bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Ulcerated Ileal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Disguised as Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Shrestha Ashish Lal , Shrestha Girishma
Published: June 2018

Background. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of the ileum is not a common differential to consider in the management of acute right iliac fossa (RIF) pain and tenderness. Finding of a normal-looking appendix intraoperatively should arouse the surgeon to explore further and look for other unanticipated pathologies. We present a case, clinically diagnosed as acute appendicitis and intraoperatively found to be an ulcerated ileal GIST.Case Presentation. A 28-year-old female without previous comorbidities presented to the emergency unit with sudden pain around the umbilicus that later migrated and localized to the RIF for one day. There was associated intermittent fever and anorexia without urinary symptoms. Abdominal examination revealed guarding and rebound tenderness at RIF. Examination by 2 senior surgeons at different points of time, the same day, made a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Ultrasonogram (USG) was inconclusive. At laparotomy through Lanz incision, the appendix was found to be normal and no other pathology was identified on walking bowel up to 3 ft proximal to ileocecal junction (ICJ). Just when closure was thought of, an ulcerated lesion could be seen through the medial aspect of the incision. On further exploration, a 7 × 5 cm ulcerated lesion arising from the antimesenteric border of the ileum was noted with localized interloop hemoperitoneum and inflammatory exudates. Ileal segmental resection anastomosis was done with peritoneal toileting. The lesion was subsequently reported to be an ulcerated malignant GIST.Conclusion. The commonest cause of RIF pain with localized peritonitis is an acutely inflamed appendix. Dilemma arises when the appendix is found to look normal. Further exploration is indicted to not miss other findings.
Recurrence of Primary Vascular Leiomyosarcoma Five Years after Initial Diagnosis in the Lower Extremity
Authors: Erinanc Hilal , Ozulku Mehmet , Terzi Aysen
Published: June 2018

Primary leiomyosarcomas of vascular origin are rare tumors. They frequently arise within the inferior vena cava; however, the peripheral vein was also affected. To date, only a few hundred cases have been reported in the world literature. Although it is an extremely aggressive tumor, the symptoms may be unspecific, especially in the lower extremities. In this report, we present a case of primary vascular leiomyosarcoma, arising from the short saphenous vein, with symptoms mimicking thrombus in the initial diagnosis. The diagnosis of leiomyosarcomas was confirmed by standard H&E staining and immunohistochemical staining. Recurrence of the tumor has been observed five years after surgical treatment. Due to its rarity, experience in the management of this type of tumor is limited. The mainstay of treatment for these tumors is complete surgical resection. The purpose of the presented case is to discuss the clinicopathological features and management options of this tumor, under the light of the most recent literatures.
Camptocormia in an Adolescent: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kaplan Laura , Aurigemma Erik , Sullivan Timothy , Sidlow Richard
Published: June 2018

Camptocormia, or bent-spine syndrome, is an entity with a long history and many etiologies. We discuss below both the history of this diagnosis in light of a rare case of psychogenic camptocormia and the recent changes in nosology regarding this disorder.
The Impact of Traffic Environmental Vision Pressure on Driver Behaviour
Authors: Li Yi , Chen Yuren , Wang Fan
Published: June 2018

Car-following (CF) and lane-changing (LC) behaviours are basic components in driving process. Previous models described them as physical processes with vehicle dynamics and physical criteria. However, drivers’ decisions are greatly influenced by their subjective vision information of various traffic environment elements. To solve this problem, we propose a new concept of traffic environmental vision pressure to explain these two behaviours. The pressure source consists of two parts: nearby vehicles and infrastructures. Pressure models were built to quantify the impact of traffic and roadside infrastructures on these two behaviours. 103 field tests (53 LC and 50 CF) carried out by 40 drivers were conducted to test and calibrate the models. Drivers’ psychological data and vehicle data were collected and postprocessed. Results showed positive relationship between drivers’ psychological stress and vision pressure, which verified the assumption that traffic environmental vision information would have certain effect on driver behaviour. Quantitative thresholds of pressure value were also given and explained with test data. It is concluded that the traffic environmental vision pressure in CF and LC behaviours is quite different, and higher pressure has more impact on behaviour change. We believe that these results will be helpful to study the micro driver behaviour.
Influence of Spiral Angle on the Performance of Spiral Oil Wedge Sleeve Bearing
Authors: Wang Li-li , Zeng Qing-liang , Zhang Xin
Published: June 2018

Spiral angel is an important structure parameter of spiral oil wedge sleeve bearing, which produces greater impact on bearing performance. Based on JFO boundary condition, the generalized Reynolds equations considering four slip conditions are established. Using the concept of partial derivatives, stiffness and damping coefficients of sleeve bearing are calculated. The results show that carrying capacity and friction drag of oil film decrease, temperature rise decreases first and then increases, and end leakage rate, stiffness, and damping coefficients generally increase first and then decrease with the increase of spiral angle. The carrying capacity, friction drag, temperature rise, stiffness, and damping coefficients are smaller and the end leakage rate is higher considering wall slip and JFO condition compared with reckoning with no slip and Reynolds boundary condition.
Study on the Interaction between Modes of a Nanoparticle-Laden Aerosol System
Authors: Liu Yueyan , Zhang Kai , Yang Shuna
Published: June 2018

