bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time delay and non-Gaussian noise-induced stochastic stability and stochastic resonance for a metapopulation system subjected to a multiplicative periodic signal
Authors: Wang Kang-Kang , Ye Hui , Wang Ya-Jun , Wang Ping-Xin
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the stable state transformation and the effect of the stochastic resonance (SR) for a metapopulation system are investigated, which is disturbed by time delay, the multiplicative non-Gaussian noise, the additive colored Gaussian noise and a multiplicative periodic signal. By use of the fast descent method, the approximation of the unified colored noise and the SR theory, the dynamical behaviors for the steady-state probability function and the SNR are analyzed. It is found that non-Gaussian noise, the colored Gaussian noise and time delay can all reduce the stability of the biological system, and even lead to the population extinction. Inversely, the self-correlation times of two noises can both increase the stability of the population system and be in favor of the population reproduction. As regards the SNR for the metapopulation system induced by the noise terms and time delay, it is discovered that time delay and the correlation time of the multiplicative noise can effectively enhance the SR effect, while the multiplicative noise and the correlation time of the additive noise would all the time suppress the SR phenomena. In addition, the additive noise can effectively motivate the SR effect, but not alter the peak value of the SNR. It is worth noting that the departure parameter from the Gaussian noise plays the diametrical roles in stimulating the SR effect in different cases.
An ensemble Kalman filter approach based on operator splitting for solving nonlinear Hammerstein type ill-posed operator equations
Authors: Yang Xiao-Mei , Deng Zhi-Liang
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we consider the application of the ensemble Kalman filter for some nonlinear operator equations. According to the structural feature of the nonlinear operator, we construct an iteration process and the corresponding linear observation operator. This construction puts our problem into the frame of 3DVar. Based on the linear observation operator, the ensemble Kalman filter approach is adopted to blend the data into the dynamics to obtain an approximation of the unknown parameter. The method is applied to an inverse potential problem and a nonlinear Fredholm integral equation. The numerical results are compared with Bayesian approach, classical regularization methods including Tikhonov regularization and Landweber iteration, which shows that the proposed algorithm is effective and competitive.
C-FDLA: Crow Search with Integrated Fractional Dragonfly Algorithm for Load Balancing in Cloud Computing Environments
Authors: Kumar C. Ashok , Vimala R.
Published: September 2018

Cloud environment provides a shared pool of resources to various users all around the world. The cloud model has the physical machines and the virtual machines for processing the tasks from the users in a parallel manner. In certain situations, the user’s demand may be high, which leads to the overloading of the processing units, and this situation affects the performance of the cloud setup. Several works have introduced the load balancing strategy to balance the load of the cloud environment, but they lack in the ability to reduce the number of task migrations. This paper introduces the load balancing strategy by defining the optimization algorithm and the multi-objective model. This research introduces the Crow search with the integrated Fractional Dragonfly Algorithm (C-FDLA), for load balancing through the hybridization of the Crow Search Algorithm (CSA), Dragonfly Algorithm (DA) and the fractional calculus. Also, the paper uses the multi-objective model based on selection probabilities, the frequency scaling based capacity of the machine and the data length of the task. The performance of the proposed C-FDLA is analyzed under different cloud scenarios, and from the results, it is evident that the proposed work has achieved significant performance with the minimum load of 0.0913 and number of tasks reallocated as 11.
A Self-Powered P-SSHI Interface Circuit with Adaptive On-Resistance Active Diode for PEH
Authors: Liu Lianxi , Cheng Jiangwei , Mu Junchao , Huang Chaojin , Zhu Zhangming
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a two-stage synchronous rectifier interface circuit for piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH) system. The proposed rectifier includes a first-stage negative voltage converter, a second-stage adaptive on-resistance active diode, and combines a precise switch-on-time controlled P-SSHI circuit. The traditional active two-stage synchronous rectifier has lower current detection accuracy and hardly achieves high efficiency rectification over a wide input current range. An adaptive on-resistance active diode (AOR active diode) is proposed to replace the traditional active diode to achieve higher current zero-crossing detection accuracy, improve the input current range and the output power of the rectifier. The proposed diode allows the rectifier to maintain high rectification efficiency over a wider input current range. Further, a parallel synchronized switch harvesting on inductor (P-SSHI) with precise switch-on-time controlled circuit is proposed to achieve higher voltage flipping efficiency and improve the power extraction capability of the rectifier. By using the AOR active diode and the P-SSHI with precise switch-on-time controlled circuit, a good performance improvement has been achieved for the proposed interface circuit. The design is fabricated in an SMIC 0.35[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m standard CMOS technology with a die size of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm2. The simulation results indicate that the proposed circuit achieves more than 80% power converting efficiency and its peak efficiency is 85%. The current zero-crossing detection accuracy of the proposed AOR active diode is less than 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A. The proposed PEH interface circuit extracts up to 2.81 times more output power compared with a traditional rectifier. The voltage flipping efficiency of the P-SSHI circuit is up to 90%, which can effectively improve the power extraction capability of the rectifier. Moreover, the proposed circuit can be self-powered and cold started up.
All-Optical DFT Using TOAD-Based Cross-Bar Switches
Authors: Mandal Ashis Kumar
Published: September 2018

