bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent Amelanotic Melanoma of Nasal Cavity: Biological Variability and Unpredictable Behavior of Mucosal Melanoma. A Case Report
Authors: Vučinić Damir , Zahirović Dag , Manestar Dubravko , Belac-Lovasić Ingrid , Braut Tamara , Kovač Leo , Jonjić Nives , Zamolo Gordana
Published: June 2019

The aim of this report is to present a case of a patient with a recurrent nasal cavity amelanotic melanoma (AM), with emphasis on diagnosis and therapy options of this clinical entity. A 65-year-old female patient presented with pain in the right cheek region and nasal obstruction. In 2013, she was diagnosed with mucosal melanoma (MM) of the left nasal cavity. After endoscopic surgery and radiotherapy, the patient was followed by the oncology team. Five years after the initial diagnosis, rhinoscopy showed a tumorous formation in the right nasal cavity. The tumor mass was without black discoloration and was the same color as the surrounding nasal mucosa. Microscopic examination after biopsy of the tumor confirmed amelanotic MM. The patient underwent an additional endoscopic surgery. A complete standard diagnostic workup for MM found metastases in head and neck lymph nodes, on both sides. MMs of head and neck are uncommon malignancies. Unique biology of MM cells causes a high rate of recurrences. This report presents an example of recurrent AM of the nasal cavity, in treatment with checkpoint inhibitor (pembrolizumab), which could provide a good therapy option for patients with MM.
Are all rTMS machines equal? New research suggests there may be clinically significant differences
Authors: Novey Will
Published: June 2019

Not available
Characterization of Multiple Movement Strategies in Participants With Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Hopkins J. Ty , Son S. Jun , Kim Hyunsoo , Page Garritt , Seeley Matthew K.
Published: June 2019

Context

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is characterized by multiple sensorimotor deficits, affecting strength, postural control, motion, and movement. Identifying specific deficits is the key to developing appropriate interventions for this patient population; however, multiple movement strategies within this population may limit the ability to identify specific movement deficits.

Objective

To identify specific movement strategies in a large sample of participants with CAI and to characterize each strategy relative to a sample of uninjured control participants.

Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting

Biomechanics laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 200 individuals with CAI (104 men, 96 women; age = 22.3 ± 2.2 years, height = 174.2 ± 9.5 cm, mass = 72.0 ± 14.0 kg) were selected according to the inclusion criteria established by the International Ankle Consortium and were fit into clusters based on movement strategy. A total of 100 healthy individuals serving as controls (54 men, 46 women; age = 22.2 ± 3.0 years, height = 173.2 ± 9.2 cm, mass = 70.7 ± 13.4 kg) were compared with each cluster.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Lower extremity joint biomechanics and ground reaction forces were collected during a maximal vertical jump landing, followed immediately by a side cut. Data were reduced to functional output or curves, kinematic data from the frontal and sagittal planes were reduced to a single representative curve for each plane, and representative curves were clustered using a Bayesian clustering technique. Estimated functions for each dependent variable were compared with estimated functions from the control group to describe each cluster.

Results

Six distinct clusters were identified from the frontal-plane and sagittal-plane data. Differences in joint angles, joint moments, and ground reaction forces between clusters and the control group were also identified.

Conclusions

The participants with CAI demonstrated 6 distinct movement strategies, indicating that CAI could be characterized by multiple distinct movement alterations. Clinicians should carefully evaluate patients with CAI for sensorimotor deficits and quality of movement to determine the appropriate interventions for treatment.
Difficulties in Diagnosing Isolated IgG4-associated Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Zsóri Gábor , Illés Dóra , Tiszlavicz László , Czakó László
Published: June 2019

The most common causes of recurrent cholangitis are biliary stones and neoplasia. Primary types of sclerosing cholangitis such as IgG4-associated sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are rare causes of recurrent cholangitis. Differentiating diagnoses for IgG4-SC and PSC is essential because of the significant difference in treatment. We report a challenging case of recurrent cholangitis.
Antroduodenal Stenting for Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction: Technique and Outcome
Authors: Ghoshal Uday C. , Kumar Vinay
Published: June 2019

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is usually a late presentation of gastric cancer, pancreaticobiliary malignancy, and extrinsic lymph nodal compression. Presenting symptoms are abdominal pain, postprandial epigastric fullness, and recurrent vomiting, which lead to severe malnutrition and dehydration and poor quality of life (QoL). Endoscopic enteral stent placement has become the acceptable alternative modality for palliation of malignant GOO because it is safe, minimally invasive, and a cost-effective procedure. In addition, endoscopic stent placement leads to shorter time to resume oral diet and shorter hospital stay in comparison to surgical bypass. Endoscopic stent placement is associated with high technical as well as clinical success rates and improvement in QoL, but no survival improvement. Recurrence of symptoms occurs due to stent occlusion, or stent migration, which can be successfully managed with repeat endoscopic stent placement. Perforation and bleeding are serious but rare complications.
Bowel Cleansing Agents in Clinical Practice: A Cross-Sectional Study on Safety, Efficacy, and Predictor of Good Bowel Preparation
Authors: Joshi Vivek , Jain Mayank , Srinivas M. , Mahadevan B. , Kumar G. S. Sameer , Ganesh P. , Reddy Alla Siddharth , Venkataraman Jayanthi
Published: June 2019