Nanoparticle-laden two-phase flow systems, especially atmospheric aerosols, are usually found with several modes for particle size distribution (PSD). For the first time, a mathematical method is proposed to study the interaction of nanoparticle dynamics between modes by establishing two joint population balance equations (PBEs). The PBEs are solved using the sectional method, which divides the PSD into discrete bins. The nanoparticle-laden system involves Brownian coagulation, ventilation, and injection. The interaction between modes within a size distribution is studied quantitatively with and without injection and ventilation. The study shows that particles with smaller size are easier to be removed by background particles, but the lag time to be removed is affected by not only the total number concentration of small particles but also their sizes. Background particles play an important role in determining the evolution of small particle system, whose presence makes the secondary model absent for the small particles.
VideoCoreCluster: Energy‐Efficient, Low‐Cost, and Hardware‐Assisted Video Transcoding System
Authors: Liu Peng , Yoon Jongwon , Kim Ha Ryung , Banerjee Suman
Published: June 2018

Video streaming is one of the killer applications in recent years. Video transcoding plays an important role in the video streaming service to cope with the various purposes. Specifically, content owners and publishers heavily utilize video transcoders to reconfigure source video in a variety of formats, video qualities, and bitrate to provide end users with the best possible quality of service. In this paper, we present VideoCoreCluster, a low‐cost and energy‐efficient transcoder cluster that is suitable for live streaming services. We designed and implemented real‐time video transcoder cluster using cheap ($35), powerful, and energy‐efficient Raspberry Pi. The quality of transcoded video provided by VideoCoreCluster is similar to the best software‐based video transcoder while consuming significantly less energy (<3 W). We have proposed a scheduling algorithm based on priority of video stream and transcoding capacity. Our cluster manager provides reliable and scalable streaming services, because it uses the characteristics of adaptive bitrate scheme. We have deployed our transcoding cluster to provide IP‐based TV streaming services on our university campus.
Benzbromarone Attenuates Oxidative Stress in Angiotensin II‐ and Salt‐Induced Hypertensive Model Rats
Authors: Muraya Nanako , Kadowaki Daisuke , Miyamura Shigeyuki , Kitamura Kenichiro , Uchimura Kohei , Narita Yuki , Miyamoto Yohei , Chuang Victor Tuan Giam , Taguchi Kazuaki , Maruyama Toru , Otagiri Masaki , Hirata Sumio
Published: June 2018

Oxidative stress induced by hyperuricemia is closely associated with the renin‐angiotensin system, as well as the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is therefore important to reduce oxidative stress to treat hyperuricemia. We previously found that benzbromarone, a uricosuric agent, has a direct free radical scavenging effect in vitro. The antioxidant effects of benzbromarone were evaluated in vivo via oral administration of benzbromarone for 4 weeks to model rats with angiotensin II‐ and salt‐induced hypertension. Benzbromarone did not alter plasma uric acid levels or blood pressure but significantly reduced the levels of advanced oxidation protein products, which are oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, dihydroethidium staining of the kidney revealed a reduction in oxidative stress after benzbromarone administration. These results suggest that benzbromarone has a direct antioxidant effect in vivo and great potential to prevent CVD and CKD.
Characterization and Botanical Differentiation of Monofloral and Multifloral Honeys Produced in Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt Using Physicochemical Parameter Analysis and Mineral Content in Conjunction with Supervised Statistical Techniques
Authors: Karabagias Ioannis K. , Louppis Artemis P. , Kontakos Stavros , Drouza Chryssoula , Papastephanou Chara
Published: June 2018