The discovery of ultra-high-speed all-optical switches in the very recent past based on semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) especially in the interferometric configuration is very pronouncing due to their features like high repetition rate, low power consumption, fast switching time, noise and jitter tolerance, being easily integrable and operationally versatile, thereby bringing a revolution in all-optical information processing systems. In this work, an all-optical computing tool namely SOA-based [Formula: see text] terahertz optical asymmetric demultiplexer (TOAD) is used because it can be employed to design more complex circuits and subsystems of enhanced combinational and sequential functionality. In this paper, (a) a switching network with its two switching actions and (b) an all-optical [Formula: see text] cross-bar network architecture, i.e., a multistage cube network for [Formula: see text] using TOAD-based [Formula: see text] optical cross-bar switch for discrete Fourier transform (DFT), are proposed. Numerical simulation of this work is done with OptiSystem v7.0 to evaluate the performance of the proposed circuit.
Multimode Process Monitoring Based on Geodesic Distance
Authors: Yang Dongsheng , Li Ting , Hu Bo , Gao Jing , Wang Chunsheng
Published: September 2018

A novel monitoring strategy is proposed for multimode process in which mode clustering and fault detection based on geodesic distance (GD) are integrated. To start with, the empowered adjacency matrix of normalized training dataset is obtained and improved Dijkstra algorithm (IDA) is utilized to calculate the geodesic distance between each sample data so as to characterize the shortest distance of the nonlinear data within local areas accurately. Next, GD matrix algorithm is presented as an optimal clustering solution for a multimode process dataset. Then, the GDS model is established in each operating mode. Monitoring statistics based on the power of geodesic distance are structured based on square sum of Euclidean distances. Once the test data is detected as fault data, mode location based on deviation coefficient is conducted to narrow the scope of the inspection fault. Finally, the validity and usefulness of the proposed GDMPM monitoring method are demonstrated through the Tennessee Eastman (TE) benchmark process.
A Type Information Reconstruction Scheme Based on Long Short-Term Memory for Weakness Analysis in Binary File
Authors: Jeong Junho , Lee Yangsun , Offong Uduakobong George , Son Yunsik
Published: September 2018

Due to increasing use of third-party libraries because of the increasing complexity of software development, the lack of management of legacy code and the nature of embedded software, the use of third-party libraries which have no source code is increasing. Without the source code, it is difficult to analyze these libraries for vulnerabilities. Therefore, to analyze weaknesses inherent in binary code, various studies have been conducted to perform static analysis using intermediate code. The conversion from binary code to intermediate language differs depending on the execution environment. In this paper, we propose a deep learning-based analysis method to reconstruct missing data types during the compilation process from binary code to intermediate language, and propose a method to generate supervised learning data for deep learning.
Adaptive Random Testing in Detecting Layout Faults of Web Applications
Authors: Selay Elmin , Zhou Zhi Quan , Chen Tsong Yueh , Kuo Fei-Ching
Published: September 2018

As part of a software testing process, output verification poses a challenge when the output is not numeric or textual, such as graphical. The industry practice of using human oracles (testers) to observe and verify the correctness of the actual results is both expensive and error-prone. In particular, this practice is usually unsustainable when developing web applications — the most popular software of our era. This is because web applications change frequently due to the fast-evolving requirements amid popular demand. To improve the cost effectiveness of browser output verification, in this study we design failure-based testing techniques and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency thereof in the context of web testing. With a novel application of the concept of adaptive random sequence (ARS), our approach leverages peculiar characteristics of failure patterns found in browser layout rendering. An empirical study shows that the use of failure patterns and inclination to guide the testing flow leads to more cost-effective results than other classic methods. This study extends the application of ARSs from the input space of programs to their output space, and also shows that adaptive random testing (ART) can outperform random testing (RT) in both failure detection effectiveness (in terms of F-measure) and failure detection efficiency (in terms of execution time).
Gluing semigroups and strongly indispensable free resolutions
Authors: Şahi̇n Mesut , Stella Leah Gold
Published: September 2018

