bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Skeleton Model and the Motion Rhythm Analysis for Human Shoulder Complex Oriented to Rehabilitation Robotics
Authors: Zhibin Song , Tianyu Ma , Chao Nie , Yijun Niu
Published: June 2018

Rehabilitation robotics has become a widely accepted method to deal with the training of people with motor dysfunction. In robotics medium training, shoulder repeated exercise training has been proven beneficial for improving motion ability of human limbs. An important and difficult paradigm for motor function rehabilitation training is the movement rhythm on the shoulder, which is not a single joint but complex and ingenious combination of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The most robots for rehabilitation were designed previously considering simplified biomechanical models only, which led to misalignment between robots and human shoulder. Current biomechanical models were merely developed for rehabilitation robotics design. This paper proposes a new hybrid spatial model based on joint geometry constraints to describe the movement of the shoulder skeletal system and establish the position analysis equation of the model by a homogeneous coordinate transformation matrix and vector method, which can be used to calculate the kinematics of human-robot integrated system. The shoulder rhythm, the most remarkable particularity in shoulder complex kinematics and important reference for shoulder training strategy using robotics, is described and analyzed via the proposed skeleton model by three independent variables in this paper. This method greatly simplifies the complexity of the shoulder movement description and provides an important reference for the training strategy making of upper limb rehabilitation via robotics.
Microbiota Composition and the Integration of Exogenous and Endogenous Signals in Reactive Nasal Inflammation
Authors: Salzano Francesco Antonio , Marino Luigi , Salzano Giovanni , Botta Riccardo Maria , Cascone Giovanni , D’Agostino Fiorenza Umberto , Selleri Carmine , Casolaro Vincenzo
Published: June 2018

The prevalence of reactive nasal inflammatory conditions, for example, allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis, is steadily increasing in parallel with significant environmental changes worldwide. Allergens and as yet undefined environmental agents may trigger these conditions via the involvement of host intrinsic factors, including the innate and adaptive immune system, the nasal epithelium, and the nasal nervous system. The critical role of the nasal microbiota in coordinating these components has emerged in recent studies documenting a significant association between microbial composition and the onset and progression of allergic or nonallergic inflammation. It is now clear that the local microbiota is a major player in the development of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and in the regulation of such adaptive responses as IgA production and the function of effector and regulatory T cells. Microbial components also play a major role in the regulation of epithelial barrier functions, including mucus production and the control of paracellular transport across tight junctions. Bacterial components, including lipopolysaccharide, have also been shown to induce or amplify neuroinflammatory responses by engaging specific nociceptors. Finally, bacterial products may promote tissue remodeling processes, including nasal polyp formation, by interacting with formyl peptide receptors and inducing the expression of angiogenic factors and matrix-degrading enzymes.
Modulation of Inflammatory Reactions by Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation: Cytokine Release of Murine Endothelial Cells Is Dependent on Culture Conditions
Authors: Schröder Sabine , Kriesen Stephan , Paape Daniel , Hildebrandt Guido , Manda Katrin
Published: June 2018

Background. In many European countries, patients with a variety of chronical inflammatory diseases are treated with low-dose radiotherapy (LD-RT). In contrast to high-dose irradiation given to tumor patients, little is known about radiobiological mechanisms underlying this clinical successful LD-RT application. The objective of this study was to gain a better insight into the modulation of inflammatory reactions after LD-RT on the basis of endothelial cells (EC) as major participants and regulators of inflammation.Methods. Three murine EC lines were cultivated under 2D and 3D culture conditions and irradiated with doses from 0.01 Gy to 2 Gy. To simulate an inflammatory situation, cells were activated with TNF-α. After LD-RT, a screening of numerous inflammatory markers was determined by multiplex assay, followed by detailed analyses of four cytokines (KC, MCP-1, RANTES, and G-CSF). Additionally, the monocyte binding to EC was analyzed.Results. Cytokine concentrations were dependent on culture condition, IR dose, time point after IR, and EC origin. IR caused nonlinear dose-dependent effects on secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines KC, MCP-1, and RANTES. The monocyte adhesion was significantly enhanced after IR as well as activation.Conclusions. The study shows that LD-RT, also using very low radiation doses, has a clear immunomodulatory effect on EC as major participants and regulators of inflammation.
Full Thickness Retinal Hole Formation after Nd:YAG Laser Hyaloidotomy in a Case with Valsalva Retinopathy
Authors: Goker Yasin Sakir , Tekin Kemal , Ucgul Atilgan Cemile , Kosekahya Pinar , Yilmazbas Pelin
Published: June 2018

