bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation on multi-objective multi-type sensor optimal placement for structural damage detection
Authors: Lin Jian-Fu , Xu You-Lin , Zhan Sheng
Published: July 2018

An optimal sensor placement with multiple types of sensors could provide informative data of a structure to facilitate its structural damage detection. A response covariance-based multi-objective multi-type sensor optimal placement method has been thus developed. To validate this method, an experimental investigation was designed and performed in terms of a nine-bay three-dimensional frame structure, and the experimental details and results are presented in this article. The frame structure was first built, and a finite element model of the frame structure was constructed and updated. The proposed method was then applied to the finite element model to find the optimal sensor placement configuration. The multi-type sensors were then installed on the frame structure according to the determined optimal sensor numbers and positions. Different damage scenarios were then generated on the frame structure. These damage scenarios covered single and multiple damage cases occurring at different locations with different damage severities. A series of experiments, including the optimal and non-optimal sensor placements, were finally carried out, and the measurement data were used together with the finite element model to identify damage quantitatively. The identification results show that the optimal multi-type sensor placement determined by the proposed method could provide accurate damage localization and satisfactory damage quantitation and that the optimal sensor placement yielded better damage identification than the non-optimal sensor placement.
Quo vadis, paradox? Centripetal and centrifugal forces in theory development
Authors: Schad Jonathan , Lewis Marianne W , Smith Wendy K
Published: July 2018

Organizations increasingly face contradictory goals, multiple stakeholder expectations, and pluralistic missions that surface and intensify competing demands. Paradox theory offers a lens to understand and engage these tensions. Yet as research adopting a paradox lens continues to grow, scholars warn that its success could advance a dominant logic, which will ultimately hinder conceptual development and result in its downfall. We suggest that scholars can avoid this denigration by embracing theory development’s driving forces—centripetal forces that define and buffer a conceptual core and centrifugal forces aimed at challenging the core and extending its boundaries. Although these forces’ directions diverge, we depict these dual forces as paradoxical—contradictory and fundamentally interdependent. That is, we explore paradoxical forces of theory development to understand the development of paradox theory. We offer means to use, balance, and leverage these insights to help surface the black boxes in paradox research.
Elevated levels of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 predict outcome after acute myocardial infarction: A long-term follow-up of the glucose tolerance in patients with acute myocardial infarction (GAMI) cohort
Authors: Ritsinger Viveca , Brismar Kerstin , Mellbin Linda , Näsman Per , Rydén Lars , Söderberg Stefan , Norhammar Anna
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To investigate the long-term prognostic value of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Methods:

Patients ( n = 180) with admission glucose < 11 mmol/L without previously known diabetes admitted for an acute myocardial infarction in 1998–2000 were followed for mortality and cardiovascular events (first of cardiovascular mortality/acute myocardial infarction/stroke/severe heart failure) until the end of 2011 (median 11.6 years). Fasting levels of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 at day 2 were related to outcome in Cox proportional hazard regression analyses.

Results:

Median age was 64 years, 69% were male and median insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 was 20 µg/L. Total mortality was 34% ( n = 61) and 44% ( n = 80) experienced a cardiovascular event during a median follow-up time of 11.6 years. After age adjustment, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 was associated with all-cause (1.40; 1.02–1.93, p = 0.039) and cancer mortality (2.09; 1.15–3.79, p = 0.015) but not with cardiovascular death ( p = 0.29) or cardiovascular events ( p = 0.57). After adjustments also for previous myocardial infarction, previous heart failure and body mass index, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 was still associated with all-cause mortality (1.38; 1.01–1.89, p = 0.046).

Conclusion:

In patients with acute myocardial infarction without previously known diabetes, high insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 was associated with long-term all-cause and cancer mortality but not with cardiovascular events.
Saving the Perruchet effect: A role for the strength of the association in associative learning
Authors: Destrebecqz Arnaud , Vande Velde Michaël , San Anton Estibaliz , Cleeremans Axel , Bertels Julie
Published: July 2018

In a partial reinforcement schedule where a cue repeatedly predicts the occurrence of a target in consecutive trials, reaction times to the target tend to decrease in a monotonic fashion, while participants’ expectancies for the target decrease at the same time. This dissociation between reaction times and expectancies—the so-called Perruchet effect—challenges the propositional view of learning, which posits that human conditioned responses result from conscious inferences about the relationships between events. However, whether the reaction time pattern reflects the strength of a putative cue-target link, or only non-associative processes, such as motor priming, remains unclear. To address this issue, we implemented the Perruchet procedure in a two-choice reaction time task and compared reaction time patterns in an Experimental condition, in which a tone systematically preceded a visual target, and in a Control condition, in which the onset of the two stimuli were uncoupled. Participants’ expectancies regarding the target were recorded separately in an initial block. Reaction times decreased with the succession of identical trials in both conditions, reflecting the impact of motor priming. Importantly, reaction time slopes were steeper in the Experimental than in the Control condition, indicating an additional influence of the associative strength between the two stimuli. Interestingly, slopes were less steep for participants who showed the gambler’s fallacy in the initial block. In sum, our results suggest the mutual influences of motor priming, associative strength, and expectancies on performance. They are in line with a dual-process model of learning involving both a propositional reasoning process and an automatic link-formation mechanism.
The associations and development of motivational climate, achievement goals, and physical functional skills in young floorball players
Authors: Gråstén Arto , Forsman Hannele , Watt Anthony
Published: July 2018

