bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of mast cell subtypes in interstitial cystitis: implications for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies?
Authors: Malik Shabana T , Birch Brian R , Voegeli David , Fader Mandy , Foria Vipul , Cooper Alan J , Walls Andrew F , Lwaleed Bashir A
Published: May 2018

Aims

To identify the presence and geographical distribution of mast cell (MC) subtypes: MCT(tryptase positive–chymase negative) and MCTC(tryptase positive–chymase positive) in bladder tissue.

Methods

Bladder tissue was obtained from patients with painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (n=14) and normal histology from University Hospital Southampton tissue bank. Sequential tissue slices were immunohistochemically stained for MC subtypes using anti-MC tryptase (for MCTand MCTC) and anti-MC chymase (for MCTC). Stained sections were photographed, and positively stained MCs were quantified using ImageJ. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and individual paired t-tests.

Results

There was a significant difference in the density of MCs between each layer of the disease bladder, with the greatest accumulation within the detrusor (p<0.001). There was a significant increase in MCTCsubtype in the lamina (p=0.009) in painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that mastocytosis is present within all layers of disease bladder, especially the muscle layer. The varying increase in MC subtypes in the lamina and mucosa may explain the variability in painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis symptoms. A high influx of MCTCin the mucosa of individuals who also had ulceration noted within their diagnostic notes may be of the Hunner’s ulcer subclassification. These findings suggest a relationship between the pathogenesis of MC subtypes and the clinical presentation of painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis. A cohort study would further elucidate the diagnostic and/or therapeutic potential of MCs in patients with painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis.
Secular trend, seasonality and effects of a community-based intervention on neonatal mortality: follow-up of a cluster-randomised trial in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam
Authors: Eriksson Leif , Nga Nguyen T , Hoa Dinh T Phuong , Duc Duong M , Bergström Anna , Wallin Lars , Målqvist Mats , Ewald Uwe , Huy Tran Q , Thuy Nguyen T , Do Tran Thanh , Lien Pham T L , Persson Lars-Åke , Selling Katarina Ekholm
Published: May 2018

Background

Little is know about whether the effects of community engagement interventions for child survival in low-income and middle-income settings are sustained. Seasonal variation and secular trend may blur the data. Neonatal mortality was reduced in a cluster-randomised trial in Vietnam where laywomen facilitated groups composed of local stakeholders employing a problem-solving approach for 3 years. In this analysis, we aim at disentangling the secular trend, the seasonal variation and the effect of the intervention on neonatal mortality during and after the trial.

Methods

In Quang Ninh province, 44 communes were allocated to intervention and 46 to control. Births and neonatal deaths were assessed in a baseline survey in 2005, monitored during the trial in 2008–2011 and followed up by a survey in 2014. Time series analyses were performed on monthly neonatal mortality data.

Results

There were 30 187 live births and 480 neonatal deaths. The intervention reduced the neonatal mortality from 19.1 to 11.6 per 1000 live births. The reduction was sustained 3 years after the trial. The control areas reached a similar level at the time of follow-up. Time series decomposition analysis revealed a downward trend in the intervention areas during the trial that was not found in the control areas. Neonatal mortality peaked in the hot and wet summers.

Conclusions

A community engagement intervention resulted in a lower neonatal mortality rate that was sustained but not further reduced after the end of the trial. When decomposing time series of neonatal mortality, a clear downward trend was demonstrated in intervention but not in control areas.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN44599712, Post-results.
Survey of UK horse owners’ knowledge of equine arboviruses and disease vectors
Authors: Chapman Gail Elaine , Baylis Matthew , Archer Debra C
Published: May 2018

Increased globalisation and climate change have led to concern about the increasing risk of arthropod‐borne virus (arbovirus) outbreaks globally. An outbreak of equine arboviral disease in northern Europe could impact significantly on equine welfare, and result in economic losses. Early identification of arboviral disease by horse owners may help limit disease spread. In order to determine what horse owners understand about arboviral diseases of horses and their vectors, the authors undertook an open, cross‐sectional online survey of UK horse owners. The questionnaire was distributed using social media and a press release and was active between May and July 2016. There were 466 respondents, of whom 327 completed the survey in full. High proportions of respondents correctly identified photographic images of biting midges (71.2 per cent) and mosquitoes (65.4 per cent), yet few were aware that they transmit equine infectious diseases (31.4 per cent and 35.9 per cent, respectively). Of the total number of respondents, only 7.4 per cent and 16.2 per cent correctly named a disease transmitted by biting midges and mosquitoes, respectively. Only 13.1 per cent and 12.5 per cent of participants identified specific clinical signs of African horse sickness (AHS) and West Nile virus (WNV), respectively. This study demonstrates that in the event of heightened disease risk educational campaigns directed towards horse owners need to be implemented, focussing on disease awareness, clinical signs and effective disease prevention strategies.
Influence of particle size and gradation on shear strength–dilation relation of granular materials
Authors: Amirpour Harehdasht Samaneh , Hussien Mahmoud N. , Karray Mourad , Roubtsova Varvara , Chekired Mohamed
Published: May 2018

