as a male gametocide in sorghum. In greenhouse conditions, TFMSA induced varying degrees of male sterility contingent on the dosage, timing of application, and sorghum genotype. If applied at or after the flag leaf emergence, panicles were male fertile but male sterile when applied at least 2 d before the flag leaf emerged. In terms of dosage, 2 mg of TFMSA rendered a BTx623 male sterile if applied 2–6 d prior to flag leaf emergence. However, 30 mg of TFMSA applied as much as 34 d before the flag leaf emerged also induced complete sterility of the panicle. There may be a genotypic effect as less TFMSA was necessary to induce complete male sterility in BTx623 than in BTxArg-1. No phytotoxic effects or reductions in female fertility were observed in dosages of TFMSA up to 40 mg. Germination of hybrid seed made on treated plants was equal to that of the parents and the hybrid seedlings were phenotypically normal. The results indicate that male sterility can be induced effectively in sorghum using TFMSA at appropriate dosages and application timings.
PandaX: A deep underground dark matter search experiment in China using liquid xenon
Authors: Zhao Li , Liu Jianglai
Published: September 2018

The nature of dark matter is one of the most fundamental scientific unknowns. Particle physicists have spent decades searching for evidence of dark matter particles. The PandaX project is a staged xenon-based dark matter direct detection experiment located at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. In this paper, we give an overview of the PandaX experiment, discuss its recent scientific results, and outline the plan for the future.
Heteroclinic Trajectory and Hopf Bifurcation in an Extended Lorenz System
Authors: Li Xianyi , Wang Haijun
Published: September 2018

This note revisits an extended Lorenz system, which was presented in the paper entitled “Hopf bifurcations in an extended Lorenz system” by Zhou et al. [2017]. On the one hand, one points out and corrects some wrong results in that paper on the Hopf bifurcation at the symmetric equilibria [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. On the other hand, combining Lyapunov function and the concepts of [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-limit sets, it is rigorously proved that there exists two and only two heteroclinic trajectories but no homoclinic trajectories under some certain conditions of its parameters and initial values. In addition, numerical simulations illustrate the consistence with the theoretical conclusions. The results together not only improve and complement the known ones, but also provide support in some future applications.
Stability and Bifurcation Analysis of a Delayed Discrete Predator–Prey Model
Authors: Yousef A. M. , Salman S. M. , Elsadany A. A.
Published: September 2018

A discrete predator–prey model with delayed density dependence in the rate of growth of the prey is considered. In particular, we analyze the model presented by Kot [2005] which consists of three coupled difference equations and contains two parameters. Existence and local stability analysis of fixed points of the model are addressed. The normal form technique and perturbation method are applied to the different types of bifurcations that exist in the model being investigated. It is proved that the existence of transcritical and Neimark–Sacker bifurcations can occur in the model. In addition, the chaotic behavior of the model in the sense of Marotto is proved. To verify the results obtained analytically, we perform numerical simulations which also explore further the richer dynamics of the model.
PRICING INDEX OPTIONS BY STATIC HEDGING UNDER FINITE LIQUIDITY
Authors: ARMSTRONG JOHN , PENNANEN TEEMU , RAKWONGWAN UDOMSAK
Published: September 2018

We develop a model for indifference pricing in derivatives markets, where price quotes have bid–ask spreads and finite quantities. The model quantifies the dependence of the prices and hedging portfolios on an investor’s views, risk preferences and financial position as well as on the price quotes. Computational techniques of convex optimization allow for fast computation of the hedging portfolios and prices as well as sensitivities with respect to various model parameters. We illustrate the techniques by pricing and hedging of exotic derivatives on S&P index using call and put options, forward contracts and cash as the hedging instruments. The optimized static hedges provide good approximations of the options payouts and the spreads between indifference selling and buying prices are quite narrow as compared with the spread between superhedging and subhedging prices.
Noether symmetries as a geometric criterion to select theories of gravity
Authors: Dialektopoulos Konstantinos F. , Capozziello Salvatore
Published: September 2018

We review the Noether Symmetry Approach as a geometric criterion to select theories of gravity. Specifically, we deal with Noether Symmetries to solve the field equations of given gravity theories. The method allows to find out exact solutions, but also to constrain arbitrary functions in the action. Specific cosmological models are taken into account.
Synthesis of flower-like CuS/graphene aerogels for dye wastewater treatment
Authors: Cai Tingwei , Ding Ying , Xu Lihui
Published: September 2018