A 27-year-old male was presented with a sudden onset of visual loss in his right eye. A secondary care center referred the patient with fundus photographs which were screened 4 days before and after the Nd: YAG laser hyaloidotomy treatment. Snellen acuity was 10/10 in both eyes. Fundus examinations revealed a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) alteration at the margin of the inferior temporal arterial vascular arcade in the right eye and resolved preretinal and subretinal hemorrhages were seen in the macula. A diagnosis of Valsalva retinopathy was made based on the history and the treatment photographs of Nd:YAG laser hyaloidotomy. At 1st month examination all hemorrhages were resolved but RPE alterations were still at the margin of the inferior temporal arterial vascular arcade. The optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images revealed 2 lesions. On en face OCT angiogram of OCTA full thickness retinal hole formation and ellipsoid zone damage at the superior and inferior margin of the inferior temporal arterial vascular arcade were seen. Superficial vascular plexus was also damaged at that region. The projection of the evacuation of blood from subhyaloid space and the full thickness retinal hole formation were the same, indicating that the partial and full thickness retinal holes were created by the laser treatment.
Porogenic Behavior of Water in High‐Alumina Castable Structures
Authors: Salomão Rafael
Published: June 2018

Direct casting is a processing method that can produce large parts of complex geometry. It uses dispersions of ceramic particles in water and a hydraulic binder for consolidation. Studies on castable structures have reported the generation of a significant fraction of pores due to the presence of water. This effect occurs because drying preserves part of the interparticle pores originally occupied by water. The fraction of pores obtained in these cases can reach levels higher than 50%, affecting the properties of the structure. However, the porogenic behavior of water in these materials was not investigated in depth. In this work, aqueous suspensions of calcined alumina and hydratable alumina (hydraulic binder) of different water contents (40–60 vol.%) were prepared in a paddler mixer. For compositions of lower (5–35 vol.%) or higher (66–80 vol.%) water amounts, casting and curing steps were assisted by external pressure and a rotating device, respectively, to produce homogeneous microstructures. The total porosity after drying was similar to the initial volumetric content of water in the compositions when side effects, such as sedimentation and air entrapment, were prevented. Below water content of 25 vol.%, particles packing flaws became the main pore generator and the hydroxylation reaction of the binder no longer occurred effectively.
Development and Characterization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Herbal Extract: In Vivo Antidepressant Activity
Authors: Vijayanand P. , Jyothi V. , Aditya N. , Mounika A.
Published: June 2018

In alternate systems of medicine like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, Hibiscus rosa sinensis and its extracts have been traditionally prescribed for their antidepressant activity. Crude extracts and rudimentary formulations approaches are good for proof-of-concept studies; however, these formulations are fraught with problems like poor oral bioavailability and high variability between subjects. Systematic drug delivery approaches could prove effective in addressing some of these problems. In this study, we report the development of Hibiscus rosa sinensis extract loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (HSLNs) using glycerol monostearate or beeswax as lipids. The HSLNs were evaluated for their size, surface charge, and morphology. The optimized HSLNs were tested for antidepressant activity in male Swiss albino mice. It was found that, with the optimized procedure, HSLNs of ~175 nm, carrying negative charge and nearly spherical shape, could be obtained. The in vivo test results suggested that there were marked differences in the immobility times of the test animals. Moreover, with HSLNs, it was found that at doses several times lower than the native crude extract dose, similar pharmacological effect could be obtained. These initial findings suggest that encapsulating phytopharmaceuticals into advanced delivery systems like solid lipid nanoparticles can be an effective strategy in improving their in vivo performance.
Positive Solutions to n-Order Fractional Differential Equation with Parameter
Authors: Tan Jing-jing , Tan Cong , Zhou Xueling
Published: June 2018

By employing the properties of the sum operators, we investigate the solutions of the n-order fractional differential equations multiple point boundary value problem (in short BVP) with the boundary conditions contains a parameter. We not only obtain the existence and uniqueness of solutions about this BVP but also construct an iterative scheme to approximate the solution which is important for practical application. An example is given to demonstrate the validity of our main results.
Multilevel Analysis of Determinants of Anemia Prevalence among Children Aged 6–59 Months in Ethiopia: Classical and Bayesian Approaches
Authors: Kawo Kemal N. , Asfaw Zeytu G. , Yohannes Negusse
Published: June 2018

Background. Anemia is a widely spread public health problem and affects individuals at all levels. However, there is a considerable regional variation in its distribution. Objective. Thus, this study aimed to assess and model the determinants of prevalence of anemia among children aged 6–59 months in Ethiopia. Data. Cross-sectional data from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey was used for the analysis. It was implemented by the Central Statistical Agency from 27 December 2010 through June 2011 and the sampling technique employed was multistage. Method. The statistical models that suit the hierarchical data such as variance components model, random intercept model, and random coefficients model were used to analyze the data. Likelihood and Bayesian approaches were used to estimate both fixed effects and random effects in multilevel analysis. Result. This study revealed that the prevalence of anemia among children aged between 6 and 59 months in the country was around 42.8%. The multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the variation of predictor variables of the prevalence of anemia among children aged between 6 and 59 months. Accordingly, it has been identified that the number of children under five in the household, wealth index, age of children, mothers’ current working status, education level, given iron pills, size of child at birth, and source of drinking water have a significant effect on prevalence of anemia. It is found that variances related to the random term were statistically significant implying that there is variation in prevalence of anemia across regions. From the methodological aspect, it was found that random intercept model is better compared to the other two models in fitting the data well. Bayesian analysis gave consistent estimates with the respective multilevel models and additional solutions as posterior distribution of the parameters. Conclusion. The current study confirmed that prevalence of anemia among children aged 6–59 months in Ethiopia was severe public health problem, where 42.8% of them are anemic. Thus, stakeholders should pay attention to all significant factors mentioned in the analysis of this study but wealth index/improving household income and availability of pure drinking water are the most influential factors that should be improved anyway.
A New Hybrid Model Based on Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm and Wavelet Neural Network and Its Application to Underwater Acoustic Signal Prediction
Authors: Yang Hong , Wang Siliang , Li Guohui , Mao Tongtong
Published: June 2018

