bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prepregnancy Depression and Breastfeeding Duration: A Look at Maternal Age
Authors: Wallenborn Jordyn T. , Joseph Anny-Claude , Graves Whitney C. , Masho Saba W.
Published: November 2018

Background. In the United States, major depressive disorder affects one in five women aged 20-40 years. During these childbearing years, depression can negatively impact maternal behaviors that are crucial for infant growth and development. This study examined the relationship between prepregnancy depression and breastfeeding duration by maternal age.Methods. Data from Phase 7 (2012-2013) of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (N=62,483) were analyzed. Prepregnancy depression was dichotomized while breastfeeding duration was categorized as never breastfed, breastfed 8 weeks or less, and breastfed more than 8 weeks. Maternal age was a significant effect modifier; therefore, results were stratified by maternal age. Multinomial logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results. For women aged 20-24, 25-29, and 30-34 years with prepregnancy depression, the odds of never breastfeeding and breastfeeding 8 weeks or less were significantly higher than in women with no history of prepregnancy depression. Notably, among women aged 25-29 with prepregnancy depression, the odds of never breastfeeding and breastfeeding 8 weeks or less were 93% (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.93, 95% CI =1.57-2.37) and 65% (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.37-1.99) higher compared to women with no history of prepregnancy depression, respectively.Conclusions. Having a history of poor mental health before pregnancy may increase the likelihood of premature breastfeeding cessation. A woman’s mental health status before pregnancy should be considered in reproductive and prenatal care models. Efforts should be made to understand challenges women of specific age groups face when trying to breastfeed.
A Deep Learning Approach to Vascular Structure Segmentation in Dermoscopy Colour Images
Authors: Jaworek-Korjakowska Joanna
Published: November 2018

Background. Atypical vascular pattern is one of the most important features by differentiating between benign and malignant pigmented skin lesions. Detection and analysis of vascular structures is a necessary initial step for skin mole assessment; it is a prerequisite step to provide an accurate outcome for the widely used 7-point checklist diagnostic algorithm. Methods. In this research we present a fully automated machine learning approach for segmenting vascular structures in dermoscopy colour images. The U-Net architecture is based on convolutional networks and designed for fast and precise segmentation of images. After preprocessing the images are randomly divided into 146516 patches of 64×64 pixels each. Results. On the independent validation dataset including 74 images our implemented method showed high segmentation accuracy. For the U-Net convolutional neural network, an average DSC of 0.84, sensitivity 0.85, and specificity 0.81 has been achieved. Conclusion. Vascular structures due to small size and similarity to other local structures create enormous difficulties during the segmentation and assessment process. The use of advanced segmentation methods like deep learning, especially convolutional neural networks, has the potential to improve the accuracy of advanced local structure detection.
Seroprevalence of Brucellosis and Associated Risk Factors among Indigenous Breeds of Goats in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria
Authors: Olufemi Olaolu T. , Dantala Danjuma B. , Shinggu Paul A. , Dike Umesi A. , Otolorin Gbeminiyi R. , Nwuku Jivini A. , Baba-Onoja Eyiojo B. T. , Jatau Tenmuso D. , Amama Francis I.
Published: November 2018

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Wukari, Taraba state, Nigeria, to determine the prevalence ofBrucellaantibodies and the risk factors associated with brucellosis in indigenous breeds of goats. A total of 386 goats were sampled from three political wards: Puje, Avyi, and Hospital: harvested sera samples were subjected to Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT). GraphPad Prism version 7.03 for Windows (GraphPad Software, La Jolla California, USA) was used to analyse the association between seroprevalence of brucellosis and age, sex, breed, location, and management system by using Chi square and Fisher’s exact test as appropriate. Brucellosis was detected in all three wards: Puje; 15%, Avyi; 6.6%, and Hospital; 7.6%. A prevalence rate of 2.8%, 8%, 18.7%, and 1% was recorded for <20-month, 22-35-month, 36-45-month, and ≥46-55-month age categories, respectively (P < 0.05). Only 9.5% was observed for male animals while 9.8% was observed for female animals with no statistical difference between the males and females. Breed-specific seroprevalence yielded 7.4%, 5.4% 12%, 12.8%, and 11.6%, for Cross, West Africa Dwarf, Red Sokoto, Kano Brown, and Sahel breeds of goat, respectively. There is an evidence of brucellosis (9.6%) in Wukari L.G.A, Taraba State, and age is a risk factor for the disease in the study area. There is a need to enlighten the public on the zoonotic potentials and economic impacts of brucellosis.
Safety Aspect ofEnterococcus faeciumFL31 Strain and Antibacterial Mechanism of Its Hydroxylated Bacteriocin BacFL31 againstListeria monocytogenes
Authors: Chakchouk-Mtibaa Ahlem , Sellem Imen , Kamoun Yosra , Smaoui Slim , Karray-Rebai Ines , Mellouli Lotfi
Published: November 2018