A novel visible-light flower-like CuS/graphene aerogels (CuS/GAs) photocatalyst has been synthesized via two-step solvothermal method. The CuS/GAs show outstanding synergies of adsorption and photocatalysis for anionic–cationic dyes degradation, which is attributed to unique network structure and excellent photoelectric properties of GAs. The high degradation ratio of Methyl orange and Methylene blue by synergy are 92% and 99.36%, which are about 4.1 and 3.2 times of that for pure CuS. The flower-like CuS/graphene aerogels resolve the low adsorption saturation problem of GAs and improve the photocatalytic performance of CuS, indicating CuS/GAs could be a promising photocatalyst for wastewater treatment.
‘Miller's most important geological discovery’: Archibald Geikie (1835–1924) as pupil and memorialist of Hugh Miller (1802–56)
Authors: Taylor Michael A.
Published: September 2018

Hugh Miller, stonemason turned writer, newspaper editor and geologist, became the young Archibald Geikie's friend and geological mentor, encouraged his first research and presentation to a learned society, and recommended him to the Geological Survey, thus laying the foundations for a career that reached the top of British science. Geikie was deeply distressed when Miller died by his own hand. He helped deal with Miller's posthumous publications. He modelled his early writings on those of Miller and wrote attractive and much-quoted pen-portraits of Miller, which are valuable to this day, although also reflecting Geikie's perspective in biography and historiography, now seen as flawed.
A long life's relationship: Archibald Geikie, Alexander Macmillan and his publishing house
Authors: Sanders A. J.
Published: September 2018

The relationship between Sir Archibald Geikie, his publisher Alexander Macmillan and Macmillan & Co began when Archibald was a young man of 23 and continued until his death in 1924. Correspondence and other sources reveal the development of an intimate relationship with Alexander, as well as others such as Norman Lockyer, editor of
Nature
from 1869 and responsible for Macmillan's science books. Archibald's relationship with Alexander was of mutual benefit and supportive, although this study shows that this was not without difficulties and some disagreement. It was a professional relationship, with both men wanting the best for their publications, but also a personal relationship as Alexander welcomed Archibald into his home. Through Alexander, Archibald widened his circle of acquaintances and met his wife, Anna Maria Alice Gabrielle Pignatel, and became linked in marriage when Alexander married her sister, Jeanne Barbe Emma. Through Macmillan's publications, Archibald gained an international audience as a communicator, pioneer historian of science and a successful writer of popular and readable textbooks.
Peer Review in CS2
Authors: Turner Scott Alexander , Pérez-Quiñones Manuel A. , Edwards Stephen H.
Published: September 2018

In computer science, students could benefit from exposure to critical programming concepts from multiple perspectives. Peer review is one method to allow students to experience authentic uses of the concepts in an activity that is not itself programming. In this work, we examine how to implement the peer review process in early, object-oriented computer science courses as a way to increase the students’ knowledge of programming concepts, specifically Abstraction, Decomposition, and Encapsulation, and to develop their higher-level thinking skills. We are exploring the peer review process, the effects of the type of review
on the reviewers
, and the results this has on the students’ learning.

To study these ideas, we used peer review activities in CS2 classes at two universities over the course of a semester. Using three groups (one reviewing their peers, one reviewing the instructor, and one completing small design or coding assignments), we measured the students’ conceptual understanding throughout the semester with concept maps and the reviews they completed. We found that reviewing helped students learn Decomposition, especially those reviewing the instructor's programs, but we did not find that it improved the students’ level of thinking. Overall, reviews (peer or otherwise) are beneficial for teaching Decomposition to CS2 students and can be used as an alternative method for teaching other object-oriented programming concepts.
Autonomous Selection and Printing of 3D Models for People Who Are Blind
Authors: Götzelmann T.
Published: September 2018

3D models are an important means for understanding spatial contexts. Today these models can be materialized by 3D printing, which is increasingly used at schools for people with visual impairments. In contrast to sighted people, people with visual impairments have so far, however, neither been able to search nor to print 3D models without assistance. This article describes our work to develop an aid for people with visual impairments that would facilitate autonomous searching for and printing of 3D models. In our initial study, we determined the requirements to accomplish this task by means of a questionnaire and developed a first approach that allowed personal computer-based 3D printing. An extended approach allowed searching and printing using common smartphones. In our architecture, technical details of 3D printers are abstracted by a separate component that can be accessed via Wi-Fi independently of the actual 3D printer used. It comprises a search of the models in an annotated database and 3D model retrieval from the internet. The whole process can be controlled by voice interaction. The feasibility of autonomous 3D printing for people with visual impairments is shown with a first user study. Our second user study examines the usability of the user interface when searching for 3D models on the internet and preparing them for the materialization. The participants were able to define important printing settings, whereas other printing parameters could be determined algorithmically.
"Interpretable credibility assessment of web claims" by Kashyap Popat with Prateek Jain as coordinator
Authors: Popat Kashyap
Published: September 2018

