bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of Spondin-2 protein expression correlates with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Feng Ying , Hu Yilin , Mao Qinsheng , Guo Yibing , Liu Yifei , Xue Wanjiang , Cheng Shuqun
Published: October 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to measure the extracellular matrix protein Spondin-2 (SPON2) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and to determine its potential value as a prognostic indicator by assessing its correlation with clinicopathological variables and survival.

Methods

SPON2 mRNA expression was assessed in 20 matched pairs of HCC and non-cancerous liver tissues by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. SPON2 protein expression was determined in 107 matched pairs of HCC and normal liver tissue by immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays.

Results

Analysis of patient tissues and Oncomine datasets showed that SPON2 mRNA and SPON2 protein expression were both significantly upregulated in HCC tissues, compared with non-cancerous liver tissue; moreover, both correlated significantly with tumor size. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that HCC patients who showed high levels of cytoplasmic SPON2 protein had poorer survival following curative resection, compared with HCC patients who exhibited low protein expression levels. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that tumor thrombus and SPON2 protein expression both independently correlated with reduced survival in HCC patients.

Conclusion

Upregulated expression of SPON2 protein in tumor tissue could be an effective prognostic indicator for patients with HCC.
Phyllodes tumors of the breast treated in a tertiary health care center: case series and literature review
Authors: Assi Hazem , Salem Rana , Sukhon Fares , Abbas Jaber , Boulos Fouad , Saghir Nagi El
Published: October 2018

Objective

This study was performed to determine the subtypes of phyllodes tumor (PT) in patients at a single tertiary healthcare center in Lebanon and to describe their characteristics along with a review of the literature.

Methods

This single-institution retrospective cohort study included all cases of PT of the breast treated at the American University of Beirut Medical Center from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014. The patients’ demographic data, tumor characteristics, treatment data, and pathology reports were analyzed.

Results

Thirty patients were enrolled. Their median age was 42 years. In total, 66.7% had benign disease and 22.3% had malignant disease. Twenty-seven patients underwent surgery, four received radiotherapy, and one received systemic chemotherapy after PT progression. Twenty-seven patients had no recurrence at the last follow-up, two had local recurrence, and one had metastatic disease. All three patients with recurrence had an adequate negative surgical margin at the first excision.

Conclusion

This is the first cohort of patients with PT described in Lebanon and one of few in the Middle East. Our findings provide insight into the epidemiology, treatment modalities, and prognosis of PT in this geographical region.
Use of waste paper sludge ash as a calcium-based stabiliser for clay soils
Authors: Mavroulidou M.
Published: October 2018

Chemical ground improvement of soils of poor quality for construction has been increasingly used as a means of promoting sustainable construction practices. The production of conventional soil stabilisers such as cement or lime involves non-renewable natural resource and energy consumption and high carbon dioxide emissions; therefore, alternative stabilisers are sought. This study used waste paper sludge ash (PSA) to treat three different clays. The aim was to assess PSA effectiveness as an alternative to lime or cement for clay stabilisation based on plasticity characteristics, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), water retention and volumetric stability. PSA-treated soil specimens were shown to perform well compared to lime-treated or cement-treated ones: (a) PSA considerably lowered the plasticity indices of the two expansive clays, in a similar way as lime; (b) in most cases PSA dosages equal to or greater than the initial consumption of lime gave UCS at least twice as high compared to those obtained using commercial limes at equivalent dosages (> 1 MPa for the two expansive soils after 7 or 28 days of curing) and in the inspected cases also higher UCS than cement; and (c) consistently with the plasticity results PSA-treated specimens swelled less during wetting and had lower volumetric strains upon drying (better volumetric stability) compared to lime-treated or cement-treated soils. Overall the results give promise for a valorisation route of this waste material in the field of ground improvement.
Youth Response to Rape: Rape Myths and Social Support
Authors: Lichty Lauren F. , Gowen L. Kris
Published: October 2018