The present study examined the associations and development of motivational climate, achievement goals, and physical functional skills in young floorball players, as simultaneous antecedents and outcomes of achievement goals and the game of floorball warrant further studies. A total of 283 male players with a mean age of 11.49 (±.27) years in the beginning of the data collection were followed across two measurement phases, separated by a 12-month interval. Players completed physical functional skill tests and self-report questionnaires. The findings showed that the perceptions of task-involving coaching practices that encourage learning and effort over competition were moderately related with mastery-approach, whereas perceptions of ego-involving climate were moderately linked with performance-approach and performance-avoidance. Higher mastery-avoidance was also linked with weaker aerobic endurance. Finally, performance-approach, mastery-approach, performance-avoidance, running speed, aerobic endurance, and lower limb strength improved over time. To reduce negative perceptions of mastery-avoidance and develop young floorball players’ physical functional skills, it could be important that coaches promote appealing aerobic endurance activities. For instance, by providing opportunities to design or lead an activity or through formulating options representing a wide range of endurance training activities, especially among players with higher perceptions of mastery-avoidance.
HDAC3-mediated silencing of miR-451 decreases chemosensitivity of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer by targeting NEDD9
Authors: Chen Dong-qin , Yu Chen , Zhang Xue-feng , Liu Zhong-fang , Wang Rui , Jiang Min , Chen Hao , Yan Feng , Tao Min , Chen Long-bang , Zhu Hong , Feng Ji-feng
Published: July 2018

Background:

Treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with docetaxel often fails due to the emergence of chemoresistance. Thus, restoring chemosensitivity to docetaxel-based therapies remains a challenge in mCRPC treatment.

Methods:

microRNA (miR)-451 expression was measured in docetaxel-treated prostate cancer cells and tumor tissues by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction . Cell-counting kit 8 assay was performed to determine docetaxel chemoresistance. Neural-precursor-cell-expressed developmentally downregulated protein 9 (NEDD9) was identified as a novel target of miR-451 by dual-luciferase reporter system. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and co-immunoprecipitation assay were performed to confirm that histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3)/Sp1 (a highly evolutionarily conserved transcription factor) interacted with the Sp1 binding sites in miR-451 promoter.

Results:

miR-451 was found to be silenced in docetaxel-treated prostate cancer cells and mCRPC tissues. Low miR-451 expression was closely associated with a high Gleason score, high Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score, visceral metastasis and poor prognosis. Low expression of miR-451 was significantly correlated with short progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) according to Kaplan–Meier analysis, and miR-451 was determined to be an independent poor prognostic factor for PFS and OS in mCRPC patients by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. NEDD9 was identified as a new and functional target of miR-451. Restoration of NEDD9 partially reversed the effects of miR-451 on enhancing chemosensitivity of prostate cancer cells. HDAC3 was confirmed to be involved in silencing of miR-451 expression in prostate cancer cells.

Conclusions:

The current data revealed a new HDAC3/Sp1/miR-451/NEDD9 signaling axis that regulates the chemosensitivity of prostate cancer cells and represents a novel therapeutic target for chemosensitizing mCRPC.
Continuous phenomenological modeling for the viscosity of shear thickening fluids
Authors: Wei Minghai , Sun Li , Qi Peipei , Chang Chunguang , Zhu Chunyang
Published: July 2018

In general, shear thickening fluids show a marked increase in viscosity beyond a critical shear rate, which can be attributed to the hydrodynamic clustering effects, where in any external energy acting on a shear thickening fluid is dissipated quickly. However, there is a lack of theoretical modeling to predict the viscosity curve of shear thickening fluids, which changes continuously with the increasing shear rate. In this article, a phenomenological continuous viscosity modeling for a class of shear thickening fluids is proposed. The modeling predicts shear thickening and thinning behaviors that are naturally exhibited by shear thickening fluids for high and high enough values of the shear rate. The result shows that the phenomenological modeling provides a very good fit for several independent experimental data sets. Therefore, the proposed modeling can be used in numerical simulations and theoretical analysis across different engineering fields.
Standing With Standing Rock: Affective Alignment and Artful Resistance at the Native Nations Rise March
Authors: Cappelli Mary Louisa
Published: July 2018

The protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock in North Dakota created a dynamic landscape consisting of a wide-range of interwoven visual and textual narratives and political performances. In this article, I engage in participatory activism research to analyze how the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and indigenous grass root leaders deployed digital media platforms to mobilize individuals from diverse geographical locations and diverse social, racial, political, and economic backgrounds to share their artistic expression and to stand in solidarity with The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. In examining the complex visual landscape of cultural production in the form of political posters at the Native Nations Rise March in Washington D.C., I demonstrate how protest organizers produced injustice frames that mobilized individual acts of artistic expression, which politically align indigenous and non-indigenous protestors together in affective solidarity and artful resistance.
Race and Disability: From Analogy to Intersectionality
Authors: Frederick Angela , Shifrer Dara
Published: July 2018