Upon close scrutiny of data reported in the literature, taking into account particle-scale characteristics to optimize the precision of the well-known empirical Bolton’s equations and imposing particle-size limits on them is recommended. The present paper examines the potential influence of particle size and grading on the shear strength–dilation relation of granular materials from the results of 276 symmetrical direct shear tests. The applicability of physical symmetrical direct shear tests to interpret the plane strain frictional shearing resistance of granular materials has been widely discussed using the discrete element method (DEM) computer code SiGran. Sixteen different grain-size distribution curves of three different materials were tested at different normal pressures and initial relative densities. It is demonstrated that while the contribution of dilatancy to shear strength is not influenced by the variation in the coefficient of uniformity, Cu, in the investigated range, it significantly decreases with increasing mean particle size, D50. The coefficients of Bolton’s equations have been, therefore, adjusted to account for D50. A comparison of the predictions by the proposed empirical formulas with plane strain friction angle, [Formula: see text], and dilation angle, ψ, data from the literature shows that accounting for the grain size yields more accurate results.
Assessing the potential impact of a biorefinery product from sawmill residues on the profitability of a hardwood value chain
Authors: Hassegawa Mariana , Gélinas Nancy , Beaudoin Daniel , Achim Alexis
Published: May 2018

Due to the high amount of low-quality hardwoods harvested during selection cuts, the forest industry has been facing a decline in profit margins. One possible solution for utilizing the low-quality raw material is the production of extracts. The objective of this work was to estimate to what extent the inclusion of betulin in the traditional wood products portfolio could extend the profitability of a hardwood value chain. The profitability of a selection cut was assessed from the sawmill perspective, followed by an evaluation of the potential financial gain of producing betulin. Finally, the inclusion of betulin in a value chain was assessed. Results showed that the profitability of selection cuts was very low in some forest stands. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated that, among selected costs and revenues, profit was more sensitive to variations in the value of coproducts. If a fraction of coproducts volume was used to extract betulin, it would be sufficient to generate enough revenue to offset the total costs; however, a major constraint was the small size of the current betulin market, with annual sales not exceeding 1000 kg. Despite that, results demonstrate the potentially strong contribution of high value added extracts to the profitability of the forest value chain.
Plant community development following reclamation of oil sands mine sites in the boreal forest: a review
Authors: Dhar Amalesh , Comeau Philip G. , Karst Justine , Pinno Bradley D. , Chang Scott X. , Naeth Anne M. , Vassov Robert , Bampfylde Caroline
Published: May 2018

Understanding how reclamation practices influence plant community assembly and succession is an important step in developing realistic indicators and targets for reclamation of oil sands mine sites to upland forest ecosystems. We currently have a poor understanding of factors affecting plant community assembly and succession in reclaimed oil sands sites. Through synthesis of research completed over the last 24 years, we identify four key findings: (i) use of surface soil and forest floor material salvaged from mined areas increases plant species cover, richness, and diversity relative to the use of various other cover soil materials (such as clay subsoil); (ii) stockpiling of salvaged surface soils decreases the abundance of native plant propagules and delays early vegetation community development; (iii) differences in plant community composition between reclaimed and adjacent mature forests remain two decades after placing cover soils; however, differences are smaller with use of forest floor–mineral mix than peat–mineral mix; and (iv) plant community assembly is in progress but communities remain different to those found in natural undisturbed conditions. Our review identified critical knowledge gaps for further research to improve understanding of: (i) long-term (60 to 100 years) plant community composition in reclaimed oil sands sites; (ii) how residual forest patches near disturbed oil sands sites act as seed and propagule sources in newly reclaimed sites; (iii) plant community assembly processes in reclamation sites; (iv) the effect of micro-topographic heterogeneity on plant community development; and (v) how soil nutrient availability in different substrates influences plant community development over the long term. Ongoing support for selected existing studies and establishment of new studies focusing on plant community development through long-term monitoring are highly recommended.
EFFECT OF ANISOTROPIC SURFACE TENSION ON THE MORPHOLOGICAL STABILITY OF DEEP CELLULAR CRYSTAL GROWTH IN DIRECTIONAL SOLIDIFICATION
Authors: JIANG HAN , CHEN MING-WEN , WANG ZI-DONG
Published: May 2018

This paper studies the effect of anisotropic surface tension on the morphological stability of deep cellular crystal in directional solidification by using the matched asymptotic expansion method and multiple variable expansion method. We find that the morphological stability of deep cellular crystal growth with anisotropic surface tension shows the same mechanism as that with isotropic surface tension. The deep cellular crystal growth contains two types of global instability mechanisms: the global oscillatory instability, whose neutral modes yield strong oscillatory dendritic structures, and the low-frequency instability, whose neutral modes yield weakly oscillatory cellular structures. Anisotropic surface tension has the significant effect on the two global instability mechanisms. As the anisotropic surface tension increases, the unstable domain of global oscillatory instability decreases, whereas the unstable domain of the global low-frequency instability increases.
Ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks in the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt: compositional inheritance and metamorphic modification
Authors: Zheng Yong-Fei , Zhao Zi-Fu , Chen Ren-Xu
Published: May 2018

The Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt in east-central China contains one of the largest ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic terranes in the world. The UHP eclogites are associated with gneiss, peridotite and marble. But all these rocks underwent
in situ
UHP metamorphism during the continental collision in the Triassic. Although fluid action is not significant during cold subduction, it becomes prominent during hot exhumation of UHP slices. Whereas the composition of UHP metamorphic rocks is primarily inherited from their protoliths, they were locally modified by partial melting to varying extents. The partial melting of UHP rocks is highly heterogeneous along the collisional orogen, and achieves a maximum during rifting orogeny at the post-collisional stage. This paper outlines the petrographical features and geochemical compositions of UHP metamorphic rocks, and presents an overview of collisional modification and post-collisional reworking of the subducted continental crust. Further discussions are devoted to continental subduction tectonics, as well as to subduction style, subduction polarity and exhumation mechanism. The results also provide insights into the initiation of continental rifting in a Wilson cycle. Consequently, studies of the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt have contributed greatly to our understanding of tectonic processes, fluid regime and chemical geodynamics in continental subduction zones.
Explorations in statistics: the log transformation
Authors: Curran-Everett Douglas
Published: May 2018

Learning about statistics is a lot like learning about science: the learning is more meaningful if you can actively explore. This thirteenth installment of Explorations in Statistics explores the log transformation, an established technique that rescales the actual observations from an experiment so that the assumptions of some statistical analysis are better met. A general assumption in statistics is that the variability of some response Y is homogeneous across groups or across some predictor variable X. If the variability—the standard deviation—varies in rough proportion to the mean value of Y, a log transformation can equalize the standard deviations. Moreover, if the actual observations from an experiment conform to a skewed distribution, then a log transformation can make the theoretical distribution of the sample mean more consistent with a normal distribution. This is important: the results of a one-sample t test are meaningful only if the theoretical distribution of the sample mean is roughly normal. If we log-transform our observations, then we want to confirm the transformation was useful. We can do this if we use the Box-Cox method, if we bootstrap the sample mean and the statistic t itself, and if we assess the residual plots from the statistical model of the actual and transformed sample observations.
Design and implementation of a student-taught course on research in regenerative medicine
Authors: Tavakol Daniel Naveed , Broshkevitch Cara J. , Guilford William H. , Peirce Shayn M.
Published: May 2018

In the Undergraduate School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) at the University of Virginia (UVa), there are few opportunities for undergraduate students to teach, let alone develop, an introductory course for their major. As two undergraduate engineering students (D. N. Tavakol and C. J. Broshkevitch), we were among the first students to take advantage of a new initiative at UVa SEAS to offer student-led courses. As part of this new program, we designed a 1000-level, 1-credit, pass-fail course entitled Introduction to Research in Regenerative Medicine. During a student’s first year at the University, opportunities to build research skills and gain exposure to topics within the field of the biomedical sciences are relatively rare, so, to fill this gap, we focused our course on teaching primarily freshman undergraduate students how to synthesize and contextualize scientific literature, covering both basic science and clinical applications. At the end of the course, students self-reported increased confidence in reading and discussing scientific papers and review articles. The critical impact of this course lies not only in an early introduction to the popularized field of regenerative medicine, but also encouragement for younger students to participate in research early on and to appreciate the value of interdisciplinary interactions. The teaching model can be extended for implementation of student-taught introductory courses across diverse undergraduate major tracks at an institution.
The potential of interprofessional education to translate physiology curricula effectively into future team-based healthcare
Authors: Edwards Scott , Molina Patricia E. , McDonough Kathleen H. , Mercante Donald E. , Gunaldo Tina Patel
Published: May 2018

Incorporating active interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities into the classroom setting is a potentially effective mechanism to enhance student learning both in the basic sciences and for future interprofessional collaboration. We integrated an IPE exercise into a graduate-level human physiology course at our health sciences center that enrolled physician assistant (PA), physical therapy (PT), and graduate studies students. Our activity adopted and targeted the four Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competency domains of values/ethics (VE), roles/responsibilities, interprofessional communication, and teams and teamwork (TT). Effectiveness of the training exercise was determined via pre- and postsurveys, which assessed student self-perceptions of IPEC competency domains, as well as student reflections and evaluations of the exercise itself. We noted a significant improvement in each of the targeted IPEC subcompetencies among all of the students, and within both PT and PA groups when analyzed separately. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the number of previous IPE experiences and presurvey IPEC VE and TT subcompetency ratings. Our discoveries provide an example of broad acquisition of IPE learning within the context of a physiology curriculum. Perhaps more importantly, our findings indicate that a history of IPE training sets the stage for future IPE learning, reflecting a potential for IPE to transform basic physiological principles into team-based practice and improvement in patient outcomes.
Chromosomal architecture and placental expression of the human growth hormone gene family are targeted by pre-pregnancy maternal obesity
Authors: Jin Yan , Vakili Hana , Liu Song Yan , Menticoglou Savas , Bock Margaret E. , Cattini Peter A.
Published: May 2018