Adolescents and young adults face the highest incidence of sexual assault, yet only limited research focuses on the experience of adolescent survivors, adolescent rape myth acceptance, or the ways youth respond to rape. Survivors tend to disclose to at least one person, typically peers, and the response, whether positive or negative, can impact well-being and help-seeking behaviors. Focus groups across Oregon, a leader in state-level comprehensive sexuality education policy, solicited high school-student reactions to an alcohol-involved rape scenario. These rich-case participants had taken comprehensive sexuality education classes and were affiliated with health and sexuality organizations. These youth were anticipated to showcase best possible outcomes resulting from current sexuality education practices. After hearing a hypothetical scenario involving a friend’s experience with alcohol-involved sexual assault, participants were asked how they would respond. Participants spontaneously discussed whether the actions described constituted rape, often relying on victim-blaming rape myths as evidence. Alcohol use was a critical factor in interpretations. Female use increased her perceived culpability and male use decreased his. After assessing blame and whether the incident constituted rape, youth described three types of support (informational, instrumental or practical, and emotional support) they would offer as well as barriers when responding to the victim and intentions to hold victims accountable. These responses paint a concerning portrait of the ways youth make sense of sexual violence and consider responding to a friend’s disclosure. Sexuality education policy mandates and intervention programs must target the problematic links between alcohol, rape, and rape myths while reinforcing non-victim-blaming support.
Analysis on the effect of nanographite obtained by an ultrasound technique in polypropylene compounds
Authors: Sanchez-Solis Antonio , Chavez Ricardo Perez , Brito Octavio Manero
Published: October 2018

In this work, the effect of inclusion of nanographite particles in a polypropylene (PP) matrix is studied. Nanographite particles were obtained through ultrasound exfoliation from graphite upon using a water-based hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsion (HASE) associative polymer as a surfactant. Results indicate that exfoliation renders particle size distribution ranging from 3 to 3000 nanometers. Nanographite was blended with PP through two extrusion processes: twin screw and single screw, the latter includes the coupling to a static-mixer head, to generate extensional flows. Concurrently, ultrasonic waves are applied to the molten flow through ultrasonic transducers attached to the mixing head, which induces high particle dispersion and good particle distribution in the polymer matrix. It was found that at HASE concentration of 5% by weight and sonication time of 14 days (period of the exfoliation process), optimum tensile properties of the compound were achieved. Also, with respect to the PP matrix, the rate of thermal degradation decreased from 2.1 (PP) to 1.9 (% °C−1), melt temperature ranged from 442°C (PP) to 396°C, and melt index decreased from 7.4 (PP) to 6.2 (g/10 min). Raman spectroscopy confirmed the exfoliation process, rendering sizes ranged from graphite particles of few graphene layers to micron-sized particles. Rheological measurements of the compounds revealed that the extrusion-ultrasound process influences the viscosity, storage, and loss moduli. The dispersion and distribution of nanoparticles improved the electromagnetic radiation shield (approximately 35%). The dielectric constant changed from 2.21 (pristine PP) to 9.02 for the compounds, which enables a good level of electrostatic charge dissipation.
Facing the challenges of the food industry: Might additive manufacturing be the answer?
Authors: Sartal Antonio , Carou Diego , Dorado-Vicente Rubén , Mandayo Lorenzo
Published: October 2018

Our research explores how additive manufacturing can support the food industry in facing its current global challenges. Although information technologies are usually highlighted as the main driver of the Industry 4.0 concept, which was first introduced during the Hannover Fair event in 2011, we posit that additive manufacturing can be the true generator of a sustainable competitive advantage in this sector. This evidence stems from a case study in a plant of one of the world’s largest fishing multinational companies. Our results show how, through robotic claw optimization using three-dimensional printing, we not only reduce the manufacturing costs but also increase the flexibility of the line and reduce time to market. On the one hand, our findings should encourage managers to test this technology at their facilities; on the other hand, policymakers should promote the adoption of additive manufacturing, highlighting the potential of this technology within the Industry 4.0 context.
Influence of vertical misfit in screw fatigue behavior in dental implants: A three-dimensional finite element approach
Authors: Abasolo Mikel , Aguirrebeitia Josu , Vallejo Javier , Albizuri Joseba , Coria Ibai
Published: October 2018

Misfit is unavoidable in dental implant-supported prostheses due to machining process or inappropriate assembling, and the definition of an admissible misfit is still a controversial issue. This work aims to understand the behavior of the screws in dental implant-supported prostheses to estimate an admissible vertical misfit value in terms of screw fatigue failure. For that purpose, a finite element model of a dental implant-supported prosthesis was created and analyzed. Vertical misfits were introduced in different positions, the lower and upper screws were tightened to the bolting force values recommended by the manufacturer, and two different occlusal loads were analyzed. In addition, two different prosthesis materials were studied. Screw load variations were reported and a fatigue analysis was performed. As a result, it was observed that the screw tightening sequence closed small vertical misfits (equal to or less than 40 µm), whereas larger misfits (more than 40 µm) remained open. If the vertical misfit is closed by the end of the tightening sequence, it may be considered equivalent to the ideal fit situation in regard to screw fatigue failure. The prosthesis material had no significant influence on the fatigue behavior.
‘The tide, change, nobody can stop it’: Metaphor for social action
Authors: Romano Manuela , Porto M Dolores
Published: October 2018

