bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changing from two‐ to one‐operator colonoscopy insertion technique is feasible with similar quality outcomes
Authors: Yen Hsu‐Heng , Hsu Yu‐Chun 
Published: December 2018

Background and AimColonoscopy can be performed with two‐operator (2OP) or one‐operator (1OP) methods. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and colonoscopy quality outcomes for the two different colonoscopy insertion techniques.MethodsOne colonoscopist from Changhua Christian Hospital learned and changed the colonoscopy insertion technique from 2OP to 1OP during 2013. Real‐life results of screening colonoscopies performed by this colonoscopist between these two insertion techniques (year 2012: 2OP vs year 2014: 1OP) were retrospectively reviewed and compared.ResultsIn total, 219 screening colonoscopies were reviewed (2OP group, n = 103 vs 1OP group, n = 116). No differences were noted between both groups in terms of patient age, gender, weight, and height. The overall cecum intubation was 98.2%, adenoma detection rate (ADR) was 29.7%, and colonoscopy withdrawal time was 518.58 ± 972.04 s. On comparing colonoscopy quality outcomes between both methods, no differences were observed in cecal intubation rates (2OP vs 1OP: 100 vs 96.6%, P = 0.1626), ADR (28 vs 31%, P = 0.7401), and colonoscopy withdrawal time (454.88 ± 178.21 vs 576.92 ± 1325.01 s, P = 0.355). However, the 1OP group demonstrated significantly shorter colonoscopy insertion time (2OP vs 1OP: 298.28 ± 202.95 vs 216.21 ± 121.99 s, P = 0.003).ConclusionColonoscopy quality outcomes were not impaired when one endoscopist changed the colonoscopy practice pattern from 2OP to 1OP. However, 1OP significantly shortened the colonoscopy insertion time.
The insights into molecular pathways of hypoxia‐inducible factor in the brain
Authors: Ostrowski Robert P. , Zhang John H. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe objectives of this present work were to review recent developments on the role of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) in the survival of cells under normoxic versus hypoxic and inflammatory brain conditions. The dual nature of HIF effects appears well established, based on the accumulated evidence of HIF playing both the role of adaptive factor and mediator of cell demise. Cellular HIF responses depend on pathophysiological conditions, developmental phase, comorbidities, and administered medications. In addition, HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α actions may vary in the same tissues. The multiple roles of HIF in stem cells are emerging. HIF not only regulates expression of target genes and thereby influences resultant protein levels but also contributes to epigenetic changes that may reciprocally provide feedback regulations loops. These HIF‐dependent alterations in neurological diseases and its responses to treatments in vivo need to be examined alongside with a functional status of subjects involved in such studies. The knowledge of HIF pathways might be helpful in devising HIF‐mimetics and modulating drugs, acting on the molecular level to improve clinical outcomes, as exemplified here by clinical and experimental data of selected brain diseases, occasionally corroborated by the data from disorders of other organs. Because of complex role of HIF in brain injuries, prospective therapeutic interventions need to differentially target HIF responses depending on their roles in the molecular mechanisms of neurologic diseases.
Tumor budding and adjacent tissue at the invasive front correlate with delayed neck metastasis in clinical early‐stage tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yamakawa Nobuhiro , Kirita Tadaaki , Umeda Masahiro , Yanamoto Souichi , Ota Yoshihide , Otsuru Mitsunobu , Okura Masaya , Kurita Hiroshi , Yamada Shin‐ichi , Hasegawa Takumi , Aikawa Tomonao , Komori Takahide , Ueda Michihiro ,   Japan Oral Oncology Group (JOOG)
Published: December 2018

Background and ObjectivesSome patients with early‐stage oral cancer have a poor prognosis owing to the delayed neck metastasis (DNM). Tumor budding is reportedly a promising prognostic marker in many cancers. Moreover, the tissue surrounding a tumor is also considered to play a prognostic role. In this study, we evaluated whether tumor budding and adjacent tissue at the invasive front can be potential novel predictors of DNM in early tongue cancer.MethodsIn total, 337 patients with early‐stage tongue squamous cell carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed. The patient characteristics and histopathological factors were evaluated for association with DNM. DNM rates were calculated; items which were significant in the univariate analysis were used as explanatory variables, and independent factors for DNM were identified by the multivariate analysis.ResultsThe univariate analysis identified T classification, depth of invasion, tumor budding, vascular invasion, and adjacent tissue at the invasive front as significant predictors of DNM; the multivariate analysis using these factors revealed all the above variables except vascular invasion, which are independent predictors of DNM.ConclusionIn addition to conventional predictors, high grade tumor budding and adjacent tissue at the invasive front can serve as useful predictors of DNM in early tongue cancer.
Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Peritraumatic and Posttraumatic Emotions Questionnaires Among Active Duty Military Personnel With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Zang Yinying , Gay Natalie G. , Kaczkurkin Antonia N. , McLean Carmen P. , Wachen Jennifer Schuster , Yarvis Jeffrey S. , Litz Brett T. , Yadin Elna , Mintz Jim , Roache John D. , Young‐McCaughan Stacey , Peterson Alan L. , Foa Edna B. , Resick Patricia A. ,   for the STRONG STAR Consortium
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe Peritraumatic Emotions Questionnaire (Peri‐TEQ) and Posttraumatic Emotions Questionnaire (Post‐TEQ) are self‐report measures of emotions experienced during and after a traumatic event, respectively. The factor structure and psychometric properties of the Peri‐ and Post‐TEQ were investigated among 474 military personnel with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following deployment. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to test the factor structure of the scales. Internal consistency, composite reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were also assessed. Four factors were identified for the Peri‐TEQ (Fear, Humiliation, Anger, and Sadness), and three factors were identified for the Post‐TEQ (Fear, Anger‐Hurt, and Humiliation). The full scales and all subscales demonstrated adequate‐to‐good internal consistency, Cronbach's αs = .722–.893. The subscales demonstrated adequate‐to‐good composite reliability, Cronbach's αs = .763–.861. The Peri‐ and Post‐TEQ demonstrated good convergent validity with measures of PTSD symptoms, rs = .229–.601, ps < .001, and depressive symptoms, rs = .284–.470, ps < .001, and good discriminate validity with measures of resilience, ps = .116–.940, and unit cohesion, Peri‐TEQ, p = .304 and Post‐TEQ, r = −.123, p = .008. The Humiliation subscales demonstrated good convergent validity with guilt cognitions, rs = .315–.341, ps < .001, and the Anger subscales demonstrated good convergent validity with state anger, rs = .260–.347, ps < .001. The Peri‐ and Post‐TEQ are reliable, valid self‐report measures of emotions during and in response to remembering a trauma. The results support the use of these measures in research investigating trauma‐related emotions.
Acute findings in an acquired neurosensory dysfunction
Authors: Hoffer Michael E. , Levin Bonnie E. , Snapp Hillary , Buskirk James , Balaban Carey 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundIn the Autumn of 2016, diplomatic personnel residing in Havana began to present with symptoms of dizziness, ear pain, and tinnitus that emerged after perception of high frequency noise and/or a pressure sensation. Understanding the acute symptoms of this disorder is important for better defining the disorder and developing optimal diagnostic, preventive, and treatment algorithms.ObjectivesTo define the presenting symptoms in a cohort of patients in the acute time period after perceiving a noise/pressure exposure in Havana.Design/Settings/ParticipantsReview of 25 symptomatic individuals who reported a localized sensation of noise/pressure and 10 asymptomatic individuals (roommates of those affected) who did not experience the sound/pressure.ResultsImmediately after the exposure, the majority of individuals reported intense ear pain in one or both ears and experienced tinnitus. All of the individuals noticed unsteadiness and features of cognitive impairment. On presentation to our center, dizziness (92%) and cognitive complaints (56%) were the most common symptoms. Formal testing revealed that 100% of individuals had an otolithic abnormality and evidence of cognitive dysfunction.Conclusion and RelevanceThis study focuses on the acute presentation of a phenomenon in which symptoms emerge after perception of a localized noise/pressure and in which the acute symptomology includes the universal nature of vestibular injuries and select cognitive deficits. The findings presented in this acute group of patients begin to provide a better picture of the initial injury pattern seen after this exposure and may allow for more accurate diagnosis of this disorder in future cases.Level of EvidenceRetrospective review
Frequency spectrum analysis of lightweight foamed concrete using microwave dielectric measurement technique
Authors: Lee Kim Yee , Phua Yeong‐Nan , Lim Siong‐Kang , You Kok Yeow , Cheng Ee Meng 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe dielectric characterization of concrete is a significant parameter to study the microwave signal transmission for the building materials. In this paper, a microwave measurement system has been developed using open ended coaxial sensor and vector network analyzer for frequency spectrum analysis of lightweight foamed concrete. The measurement setup is validated prior to make sure the system is working properly. The results of dielectric constant and loss factor of different densities lightweight concrete samples are measured and analyzed from 150 kHz to 8 GHz. From the analysis, the lightweight foamed concrete is a frequency spectrum friendly building material. In addition, the relationship between the dielectric constant and density of the lightweight foamed concrete is found to be interrelated. The empirical modeling of some selected frequencies has been formed. The models are useful for the future application on determining the dielectric constant and characteristic of lightweight concrete samples.