The human (h) placental lactogenic hormone chorionic somatomammotropin (CS) is highly produced during pregnancy and acts as a metabolic adaptor in response to maternal insulin resistance. Maternal obesity can exacerbate this “resistance”, and a >75% decrease in CS RNA levels was observed in term placentas from obese vs. lean women. The genes coding for hCS ( hCS-A and hCS-B) and placental growth hormone ( hGH-V) as well as the hCS-L pseudogene and pituitary growth hormone (GH) gene ( hGH-N) are located at a single locus on chromosome 17. Three remote hypersensitive sites (HS III–V) located >28 kb upstream of hGH-N as well as local hCS gene promoter and enhancer regions are implicated in hCS gene expression. A placenta-specific chromosomal architecture, including interaction between HS III–V and hCS but not hGH gene promoters, was detected in placentas from lean women (BMI <25 kg/m2) by using the chromosome conformation capture assay. This architecture was disrupted by pre-pregnancy maternal obesity (BMI >35 kg/m2), resulting in a predominant interaction between HS III and the hGH-N promoter, which was also observed in nonplacental tissues. This was accompanied by a decrease in hCS levels, which was consistent with reduced RNA polymerase II and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β association with individual hCS promoter and enhancer sequences, respectively. Thus, pre-pregnancy maternal obesity disrupts the placental hGH/CS gene locus chromosomal architecture. However, based on data from obese women who develop GDM, insulin treatment partially recapitulates the chromosomal architecture seen in lean women and positively affects hCS production, presumably facilitating prolactin receptor-related signaling by hCS.
Bandage Lenses in the Postoperative Care for Cataract Surgery Patients: A Substitute for Eye Patch?
Authors: Song Hang , Li Yingyu , Zhang Yan , Shi Danna , Li Xuemin
Published: May 2018

Purpose. To explore whether bandage lenses could be a safe and effective substitute for eye patch in the postoperative care for cataract surgery patients in terms of infection prevention, ocular impacts, and patient satisfaction. Methods. Patients who underwent cataract surgery were randomly divided into the eye patch group (Group A) and the bandage lens group (Group B). Bacterial culture samples were collected perioperatively from different sites. Evaluations of anterior segment condition and patient satisfaction were conducted on the first day of postoperative follow-up. Results. The positive rate of bacterial cultures in Group A was higher than that in Group B, but the difference was not statistically significant. Group B had significantly longer tear breakup time, higher tear meniscus height, and slightly better patient satisfaction than Group A. Conclusion. Bandage lenses can be used as a safe and effective substitute for eye patch in the postoperative care for cataract surgery patients. The Clinical Study registration number is ChiCTR-IOC-17012167.
Health Effects of 12 Weeks of Team-Sport Training and Fitness Training in a Community Health Centre for Sedentary Men with Lifestyle Diseases
Authors: Møller T. K. , Nielsen T.-T. , Andersen R. , Lundager I. , Hansen H. F. , Ottesen L. , Krustrup P. , Randers M. B.
Published: May 2018

This study compares the effects of team-sport training, for sedentary men with lifestyle diseases, with fitness training in a pragmatic set-up in a community health centre (CHC). Thirty-two men in the fitness group (FiG) and 36 men in the team-sport group (TsG) completed the training and trained for 60–90 min, two times/week for 12–16 weeks. In FiG and TsG, mean heart rate (HR) during training was 73.2% and 74.5% of HRmax, respectively. Percentage of training time above 90%HRmax was 6 ± 9% and 10 ± 15% and the percentage of participants who spent > 10% of total training time with HR > 90%HRmax was 20% and 41%, in FiG and TsG, respectively. In FiG, total fat mass was reduced by 3.5%  (P<0.01), while performance in the 6 min walking test (6MWT) increased by 11%  (P<0.001). In TsG, total fat mass was reduced by 2.2%  (P<0.01), while 6MWT performance improved by 5%  (P<0.05). Between-group differences were observed for systolic BP (P=0.041) and mean arterial pressure (P=0.050) in favour of TsG and for sit-to-stand test (P=0.031) in favour of FiG. In conclusion, small-sided team sport is a worthy alternative to fitness training since the overall health effects are comparable, for example, improved balance and reduced fat mass. Team sport elicits high heart rates and improves cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure, while fitness training improves sit-to-stand test performance related to activity of daily living.
Seed Antioxidants Interplay with Drought Stress Tolerance Indices in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L) Seedlings
Authors: Sahitya U. Lakshmi , Krishna M. S. R. , Deepthi R. Sri , Prasad G. Shiva , Kasim D. Peda
Published: May 2018