Based on critical approaches to discourse and metaphor, as well as on cognitive models of metaphorical creativity and recontextualization, this article analyses the origin and evolution of the marea (‘tide’) metaphor as a tool for social action within recent Spanish protest movements (2011–2016). From an initial image metaphor representing different protest groups, to the use of the expression to identify a number of grassroots political parties, among other new meanings, the metaphor has proved to be an important tool in the legitimation of recent social action and change in Spanish society since the eruption of the 15M movement in 2011. By tracking its development, the study explains not only how the source domain marea activates highly positive meanings and emotions within the targets social protest, political parties, change and so on, but also how this ideological, socio-culturally conditioned, cognitively situated metaphor is becoming entrenched in the community within a very specific socio-historical and cultural context.
A case of syngeneic graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Patel Sweta U , Yum Kendra , Kim Sara , Isola Luis M , Scigliano Eileen , Jakubowski Rita , Park Doyun
Published: October 2018

Graft-versus-host disease has been reported to occur rarely in syngeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Clinical and histological changes consistent with graft-versus-host disease have been reported to occur in this patient population. We report a case of a 46-year-old Caucasian male with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in complete remission who underwent a syngeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. He was diagnosed with grade III acute skin and gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease requiring high-dose corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy and resulting in a complete response. Syngeneic graft-versus-host disease is an anomaly that needs to be considered as a differential diagnosis of patients experiencing dermatitis, gastroenteritis, or hepatitis after an identical twin hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Acute pain in cats: Recent advances in clinical assessment
Authors: Steagall Paulo V , Monteiro Beatriz P
Published: October 2018

Practical relevance:

Pain assessment has gained much attention in recent years as a means of improving pain management and treatment standards. It has become an elemental part of feline practice with ultimate benefit to feline health and welfare. Currently pain assessment involves mostly the investigation of sensory-discriminative (intensity, location and duration) and affective-motivational (emotional) domains of pain. Specific behaviors associated with acute pain have been identified and constitute the basis for its assessment in cats.

Recent advances:

The publication of pain scales with reported validation – the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale and the Glasgow feline composite measure pain scale – and species-specific studies have advanced our knowledge on the subject. Facial expressions have also been shown to be different between painful and non-painful cats, and very recently the Feline Grimace Scale has been validated as a tool for acute pain assessment.

Clinical challenges:

Despite recent advances, several challenges still exist. For instance, the effects of disease and sedation on pain scoring/ assessment are unknown. Also, specific painful conditions (eg, dental pain) have not been systematically investigated. The development and validation of instruments for pain assessment by cat owners is warranted, as these tools are currently lacking.

Aims:

This article reviews the use, advantages, disadvantages and limitations of the two validated pain scales, and presents a practical, stepwise approach to feline pain recognition and assessment using a dynamic and interactive process. The authors also offer perspectives regarding current challenges and future directions.
Bimanual femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery compared to standard bimanual phacoemulsification: A case–control study
Authors: Cavallini Gian Maria , Fornasari Elisa , De Maria Michele , Lazzerini Andrea , Campi Luca , Verdina Tommaso
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bimanual, low-energy femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with 1.4-mm microincisions compared to standard bimanual phacoemulsification (bimanual microincision cataract surgery).

Design:

Prospective, non-randomized comparative case series.

Methods:

Bimanual femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with microincisions was performed on 80 eyes (Group A) with the low-energy Ziemer LDV Z8; a matched case–control series of 80 eyes performed with standard bimanual microincision cataract surgery technique was selected for comparison (Group B). All interventions were performed by the same experienced surgeon. Intraoperative parameters were recorded as well as intra- and postoperative complications. Best corrected visual acuity, surgically induced astigmatism, central corneal thickness and endothelial cell count were evaluated before surgery and at 1 and 3 months post intervention.

Results:

The mean effective phaco times were 3.79 ± 2.19 s (Group A) and 4.49 ± 1.84 s (Group B) (p = 0.041). No major intra- or postoperative complications occurred. An overall significant mean best corrected visual acuity improvement was noted at 3 months, but was not statistically different between the groups. No significant changes were observed for surgically induced astigmatism or corneal pachymetry. A significant loss of endothelial cell count in both groups was detected at 3 months, with Group A reporting a significantly lower endothelial cell count loss compared to Group B (p = 0.009).

Conclusion:

Bimanual, low-energy femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with 1.4-mm microincisions by an expert surgeon was proven to be safe and effective in this study. This technique has advantages compared with standard bimanual microincision cataract surgery in terms of endothelial preservation.
Hip-spine syndrome: cross-sectional-study of spinal alignment in patients with coxalgia
Authors: Miyagi Masayuki , Fukushima Kensuke , Inoue Gen , Nakazawa Toshiyuki , Imura Takayuki , Saito Wataru , Takahira Naonobu , Takaso Masashi
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

Patients presenting with hip diseases often have coexisting spine disorders, a condition that is termed “hip-spine syndrome.” However, few reports have evaluated total spinal alignments in patients with coxalgia. In this study, we retrospectively examined the relationship between several clinical and x-ray parameters of the hip joints and spinal alignment in patients with coxalgia.