We study strong indispensability of minimal free resolutions of semigroup rings focusing on the operation of gluing used in the literature to take examples with a special property and produce new ones. We give a naive condition to determine whether gluing of two semigroup rings has a strongly indispensable minimal free resolution. As applications, we determine simple gluings of [Formula: see text]-generated non-symmetric, [Formula: see text]-generated symmetric and pseudo symmetric numerical semigroups as well as obtain infinitely many new complete intersection semigroups of any embedding dimensions, having strongly indispensable minimal free resolutions.
SELF-SIMILARITY OF SOLUTIONS TO INTEGRAL AND DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH RESPECT TO A FRACTAL MEASURE
Authors: KUNZE H. , LA TORRE D. , MENDIVIL F. , VRSCAY E. R.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we study solutions of a variation of a classical integral equation (based on the Picard operator) in which Lebesgue measure is replaced by a self-similar measure [Formula: see text]. Our main interest is in the fractal nature of the solutions and we use Iterated Function System (IFS) tools to investigate the behavior and self-similarity of these solutions. Both the integral and differential forms of the equation are discussed since each brings useful insights. Several convergence results are provided along with illustrative examples that show the applications of the theory when the underlying fractal object is the celebrated Cantor set. Additionally we show that the solution to our integral equation inherits self-similarity from the defining measure [Formula: see text].
On covering radius of codes over ℤ2p
Authors: Annamalai N. , Durairajan C.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we gives lower and upper bounds on the covering radius of codes over [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a prime integer with respect to Lee distance. We also determine the covering radius of various Repetition codes over [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a prime integer.
Wave propagation of the perturbed nonlinear Schrödingers equation in the nonlinear left-handed transmission lines
Authors: Houwe Alphonse , Justin Mibaile , Jérôme Dikwa , Betchewe Gambo , Doka Serge Y. , Crepin Kofane Timoleon
Published: September 2018

This paper secures chirped dark and bright solitons of the perturbed nonlinear Schrödinger equation with parabolic law nonlinearity and self-steepening effect in the nonlinear left-handed metamaterials (NLHMs). We use the ansatz method, sine-cosine, csch function method and the auxiliary equation method to fall out the various soliton solutions. In view of the results obtained, rational, hyperbolic and trigonometric solutions emerge and there are new in CRLH TL. The existence criteria of these solutions are also discussed. Finally, we observed that the use of the auxiliary equation method leads to the abundant and efficient solutions than the other methods.
The 3-point quadrature rules with constant weight function
Authors: Mahesh Ch.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we present all types of 3-point quadrature rules on continuous function on interval [Formula: see text] with constant weight function and compare there with the composite type also. All 3-point (open and closed) rules are taken from available papers and some new results like non-polynomial fitting and derivative type are introduced. Also, differences, comparisons, and errors between method procedures have been shown.
Numerical solution of the general Volterra nth-order integro-differential equations via variational iteration method
Authors: Khaireddine Fernane
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we use the variational iteration method (VIM) to construct approximate solutions for the general [Formula: see text]th-order integro-differential equations. We show that his method can be effectively and easily used to solve some classes of linear and nonlinear Volterra integro-differential equations. Finally, some numerical examples with exact solutions are given.
How to efficiently utilize electrode materials in supercapattery?
Authors: Chen Kunfeng , Xue Dongfeng
Published: September 2018

Theoretical stored capacity of one electrode material is decided by their thermodynamics factors, which can be achieved only when electrode materials fully react at quite long charging time. In order to store large quantities of charges in short charging time, high-efficiency utilization of electrode materials becomes more and more important. Both fast ionic and electronic transports represent the fundamental factor for high-efficiency utilization of electrode materials. Supercapattery, showing both high power density and high energy density, includes supercapattery-type electrode materials, leading to fast redox reaction. This paper focuses on the structure design of supercapattery-type electrode materials and electrode to satisfy dynamic demand for fast redox reaction of one electrode material. The use of redox active cations and the construction of active colloidal supercapatteries are described. This work will give enlightenment to design electrochemical energy storage system for high-power and high energy applications.
Ultrahigh pressure metamorphism and tectonic evolution of southwestern Tianshan orogenic belt, China: a comprehensive review
Authors: Zhang Lifei , Wang Yang , Zhang Lijuan , Lü Zeng
Published: September 2018

Recently, a huge ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic belt of oceanic type has been recognized in SW Tianshan, China. Petrological studies show that the UHP metamorphic rocks of SW Tianshan orogenic belt include mafic eclogites and blueschists, pelitic garnet phengite schists, marbles and serpentinites. The well-preserved coesite inclusions are commonly found in eclogites, garnet phengite schists and marbles. Ti-clinohumite and Ti-chondrodite have been identified in UHP metamorphic serpentinites. Based on the
P–T
pseudosection calculation and combined U–Pb zircon dating, the
P–T–t
path has been outlined as four stages: cold subduction to UHP conditions before
c.
320 Ma whose peak ultrahigh pressure is about 30 kbar at 500°C; heating decompression from the
P
max
to the
T
max
stage before 305 Ma whose peak temperature is about 600°C at 22 kbar; then the early cold exhumation from amphibolite eclogite facies to epidote-amphibolite facies metamorphism before 220 Ma; and the last tectonic exhumation from epidote amphibolite facies to greenschist facies metamorphism. Combining with the syn-subduction arc-like 333–326 Ma granitic rocks and 280–260 Ma S-type granites in the coeval low-pressure and high-temperature metamorphic belt, the tectonic evolution of Tianshan UHP metamorphic belt during late Cambrian to early Triassic has been proposed in this paper.
Comparison of knowledge retention between high-fidelity patient simulation and read-only participants in undergraduate biomedical science education
Authors: Fragapane Lauren , Li Wei , Ben Khallouq Bertha , Cheng Zixi J. , Harris David M.
Published: September 2018