In previous work we have isolated and identified a new strain calledEnterococcus faeciumFL31. The active compound secreted by this strain, “BacFL31”, has been purified and characterized. In the present study, safety aspect, assessed by microbiological and molecular tests, demonstrated thatEnterococcus faeciumFL31 was susceptible to relevant antibiotics, free of hemolytic, gelatinase, DNase, and lipase activities. In addition, it did not harbor virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. Combined SYTOX Green dye and UV-absorbing experiments, along with released extracellular potassium and transmembrane electrical potential measurements, showed that pure BacFL31 at a concentration of 1×MIC (50 μg/mL) could damage cytoplasmic membrane of the pathogenListeria monocytogenesATCC19117. The same concentration causes the leakage of its intracellular constituents and leads to the destruction of this pathogenic microorganism. In summary, this work reflected characteristics ofEnterococcus faeciumFL31 strain and its bacteriocin in terms of functional and safety perspectives.
Local Well-Posedness and Blow-Up for the Solutions to the Axisymmetric Inviscid Hall-MHD Equations
Authors: Jeong Eunji , Kim Junha , Lee Jihoon
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we consider the regularity problem of the solutions to the axisymmetric, inviscid, and incompressible Hall-magnetohydrodynamics (Hall-MHD) equations. First, we obtain the local-in-time existence of sufficiently regular solutions to the axisymmetric inviscid Hall-MHD equations without resistivity. Second, we consider the inviscid axisymmetric Hall equations without fluids and prove that there exists a finite time blow-up of a classical solution due to the Hall term. Finally, we obtain some blow-up criteria for the axisymmetric resistive and inviscid Hall-MHD equations.
Dynamic Fracture Evolution and Mechanical Behavior of Sandstone Containing Noncoplanar Elliptical Flaws under Impact Loading
Authors: Han Zhenyu , Li Diyuan , Zhu Quanqi , Liu Meng , Sun Zhi
Published: November 2018

To investigate the effects of preexisting flaws with different geometries, including flaw inclination angle and ligament angle on dynamic strength, deformation properties, and fracture evolution of rock materials, a series of dynamic impact tests were conducted on green sandstone specimens containing double elliptical flaws using a 75 mm diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) testing device with a high‐speed camera recording in real time. The experimental results show that dynamic strength of specimens with different flaw angles is reduced between 5.91% and 39.92% but from 18.50% to 28.44% for specimens with different ligament angles, indicating that the effect of the flaw angle on the dynamic strength is more significant than that of the ligament angle. However, the dynamic deformation properties are influenced greatly by the ligament angle. Macroscale cracks mostly initiate at or near the flaw tips and then propagate in different paths with varying flaw geometries, leading to the ultimate failure in five typical modes based on the crack coalescence. Shear crack coalescence and tensile crack coalescence are identified through both macroscopic fracturing photos taken by the high‐speed camera and microscopic surface morphology obtained by the scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Contact and Noncontact Ultrasonic Nondestructive Test in Reinforced Concrete Beam
Authors: Ongpeng Jason Maximino C. , Oreta Andres Winston C. , Hirose Sohichi
Published: November 2018