Methods:

100 patients with coxalgia (24 men, 76 women; average age, 60.0 years; age range, 16–88 years) were included. We retrospectively evaluated the following clinical and x-ray findings of hip joints and total spinal alignment: range of motion (ROM) and pain score components of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Score; leg length discrepancy (LLD); osteoarthritis (OA) stage of the hip; spinal coronal balance (Cobb angle and C7-central sacral ventral line [CSVL]); and spinal sagittal balance (sagittal vertical axis [SVA], pelvic tilt (PT), and pelvic incidence [PI]).

Results:

Significant positive correlations were detected between C7 - CSVL and LLD ( r = 0.35), whereas a significant negative correlation was found between SVA and hip ROM score ( r = −0.37). A significant positive correlation was also detected between SVA and OA stage of the hip ( r = 0.35).

Conclusion:

In the present study, large leg length discrepancy and hip pain may contribute to spinal coronal misalignment. In addition, advanced stage of OA and decreasing ROM of the hip may lead to increased spinal sagittal misalignment. These findings suggest that when evaluating spinal alignment, the progression of OA, LLD, and pain and ROM of the hip joint should be assessed.
Prevalence of Cannabis Use Among Medical Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Papazisis Georgios , Siafis Spyridon , Tsakiridis Ioannis , Koulas Ioannis , Dagklis Themistoklis , Kouvelas Dimitrios
Published: October 2018

Objective:

Cannabis is reported to be the most common illicit substance used among medical students; however, the number of related studies is limited and their results are not systematically reviewed. The aim of our study was to analyze the prevalence of lifetime and current use of cannabis among medical students worldwide.

Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed with adherence to the PRISMA guidelines. The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library were searched for studies on the prevalence of cannabis use among medical students. Prevalence of lifetime, past-year, and past-month cannabis use was extracted. Pooled prevalence and relative risk for sex were calculated using the random effects model and subgroup analyses were conducted.

Results:

A total of 38 observational (cross-sectional and cohort) studies were included (total number of participants 19 932), and most of them were conducted in Europe, Central and Southern America, and the United States. Overall pooled prevalence of lifetime cannabis use was 31.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.7%-39.6%), past-year use was 17.2% (95% CI: 10.8%-24.6%), and past-month use was 8.8% (95% CI: 5.6%-12.5%). Men displayed higher rates of cannabis use with a pooled relative risk of 1.55 (95% CI: 1.32-1.81). Heterogeneity was high ( I2 > 75%) and there were differences among continents in all outcomes ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

In conclusion, 1 in 3 medical students has used cannabis, whereas 8.8% were current users. Significant differences among continents were observed, but common finding was that male students tend to consume cannabis more often than female students.
Prehistoric Panopticon: Settlement Visibility at Ancient Cahokia Mounds
Authors: Pierce Daniel E. , Matisziw Timothy C.
Published: October 2018

Throughout time, cultures have manipulated the landscape for a variety of reasons, including the promotion of social control. One approach to facilitating this control is through omnipresent surveillance, known as a Panopticon design. Though the Panopticon is more commonly associated with structural design in industrial societies, the large earthen mounds constructed by prehistoric civilizations could have also played a role in maintaining social order. To explore the applicability of the Panopticon concept in a prehistoric context, visibility of the largest manmade earthen mound in the New World, Monks Mound, was modeled in a geographic information system. Results indicate that the terraces on the mound and the powerful individuals residing there would have been visible to most of the population, even when accounting for subsequent landscape modifications. This level of visibility would have projected an omnipresent threat of surveillance, possibly facilitating social order and cohesion among such a large population.
Customization and augmentation of experiences through mobile technologies: A paradigm shift in the analysis of destination competitiveness
Authors: Shoval Noam , Birenboim Amit
Published: October 2018

Happiness and subjective experiences receive growing attention in the business and economic literature as a central force that determines consumer satisfaction. This process is supported, to a great deal, by technological developments in the form of portable and ubiquitous information, communication, and location technologies. In this article, we argue that the interaction of tourists with the destination is becoming mediated through technological apparatuses and thus products that are being consumed are becoming increasingly personalized. We call for a paradigmatic shift in the analysis of tourist experience and destination competitiveness which should build on the following four elements: (1) utilizing advanced methodological tools that rely on mobile and sensor technologies, (2) adopting disaggregated research approach toward experiences, (3) employing high spatial resolution analysis to allow a precise investigation of content- and place-specific experiences, and (4) avoiding the traditional differentiation between destinations as suppliers of attractions and tourists as passive consumers.
Triple Aim: Benefits of behavioral health providers in primary care
Authors: Reppeto Heather , Tuning Christina , Olsen Daniel H , Mullane Audrina , Smith Christopher
Published: October 2018