Kashyap Popat is a PhD candidate, advised by Prof. Dr. Gerhard Weikum, at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics (MPI-INF) and the University of Saarland in Saarbrücken, Germany. His PhD thesis focuses on analyzing and explaining credibility of textual content. His research interests span text mining, natural language processing and deep learning. Prior to joining MPI-INF, he completed his masters from Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) and worked at IBM Research India. He has co-authored several publications in different areas of natural language processing and text mining. For more information, please visit his website at: http://mpi-inf.mpg.de/kpopat
Film Flows in the Presence of Electric Fields
Authors: Papageorgiou Demetrios T.
Published: September 2018

The presence of electric fields in immiscible multifluid flows induces Maxwell stresses at sharp interfaces that can produce electrohydrodynamic phenomena of practical importance. Electric fields can be stabilizing or destabilizing depending on their strength and orientation. In microfluidics, fields can be used to drive systems out of equilibrium to produce hierarchical patterning, mixing, and phase separation. We describe nonlinear theories of electrohydrodynamic instabilities in immiscible multilayer flows in several geometries, including flows over or inside planar or topographically structured substrates and channels and flows in cylinders and cylindrical annuli. Matched asymptotic techniques are developed for two- and three-dimensional flows, and reduced-dimension nonlinear models are derived and studied. When all regions are slender, electrostatic extensions to lubrication or shallow-wave theories are derived. In the presence of nonslender layers, nonlocal terms emerge naturally to modify the evolution equations. Analysis and computations provide a plethora of dynamics, including nonlinear traveling waves, spatiotemporal chaos, and singularity formation. Direct numerical simulations are used to evaluate the models and go beyond their range of validity to quantify phenomena such as electric field–induced directed patterning, suppression of Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities, and electrostatically induced pumping in microchannels. Comparisons of theory and simulations with available experiments are included throughout.
HTLS Conductors: A Way to Optimize RES Generation and to Improve the Competitiveness of the Electrical Market—A Case Study in Sicily
Authors: Ippolito M. G. , Massaro F. , Cassaro C.
Published: September 2018

Stringent environmental constraints make more difficult to identify new energy corridors and build new power lines. The increase in the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources (RESs) makes the operation of electrical systems increasingly difficult in some areas. The transmission system operators (TSOs), in Italy Terna, are forced to exploit the existing overhead transmission lines, increasing the possibility of dispatching energy, in particular RES, optimizing the transmission capacity. Therefore, after a brief presentation of the Sicilian electricity system and a brief description of high-temperature low-sag (HTLS) conductors, a case study is presented. It is shown how it is possible to optimize the dispatching from renewable sources and, finally, it is demonstrated how the use of HTLS conductor can contribute, together with other actions taken by the TSO, to the decrease of the zonal price of electricity, to the creation of a market with fewer constraints and to new operating conditions that increase the resilience of the electricity system in case of disturbances.
Short-Term Observation of Ultrasonic Cyclocoagulation in Chinese Patients with End-Stage Refractory Glaucoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Hu Dongpeng , Tu Shu , Zuo Chengguo , Ge Jian
Published: September 2018

Purpose. To assess the efficacy and safety of HIFU-based ultrasonic cyclocoagulation in Chinese patients with end-stage refractory glaucoma. Method. Patients were recruited consecutively from May 2016 to May 2017 in the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center. Ultrasonic cyclocoagulation was performed on every patient, using the EyeOP1 ultrasound emitting device. Return visits were set at 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months after the treatment. An intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction of ≥20% while IOP ≥ 5 mmHg was deemed as success. Mean IOP change was assessed. Efficacy of two modes (6 sectors and 8 sectors) was also compared. Complications were recorded for safety evaluation. Results. 61 eyes were treated in this study. The baseline IOP (mean ± SD) was 41.11 ± 10.65 mmHg. The percentage of IOP reduction after treatment was 29.2%, 43.2%, 34.8%, and 23.1% at 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months, respectively. Overall success rate at 3 months was 50.0% (26/52). No significant difference was found between the 6 sectors group and the 8 sectors group in terms of the success rate (48.6% vs. 52.9%, p=0.768) as well as IOP reduction (p=0.417) at 3 months. Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) had the highest success rate (80.0%, 12/15). Scleral thinning existed in 12 eyes, among which 2 developed hypotony (2 mmHg and 3 mmHg). Average pain score decreased massively compared with baseline data. Conclusion. With high percentage of IOP reduction and a good safety profile observed in our study, HIFU-based ultrasonic cyclocoagulation might become a promising alternative to cyclodestructive methods. Long-term efficacy and safety need further assessment. The study was registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn; Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-17014028).
Dimensional Regularization Approach to the Renormalization Group Theory of the Generalized Sine-Gordon Model
Authors: Yanagisawa Takashi
Published: September 2018