Contact‐type ultrasonic test is commonly used in construction industry where gel‐couplant is applied to the material being tested and the transducers to assure that wave propagation will travel through without any air gaps. However, this method has disadvantages, since surface preparation is considered prior to testing. Another method of testing without the worry of air gaps that causes scattering of waves before it reaches the medium is the use of the noncontact ultrasonic test. In particular, the air‐coupled ultrasonic test is done in this paper for reinforced concrete beams. Sixteen plain concrete cube specimens under the compression test and six reinforced concrete beam specimens under the four‐point bending test are made with water‐cement ratio of 40% and 60%. The plain concrete cubes are investigated to establish the relationship of the contact ultrasonic test and load. Added parameters are considered to investigate the sensitivity of the contact and noncontact ultrasonic test in reinforced concrete beams. These are ultrasonic wave path and the neutral axis index. It shows that the higher water‐cement ratio produces good sensitivity in the noncontact ultrasonic test, since it produces more cracks on the tension face. Lower water‐cement ratio gives good sensitivity with load for the contact ultrasonic test, since it has its ultrasonic wave path passing through the concrete experiencing compression. In addition, the neutral axis index for a member subjected to bending is an important factor in assessing the sensitivity of both contact and noncontact ultrasonic test.
Global, Survival, and Apoptotic Transcriptome during Mouse and Human Early Embryonic Development
Authors: Haouzi D. , Boumela I. , Chebli K. , Hamamah S.
Published: November 2018

Survival and cell death signals are crucial for mammalian embryo preimplantation development. However, the knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying their regulation is still limited. Mouse studies are widely used to understand preimplantation embryo development, but extrapolation of these results to humans is questionable. Therefore, we wanted to analyse the global expression profiles during early mouse and human development with a special focus on genes involved in the regulation of the apoptotic and survival pathways. We used DNA microarray technology to analyse the global gene expression profiles of preimplantation human and mouse embryos (metaphase II oocytes, embryos at the embryonic genome activation stage, and blastocysts). Components of the major apoptotic and survival signalling pathways were expressed during early human and mouse embryonic development; however, most expression profiles were species-specific. Particularly, the expression of genes encoding components and regulators of the apoptotic machinery were extremely stable in mouse embryos at all analysed stages, while it was more stage-specific in human embryos.CASP3,CASP9, andAIFwere the only apoptosis-related genes expressed in both species and at all studied stages. Moreover, numerous transcripts related to the apoptotic and survival pathway were reported for the first time such asCASP6andIL1RAPL1that were specific to MII oocytes;CASP2,ENDOG, andGFERto blastocysts in human. These findings open new perspectives for the characterization and understanding of the survival and apoptotic signalling pathways that control early human and mouse embryonic development.
Multimodal PET/MRI Imaging Results Enable Monitoring the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Authors: Kovács Noémi , Szigeti Krisztián , Hegedűs Nikolett , Horváth Ildikó , Veres Dániel S , Bachmann Michael , Bergmann Ralf , Máthé Domokos
Published: November 2018

Radiotherapy is one of the most frequently applied treatments in oncology. Tissue-absorbed ionizing radiation damages not only targeted cells but the surrounding cells too. The consequent long-term induced oxidative stress, irreversible tissue damage, or second malignancies draw attention to the urgent need of a follow-up medical method by which personalized treatment could be attained and the actually dose-limiting organ could be monitored in the clinical practice. We worked out a special hemisphere irradiation technique for mice which mimics the radiation exposure during radiotherapy. We followed up the changes of possible brain imaging biomarkers of side effects, such as cerebral blood flow, vascular endothelial function, and cellular metabolic processes for 60 days. BALB/c mice were divided into two groups (n=6 per group) based on the irradiation doses (5 and 20 Gy). After the irradiation procedure arterial spin labeling (ASL), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in magnetic resonance modality and [18F]fluoro-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans of the brain were obtained at several time points (3, 7, 30, and 60 days after the irradiation). Significant physiological changes were registered in the brain of animals following the irradiation by both applied doses. Elevated standard uptake values were detected all over the brain by FDG-PET studies 2 months after the irradiation. The apparent diffusion coefficients from DWI scans significantly decreased one month after the irradiation procedure, while ASL studies did not show any significant perfusion changes in the brain. Altogether, our sensitive multimodal imaging protocol seems to be an appropriate method for follow-up of the health status after radiation therapy. The presented approach makes possible parallel screening of healthy tissues and the effectiveness of tumor therapy without any additional radiation exposure.
Seismic Response of a Tunnel Embedded in Compacted Clay through Large‐Scale Shake Table Testing
Authors: Zhou Hao , Wang Xinghua , He Changdi , Huang Changxi
Published: November 2018