Background: A good bowel preparation for colonoscopy is the most important factor that has an impact on visualization and outcome of the procedure. Aim: The primary aim of the study was to assess the quality of bowel preparation as reported by the Boston Bowel Preparation Score (BBPS). The secondary aim of the study was to analyze the patient feedback on ease of administration, palatability, and side effects with the bowel preparation. Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing colonoscopy between March 2018 and September 2018 were enrolled in the study. Patients <18 years of age, those with the previous history of colorectal surgery, emergency procedures in an unprepared colon, and those not willing to participate were excluded from the study. Colon preparation of the patient was decided by senior consultants. A predesigned pro forma that included demography, indication for the procedure, preparation details, dietary recommendations the previous day if any, side effects, and patient’s comfort to preparation was completed by two-independent observers. The BBPS was used to assess the bowel preparation. A score of <5 was deemed inadequate. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study cohort consisted of 141 patients, of which 78 were male (55.3%). Eighty (56.7%) patients received oral sulfate-based preparation and 61(43.4%) polyethylene glycol-based preparation. Nearly one third of cases reported the solution to be non palatable. 15.4% respondents reported nausea, vomiting and bloating as the major side effects of the preparation. The median duration of colonoscopy was 25 min (8–45 min). One hundred and eighteen patients (83.6%) had a BBPS score of ≥5. Sulfate preparation resulted in better bowel cleansing (P = 0.01). Age, gender, and dosing schedule of preparation, including bedtime dosing of stimulant laxative, did not alter the BBPS score. Conclusion: Sulfate- and polyethylene glycol-based preparations are commonly used for cleansing the colon. Bowel cleansing was adequate in most patients and sulfate-based yielded better bowel cleansing. Nearly 15.4% of patients reported side effects to these preparations.
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in lumbar spine infection
Authors: Elghait Hussien Abo , Akar Ahmed , Awad Hossam Abed
Published: June 2019

Objective

The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes for patients undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar spine infection.

Patients and methods

This retrospective study included 16 patients (10 men and six women); their mean age was 55.0±8.61 years, presented with lumbar infection treated surgically through posterior approach after failure of conservative treatment. Registration Number:- Ortho-surg._4Med.Research_PED.Def._0000004. All patients underwent clinical assessment, laboratory investigations included erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the first hour, white blood cell and C-reactive protein and radiological evaluation included conventional radiographs, computed tomographic scan, and MRI. Pain and disability scores were collected preoperatively and postoperatively including back and bilateral leg pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores. In 10 patients, the lesion was located in a single level, whereas in six patients two levels were affected. The surgical maneuver included posterior instrumentation, disc space debridement, and grafting. The mean follow-up period was 31.50±4.23 months. All patients agreed to be included in this study.

Results

There were no instances of intraoperative complications or delayed complications requiring subsequent interventions. Patients demonstrated statistically significant reductions in the back and leg pain VAS. The average intraoperative time consumed for the whole surgery was 156 min; the average blood loss for this procedure was 812 ml. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.6 days. All patients showed improved VAS. Fifteen patients out of 16 have solid fusion with a fusion rate of 93.75±2.5%. The average postoperative kyphosis decreased from 15 to 8.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that single-stage debridement and instrumentation using the posterior approach (posterior lumbar interbody fusion) appears to be a safe approach in treating lumbar spine infections with no infection recurrence. Pain, neurological deficits, and spinal deformity are likely to improve after surgery.
Evaluation of erectile function post TURP versus transvesical prostatectomy
Authors: Shebl Salah E. , Hamid Mohamed Abdel , Mohamed Amir
Published: June 2019

Background

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a frequent disorder in old men. It is characterized by hyperplasia of the inner glands of the prostate. BPH induces urine outflow obstruction, consequently causing morphological and functional disorders of the lower and upper urinary tract. Patients with BPH frequently complain of weak or no erection at all. Many of patients at these age suffering from decrease in testesterone level. The older patients have sexual dysfunctions more frequently.

Objectives

To choose the procedure that has the least effect on erectile function, we evaluated the effect of both operations on erectile function (open prostatectomy transvesical approach and transurethral resection of the prostate).

Patients and methods

The study was carried out at the Urology Department at Al-Zahra University Hospital between April 2014 and July 2017. Our study included 60 patients suffering from BPH who were divided into two groups,: group A comprised 30 patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate and group B comprised 30 patients who underwent transvesical prostatectomy. All patients underwent complete history taking, including international index erectile function questionnaire-5, full clinical examination, kidney function tests, liver function tests, complete blood count, fasting glucose, prostatic specific antigen (PSA), serum testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, estradiol level, and penile duplex, uroflowmetry preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.