We present the dimensional regularization approach to the renormalization group theory of the generalized sine-Gordon model. The generalized sine-Gordon model means the sine-Gordon model with high frequency cosine modes. We derive renormalization group equations for the generalized sine-Gordon model by regularizing the divergence based on the dimensional method. We discuss the scaling property of renormalization group equations. The generalized model would present a new class of scaling property.
The Susceptibility Genes in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Wei Ling , Xiao Ying , Li Li , Xiong Xiaofen , Han Yachun , Zhu Xuejing , Sun Lin
Published: September 2018

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) poses a severe threat to global public health. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Approximately 30–40% of DM patients in the world progress to ESRD, which emphasizes the effect of genetic factors on DN. Family clustering also supports the important role of hereditary factors in DN and ESRD. Therefore, a large number of genetic studies have been carried out to identify susceptibility genes in different diabetic cohorts. Extensive susceptibility genes of DN and ESRD have not been identified until recently. Summary and Key Messages: Some of these associated genes function as pivotal regulators in the pathogenesis of DN, such as those related to glycometabolism and lipid metabolism. However, the functions of most of these genes remain unclear. In this article, we review several susceptibility genes according to their genetic functions to make it easier to determine their exact effect on DN and to provide a better understanding of the advancements from genetic studies. However, several challenges associated with investigating the genetic factors of DN still exist. For instance, it is difficult to determine whether these variants affect the expression of the protein they encode or other cytokines. More efforts should be made to determine how these genes influence the progression of DN. In addition, many results could not be replicated among races, suggesting that the association between genetic polymorphisms and DN is race-specific. Therefore, large, well-designed studies involving more relevant variables and ethnic groups and more relevant functional studies are urgently needed. These studies may be beneficial and retard the progression of DN by early intervention, especially for patients who carry certain risk alleles or genotypes.
ALDH1 Expression and Vasculogenic Mimicry Are Positively Associated with Poor Prognosis in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Xing Peng , Dong Huiting , Liu Qun , Zhao Tingting , Yao Fan , Xu Yingying , Chen Bo , Zheng Xinyu , Wu Yunfei , Jin Feng , Li Jiguang
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) expression and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in patients with breast cancer. Methods: ALDH1 expression and the presence of VM were examined by immunohistochemistry and CD31/PAS double staining, respectively, using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from 202 breast cancer patients. The mean follow-up period ranged from 15 to 115 months. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves. Prognostic values were assessed by multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model. Results: ALDH1 expression was strongly associated with VM (P = 0.005). ALDH1 expression was positively correlated with histological grade (P = 0.011). Both ALDH1 expression and VM were negatively related to the status of the estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor and were statistically increased in triple-negative breast cancer. Patients with ALDH1 expression or VM displayed poorer disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) than ALDH1-negative or VM-negative patients, with the worst OS and DFS observed in ALDH1/VM-double-positive patients. ALDH1-positive and VM-positive were independent survival risk factors for DFS and OS. Conclusion: ALDH1 expression and VM are correlated with the survival rate of patients with breast cancer. ALDH1 and VM, either alone or together, are prognostic factors in patients with breast cancer.
miR-137 Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis of Hypertrophic Scar Fibroblasts via Targeting Pleiotrophin
Authors: Zhang Qian , Guo Bingyu , Hui Qiang , Chang Peng , Tao Kai
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: There are few effective treatment options for hypertrophic scars. MircoRNAs are a class of small, noncoding RNAs involved in multiple biological functions. Methods: Gene chip screening was used to screen out the differential expression of miRNAs in hypertrophic scars and normal tissues. Western blot and real-time PCR were used to confirm the expression of pleiotrophin (PTN) in hypertrophic scars. After analyze the correlation between PTN and miR-137 using correlation analysis, we used miRDB software to analyze the binding sites of miR-137 and PTN. Luciferase reporter gene, western blot and real-time PCR experiments were used to detect the regulatory effect of miR-137 on PTN. MTT and transwell assay were used to detect the effect of miR-137 on proliferation and metastasis. Western blot and real-time PCR were used to detect the regulatory effects of miR-137 on cyclin B1, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin, and type-I collagen (COL1A). Finally, miR-137 inhibitor was transfected into fibroblasts which was silent PTN, and the proliferation and migration of cells were detected by MTT and transwell. Western blot and real-time PCR were used to detect the expression of related proteins. Results: Various miRNAs was abnormal expressed in hypertrophic scars. miR-137 was decreased in hypertrophic scar, however PTN was up regulated in hypertrophic scars. miR-137 induced proliferation and metastasis in fibroblasts. This effect was accompanied by decreased expression of cyclin B1, MMP9, α-SMA, vimentin, and COL1A mediated via the target of PTN. Conclusion: Modulation of miR-137 expression in fibroblasts could provide an important therapeutic strategy for hypertrophic scars.
How Song of Songs Became a Divine Love Song
Authors: Kaplan Jonathan , Wilson-Wright Aren M.
Published: September 2018