Sociologists are using intersectional lenses to examine an increasingly wider range of processes and identities, yet the intersection of race and disability remains a particularly neglected area in sociology. Marking an important step toward filling this gap, the authors interrogate how race and disability have been deployed as analogy in both disability rights activism and in critical race discourse. The authors argue that the “minority model” framework of disability rights has been racialized in ways that center the experiences of white, middle-class disabled Americans, even as this framework leans heavily upon analogic work likening ableism to racial oppression. Conversely, the authors examine the use of disability as metaphor in racial justice discourse, interrogating the historic linking of race and disability that gave rise to these language patterns. The authors argue that this analogic work has marginalized the experiences of disabled people of color and has masked the processes by which whiteness and able-bodiedness have been privileged in these respective movements. Finally, the authors argue that centering the positionality of disabled people of color demands not analogy but intersectional analyses that illuminate how racism and ableism intertwine and interact to generate unique forms of inequality and resistance.
Infusing Health Disparities Awareness Into Public Health Curricula at a Rural Midwestern University
Authors: Njoku Anuli , Wakeel Fathima
Published: July 2018

Preventable differences in health outcomes between U.S. population subgroups, related to factors such as race or ethnicity, income, and geographic location, are troubling. Geographically, rural American communities experience higher rates of adverse health conditions when compared with urban areas, further widening disparities in health outcomes. Such disparities necessitate the creation of effective curricula to enable students to address the health needs of underserved populations. By intentionally incorporating health disparities awareness content into the curricula, undergraduate and graduate public health programs can play an integral role in developing conscious health practitioners to help close gaps in health outcomes. Moreover, rural health courses may increase students’ interest in rural health careers. This article presents the process and results of faculty efforts to design and deliver health disparities–related education in undergraduate and graduate public health courses at a rural Midwestern U.S. university. Various teaching development programs inspired faculty to use intentional instructional approaches to teach students about health disparities. Consequently, faculty incorporated a variety of assessment methods and teaching styles to infuse health disparities awareness content into public health courses. Results from students’ course evaluations and reflections are discussed along with lessons learned and implications for future pedagogical directions.
Effectiveness and safety of 3 and 5 day courses of artemether–lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in an area of emerging artemisinin resistance in Myanmar
Authors: Tun Kyaw Myo , Jeeyapant Atthanee , Myint Aung Hpone , Kyaw Zwe Thiha , Dhorda Mehul , Mukaka Mavuto , Cheah Phaik Yeong , Imwong Mallika , Hlaing Thaung , Kyaw Thar Htun , Ashley Elizabeth A. , Dondorp Arjen , White Nicholas J. , Day Nicholas P. J. , Smithuis Frank
Published: July 2018

Background

Artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum has emerged and spread in Southeast Asia. In areas where resistance is established longer courses of artemisinin-based combination therapy have improved cure rates.

Methods

The standard 3-day course of artemether–lumefantrine (AL) was compared with an extended 5-day regimen for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Kayin state in South-East Myanmar, an area of emerging artemisinin resistance. Late parasite clearance dynamics were described by microscopy and quantitative ultra-sensitive PCR. Patients were followed up for 42 days.

Results

Of 154 patients recruited (105 adults and 49 children < 14 years) 78 were randomized to 3 days and 76 to 5 days AL. Mutations in the P. falciparum kelch13 propeller gene (k13) were found in 46% (70/152) of infections, with F446I the most prevalent propeller mutation (29%; 20/70). Both regimens were well-tolerated. Parasite clearance profiles were biphasic with a slower submicroscopic phase which was similar in k13 wild-type and mutant infections. The cure rates were 100% (70/70) and 97% (68/70) in the 3- and 5-day arms respectively. Genotyping of the two recurrences was unsuccessful.

Conclusion

Despite a high prevalence of k13 mutations, the current first-line treatment, AL, was still highly effective in this area of South-East Myanmar. The extended 5 day regimen was very well tolerated, and would be an option to prolong the useful therapeutic life of AL.

Trial registration NCT02020330. Registered 24 December 2013, https://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT02020330
Management of Medical Oncology Services in Canada: Redefined Workload With a Novel Supply-and-Demand Workforce Projection Model
Authors: Yip Steven M. , Loewen Shaun K. , Li Haocheng , Hao Desiree , Easaw Jacob C.
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

We developed a workforce-planning model to predict Canadian medical oncologist (MO) supply and clinical demand during the next 10 years.

Materials and Methods:

A forward calculation model was created to forecast the balance of MO supply and demand. MO supply was estimated by using Canadian Institute for Health Information, Canadian Medical Association, and Canadian Post-MD Education Registry data. Care demand was estimated by using data from Canadian Cancer Statistics and Alberta Cancer Registry. The Canadian Royal College MO Committee confirmed its face validity.

Results:

The MO workforce is expected to grow from 541 staff in 2016 to 830 staff in 2026. During this period, new hires will increase from 39 to 56 per year, and departures will increase from 15 to 24 per year. Although cancer incidence rates will grow from 202,149 to 257,497, a projected increase in MO supply will mean fewer initial consultations, from an average of 168.5 consultations per MO in 2016 to 129.2 consultations per MO in 2026. The initiation of systemic therapy is projected to remain stable at 102.3 new systemic therapy starts per MO per year.