Results

By comparison, in group A and group B, international index erectile function questionnaire-5 was not significantly changed in both groups, and neither was penile duplex significantly changed.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in erectile function between both groups; there was also no difference between before and after each operation.
Effect of low-dose systemic steroid therapy on the management of severe community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Kabil Ahmed E. , Ewis Ahmed M. , Makboul Khaled S. , Nour Mohamed O.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The rationale behind the study is that as severe pneumonia is associated with local and systemic inflammatory response, the systemic steroid with its anti-inflammatory effect may affect the outcome and prognosis in severe pneumonia.

Objective

The aim was to assess the effect of systemic steroid on the course and outcomes of severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Patients and methods

This study was a prospective, randomized, controlled study conducted on 60 patients, hospitalized with severe CAP. The patients were divided into two groups: a case group undergone usual antibiotic regimen for CAP according to the guidelines plus systemic steroid therapy with prednisolone 0.5 mg/kg daily for 1 week and a control group without any systemic steroids. The primary outcome was the treatment success and duration of hospitalization.

Results

The treatment was more successful in the case group compared with the control group (93.3 vs. 70.0%, respectively) with statistically significant difference. The mean days of hospitalization, the mean levels of C-reactive protein after treatment, and the mean decline of C-reactive protein levels were significantly lower among the case group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups as regards mortality.

Conclusion

Low-dose systemic steroids significantly increase the success of treatment in severe CAP with less days of hospitalization.
Pulmonary fungal infection in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Mahmoud Eman M. , El-Din Magd M. Galal , Hafez Manal R. , Sobh Eman , Ibrahim Radwa S.
Published: June 2019

Background

Pulmonary fungal infection (PFI) is increasing among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Survival depends on rapid diagnosis and early treatment.

Aims

To assess the prevalence of PFI in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), and to investigate the clinical, demographic, and radiological findings related to PFI in COPD patients.

Patients and methods

This observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 patients with AECOPD. High-resolution computed tomography, fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage, spirometry, sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fungal culture and measurements of serum 1, 3 beta-D-glucan (BDG) were done for all patients. They were classified into possible PFI and probable PFI based on the Bulpa and colleagues criteria.

Results

Among the 80 studied patients, 19 patients had possible PFI, and 61 patients had probable PFI; of them 12 patients had positive BDG and 49 had negative BDG. The use of either systemic steroids and/or antibiotics in the last 3 months was higher in patients with probable PFI than those with possible PFI (P=0.003). The daily dose (mg/kg) and duration of systemic steroids were higher in patients with probable PFI (P=0.001). The use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), its dose, and its duration did not differ between both groups.

Conclusion

Probable PFI is prevalent among patients with AECOPD 61 (76.3%); of them 19.7% was invasive form. PFI in AECOPD is related to the use, dose, and duration of systemic steroids and antibiotic use in the last 3 months. Therefore, a lower dose or interrupted course of systemic steroid must be considered in COPD patients.
Comparative study between usage of Herbert screw versus Kirschner wires in the management of nonunited fracture scaphoid
Authors: Hamed Hamed L. , Yehya Mohamed A. , El-behairy Hassan F. , Saleh Ayman K. , Abdelaziz Ashraf
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to compare between the usage of Herbert screw versus Kirschner wires (K-wires) in the treatment of nonunited fractured scaphoid regarding the most effective and less complicating procedure.

Patients and methods

It is a retrospective, comparative study that compared the usage of Herbert screw versus K-wires with bone graft from iliac crest in the management of patients with nonunited scaphoid fractures who were admitted in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery in Alzahraa University Hospital during the period from October 2016 to June 2018. Twenty patients were included in the study. Among them, 10 were subjected to internal fixation using Herbert screws, while 10 patients were subjected to internal fixation using K-wires.

Results

Patients subjected to K-wires achieved a union rate (80%) superior to patients subordinated to Herbert screw (60%) as a method of internal fixation. Moreover, patients subjected to Herbert screw suffered more complications in the form of impingement with pain and progressive degeneration. Patients subjected to K-wires had a better functional outcome when compared with those exposed to the Herbert screw. In multivariate regression analysis, only male patients appeared to be independent predictors of time to bone healing.

Conclusion

A combination of thorough impaction of iliac bone graft, and internal fixation with K-wires, and Herbert screws provides a good option for the treatment of scaphoid nonunion with superiority of K-wires regarding safety, feasibly, and outcomes when compared with Herbert screw especially in the absence of avascular necrosis of the proximal fragment.
Association of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 gene polymorphism (Leu125Val) with coronary artery disease in type II diabetics and nondiabetics
Authors: El-Kishki Maha M.S. , Abdelfattah Alramly Amal M. , Taha Mohamed O. , El Din Medhat Rana A.
Published: June 2019

Background and objectives

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) plays a key role in the transendothelial migration of circulating leukocytes (diapedesis) during vascular inflammation. Polymorphism (Leu125Val) of the PECAM-1 gene (373C/G) is functional. It was reported to be associated with high serum level of PECAM-1. We hypothesized that this genetic variation of the PECAM-1 gene could be associated with the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore we conducted a study to investigate the association between single-nucleotide polymorphism of the PECAM-1 gene, C+373G (Leu125Val) at exon 3, in Egyptian patients with coronary artery disease.