To investigate the seismic response of large‐scale tunnel in compacted clay and effect of shock absorbing layer to the tunnel, a series of three dimensional (3D) shaking table model tests were carried out. The similarity ratio of the model is 1 : 8 and the size of the model container is 9.3 m (length) × 3.7 m (width) × 2.5 m (height). The cross‐sectional diameter of the model tunnel is 0.9 m, and the thickness of the tunnel lining is 0.06 m. To simulate the clay soil surrounding condition, the container was filled with clay soil. During the tests, the concrete strain, acceleration, and dynamic soil pressure on the surface of the model tunnel were measured. The results show the existence of tunnel can decrease the maximum acceleration of the model in the X direction; the shock absorbing layer can further decrease the maximum acceleration, however, cannot change the dominant frequency of the ground motion. The longitudinal and hoop strain of the model tunnel with excitation of the input motion is mainly in tension state and the maximum hoop deformation of the model tunnel is located at the conjugate 45°. In addition, the shock absorbing layer has an effect on the strain and dynamic earth pressure of the model tunnel.
Study on the Fractal Dimension and Growth Time of the Electrical Treeing Degradation at Different Temperature and Moisture
Authors: Fan Youping , Zhang Dai , Li Jingjiao
Published: November 2018

The paper aims to understand how the fractal dimension and growth time of electrical trees change with temperature and moisture. The fractal dimension of final electrical trees was estimated using 2‐D box‐counting method. Four groups of electrical trees were grown at variable moisture and temperature. The relation between growth time and fractal dimension of electrical trees were summarized. The results indicate the final electrical trees can have similar fractal dimensions via similar tree growth time at different combinations of moisture level and temperature conditions.
Mechanical Thrombectomy by a Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique (ADAPT) in Ischemic Stroke: Results of Monocentric Study Based on Multimodal CT Patient Selection
Authors: Guzzardi Giuseppe , Del Sette Bruno , Stanca Carmelo , Galbiati Andrea , Cernigliaro Massimiliano , Carriero Alessandro , Stecco Alessandro
Published: November 2018

Introduction. Mechanical thrombectomy with ADAP-technique of ischemic stroke has been reported as fast and effective. Aim of this study is to evaluate imaging criteria as possible predictors of stroke severity, therapeutic success, and outcome. Materials and Methods. Patients (30) presenting from October 2015 to April 2017 with Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion of the anterior circulation were treated with ADAP-technique. 22 received also IV tPA; 8 underwent endovascular treatment only. Every patient was evaluated with noncontrast CT, multiphase angiography-CT, and perfusion CT. Clinical and radiological characteristics were measured. Good clinical outcome was an improvement of 8 points on NIHSS at discharge or a modified Rankin Scale ≤2 at discharge and at 90 days. Results. Successful revascularization was obtained in 57% of patients, no procedural complications were witnessed, and only two hemorrhages were reported. Good outcome at discharge was obtained in 11 patients (37%) and predicted by NCCT ASPECT and TICI; outcome at 90 days was predicted by NCCT ASPECT, clot length, and premorbid mRS. Mortality was 23% at discharge and 30% at 90 days. Conclusion. ADAPT is an effective endovascular method of stroke treatment with fast procedural times. Multimodal CT evaluation is effective in assessing stroke severity, providing important prognostic information, which is able to select patients for the appropriate treatment.
Evaluation of Heat Irreversibility in a Thin Film Flow of Couple Stress Fluid on a Moving Belt
Authors: Adesanya Samuel O. , Lebelo Ramosheuw S. , Moloi K. C.
Published: November 2018

This article addresses the inherent heat irreversibility in the flow of a couple stress thin film along a moving vertical belt subjected to free and adiabatic surface. Mathematical analysis for the fluid-governing-equations is performed in detail. For maximum thermal performance and efficiency, the present analysis follows the second law of thermodynamics approach for the evaluation of entropy generation rate in the moving film. With this thermodynamic process, the interconnectivity between variables responsible for energy wastage is accounted for in the thermo-fluid equipment. Results of the analysis revealed the fluid properties that contribute more to energy loss and how the exergy of the system can be restored.
Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Fluconazole on African Green Monkey Kidney (Vero) Cell Line
Authors: Correa Regianne Maciel dos Santos , Mota Tatiane Cristina , Guimarães Adriana Costa , Bonfim Laís Teixeira , Burbano Rommel Rodriguez , Bahia Marcelo de Oliveira
Published: November 2018

Fluconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal that is well-established as the first-line treatment for Candida albicans infections. Despite its extensive use, reports on its genotoxic/mutagenic effects are controversial; therefore, further studies are needed to better clarify such effects. African green monkey kidney (Vero) cells were exposed in vitro to different concentrations of fluconazole and were then evaluated for different parameters, such as cytotoxicity (MTT/cell death by fluorescent dyes), genotoxicity/mutagenicity (comet assay/micronucleus test), and induction of oxidative stress (DCFH-DA assay). Fluconazole was used at concentrations of 81.6, 163.2, 326.5, 653, 1306, and 2612.1μM for the MTT assay and 81.6, 326.5, and 1306μM for the remaining assays. MTT results showed that cell viability reduced upon exposure to fluconazole concentration of 1306μM (85.93%), being statistically significant (P<0.05) at fluconazole concentration of 2612.1μM (35.25%), as compared with the control (100%). Fluconazole also induced necrosis (P<0.05) in Vero cell line when cells were exposed to all concentrations (81.6, 326.5, and 1306μM) for both tested harvest times (24 and 48 h) as compared with the negative control. Regarding genotoxicity/mutagenicity, results showed fluconazole to increase significantly (P<0.05) DNA damage index, as assessed by comet assay, at 1306μM versus the negative control (DI=1.17 vs DI=0.28, respectively). Micronucleus frequency also increased until reaching statistical significance (P<0.05) at 1306μM fluconazole (with 42MN/1000 binucleated cells) as compared to the negative control (13MN/1000 binucleated cells). Finally, significant formation of reactive oxygen species (P<0.05) was observed at 1306μM fluconazole vs the negative control (OD=40.9 vs OD=32.3, respectively). Our experiments showed that fluconazole is cytotoxic and genotoxic in the assessed conditions. It is likely that such effects may be due to the oxidative properties of fluconazole and/or the presence of FMO (flavin-containing monooxygenase) in Vero cells.
Assessment of Secure OpenID-Based DAAA Protocol for Avoiding Session Hijacking in Web Applications
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Asif Muhammad , Bashir Abid
Published: November 2018

It is increasingly difficult to manage the user identities (IDs) of rapidly developing and numerous types of online web-based applications in the present era. An innovative ID management system is required for managing the user IDs. The OpenID lightweight protocol is a better solution to manage the user IDs. In an OpenID communication environment, OpenID URL is not secured in a session hijacking situation because in other existing OpenID communication methods such double factor authentication has more chances of valid user session hijacked. The proposed communication protocol secures the OpenID URL with the help of additional innovative parameters such as Special Alphanumeric String (SAS) and Special Security PIN (SSP). The anticipated triple authentication protocol authenticated client unique OpenID URL at OpenID Provider (OP) side once and SAS and SSP field at Relying Party (RP) side. The anticipated protocol provides unique Single-Sign-On (SSO) services to OpenID users. The experimental website is tested by experts of web developers for avoiding session hijacking situation in the presence of hackers. The findings demonstrated that Dense Authentication Authorization and Accounting (DAAA) protocol minimizes the risk of a session hijacking in OpenID communication environment.
Numerical Analysis of Elastic Contact between Coated Bodies
Authors: Spinu Sergiu
Published: November 2018

Substrate protection by means of a hard coating is an efficient way of extending the service life of various mechanical, electrical, or biomedical elements. The assessment of stresses induced in a layered body under contact load may advance the understanding of the mechanisms underlying coating performance and improve the design of coated systems. The iterative derivation of contact area and contact tractions requires repeated displacement evaluation; therefore the robustness of a contact solver relies on the efficiency of the algorithm for displacement calculation. The fast Fourier transform coupled with the discrete convolution theorem has been widely used in the contact modelling of homogenous bodies, as an efficient computational tool for the rapid evaluation of convolution products that appear in displacements and stresses calculation. The extension of this technique to layered solids is tantalizing given that the closed-form analytical functions describing the response of layered solids to load are only available in the frequency domain. Whereas the false problem periodization can be treated as in the case of homogenous solids, the aliasing phenomenon and the handling of the frequency response function in origin require adapted techniques. The proposed algorithm for displacement calculation is coupled with a state-of-the-art contact solver based on the conjugate gradient method. The predictions of the newly advanced computer program are validated against existing results derived by a different method. Multiple contact cases are simulated aiming to assess the influence of coating thickness and of its elastic properties on the contact parameters and the strass state. The performed simulations prove that the advanced algorithm is an efficient tool for the contact analysis of coated bodies, which can be used to further understand the mechanical behavior of the coated system and to optimize its design.
Reduced‐Order Observers for Nonlinear State Estimation in Flexible Multibody Systems
Authors: Palomba Ilaria , Richiedei Dario , Trevisani Alberto
Published: November 2018