There is little research on behavioral health consultants addressing The Triple Aim goals in a community setting. This study examined the behavioral health consultants’ effect on (1) reducing overall patient cost and (2) improving population health by examining psychological screening measures, healthcare utilization, and hospital charges. Results revealed changes in patient charges: emergency department encounters reduce by 8 percent, psychological distress significantly decrease (Patient Health Questionnaire—9, 13.9 to 10.9, p < 0.001; Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7, 12.2 to 9.8, p < 0.001), and reduction in suicidal ideation ( p < 0.001) following behavioral health consultant contact. Findings suggest that utilization of behavioral health consultants help health care systems meet The Triple Aim goals.
Close relationships and diabetes management across the lifespan: The good, the bad, and autonomy
Authors: Kelly Caitlin S , Berg Cynthia A
Published: October 2018

Relationships are linked with positive and negative self-management and illness outcomes for individuals with type 1 diabetes. Explanations for these mixed associations have remained separated in psychosocial research in type 1 diabetes by relationship type (e.g. parent vs spouse) and individual’s age (e.g. adolescence vs older adulthood). In this conceptual review, we present a novel perspective that close relationships across the lifespan may be beneficial for illness self-management when they support individuals’ sense of autonomy, defined from a Basic Psychological Needs perspective. Processes of autonomy support are crucial for promoting illness management across all ages and relationship types.
Input spacing and the learning of L2 vocabulary in a classroom context
Authors: Rogers John , Cheung Anisa
Published: October 2018

This study examined the optimal learning schedule for second language vocabulary within an authentic classroom setting in Hong Kong. Following a pretest, treatment, delayed posttest design, fifty-two primary school students (Cantonese first language) studied 20 English adjectives over two learning episodes under spaced-short (1-day interval) or spaced-long (8-day interval) learning conditions. The spacing of the vocabulary items was manipulated within-participants, and learning was assessed on a multiple-choice posttest, administered following a four-week delay. In contrast to previous laboratory-based findings, the results here indicated superior learning of the items presented under the spaced-short format, suggesting that lag effects might be attenuated by age, learning context and teaching procedure.
The effect of language-focused professional development on the knowledge and behaviour of preschool practitioners
Authors: Kidd Lauren , Rowland Caroline
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this project was to investigate the effectiveness of a language-focused professional development programme on the knowledge and behaviour of preschool practitioners (sometimes called early years practitioners) in the UK. In Study 1 we determined whether the training received by practitioners is effective in improving their knowledge of how to support children’s language and communicative development. In Study 2 we tested whether trained practitioners, and practitioners from centres with embedded Language Champions, were able to implement the techniques they had been taught. For this, we video-recorded practitioners interacting, one to one, with 2- and 3–4-year-old children in their centres. We conclude that (1) practitioners retain the knowledge they have been taught, both about how children learn and about how to promote this learning, and that (2), in some respects, this knowledge translates well into practice; practitioners in centres with embedded Language Champions and trained practitioners used language-enriching behaviours when interacting with children more often than did untrained practitioners. We discuss how the translation of some techniques into overt behaviour could be made more effective.
Impact of an Infant Friendly Business Designation
Authors: Hilliard Elizabeth , Brunt Ardith
Published: October 2018

In response to suboptimal breastfeeding rates, North Dakota added a provision to SB 2344 (public indecency legislation) creating an Infant Friendly business designation for employers providing specified lactation accommodations to employees. However, there has been no evaluation of this designation to determine effectiveness. The purpose of this article is to examine the impact of the Infant Friendly business designation in North Dakota on breastfeeding continuation rates within the context of the social ecological model (SEM). Between November 2016 and March 2017, an 85-item online questionnaire, designed using the SEM, was distributed to working women across the state using various sampling methods. T tests, analysis of variance, and regression were used to analyze results. Designated (intervention) and nondesignated (control) businesses were targeted. There was no statistically significant difference in breastfeeding duration between designated and nondesignated businesses. There was a 2-month difference in duration between continually designated businesses and those with lapsing designations. Twenty-eight percent of the women working for Infant Friendly businesses were aware that their businesses were designated, indicating a lack of awareness regarding the designation. The designation is a starting point for worksite breastfeeding support. A policy promotion plan based on the SEM targeting individual awareness and employee education may improve the designation’s effectiveness.
Transabdominal Pelvic Venous Duplex Examination
Authors: Bearse Jill , Delda Michelle , Kelly Donna , Neuhardt Diana , Pohle-Schulze Barbara , Skjonsberg Sara , Sommerset Jill , White-Melendez Jeannie
Published: October 2018