The local predictability of underwater acoustic signal plays an important role in underwater acoustic signal processing, and it is the basis of nonstationary signal detection. Wavelet neural network model, with the advantages of both wavelet analysis and artificial neural network, makes full use of the time-frequency localization characteristics of wavelet analysis and the self-learning ability of artificial neural network; however, this model is prone to fall into local minima or creates convergence. To overcome these disadvantages, a new hybrid model based on fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA) and wavelet neural network (WNN) is proposed in this paper. The FOA-WNN prediction model is constructed by optimizing the weights and thresholds of wavelet neural network, and the model is applied to underwater acoustic signal prediction. The experimental results show that the FOA-WNN prediction model has higher prediction accuracy and smaller prediction error, compared with wavelet neural network prediction model and BP neural network prediction model.
Determinants of Mortality in Patients with Nosocomial Acinetobacter baumannii Bacteremia in Southwest China: A Five-Year Case-Control Study
Authors: Yang Shuangshuang , Sun Jide , Wu Xianan , Zhang Liping
Published: June 2018

Purpose. This study was aimed to identify the determinants of in-hospital mortality in Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) bacteremia and to assess impact of carbapenem resistance on mortality. Methods. A five-year case-control study was conducted from January 2011 to December 2015 in a tertiary teaching hospital with 3200 beds, Southwest China. Clinical outcomes and potential determinants of mortality in patients with nosocomial A. baumannii bacteremia and carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) bacteremia were evaluated using Cox and logistic regression analyses. Results. A total of 118 patients with nosocomial A. baumannii bacteremia were included. Seventy-one percent (84/118) of them had carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) bacteremia. The in-hospital mortality of nosocomial A. baumannii bacteremia was 21.2%, and the attributable in-hospital mortality rate due to CRAB was 21.5%. Significant difference of 30-day in-hospital mortality in the Kaplan–Meier curves was found between CRAB and CSAB groups (log-rank test, P=0.025). The Cox regression analysis showed that patients with CRAB bacteremia had 2.72 times higher risk for 30-day in-hospital mortality than did those with carbapenem-susceptible A. baumannii (CSAB) bacteremia (95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.14–6.61, P=0.016). The logistic regression analysis reported that mechanical ventilation and respiratory tract as origin of bacteremia were independent predictors of mortality among patients with nosocomial A. baumannii bacteremia and CRAB bacteremia, while high APACHE II score on the day of bacteremia and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS) during hospitalization were independent predictors of mortality among patients with nosocomial A. baumannii bacteremia but not CRAB bacteremia. Conclusion. It was the severity of illness (high APACHE II score and MODS) not carbapenem resistance that highlighted the mortality of patients with nosocomial A. baumannii bacteremia. The impact of mechanical ventilation on mortality suggested that respiratory dysfunction might prime the poor outcome. Protection of respiratory function during the progression of nosocomial A. baumannii bacteremia should be given more importance. Early identification and intervention of patients with nosocomial A. baumannii bacteremia in critical ill conditions were advocated.
The Relation between Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Cengiz Ali , Konuk Suat , Tuğ Tuncer
Published: June 2018

Aim. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) levels and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Materials and Method. 44 patients with OSAS and 44 healthy adults were included in this study. The participants having rheumatic or systemic inflammatory disease, advanced liver or kidney failure, diabetes, heart failure, hypertension, pregnancy, prerenal azotemia, known history of coronary artery disease, any pulmonary disease, rhinitis, or atopy, history of major trauma or surgery within the last six 6 months, and inhaled nasal or systemic corticosteroid use or other anti-inflammatory medications and those with <18 years of age were excluded. Serum PAPP-A levels were determined by the Elisa method with the immune sandwich measuring method. Statistical analysis of the study was performed with SPSS 17.0 statistical analysis package program, and p<0.05 was considered as significant. Results. Serum PAPP-A levels of patients with OSAS (2.350 ng/ml (0.641–4.796)) were significantly higher (p<0.001) when compared with healthy controls (0.971 ng/ml (0.109–2.679)). There was a statistically significant difference in serum PAPP-A levels between groups of OSAS patients according to the classification of OSAS severity. Between the groups of patients with OSAS, serum levels of PAPP-A in moderate group was significantly higher when compared with severe OSAS group (p<0.001). There was positive correlations between PAPP-A levels and night minimum (p=0.042,  r=0.309), and average oxygen levels (p=0.006,  r=0.407). There was a negative correlation between PAPP-A levels and AHI (p=0.002,  r=−0.460). Conclusion. Higher PAPP-A levels in OSAS patients that were found in this study show inflammatory component in OSAS.
The Efficacy of Graphene Foams for Culturing Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Differentiation into Dopaminergic Neurons
Authors: Tasnim Nishat , Thakur Vikram , Chattopadhyay Munmun , Joddar Binata
Published: June 2018