Patients and methods

Blood samples were withdrawn from 40 coronary artery disease patients and 20 age-matched and sex-matched controls. The single-nucleotide polymorphism of the PECAM-1 gene was analyzed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism strategy.

Results

Genotype distributions between patient and control groups showed no significant statistical difference regarding the CC genotype, where 22.5% of patients and 35% of controls carried this genotype (P=0.470). As for the CG genotype, a statistically significant higher CG genotype distribution was found in patients, where 52.5% of patients and only 20% of controls carried this genotype (P=0.033). There was no statistically significant difference in GG distributions between patient and control groups, where 25% of patients and 45% of controls carried this genotype (P=0.202). No significant statistical difference was observed in allele frequency between the two groups, where 51.25% of patients and 55% of controls carry the G allele and 48.7% of patients and 45% of controls carry the C allele (P=0.846).

Interpretation and conclusion

We concluded that our study demonstrated a possible effect of PECAM-1 (Leu125Val) polymorphism on the development of atherosclerosis.
Challenges in the management of primary lower extremity varicose veins
Authors: Mousa Ahmed , El Azzazi Mohamed , Bosat Bosat E.
Published: June 2019

Background

Varicose vein is considered as one of the commonly practiced venous problems for decades not only by vascular surgeons but also by general surgeons.

Aim

The purpose of the current study was to compare the results of management of lower limb superficial varicosities using conventional surgery versus endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) therapy.

Patients and methods

A retrospective study took place in the period of three years from January 2015 until December 2017. Patients were selected for having reflux of the great saphenous vein (GSV) with primary varicosities of the lower limb presenting to the vascular surgery clinic. Patients were divided into two groups: group I included those who were treated with GSV short stripping and saphenofemoral junction disconnection, whereas group II involved patients who underwent EVLA.

Results

The study included 80 patients. There were 50 females and 30 males, with a female to male ratio of 5 : 3. Patients’ age ranged from 22 to 44 years, with a median age of 34 years. There was a significantly higher initial technical success rate of 95% (n=38) in the group treated with EVLA versus 90% (n=36) in the group treated surgically (P=0 · 006). Operative outcome was statistically significantly higher in the group treated with EVLA compared with the surgically treated group (P=0.002). A significant difference between operative procedures versus operative outcome was seen (P=0.002). Recurrent varicosities were observed in 10% and 5% in group I and group II, respectively. Heat-induced deep vein thrombosis was reported in 2.5% of cases.

Conclusion

Treatment of superficial varicosities with EVLA had a lower incidence recurrence rate than traditional surgery in the short-term follow-up. Moreover, the minimally invasive EVLA therapy, especially, in female patients seems to be a highly effective and safe modality for treatment of primary GSV varicosities.
A comparative study between Limberg flap and cleft lift procedures in the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease
Authors: Megahed Hazem A.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

This was a prospective, randomized study designed to compare the effects and outcomes of Limberg flap (rhomboid excision) and cleft lift procedure.

Patients and methods

Between June 2014 and June 2017, 40 patients underwent surgical treatment for uncomplicated sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus in the Surgery Department, Al-Azhar University Hospital, New Damietta. The patients were randomly subdivided into two groups: group A comprising 20 patients who underwent the Limberg flap procedure (rhomboid excision) and group B comprising 20 patients who underwent the cleft lift procedure.

Results

As regards operative time and weight of resected tissue, there was a significant decrease in group B (carried out by cleft lift procedure) in comparison with group A (carried out by Limberg flap procedure) (33±4.2, 12.1±5.23 vs. 42±5.1, 25.4±3.59, respectively). Moreover, there was a decrease in the postoperative pain (measured by a visual analog scale) in group B in comparison with group A, mainly on the first and seventh days, but this difference in the postoperative pain was nonsignificant. In addition, there was a nonsignificant decrease in the mean hospital stay and healing time in group B in comparison with group A. As regards the postoperative complications, there was nonsignificant decrease in postoperative seroma and superficial skin separation in group B in comparison with group A. The recurrence rate shows no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

Both the cleft lift and the Limberg flap procedures gave similar good results, except that the cleft lift procedure has a shorter operative time.
Surgical management of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Alkhadrawy Shehab M. , Alaghory Islam M. , Selim Mahmoud M.
Published: June 2019

Background

Spontaneous, nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Although ICH has traditionally lagged behind ischemic stroke and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in terms of evidence from clinical trials to guide management, the past decade has seen a dramatic increase in studies of ICH intervention.

Aimof study

The aim of the study is to assess the benefits of surgical evacuation of spontaneous ICH and the factors affecting the outcome.

Patients and methods

The presented study includes 30 patients with spontaneous hypertensive ICH who had surgical evacuation in Al-Azhar University Hospitals and Matarya Teaching Hospital.