High-fidelity patient simulation (HFPS) is expensive in money and faculty resources. There has been a recent push to increase the use of HFPS for undergraduates to teach basic science. However, it is still unclear if HFPS is superior to other cost-effective modalities for learning, and there have been limited studies comparing HFPS directly with other methods. The purpose of this study was to compare learning between three groups: 1) students who participated in a HFPS after reading material (RS); 2) students who reread material (RR) individually; and 3) students who had no intervention or reading (CON). Quizzes (10 true/false questions) were given presimulation, immediately after the simulation (post-sim 1), and 1 wk later to all groups (post-sim 2). Ninety-seven undergraduate students consented to include their data in the study. All groups scored the same on the presimulation quiz (median of 6). The RR and RS scored significantly higher than the CON group on post-sim 1 (medians 8 vs. 6). All groups performed similarly on post-sim 2. A questionnaire also showed that students had increased perceived confidence about pathophysiology. These data suggest that a single-time use of HFPS for knowledge learning for undergraduate students is not more effective than other methods. Future studies need to determine whether increasing the number of HFPS and developing social learning networks could make HFPS more effective for undergraduates. Additionally, future studies should focus on soft skill development, such as confidence, critical thinking, and teamwork/communication skills, as opposed to knowledge acquisition.
“Developing Experimental Design and Analysis Skills in Undergraduates”: IUPS Teaching Satellite Meeting, Brazil, August 2017
Authors: Davies Dawn , MacMillan Frances M.
Published: September 2018

This workshop was held at the Teaching Satellite Meeting of the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS), August 5–8, 2017, in Buzios, Rio de Janiero, Brazil. The satellite meeting was attended by physiology educators from across the globe, of whom 34 attended this workshop. The aim of the workshop was to explore how experimental design is taught to students of physiology in different institutions, to consider the aspects that students find challenging, to share good practice, and to think about how experimental design teaching could be improved. Through small-group discussions that were then shared with the whole group, participants were challenged to develop the outline of a research project to investigate a broad topic and then to identify the challenges that students might face if they were given that task. Finally, the group thought about what, in practical terms, could be done to help develop experimental design skills in undergraduates. The outcomes of the discussions are summarized in this report.
Flipped classroom narrows the performance gap between low- and high-performing dental students in physiology
Authors: Xiao Nan , Thor Der , Zheng Meixun , Baek Joshua , Kim Grace
Published: September 2018

The flipped classroom has been shown to have positive outcomes in learning. However, relatively little has been reported on the implementation of it in dental education. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the flipped classroom on predoctoral dental students’ learning. Two consecutive classes of dental students learned the physiology of the autonomic nervous system through the nonflipped (traditional lecture) or the flipped approach. Students’ learning was assessed with an identical quiz at the end of the module. The mean score in the flipped approach was higher than that in the nonflipped approach ( P < 0.01). Mean score on the content-based quiz questions in the flipped approach was higher than that in the nonflipped approach ( P < 0.05). Performance on case-based questions did not show a significant difference ( P = 0.12). Mean quiz performance of the lower 27% scorers in the flipped approach was higher than that in the nonflipped approach ( P < 0.05). Mean quiz performance of the upper 27% scorers showed an increase in the flipped approach as well ( P < 0.05), but to a less extent than that of the lower 27% scorers ( P < 0.01). The flipped approach also increased peer collaboration ( P < 0.01). In summary, the flipped classroom improved dental students’ performance on content-based questions in physiology. The flipped classroom narrowed the performance gap between the low- and high-performing dental students.
Question order and student understanding of structure and function
Authors: Carter Kelli P. , Prevost Luanna B.
Published: September 2018

The relationship between structure and function is a core concept in physiology education. Written formative assessments can provide insight into student learning of the structure and function relationship, which can then inform pedagogy. However, question order may influence student explanations. We explored how the order of questions from different cognitive levels affects student explanations. A junior level General Physiology class was randomly split in half. One-half of the students answered, “Define the principle: form reflects function,” followed by “Give an example of the principle: form reflects function” (format DX), whereas the other half answered, “Give an example of the principle: form reflects function,” followed by “Define the principle: form reflects function” (format XD). Human grading and computerized lexical analysis were used to evaluate student responses. Two percent of students in the format DX group related structure and function in their definition, whereas 48% of students related structure and function in their examples. In the format XD group, 17% related structure and function in their definition, and 26% related structure and function in their example of the principle. Overall, students performed better on the last question in the sequence, which may be evidence for conceptual priming. Computerized lexical analysis revealed that students draw on only a few levels of organization and may be used by instructors to quickly assess the levels of organization students use in their responses. Written assessment coupled with lexical analysis has the potential to reveal student understanding of core concepts in anatomy and physiology education.
AMPK activation by A-769662 and 991 does not affect catecholamine-induced lipolysis in human adipocytes
Authors: Kopietz Franziska , Berggreen Christine , Larsson Sara , Säll Johanna , Ekelund Mikael , Sakamoto Kei , Degerman Eva , Holm Cecilia , Göransson Olga
Published: September 2018

Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is considered an attractive strategy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Favorable metabolic effects of AMPK activation are mainly observed in skeletal muscle and liver tissue, whereas the effects in human adipose tissue are only poorly understood. Previous studies, which largely employed the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR), suggest an antilipolytic role of AMPK in adipocytes. The aim of this work was to reinvestigate the role of AMPK in the regulation of lipolysis, using the novel allosteric small-molecule AMPK activators A-769662 and 991, with a focus on human adipocytes. For this purpose, human primary subcutaneous adipocytes were treated with A-769662, 991, or AICAR, as a control, before being stimulated with isoproterenol. AMPK activity status, glycerol release, and the phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), a key regulator of lipolysis, were then monitored. Our results show that both A-769662 and 991 activated AMPK to a level that was similar to, or greater than, that induced by AICAR. In contrast to AICAR, which as expected was antilipolytic, neither A-769662 nor 991 affected lipolysis in human adipocytes, although 991 treatment led to altered HSL phosphorylation. Furthermore, we suggest that HSL Ser660 is an important regulator of lipolytic activity in human adipocytes. These data suggest that the antilipolytic effect observed with AICAR in previous studies is, at least to some extent, AMPK independent.
Increased bone mass in a mouse model with low fat mass
Authors: Grahnemo L. , Gustafsson K. L. , Sjögren K. , Henning P. , Lionikaite V. , Koskela A. , Tuukkanen J. , Ohlsson C. , Wernstedt Asterholm I. , Lagerquist M. K.
Published: September 2018

Mice with impaired acute inflammatory responses within adipose tissue display reduced diet-induced fat mass gain associated with glucose intolerance and systemic inflammation. Therefore, acute adipose tissue inflammation is needed for a healthy expansion of adipose tissue. Because inflammatory disorders are associated with bone loss, we hypothesized that impaired acute adipose tissue inflammation leading to increased systemic inflammation results in a lower bone mass. To test this hypothesis, we used mice overexpressing an adenoviral protein complex, the receptor internalization and degradation (RID) complex that inhibits proinflammatory signaling, under the control of the aP2 promotor (RID tg mice), resulting in suppressed inflammatory signaling in adipocytes. As expected, RID tg mice had lower high-fat diet-induced weight and fat mass gain and higher systemic inflammation than littermate wild-type control mice. Contrary to our hypothesis, RID tg mice had increased bone mass in long bones and vertebrae, affecting trabecular and cortical parameters, as well as improved humeral biomechanical properties. We did not find any differences in bone formation or resorption parameters as determined by histology or enzyme immunoassay. However, bone marrow adiposity, often negatively associated with bone mass, was decreased in male RID tg mice as determined by histological analysis of tibia. In conclusion, mice with reduced fat mass due to impaired adipose tissue inflammation have increased bone mass.
A Finite Element Formulation for Bending‐Torsion Coupled Vibration Analysis of Delaminated Beams under Combined Axial Load and End Moment
Authors: Kashani Mir Tahmaseb , Hashemi Seyed M.
Published: September 2018

Free vibration analysis of beams with single delamination undergoing bending‐torsion coupling is made, using traditional finite element technique. The Galerkin weighted residual method is applied to convert the coupled differential equations of motion into to a discrete problem, where, in addition to the conventional mass and stiffness matrices, a delamination stiffness matrix, representing the extra stiffening effects at the delamination tips, is introduced. The linear eigenvalue problem resulting from the discretization along the length of the beam is solved to determine the frequencies and modes of free vibration. Both “free mode” and “constrained mode” delamination models are considered in formulation, and it is shown that the continuity (both kinematic and force) conditions at the beam span‐wise locations corresponding to the extremities of the delaminated region, in particular, play a great role in “free mode” model formulation. Current trends in the literature are examined, and insight into different types of modeling techniques and constraint types are introduced. In addition, the data previously available in the literature and those obtained from a finite element‐based commercial software are utilized to validate the presented modeling scheme and to verify the correctness of natural frequencies of the systems analyzed here. The paper ends with general discussions and conclusions on the presented theories and modeling approaches.
Effects of Hemodialysis on Thiol-Disulphide Homeostasis in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients with Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Ayar Ganime , Sahin Sanliay , Yazici Mutlu Uysal , Neselioglu Salim , Erel Ozcan , Bayrakcı Umut Selda
Published: September 2018

