bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early onset of effect of onabotulinumtoxinA for chronic migraine treatment: Analysis of PREEMPT data
Authors: Dodick David W , Silberstein Stephen D , Lipton Richard B , DeGryse Ronald E , Adams Aubrey Manack , Diener Hans-Christoph
Published: May 2019

Background

The Phase 3 REsearch Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy (PREEMPT) trials demonstrated efficacy/tolerability of onabotulinumtoxinA for headache prevention in adults with chronic migraine. This post hoc analysis assessed time of onset of onabotulinumtoxinA after the first treatment in total and responder populations and consistency weekly through five treatment cycles.

Methods

In the 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase of PREEMPT, individuals were randomized 1:1 to onabotulinumtoxinA (155-195 U) or placebo every 12 weeks for two cycles. The primary pooled efficacy variable was change in headache days per 28 days at week 24. We assessed change in headache and migraine/probable migraine (hereafter migraine) days/week compared with baseline week 4.

Results

Baseline mean (SD) headache days/week (week 4 of baseline) for onabotulinumtoxinA (n = 688) and placebo (n = 696) were similar (4.8 [1.6] vs. 4.8 [1.6] days/week, respectively), as were migraine days/week (4.6 [1.7] vs. 4.6 [1.7] days/week). The effect of onabotulinumtoxinA on change in headache and migraine days/week was significantly greater than placebo at week 1, persisting from week 3 after the first treatment (−1.6 [2.2] vs. −1.1 [2.2] headache days/week [  p < 0.001] and −1.6 [2.2] vs. −1.1 [2.2] migraine days/week [  p < 0.001]). Headache and migraine days decreased in onabotulinumtoxinA responders beginning 1 week after treatment 1.

Conclusions

Treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA is associated with significant reductions in headache and migraine days/week at week 1, persisting after week 3, compared with placebo. Combined with earlier reports showing onabotulinumtoxinA treatment results in a persistent and progressive reduction in headache days over 56 weeks, it is suggested peak benefit may require multiple treatments.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00156910 and NCT00168428.
Utility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Children With Strabismus
Authors: Yoon Lira , Kim Hye-Young , Kwak Min Jung , Park Kyung Hee , Bae Mi Hye , Lee Yunjin , Nam Sang Ook , Choi Hee Young , Kim Young Mi
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain can provide valuable information about structural abnormalities in strabismus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of MRI in this regard and to identify risk factors for abnormal MRI results in children with strabismus.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of children <18 years of age presenting with strabismus, who underwent brain MRI at Pusan National University Hospital (Busan, Korea) between January 2012 and March 2017, was performed. Clinical characteristics, MRI results, and ophthalmologic findings were reviewed. Findings were classified as normal or abnormal according to MRI results. Additionally, patients were divided according to age to compare characteristics of infantile and childhood strabismus.

Results:

A total of 90 patients (47 [52.2%] male, 43 [47.8%] female; mean age, 2.19 ± 0.53 years) were enrolled. Of those, 64 (71.1%) presented with normal and 26 (28.9%) with abnormal MRI results. The age at presentation was lower and abnormal findings on fundus examination were more common in the abnormal MRI group ( P = .002 and P = .008, respectively). Among the patients, 46 (51.1%) had infantile strabismus and 44 (48.9%) had childhood strabismus. Global developmental delays, speech delays, and MRI abnormalities were more common in patients with infantile than in those with childhood strabismus. Ptosis and headaches were more common in patients with childhood strabismus ( P = .025, P = .025, respectively).

Conclusion:

Brain MRI was helpful for accurate diagnosis and treatment of strabismus in younger children, those with abnormal findings on fundus examination, and infants with developmental, especially speech, delays.
Assessing Application-Based Breastfeeding Education for Physicians and Nurses: A Scoping Review
Authors: Chuisano Samantha A. , Anderson Olivia S.
Published: May 2019

Background

Physicians and nurses are expected to support breastfeeding mothers. However, there is a lack of standardized lactation education throughout training programs and hospitals. As a result, providers lack the necessary confidence and skills to guide mothers throughout the breastfeeding experience. The hands-on nature of breastfeeding management demands the implementation of application-based learning tools to improve skills retention and patient breastfeeding outcomes.

Research aim

In this scoping review, we aimed to critically assess the types of application-based breastfeeding management learning tools reported within medical and nursing professions and the evaluation methods of learner and patient outcomes.

Methods

The authors searched the literature to identify peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2018 with medical or nursing students, residents, or professionals as the target learner group in an application-based educational intervention. Both authors independently assessed the content in the resulting articles, with specific focus on teaching methods, curricular development, and the learning outcomes reported within each study.

Results

Ten articles matched the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review, including five studies from the medical field and five from the field of nursing. Use of real patients was a common method for application-based skills training, followed by role playing and use of standardized patients. Teaching and evaluation methods varied widely across the studies.