Thirty-four honey samples donated by beekeepers and purchased from supermarkets were collected during harvesting years 2010–2014 from Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt. The aims of this study were to characterize honey samples and, if possible, to differentiate honeys according to the honey type on the basis of physicochemical parameter values, mineral content, and their combination using supervised statistical techniques (linear discriminant analysis (LDA)). Physicochemical parameters (colour, pH, free acidity, total dissolved solids, salinity, electrical conductivity, and moisture content) were determined according to official methods, while minerals (Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Si, Ti, Tl, V, and Zn) using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The majority of honey samples analyzed met the quality criteria set by the European directive and national decision related to honey. Implementation of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and LDA on specific physicochemical parameters, minerals, or their combination provided a satisfactory classification of honeys according to floral type. The overall correct classification rate (based on the cross-validation method) was 79.4% using 7 minerals and 91.2% using 8 physicochemical parameters. When the 15 parameters were combined, the classification rate of Egyptian honeys was improved by 25%.
Esophageal Motility after Extensive Circumferential Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Superficial Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Kuribayashi Yasutaka , Iizuka Toshiro , Nomura Kosuke , Furuhata Tsukasa , Yamashita Satoshi , Matsui Akira , Kikuchi Daisuke , Mitani Toshifumi , Kaise Mitsuru , Hoteya Shu
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for superficial esophageal cancer is sometimes extensive, and in our experience, patients not infrequently present with dysphagia after ESD even in the absence of esophageal stricture. The aim of this study was to evaluate esophageal motility using high-resolution manometry (HRM) in patients with and without dysphagia after extensive circumferential ESD. Methods: HRM was performed in a total of 52 patients who had undergone ESD for superficial esophageal cancer and a mucosal defect after ESD exceeded more than two-thirds of the esophageal circumference. The frequency and type of esophageal dysmotility and the relationship between esophageal motility and dysphagia were evaluated. Results: Esophageal dysmotility was observed in 13 patients (25%): jackhammer esophagus in 4, esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction in 4, absent contractility in 2, and distal esophageal spasm, ineffective esophageal motility, and fragmented peristalsis in 1 patient each. Of the 22 patients with dysphagia after ESD, 9 (41%) had esophageal dysmotility. Of the 30 patients without dysphagia after ESD, 4 (13%) had esophageal dysmotility. The relationship between dysmotility and dysphagia was significant (p = 0.025). Conclusions: Esophageal dysmotility exists in approximately one-quarter of patients after extensive circumferential ESD, which is associated with dysphagia in the absence of esophageal stricture.
Temporal Trends in Helicobacter pylori Eradication Success in a Test-and-Treat Population
Authors: Boltin Doron , Schmilovitz-Weiss  Hemda , Gingold-Belfer Rachel , Leibovitzh  Haim , Snir Yifat  , Perets  Tsachi Tsadok , Dickman Ram , Levi Zohar , Niv Yaron
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Although the efficacy of first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection should aim to be > 90%, it is unclear whether this target has been achieved in Israel. We aimed to determine the success rate of treatment for H. pylori and to describe temporal changes in our region. Methods: Adult patients who underwent a first-time ­C13-urea breath test (C13-UBT) at Clalit Health Services between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015 were included. In order to isolate a naïve “test-and-treat” population who were unlikely to have undergone an initial endoscopy-based H. pylori test, we excluded patients ≥45 years and those with any previous C13-UBT. Results: A total of 94,590 subjects (36.1% male, age 28.5 ± 6.0) who underwent at least one C13-UBT during the study period were included. C13-UBT was positive in 48,509 (51.3%) subjects. A confirmatory post-treatment C13-UBT was performed in 37.8, 44.1, 46.6, and 45.9% following 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-line treatment respectively. Eradication was successful in 65.4% following first-line treatment, and eradication success improved during the study period (59.2, 63.3, 65.7, 66.0, 69.0, and 73.1% in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 respectively; OR 1.11; 95% CI 1.09–1.13; p < 0.0001). Eradication was successful in 44.7% following second-line treatment, although eradication success did not significantly improve during the study period (OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.99–1.10; p = 0.09). Conclusions: Despite the increasing success of first-line treatment for H. pylori infection over the study period, eradication rates remain suboptimal. Initiatives to implement the Toronto and Maastricht Consensus Reports should be advanced.
Assessment of Renal Pathological Changes in Lupus Nephritis Using Diffusion Weighted Imaging: A Multiple Correspondence Analysis
Authors: Zheng Zhenfeng , Yan Tiekun , Jia Junya , Li Dong , Wei Li , Shang Wenya , Shi Huilan