Altering climatic conditions and water stress drastically affects the chilli crop yield. In this scenario we adapted a strategic approach for screening of elite chilli genotypes, by exploring role of seed antioxidants in stress tolerance during vegetative phase. A total of 20 chilli genotypes’ seed antioxidant potential and its effect on water stress tolerance were studied at three water regimes, namely, control (100% Field Capacity), moderate (80% Field Capacity), and severe (60% Field Capacity) stress conditions. Drought tolerance traits relative water content, chlorophyll content, and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes were measured. A strong correlation was observed between seed antioxidants and water stress tolerant traits in seedlings. Genotypes KCa-5, KCa-6, and KCa-10 showed low quantity of H2O2 and Malondialdehyde in seeds and maintained high membrane integrity and chlorophyll content in seedlings. High content of proline in KCa-5, KCa-7, and KCa-10 seeds retained high relative water content at seedling stage under severe water stress. Present work reveals genotypic differences of hot pepper to different water regimes. Based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of seed antioxidant variables and drought tolerance indices twenty genotypes segregated into three clusters, namely, drought tolerant and susceptible and moderately tolerant.
Manifold Adaptive Kernelized Low‐Rank Representation for Semisupervised Image Classification
Authors: Peng Yong , Kong Wanzeng , Qin Feiwei , Nie Feiping
Published: May 2018

Constructing a powerful graph that can effectively depict the intrinsic connection of data points is the critical step to make the graph‐based semisupervised learning algorithms achieve promising performance. Among popular graph construction algorithms, low‐rank representation (LRR) is a very competitive one that can simultaneously explore the global structure of data and recover the data from noisy environments. Therefore, the learned low‐rank coefficient matrix in LRR can be used to construct the data affinity matrix. Consider the existing problems such as the following: (1) the essentially linear property of LRR makes it not appropriate to process the possible nonlinear structure of data and (2) learning performance can be greatly enhanced by exploring the structure information of data; we propose a new manifold kernelized low‐rank representation (MKLRR) model that can perform LRR in the data manifold adaptive kernel space. Specifically, the manifold structure can be incorporated into the kernel space by using graph Laplacian and thus the underlying geometry of data is reflected by the wrapped kernel space. Experimental results of semisupervised image classification tasks show the effectiveness of MKLRR. For example, MKLRR can, respectively, obtain 96.13%, 98.09%, and 96.08% accuracies on ORL, Extended Yale B, and PIE data sets when given 5, 20, and 20 labeled face images per subject.
Genome-Wide Expression Profiles of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in Response to Drought Stress
Authors: Gao Chunsheng , Cheng Chaohua , Zhao Lining , Yu Yongting , Tang Qing , Xin Pengfei , Liu Touming , Yan Zhun , Guo Yuan , Zang Gonggu
Published: May 2018

Drought is the main environmental factor impairing hemp growth and yield. In order to decipher the molecular responses of hemp to drought stress, transcriptome changes of drought-stressed hemp (DS1 and DS2), compared to well-watered control hemp (CK1 and CK2), were studied with RNA-Seq technology. RNA-Seq generated 9.83, 11.30, 11.66, and 11.31 M clean reads in the CK1, CK2, DS1, and DS2 libraries, respectively. A total of 1292 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 409 (31.66%) upregulated and 883 (68.34%) downregulated genes, were identified. The expression patterns of 12 selected genes were validated by qRT-PCR, and the results were accordant with Illumina analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG analysis illuminated particular important biological processes and pathways, which enriched many candidate genes such as NAC, B3, peroxidase, expansin, and inositol oxygenase that may play important roles in hemp tolerance to drought. Eleven KEGG pathways were significantly influenced, the most influenced being the plant hormone signal transduction pathway with 15 differentially expressed genes. A similar expression pattern of genes involved in the abscisic acid (ABA) pathway under drought, and ABA induction, suggested that ABA is important in the drought stress response of hemp. These findings provide useful insights into the drought stress regulatory mechanism in hemp.
Physical Examination Tools Used to Identify Swollen and Tender Lower Limb Joints in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Scoping Review
Authors: Fellas Antoni , Singh-Grewal Davinder , Santos Derek , Coda Andrea
Published: May 2018

Background. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common form of rheumatic disease in childhood and adolescents, affecting between 16 and 150 per 100,000 young persons below the age of 16. The lower limb is commonly affected in JIA, with joint swelling and tenderness often observed as a result of active synovitis. Objective. The objective of this scoping review is to identify the existence of physical examination (PE) tools to identify and record swollen and tender lower limb joints in children with JIA. Methods. Two reviewers individually screened the eligibility of titles and abstracts retrieved from the following online databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL. Studies that proposed and validated a comprehensive lower limb PE tool were included in this scoping review. Results. After removal of duplicates, 1232 citations were retrieved, in which twelve were identified as potentially eligible. No studies met the set criteria for inclusion. Conclusion. Further research is needed in developing and validating specific PE tools for clinicians such as podiatrists and other allied health professionals involved in the management of pathological lower limb joints in children diagnosed with JIA. These lower limb PE tools may be useful in conjunction with existing disease activity scores to optimise screening of the lower extremity and monitoring the efficacy of targeted interventions.
Seismic Protection of Cabinet Stored Cultural Relics with Silicone Dampers
Authors: Ning Xiaoqing , Dai Junwu , Bai Wen , Yang Yongqiang , Zhang Lulu
Published: May 2018