Conclusion

The results align with existing literature in finding a dearth of high-quality studies assessing breastfeeding education among physicians and nurses. The variability in teaching and evaluation methods indicates a lack of standardization in breastfeeding education between institutions.
Prediction on the lubrication and leakage performance of the piston–cylinder interface for axial piston pumps
Authors: Li Feiyue , Wang Dongyun , Lv Qibing , Haidak Gaston , Zheng Suosheng
Published: May 2019

Hydraulic piston pump has the advantages of high efficiency and low-pressure pulsation and has been widely used in the field of construction and agriculture machinery. However, the oil leakage problem, especially the internal leakage of the piston, seriously affects the efficiency of the pump and causes unstable state and high noise. First of all, to improve the performance of the hydraulic pump, a nonlinear mathematical model of the Reynolds equation and energy equation was established to predict the oil film thickness and pressure distribution. What's more, the influence of multiple parameters such as pressure, temperature, swash plate angle, leakage clearance, and the length of leakage flow path on the internal leakage of the piston–cylinder interface was explored. Last but not the least, a test rig was built to measure the corresponding values and to evaluate the effectiveness of the mathematic model. Simulations and experiments consider the variables such as pressure, temperature, and swash plate angle. Both results show that the nonlinear mathematical model could predict the piston pair leakage accurately, so it could be an effective way to improve the design of the piston–cylinder surface structure, gaining higher efficiency.
Admixed recurrent Gegenbauer polynomials neural network with mended particle swarm optimization control system for synchronous reluctance motor driving continuously variable transmission system
Authors: Lin Chih-Hong , Chang Kuo-Tsai
Published: May 2019

To cut down influence of nonlinear time-varying uncertainty action in a synchronous reluctance motor driving continuously variable transmission system, an admixed recurrent Gegenbauer polynomials neural network with mended particle swarm optimization control system is posed for improving control performance. The admixed recurrent Gegenbauer polynomials neural network with mended particle swarm optimization control system involves an observer control, a recurrent Gegenbauer polynomial neural network control and a remunerated control. The weights of recurrent Gegenbauer polynomials neural network controller are regulated by using the adaptive law and the gradient descent technology. The remunerated control with a reckoned law is derived and computed by means of the Lyapunov stability theorem so as to pledge stability of the control system. Likewise, to speedup convergence of weights in the recurrent Gegenbauer polynomial neural network, the mended particle swarm optimization algorithm is used for regulating two kinds of learning rates. At last, three kinds of experimental results are demonstrated to confirm the usefulness of the put forward control system with comparative studies.
Clinical characteristics of pediatric cutaneous lupus erythematosus: experience from a tertiary referral center in Korea
Authors: Lee S K , Baek J , Roh J Y , Kim H J
Published: May 2019

The clinical characteristics of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) are well delineated in adults, but pediatric data, particularly in Asian populations, are limited. Therefore, we evaluated the characteristics of pediatric cases by retrospectively reviewing the medical records of children with CLE during a 15-year period in a tertiary care dermatology clinic in South Korea. The study included 21 children (8 males and 13 females), 4 of whom had neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE). Among 17 patients with CLE, discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) was most common (47.1%), followed by acute CLE (ACLE, 35.3%). All ACLE cases had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Female predominance was conspicuous in ACLE/SLE (6/11 females versus 0/6 males), as was older age, whereas DLE and NLE showed near-equal sex distributions. The median age at the diagnosis of CLE was significantly higher in females than in males (15 years versus 4.5 years, p = 0.02). All patients with ACLE/SLE simultaneously showed skin and systemic symptoms from onset. The kidney was the most commonly involved organ. This study revealed unique characteristics of pediatric CLE, further warranting a comprehensive review among various ethnicities to understand the wide spectrum of CLE in the pediatric population.
Aminotriazole functional silica incorporated BisGMA/TEGDMA resins as dental nanocomposites
Authors: Yushau Umar S , Almofeez Lama , Bozkurt Ayhan
Published: May 2019

This article is focused on the preparation and characterization of functional nanosilica incorporated dental resins with better mechanical, cytotoxicity, sorption, and solubility properties. Silica nanoparticles were synthesized via Stöber method and were functionalized with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole. Dental nanocomposites were produced by embedding the functionalized nanosilica into bisphenol-A-glycidyl methacrylate/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate matrix to form B1–B6 series. This was achieved by mechanical mixing of the monomer (50:50 wt%), filler (10–60 wt%), initiator combination (CQ/EDMAB:0.1:0.4 wt%) and then followed by LED light curing (wavelength: 450–500 nm, power density:1000 mW cm−2) for 60 s. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques were used for characterization of the materials. Cytotoxicity tests were performed to evaluate cell viability and mechanical tests were done to check mechanical strength and stability of the materials. The mean sorption and solubility values of the materials were measured by making a series of experiments on different composite formulations.
Actions and Attitudes Regarding Middle-Grade LGBTQ Students: Principals’ Perspectives
Authors: Boyland Lori G. , Kirkeby Kimberley M. , Boyland Margaret I.
Published: May 2019