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Renal pathological changes affect the motion of water molecules, which can be detected using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The current study was performed to explore the correlation between renal tissue pathological injuries and DWI iconographical parameters in lupus nephritis (LN). Methods: Twenty adult patients with LN and 11 healthy volunteers were recruited. Patients with LN received renal biopsies and renal DWI-MRI inspections. The renal biopsy tissues were characterized based on the ISN/RPS 2003 classification. The volunteers, who were of comparable gender and age, only underwent renal DWI-MRI inspection. Four DWI parameters, namely, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure diffusion coefficient (Dt), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (Dp), and perfusion fraction (fp), were calculated using monoexponential and biexponential functions, respectively. Data from different renal areas and pathological pattern groups were compared. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was performed to explore the correlation between each DWI index and multiple pathological features. Results: ADC, Dt, and fp values were lower in the LN group compared to the controls (P < 0.001) regardless of the renal area in the cortex and medulla. Dp values were higher in the LN group (P = 0.004). A difference in mean DWI parameters was found between three LN subgroups and the healthy volunteers, with the exception of the Dp index in the renal cortex. MCA showed that serious proliferative pathological injuries and lower ADC and Dt values were located in the same quadrant. The MCA plots of Dp and fp provided similar results. Higher Dp and fp values were located in the MCA plot quadrant with more serious proliferative pathological changes. Conclusion: DWI is a noninvasive technique that may be used to detect renal pathophysiological changes. Renal cell proliferation and intestinal fibrosis may impact the movement of water in certain microenvironments. Enhanced perfusion may be a compensatory mechanism that is associated with renal pathological injuries.
Enhanced Renal Afferent Arteriolar Reactive Oxygen Species and Contractility to Endothelin-1 Are Associated with Canonical Wnt Signaling in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Zhang Suping , Huang Qian , Wang Qiaoling , Wang Qin , Cao Xiaoyun , Zhao Liang , Xu Nan , Zhuge Zhengbing , Mao Jianhua , Fu Xiaodong , Liu Ruisheng , Wilcox Christopher S. , Patzak Andreas , Li Lingli , Lai En Yin
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Canonical Wnt signaling is involved in oxidative stress, vasculopathy and diabetes mellitus but its role in diabetic renal microvascular dysfunction is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that enhanced canonical Wnt signaling in renal afferent arterioles from diabetic mice increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) and contractions to endothelin-1 (ET-1). Methods: Streptozotocin-induced diabetes or control C57Bl/6 mice received vehicle or sulindac (40 mg·kg-1·day-1) to block Wnt signaling for 4 weeks. ET-1 contractions were measured by changes of afferent arteriolar diameter. Arteriolar H2O2, O2 -, protein expression and enzymatic activity were assessed using sensitive fluorescence probes, immunoblotting and colorimetric assay separately. Results: Compared to control, diabetic mouse afferent arteriole had increased O2- (+ 84%) and H2O2 (+ 91%) and enhanced responses to ET-1 at 10-8 mol·l-1 (-72±4% of versus -43±4%, P< 0.05) accompanied by reduced protein expressions and activities for catalase and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). Arteriolar O2 - was increased further by ET-1 and contractions to ET-1 reduced by PEG-SOD in both groups whereas H2O2 unchanged by ET-1 and contractions were reduced by PEG-catalase selectively in diabetic mice. The Wnt signaling protein β-catenin was upregulated (3.3-fold decrease in p-β-catenin/β-catenin) while the glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) was downregulated (2.6-fold increase in p-GSK-3β/ GSK-3β) in preglomerular vessels of diabetic mice. Sulindac normalized the Wnt signaling proteins, arteriolar O2 -, H2O2 and ET-1 contractions while doubling microvascular catalase and SOD2 expression in diabetic mice. Conclusion: Increased ROS, notably H2O2 contributes to enhanced afferent arteriolar responses to ET-1 in diabetes, which is closely associated with Wnt signaling. Antioxidant pharmacological strategies targeting Wnt signaling may improve vascular function in diabetic nephropathy.
New Factors Predicting Delayed Graft Function: a Multi-Center Cohort Study of Kidney Donation After Brain Death Followed by Circulatory Death
Authors: Sun Qipeng , Huang Zhengyu , Zhou Honglan , Lin Minzhuan , Hua Xuefeng , Hong Liangqing , Na Ning , Cai Ruiming , Wang Gang , Sun Qiquan
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Delayed graft function (DGF) is a common complication following kidney transplantation adversely affecting graft outcomes. Donation after brain death followed by circulatory death (DBCD), a novel donation pattern, is expected to correlate with high incidence of DGF. However, little information is available about factors associated with DGF in DBCD. Methods: A total of 383 kidney transplants from DBCD donation in three institutions were enrolled. Associations of DGF with the clinical characteristics of recipients and donors were quantified. Results: In this retrospective multi-center study, the incidence of DGF was 19.3%. Lower incidence of DGF was found in recipients for whom antithymocyte globulin was used for induction (p < 0.05), which was an independent protective factor against DGF (odds ratio [OR] = 0.48; 95% CI 0.27-0.86). Two novel explicative variables were recognized as independent risk factors, including use of vasoactive drugs (OR = 3.15; 95% CI 1.39-7.14) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OR = 2.51; 95% CI 1.05-6.00), which contributed significantly to increased risk of DGF (p < 0.05). Prolonged warm ischemia time (> 18 min; OR = 2.42; 95% CI 1.36-4.32), was also predictive of DGF in DBCD. A prediction model was developed and achieved an area under the curve of 0.89 in predicting DGF when combined with reported parameters. Conclusion: The novel factors, confirmed for the first time in our study, will help to improve risk prediction of DGF and to determine optimal interventions to prevent DGF in clinical practice.
Pliny the Younger and his admnistrative and legal activities: the formation of a political carrier during the Roman Principate.
Authors: Souza Dominique Monge Rodrigues de
Published: June 2018