The implantation of stem cells in vivo is the ideal approach for the restoration of normal life functions, such as replenishing the decreasing levels of affected dopaminergic (DA) neurons during neurodegenerative disease conditions. However, combining stem cells with biomaterial scaffolds provides a promising strategy for engineering tissues or cellular delivery for directed stem cell differentiation as a means of replacing diseased/damaged tissues. In this study, mouse mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were differentiated into DA neurons using sonic hedgehog, fibroblast growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, while they were cultured within collagen-coated 3D graphene foams (GF). The differentiation into DA neurons within the collagen-coated GF and controls (collagen gels, plastic) was confirmed using β-III tubulin, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and NeuN positive immunostaining. Enhanced expression of β-III tubulin, TH, and NeuN and an increase in the average neurite extension length were observed when cells were differentiated within collagen-coated GF in comparison with collagen gels. Furthermore, these graphene-based scaffolds were not cytotoxic as MSC seemed to retain viability and proliferated substantially during in vitro culture. In summary, these results suggest the utility of 3D graphene foams towards the differentiation of DA neurons from MSC, which is an important step for neural tissue engineering applications.
Polysaccharides from Chinese Herbal Lycium barbarum Induced Systemic and Local Immune Responses in H22 Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Deng Xiangliang , Luo Shuang , Luo Xia , Hu Minghua , Ma Fangli , Wang Yuanyuan , Lai Xiaoping , Zhou Lian
Published: June 2018

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is isolated from the fruit of Chinese herbal Lycium barbarum. Previous studies had demonstrated that LBP could inhibit tumor growth and enhance the immunity in mice. However, the effect of LBP on systemic and local immune responses in vivo, especially on phenotypic and functional changes of T cells, is still largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effects of LBP on systemic and local T cell-dependent antitumor immune responses in H22 tumor-bearing mice. The results showed that LBP could inhibit the solid tumor growth in mice, but showed little effect on the body weight or spleen index. Furthermore, LBP could maintain high levels of T cells in peripheral blood (PB), tumor draining lymph node (TDLN), and tumor tissue, prevent the increase of Tregs while promote infiltration of CD8+ T cells in tumor tissue, inhibit the production of TGF-β1 and IL-10 in serum, decrease the exhaustion phenotype of T cells, and maintain cytotoxicity of lymphocytes. Taken together, our results demonstrated that LBP simultaneously induced systemic and local immune responses in H22 tumor-bearing mice by alleviating immunosuppression and maintaining antitumor immune responses in mice.
Pathway-Wide Genetic Risks in Chlamydial Infections Overlap between Tissue Tropisms: A Genome-Wide Association Scan
Authors: Roberts Chrissy H. , Ouburg Sander , Preston Mark D. , de Vries Henry J. C. , Holland Martin J. , Morré Servaas A.
Published: June 2018

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial sexually transmitted infection and can lead to tubal factor infertility, a disease characterised by fibrosis of the fallopian tubes. Genetic polymorphisms in molecular pathways involving G protein-coupled receptor signalling, the Akt/PI3K cascade, the mitotic cell cycle, and immune response have been identified in association with the development of trachomatous scarring, an ocular form of chlamydia-related fibrotic pathology. In this case-control study, we performed genome-wide association and pathways-based analysis in a sample of 71 Dutch women who attended an STI clinic who were seropositive for Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies and 169 high-risk Dutch women who sought similar health services but who were seronegative. We identified two regions of within-gene SNP association with Chlamydia trachomatis serological response and found that GPCR signalling and cell cycle pathways were also associated with the trait. These pathway-level associations appear to be common to immunological sequelae of chlamydial infections in both ocular and urogenital tropisms. These pathways may be central mediators of human refractoriness to chlamydial diseases.
The Combination of Seven Preoperative Markers for Predicting Patients with Gastric Cancer to Be Either Stage IV or Non-Stage IV
Authors: Ge Wei , Zheng Li-ming , Chen Gang
Published: June 2018