Aim. To evaluate thiol/disulphide homeostasis as a new indicator of oxidative stress in AKI patients and to determine the effect of HD on antioxidant balance and oxidative stress through plasma thiols. Methods. This study was performed in patients aged between 12 months and 18 years prospectively who underwent hemodialysis due to AKI and were followed up for a year in a 22-bed tertiary pediatric intensive care unit. 20 patients and 39 controls were included. Results. No difference was present between the groups in terms of age and gender. Median values of plasma native thiol, total thiol, and percent thiol were significantly lower in AKI group both before and after dialysis when compared to control group. The median dynamic disulphide values were significantly lower in the AKI group of predialysis compared to the controls. When pre- and postdialysis values were compared, disulphide values were statistically higher after dialysis. When pre- and postdialysis native thiol, dynamic disulphide, total thiol, and percent thiol median values were compared, postdialysis values were significantly higher than the predialysis values. There was a positive correlation between albumin, total thiol, and native thiol values before dialysis in the patient group. Conclusion. AKI patients have low levels of thiol species showing the presence of oxidative stress and hemodialysis has a positive effect on thiol/disulphide balance. This new method may be an inexpensive and simple tool suitable for clinical studies and can be used in routine screening as a useful indicator to show oxidative stress.
Structural Damage Detection Using Nonlinear Vibrations
Authors: Carminati M. , Ricci S.
Published: September 2018

Nonlinear vibrations emerging from damaged structures are suitable indicators for detecting defects. When a crack arises, its behavior could be approximated like a bilinear stiffness. According to this scheme, typical nonlinear phenomena as the presence of superharmonics in the dynamic response and the variation of the oscillation frequency in time emerge. These physical consequences give the opportunity to study damage detection procedures with relevant improvements with respect to the typical strategies based on linear vibrations, such as high sensitivity to small damages, no need for an accurate comparison model, and behavior not influenced by environmental conditions. This paper presents a methodology, which aims at finding suitable nonlinear phenomena for the damage detection of three contact-type damages in a panel representing a typical aeronautical structural component. At first, structural simulations are executed using MSC Nastran models and reduced dynamic models in MATLAB in order to highlight relevant nonlinear behaviors. Then, proper experimental tests are developed in order to look for the nonlinear phenomena identified: presence of superharmonics in the dynamic response and nonlinear behavior of the lower frequency of vibration, computed using the CWT (continuous wavelet transform). The proposed approach exhibits the possibility to detect and localize contact-type damages present in a realistic assembled structure.
Fractal Pattern of Particle Crushing of Granular Geomaterials during One‐Dimensional Compression
Authors: Zhang Jiru , Zhang Biwen
Published: September 2018

This paper focuses on the effect of particle crushing on the behavior of granular geomaterials. Series of high‐pressure one‐dimensional compression tests were carried out on a quartz sand‐gravel. A detail investigation was performed primarily on the compression behavior, the evolution of particle‐size distribution (PSD), the fractal pattern of the grading curve, and the amount of particle crushing. It was found that both the yielding state and the state at the maximum compressibility are closely associated with the evolution of PSD and the fractal pattern of particle crushing. As the vertical stress increases, the fractal characteristic of the grading curve appears only within the finer part at first, evolves into bifractal within the overall measurable grading curve late, and translates into monofractal finally. Furthermore, a pair of particle crushing indexes Be1 and Be2 considering different particle size scales were proposed. The reasonability of using Be1 and Be2 to describe the amount of crushing corresponding to the scale of particles was discussed. Finally, it was found that the value of the ratio between the volumetric strain and the crushing index Be1 is constant and independent of the initial particle size and the initial PSD when the vertical stress is larger than the stress at the maximum compressibility or the coarser part of the grading curve is evolved into fractal.
A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Scanning of the Root Canal System of Permanent Teeth among the Moscow Population
Authors: Razumova Svetlana , Brago Anzhela , Khaskhanova Lamara , Howijieh Ammar , Barakat Haydar , Manvelyan Ashot
Published: September 2018

Background. Successful endodontic treatment requires a significant knowledge of root canal anatomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the root and root canal number of permanent teeth among the Moscow population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning.Materials and methods. 300 CBCT images of subjects were analyzed to study the anatomy of roots and root canal system of each tooth. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics software 22.0 version.Results. The maxillary incisors and canines had one root with one canal in 100%. Maxillary premolars had one root with one or two canals and two roots with two canals, while mandibular premolars were single-rooted with one or two canals. Maxillary first and second molar had three separated roots, and the prevalence of four canals was more often in first molars. Mandibular molars had two roots with different number of canals.Conclusion. The root canal system varies greatly among populations and even in different individuals within the same population; thus, using CBCT scanning is an effective technique in investigating the root canal system.
Identification of Dietzia Species in a Patient with Endophthalmitis following Penetrating Injury with Retained Intraocular Metallic Foreign Body
Authors: Navaratnam Jesintha , Dedi Lumnije , Tjølsen Andreas Myklebust , Bragadóttir Ragnheiður
Published: September 2018