A history and examination, including an assessment of the baseline level of consciousness by the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and of the neurological status, were obtained at the time of admission. The time of onset of symptoms was determined on the basis of interview of the patient, family, and witnesses.

Results

There is a statistically highly significant relationship between GCS on admission (preoperative) and outcome (P=0.002, highly significant). GCS preoperative is significantly correlated with GCS postoperative, that is the better the GCS preoperative is, the better the GCS postoperative would be. There is a statistically highly significant relationship between volume of hematoma and outcome (P=0.01, highly significant). No statistically significant difference was detected between the outcome of cases with residual hematoma volume (≤20 ml) after surgical evacuation and cases with total hematoma evacuation (P=0.81, nonsignificant). No statistically significant difference was detected between the outcome of the diabetic and nondiabetic patients (P=0.86, nonsignificant). The best surgical results were obtained in patients who present early, with a hematoma size of 30–60 ml, and in patients with a GCS of above 10.

Conclusion

Spontaneous ICH is a treatable condition provided that the patients receive appropriate care from trained staff to deal with such cases. The best candidates for ICH evacuation are those with hematoma volume 30–60 ml and GCS more than 10.
Sugammadex versus neostigmine in reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block in obese patients
Authors: Elnasr Awad Amira A. , Gharib Hoda S. , El Said Tarek M.
Published: June 2019

Background

Obese patients are especially susceptible to critical respiratory events in the postoperative period, including airway obstruction, hypoventilation, hypercapnia, hypoxia, and postoperative residual curarization (PORC); hence, rapid and complete reversal of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) is desirable at the end of surgery.

Objective

This study aimed to compare between the effect of sugammadex and neostigmine on recovery time, PORC and estimate postoperative complications at the postanaesthetic care unit in obese patients.

Patients and methods

Seventy obese patients, BMI greater than 35 kg/m2 American Society of Anaesthesiologist class I–II, scheduled for a surgical procedure under general anesthesia were included in this study. Patients received rocuronium for muscle relaxation, and, at the end of the surgery, patients were divided randomly into two groups: one group received sugammadex 2 mg/kg of ideal body weight (group S) and the other group received neostigmine 0.05 mg/kg plus atropine 0.01 mg/kg of ideal body weight (group N) to reverse the NMB. NMB was monitored using train-of-four (TOF). At reappearance of the second twitch (T2) of TOF, patients received the study drugs, and time to reach (TOF) greater than 0.9, was recorded. All patients were observed at the postanaesthetic care unit for one hour for PORC and haemodynamic value (heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and SpO2) by a blinded investigator.

Results

At the end of surgery extubation was done when reached a train-of-four (TOF %) score of 2, patients at this percentage received the study drugs the neuromuscular function was recorded and time to achieve 90% of TOF (safe extubation) was measured. Train-of-four (TOF%) is the ratio of the fourth muscle response to the first one. It meaning median time to recovery of the T4:T1 ratio to 0.9.

Conclusion

Administration of sugammadex provides fast recovery of neuromuscular function than neostigmine following NMB by rocuronium and prevents PORC in obese patients.
On some variational measures related to the wide Denjoy integral and its counterparts
Authors: Sworowski Piotr
Published: June 2019

Weak and q-weak variationalmeasures defined by Brian S. Thomson [
On VBG functions and the Denjoy–Khintchine integral
, Real Analysis Exchange, 41(1) (2015/16), 173–226] are shown to coincide with variational measures resulting from Riemann definitions of some wide Denjoy type integrals. This fact is applied in characterizations of these integrals, via absolute continuity of weak and q-weak measures. In related results, it is discussed if these Riemann definitions can be essentially simplified. The paper is a follow-up to a paper by the author published some time ago in the Rendiconti [
On Riemann-type definition for the wide Denjoy integral
, Rendiconti del Seminario Matematico della Università di Padova, 126 (2011), 175–200].
The maximal number of skew lines on Schur’s quartic
Authors: Rojas Jacqueline , Lira Dayane
Published: June 2019

Since 1882 it is known that the so-called
Schur’s quartic
contains exactly 64 lines.However, it has not yet been establishedwhat is themaximumnumber of pairwise disjoint lines that it can have. The aim of our work is to show in an elementary and self-contained way that the maximum number of pairwise disjoint lines in Schur’s quartic is 16 (without using Nikulins’s theorem or Miyaoka’s upper bound).
A necessary and sufficient condition for $C^1$-regularity of solutions of one-dimensional variational obstacle problems
Authors: Mandallena Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2019

In this paper we study the

C^1

-regularity of solutions of one-dimensional variational obstacle problems in

W^{1,1}

when the obstacles are

C^{1,\sigma}

and the Lagrangian is locally Hölder continuous and globally elliptic. In this framework, we prove that the solutions of one-dimensional variational obstacle problems are

C^1

for all boundary data if and only if the value function is Lipschitz continuous at all boundary data.
On the intersection of non-normal maximal subgroups of a finite group
Authors: Aghajari Zahra , Rezaeezadeh Gholamreza
Published: June 2019