Conclusion:

We have developed a forward calculation MO workforce model that predicts a growing Canadian MO workforce and redefines MO workload dynamics. MO providers will increasingly support more follow-up care with the initiation of multiple lines of systemic therapy relative to the medical management of patients at the time of initial cancer diagnosis. Workload metrics, including follow-up and new therapy initiation rates, must be measured to appropriately to meet increasingly complex and growing care demands.
Ruptured Giant Coronary Artery Aneurysm With Coronary Artery to Pulmonary Artery Fistula Presenting as Cardiac Tamponade Diagnosed by Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography: A Case Report
Authors: Chiricolo Antonio , Pantin Enrique , Raffel Brian , Lemaire Anthony , Lee Leonard Y.
Published: July 2018

A 63-year-old woman presented with cardiac tamponade because of a ruptured giant left anterior descending coronary artery aneurysm with a fistula to the main pulmonary artery. The diagnosis was made intraoperatively during an emergent subxiphoid pericardial window using transesophageal echocardiography and confirmed by intraoperative coronary angiography. Because of this prompt diagnosis, the patient was successfully managed with immediate surgical repair of the aneurysm and fistula.
Intraoperative Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as Rescue for a Patient With an Inhalational Burn and Iatrogenic Upper Airway Injury: A Case Report
Authors: Davis Corinne A. , Paladino Alexander D. , Lassiter William B. , Sharma Arun , Brady Kevin M.
Published: July 2018

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is a well-established alternative oxygenation method for critically ill patients. A 58-year-old male was transferred to our level 1 trauma and burn center after sustaining an inhalational injury from a carburetor explosion, with subsequent iatrogenic tracheal injury and emergent cricothyrotomy before arrival. During attempted surgical airway stabilization, our ability to ventilate and oxygenate was compromised. Intraoperative VV-ECMO enabled rescue from severe hypoxemia and subsequent recovery without lasting neurologic sequelae. This case highlights the utility of VV-ECMO for acute intraoperative rescue.
It Is Not Always the Epidural: A Case Report of Anterior Spinal Artery Ischemia in a Trauma Patient
Authors: Matos Jennifer R. , George Renuka M. , Wilson Sylvia H.
Published: July 2018

Motor vehicle collisions impact millions of people annually resulting in multiinjury trauma. Anesthesiologists are consulted for rib fracture analgesia to improve respiratory mechanics and prevent intubation. This report describes a trauma patient who developed hypotension and lower extremity weakness after epidural placement for multiple rib fractures. Initially, hypotension was attributed to neuraxial sympathectomy. However, physical examination also indicated anterior spinal artery ischemia. Regional anesthesia and acute pain teams must be able to both identify contraindications and complications of regional techniques and discern when complications are not a result of regional interventions to initiate prompt management and definitive care.
Laryngoscopy and Bronchoscopy in an Infant With a Congenital Laryngeal Web Complicated by Bilateral Pneumothoraces: A Case Report
Authors: LeRiger Michelle M. , Franzen Marcellene H. , Sewell Ryan K. , Duncan-Wiebe Greta L.
Published: July 2018

Neonates with laryngeal webs pose unique challenges to the anesthesiologist. We present a 2-day-old neonate with aphonia and stridor who underwent microdirect laryngoscopy. Intraoperatively, a Cohen type 4 laryngeal web was diagnosed not immediately amenable to resection. Therefore, the decision was made for endotracheal intubation and subsequent tracheostomy. After endotracheal intubation, there was acute respiratory compromise and oxygen desaturation that improved moderately after urgent tracheostomy. A chest radiograph revealed a large pneumothorax. Our experience suggests that in the presence of high-grade laryngeal webs, the possibility of intraoperative development of pneumothorax should be considered if respiratory difficulties are encountered.
Interdisciplinary Dialogue Is Needed When Defining Perioperative Recommendations: Conflicting Guidelines for Anesthetizing Patients for Pilonidal Surgery
Authors: Andersson Roland E. , Doll Dietrich , Stauffer Verena K. , Vogt Andreas P. , Boggs Steven D. , Luedi Markus M.
Published: July 2018

National or international guidelines can help surgeons and anesthesiologists make treatment decisions, but the existence of conflicting recommendations can hinder treatment rather than helping. A case in point is the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease, a chronic subcutaneous infection located in the sacrococcygeal area. Its incidence is rising, reaching almost 100/100,000 inhabitants. Three surgical societies have proposed guidelines for treating the disease, but these guidelines vary greatly in their approach to anesthesia. Who should provide input into guidelines? And how can medical disciplines successfully collaborate? Anesthesiologists must be involved in defining perioperative recommendations not only in patients with pilonidal sinus disease.
Spontaneous Conversions of Supraventricular Tachycardia to Sinus Rhythm in Children After Premedication With Intranasal Dexmedetomidine: A Case Report
Authors: Hultin Magnus , Sundberg Erik
Published: July 2018