Cultural relics are precious properties of all humankind, the damage of which is nonresilient. In previous earthquakes, stored cultural relics have shown poor seismic performance, so effective seismic methods are urgently needed. However, due to various restrictions, traditional damping methods are not suitable for the cultural relics stored in the Palace Museum. An efficient damping method, composed of silicone damper and connecting elements, is proposed to protect these stored cultural relics. This novel damping device is very convenient to install and no change or move for the original structures is needed. It is suitable for various kinds of new and existing relic cabinets. In order to validate the effectiveness of this novel damping method, both numerical simulation and shaking table tests are carried out. Results show that this method can effectively enhance the seismic performance of relic cabinet itself and the internal cultural relics. Relic cabinets with damping devices deform significantly less than noncontrol cabinets while the inside relics also have less sliding or overturning. Overall, a damping method, designed for seismic protection of cabinet stored cultural relics, is proposed and its effectiveness has been successfully demonstrated.
An Efficient Certificateless Generalized Signcryption Scheme
Authors: Zhang Bo , Jia Zhongtian , Zhao Chuan
Published: May 2018

Generalized signcryption can adaptively work as an encryption scheme, a signature scheme, or a signcryption scheme with only one algorithm. The paper proposes an efficient certificateless generic signcryption scheme without utilizing bilinear pairing operations. It is proved to satisfy confidentiality and unforgeability against chosen ciphertext and message attacks in an adaptive manner, respectively, in the random oracle model. Due to the lower computational cost and communication overhead, the proposed scheme is suitable for low power and processor devices.
Vibration Characteristics Analysis of Composite Double‐Layer Explosive Vessel Shell Subjected to Explosion Loading
Authors: Wang Quan , Gong Jie , Li Zhimin , Liu Shanghao , Shu Chi-Min , Cheng Yangfan , Li Xuejiao
Published: May 2018

Explosive vessels are vulnerable to shock wave impacts during operation processing. It is necessary to explore the vessel’s vibration characteristics. In this paper, acceleration sensors were adopted to collect vibration acceleration signals at the inner and outer surfaces of the composite double‐layer explosive vessel under explosive loading. Then, the effective vibration velocity curve can be obtained by fitting polynomials to eliminate the acceleration integral trend. Thereafter, Hilbert‐Huang Transform (HHT) was applied to analyze the time‐frequency distribution of vibration velocity signals. The results showed that the special “steel plate–buffer interlayer–steel plate” structure can effectively attenuate the explosion vibration effect, and the frequency distribution range of vibration signal at the inner surface was wider than that at the outer surface, and furthermore the main vibration frequency was close to the natural frequency at the inner surface. Meanwhile, vibration amplitude and the main vibration frequency decreased obviously compared with the outer surface, and the vibration time of 0–200 Hz low‐order frequency was shortened. The above researches closely linked the energy distribution with frequency of vibration signals and provided valuable reference for safer protection and vibration reduction design of explosive vessel.
Accident Analysis in Relation to Main Roof Structure When Longwall Face Advances toward a Roadway: A Case Study
Authors: Liu Chang , Yang Zengqiang , Gong Peilin , Wang Kai , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Zhang Junwen , Li Yulin
Published: May 2018

Practices show that hydraulic supports crushing accidents or roadway supports failure often take place when a longwall face advances toward an abandoned roadway or a predriven equipment recovery room. Therefore, a 2D similar simulation experiment is conducted to reveal the loading mechanism. The result shows that when the workface advances close to roadways, the main roof breaks ahead of the workface and leads to instability of higher strata. These two changes induce a sharp increase of the load on supports and lead to an accident. Thus, more attention should be paid to the advanced fracture. Therefore, mechanical analysis is used to explain the advanced fracture. Results show that the failure of coal pillar being excavated induces a sharp increase in the main roof’s hanging length. Once the hanging length reaches the limit, the advanced fracture takes place. Therefore, the stability of the coal pillar and the hanging length of roof strata are two key factors that may induce an accident. To prevent the a similar supports crushing accident, the partial backfilled technology which partly backfills the abandoned roadway in height and length to maintain the stability of the coal pillar is put forward and put into practice. The field test shows a good effect.
Patient and Surgeon Satisfaction Levels after Using an Acrylic, Hydrophobic, Monofocal IOL and the Malyugin Ring in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome Patients
Authors: Borkenstein Andreas F. , Borkenstein Eva-Maria
Published: May 2018

Purpose. The purpose of this prospective analysis was to evaluate the patient and surgeon satisfaction levels after using a fully preloaded acrylic, hydrophobic, monofocal “premium” IOL in pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Materials and Methods. 42 eyes of twenty-eight patients with progressed cataract formation and pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXF) or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) between 0.30–1.00 logMAR were enrolled. After a detailed preexamination, they underwent phacoemulsification and implantation of the acrylic, hydrophobic, heparin-coated, single-piece, monofocal intraocular lens (CT LUCIA 601P, Zeiss, Germany) with 360° square edge and ultraclear purity aspheric ZO optic. We evaluated the visual performance of the IOL and the patient satisfaction. We also evaluated the intraoperative handling of the injector and the behavior of the IOL in these complicated cases (PXF). Results. The BCDVA increased from mean 0.48 logMAR (range 0.30–1.00 logMAR) preoperatively to −0.05 ± 0.13 logMAR postoperatively. The mean IOL power was 23.5 D (range 16.5–27.5 D). The target refraction using the Haigis formula within ±0.5 D was reached by 92.9% (n=39) and by 100% (n=42) within 1.0 D of all cases, respectively. Patient satisfaction was very high, and no halos or glare were reported in any case. The fully preloaded injector system enabled an easy IOL preparation and safe implantation. Conclusion. Our results show that the implantation of the fully preloaded CT LUCIA 601P (Zeiss, Germany) is safe and enhances OR workflow in complicated cases as pseudoexfoliation. In these cases, an adapted approach (special preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative regime) with considering possible complications is necessary to achieve best outcomes.
Numerical Simulation of Dam Break Flows Using a Radial Basis Function Meshless Method with Artificial Viscosity
Authors: Chaabelasri Elmiloud
Published: May 2018