Modern control schemes adopted in multibody systems take advantage of the knowledge of a large set of measurements of the most important state variables to improve system performances. In the case of flexible‐link multibody systems, however, the direct measurement of these state variables is not usually possible or convenient. Hence, it is necessary to estimate them through accurate models and a reduced set of measurements ensuring observability. In order to cope with the large dimension of models adopted for flexible multibody systems, this paper exploits model reduction for synthesizing reduced‐order nonlinear state observers. Model reduction is done through a modified Craig‐Bampton strategy that handles effectively nonlinearities due to large displacements of the mechanism and through a wise selection of the most important coordinates to be retained in the model. Starting from such a reduced nonlinear model, a nonlinear state observer is developed through the extended Kalman filter (EKF). The method is applied to the numerical test case of a six‐bar planar mechanism. The smaller size of the model, compared with the original one, preserves accuracy of the estimates while reducing the computational effort.
Transmission Strategy Design and Resource Allocation in D2D Multicast Cooperative Communications with SWIPT
Authors: Weng Chenfan , Yang Dingcheng , Wan Jun , Xiao Lin , Zhu Chuanqi
Published: November 2018

This paper proposes a new transmission strategy for device‐to‐device (D2D) multicast cooperative communication systems based on Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer (SWIPT) technology. The transmission block is divided into two slots. In the first slot, the source user transmits the information and energy to the help user by SWIPT. In the second slot, the help user uses the cellular spectrum and forwards the information to multiple receivers by using harvested energy. In this paper, we aim to maximize the total system rate, and to tackle the problem, we propose a two‐step scheme: In the first step, the resource allocation problem is solved by linear programming. In the second step, the power‐splitting coefficient value is obtained by taking the benefit of help user into account. Numerical results show that the proposed strategy not only effectively improves the overall throughput and spectrum efficiency but also motivates the cooperation.
Data‐Driven Finite Element Models of Passive Filamentary Networks
Authors: Adam Brian , Mitran Sorin
Published: November 2018

A data‐driven procedure is introduced to construct finite element models of heterogeneous systems for which an accurate microscopic description is available. A filter to define coarsened finite element nodal values is defined from the principal modes obtained by singular value decomposition of the microscopic data. The resulting finite element nodal values are subsequently used to reconstruct local linearization of the system behavior, defining drag and stiffness matrices for an overdamped system. The procedure is exemplified for an actin mesh described by Brownian dynamics and eight‐node cuboid finite elements but is generally applicable with respect to both the microscopic model and the type of finite element approximation. In contrast to standard finite element formulations derived from hypotheses on assumed deformation behavior, the data‐driven procedure introduced here is completely determined by the observed behavior be it obtained from simulations or experiment.
A Proactive Robust Scheduling Method for Aircraft Carrier Flight Deck Operations with Stochastic Durations
Authors: Su Xichao , Han Wei , Wu Yu , Zhang Yong , Liu Jie
Published: November 2018

The operations on the aircraft carrier flight deck are carried out in a time‐critical and resource‐constrained environment with uncertainty, and it is of great significance to optimize the makespan and obtain a robust schedule and resource allocation plan for a greater sortie generation capacity and better operational management of an aircraft carrier. In this paper, a proactive robust optimization method for flight deck scheduling with stochastic operation durations is proposed. Firstly, an operation on node‐flow (OONF) network is adopted to model the precedence relationships of multi‐aircraft operations, and resource constraints categorized into personnel, support equipment, workstation space, and supply resource are taken into consideration. On this basis, a mathematical model of the robust scheduling problem for flight deck operation (RSPFDO) is established, and the goal is to maximize the probability of completing within the limitative makespan (PCLM) and minimize the weighted sum of expected makespan and variance of makespan (IRM). Then, in terms of proactive planning, both serial and parallel schedule generation schemes for baseline schedule and robust personnel allocation scheme and equipment allocation adjustment scheme for resource allocation are designed. In terms of executing schedules, an RSPFDO‐oriented preconstraint scheduling policy (CPC) is proposed. To optimize the baseline schedule and resource allocation, a hybrid teaching‐learning‐based optimization (HTLBO) algorithm is designed which integrates differential evolution operators, peak crossover operator, and learning‐automata‐based adaptive variable neighborhood search strategy. Simulation results shows that the HTLBO algorithm outperforms both some other state‐of‐the‐art algorithms for deterministic cases and some existing algorithms for stochastic project scheduling, and the robustness of the flight deck operations can be improved with the proposed resource allocation schemes and CPC policy.
Continuous Approximation for Interaction Energy Transfer of DNA through Lipid Bilayers
Authors: Alshehri Mansoor H.
Published: November 2018