Intranasal dexmedetomidine administered as premedication before anesthesia and cardioversion appears to have the potential to facilitate the return of sinus rhythm. Two children, 3.5 and 1.5 years old, with recurrent supraventricular tachycardia in need of cardioversion have now on several occasions spontaneously returned to sinus rhythm within 20–40 minutes after intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine (4 μg/kg) with a mucosal atomization device. Both children were observed on all occasions at the pediatric outpatient clinic and could return home within 2 hours of cardioversion. For children with supraventricular tachycardia, a selective α2-agonist might be a valuable alternative to cardioversion with adenosine.
Management Challenges in an Infant With Pentalogy of Cantrell, Giant Anterior Encephalocele, and Craniofacial Anomalies: A Case Report
Authors: Hubbard Richard , Hayes Seth , Gillis Holly , Lindsey Spencer , Malhotra Prashant , Wani Tariq , Tobias Joseph D. , Beltran Ralph
Published: July 2018

Pentalogy of Cantrell is a rare syndrome consisting of midline abnormalities involving the heart, sternum, abdominal wall, and the anterior and pericardial diaphragm. This combination of defects places patients at particular perioperative risk and requires individualized management during anesthetic care. The following report documents the management of a patient with pentalogy of Cantrell, whose condition was further complicated by severe midline craniofacial abnormalities, including large anterior encephalocele, deficient mandible, tethered tongue, and cleft palate. The case offers insight into the complexity of care in this unique patient population.
Positional Oxygenation Changes in an Adult Patient With Scimitar Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Sergin Demet , Tanatti Burçak , Ulukaya Sezgin
Published: July 2018

Scimitar syndrome is a rare complex of congenital anomalies of the cardiopulmonary system. In patients with scimitar syndrome, the right pulmonary vein abnormally drains into the inferior vena cava, right atrium, coronary sinus, azygos vein, portal vein, or hepatic vein. The syndrome gets its name from the Turkish sword-like image that appears on chest x-ray. Some patients with scimitar syndrome survive in adulthood undiagnosed. Herein, we discuss positional oxygenation and hemodynamic changes associated with scimitar syndrome, especially in the left lateral decubitus position, detected during preoperative anesthetic examination in an adult patient who underwent general anesthesia for left mastectomy.
Blue Vision (Cyanopsia) Associated With TURP Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Fox William C. , Moon Richard E.
Published: July 2018

There have been many complications associated with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), known as TURP syndrome. Of the various irrigation fluids used for TURP, glycine irrigant has been historically popular given its relatively low cost. It is also a nonconductive solution and only slightly hypoosmolar, reducing the risk of burn injury or significant hemolysis. However, there have been many case reports of central nervous system toxicity such as transient blindness and encephalopathy related to glycine toxicity. Here, we report blue vision (cyanopsia), which has never been reported as a symptom of TURP syndrome.
Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Ongoing Thrombolytic Therapy During Decompressive Craniectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Souper Nicole , Jiménez Claudia , Maldonado Felipe
Published: July 2018

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a therapeutic alternative for reducing intracranial pressure after a middle cerebral artery stroke. If thrombolytic therapy is administered, craniectomy is usually postponed for at least 24 hours due to a risk of severe bleeding. We describe a case in which DC was performed on a 38-year-old man who received thrombolytic therapy for an ischemic stroke involving the middle cerebral artery. His neurological and hemodynamic status worsened during its administration, and DC was performed 6 hours after thrombolysis was performed. Fibrinolytic coagulopathy was successfully managed by monitoring fibrinogen levels and with the administration of cryoprecipitate and tranexamic acid.
Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Neurolysis for a Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Christopher Weiyang , Flamer David
Published: July 2018

The perineural administration of alcohol or phenol results in protein denaturation and, consequently, neurolysis. This can produce long-lasting analgesia, with a duration of 3–6 months. Although neurolytic blocks for the brachial plexus have been described in multiple review articles and textbooks, they are rarely performed. As such, little is known about the efficacy and adverse effect profile of this commonly described treatment. In this article, we report the outcomes of a patient who underwent a left brachial plexus neurolytic block for the management of upper limb pain arising from a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.
Airway Management of Near-Complete Tracheal Transection by Through-the-Wound Intubation: A Case Report
Authors: Jean Yuel-Kai , Potnuru Paul , Diez Christian
Published: July 2018

We present an approach to airway management in a patient with machete injuries culminating in near-complete cricotracheal transection, in addition to a gunshot wound to the neck. Initial airway was established by direct intubation through the cricotracheal wound. Once the airway was secured, a bronchoscopy-guided orotracheal intubation was performed with simultaneous retraction of the cricotracheal airway to optimize the surgical field. This case offers insight into a rarely performed approach to airway management. Furthermore, our case report demonstrates that, in select airway injuries, performing through-the-wound intubation engenders a multitude of benefits.
Ultrasound Assessment of Gastric Volume After Bariatric Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Pai Sher-Lu , Bojaxhi Elird , Logvinov Ilana I. , Porter Steven B. , Feinglass Neil G. , Robards Christopher B. , Torp Klaus D.
Published: July 2018