Holographic design of leaky‐wave antenna with gain controlled four beams
Authors: Liu Jinlin , Su Tao , Wu Bian , Lv Huanhuan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn this article, a holographic design of leaky‐wave antenna (LWA) with gain controlled 4 beams using artificial impedance surface (AIS) is presented. The AIS is composed of sub‐wavelength patches which have small physical sizes and less loss. Based on the principle of the holographic theory, the radiation pattern with 4 beams can be obtained with the AIS excited by the reference wave. By adjusting the amplitude coefficients of the modulation depth of each beam, the gain of each beam can be effectively controlled. For validating the analysis, a prototype is fabricated and measured. The results show that the proposed method is an efficient way to design gain controlled 4‐beam LWA.
Resolving interferences of triple‐crossover‐cranes by determining paths in networks
Authors: Briskorn Dirk , Zey Lennart 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn order to reduce waiting times of trucks or other container transport vehicles in terminals storage blocks in seaport container terminals may be equipped with three stacking cranes. With an increasing number of cranes, however, the determination of conflict‐free schedules not only becomes more challenging but also is a key factor for the overall productivity of the cranes. In this article we develop a heuristic algorithm that provides conflict‐free routings for a triple‐crossover‐stacking‐crane setting minimizing the makespan for a given assignment of container jobs to cranes and a given sequence of jobs for each crane. We tackle this problem by developing a graphical model allowing us to construct a network of paths. Each path represents a conflict‐free schedule and we can determine a very good routing by finding the shortest path in the network. We demonstrate the method's effectiveness as well as its efficiency by means of a computational study.
Development of stochastic isogeometric analysis (SIGA) method for uncertainty in shape
Authors: Zhang Hongguan , Shibutani Tadahiro 
Published: December 2018

SummaryIn this paper, a new method is proposed that extend the classical deterministic isogeometric analysis (IGA) into a probabilistic analytical framework in order to evaluate the uncertainty in shape and aim to investigate a possible extension of IGA in the field of computational stochastic mechanics. Stochastic IGA (SIGA) method for uncertainty in shape is developed by employing the geometric characteristics of the non‐uniform rational basis spline and the probability characteristics of polynomial chaos expansions (PCE). The proposed method can accurately and freely evaluate problems of uncertainty in shape caused by deformation of the structural model. Additionally, we use the intrusive formulation approach to incorporate PCE into the IGA framework, and the C++ programming language to implement this analysis procedure. To verify the validity and applicability of the proposed method, two numerical examples are presented. The validity and accuracy of the results are assessed by comparing them to the results obtained by Monte Carlo simulation based on the IGA algorithm.