The subgroup

\Delta(G)

of a group

G

is defined to be the intersection of all non-normal maximal subgroups of

G

(and

\Delta(G) = G

if all maximal subgroups of G are normal). A group

G

is called a

T_2

-
group
if

G / \Delta(G)

is a

T

-group. Ballester-Bolinches et al. [3] considered the class of

T_2

-groups and gave several results of such groups. In particular, they showed if

G

is a solvable group, the classes of

T_2

-groups and

{PST}_2

-groups (that is, a group in which

G/\Delta(G)

is a

PST

-group) are equal. The present work, we introduce the class of

SST_2

-groups which are defined as the groups

G

for which

G/\Delta(G)

is an

SST

-group and we show several results of the class

SST_2

-groups. Also, we discuss about equivalency the classes of solvable

PST_2

-groups and solvable

SST_2

-groups.
Enhanced Laplace transform and holomorphic Paley-Wiener-type theorems
Authors: Dubussy Christophe
Published: June 2019

Starting from a remark about the computation of Kashiwara–Schapira’s enhanced Laplace transform by using the Dolbeault complex of enhanced distributions, we explain how to obtain explicit holomorphic Paley–Wiener-type theorems. As an example, we get back some classical theorems due to Polya and Méril as limits of tempered Laplace-isomorphisms. In particular, we show how contour integrations naturally appear in this framework.
A Phragmén–Lindelöf property of viscosity solutions to a class of doubly nonlinear parabolic equations. Bounded case
Authors: Bhattacharya Tilak , Marazzi Leonardo
Published: June 2019

We study Phragmén–Lindelöf properties for viscosity solutions to a class of nonlinear parabolic equations of the type

H(Du, D^2u+Z(u)Du\otimes Du)+\chi(t)|Du|^\sigma-u_t=0

under a certain boundedness condition on

H

. We also prove similar results for positive solutions to a class of doubly nonlinear equation

H(Du, D^2u)-f(u)u_t=0

.
On a fractional nonlinear equation on a bounded domain of $\mathbb R^n$
Authors: Sharaf Khadijah
Published: June 2019

We establish perturbation results for a Nirenberg type equation involving the fractional Laplacian on a bounded domain of

\mathbb R^n, n \geq 2

. Our method is based on the critical points at infinity theory of [6].
On the rationality of period integrals and special value formulas in the compact case
Authors: Greenberg Matthew , Seveso Marco Adamo
Published: June 2019

We study rationality properties of period integrals that appear in the Gan–Gross–Prasad conjectures in the compact case using Gross’ theory of algebraic modular forms. In situations where the refined Gan–Gross–Prasad are known, our rationality result for period can be interpreted as a special value formula for automorphic

L

-functions which proves automorphic versions of Deligne’s conjecture on rationality of periods. Moreover, this special value formula is well suited to

p

-adic interpolation, as illustrated in [10].
Microclimate and Larval Habitat Density Predict Adult Aedes albopictus Abundance in Urban Areas
Authors: Evans Michelle V. , Hintz Carl W. , Jones Lindsey , Shiau Justine , Solano Nicole , Drake John M. , Murdock Courtney C.
Published: June 2019

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, transmits several arboviruses of public health importance, including chikungunya and dengue. Since its introduction to the United States in 1985, the species has invaded more than 40 states, including temperate areas not previously at risk of Aedes-transmitted arboviruses. Mathematical models incorporate climatic variables in predictions of site-specific Ae. albopictus abundances to identify human populations at risk of disease. However, these models rely on coarse resolutions of environmental data that may not accurately represent the climatic profile experienced by mosquitoes in the field, particularly in climatically heterogeneous urban areas. In this study, we pair field surveys of larval and adult Ae. albopictus mosquitoes with site-specific microclimate data across a range of land use types to investigate the relationships between microclimate, density of larval habitat, and adult mosquito abundance and determine whether these relationships change across an urban gradient. We find no evidence for a difference in larval habitat density or adult abundance between rural, suburban, and urban land classes. Adult abundance increases with increasing larval habitat density, which itself is dependent on microclimate. Adult abundance is strongly explained by microclimate variables, demonstrating that theoretically derived, laboratory-parameterized relationships in ectotherm physiology apply to the field. Our results support the continued use of temperature-dependent models to predict Ae. albopictus abundance in urban areas.
Ice Crystal Icing Test Design and Execution for the ALF502 Vane Segment in the NRC RATFac Cascade Rig
Authors: Fuleki Dan , Neuteboom Martin , Chalmers Jennifer
Published: June 2019