To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of Dietzia species in a patient with endophthalmitis. A 47-year-old man presented to the ophthalmology department with decreased vision, redness, and minimal pain in his right eye after a foreign body struck his eye following working using a hammer and chisel. Broad-spectrum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing targeting 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid-(rRNA-) encoding gene on an undiluted vitreous sample revealed 100% identity with GenBank sequences of Dietzia species including D. natronolimnaea, D. dagingensis, and D. cercidiphylli. The culture of the vitreous samples demonstrated the growth of Gram-positive cocci and polymorphic rods. The isolate from the culture was identified as D. natronolimnaea using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The combination of surgical and medical treatment (pars plana vitrectomy and systemic and topical antibiotics) eradicated the infection successfully.
Experimental Investigation of the Surface Temperature Distribution and Thermal Performance of an Intermittent Combustion Chinese Heated Wall
Authors: Hao Shimeng , Xu Yuejia , Yu Changming , Song Yehao , Lin Zhenghao
Published: September 2018

Chinese heated walls represent a traditional space heating technique that is still widely used in vernacular houses in northern China. Such walls efficiently recover gas heat from heating stoves and reduce users′ exposures to indoor air pollution. This experimental study proposed a heat recovery system composed of a heated wall and fireplace. Test rooms were set up to evaluate the surface temperature distribution and thermal performance of the heated wall in response to several combustion patterns. The results show that an intermittent combustion heated wall heated only by a stove used for cooking can produce a relatively more comfortable indoor environment without extra energy consumption. In this research, indoor air temperature was increased by 3.3 to 4.0°C over the control room. The temperature distribution of the heated wall′s surface was nonuniform, with a temperature range of 116.03°C. It was also found that the combustion pattern had a major impact on the initial and peak temperatures of the wall body′s surface during combustion.
Conservation Laws and Exact Solutions of Generalized Nonlinear System and Nizhink-Novikov-Veselov Equation
Authors: Zaidi A. A. , Khan M. D. , Naeem I.
Published: September 2018

The Lie symmetries, conservation laws, and exact solutions of a generalized nonlinear system and a (2+1)-dimensional generalized Nizhink-Novikov-Veselov (NNV) equation, arising in the study of hydrodynamics, are investigated. The multiplier approach is employed to compute the conservation laws for systems under consideration. The Lie point symmetries are derived and the association between symmetries and conserved vectors are established using symmetries conservation laws relationship. The double reduction theory is utilized which results in the reduction and exact solutions of models under investigation. All cases are discussed in detail and new solutions are determined.
Sarcoidosis and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS): A True Association or Just a Coincidence?
Authors: Hassanein Mohamed , Karapetyan Lilit , Khan Afshan , Rayamajhi Supratik
Published: September 2018

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomas in different organs. Sarcoidosis associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a rare finding with only 10 cases reported to date. We describe a 79-year-old male patient who presented with dry mouth for 4 months. Lip biopsy done prior to admission showed nonnecrotizing epithelioid cell granulomas. On admission, laboratory analysis was significant for elevated calcium, decreased parathyroid hormone, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, undetectable parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrp), mildly decreased 25-hydroxyvitamin D, elevated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, elevated angiotensin converting enzyme, and positive Bence Jones protein in the urine. Serum protein electrophoresis showed an elevated gamma globulin level at 38% and an IgG monoclonal gammopathy with an M-spike of 1.47. Bone marrow biopsy was consistent with MGUS. The patient showed significant improvement with steroids and was discharged with close follow-up from nephrology and oncology. Salivary gland involvement in patients with sarcoidosis is a rare finding. Our case is a valuable addition to the small number of cases described in the literature supporting an association between plasma cell disorders and sarcoidosis. Larger prospective studies are needed to determine if a true association between the two diseases exists.
Wushenziye Formula Inhibits Pancreatic β Cell Apoptosis in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus via MEK‐ERK‐Caspase‐3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tian Chunyu , Chang Hong , La Xiaojin , Li Ji-an , Ma Leilei
Published: September 2018

Background. Wushenziye formula (WSZYF), composed of Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata, Mori fructus, Mori folium, and Cassiae semen, is effective in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Aim. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects and the underlying mechanisms of WSZYF on inhibiting pancreatic β cell apoptosis and improving insulin resistance (IR) in T2DM. Methods. A T2DM model was induced by Goto‐Kakizaki diabetes prone rats. Cell apoptosis model was induced in MIN6 cells. Results. In vivo, WSZYF decreased fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin concentration, insulin resistance index, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and free fatty acids (FFA) in T2DM rats. Meanwhile, WSZYF ameliorated impairments in the morphology and structure of pancreatic tissues. In vitro, WSZYF enhanced cell viability and promoted insulin secretion in the apoptosis model of MIN6 cells. Furthermore, WSZYF modulated the expressions of apoptosis‐related molecules by increasing the expressions of MEK1/2, p‐MEK1/2, ERK1/2, and p‐ERK1/2 and decreasing the cleaved‐caspase‐3 expression. Conclusion. These findings indicate that WSZYF may become a new drug candidate in the treatment of T2DM and its antidiabetic mechanism is probably inhibiting pancreatic β cell apoptosis by modulating the MEK‐ERK‐Caspase‐3 signaling pathway.
An Efficient Forwarding Capability Evaluation Method for Opportunistic Offloading in Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Wang Qian , Gao Zhipeng , Niu Kun , Yang Yang , Qiu Xuesong
Published: September 2018