The origin of the interpretation of Song of Songs as a description of God’s relationship with God’s beloved community has been a persistent question in the work’s history of interpretation. Earlier scholarship has provided a number of possible solutions to this problem, none of them conclusive. This article offers another possible answer: the language and imagery of the Northwest Semitic combat myth in Song 8:6-7, which identifies love with Yhwh as the victorious divine warrior, triggers the work’s interpretation as a divine love song. This argument receives support from some of the earliest allusions to Song of Songs in Revelation, which interpret Song of Songs in the context of apocalyptic discourse that likewise draws heavily on the combat myth.
Bakhtinian Carnivalesque and Paul’s Foolish and Scandalous Gospel
Authors: Nygaard Mathias
Published: September 2018

In this article I read the Pauline gospel through the heuristic prism of Bakhtinian carnivalesque. Such a reading is legitimated by Paul’s acknowledgement that his gospel was a scandal to the Jews and a foolishness to the Greeks (1 Cor. 1.23). As a literary trope carnivalesque can be summarized according to the following points: (1) it entails an unhindered interaction between all people; (2) in it otherwise impermissible behaviour is accepted; (3) it is set towards a uniting of opposites; (4) it explores the sacrilegious; and (5) it constitutes a redefinition of the physical and the bodily. In my argument I show that these aspects are all present in the Pauline literature in various ways. Properly defined, Paul’s gospel is carnivalesque. Altogether, my reading serves as a reminder of some of the subversive aspects of his theological narrative. This further allows me to describe parts of his non-representative and apophatic anthropology.
Morphology and molecules say: Tanytarsus latens, sp. nov. from Finland (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: GIŁKA WOJCIECH , PAASIVIRTA LAURI , GADAWSKI PIOTR , GRABOWSKI MICHAŁ
Published: September 2018

Tanytarsus latens sp. nov. is described from Finland (Ostrobothnia borealis, Satakunta). Both morphological and             molecular analyses indicate that T. latens belongs to the mendax species group. The adult male hypopygium of the new species resembles that of Tanytarsus occultus Brundin and of T. desertor Giłka et Paasivirta, while the molecular analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene fragment evidences that T. latens is a sister species to most of European Tanytarsus of the mendax group’s core, for which the COI barcodes are known. Notes on biology of T. latens are also provided.
Bilateral Transorbital and Transnasal Endoscopic Resection of a Frontal Sinus Osteoblastoma and Orbital Mucocele: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hicks Kelli L. , Moe Kris S. , Humphreys Ian M.
Published: September 2018

Objective:

Describe a novel treatment approach to a rare bony neoplasm in the frontal sinus.

Study Design:

Case report.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of an osteoblastoma of the frontal sinuses complicated by a right orbital mucocle. Demographic, endoscopic, radiographic, pathologic, and surgical data were collected for synthesis and review. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched from 1977 to 2017 to review publications of surgical management of frontal sinus neoplasms.

Results:

A single female patient with a large frontal sinus osteoblastoma was successfully treated with a bilateral transorbital and transnasal approach. The right orbital mucocele was marsupialized into the frontal sinus. Gross total resection of the tumor was achieved, with complete resolution of the presurgical morbidity. The surgery was tolerated well without iatrogenic injury or sequela.