Evaluation of traveltime tomography in estimating near‐surface velocity inversion
Authors: Liu Yuzhu , Wu Zheng 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTNear‐surface velocity structures are generally inverted by ray‐based traveltime tomography in which the objective function is usually constructed using raypath traveltime residuals. However, inversion accuracy in these situations remains low due to the asymptotic assumption. On the contrary, phase and instantaneous traveltime tomographies invert frequency‐dependent traveltime rather than the asymptotic raypath version that is contained in the first‐arrival waveform for near‐surface velocities. They also take the finite‐frequency effect of the seismic wave propagation into account by using wavepaths instead of raypaths as sensitivity kernels. In this context, we firstly compare synthetic results between raypath traveltime, phase traveltime and instantaneous traveltime in this study before comparing their corresponding sensitivity kernels. We then analyse three sets of inversion results to prove that it is still an acceptable way to construct the objective function using raypath traveltime for tomography within the seismic exploration frequency band. In this way, time‐domain wave‐equation forward simulation can be avoided and therefore the computational cost can be dramatically reduced. We also demonstrate that a sensitivity kernel that takes the finite‐frequency effect into account is more important for inversion accuracy than traveltime used in tomography.
A cross‐cultural validation of the Resiliency Scale for Young Adults in Canada and China
Authors: Wilson Claire A. , Plouffe Rachel A. , Saklofske Donald H. , Yan Gonggu , Nordstokke David W. , Prince‐Embury Sandra , Gao Yan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe current study reports on a cross‐cultural validation of the recently developed Resiliency Scale for Young Adults (RSYA) with two samples consisting of 617 Canadian university students and 651 Chinese university students. Confirmatory factor analysis, tests of cultural invariance, and correlations with relevant individual difference variables were conducted as tests of validity. In the Chinese sample, confirmatory factor analysis supported the factor structure of the RSYA and internal consistency reliabilities for the three factors and 10 facets were good‐to‐excellent. Cultural and gender invariance were supported. Correlations with depression, anxiety, stress, flourishing, and life satisfaction were also in the expected direction in the Chinese sample. These findings provide additional support for the RSYA as a reliable and valid measure of personal resiliency for Chinese young adults. Findings support the three‐factor model of personal resiliency in both Canadian and Chinese young adults, as well as cultural and gender invariance. The robustness of this model has implications for assessing and developing resiliency cross‐culturally.
Abnormal fetal cerebral and vascular development in hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Kinnear Caroline , Haranal Maruti , Shannon Patrick , Jaeggi Edgar , Chitayat David , Mital Seema 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the cerebral and vascular development in fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).MethodsPregnant women carrying fetuses diagnosed with HLHS who decided to interrupt their pregnancies were included in our study. Aortic size and blood flow were assessed based from fetal echocardiography. Immunohistochemical staining was performed in brain sections obtained from pathology in fetuses with HLHS and control fetuses without heart disease.ResultsTwenty‐seven midgestation fetal HLHS were included (gestational age, 23.3 ± 3.4 weeks). Head circumference z scores were lower in HLHS fetuses. Middle cerebral artery pulsatility index, a measure of cerebrovascular resistance, was inversely correlated with the ascending aortic z score (P < 0.05). Fetuses with HLHS had lower capillary density in the germinal matrix and their capillaries were larger compared with control fetuses with (P < 0.05). The expression of neuronal differentiation marker, FGFR1, and oligodendrocyte precursor, O4, were lower in HLHS brains compared with controls (P < 0.05).ConclusionOur study identified abnormalities of vascular flow and structural brain abnormalities in fetal HLHS associated with impaired neuronal and oligodendrocyte differentiation, as well as cerebral growth impairment, early in gestation. These findings may be related in part to early vascular abnormalities.
Approaching 23% with large‐area monoPoly cells using screen‐printed and fired rear passivating contacts fabricated by inline PECVD
Authors: Nandakumar Naomi , Rodriguez John , Kluge Thomas , Groβe Thomas , Fondop Lauretta , Padhamnath Pradeep , Balaji Nagarajan , König Marcel , Duttagupta Shubham 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWe present n‐type bifacial solar cells with a rear interfacial SiOx/n+:poly‐Si passivating contact (‘monoPoly’ cells) where the interfacial oxide and n+:poly‐Si layers are fabricated using an industrial inline plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) tool. We demonstrate outstanding passivation quality with dark saturation current density (J0) values of approximately 3 fA/cm2 and implied open‐circuit voltage (iVoc) of 730 mV at 1‐sun conditions after firing in an industrial belt furnace. Using a simple solar cell process flow that can be easily adapted for mass production, a peak cell efficiency of 22.8% with a cell open circuit voltage (Voc) of 696 mV is achieved on large‐area, screen‐printed, Czochralski‐silicon (Cz‐Si) solar cells using commercial fire‐through metal pastes.