Understanding the behaviour of ice crystal ice (ICI) accretion and shedding inside an aircraft engine is important for safe and reliable engine operation in flight and to meet new airworthiness regulations. A significant advancement in this understanding came from two engine test campaigns carried out on a Honeywell ALF502 turbofan, led by the Ice Crystal Consortium (ICC) and NASA. However, it is often desirable to conduct smaller scale component level tests to both decrease costs and increase the amount of data obtainable, given a component is more accessible when removed from an engine and therefore easier to instrument and observe. That was the purpose of the work discussed in this paper where a segment of an ALF502 low pressure exit guide vane ring was installed in the NRC RATFac ICI cascade rig. The existing cascade rig was modified to accommodate the vane segment which allowed for the instrumentation already available on the rig to be used to characterize the ICI environment. The test article fixturing was designed to match the engine aerodynamics as much as possible but also allow for a large suite of instrumentation including temperatures, pressures, video, ultrasound ice accretion sensors and systems for wall heating and anti-icing. The test was able to characterize accretion versus a wide range of ICI conditions, determine the effect of wall heating and define accretion boundaries. With the wide range of test parameters that were independently and precisely controlled and the instrumentation available to measure them, the understanding of accretion in the vane segment was expanded relative to that seen in the engine test. Accretion was seen on the test article in the location observed in the engine with similar morphology. Further analysis of the test data could demonstrate the added value of a rotating rig test.
Four Years of Testing to AS5562
Authors: Matheis Brian D. , Clark Catherine , Whalen Mac
Published: June 2019

With the publication of SAE AS5562 in 2015, icing wind tunnel test facilities have upgraded their operating environments and instrumentation to meet the client demand to test to this new standard. Nearing four years of testing and development to this standard, numerous questions and challenges have arisen that industry has addressed on an individual basis but not in a common format for all. This paper addresses some of the known challenges in an effort to apply AS5562 consistently across industry and provide clarity to all users.
CH148 Icing Flight Test Performance Data Correlation
Authors: Griffiths Daniel
Published: June 2019

This paper presents results of correlation of an empirical code to CH148 Cyclone® icing flight test performance data. Predicted icing main rotor torque penalties, generated using the Sikorsky Generalized Rotor Performance (GRP) model with the integral DELICE icing performance module, are compared to flight test results. DELICE methodology adjustments are shown that lead to CH148 test data correlation and improved correlation to previously-examined S-92A™ icing flight test performance data. Finally, a comparison of results between GRP and Sikorsky-Maryland FreeWake is shown, providing an indication of the influence of rotor wake methodology on icing model correlation.
Optimization of Passenger Car Door Impact Beam using Quasi Static CAE Analysis
Authors: Sundar Singh Sivam S.P. , Loganathan Ganesh Babu , Saravanan K. , Umasekar V.G. , Mohammed Rameez T.P.
Published: June 2019

Automotive side impacts are particularly dangerous as location of impact is very close to the passenger, who can be immediately reached by the impacting vehicle. FMVSS 214 static is a US safety regulation for occupant safety during side impacts, in which the vehicle is tested at static loading conditions to measure its load baring capacity and integrity of side closures. The CAE load case, virtually simulating the test, was handled as a quasi-static problem in this study. Impact beam is a component that helps in improving vehicle passive safety performance during side impacts by minimizing door intrusion to the occupant cabin. It plays an important role in achieving side impact regulatory norms. Through this study, a mass optimized front door impact beam design was developed for a passenger car with the help of CAE simulations; FMVSS 214S regulation norms are met. Component thickness, material and cross section shape were the design variables considered for the study. A methodology to perform the component level simulation of the impact beam loading such that it replicates component behaviour during full vehicle simulation was developed. This has helped in reducing the total problem calculation time in solver. This also has minimized the computational cost for the project. CAE simulations required for the study were done using LS-DYNA. ANSA and PRIMER were used as pre-processors and hyper-graph and meta-post were used for post processing.
Analysis and Prediction of Performance of MR Damper at Different Currents and Control Strategies for Quarter Suspension System of a Roadway Vehicle
Authors: Rama Sastry D.V.A. , Ramana K.V. , Mohan Rao N.
Published: June 2019

Ride comfort and vehicle handling are the two major issues to be dealt in the design of suspension systems of automobiles. With passive systems offering contrariety on these two parameters, the alternative systems are being in study. Magnetorheological (MR) damper, a most feasible semi-active device, is one such alternative, which will offer the advantage of dealing with both these issues overcoming contrariety. In this study, the suspension system of a car using MR damper is analysed at 5 different currents viz., 0A, 0.25A, 0.5A, 0.75A, 1A, using 2DOF quarter car model and 4DOF half car models for ride comfort and handling and the comparisons of these are done with same suspension system equipped with regular passive damper. A MR damper is built-up using MR fluid consisting of carbonyl iron powder and silicone oil added with additive. Further, the characteristic of this damper is established by conducting experiments, which in turn is used to identify the parameters of Spencer model for MR damper. Using Spencer model of MR damper, at 5 different currents, the quarter car and half car models of vehicle suspension system are simulated by implementing a semi-active suspension system for analysing the resulting displacement and acceleration in the car body. The ride comfort and vehicle handling performance of each specific vehicle model with passive suspension system are compared with corresponding skyhook, ground hook and hybrid based semi-active suspension systems. The simulation and analysis are carried out using Matlab/Simulink.
Numerical Evaluation and Influence of Product Quality and its defects Measures on the drawing of Stainless Steel Cross Member for Automobiles
Authors: Sundar Singh Sivam S.P. , Loganathan Ganesh Babu , Saravanan K. , Umasekar V.G. , Rajendrakumar S.
Published: June 2019