Gastric ultrasound is emerging as a tool that can be used to assess gastric content and volume in patients with an unknown fasting history. This information can impact the choice of anesthetic technique or the timing of surgery due to the presumed risk of aspiration. Currently, no data are available regarding the use of gastric ultrasound for patients who have had prior gastric operations, despite the increasing number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Our experience suggests that a patient with a prior Roux-en-Y gastric bypass may present with altered anatomy, rendering gastric ultrasound an ineffective technique to assess the volume of ingested food or liquid.
Scaling of morphology and ultrastructure of hearts among wild African antelope
Authors: Snelling Edward P. , Maloney Shane K. , Farrell Anthony P. , Meyer Leith C. R. , Izwan Adian , Fuller Andrea , Mitchell Duncan , Haw Anna , Costello Mary-Ann , Seymour Roger S.
Published: July 2018

The hearts of smaller mammals tend to operate at higher mass-specific mechanical work rates than those of larger mammals. The ultrastructural characteristics of the heart that allow for such variation in work rate still is largely unknown. We have used perfusion-fixation, transmission electron microscopy and stereology to assess the morphology and anatomical aerobic power density of the heart as a function of body mass across six species of wild African antelope differing by approximately 20-fold in body mass. The survival of wild antelope, as prey animals, depends on competent cardiovascular performance. We found that relative heart mass (g kg−1 body mass) decreases with body mass according to a power equation with an exponent of –0.12±0.07 (± 95% CI) (P=0.0027). Likewise, capillary length density (km cm−3 of cardiomyocyte), mitochondrial volume density (fraction of cardiomyocyte), and mitochondrial inner membrane surface density (m2 cm−3 of mitochondria) also decrease with body mass with exponents of –0.17±0.16 (P=0.039), –0.06±0.05 (P=0.018), and –0.07±0.05 (P=0.015), respectively, trends likely to be associated with the greater mass-specific mechanical work rates of the hearts in smaller antelope. Finally, we found proportionality between quantitative characteristics of a structure responsible for the delivery of oxygen (total capillary length) and those of a structure that ultimately uses that oxygen (total mitochondrial inner membrane surface area), which provides support for the economic principle of symmorphosis at the cellular level of the oxygen cascade in an aerobic organ.
Heterogeneity of neuromasts in a fish without lateral line canals: the pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus, Abe, 1949) model
Authors: Li Chao , Wang Xiaojie , Wu Jianyong , Zhang Xuguang , Fan Chunxin , Guo Hongyi , Song Jiakun
Published: July 2018

Fish detect water motions with their mechanosensory lateral line. The basic functional unit of the lateral line is the neuromast. In most fish species neuromasts are located in lateral line canals (canal neuromasts) or on the skin (superficial neuromasts). In this paper we describe the lateral line system of pufferfish, Takifugu obscurus. If threatened, this fish inflates its body by sucking water into the esophagus. Pufferfish lack a canal system but have neuromasts located directly on the skin or in open grooves. Each groove houses Tall, Medium, and Short Neuromasts, based on the height of their pedestal. One or more Medium neuromasts were always located between two Tall neuromasts, and the Short neuromasts were scattered between them. Tall neuromasts showed phasic responses to water jets, similar to the canal neuromasts of other fish species. In contrast, the Medium and Short neuromasts showed tonic responses to water jets. The response properties of nerve fibers that innervated the latter two types of neuromasts were similar to the response properties of the superficial neuromasts found in other fish species. Our results suggest that each groove of a pufferfish has two functional groups of neuromasts. This may allow pufferfish to extract spatial and temporal hydrodynamic information, despite the changes in body shape that occur during and after inflation. The short neuromasts at the bottom of a groove most likely supplement the medium neuromasts when the body is maximally inflated.
Time to really share real-world data?
Authors: Graham Sophie , McDonald Laura , Wasiak Radek , Lees Michael , Ramagopalan Sreeram
Published: July 2018

Data other than that from clinical trials are important for healthcare decision making. However, unlike the vocal calls seen for more open access to trial data, there are limited efforts being made to ensure that agencies that collect real-world data (RWD) share this, despite its importance. There are many RWD sources across the world that could be readily exploited for research once shared. There are policy and privacy questions that need to be tackled, but opening up and sharing RWD offers remarkable potential for improvements in care for individuals and more effective use of limited healthcare resources. Open science should become the standard for RWD as well as clinical trials, especially those that have a high likelihood to influence practice.
Product Market Threats and Stock Crash Risk
Authors: Li Si , Zhan Xintong
Published: July 2018

This paper examines the effect of product market threats on firms’ stock crash risk. Competitive pressure from the product market aggravates managers’ incentive to withhold negative information. When negative information is accumulated to a tipping point, the accumulated information comes out all at once and leads to an abrupt and large decline in stock price. Using a measure of product market threats, our regressions find that firms facing more threats are more prone to stock crashes. This result is confirmed by an instrumental variable analysis and a difference-in-difference analysis with an exogenous shock to market competition.