Unofficial hazing in secondary schools: Prevalence, activities, and attitudes
Authors: Pečjak Sonja , Pirc Tina 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe aim of our exploratory pilot study was to investigate the unofficial initiation rite of accepting novices in secondary school. We examined the prevalence of unofficial hazing, types and frequency of hazing activities and the attitudes toward hazing of students with different roles in hazing (targets, bystanders, and target‐bystanders) in a sample of 404 first‐year (secondary school) students. We found out that 79% of student‐novices were involved in unofficial hazing (43% of them involuntarily); that activities of subtle hazing prevail (in 72%), but there are activities of harassment and dangerous hazing present in 28%; and that targets and target‐bystanders have more positive feelings and attitudes toward hazing than bystanders do. Implications of the study findings are also discussed.
Health outcomes in spinal muscular atrophy type 1 following AVXS‐101 gene replacement therapy
Authors: Al‐Zaidy Samiah , Pickard A. Simon , Kotha Kavitha , Alfano Lindsay N. , Lowes Linda , Paul Grace , Church Kathleen , Lehman Kelly , Sproule Douglas M. , Dabbous Omar , Maru Benit , Berry Katherine , Arnold W. David , Kissel John T. , Mendell Jerry R. , Shell Richard 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundSpinal Muscular Atrophy type 1 (SMA1) is a rare genetic neuromuscular disease where 75% of SMA1 patients die/require permanent‐ventilation by 13.6 months. This study assessed the health outcomes of SMA1 infants treated with AVXS‐101 gene replacement therapy.MethodsTwelve genetically confirmed SMA1 infants with homozygous deletions of theSMN1gene and twoSMN2gene copies received a one‐time intravenous proposed therapeutic dose of AVXS‐101 in an open label study conducted between December 2014 and 2017. Patients were followed for 2‐years post‐treatment for outcomes including (1) pulmonary interventions; (2) nutritional interventions; (3) swallow function; (4) hospitalization rates; and (5) motor function.ResultsAll 12 patients completed the study. Seven infants did not require noninvasive ventilation (NIV) by study completion. Eleven patients had stable or improved swallow function, demonstrated by the ability to feed orally; 11 patients were able to speak. The mean proportion of time hospitalized was 4.4%; the mean unadjusted annualized hospitalization rate was 2.1 (range = 0, 7.6), with a mean length of stay/hospitalization of 6.7 (range = 3, 12.1) days. Eleven patients achieved full head control and sitting unassisted and two patients were walking independently.ConclusionsAVXS‐101 treatment in SMA1 was associated with reduced pulmonary and nutritional support requirements, improved motor function, and decreased hospitalization rate over the follow‐up period. This contrasts with the natural history of progressive respiratory failure and reduced survival. The reduced healthcare utilization could potentially alleviate patient and caregiver burden, suggesting an overall improved quality of life following gene replacement therapy.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govnumber, NCT02122952.
CCC‐r charts' performance with estimated parameter for high‐quality process
Authors: Zhang Min , Hou Xuejun , Chen Hui , He Shuguang 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCCC‐r charts are effective in detecting process shifts in the nonconforming rate especially for a high‐quality process. The implementation of the CCC‐r charts is usually under the assumption that the in‐control nonconforming rate is known. However, the nonconforming rate is never known, and accurate estimation is difficult. We investigate the effect of estimation error on the CCC‐r charts' performances through the expected value of the average number of observations to signal (EANOS) as well as the standard deviation of the average number of observations to signal (SDANOS). By comparing the in‐control performance of the CCC‐r charts, the CCC‐r chart with a larger value of r is more susceptible to the effects of parameter estimation. Meanwhile, the performance of the CCC‐r charts can converge when detecting upward shifts in p of out‐of‐control processes. We recommend the use of the CCC‐4 chart when considering its effectiveness in detecting shifts as well as its easier construction in practice. Furthermore, it is investigated that the CCC‐4 chart is less sensitive to parameter estimation while being more effective in detecting different process shifts when compared with Geometric CUSUM chart and synthetic chart.