O objetivo do presente artigo é analisar a carreira política de Plínio, o Jovem, a partir das suas relações interpessoais enquanto articuladoras das funções administrativas e jurídicas desempenhadas por esse senador romano do período do Principado. Também propomos uma reflexão acerca das motivações, detectadas nas epístolas plinianas, que determinavam a atuação de um advocatus em processos judiciais. Outro aspecto por nós abordado é a relação das atividades jurídicas com o desenvolvimento do cursus honorum de Plínio, o Jovem. Desse modo, partindo da interpretação da carreira política pliniana, discorremos sobre a relação entre âmbito administrativo e jurídico durante o Principado romano. Tal abordagem nos permite compreender a constituição da carreira política senatorial do período que, em nossa perspectiva, ultrapassa os limites das magistraturas que compunham o cursus honorum, abarcando também as atividades jurídicas.
Retrospective Temporal Judgment of the Period Dedicated to Recalling a Recent or an Old Emotional Memory
Authors: Grondin Simon , Laflamme Vincent , Mioni Giovanna , Morin André , Désautels Félix , Bisson Nicolas
Published: June 2018

Sixty-one participants were asked (a) to recall a memory for a period lasting 15 minutes and (b), at the end of this period, to estimate retrospectively the duration of this period. They were assigned to one of four groups: the memory was either joyful or sad, and was recent (within the past two years) or old (when the participant was 7 to 10 years old). The most critical finding is the demonstration that the age of the recalled memory has an impact on the verbal estimation. More specifically, duration is underestimated in the old but not in the recent memory condition. Moreover, in this study, recalling a memory, old or recent, is shown to be an efficient way to generate a joyful or sad emotion. Finally, the results also indicate that there is a significant correlation between the uncertainty related to the duration estimated retrospectively and the score on the present-hedonistic scale of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory.
Uranotaenia pseudostricklandi, a new species in subgenus Pseudoficalbia (Diptera: Culicidae) from Kerala, India
Authors: NATARAJAN R. , RAJAVEL A.R. , JAMBULINGAM P.
Published: June 2018

The female and male adults, male genitalia, pupa and larva of Uranotaenia (Pseudoficalbia) pseudostricklandi sp. nov. (Diptera: Culicidae) are described from specimens collected in India.
The Role of the Cloud Radiative Effect in the Sensitivity of the Intertropical Convergence Zone to Convective Mixing
Authors: Talib Joshua , Woolnough Steven J. , Klingaman Nicholas P. , Holloway Christopher E.
Published: June 2018

Studies have shown that the location and structure of the simulated intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is sensitive to the treatment of sub-gridscale convection and cloud–radiation interactions. This sensitivity remains in idealized aquaplanet experiments with fixed surface temperatures. However, studies have not considered the role of cloud-radiative effects (CRE; atmospheric heating due to cloud–radiation interactions) in the sensitivity of the ITCZ to the treatment of convection. We use an atmospheric energy input (AEI) framework to explore how the CRE modulates the sensitivity of the ITCZ to convective mixing in aquaplanet simulations. Simulations show a sensitivity of the ITCZ to convective mixing, with stronger convective mixing favoring a single ITCZ. For simulations with a single ITCZ, the CRE maintains the positive equatorial AEI. To explore the role of the CRE further, we prescribe the CRE as either zero or a meridionally and diurnally varying climatology. Removing the CRE is associated with a reduced equatorial AEI and an increase in the range of convective mixing rates that produce a double ITCZ. Prescribing the CRE reduces the sensitivity of the ITCZ to convective mixing by 50%. In prescribed-CRE simulations, other AEI components, in particular the surface latent heat flux, modulate the sensitivity of the AEI to convective mixing. Analysis of the meridional moist static energy transport shows that a shallower Hadley circulation can produce an equatorward energy transport at low latitudes even with equatorial ascent.
Adolescent violence towards parents—Prevalence and characteristics using Australian Police Data
Authors: Moulds Lauren , Day Andrew , Mayshak Richelle , Mildred Helen , Miller Peter
Published: June 2018

Adolescent violence toward parents is a unique form of family violence which for many, including police personnel, challenges traditional views of parent–child relationship, and raises questions about victimization. There has been minimal research in Australia to date in this area, and knowledge about both prevalence rates and the characteristics of offenders and victims remains limited. This exploratory study utilized police data from four Australian States to document prevalence rates of reported offenses to police, and the characteristics of adolescent violence toward parents in Australia. Between 1% and 7% of family violence reported to the police is adolescent violence toward parents. The “typical” perpetrator is a 15- to 17-year-old Caucasian young man who is generally violent toward his mother. Findings are limited by the differing police practice and policy variations between States, including the use of police discretion, leaving several questions open for further investigation. In conclusion, there is a need for change in policy and practice with regards how best to assess and respond to adolescent violence toward parents.
Russia’s Foreign Policy
Authors: Kumar Rajan
Published: June 2018