This study examined Indiana public middle school principals’ perceptions of school conditions and stakeholders’ attitudes regarding middle-grade lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students. Principals’ responses revealed that inclusive school environments and caring faculty members were prominent factors in successfully providing support to middle-grade LGBTQ students, while the negative attitudes of some parents, community members, and school staff members were barriers to supporting LGBTQ youth. Principals’ self-reported attitudes toward LGBTQ students were favorable and were found to be statistically significant in predicting their reports of school stakeholders’ attitudes, especially teachers. Implications for principal preparation programs and recommendations for school leadership practice are discussed.
Stabilization of uncertain nonlinear discrete-time switched systems with state delays: A constrained robust model predictive control approach
Authors: Aminsafaee Maryam , Shafiei Mohammad Hossein
Published: May 2019

This paper studies the problem of robust stabilization for a class of nonlinear discrete-time switched systems with polytopic uncertainties and unknown state delay. Moreover, the control signal is assumed to be constrained. The objective of the proposed controller is to stabilize the switched system under arbitrary switching signals based on the switched Lyapunov function approach. Therefore, based on the constrained robust model predictive control method and an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, the sufficient conditions to guarantee the asymptotical stability of the switched system are developed as linear matrix inequalities. Through online solving an optimization problem, the predictive state-feedback controller is designed. Furthermore, in this delay-dependent approach, only the upper bound of time-delay should be known. Appropriate transient response, ability to handle constraints, and nonconstrained switching signal are the other advantages of the proposed method. Finally, the performance of the proposed approach is compared with a similar approach through a numerical example. As well as, to show the applicability of the proposed controller, it is applied to a drinking water supply network, as an application example.
Evaluation of postoperative pain and toxicological aspects of the use of dipyrone and tramadol in cats
Authors: Teixeira Luciana G , Martins Letícia R , Schimites Paula I , Dornelles Guilherme L , Aiello Graciane , Oliveira Juliana S , da Silva Filipe C , Brum Bárbara TS , Walter Thais MC , Andrade Cinthia M , Soares André V
Published: May 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dipyrone and tramadol, used for 5 days, on postoperative pain, hematological and biochemical parameters, and oxidative markers on erythrocytes.

Methods

Twenty-eight healthy cats underwent ovariohysterectomy and were randomly allocated to four groups (each n = 7), according to the postoperative treatment administered intravenously: control (saline 1 ml q8h), DIP1 (dipyrone 25 mg/kg q24h), DIP2 (dipyrone 25 mg/kg q12h) and DIP3 (dipyrone 25 mg/kg q8h). All animals received tramadol (2 mg/kg q8h). Pain was assessed by visual analog (VAS), multidimensional UNESP and Glasgow pain scales for cats preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after extubation. Venous blood was collected daily for 5 days, and on day 10, to perform a complete blood count (CBC) and determine the percentage of Heinz bodies (HBs). Serum biochemistry was evaluated preoperatively and on days 5 and 10; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and lipoperoxidation were evaluated preoperatively and on days 3, 5 and 10.

Results

Control cats had higher pain scores than DIP3 cats by UNESP ( P = 0.0065), and DIP2 ( P = 0.0035) and DIP3 cats ( P = 0.0108) by VAS 3 h postoperatively. Rescue analgesia was required by two animals in the control group and one each in the DIP1 and DIP2 groups. There was no difference in SOD or CAT among groups. On day 5, MPO was more active in DIP2 than in DIP3 cats ( P = 0.0274). No difference in lipoperoxidation among treatment and control cats was found. CBC remained constant and without statistical difference among groups. Control, DIP2 and DIP3 cats presented a similar percentage of HBs on day 10. Biochemical variables were similar among groups and times.

Conclusions and relevance

The administration of dipyrone in cats, when used in combination with tramadol, did not ensure better analgesia than tramadol alone. Dipyrone did not significantly affect biochemical variables and oxidative markers, despite minimal, clinically irrelevant, hematological differences between groups.
Correlation between the distance from the pubic symphysis to the sacrum with pelvic incidence
Authors: Abola Matthew V , Knapik Derrick M , Cooperman Daniel R , Liu Raymond W
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

The distance between the pubic symphysis and sacrococcygeal joint has been noted as an important parameter in evaluating pelvic tilt in an anteroposterior (AP) radiograph. Similarly, pelvic incidence measures the sagittal balance of the pelvis and is influenced by pelvic rotation. The relationship between these 2 parameters is unknown and could affect interpretation of pelvic AP radiographs.

Methods:

We reconstructed 248 cadaveric pelvises. Pelvic incidence was measured using a previously validated method. Pubic symphysis-sacrococcygeal joint (PSS) height was measured from the superior pubic tubercle to the sacrococcygeal joint. The pelvises were positioned so that the anterior pelvis lay flush with the surface. A ruler was zeroed on the pubic tubercles and a transverse projecting laser was used to measure the height to the sacrococcygeal joint.