Opportunistic offloading can be utilized to offload computing tasks and traffic data in Mobile Edge Computing (MEC). To improve the ratio of successful data offloading and reduce unnecessary data redundancy in opportunistic forwarding process, some methods of evaluating a device’s forwarding capability are proposed. However, most of these methods do not consider the temporal impact from device mobility and the efficiency influence from the capability computation process. To settle these problems, we proposed a Transient‐cluster‐based Capability Evaluation Method (TCEM) to evaluate a device’s data forwarding capability. The TCEM can be divided into two steps. The first step aims to reduce computational complexity by evaluating a device’s possibility of contacting the destination within a time constraint based on the transient cluster generated by our proposed Transient Cluster Detection Method (TCDM). The second step is to calculate a device’s probability of directly and indirectly forwarding data to the destination. The probability as a metric of evaluating a device’s forwarding capability can be used in different data forwarding strategies. Simulation results demonstrate that the TCEM‐based data forwarding strategy outperforms other data forwarding strategies from the aspect of the proportion of the data delivery ratio to the data redundancy.
Some Analytical Solitary Wave Solutions for the Generalized q-Deformed Sinh-Gordon Equation: ∂2θ/∂z∂ξ=αsinhq⁡(βθγ)p-δ
Authors: Eleuch H.
Published: September 2018

We introduce the generalized q-deformed Sinh-Gordon equation and derive analytical soliton solutions for some sets of parameters. This new defined equation could be useful for modeling physical systems with violated symmetries.
Intrathecal Pump Implantation in the Cisterna Magna for Treating Intractable Cancer Pain
Authors: Lou Yaling , Rao Yuefeng , Feng Zhiying
Published: September 2018

A 54-year-old male patient with postoperative axillary lymph node, intrapulmonary, intracranial, and cervical spine metastases of left liver cancer was suffering from severe, persistent, and pricking pain in the right dorsal shoulder and right arm since 3 months. The drug dose of the fentanyl transdermal patch was gradually increased after admission and an adjuvant analgesic was also included, but neither treatment alleviated the pain. It was gradually alleviated after intramedullary analgesic infusion through intrathecal pump implantation in cistern magna. Terminally ill patients often have the desire to spend their remaining time at home, which however becomes a challenge in the face of refractory pain. At present, no palliative chemoradiation or ablative or stimulant neurosurgical options are available to manage pain in cancer patients. Based on the findings of this report, we concluded that an intramedullary drug infusion system can have a significant analgesic effect in patients with cervical metastasis and refractory cancer pain.
Systemic Inflammation Characterizes Lack of Metabolic Health in Nonobese HIV-Infected Men
Authors: Monczor Ana N. , Li Xiuhong , Palella Frank J. , Erlandson Kristine M. , Wiley Dorothy , Kingsley Lawrence A. , Post Wendy S. , Jacobson Lisa P. , Brown Todd T. , Lake Jordan E.
Published: September 2018

Background. Increasing body mass index (BMI) is generally associated with loss of metabolic health, although some obese individuals remain metabolically healthy. Among nonobese men, HIV infection has been associated with a lower prevalence of metabolic health. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 470 HIV-infected and 368 HIV-uninfected men enrolled in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study Cardiovascular substudy. Circulating biomarker levels were compared by BMI category and by HIV serostatus. Poisson regression with robust variance determined associations between metabolic health and circulating inflammatory biomarker levels after adjusting for factors previously associated with metabolic health. Results. HIV-infected men were younger and less likely to be obese. Among HIV-infected, normal weight metabolically healthy men (compared to unhealthy) had significantly lower circulating levels of interleukin- (IL-) 6, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFR) I and II, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), higher adiponectin, less visceral fat, and more subcutaneous fat. Among HIV-uninfected normal weight men and obese men (regardless of HIV serostatus), metabolic health was associated only with higher levels of adiponectin, less visceral fat, and lower HOMA-IR values. In multivariate analyses restricted to HIV-infected men, lower hs-CRP, sTNFRI, sTNFRII, and HOMA-IR and higher adiponectin levels were associated with metabolic health. Additional adjustment for visceral adiposity did not alter results. Conclusions. Among HIV-infected normal weight men, metabolic health was associated with less systemic inflammation, a relationship that, among normal weight men, was unique to HIV+ men and did not exist among obese men of either HIV serostatus.