To assess whether preoperative markers could predict the stage of patients with gastric cancer. We analyzed retrospectively the preoperative indicators between stage IV and non-stage IV gastric cancer at the Gastrointestinal Surgery of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. A total of 500 patients with gastric cancer were screened. Of all the variables, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 125, carbohydrate antigen (CA) 199, carbohydrate antigen (CA) 724, carbohydrate antigen (CA) 242, thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), blood platelet count (PLT), white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil count (NC), lymphocyte count (LC), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), hemoglobin (HB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and ascites were found to have statistical differences between the two groups. Then, Stepwise Discriminant Analysis was conducted to establish a prediction model including 7 indexes (CA724, CA242, TT, PLT, CRP, AST, and ascites). According to the model, 90.6% of original grouped cases were correctly classified and 90.6% of cross-validated grouped cases were correctly classified. We built a discriminant including CA724, CA242, TT, PLT, CRP, AST, and ascites for predicting patients with gastric cancer to be either stage IV or non-stage IV. According to this discriminant, 90.6% of patients could be correctly predicted.
On the Context-Aware, Dynamic Spectrum Access for Robust Intraplatoon Communications
Authors: Sybis Michał , Kryszkiewicz Paweł , Sroka Paweł
Published: June 2018

Vehicle platooning is a promising technology that allows to improve the traffic efficiency and passengers safety. Platoons that use cooperative adaptive cruise control, however, require a reliable radio link between platoon members to ensure a required distance between the cars within the platoon, thus maintaining platoon safety. Nowadays, the communication can be realized with the use of 802.11p or cellular vehicle-to-vehicle (C-V2V), but none of this technology is able to provide a reliable link especially in the presence of high traffic or urban scenarios. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a dynamic spectrum management mechanism in V2V communications for platooning purposes. A management system architecture is proposed that comprises the use of context-aware databases, sensing nodes, and spectrum allocation entity. The proposed robust system design aims to keep only the minimum necessary information transmitted over the conventional intelligent transportation system (ITS) channel, while moving the remaining data (nonsafety, service-aided, or infotainment) to an alternative channel that is selected from the available pool of spectrum white spaces. The initial analysis indicates that the proposed system may significantly improve the performance of wireless communications for the purpose of vehicle platooning.
Sharp Weighted Bounds for Multilinear Fractional Type Operators Associated with Bergman Projection
Authors: Zhang Juan , Lan Senhua , Xue Qingying
Published: June 2018

We first introduce the multiple weights which are suitable for the study of Bergman type operators. Then, we give the sharp weighted estimates for multilinear fractional Bergman operators and fractional maximal function.
Analysis of Transient Voltage Stability in a Low Voltage Distribution Network Using SST for the Integration of Distributed Generations
Authors: Li Sheng , Zhou Zhihao , Shan Qiqi , An Jiani
Published: June 2018

Models of a low voltage distribution network using a typical tertiary-structure solid state transformer (SST) for the integration of distributed generations (DGs) and a conventional low voltage distribution network integrated with DGs were established to study the transient voltage stability issue, using the power system simulation software PSCAD. Effects on the transient voltage stability of the load bus and DC bus in the SST system are analyzed when grid-side cable line faults (such as short circuit and line disconnection) occur or the total output of DGs drops greatly. The results show that, comparing with the conventional system, the SST has apparent advantages on enhancing the transient voltage stability of load bus while facing different disturbances, even though SST has to regulate the voltage passively. Short circuit faults at different location of the grid-side line have different effects on the transient voltage stability, while the effect of disconnection fault is not related to fault location. Moreover, the DC bus voltage is easy to keep climbing continually when short circuit fault of the line occurs that is close to the SST input stage or disconnection fault occurs at any location of the line. If a battery energy storage station is installed, the transient voltage stability of DC bus and load bus will be improved effectively because of the regulation function of battery storage.
Lipschütz Genital Ulceration as Initial Manifestation of Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: de Castro Coelho Filipa , Amaral Maria , Correia Lúcia , Nunes Campos Maria João , Paula Tereza , Borges Augusta , Borrego Jorge
Published: June 2018

Genital ulcers are challenging to any clinician and causes transcend many specialties. Skin ulceration in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome is infrequent but an established feature of cutaneous involvement. Although gynecological symptoms, such as vulvovaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and pruritus, are common in women with primary Sjögren’s syndrome, patients affected by vulvar ulcers are unknown. We describe an exceptional case of necrotic aphthous-type vulvar ulceration as initial presentation of primary Sjögren’s syndrome that was possibly triggered by an infectious agent. Successful healing was achieved with oral corticosteroids, despite some loss of labiaminoraand labiamajoraas sequelae of the necrotizing process. Reactive acute genital ulcers (Lipschütz ulcers) should be considered as a possible manifestation of many autoimmune/inflammatory disorders, beyond the classic associations such as Behçet’s syndrome or Crohn’s disease.
A Novel Method for Solving Nonlinear Volterra Integro-Differential Equation Systems
Authors: Hossein Daliri Birjandi Mohammad , Saberi-Nadjafi Jafar , Ghorbani Asghar
Published: June 2018