Results:

A total of 248 pelvises were reconstructed. Average age of death of the specimens was 33±6.0 years. 80% of the pelvises were male, 56% were Caucasian, and 44% African American. The mean PSS height was 2.2 ± 1.4 cm and mean PI was 44.3° ± 10.6°. Multiple regression analysis found PI and PSS height were not correlated ( p = 0.144). Females had a larger PSS height than males (beta = 1.17, p < 0.001) and African Americans a larger PSS height than Caucasians (beta = 0.63, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

This study provides useful information for clinicians in evaluating AP radiographs of the pelvis in that it supports the use of PSS height to judge the adequacy of a radiograph even in the context of abnormal pelvic incidence.
Tribological performances of graphite–MoS2 coating at various high temperatures
Authors: Han Huali , Qian Zhiyuan , Meng Fanming , Cui Zhongtao
Published: May 2019

The tribological performances of the graphite–MoS2 coating deposited on the disc specimen, whose material is GCr15 steel, are experimentally investigated under high temperatures. Effects of graphite content, applied load, rotational speed and test temperature on the coefficient of friction and wear scar width of the coating are evaluated. The graphite–MoS2 coating with 20 wt% graphite addition exhibits the relatively small coefficient of friction and wear scar width at 200 ℃. At or beyond 400 ℃, the coating's lubricating effect is severely deteriorated with the testing time. At 200 ℃, there exists a critical applied load of 10 N and a critical rotational speed of 1250 rpm beyond which the MoS2 coating with 20 wt% graphite content is worn through and brings out a large coefficient of friction. The test results indicate that adding 20 wt% to 33 wt% graphite to MoS2 coating leads to an obvious reduction of the coefficient of friction and wear scar width for the coating at 200 ℃.
‘Love Europe, hate the EU’: A genealogical inquiry into populists’ spatio-cultural critique of the European Union and its consequences
Authors: Glencross Andrew
Published: May 2019

This article analyses the genealogy of the expression ‘Love Europe, hate the EU’, which is taken as a spatio-cultural critique of the European Union that has important consequences for how European integration is contested. Closely associated with the Brexit movement, but also popular among other populist movements opposing the European Union, this catchphrase is analysed as the latest stage in the contestation over the political meaning of Europe. However, the article demonstrates that the desire to do away with a rules-based institutional order rests on a deliberately ahistorical reading of European inter-state relations following the rise of the sovereign state. What is overlooked is the way in which Europe was conceptualized by the end of the 18th century as a distinct political unit with its own peculiar dysfunctionality, namely, a naturally anti-hegemonic order that often resulted in violent conflict. The spatio-cultural critique of European Union institutionalization nonetheless expects that shared European interests and values can seamlessly recreate cooperation across sovereign states, an argument that culminated in the UK’s Brexit decision. Yet, as shown by the debate over the future of UK–European Union relations, this cultural and idealized understanding of Europe’s commonalities ignores the economic and political significance of borders and forgets the part played by the European Union in managing contested spaces. This emerging cleavage between institutional and cultural understandings of Europe suggests that European integration after Brexit needs to focus on demonstrating the value of institutionalized cooperation per se as much as on the cultural symbolism of supranationalism.
Intergroup contact moderates the influence of social norms on prejudice
Authors: Visintin Emilio Paolo , Green Eva G. T. , Falomir-Pichastor Juan Manuel , Berent Jacques
Published: May 2019

While previous research has examined social norms and intergroup contact as predictors of prejudice, there is limited research on their interplay in shaping intergroup attitudes. The results of five studies using correlational and experimental methods in different intergroup contexts consistently showed that the influence of intolerant (vs. tolerant) social norms on prejudice is reduced for people who have contacts with outgroup members. Studies 4–5 further showed that threat perceptions mediate the interaction effects between norms and contact on prejudice. Overall, the research program suggests that intergroup contact is a potent tool for reducing conformity to intolerant and antiegalitarian norms.
A self-locking steel bearing connection for circular reinforced concrete columns
Authors: Jing Denghu , Cao Shuangyin , Krevaikas Theofanis , Bian Jun
Published: May 2019

This article proposes a new connection between a steel bearing and a reinforced concrete column, which is mainly used for provisionally providing jack support in existing reinforced concrete structures. In this suggested connection joint, the steel bearing consisted of two or four symmetrical components assembled by high-strength bolts, which surrounds the reinforced concrete column by a tapered tube and balances the vertical load via the friction force between the tapered tube and concrete, that is, through a self-locking mechanism. The proposed connection joint can be assembled easily at a construction site and can also be disassembled and reused many times. To demonstrate the feasibility of this type of connection joint, a simple test was conducted to illustrate the concept, that is, a total of four medium-scale steel bearing–reinforced concrete column connections with circular cross sections were fabricated and tested under axial loading. The test results showed that the steel bearing–reinforced concrete column connection based on self-locking mechanism exhibited good working performance. Furthermore, a simplified formula to predict the axial stiffness of the connection joint was presented. From the tests and the proposed formula, the most important factors that influence the axial stiffness of this type of connection joint on the premise of an elastic working state are the slope of the tapered tube, the height of the steel bearing, the thickness of the tapered tube, the cross section of the reinforced concrete column, the cross-sectional area of all the connecting bolts, the proportion of the number of top bolts, the area of the top ring plate, and the effective contact area ratio.
A Bayesian approach for some zero-modified Poisson mixture models
Authors: Bertoli Wesley , Conceição Katiane S , Andrade Marinho G , Louzada Francisco
Published: May 2019