This paper was accepted by Neng Wang, finance.
Next Generation in Computing with Agent Oriented Distributed System: Protocols and Features
Authors: Singh Chowhan Rahul , Dayya Purva
Published: July 2018

Distributed structure of programming and computing has evolved in all facets of development and spawned a new era of distributed computing. In these structures, the isolated processing nodes have been networked to form a powerful processing and communication device. Now, they need an integrated infrastructure for communication that is capable of providing and developing strong and secure mobility features. The mobile agent technology is becoming a promising solution for widely distributed systems like the Internet. Mobile agent based infrastructure is capable of forming migratory environment efficiently using the network resources. The mobile agent is software code capable of moving closer to the required resource in contrast to systems that incorporate the mobility of non-executable code only. It is also required for various agent-oriented languages to support architectural heterogeneity and less or no dependency on the previous system once an agent is transmitted to another system in the network. This paper reviews the architectural components that exist and required for agent-based systems. It also reviews various software components of universal mobile agent system and explores some aspects of migration and intercommunication of agent-oriented approaches.
Submuscular plates versus flexible nails in preadolescent diaphyseal femur fractures
Authors: Chen L.-K. , Sullivan B. T. , Sponseller P. D.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

To compare patient characteristics, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) and complications after insertion and removal of submuscular plates (SMPs) versus flexible nails (FNs) for paediatric diaphyseal femur fractures.

Methods

We reviewed records of 58 children (mean age, 7.7 years SD 2.0) with diaphyseal femur fractures who underwent treatment with SMPs (n = 30) or FNs (n = 28) from 2005 to 2017 (mean follow-up, 22 months SD 28). Patients with pathological fractures or musculoskeletal comorbidities were excluded. Alpha = 0.05.

Results

Insertion of FNs was associated with shorter operative time (ß = –24 mins) and less EBL (ß = –38 mL) (both, p < 0.001) compared with insertion of SMPs, after adjusting for fracture type and time from beginning of study period. Removal of FNs was also associated with shorter operative time (ß = –15 min) compared with removal of SMPs (p < 0.001). EBL during removal was similar between groups (p = 0.080). The FN group had a shorter LOS after insertion (ß = –0.2 d) compared with the SMP group (p = 0.032). Four patients treated with SMPs and three treated with FNs developed surgical site infections. Two patients treated with SMPs and seven treated with FNs experienced implant irritation that resolved with removal. No other complications occurred.

Conclusion

Compared with SMPs, FNs were associated with shorter operative time (for insertion and removal), less EBL (for insertion) and shorter post-insertion LOS in patients with diaphyseal femur fractures.

Level of Evidence

III
The Analysis of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Effect on Solution Conductivity
Authors: Mahardiono Novan Agung , Fakhrurroja Hanif , Luvita V. , Cahyaningsih Sudaryati
Published: July 2018

This paper presents the observation of magnetization process variableswhich influenced the conductivity of FeSO4, MnSO4, MgCl2 and CaCl2solution. Some of the survey results revealed that there was a decrease inthe rate of particle formation of FeSO4, MnSO4, MgCl2 and CaCl2 of theions in the sample of the magnetized hard water. This study compared theconductivity of FeSO4, MnSO4, MgCl2 and CaCl2 solution before and afterthe pulsed electromagnetic field with a concentration level of 0.1 M wasgiven. Electromagnetic Water Treatment (EW) was used to generate theelectromagnetic pulse wit 9.3 mT pulsed electromagnetic filed. Tools Themeasurement of solution conductivity level conducted using BenchConductivity Meter was calibrated by Control Company with certificatenumber 4163-4997748 and traceable to the National Institute of Standardsand Technology. The measurement was conducted by observing the timefunction of solution conductivity of FeSO4, MnSO4, MgCl2, and CaCl2.The results showed that pulsed electromagnetic fields affected theconductivity of FeSO4 and CaCl2 solution by74% and 67%, respectively.Meanwhile, the lower conductivity was observed from MnSO4 and MgCl2solution with 6% due to process of magnetization which caused theinstability of the ionic bonding in the solution.
The Words We Use and The Worlds We Build
Authors: Duncan Sophie
Published: July 2018

The Words We Use and The Worlds We Build
Post-arc Current Measurement in Mechanical Circuit Breakers for Hvdc Applications
Authors: Schultz T.
Published: July 2018

Post-arc currents contain valuable information on the breaker’s performance. In this paper, the dimensioning procedure for a measurement system for such currents, based on a diode clamped shunt resistor is presented. Based on synthetic low and high power tests, the performance of a mock-up is evaluated. Finally, the post-arc current of a model gas circuit breaker, designed for use in DC applications, is measured.
Nonequlibrium Plasma Chemistry for Concept of Sustainable Development
Authors: Chernyak V. , Nedybaliuk O. , Tsymbaliuk O. , Fedirchyk I. , Chunikhina K. , Martysh E. , Iukhymenko V. , Veremii Iu. , Prysiazhnevych I. , Prysiazhna O. , Prysiazhnyi V.
Published: July 2018

This work is devoted to the exploration of the compatibility of the hybrid plasma-catalytic conversion of liquid hydrocarbons into syngas with the concept of sustainable development. The results of experimental investigations indicate the high efficiency of plasma-catalytic conversion of ethanol to syngas and the small amount of waste (a few percent of feedstock weight). The results of the simulation of the kinetics using ZDPlasKin code for thermochemical and hybrid plasma-catalytic conversion.
Polymeric Ablation Induced by Free Burning Arcs in Air
Authors: Bator M. , Bianchetti R. , Suetterlin P.
Published: July 2018