This article provides a broad overview of Russian foreign policy in the last three decades. It has divided this period into three broad categories—neoliberalism and the West-centric policy (1991–1995); Eurasianism and the search for multipolarity (1996–2006); and crossing the Rubicon (2007–2015)—marked by external interventions. Taking domestic factors into account, it analyses how Russian foreign policy took a radical turn from being a West-centric to a complete break with the West. Russian interventions in Georgia, Ukraine and Syria have revived the spectre of the beginning of a new Cold War. Towards the end, it discusses how Russia has developed a close economic and strategic partnership with China, especially after the sanctions from the West.
‘My words were not cared for’: Customary law, criminality and the ‘woman question’ in late colonial India
Authors: Visweswaran Kamala
Published: June 2018

Drawing upon the court case of one woman sentenced for killing her infant in the early decades of the last century, this article reads Pierre Bourdieu’s insight on how the trial stages conflicts produced in the social realm as a paradox for explaining how British administrators and Indian village officials negotiated non-conflicting codes of sexual and moral conduct on the basis of colonial ideology and locally fixed caste hierarchies to convict women of infanticide. This article argues that a staging of women’s agency is crucial for understanding the colonial conferral of legal subjectivity and for a gendered critique of the Subaltern Studies paradigm of conflict or collaboration as ‘dominance without hegemony.’
Endoscopic linear stapler-assisted resection of a giant solid pseudopapillary pancreatic tumor with concurrent regional portal hypertension: a case report
Authors: Yang Jing-rui , Xiao Rui , Zhou Jiang , Wang Ze-feng , Ren Jian-jun
Published: June 2018

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPTP) is a rare neoplasm with a low incidence and low rate of malignancy. We herein report a rare case of SPTP concurrent with regional portal hypertension (RPH) that was successfully treated by distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. A 22-year-old woman presented with a left upper abdominal apophysis and normal liver function. She was diagnosed with an SPTP and RPH by abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography, and she subsequently underwent distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. Noticeably, varicose vein plexus with wide range appeared on the upper edge of the pancreatic body and posterior gastric wall of the patient. Therefore, we created a path to avoid touching the varicose veins and took advantage of the endoscopic linear stapler to staple the veins. We herein report our surgical experience on SPTP assisted with the endoscopic linear stapler, which will be very realistic for the management of this rare clinical entity.
Association of admission vs. nadir serum albumin concentration with short-term treatment outcomes in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Peterson Evan J. , Ng Tien M. H. , Patel Komal A. , Lou Mimi , Elkayam Uri
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Hypoalbuminemia occurs in 25% to 76% of patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (HF) and is associated with increased mortality. Hypoalbuminemia may predispose patients to intravascular volume depletion, hypotension, and acute worsening of renal function; however, its association with treatment outcomes during hospitalization is unknown.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study involved 414 adult patients hospitalized for HF requiring intravenous diuretics. Temporal changes in serum albumin and the association of hypoalbuminemia with urine output, renal function changes, blood pressure, use of intravenous vasoactive drugs, and short-term outcomes were assessed.

Results

Serum albumin decreased in most patients (72%) during hospitalization. Hypoalbuminemia was present in 29% and 50% of patients based on the mean admission and nadir serum albumin level, respectively. Hypoalbuminemia as assessed by the nadir albumin level was associated with an increased risk of acute worsening of renal function. A nadir albumin level of <3.0 g/dL remained significantly associated in the multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

Serum albumin commonly decreases during hospitalization for acute HF. Hypoalbuminemia assessed using the nadir level during hospitalization, not the admission level, was associated with an increased risk of acute worsening of renal function. The timing of serum albumin measurement may influence its utility as a biomarker.
Wind speed distribution modeling for wind power estimation: Case of Agadir in Morocco
Authors: Tizgui Ijjou , El Guezar Fatima , Bouzahir Hassane , Benaid Brahim
Published: June 2018

To estimate a wind turbine output, optimize its dimensioning, and predict the economic profitability and risks of a wind energy project, wind speed distribution modeling is crucial. Many researchers use directly Weibull distribution basing on a priori acceptance. However, Weibull does not fit some wind speed regimes. The goal of this work is to model the wind speed distribution at Agadir. For that, we compare the accuracy of four distributions (Weibull, Rayleigh, Gamma, and lognormal) which have given good results in this yield. The goodness-of-fit tests are applied to select the effective distribution. The obtained results explain that Weibull distribution is fitting the histogram of observations better than the other distributions. The analysis deals with comparing the error in estimating the annual wind power density using the examined distributions. It was found that Weibull distribution presents minimum error. Thus, wind energy assessors in Agadir can use directly Weibull distribution basing on a scientific decision made via statistical tests. Moreover, assessors worldwide can use the followed methodology to model their wind speed measurements.
Assessment of the noise produced by wind farms with the acoustically analogous techniques without stopping the noise source
Authors: Iannace Gino , Trematerra Amelia , Berardi Umberto
Published: June 2018