The Society for Vascular Ultrasound developed a Professional Performance Guideline for transabdominal pelvic venous duplex evaluation. The purpose of this guideline is to provide a template to aid the vascular technologist/sonographer and other interested parties. Transabdominal pelvic venous duplex examinations are performed to assess abnormal blood flow in the abdominal and pelvic veins (excluding the portal venous system). The evaluation includes the assessment of abdominal and pelvic venous compressions, abdominal and pelvic venous insufficiency, and the presence or absence of pelvic varicosities.
A wireless paging network with load-balancing equal opportunity routing in high-rise building construction
Authors: Yang Guangxiang , Liang Hua
Published: October 2018

The energy consumption of nodes is strictly limited in wireless sensor networks. The traditional direct delivery routing protocol is employed in the paging network of high-rise building construction elevators, which results in the high energy consumption and low successful delivery rate. A load-balancing equal opportunity routing protocol for wireless paging network is proposed in this work. The load-balancing equal opportunity routing protocol is a data transfer technique which maintains the network survivability by selecting the optimal path with both the lower energy consumption and the balanced network load. A load-balancing scheme gives equal opportunities for package transmission. A pager node delivers the packages by selecting a neighbor node with higher energy. The neighbor nodes in the coverage of the source node have an equal opportunity for routing. The sink node in the paging network broadcasts routing messages when moving along the track during the path selecting. The proposed load-balancing equal opportunity routing protocol is implemented and evaluated in a high-rise building construction elevator. The experimental results show that the average energy consumption of nodes is lowered with a balanced network load. It is estimated that successful delivery rate is increased by 55% but with a higher latency, and the network lifetime is prolonged.
Identification of unknown operating system type of Internet of Things terminal device based on RIPPER
Authors: Xuan Shichang , Man Dapeng , Yang Wu , Wang Wei , Zhao Jiashuai , Yu Miao
Published: October 2018

Due to the vast popularity of sensors, cloud computing, mobile computing, and intelligent devices, the Internet of Things has seen tremendous growth in recent years. Operating system type recognition is the core technology of network security assessment. Due to inherit security problems of Internet of Things such as the situation of risk and threat of information, the operating system recognition seeks research attention for Internet of Things network security. In view of the current identification method of active operating system, it is prone to be detected by intrusion detection system. The operating system identification technology based on transmission control protocol/Internet protocol fingerprint library is more complicated than to distinguish the operating system types of unknown fingerprints. In this work, a passive operating system identification method based on RIPPER model is proposed. Also, it is compared with the existing support vector machine and C45 decision tree classification algorithms. Experiments reveal that RIPPER-based algorithm has better recognition accuracy and recognition efficiency.
What’s Right With Men? Gender Role Socialization and Men’s Positive Functioning
Authors: Cole Brian P. , Baglieri Michael , Ploharz Scott , Brennan Margaret , Ternes Michael , Patterson Tristan , Kuznia Ashley
Published: October 2018

This study explored relations between conformity to masculine norms, gender role conflict, hope, and psychological well-being among a sample of 389 men from a university, with a predominantly White student body, located in the Midwestern United States. Bivariate correlations revealed that men’s conformity to masculine norms and gender role conflict were positively correlated. Bivariate correlations revealed no significant relations between conformity to masculine norms, trait hope, and psychological well-being. Gender role conflict was associated with decreased hope and psychological well-being. Results of path analysis explained relations between conformity to masculine norms, gender role conflict, trait hope, and psychological well-being. This indicates that gender role conflict may contribute to lower trait hope and psychological well-being for college men. Although several aspects of conformity to masculine norms had positive associations with hope, these relations were significant and negative when men experienced gender role conflict. This work fills an important gap in the literature by examining the unique relations of conformity to masculine norms and gender role conflict to men’s positive functioning. Results are discussed within the context of positive psychological theories including Frederickson’s broaden and build theory of positive emotions, hope theory, Ryff’s model of psychological well-being, and self-determination theory. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Comparison of supra-arch in situ fenestration and chimney techniques for aortic dissection involving the left subclavian artery
Authors: XiaoHui Ma , Li Wei , Wei Guo , XiaoPing Liu , Xin Jia , Hongpeng Zhang , Lijun Wang
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Endovascular intervention involving the aortic arch, particularly in thoracic aortic dissection, remains challenging and controversial at current time when there is no commercially suitable grafts on most of the international markets. This study compared two endovascular treatments that maintain left subclavian artery perfusion using two modified techniques for type-B aortic dissection patients.