In this study the interaction energies for single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA molecules with a lipid bilayer are investigated. The 6-12 Lennard-Jones potential and continuous approximation are used to derive analytical expressions for these interaction energies. Assuming that there is a circular gap in the lipid bilayer, we determine the relationship of the molecular interaction energy, including the circular gap radius and the perpendicular distance of the single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA molecules from the gap. For both single-stranded and double-stranded DNA molecules, the relationship between the minimum energy location and the hole radius b is calculated; in the case of the double-stranded DNA molecule, we assume that the helical phase angle ϕ is equal to π. By minimizing the total interaction energies, the results demonstrate that the single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA molecules move through a lipid bilayer when the gap radius b> 10 Å and b> 13.8 Å, respectively. The results present in this project can be leveraged to understand the interactions between cell-penetrating peptides and biomembranes, which may improve gene and drug delivery.
Investigation on a No Trial Weight Spray Online Dynamic Balancer
Authors: Yun Xialun , Mei Xuesong , Jiang Gedong , Hu Zhenbang , Zhang Zunhao
Published: November 2018

In order to suppress the spindle vibration with high efficiency and high precision, a no without trial weight spray online balance method is proposed in this paper. By analyzing the relationship between the unbalanced excitation and the unbalanced response of the spindle, the relationship between the dynamic influence coefficient and the system model is studied. A high‐speed spindle finite element analysis model was established, and the dynamic influence coefficient matrix was identified. A no trial weight spray online dynamic balancing system was developed, which has the advantages of without trial weight and high‐precision loading. A new type of integrated balancing terminal that was formed using 3D printing technology was first proposed by our research group, and its advantages in various aspects are significantly higher than traditional assembly balanced terminals. The experimental verification of the without trial weight spray online dynamic balancing system was performed on a high‐speed spindle test stand. Experiments show that the no trial weight spray online balancing method proposed in this paper can achieve high‐efficiency and high‐precision vibration suppression, greatly reducing balance time and cost of the spindle. At the same time, the online balance test also verified the reliability of the integrated balanced terminal.
A Large Eddy Simulation Study on the Effect of Devolatilization Modelling and Char Combustion Mode Modelling on the Structure of a Large-Scale, Biomass and Coal Co-Fired Flame
Authors: Rabaçal Miriam , Costa Mário , Vascellari Michele , Hasse Christian , Rieth Martin , Kempf Andreas M.
Published: November 2018

This work focuses on the impact of the devolatilization and char combustion mode modelling on the structure of a large-scale, biomass and coal co-fired flame using large eddy simulations. The coal modelling framework previously developed for the simulation of combustion in large-scale facilities is extended for biomass capabilities. An iterative procedure is used to obtain devolatilization kinetics of coal and biomass for the test-case specific fuels and heating conditions. This is achieved by calibrating the model constants of two empirical models: the single first-order model and the distributed activation energy model. The reference data for calibration are devolatilization yields obtained with predictive coal and biomass multistep kinetic mechanisms. The variation of both particle density and diameter during char combustion is governed by the conversion mode, which is modelled using two approaches: the power law using a constant parameter that assumes a constant mode during char combustion and a constant-free model that considers a variable mode during combustion. Three numerical cases are considered: single first-order reaction with constant char combustion mode, distributed activation energy with constant char combustion mode, and single first-order reaction with variable char combustion mode. The numerical predictions from the large eddy simulations are compared with experimental results of a high co-firing rate large-scale laboratory flame of coal and biomass. Furthermore, results from single particle conversion under idealised conditions, isolating the effects of turbulence, are presented to assist the interpretation of the predictions obtained with large eddy simulations. The effects of the devolatilization and conversion mode modelling on the flame lift-off, flame length, and spatial distribution and radial profiles of O2 and CO2 are presented and discussed. Both the devolatilization and conversion mode modelling have a significant effect on the conversion of particles under idealised conditions. The large eddy simulations results show that the devolatilization model has a strong impact on the flame structure, but not on the flame lift-off. On the other hand, for the tested numerical conditions, the char combustion mode model has a marginal impact on the predicted results.
Knowledge and Practices on Periodontal Health among Adults, Misungwi, Tanzania
Authors: Nyorobi John Michael , Carneiro Lorna Celia , Kabulwa Msafiri Nicodemus
Published: November 2018