We investigate the influence of switching arcs on different polymers and their interaction. We describe a set of experiments on a simplified model geometry typical for low voltage switchgear. In a broad range of experimental conditions and parameters such as arc current, polymeric material or contact material, the voltage, the mass loss and the corresponding pressure build-up are examined. From this raw data, we deduce the arc influence on the ablation process as well as the feedback on some arc plasma properties.
Development of Current Limiting Device for Short and Autonomous Networks
Authors: Vostrov K. , Frolov V. , Safonov E.
Published: July 2018

In this paper, the problem of tripping of high values of short-circuit currents in mediumvoltage networks will be considered. Disconnection of short-circuit currents which can reach 100–300 kA in short networks is difficult task for modern switching equipment due to the impossibility of damping the electric arc generated by such currents, and due to strong thermal and electrodynamic effects on elements of the switching device. Solution based on active current limiting reactor will be presented.
Rywalizacja Unii Europejskiej i Rosji na obszarze Bałkanów Zachodnich
Authors: OLSZEWSKI PAWEŁ , CHOJAN ADRIAN
Published: July 2018

W niniejszym artykule autorzy prezentują relacje pomiędzy Federacją Rosyjską a Unią Europejską w kontekście rywalizacji o wpływy na obszarze Bałkanów Zachodnich. Szczególną uwagę autorzy zwracają na przecinające się linie interesów i niemniej ważne aspekty historycznej partycypacji w stosunkach wewnątrz regionu obu aktorów. W artykule zarówno poruszono kwestie polityczne, społeczne jak i gospodarcze, które stanowią meritum wzajemnych relacji zarówno na przestrzeni Federacja Rosyjska – Unia Europejska, jak i pomiędzy oboma aktorami a państwami regionu.
Referenda and their impact on the future of a united Europe. Brexit and the shape of the European Union
Authors: MUSIAŁ-KARG MAGDALENA
Published: July 2018

Praktyka wykorzystania form demokracji bezpośredniej w państwach europejskich dowodzi, iż prócz licznych głosowań referendalnych w sprawach ogólnonarodowych, coraz bardziej popularnym przedmiotem debaty publicznej, a następnie głosowania stają się również kwestie o tematyce „unijnej”. Wykorzystanie referendum ogólnonarodowego do decydowania w sprawach procesu integracji europejskiej nie jest zjawiskiem nowym, bowiem pierwsze głosowanie o tej tematyce miało miejsce już w 1972 r. Od tego czasu integracja europejska stała się przedmiotem 60 ogólnonarodowych referendów – zarówno w państwach członkowskich, w państwach kandydujących, jak i w państwach „trzecich”, które związane są dziś z Unią Europejską różnego rodzaju umowami bilateralnymi. Większość doświadczeń związanych z wykorzystaniem referendów w sprawach „europejskich” jest – można rzec – pozytywnych, jednak część z nich przysporzyło państwom członkowskim i samej Unii wielu problemów. Jednym z ostatnich przykładów głosowań referendalnych, którego konsekwencje będą miały swój wyraz w przyszłym kształcie Unii Europejskiej, jest głosowanie z 23 czerwca 2016 r. sprawie członkostwa Wielkiej Brytanii w UE. Głównym celem niniejszego tekstu jest odpowiedź na pytanie o konsekwencje referendów w sprawie integracji (ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem głosowania brytyjskiego) dla przyszłego kształtu Unii Europejskiej.
Asserting the leadership in Brexit negotiations
Authors: NIKLEWICZ KONRAD
Published: July 2018

Negocjacje tzw. Brexitu, czyli wyjścia Wielkiej Brytanii z Unii Europejskiej były nie tylko jednym z największych wyzwań stojących przed Unią Europejską w 2017 roku. Dla unijnych instytucji – Rady, Komisji Europejskiej i Parlamentu Europejskiego – okazały się też być kolejną odsłoną gry o pozycję w porządku instytucjonalnym Unii Europejskiej. Wszystkie trzy instytucje aktywnie w tej grze uczestniczyły, jednak to zaangażowanie Parlamentu Europejskiego było najbardziej zauważalne. Niniejszy artykuł analizuje starania PE by wykorzystać uruchomienie procedury z art. 50 Traktatu Unii Europejskiej do wzmocnienia swojej pozycji politycznej, poprzez celowo sformułowaną komunikację. Autor chce wykazać, że działania Parlamentu wpisały się tym samym w model konstruktywistyczny. Aktywność Parlamentu Europejskiego jest poddana analizie także w świetle teorii instytucjonalizmu historycznego, pozwalającej wyjaśnić motywy specyficznego zachowania PE: regularnie powtarzanych prób zwiększenia władzy. Jako że w chwili pisania niniejszego artykułu proces negocjacji „Brexitu” nie był jeszcze zakończony, autor sugeruje konieczność przeprowadzenia dalszych badań dynamiki międzyinstytucjonalnej. Zebrane do tej pory dowody zdecydowanie sugerują, że proces wychodzenia Wielkiej Brytanii z Unii Europejskiej może trwale wpłynąć na relację sił między głównymi instytucjami UE.