In Italy, wind turbines with a nominal power below 1 MW can be installed following simplified authorization procedures and are therefore becoming the preferred choice for promoters. The assessment of the noise of wind farms is not easy, due to economic reasons, with it being difficult to stop and assess the relative contribution of each wind turbine. Several acoustic measurements were taken inside homes located near a wind farm consisting of three wind turbines, each with a nominal power of 1 MW. The acoustic measurements were taken by placing sound level meters inside the houses at different wind speed values and wind directions. The acoustic measurements were taken using the acoustically analogous place technique. For economic reasons, the plant cannot be switched off. In this case, the sound field generated by the operation of the wind turbines was measured by placing two sound level meters in a house.
Effect of the Containment Type on Clinical Outcomes in Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus Treated With Autologous Osteochondral Transplantation
Authors: Shimozono Yoshiharu , Donders Johanna C.E. , Yasui Youichi , Hurley Eoghan T. , Deyer Timothy W. , Nguyen Joseph T. , Kennedy John G.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Uncontained-type osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) have been shown to have inferior clinical outcomes after treatment with bone marrow stimulation. While autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) is indicated for larger lesions, no study has reported on the prognostic significance of the containment of OLTs treated with the AOT procedure.

Purpose:

To clarify the effect of the containment of OLTs on clinical and radiological outcomes in patients who underwent AOT for OLTs.

Study Design:

Case control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study comparing patients with contained-type and uncontained-type OLTs was undertaken to include all patients who underwent AOT for the treatment of OLTs between 2006 and 2014. Analyses were performed by grouping the patients according to the containment type. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) preoperatively and at final follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 2 years’ follow-up was evaluated with the modified magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score. Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate factors affecting postoperative FAOS, SF-12, and MOCART scores.

Results:

Ninety-four patients were included: 31 patients with a contained-type OLT and 63 patients with an uncontained-type OLT. The median patient age was 34 years (interquartile range [IQR], 28-48 years) in the contained-type group and 36 years (IQR, 27-46 years) in the uncontained-type group. The median follow-up time was 45 months (IQR, 38-63 months) in the contained-type group and 52 months (IQR, 40-66 months) in the uncontained-type group. The median FAOS and SF-12 scores improved significantly after surgery in both contained-type and uncontained-type lesions ( P < .001). The median postoperative FAOS score of patients with contained-type OLTs was higher than that of patients with uncontained-type OLTs (91.7 vs 85.0, respectively; P = .009), but no significant differences were found between the contained-type and uncontained-type groups for postoperative SF-12 and MOCART scores. The multivariate regression models showed that patients with contained-type OLTs had an approximately 10-point better score on the FAOS compared with patients with uncontained-type OLTs ( P = .006). There was a nonsignificant trend for the rate of cystic occurrence in uncontained-type OLTs to be higher than that of contained-type OLTs (55.6% vs 38.7%, respectively; P = .125).

Conclusion:

Patients with contained-type OLTs experienced better clinical outcomes than those with uncontained-type OLTs after AOT for the treatment of OLTs. However, the AOT procedure still provided good clinical and MRI outcomes in both contained-type and uncontained-type OLTs at midterm follow-up.
FluHMM: A simple and flexible Bayesian algorithm for sentinel influenza surveillance and outbreak detection
Authors: Lytras Theodore , Gkolfinopoulou Kassiani , Bonovas Stefanos , Nunes Baltazar
Published: June 2018

Timely detection of the seasonal influenza epidemic is important for public health action. We introduce FluHMM, a simple but flexible Bayesian algorithm to detect and monitor the seasonal epidemic on sentinel surveillance data. No comparable historical data are required for its use. FluHMM segments a typical influenza surveillance season into five distinct phases with clear interpretation (pre-epidemic, epidemic growth, epidemic plateau, epidemic decline and post-epidemic) and provides the posterior probability of being at each phase for every week in the period under surveillance, given the available data. An alert can be raised when the probability that the epidemic has started exceeds a given threshold. An accompanying R package facilitates the application of this method in public health practice. We apply FluHMM on 12 seasons of sentinel surveillance data from Greece, and show that it achieves very good sensitivity, timeliness and perfect specificity, thereby demonstrating its usefulness. We further discuss advantages and limitations of the method, providing suggestions on how to apply it and highlighting potential future extensions such as with integrating multiple surveillance data streams.
Sebaceous cell differentiation in a canine oral papilloma
Authors: Gang Du-Gyeong , Sim Cheul-Hyeon , Lee Tae-Je , Kong Joo-Yeon , Hong Il-Hwa
Published: June 2018

Papillomas caused by viral infection are well-known tumors in animals. Microscopic features typically include neoplastic epithelium with hyperkeratosis and koilocytes. An 8-y-old castrated male Shih Tzu dog was presented with a small exophytic mass on the external upper lip. The mass was diagnosed as a viral papilloma based on microscopic and immunohistochemical examination. Sebaceous cell differentiation was found in the neoplastic epithelium of the tumor, which is a rare finding in humans or animals.
A comparison between the friction and piezoelectric synchronized switch dampers for blisks
Authors: Liu Jiuzhou , Li Lin , Fan Yu
Published: June 2018