An efficient iteration method is introduced and used for solving a type of system of nonlinear Volterra integro-differential equations. The scheme is based on a combination of the spectral collocation technique and the parametric iteration method. This method is easy to implement and requires no tedious computational work. Some numerical examples are presented to show the validity and efficiency of the proposed method in comparison with the corresponding exact solutions.
The Etiological Spectrum of Febrile Encephalopathy in Adult Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Developing Country
Authors: Peidaee Elham , Sheybani Fereshte , Naderi HamidReza , Khosravi Nasrin , Jabbari Nooghabi Mehdi
Published: June 2018

The profile of febrile encephalopathy varies based on different demographic and geographical characteristics of the study population. This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the etiological spectrum of febrile encephalopathy in hospitalized adult patients. A total of 293 patients with the mean age of 49.7 ± 23 were evaluated of whom 77.1% presented with encephalopathy syndrome. The most common diagnosis in patients with clinical syndromes suggestive of central nervous system (CNS) infection was sepsis associated encephalopathy (SAE) (22.9%), followed by bacterial meningitis (14%) and neurotuberculosis (9.9%). The comparison between the elderly and young adults showed that, in the young adults, bacterial meningitis and neurotuberculosis, and in the elderly SAE, are among the most common causes of clinical syndromes suggestive of CNS infection including febrile encephalopathy in our region. Moreover, we illustrated an upward trend for the proportion of diagnosing CNS infections among those who underwent diagnostic LP, from 40.4% in 2011 to 70% in 2015, that could be indicative of an increasing threshold for performing LP at least in our center in recent years. Whether these changes have been associated with increasing the rate of diagnostic errors or not needs to be evaluated in future studies.
Effect of Esophageal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection on Motility and Symptoms: A Prospective Study
Authors: Takeda Tsutomu , Matsumoto Kenshi , Nagahara Akihito , Komori Hiroyuki , Akazawa Yoichi , Nakagawa Yuta , Izumi Kentaro , Matsumoto Kohei , Ueyama Hiroya , Shimada Yuji , Asaoka Daisuke , Hojo Mariko , Yao Takashi , Watanabe Sumio
Published: June 2018

Background.Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of esophageal tumors can cause stenosis, yet the effect of esophageal ESD on motility remains unclarified. This study aimed to compare esophageal motility and symptoms, before and after ESD, using high-resolution manometry (HRM) and symptom scoring.Methods.Twenty-eight patients with 35 cT1a cancers were prospectively enrolled between December 2014 and February 2016. Pre- and post-ESD symptom score and HRM were recorded. Based on circumferential resection (CR), patients were divided into group A (n=17, <2/3 CR) or B (n=11, 2/3 CR or greater). HRM parameters evaluated were distal contractile integral (DCI), contractile front velocity (CFV), intrabolus pressure, integrated relaxation pressure, distal latency, and peristaltic breaks.Results.Symptom scores worsened after ESD in 8/11 patients in group B, and 0/17 patients in group A. There was no significant difference in any HRM parameter after ESD in the whole study group but mean DCI tended to increase (p=0.07). In group B, DCI increased significantly after ESD (p=0.04), and CFV tended to decrease after ESD (p=0.08).Conclusions.DCI tended to increase after esophageal ESD. ESD affected the symptom score and esophageal motility in cases with 2/3 CR or greater. This trial is registered withUMIN000015829.
Using a Module-Based Analysis Framework for Investigating Muscle Coordination during Walking in Individuals Poststroke: A Literature Review and Synthesis
Authors: Seamon Bryant A. , Neptune Richard R. , Kautz Steven A.
Published: June 2018

Factorization methods quantitatively group electromyographic signals from several muscles during dynamic tasks into multiple modules where each module consists of muscles that are coactive during the movement. Module-based analyses may provide an analytical framework for testing theories of poststroke motor control recovery based on one’s ability to move independently from mass flexion-extension muscle group coactivation. Such a framework may be useful for understanding the causality between underlying neural impairments, biomechanical function, and walking performance in individuals poststroke. Our aim is to synthesize current evidence regarding the relationships between modules, gait mechanics, and rehabilitation in individuals poststroke. We synthesized eleven studies that performed module-based analyses during walking tasks for individuals poststroke. Modules were primarily identified by nonnegative matrix factorization, and fewer modules correlated with poor walking performance on biomechanical and clinical measures. Fewer modules indicated reduced ability to control individual muscle timing during paretic leg stance. There was evidence that rehabilitation can lead to the use of more and/or better-timed modules. While future work will need to establish the ability of modules to identify impairment mechanisms, they appear to offer a promising analytical approach for evaluating motor control.
An Experimental Test Bed for Developing High‐Rate Structural Health Monitoring Methods
Authors: Joyce Bryan , Dodson Jacob , Laflamme Simon , Hong Jonathan
Published: June 2018