A simple radial basis function (RBF) meshless method is used to solve the two-dimensional shallow water equations (SWEs) for simulation of dam break flows over irregular, frictional topography involving wetting and drying. At first, we construct the RBF interpolation corresponding to space derivative operators. Next, we obtain numerical schemes to solve the SWEs, by using the gradient of the interpolant to approximate the spatial derivative of the differential equation and a third-order explicit Runge–Kutta scheme to approximate the temporal derivative of the differential equation. For the problems involving shock or discontinuity solutions, we use an artificial viscosity for shock capturing. Then, we apply our scheme for several theoretical two-dimensional numerical experiments involving dam break flows over nonuniform beds and moving wet-dry fronts over irregular bed topography. Promising results are obtained.
Efficacy of Pectoral Nerve Block Type II for Breast-Conserving Surgery and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Kim Doo-Hwan , Kim Sooyoung , Kim Chan Sik , Lee Sukyung , Lee In-Gyu , Kim Hee Jeong , Lee Jong-Hyuk , Jeong Sung-Moon , Choi Kyu Taek
Published: May 2018

Objectives. The pectoral nerve block type II (PECS II block) is widely used for postoperative analgesia after breast surgery. This study evaluated the analgesic efficacy of PECS II block in patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB). Methods. Patients were randomized to the control group (n=40) and the PECS II group (n=40). An ultrasound-guided PECS II block was performed after induction of anesthesia. The primary outcome measure was opioid consumption, and the secondary outcome was pain at the breast and axillary measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) 24 hours after surgery. Opioid requirement was assessed according to tumor location. Results. Opioid requirement was lower in the PECS II than in the control group (43.8 ± 28.5 µg versus 77.0 ± 41.9 µg, p<0.001). However, the frequency of rescue analgesics did not differ between these groups. Opioid consumption in the PECS II group was significantly lower in patients with tumors in the outer area than that in patients with tumors in the inner area (32.5 ± 23.0 µg versus 58.0 ± 29.3 µg, p=0.007). The axillary NRS was consistently lower through 24 hr in the PECS II group. Conclusion. Although the PECS II block seemed to reduce pain intensity and opioid requirements for 24 h after BCS and SNB, these reductions may not be clinically significant. This trial is registered with Clinical Research Information Service KCT0002509.
An Improved Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm and Its Application in Heat Exchange Fouling Ultrasonic Detection
Authors: Li Xia , Sun Lingfang , Li Jing , Piao Heng
Published: May 2018

Inspired by the basic theory of Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm, in this paper, cat mapping was added to the original algorithm, and the individual distribution and evolution mechanism of fruit fly population were improved in order to increase the search speed and accuracy. The flowchart of the improved algorithm was drawn to show its procedure. Using classical test functions, simulation optimization results show that the improved algorithm has faster and more reliable optimization ability. The algorithm was then combined with sparse decomposition theory and used in processing fouling detection ultrasonic signals to verify the validity and practicability of the improved algorithm.
Coupled Sine-Gordon Systems in DNA Dynamics
Authors: Liu Liya , Li Chuanzhong
Published: May 2018

We consider a model called the coupled sine-Gordon equation for DNA dynamics by introducing two double helix structures. The second double helix structure is unilaterally influenced by the first one. The completely integrable coupled sine-Gordon equation admits kink-antikink solitons with increased width representing a wide base pair opening configuration in DNA. Also we propose another coupled sine-Gordon model with variable coefficients for DNA dynamics under an inhomogeneous background. We find that the inhomogeneous DNA model has many interesting localized nonrational rogue wave solutions. We can find that the appearance of the rogue waves (possibly means the genetic mutation) in the nonlinear DNA model is highly related to the inhomogeneity.
Differential Equations of Motion for Naturally Curved and Twisted Composite Space Beams
Authors: Hao Ying , He Wei , Shi Yanke
Published: May 2018

The differential equations of motion for naturally curved and twisted elastic space beams made of anisotropic materials with noncircular cross sections, being a coupled system consisting of 14 second‐order partial differential equations with variable coefficients, are derived theoretically. The warping deformation of beam’s cross section, as a new design factor, is incorporated into the differential equations in addition to the anisotropy of material, the curvatures of the rod axis, the initial twist of the cross section, the rotary inertia, and the shear and axial deformations. Numerical examples show that the effect of warping deformation on the natural frequencies of the beam is significant under certain geometric and boundary conditions. This study focuses on improving and consummating the traditional theories to build a general curve beam theory, thereby providing new scientific research reference and design principle for curve beam designers.
Fatigue Tests of Concrete Slabs Reinforced with Stainless Steel Bars
Authors: Zhang Guoxue , Zhang Ying , Zhou Yangyang
Published: May 2018