Conclusion:

Frontal sinus osteoblastoma is a rare condition. Complete surgical excision is considered curative. Various endoscopic and open approaches have been described. Here we show the feasibility and efficacy of a multiportal strategy in the successful management of a large frontal sinus osteoblastoma complicated by a right orbital mucocele.
Parental migration and young migrants’ wages in urban China: An exploratory analysis
Authors: Lyu Lidan , Chen Yu
Published: September 2018

Since the initiation of the economic reforms in 1978, generations of Chinese migrants have moved from the countryside to cities to seek job opportunities. As a result of financial constraints and institutional obstacles, many migrants leave their children at the place of origin, to be taken care of by partners, grandparents or other caregivers. Whilst previous studies primarily focus on the impacts of parental migration on children’s education and health, very few studies have examined its longer-term impacts on labour market income when children reach adulthood. Yet parental migration is likely to influence children’s human capital accumulation and skill development. Drawing on data from the 2011 Chinese Migrant Dynamics Monitoring Survey, this article fills the gap by exploring the relationship between different types of parental migration and their children’s wages when the children have grown up and migrated to work in cities. Structural models are employed to estimate both education and wage equations simultaneously to capture the direct effect of parental migration on wages, together with the mediating effect of education. The results show significantly negative relationships between parental migration and young migrants’ educational attainment and wages. Those who experienced the out-migration of both parents are most disadvantaged in the urban labour market. The study is important for policies aimed at improving migrants’ life prospects and enhancing social mobility and equality.
What Happens to Retirement Plans, and Does This Affect Retirement Satisfaction?
Authors: Principi Andrea , Smeaton Deborah , Cahill Kevin , Santini Sara , Barnes Helen , Socci Marco
Published: September 2018

This study examines the role of planning and plan fulfillment for retirement satisfaction using a dynamic resource theory approach. A 3-year qualitative longitudinal design was deployed with interviews conducted first on the cusp of retirement, then 1 and 2 years after retirement. The final sample comprised 41 individuals from England, 40 from Italy, and 30 from the United States. Realizing plans was found to be linked to retirement satisfaction. However, many retirees adjusted well to retirement without planning in advance, or when plans were thwarted, and sometimes retirement did not live up to expectations despite fulfillment of plans. Psychological resources and resilience were key dimensions of satisfaction regardless of planning. Retirement satisfaction was also associated with social integration, adoption of new social roles, and opportunities to be active within and beyond the private sphere, such as volunteering or participating in leisure oriented clubs or activities. Regardless of planning, the quality of family relationships was a particularly important element for retirement satisfaction or dissatisfaction.
Mycobacterial granuloma on the staple line after pulmonary resection
Authors: Matsuoka Katsunari , Ueda Mitsuhiro , Miyamoto Yoshihiro
Published: September 2018

Objective

It has been reported previously that granulomas can occur around nonabsorbable sutures, but that granuloma formation around the staple line is very rare. However, the increased use of thoracoscopic surgery is creating more opportunities to use automatic mechanical suturing equipment for pulmonary surgery, and it is expected that the incidence of granuloma around the staple line will increase.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the clinical records of 6 patients who developed nontuberculous mycobacterial granuloma on the staple line after pulmonary resection. We investigated their clinical characteristics and compared them with data in 16 cases of cancer recurrence.

Results

Fluorodeoxyglucose uptake was detected in all 6 patients. Laboratory data including white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels were within normal ranges in all patients. There was no evident tendency in terms of age, sex, maximal standardized uptake value, or radiological findings. However, compared to cancer recurrence, mycobacterial granuloma around the staple line appeared after a longer period of time, and the proportion of patients who had a segmentectomy as the initial surgery was significantly higher.

Conclusion

When growing shadows are observed near the staple line, it is difficult to differentiate between cancer recurrence and nontuberculous mycobacterial granuloma from computed tomography and laboratory findings. However, if a mass shadow around the staple line appears 2, 3, or more years after segmentectomy, it could be considered likely to be a granuloma. “Post-segmentectomy” and “late occurrence” are important attributes for distinguishing staple line granuloma from cancer recurrence.
Responsible aquaculturists: The information-seeking behavior of milkfish farmers in Iloilo, Philippines
Authors: Superio Daryl L , Nemiz Elvi S , Oliveros Mary Grace H , Palcullo Vince Ervin V , Yap-Zerrudo Anna May A , Canaman Jessica B
Published: September 2018

Compliance with a policy, law, standard or code requires understanding of its provisions. However, for someone to understand it, he must be aware of its existence and be provided access to it. A qualitative-quantitative research was conducted to determine the awareness of milkfish farmers about the Philippine Code of Practice for Aquaculture in the municipalities of Leganes and Zarraga, Iloilo Province, the Philippines and their information-seeking behaviors. Results revealed that the majority of the respondents were not aware of the existence of the Code, hence, there is a low level of compliance. When seeking everyday life information, the majority of the milkfish farmers depended on television, personal or person-to-person communication and radio, while when seeking for fish farming information, personal communication was the preferred source. None of the respondents was aware of the existence of their municipal libraries.
Exertional dyspnea after myocardial infarction: thinking beyond the diagnosis of heart failure
Authors: Koutsampasopoulos Konstantinos , Grigoriadis Savvas , Vogiatzis Ioannis
Published: September 2018

Introduction

We herein present an unusual case of a pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricular myocardium, which is a rare and fatal complication of myocardial infarction.