Complex, high‐rate dynamic structures, such as hypersonic air vehicles, space structures, and weapon systems, require structural health monitoring (SHM) methods that can detect and characterize damage or a change in the system’s configuration on the order of microseconds. While high‐rate SHM methods are an area of current research, there are no benchmark experiments for validating these algorithms. This paper outlines the design of an experimental test bed with user‐selectable parameters that can change rapidly during the system’s response to external forces. The test bed consists of a cantilever beam with electronically detachable added masses and roller constrains that move along the beam. Both controllable system changes can simulate system damage. Experimental results from the test bed are shown in both fixed and changing configurations. A sliding mode observer with a recursive least squares parameter estimator is demonstrated that can track the system’s states and changes in its first natural frequency.
The Surface Modification Methods for Constructing Polymer-Coated Stents
Authors: Fan Yanqin , Li Xiang , Yang Ruijie
Published: June 2018

Implanting a metal stent plays a key role in treating cardiovascular diseases. However, the high corrosion rate of metal-based devices severely limits their practical applications. Therefore, how to control the corrosion rate is vital to take full advantages of metal-based materials in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This review details various methods to design and construct polymer-coated stents. The techniques are described and discussed including plasma deposition, electrospinning, dip coating, layer-by-layer self-assembly, and direct-write inkjet. Key point is provided to highlight current methods and recent advances in hindering corrosion rate and improving biocompatibility of stents, which greatly drives the rising of some promising techniques involved in the ongoing challenges and potential new trends of polymer-coated stents.
Performance Optimization of Unglazed Nanofluid Photovoltaic/Thermal System: Energy and Exergy Analyses
Authors: Hussain M. Imtiaz , Kim Jun-Tae
Published: June 2018

The focus of this paper is to predict the transient response of a nanoengineered photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) system in view of energy and exergy analyses. Instead of a circular-shaped receiver, a trapezoidal-shaped receiver is employed to increase heat transfer surface area with photovoltaic (PV) cells for improvement of heat extraction and thus achievement of a higher PV/T system efficiency. The dynamic mathematical model is developed using MATLAB® software by considering real-time heat transfer coefficients. The proposed model is validated with experimental data from a previous study. Negligible discrepancies were found between measured and predicted data. The validated model was further investigated in detail using different nanofluids by dispersing copper oxide (CuO) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) in pure water. The overall performance of the nanoengineered PV/T system was compared to that of a PV/T system using water only, and optimal operating conditions were determined for maximum useful energy and exergy rates. The results indicated that the CuO/water nanofluid has a notable impact on the energy and exergy efficiencies of the PV/T system compared to that of Al2O3/water nanofluid and water only cases.
Solvability of Some Perturbed Generalized Variational Inequalities in Reflexive Banach Spaces
Authors: Luo Xue-ping
Published: June 2018

This paper aims to discuss the solvability of some perturbed generalized variational inequalities with both the mapping and the constraint set perturbed simultaneously in reflexive Banach spaces, under some coercivity conditions. In particular, a new result that the set is directional perturbed is presented. The main results generalize and extend some known results in this area.
Stratified Object-Oriented Image Classification Based on Remote Sensing Image Scene Division
Authors: Zhou Wen , Ming Dongping , Xu Lu , Bao Hanqing , Wang Min
Published: June 2018

The traditional remote sensing image segmentation method uses the same set of parameters for the entire image. However, due to objects’ scale-dependent nature, the optimal segmentation parameters for an overall image may not be suitable for all objects. According to the idea of spatial dependence, the same kind of objects, which have the similar spatial scale, often gather in the same scene and form a scene. Based on this scenario, this paper proposes a stratified object-oriented image analysis method based on remote sensing image scene division. This method firstly uses middle semantic which can reflect an image’s visual complexity to classify the remote sensing image into different scenes, and then within each scene, an improved grid search algorithm is employed to optimize the segmentation result of each scene, so that the optimal scale can be utmostly adopted for each scene. Because the complexity of data is effectively reduced by stratified processing, local scale optimization ensures the overall classification accuracy of the whole image, which is practically meaningful for remote sensing geo-application.
Solid-Liquid Separation Properties of Thermoregulated Dicationic Ionic Liquid as Extractant of Dyes from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Lv Rui , Cui Shuya , Zou Yangmei , Zheng Li
Published: June 2018

Two thermoregulated dicationic ionic liquids were synthesized and applied for effective extraction of the common dye malachite green oxalate (MG). The extraction parameters such as amount of ionic liquids, pH of water phase, extraction time, cooling time, and centrifugal time on the extraction efficiency were investigated systematically. It revealed that the dye has been successfully extracted into the ionic liquids, with high extraction efficiency higher than 98%, and recovery of 98.2%–100.8%, respectively. Furthermore, these ionic liquids can be recycled easily after elution. The reusable yields were 87.1% and 88.7%. The extraction of the dye into the thermoregulated ionic liquid provides a method of minimizing pollution of waste water potentially.
Characterization of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with LSCF-SDC Composite Cathodes
Authors: DiGiuseppe Gianfranco , Boddapati Venkatesh
Published: June 2018