Experimental studies on fatigue behavior of reinforced concrete slab with stainless steel rebar and carbon steel rebar have shown that, at the same reinforcement ratio, the slope of the deflection‐cycle number curves of stainless steel‐reinforced concrete slab is lower than that of ordinary steel‐reinforced concrete slab. The higher the reinforcement ratio is, the smaller the maximum crack width would be. Higher stress level contributes to larger deflection and reinforcement strain in midspan and shorter fatigue life. Compared to the ordinary steel‐reinforced concrete slab, the stainless steel‐reinforced concrete slab shows narrower maximum crack under the same number of loading cycles. Less significant midspan deflection, reinforcement strain, and longer fatigue life are observed in stainless steel‐reinforced concrete slab at the same reinforcement ratio, stress level, and cycling time. With the increase of reinforcement ratio, the deflection and fatigue life extended.
Characterization and Rheological Behavior of Dextran from Weissella confusa R003
Authors: Netsopa Siwames , Niamsanit Suwanna , Sakloetsakun Duangkamon , Milintawisamai Nipa
Published: May 2018

Dextran from Weissella confusa R003 isolated from sugar cane juice was purified and characterized. Dextran synthesis was performed by fermenting W. confusa R003 in MRS medium containing 10% (w/v) sucrose with continuous shaking at 125 rpm and at 30°C. For 24 hours, the 50% efficiency yield was obtained. Dextran in the culture medium was purified by ethanol precipitation. Structural analysis of dextran using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and 2D NMR techniques showed the existence of glucoses with 97.4%  α (1→6) linkage in the main chains and 2.6%  α (1→3) in branches. The estimation of molecular weight by dynamic light scattering exhibited average molecular weight of 1.0 × 104 kDa. At low concentration (2.5% w/v), dextran behaved like liquid structure, while, increasing the concentration (5.0 and 10.0% w/v), it was revealed as viscoelastic behavior. The highest gelling phenomenon was found in the concentration of 10% w/v and at 37°C. Due to its production and properties, it may be suitable for commercial production and application in the field of foods as well as hydrogel.
The Efficacy of Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus for Postoperative Analgesia after Open Gynecological Surgery: A Randomized Double-Blinded Study
Authors: Satomi Shiho , Kakuta Nami , Murakami Chiaki , Sakai Yoko , Tanaka Katsuya , Tsutsumi Yasuo M.
Published: May 2018

Background. It is well known that the programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) technique effectively provides epidural anesthesia in labor. This randomized double-blind trial compared the postoperative analgesic efficacy of PIEB with that of continuous epidural infusion (CEI) in patients undergoing gynecological surgery under combined general-epidural anesthesia. Methods. Patients undergoing open gynecological surgery under combined general-epidural anesthesia were randomized at a 1 : 1 ratio to receive PIEB or CEI. In the PIEB group, the pump delivered 4 mL ropivacaine 0.2% plus fentanyl 2 μg/mL every hour. In the CEI group, the pump delivered the same solution at a rate of 4 mL/h. In both groups, additional 4 mL boluses of ropivacaine 0.2% plus fentanyl 2 μg/mL were provided, when necessary, by patient-controlled epidural analgesia after surgery. The primary outcome was the total ropivacaine dose 40 hours after surgery. The secondary outcomes were the number of PCEA boluses and postoperative pain (evaluated on an 11-point numerical rating scale) 3, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. Results. In total, 57 patients were randomized (n=28 and 29 in the PIEB and CEI groups, resp.). The two groups differ significantly in terms of the total ropivacaine dose 40 hours after surgery (mean (standard deviation): 155.38 (4.55) versus 159.73 (7.87) mL, P=0.016). Compared to the CEI group, the PIEB group had significantly lower numerical rating scale scores 3 hours (median [lower–upper quartiles]: 0 [0–0.5] versus 3 [0–5.5], P=0.002), 24 hours (1 [0–2] versus 3 [1–4], P=0.003), and 48 hours (1 [0–2] versus 2 [2–3.5], P=0.002) after surgery. Conclusion. PIEB was better than CEI in terms of providing postoperative analgesia after open gynecological surgery under combined general-epidural anesthesia.
Semiquantum Chaos in Two GaAs Quantum Dots Coupled Linearly and Quadratically by Two Harmonic Potentials in Two Dimensions
Authors: Godwe Emile , Mibaile Justin , Gambo Betchewe , Doka Serge Y.
Published: May 2018

We analyze the phenomenon of semiquantum chaos in two GaAs quantum dots coupled linearly and quadratically by two harmonic potentials. We show how semiquantum dynamics should be derived via the Ehrenfest theorem. The extended Ehrenfest theorem in two dimensions is used to study the system. The numerical simulations reveal that, by varying the interdot distance and coupling parameters, the system can exhibit either periodic or quasi-periodic behavior and chaotic behavior.