In this article, we propose a class of zero-modified Poisson mixture models as an alternative to model overdispersed count data exhibiting inflation or deflation of zeros. A relevant feature of this class is that the zero modification can be incorporated using a zero truncation process and consequently, the proposed models can be expressed in the hurdle version. This procedure leads to the fact that the proposed models can be fitted without any previous information about the zero modification present in agiven dataset. A fully Bayesian approach has been considered for estimation and inference concerns. Three different simulation studies have been conducted to illustrate the performance of the developed methodology. The usefulness of the proposed class of models has been assessed by using three real datasets provided by the literature. A general model comparison with some well-known discrete distributions has been presented.
Do Transgender People Respond According to Their Biological Sex or Their Gender Identity When Confronted With Romantic Rivals?
Authors: Arístegui Inés , Solano Alejandro Castro , Buunk Abraham P.
Published: May 2019

This study examined the hypothesis that gender identity and biological sex represent independent modules and that transgender individuals respond to romantic rivals in line with their gender identity and not with their biological sex. Additionally, associations of jealousy with intrasexual competitiveness (ISC) and social comparison orientation (SCO) were explored. A total of 134 male-to-female and 94 female-to-male transgender individuals from Greater Buenos Aires, Argentina, responded to a questionnaire. In line with the predictions, female-to-male transgender individuals experienced more jealousy than male-to-female transgender individuals in response to a physically dominant rival, whereas male-to-female individuals experienced more jealousy than female-to-male individuals in response to a physically attractive rival. Regardless of their gender identity, in both groups social-communal attributes were the most jealousy-evoking characteristic. Overall, the results indicate that transgender individuals mainly respond in line with their gender identity and not in line with their biological sex when facing romantic rivals. In addition, transgender individuals high in ISC experienced relatively more jealousy in response to all rival characteristics, whereas SCO was only among male-to-female individuals associated with jealousy.
A socialist republican theory of freedom and government
Authors: Muldoon James
Published: May 2019

In response to the republican revival of the ideal of freedom as non-domination, a number of ‘radical’, ‘labour’ and ‘workplace’ republicans have criticised the limitations of Philip Pettit’s account of freedom and government. This article proposes that the missing link in these debates is the relationship between republicanism and socialism. Seeking to bring this connection back into view in historical and theoretical terms, the article draws from contemporary radical republicans and the writings of Karl Kautsky and Rosa Luxemburg to propose a socialist republican theory of freedom and government. This consists of a conception of freedom as collective autonomy and a participatory democratic vision of a decentralised state with parliamentary institutions, the rule of law, worker-controlled workplaces, community-directed investment and a political culture of solidarity and public-spiritedness. This theory of socialist republicanism seeks to overcome the weaknesses and limitations of each respective independent theory and should appeal to republicans and socialists alike.
Strength development monitoring and dynamic modulus assessment of cementitious materials using EMI-Miniature Prism based technique
Authors: Lu Xubin , Lim Yee Yan , Izadgoshasb Iman , Soh Chee Kiong
Published: May 2019

Electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique provides an alternative means of characterizing strength development of early age concrete on a real-time basis. However, most existing studies employing the technique heavily rely on statistical tools for strength development characterization. This article proposes a new impedance-based approach to strength and dynamic modulus assessment of cementitious materials. In this approach, a lead zirconate titanate patch is surfaced-bonded on a customized cementitious material specimen, known as ‘Miniature Prism’, in which the conductance signatures throughout the curing process are acquired. A 3D coupled field finite element (FE) model is then developed to compute the conductance signatures and model updating is performed using the experimental results. The conductance signatures computed by the updated FE model are found to be in good agreement with experimental results. The key contribution of this approach is the use of ‘Miniature Prism’ which ensures consistency of the resonance peaks in the conductance spectrum between identical specimens. This has been very difficult, if not impossible, to achieve with the conventional EMI technique. This merit allows for modelling of the electromechanical system and hence parametrically predicting the dynamic modulus of elasticity of the cementitious material throughout the curing process. Comparative study is also conducted on various conventional and advanced techniques and results indicate that the proposed technique is effective in strength assessment of cementitious materials. In addition, the technique is suitable for autonomous online monitoring purpose, and thus exhibits promising potential to substitute the conventional non-destructive testing methods.
The Treatment of Low Leg Nonischemic Ulcers With a Traditional Chinese-Pharmaceutical Medium: A Randomized Controlled Multicenter Clinical Study
Authors: Zhang Jun , Chen Xu , Yu Linxiang , Xue Jingxian , Zhu Zhiyuan , Wang Cong , Tang Tian , Feng Zeyu , Yao Chang
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to observe the curative effect and mechanism of Shengji Yuhong ointment in the healing of chronic ulcer of lower limbs. 400 patients were equally divided into treatment group and control group. The treatment group was covered with a piece of Shengji Yuhong ointment gauze, while the control group was covered with a piece of Vaseline gauze. Both groups changed dressings every other day for 4 weeks. On the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days of treatment, the reduction rate of wound area and the growth of wound granulation were observed and the levels of hydroxyproline and hemoglobin in wound granulation tissue were measured. The total effective rate was 99.00% in the treatment group and 71.00% in the control group. The treatment group was significantly better than the control group ( P < .01). The ulcer area reduction rate of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group ( P < .01). The scores of ulcer depth, granulation color, and coverage area on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days after treatment in the treatment group were significantly lower than those before treatment ( P < .05). After treatment, the levels of hydroxyproline and hemoglobin in granulation tissue of wounds in both groups were significantly higher than those before treatment ( P < .01), and the levels in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P < .01). Shengji Yuhong ointment can improve the healing rate of chronic ulcer of lower limbs.
A review on the applications of multiagent systems in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Derakhshan Farnaz , Yousefi Shamim
Published: May 2019

Nowadays, the efficiency of multiagent systems in wireless sensor networks prompts the researchers to use these emerging mobile software packets in different simulated approaches or real-world applications. Heterogeneous and distributed wireless sensor networks could be integrated with the multiagent systems to map the real-world challenges into the artificial intelligence world. The multiagent systems have been applied from simulated approaches like object detection/tracking, healthcare, control/assistant, and security systems to real-world applications, including medical/human-care systems and unmanned aerial vehicles. Furthermore, the integration of wireless sensor networks with multiagent systems have emerged novel application, which is known as mobile robots. However, the extensive use of mobile agents in wireless sensor networks has posed different challenges for researchers, including security, resource, and timing limitation. In this work, we review recent simulated approaches and real-world applications of multiagent systems in wireless sensor networks, in which a set of common factors about the things that have been studied are extracted and compared to analyze the performance of mobile agent–based systems in the wireless sensor networks, as well. This analysis provides new research directions about multiagent systems in wireless sensor networks for interested researchers. Finally, a novel framework for dealing with the challenges of multiagent-based applications in the wireless sensor networks which have been mentioned is suggested.
The Effect of Hypoalbuminemia on the Therapeutic Concentration and Dosage of Vancomycin in Critically Ill Septic Patients in Low-Resource Countries
Authors: Kovacevic Tijana , Miljkovic Branislava , Mikov Momir , Stojisavljevic Satara Svjetlana , Dragic Sasa , Momcicevic Danica , Kovacevic Pedja
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

To determine whether severe hypoalbuminemia (<25 mg/L) has a significant effect on serum levels of vancomycin and whether it can effect vancomycin dosage regimen and the loading dose administration.

Material and Methods:

Prospective, cohort, and a single-center study included 61 patients whose vancomycin serum levels were measured in steady state. Vancomycin trough levels ( C min) that were in the range 15 to 20 µg/mL were considered therapeutic and trough levels higher than 15 µg/mL were considered potentially nephrotoxic.

Results:

In the group of patients with severe hypoalbuminemia, C min was significantly higher compared to the those with nonsevere hypoalbuminemia (>25 mg/L; 23.04 [19.14] vs 13.28 [11.28], P = .01). In the group of patients who received the vancomycin loading dose of 2 g, C min was significantly higher in patients with severe hypoalbuminemia compared to the patients with nonsevere hypoalbuminemia (34.52 [25.93] vs 15.37 [10.48], P = .04).

Conclusion:

In critically ill septic patients with severe hypoalbuminemia, there is a high probability that the loading dose of vancomycin is not necessary since it is associated with potentially toxic vancomycin C min, while in the patients with nonsevere hypoalbuminemia the loading dose may be necessary to achieving therapeutic C min.
Topology design optimization of conductive thermal problems subject to design-dependent load using density gradients
Authors: Yoon Minho , Koo Bonyong
Published: May 2019