Case report

A 64-year-old man with a history of bipolar disorder and arterial hypertension was hospitalized for delayed presentation ST-elevation myocardial infarction. He was admitted to our hospital 24 hours after symptom onset. Diagnostic coronary angiography revealed 95% stenosis at the distal third of the right coronary artery, and he underwent a primary percutaneous coronary intervention to the culprit lesion. Despite administration of a diuretic and optimization of other pharmaceutical treatment, his heart failure deteriorated. Electrocardiography showed a sinus rhythm with Q-wave formation in the inferior wall leads (II, III, aVF), T-wave inversion in the same leads, and borderline QT prolongation (QTc of 490 ms). No ST elevation suggestive of left ventricular aneurysm formation was noticed. Forty days later, cardiac ultrasound revealed a dyskinetic cavity (pseudoaneurysm) in continuity with the posterior–inferior wall of the myocardium, resulting in severe mitral valve regurgitation. Unfortunately, the patient died while awaiting surgical treatment.

Conclusion

Although most patients with left ventricular pseudoaneurysm have a relatively benign outcome, those with symptoms of heart failure must be urgently diagnosed and treated.
Use of Portable and Dynamic Variable Speed Limits in Construction Zones
Authors: Van Jura Josh , Haines David , Gemperline Andrew
Published: September 2018

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) implemented dynamic management of portable variable speed limit (PVSL) technology to reduce regulatory speed limits through an active work space (AWS). UDOT also developed and tested an intelligent system approach to alter speed limits in construction work zones. The goal of the PVSL system was to provide a portable and dynamic system that was easy for construction personnel to use to prudently reduce speeds within an AWS and make construction work zones safer for workers and the traveling public, while limiting the need to reduce speed throughout the AWS, rather than the entire construction work zone. This was achieved through temporary regulatory reductions in driver speeds within the immediate boundary of an AWS when workers were on site and exposed to the danger of errant vehicles during active construction. The system also raises speed limits when workers were not present. This PVSL system used a dynamic variable speed limit (VSL) algorithm to raise and lower the regulatory speed limits. The PVSL system also provided a queue warning algorithm that operated independent of the VSL algorithm to control messages posted on the portable variable message sign (PVMS) trailers to disseminate dynamic information to drivers. UDOT has completed 2 years of PVSL system deployment testing in four separate construction work zones to evaluate the effectiveness of the system. This paper highlights key elements that guided development of the PVSL system, along with the successful results from deployment of the system.
Fabrication of HDPE composites via a novel friction stir processing technology
Authors: Gao Jicheng , Cui Xixi , Shen Yifu , Yu Liang
Published: September 2018

In this article, the feasibility of preparing high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/copper (Cu) composites by submerged friction stir processing was investigated. The results showed that the Cu powders were dispersed with the flow of matrix in the action of stir. The surface layer of the composites was more uniform than core, and the advancing side was more homogenous than retreating side. The crystalline content of HDPE/Cu composites was higher than the processing materials without Cu powders. Compared with the matrix, the tensile strength of composites was lower, however, higher than that processing samples under the same processing parameters. The microhardness of composites was higher than either the matrix of the sample without Cu powders.
Thermomechanical investigations of SiC and Al2O3–reinforced HDPE
Authors: Singh Narinder , Singh Rupinder , Ahuja IPS
Published: September 2018

This research work highlights the thermomechanical investigations of silicon carbide (SiC) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3)–reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE)–based feed stock filament of commercial fused deposition modeling (FDM) setup. The recycled HDPE waste was collected (from domestic waste) and washed with water jet for removal of contamination in the first stage. After contamination removal, rheological and thermal behavior (melt flow index, melting temperature, decomposition and enthalpy, etc.) of the unreinforced and reinforced polymer matrix was observed. The SiC and Al2O3 reinforcements in the HDPE matrix have been controlled by twin-screw extrusion process, followed by its processing on single-screw extrusion for preparation of FDM feed stock filament. The feed stock filament prepared by single-screw extruder was subjected to tensile test for mechanical properties (such as peak strength, peak load, and Young’s modulus). After ascertaining mechanical properties, multifactor optimization has been performed. Finally, scanning electron micrographs were obtained to understand the distribution of ceramic particles. This study highlights the detailed procedure for managing the polymer waste with improved mechanical properties by considering multifactor optimization. This will enhance the sustainability and also helps to develop low-cost, in-house FDM filament for possible applications as rapid tooling.
Comparison of a 12-Week Whole-Body Exergaming Program on Young Adults: Differentiation in Flexibility, Muscle Strength, Reaction Time, and Walking Speed Between Sexes
Authors: Bakar Yeşim , Tuğral Alper , Özel Alp , Altuntaş Yasin D.
Published: September 2018