In this work, we explore the feasibility of applying the synchronized switch damping on negative capacitor damper to integrally bladed disks (blisks) by comparing its damping performance with that of the friction ring with the same added mass. Both dampers are coupled to the disk of the blisk. Namely, the friction ring is in contact with the underside of the wheel and the piezoelectric materials for synchronized switch damping on negative capacitor are bonded on the disk as well. The lumped parameter models are used for the blisk and dampers, and the multi-harmonic balance method is employed to obtain the steady-state response under engine-order excitations. The vibration-reduction performance of the dampers are compared with respect to the excitation level, the engine order, and multi-mode. This leads to a discussion concerning the parameter design for the synchronized switch damping on negative capacitor damper to achieve a comparable single-mode damping as the friction ring. We show that the synchronized switch damping on negative capacitor damper has a better performance for multiple modes and at a wider range of excitation level. These results indicate that the synchronized switch damping on negative capacitor damping can be a promising solution for the vibration reduction of blisks where the spatial and spectral distributions of the excitation are rich.
Intra-articular Hematoma Block Compared to Procedural Sedation for Closed Reduction of Ankle Fractures
Authors: MacCormick Lauren M. , Baynard Taurean , Williams Benjamin R. , Vang Sandy , Xi Min , Lafferty Paul
Published: June 2018

Background:

Initial treatment for a displaced ankle fracture is closed reduction and splinting. This is typically performed in conjunction with either an intra-articular hematoma block (IAHB) or procedural sedation (PS) to assist with pain control. The purpose of this study was to compare the safety of IAHB to PS and evaluate the efficiency and efficacy for each method.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review for ankle fractures requiring manipulation was performed for patients seen in a level I trauma center from 2005 to 2016. The primary outcome was rate of successful reduction. Several secondary outcome measures were defined: reduction attempts, time until successful reduction, time spent in the emergency department (ED), rate of hospital admission, and adverse events. The analysis included 221 patients who received IAHB and 114 patients who received PS.

Results:

The demographics between the 2 groups were similar, with the exception that more patients with a dislocation received PS, which prompted a subgroup analysis. This analysis demonstrated that patients with an ankle fracture and associated tibiotalar joint subluxation underwent closed reduction in a shorter period of time with the use of an IAHB compared with those receiving PS. In patients sustaining a tibiotalar fracture dislocation, patients receiving PS were successfully reduced with 1 reduction attempt more frequently than those receiving IAHB. Orthopedic surgeons also had higher rates of success on first attempt compared with ED providers.

Conclusion:

Both IAHB and PS were excellent options for analgesia that resulted in high rates of successful closed reduction of ankle fractures with adequate safety. IAHB can be considered a first-line agent for patients with an ankle fracture and associated joint subluxation.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Moving Beyond the Behavior-Change Framework for Smoking Cessation: Lessons for a Critical Ontology From the Case of Inpatient Psychiatric Units
Authors: Birnbaum Shira
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND: Leading scholars have called on nursing schools to pay more attention to smoking cessation in the education of nursing students. AIM: This article argues that attention to this subject should include a rethinking of the behavior-change framework that forms the methodological basis of this field. METHOD: Drawing on classic and contemporary work in sociology, anthropology, and critical public health, this article explores the specific example of smoking in long-term inpatient units to illustrate the limitations of a behavior-based ontology and suggest an alternative conceptual vocabulary. RESULTS: An alternative approach posits smoking as a social practice. It sheds light on situational factors that incentivize smoking and might be contributing to patient resistance to cessation. CONCLUSIONS: A different conceptual framing of smoking can point to interventions beyond the level of individuals, focusing instead on the broader interface between people and situations, where decisions and desires meet institutional and organizational dynamics and structures of opportunity and access.
Decreasing Depression and Anxiety in College Youth Using the Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment Program (COPE)
Authors: Hart Abney Beverly G. , Lusk Pamela , Hovermale Rachael , Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND: College is a time of major transition in the lives of many young adults. Roughly 30% of college students have reported that anxiety and depressive symptoms negatively affect their lives and academic functioning. Currently, anxiety has surpassed depression as the reason college students seek help at counseling centers. Unfortunately, only one third of students receive treatment for anxiety and only 25% of students receive treatment for their depression. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this pilot project were to (a) assess levels of depression and anxiety in identified “at risk” college students who present to the college Student Health Services (Primary Care), (b) implement a new cognitive behavioral therapy–based intervention titled “Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment” (COPE), and (c) evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on students’ levels of depression and anxiety as well as satisfaction with the intervention. DESIGN: A one group pre- and post-test design was used. Results: Students who received COPE demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement in depressive and anxiety symptoms as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory–II and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory. CONCLUSION: COPE is an effective brief program for reducing depression and anxiety in college-age youth. Implementation of evidenced-based programs into the college experience could lead to less severe depression and anxiety and better academic performance, ultimately increasing the likelihood of students successfully completing their academic programs.