Methods

Consecutive cases utilizing chimney or in situ fenestration techniques to preserve left subclavian artery in type B AD from 2006 to 2015 in our single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analyses were performed with Student t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Fisher exact tests when appropriate. Significant statistical differences were determined with p < 0.05.

Results

A total of 85 cases, including 67 (79.8%) with chimney and 18 (21.2%) with in situ fenestration techniques were identified in this retrospective study. In chimney group, there were 18 (26.9%) acute, 29 (43.3%) sub-acute, and 20 (29.9%) chronic aortic dissections. We implanted 24 Zenith and 43 Talent aortic endografts along with 55 balloon-expandable bare stents and 12 self-expanding covered stents in chimney group. Whereas in in situ fenestration group, there were four (22.2%) acute, six (33.3%) subacute, and eight (44.5%) chronic aortic dissections, all of which received Zenith endografts with 11 balloon-expandable covered and seven self-expanding covered stents, respectively. Demographic variables were similarly distributed with 100% intraoperative technical overall success in both groups. Comparing to in situ fenestration group, chimney group has shorter procedural and fluoroscopy time, less blood loss, and contrast volume used. All patients were followed-up to 52 months (median 38, range 24–52). Overall group mortality is 3.6% (3/84). All deaths were from chimney group. There was no procedure-related stroke observed within the study series. Primary patency was maintained while aortic remodeling with complete false lumen was achieved in all patients except that there were three (4.55%) Type-I endoleak cases in early post-operative period and one (1.5%) stent compression at 3-months follow-up in chimney group. There were no stent-related complications observed in in situ fenestration group.

Conclusion

Although there were previous studies describing the similar techniques, this study appears to be the first study to compare in situ fenestration and chimney techniques for aortic dissection involving the left subclavian artery according to the MEDLINE search. Although we are unable to establish the superiority between two approaches due to small sample size and relative short period of follow-up, in situ fenestration may represent a more favorable option, especially among aortic dissections with short proximal landing zones in the study.
Metaheuristic techniques comparison to optimize robotic end-effector behavior and its workspace
Authors: Funes Lora Miguel Angel , Portilla-Flores Edgar Alfredo , Rivera Blas Raul , Merchán Cruz Emmanuel Alejandro , Carbajal Romero Manuel Faraón
Published: October 2018

Many robots are dedicated to replicate trajectories recorded manually; the recorded trajectories may contain singularities, which occur when positions and/or orientations are not achievable by the robot. The optimization of those trajectories is a complex issue and classical optimization methods present a deficient performance when solving them. Metaheuristics are well-known methodologies for solving hard engineering problems. In this case, they are applied to obtain alternative trajectories that pass as closely as possible to the original one, reorienting the end-effector and displacing its position to avoid the singularities caused by limitations of inverse kinematics equations, the task, and the workspace. In this article, alternative solutions for an ill-posed problem concerning the behavior of the robotic end-effector position and orientation are proposed using metaheuristic algorithms such as cuckoo search, differential evolution, and modified artificial bee colony. The case study for this work considers a three-revolute robot (3R), whose trajectories can contain or not singularities, and an optimization problem is defined to minimize the objective function that represents the error of the alternative trajectories. A tournament in combination with a constant of proportionality allows the metaheuristics to modify the gradual orientation and position of the robot when a singularity is present. Consequently, the procedure selects from all the possible elbow-configurations the best that fits the trajectory. A classical numerical technique, Newton’s method, is used to compare the results of the applied metaheuristics, to evaluate their quality. The results of this implementation indicate that metaheuristic algorithms are an efficient tool to solve the problem of optimizing the end-effector behavior, because of the quality of the alternative trajectory produced.
Successful Use of Intra-aortic Balloon Counterpulsation for Systemic Ventricular Failure Following Total Pericardiectomy for Calcific Chronic Constrictive Pericarditis
Authors: Chowdhury Ujjwal Kumar , Diplomate NB , Jena Jhulana Kumar , Hasija Suruchi , Sankhyan Lakshmi Kumari
Published: October 2018

We report two male patients aged 18 and 19 years, respectively, undergoing total pericardiectomy for chronic calcific constrictive pericarditis who developed systemic ventricular failure unresponsive to medical management following surgery. The failing circulation was successfully reestablished using intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. Aortic counterpulsation facilitates recovery of ventricular function and appears to be a reasonable alternative in select instances of refractory cardiac failure following pericardiectomy.
Treatment of Hepatic Embryonal Undifferentiated Sarcoma With Cardiothoracic Involvement
Authors: Domínguez-Massa Carlos , Serrano-Martínez Félix , Blanco-Herrera Óscar R. , Berbel-Bonillo Alberto , Hornero-Sos Fernando , Montero-Argudo José A.
Published: October 2018