This study aimed to investigate the effects of exergaming on flexibility, muscle strength, reaction time, and walking speed of adults within sex differences. Fifty-four individuals participated in a 12-week exergaming program. Three 30-min sessions were conducted each week. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were done using the sit-and-reach and bend-over tests for flexibility, hand-held dynamometer for muscle strength, auditory and visual reaction time machine for reaction time, and 5-meter walk test for walking speed. There were no significant changes in the sit-and-reach, bend-over test, and auditory-visual reaction time for either gender ( p > .05) with the intervention. Walking speed and muscle strength improved after exergaming in both sexes ( p < .05). The study showed that the video gaming intervention led to significant and equal improvements in muscle strength and walking speed for both sexes; however, it had no impact on flexibility and auditory-visual reaction time.
Malignancy Trends in HIV-Infected Patients Over the Past 10 Years in a Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study in the United States
Authors: Rihana Nancy , Nanjappa Sowmya , Sullivan Cara , Velez Ana Paula , Tienchai Narach , Greene John N.
Published: September 2018

The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 1995 had a dramatic impact on the morbidity and mortality of the HIV population, and subsequently, the natural history of cancer has changed. The purpose of our study was to review the prevalence of AIDS-defining malignancies and non-AIDS defining cancers (NADC), taking into consideration racial and gender variations. After the institutional review board approval, the study was conducted as a retrospective chart review of 279 HIV-infected patients who were treated at the Moffitt Cancer Center between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2010. The demographic characteristics included gender, ethnicity, race, presence or absence of ART, and the type of malignancy reviewed. Of 233 men, 78 (33.5%) had AIDS-defining malignancies. AIDS-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) was detected in 49 (21%) patients and Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in 29 (12%) patients. Two-thirds of male patients had NADC, with anal cancer being the most prevalent (8.5%), followed by Hodgkin lymphoma (6%). AIDS-related NHL was also the predominant malignancy for women with a prevalence of 19.5% followed by invasive cervical cancer (ICC) and breast cancer, both with a similar prevalence of 11%. Kaposi sarcoma and anal cancer were equally detected in 2% of women. The prevalence rates of AIDS-defining malignancies among those of white race were 34%, ranging from 21% for NHL to 13% for KS and 1.5% for ICC. Twenty-one (7.7%) patients had anal cancer. AIDS-defining malignancies were found in 36% of patients of black race and 60% had NHL. Non-AIDS-related NHL was the second most common malignancy, followed by breast cancer and anal cancer with a similar prevalence of 6.5%. Of 279 patients, 53% were taking ART; 39.4% were not taking ART; and in 7.5% of the patients, it was unknown if they were taking ART. In the ART era, our study found NADC to be more prevalent than AIDS-defining malignancies with 60% versus 40%, respectively. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma remained the most common AIDS-related malignancy in both genders. Among the patients with NADC, anal cancer was the predominant malignancy. The increasing incidence of some of the NADC is expected as this population is living longer with chronic exposure of viral replication of virus with oncogenic potential such as Human papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Early ART initiation, aggressive vaccination, and judicious cancer screening are the cornerstone of cancer prevention of this growing population.
A generalized thermoelastic diffusion problem with memory-dependent derivative
Authors: Li Yan , He Tianhu
Published: September 2018

Based on the generalized thermoelastic diffusion theory with memory-dependent derivative in both the generalized heat conduction law and the generalized diffusion law, the transient response is investigated of a half-space subjected to a thermal shock and a chemical potential shock on its bounding surface. The coupled governing equations containing time-delay factors and kernel functions, which can be chosen freely according to specific problems, are solved by the Laplace transform together with its numerical inversion. The non-dimensional temperature, chemical potential, displacement, stress, as well as concentration at different values of time, time-delay factors, and kernel functions are obtained and illustrated graphically. The results show that: all the considered variables have obvious changes with the passage of time; the thermal time-delay and kernel functions hardly influence the distributions of the non-dimensional chemical potential, modestly influence the distributions of the non-dimensional concentration, while appreciably influence the distributions of the non-dimensional temperature, displacement, and stress; the diffusion time-delay and kernel functions barely affect the distributions of the non-dimensional temperature, slightly affect the distributions of the non-dimensional concentration, while remarkably affect the distributions of the non-dimensional chemical potential, displacement and stress.