Industrial enterprises increasingly demand optimum quality of products keeping in consideration a strict adherence where forming parameters are concerned. As far as incorporating the vital forming process upon an assortment of materials is concerned, it has grown excruciatingly challenging for industrial enterprises for laying out the adequately precise and suitable parameters. The flaws that are engendered during the process of sheet metal forming are inevitable. Flaws of this nature can be, however, kept within minimal proportions by introducing variations into the process parameters by Trial and Error methodology. This evidently results in a subsequent financial loss, not to mention an irrevocable loss of time and material. Dynaform simulation of defects combined with optimization is carried out with the help of Minitab. This method, as can be conjectured with considerable ease, yields optimum results, for it replaces much to our convenience the need for specialist industrial expertise besides leading to considerable savings in cost, time and material. This study would optimize the SS304sheet metal forming parameters FLD, thickness and thinning with three input parameters, namely, the lower binder force, tool travel velocity and binder close velocity.
Caracterização da prática do aleitamento materno em uma Unidade Saúde da Família da região metropolitana de Belém, Pará
Authors: Santos Jessica Ferreira Arraes , Gomes Juliana Saraiva , Furlaneto Júnior José Márcio , Furlaneto Ismari Perini
Published: June 2019

Objetivo: Caracterizar a prática do aleitamento materno em uma Unidade Saúde da Família (USF) da Região Metropolitana de Belém e identificar o perfil sociodemográfico, epidemiológico e obstétrico de mulheres atendidas pela equipe da USF Tapanã II, assim como os fatores relacionados à prática do aleitamento materno exclusivo (AME) até os seis primeiros meses de vida dos filhos. Método: Trata-se de um estudo piloto do tipo transversal, quantitativo, descritivo e analítico, do qual participaram 31 mulheres voluntárias primíparas ou multíparas em acompanhamento regular na USF. Resultados: As participantes tinham média de idade igual a 30,8 ± 11,2 anos, 48,4% possuíam o Ensino Fundamental, mais da metade declarou-se solteira e ter renda inferior a 1 salário mínimo. A maioria relatou ter recebido orientações a respeito do AME (p=0,0311), sendo que destas, apenas quatro disseram tê-las recebido durante o pré-natal (18,2%), embora 93,6% declararam tê-lo feito (p<0,0001); 58,1% (p=0,3692) dos recém-nascidos receberam AME até os seis meses e 33,3% das mães que praticaram o AME disseram não ter recebido incentivo familiar para amamentar. Conclusão: Sugere-se que o processo de orientação ao AME entre as mulheres incluídas no estudo pode ser melhorado e intensificado, quer seja durante a gestação ou puerpério, podendo refletir uma situação típica da área do estudo. Por esse motivo, reforça-se a importância que o processo contínuo de educação em saúde e orientação têm sobre a prática do aleitamento materno exclusivo nos primeiros seis primeiros meses de vida da criança, e a necessidade de que essas informações sejam repassadas à gestante em todas as consultas do pré-natal e durante o puerpério na Atenção Primária.
Estilo de liderança, assimetria de informação e uso avaliativo do orçamento constituem-se antecedentes a participação orçamentária?
Authors: Lunardi Micheli Aparecida , Degenhart Larissa , Zonatto Vinícius Costa da Silva
Published: June 2019

Este estudo investiga os motivos pelos quais superiores incentivam a participação do subordinado nos processos orçamentários de empresas industriais sediadas no Brasil, mediante análise dos efeitos de antecedentes a participação orçamentária: estilo de liderança, assimetria da informação e uso avaliativo do orçamento. Pesquisa descritiva foi realizada mediante levantamento, com aplicação de questionário em amostra de 106 gerentes, analistas, coordenadores de orçamento ou controllers, e análise quantitativa dos dados, com auxílio de Modelagem de Equações Estruturais. Os resultados revelaram que superiores encorajam a participação dos subordinados quando o estilo de liderança do superior é considerado. Os motivos pelos quais os superiores incentivam esta participação estão relacionados a: obtenção de informações privadas de conhecimento de gestores subordinados; e, definição de objetivos e metas orçamentárias para avaliação de desempenho. Nem todos os antecedentes testados foram confirmados no contexto de atuação das empresas sediadas no Brasil, o que abre perspectivas a realização de novos estudos sobre o tema. Concluiu-se que estilo de liderança, uso avaliativo do orçamento e incentivo a participação orçamentária constituem-se antecedentes a participação dos gestores subordinados nos processos orçamentários de suas organizações. Estes achados permitem compreender o papel do líder nas organizações, a importância da utilização de metas orçamentárias para avaliação de desempenho dos subordinados e o incentivo à participação como recurso para qualificação dos processos orçamentários.