Thorough study is required to decide the appropriate management of hepatic tumors in children. We present a case report of a hepatic embryonal undifferentiated sarcoma with unfavorable prognosis in a nine-year-old girl. After undergoing a detailed cancer characteristics and extension study, a two-stage surgery approach was decided. The hepatic tumor resection was the first procedure to be performed. One week later, under cardiopulmonary bypass, deep hypothermia, and circulatory arrest, thrombectomy of the inferior vena cava and right atrium was accomplished, plus thromboendarterectomy of the right pulmonary artery. During a four-year follow-up, the patient continues to be disease-free.
Mexico: The Binary Narrative of the Performance of Self-Defense Groups in Tierra Caliente Michoacán
Authors: Pérez Miguel Ángel Vite
Published: October 2018

Social symbolic action is interpreted through binary narrative as a discourse constructed by motives, relationships, and institutions. This discourse is based on a distinction between the pure and the impure, the good and the bad, and the sacred and the profane, and it is linked with the cultural imaginary that lends a particular meaning to social acts. In this case, the analysis of the binary narrative of self-defense groups in Tierra Caliente (Michoacán) allowed interpretations to be made regarding regional armed social action in a national setting, shaped by the government discourse that blames organized crime for national public insecurity.
Discourses of Exclusion: The Societal Securitization of Burma’s Rohingya (2012–2018)
Authors: Howe Adam E.
Published: October 2018

The contemporary persecution of Burma’s Rohingya has rapidly evolved from isolated episodes of communal violence into a global humanitarian crisis. The article analyses the evolution of the recent violence in Rakhine State from 2012 to the present. Specifically, I argue that Buddhist nationalist monks, including members of the ‘969’ Movement and Ma Ba Tha, in concert with the Burmese government, have acted as authoritative voices in society, depicting the Rohingya ethno-religious group as an existential threat to the country’s majority Buddhist population. As such, hate-filled rhetoric has provided a politically unstable Burmese regime with an ideological justification for human rights abuses committed in Rakhine State. This phenomenon is analysed through Barry Buzan and Ole Waever’s securitization thesis as a means of better understanding the discursive relationship among Buddhist nationalist monks, the Burmese government and the Burmese Buddhists. Ontologically, this article focuses on anti-Rohingya discourse and major episodes of violence in western Burma’s Rakhine State from 2012 to 2018. As a discursive process, securitization has not merely amplified Islamophobia within Burma, but significantly endangers future generations of Rohingya civilians.
A numerical study of 3D frequency-domain elastic full-waveform inversion
Authors: Pan Guangdong , Liang Lin , Habashy Tarek M.
Published: October 2018

We have developed a 3D elastic full-waveform inversion (FWI) algorithm with forward modeling and inversion performed in the frequency domain. The Helmholtz equation is solved with a second-order finite-difference method using an iterative solver equipped with an efficient complex-shifted incomplete LU-based preconditioner. The inversion is based on the minimization of the data misfit functional and a total variation regularization for the unknown model parameters. We implement the Gauss-Newton method as the optimization engine for the inversions. The codes are parallelized with a message passing interface based on the number of shots and receivers. We examine the performance of this elastic FWI algorithm and workflow on synthetic examples including surface seismic and vertical seismic profile configurations. With various initial models, we manage to obtain high-quality velocity images for 3D earth models.
Conditional Scenario Spectra (CSS) for Hazard-Consistent Analysis of Engineering Systems
Authors: Arteta Carlos A. , Abrahamson Norman A.
Published: October 2018

Objective assessment of the seismic response of engineering systems is achievable through estimating the rate of exceedance (risk) of the engineering-demand parameters (EDPs), which are usually obtained by performing dynamic analyses with incrementally scaled seed ground motions. However, assigning rates of occurrence to such EDPs is difficult because the input ground motions are inconsistent with those that go into the hazard estimation. The Conditional Scenario Spectra (CSS) are a set of realistic ground-motion spectra with assigned rates of occurrence that reproduce the hazard at a site over various hazard levels and over a period range. The CSS methodology is an improvement over the CS method in that it includes the additional step of adjusting the rates to ensure the consistency of the target hazard. In this article, a step-by-step procedure for estimating the CSS is presented. The analysis of a structural system illustrates the uses of the CSS set for assessing EDPs over a wide range of demand intensity so that the estimation of the risk of these EDPs can be accomplished with ease.