This paper reports the study of an anode-supported SOFC cell containing an LSCF-SDC composite cathode. The SOFC cell was tested at different temperatures and reactant flow rates. After testing, the cell was sectioned and characterized using SEM/EDS. Such analysis indicated that no structural damage and no significant interdiffusion of elements among the layers occurred. The measured electrochemical performance data at different temperatures indicate an Arrhenius behavior or temperature activated processes. The low-porosity anode functional layer appears to be very sensitive to low hydrogen contents. The electrochemical performance is also affected by changing air flow rates.
High Baseline CD4 Count and Exclusive Breastfeeding Are Associated with Lower Rates of Mother to Child HIV Transmission in Northwestern Uganda: A Two-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Izudi Jonathan , Apangu Pontius , Bajunirwe Francis , Mulogo Edgar , Batwala Vincent
Published: June 2018

Background. Under Option B plus, the transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) along the Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) of HIV cascade remains unknown. We described HIV transmission along the EID cascade and determined associated factors at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, Northwestern Uganda. Methods. Data on 295 mother-baby pairs in EID care (January 2014 and April 2015) was extracted, cleaned, and analysed in STATA. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. Independently associated factors were stated in adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and p-values. Results. 233 (89.0%) mothers were above 30 years, 251 (85.1%) were in World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stages I/II at enrolment, 170 (57.6%) attended antenatal care (ANC) visits during recent pregnancy, and 204 (69.1%) delivered in a health facility. Meanwhile, 257 (87.1%) HIV Exposed Infants (HEIs) received Nevirapine prophylaxis from birth up to 6 weeks and 245 (83.0%) were exclusively breastfed during the first 6 months. Of 295 mother-baby pairs, 25 (8.5%) HEIs turned HIV-positive along the EID cascade. Baseline maternal CD4 count of more than 500 cells/ul compared to less than 500 cells/ul (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.29; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.10–0.85; p = 0.024) and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the first 6 months of delivery in contrast to not EBF in the first 6 months (AOR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.52–0.55; p = 0.003) reduced HIV transmission. Meanwhile, ANC visits, place of delivery, time of Nevirapine initiation, and maternal antiretroviral therapy use were not significantly associated with infant HIV transmission. Conclusion. HIV transmission was high. High baseline CD4 count and exclusive breastfeeding reduced HIV transmission.
Influence of Ignition Channel on the Ignition Performance of Ignition Device
Authors: Chang Jiang , Wu Gongping , Tang Hanwei
Published: June 2018

Based on relative theories of gas dynamics and computational fluid dynamics, the flow field computation software ANSYS Fluent was used to simulate the steady flow field of the solid type ignition device of liquid-propellant rocket engine in two working conditions (condition I: without ignition channel, condition II: with ignition channel). On this basis, the influence of ignition channel on the working characteristics of the solid type ignition device of the liquid-propellant rocket engine was analyzed and experimentally tested. The results showed that when the pressure in the combustion chamber was atmospheric pressure, under condition II, the gas velocity at the throat of the ignition device did not reach the sonic velocity, and the position of sonic velocity moved to the downstream section of the ignition channel. Compared to condition I, the gas velocity and energy at the ignition outlet increased, which would be beneficial for initial ignition, and the gas pressure and temperature at the throat increased as well, indicating that the structural strength at the throat should be evaluated. The gas flow, gas pressure, and gas temperature at the ignition outlet decreased compared to working condition I, yet the changes were small and would have minimal effect on the ignition performance. During the pressure increase process in the combustion chamber, the gas pressure, velocity, temperature, flow, and energy at the ignition outlet experienced a steady stage in both working conditions before coming to an inflection point. The inflection point under condition II is smaller than that under condition I. To improve the ignition reliability, the working pressure of the ignition device should be further increased.
Role of Lipotoxicity and Contribution of the Renin-Angiotensin System in the Development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Connolly Alexandre , Leblanc Samuel , Baillargeon Jean-Patrice
Published: June 2018

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and significant condition associated with hyperandrogenism, infertility, low quality of life, and metabolic comorbidities. One possible explanation of PCOS development is cellular dysfunction induced by nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs), that is, lipotoxicity, which could explain both the hyperandrogenemia and insulin resistance that characterize women with PCOS. The literature suggests that androgen biosynthesis may be induced by overexposure of androgen-secreting tissues to NEFA and/or defective NEFA metabolism, leading to lipotoxic effects. Indeed, lipotoxicity could trigger androgenic hyperresponsiveness to insulin, LH, and ACTH. In most PCOS women, lipotoxicity also causes insulin resistance, inducing compensatory hyperinsulinemia, and may thus further increase hyperandrogenemia. Many approaches aimed at insulin sensitization also reduce lipotoxicity and have been shown to treat PCOS hyperandrogenemia. Furthermore, our group and others found that angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) activation is able to improve lipotoxicity. We provided evidence, using C21/M24, that AT2R activation improves adipocytes’ size and insulin sensitivity in an insulin-resistant rat model, as well as androgen levels in a PCOS obese rat model. Taken together, these findings point toward the important role of lipotoxicity in PCOS development and of the RAS system as a new target for the treatment of PCOS.