In this article, a design sensitivity analysis method is developed for topology optimization of steady-state conductive thermal problems subject to design-dependent thermal loads using density gradients–based boundary detection. In a real physical heat conduction problem, a design-dependent thermal load through the convective boundary is an important factor; however, it is not easy to impose boundary conditions in heat conduction problem due to the difficulties of exact boundary representation. Here, the detection of convection boundaries is available by the density distinction between void and materials, which is similar to a gradient operator in image processing. Applying density gradients and Dirac delta function of densities, we impose a design-dependent load effect on thermal analysis and perform the design sensitivity analysis for topology optimization. At each optimization process, it is noted that the results of thermal analysis and the design sensitivities are influenced by the design-dependent thermal load. Through demonstrative numerical examples, the proposed approach using density gradients is proven to work yielding meaningful optimization results. The developed approach is applicable to the plant engineering and nuclear industries where thermo-mechanical coupling occurs inevitably by the thermal convection.
Nonlinear forced vibration of a moving paper web with varying density
Authors: Shao Mingyue , Wu Jimei , Wang Yan , Wu Qiumin , Ying Shudi
Published: May 2019

The study investigates the forced nonlinear vibration characteristics of an axially moving printing paper web with variable density in the lateral direction. The nonlinear governing equations of the web can be obtained by the von Karman large deflection thin plate theory. The vibration equations are discretized using the Bubnov–Galerkin method. The fourth-order Runge–Kutta technique is used to solve the differential equations of the nonlinear system. The phase-plane diagrams, time histories, bifurcation graphs, Poincare maps, and power spectrum are employed to analyze the influence of density coefficient, velocity, and aspect ratio on the nonlinear dynamic behavior of the moving paper web. The stable working region and the divergence instability region of the web are obtained. The research provides a theoretical foundation for improving the dynamic stability of a moving paper web.
Research on unmanned aerial vehicle modeling and control based on intelligent algorithms
Authors: Liu Peng , Luo Xun , Bai Zhendong , Liu Xin , Liu Jiaqi
Published: May 2019

This article designs an automatic flight control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle helicopter. The differential evolution intelligent algorithm is used for a state-space model identification; the differential evolution method has an advantage of choosing initial point randomly. The accuracy of the identified model is verified by comparing the model-predicted responses with the responses collected during flight experiments. The reliability and efficiency of the differential evolution algorithm are demonstrated by the experimental results. A robust controller is designed based on the identified model for the unmanned aerial vehicle helicopter with two-loop control frame: the outer-loop is used to obtain the expected attitude angles through reference path and speed with guidance-based path-following control, and the inner-loop is used to control the attitude angles of helicopter tracking the expected ones with [Formula: see text] loop-shaping method. The greatest common right divisor method is used to choose the weighting matrix in loop shaping, in which the stability margin is larger and has a greater bandwidth of the unmanned aerial vehicle system. Finally, a space spiral curve trajectory tracking simulation is conducted to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed control systems, and the simulation results prove that the unmanned helicopter system achieves a top-level control performance.
Pooling management and transport optimization of packing boxes for motor engine parts
Authors: Wang Bin , Su Zhanhao , Wang Ao , Chen Kang
Published: May 2019

Based on the analysis of current inbound logistics and packing box utilization of a motor engine factory and the demand for the parts from motor engine factories, we propose a new logistics system by establishing a packing box pooling center and using milk-run picking to load the empty and full packing boxes. A programming model for locating pooling centers and transporting the packing boxes is established with the objective of minimizing the total transport cost for the parts logistics. A solution algorithm is designed and used for sensitivity analyses of the effects of changing pooling centers on the inbound logistics cost.
Start where you are: Building cairns of collaborative memory
Authors: Silvestri Lisa Ellen
Published: May 2019

Digital mediums have changed how we collect, store, process, and share memories. The following article considers how social media status updates inform individual and collective memory by envisioning them as instances when personal narrative coalesces with communal narrative in the memory-making process. Building on the principle of collaborative memory, the author seeks to emphasize the inherent collaborative nature of the remembering process by presenting three exemplary status updates from a post-9/11 amputee war veteran who locates himself within an emerging, yet malleable public narrative (or lack thereof) about US led missions in Afghanistan.
Innervation of the acromioclavicular joint by the suprascapular nerve
Authors: Borbas Paul , Eid Karim , Ek Eugene T , Feigl Georg
Published: May 2019

Background

The suprascapular nerve is largely responsible for the majority of the sensory innervation of the acromioclavicular joint. In this anatomical study, we describe, in detail, the anatomy of the sensory innervation of the acromioclavicular joint by the branches of the suprascapular nerve.

Methods

Twenty-seven shoulders from 17 cadaveric specimens were carefully dissected to identify the course of the suprascapular nerve, with the main focus being on the sensory innervation of the acromioclavicular joint. Nine specific measurements of the acromioclavicular joint sensory nerves were made of each shoulder in relation to distinct anatomical landmarks to determine the mean location and course of these nerves.

Results

In all 27 shoulders (100%), a sensory branch to the acromioclavicular joint with a proximal origin from the suprascapular nerve could be depicted (“first sensory branch”). The mean length of this branch was 4.3 cm (range: 3.3–5.3 cm). In 14 shoulders (52%), a further sensory branch of the suprascapular nerve innervating the posterior acromioclavicular joint capsule could be identified (“second sensory branch”).

Discussion

A detailed anatomical description of the sensory innervation of the acromioclavicular joint from suprascapular nerve branches was performed, which can potentially aid in the development of more focused anesthetic blockades and acromioclavicular joint denervation procedures.
Baicalin Administered Orally After Ischemia/Reperfusion Alleviated Brain Injury in Mice by Inhibiting Inflammation and Edema
Authors: Lee Byoungho , Lim Chiyeon , Lim Sehyun , Cho Suin
Published: May 2019

Baicalin is a natural product isolated from Scutellaria genus and has been reported to have many different pharmacological activities, which include anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects. We investigated the effects of baicalin administered after I/R-induced brain injury in a mouse model. I/R-induced brain injury was induced by MCAO for 2 h. Baicalin was orally administered to mice once daily for 2 consecutive days after 2 h of reperfusion. Single daily oral administrations of baicalin at 10, 30, or 100 mg/kg/day for 2 consecutively days after I/R significantly reduced infarct volumes, edema indices, and water contents in mouse brains, serum levels of AQP-4. IL-1β, TNF-α, and ROS, and lipid peroxidation levels in brain ipsilateral hemispheres were suppressed by baicalin. This result is believed to be due to the anti-inflammatory effect of baicalin and its downregulation of AQP-4 protein expression in affected brain tissues after I/R-induced brain injury in mice.
Leisure time and occupational physical activity, resting heart rate and mortality in the Arctic region of Norway: The Finnmark Study
Authors: Hermansen Rune , Jacobsen Bjarne K , Løchen Maja-Lisa , Morseth Bente
Published: May 2019

Aims

This study examined the association of leisure time physical activity, occupational physical activity, and resting heart rate with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in Sami and non-Sami populations.

Study design

This was a longitudinal, observational population-based study.

Methods

The Finnmark 3 study cohort was examined in 1987–1988 and followed for all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality for 26 years. The cohort included 17,697 men and women with a mean age of 47.2 years at baseline. Leisure time physical activity and occupational physical activity were assessed with a validated questionnaire at baseline, whereas cause of death was obtained from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry.

Results

A total of 1983 women and 3147 men died during follow-up. Leisure time physical activity was linearly and inversely associated with all-cause mortality, but not coronary heart disease mortality. Compared to inactive subjects, all-cause mortality was significantly reduced by 16% in the active leisure time physical activity group (hazard ratio 0.84; 95% confidence interval 0.76–0.92). Both for all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, we observed a U-shaped relationship with occupational physical activity, as participants in the walking and lifting group had significantly lower mortality than both the mostly sedentary and the heavy manual labour group ( p < 0.05). An increase in resting heart rate by one beat per minute was associated with a 1.1% increase in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.011; 95% confidence interval 1.009–1.013). The associations were similar in Sami and non-Sami subjects.

Conclusion

In this population-based study, leisure time physical activity was inversely associated with all-cause mortality, whereas resting heart rate was positively associated with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. There was a U-shaped association between occupational physical activity and cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.
Exploring the interplay between job strain and different domains of physical activity on the incidence of coronary heart disease in adult men
Authors: Ferrario Marco M , Veronesi Giovanni , Roncaioli Mattia , Holtermann Andreas , Krause Niklas , Clays Els , Borchini Rossana , Grassi Guido , Cesana Giancarlo ,   on behalf of The Cohorts Collaborative Study in Northern Italy (CCSNI) Research Group
Published: May 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the independent associations of occupational (OPA) and sport physical activity (SpPA) and job strain on the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) events, and to explore their interplay.

Methods

The study sample included 3310 25–64-year-old employed men, free of CHD at baseline, recruited in three population-based and one factory-based cohorts. OPA and SpPA, and job strain were assessed by the Baecke and the Job Content Questionnaires, respectively. We estimated the associations between different domains of physical activity and job strain with CHD, adjusting for major risk factors using Cox models.

Results

During follow-up (median=14 years), 120 CHD events, fatal and non-fatal, occurred. In the entire sample, a higher CHD risk was found for high job strain (hazard ratio=1.55, 95% confidence interval: 1.05–2.31). The joint effect of low OPA and high job strain was estimated as a hazard ratio of 2.53 (1.29–4.97; reference intermediate OPA with non-high strain). With respect to intermediate OPA workers, in stratified analysis when SpPA is none, low OPA workers had a hazard ratio of 2.13 (95% confidence interval: 1.19–3.81), increased to 3.95 (1.79–8.78) by the presence of high job strain. Low OPA–high job strain workers take great advantage from SpPA, reducing their risk up to 90%. In contrast, the protective effect of SpPA on CHD in other OPA–job strain categories was modest or even absent, in particular when OPA is high.

Conclusions

Our study shows a protective effect of recommended and intermediate SpPA levels on CHD risk among sedentary male workers. When workers are jointly exposed to high job strain and sedentary work their risk further increases, but this group benefits most from regular sport physical activity.