The level of knowledge and practices on periodontal health of 388 adults in Misungwi District, Tanzania, was assessed. Analysis included frequency distributions and the chi-square test at apvalue of 0.05. Many more participants were males (n=197; 50.8%) and of younger age group (n=215; 55.4%) and having seven years of education (n=257; 66.2%). Higher number of participants reported owning a mobile phone (n=289; 74.5%) and a radio (n=298; 76.8%), while few (n=45; 11.6%) had their houses connected to electricity. Study participants who were males (n=101; 51.3%), had more than seven years of schooling (n=67; 72.3%), who owned a mobile phone (n=143; 49%), owned a radio (n=144; 48.3%), and resided in houses having electricity (n=37; 82.2%) were statistically significantly more knowledgeable on periodontal health when compared to their counterparts. A statistical significant difference was seen in oral health practices conducive to periodontal health among those who were males (n=133; 67.0%), having more than seven years of education (n=78; 83.0%), owning a mobile phone (n=189; 65.4%), owning a radio (n=195; 65.4%), and residing in house having electricity (n=35; 77.8%). This study observed that participants who were males, owned a mobile phone, owned a radio, resided in houses having electricity, and having more than seven years of education were more knowledgeable and had more conducive oral health practices on periodontal health.
60GHz Reverse Modulation Fiber-Wireless System with Two Jointed DSP Algorithms
Authors: Chen Long , He Ziwei , Zhao Lv , Zhong Bin
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we propose a reverse modulation fiber-wireless system with two jointed DSP algorithms. The signal in the system is OFDM modulated millimeter wave (mm-wave) at 60GHz. In order to improve transmission of this system, the discrete Fourier transform spread (DFT-Spread) technology and the averaging of the channel frequency response (H-averaging) technology are applied. The DFT-Spread technology helps to reduce the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of the OFDM signal, and the H-averaging technology helps to optimize channel estimation. This is the first time that the two kinds of technology were used together in this reverse modulation system. According to the simulation, the 22Gbit/s 16QAM-OFDM at 60GHz can be generated and transmitted for 90km fiber transmission under the soft decision forward error correction (SD-FEC) threshold 3.8×10-3. The results show that the two jointed DSP algorithms can improve the reverse modulation system transmission performance obviously.
An Iterative Learning Scheme‐Based Fault Estimator Design for Nonlinear Systems with Randomly Occurring Parameter Uncertainties
Authors: Jun He , Shanbi Wei , Yi Chai
Published: November 2018

This paper deals with fault estimation problem for a class of nonlinear system with parameter uncertainties subjecting to Bernoulli‐distributed white sequences with known conditional probabilities. In order to reflect the reality more closely, parameter uncertainties are considered in both the state parameter matrix and the output parameter matrix. Compared with existing observer‐based fault estimation approaches, the proposed iterative learning observer considers the state error information and fault estimating information from the previous iteration to improve the fault estimation performance in the current iteration. Simultaneously, the stability and convergence of the designed observer are achieved by employing the Lyapunov stability theory. On the other hand, a novel optimal function using expectation is presented to ensure the uniform convergence of the fault estimation scheme, thus reducing the impact of randomly occurring parameter uncertainties. Finally, linear matrix inequality (LMI) is employed to obtain the solutions of sufficient condition for further improvement of iterative learning law performance. The results are suitable for the systems with time‐varying uncertainties as well as constant uncertainties. Additionally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design scheme.
A Novel Method of Complexity Metric for Object-Oriented Software
Authors: Yi Tong , Fang Chun
Published: November 2018

With the rapid development and wide application of multimedia technology, the demand for the actual development of multimedia software in many industries is increasing. How to measure and improve the quality of multimedia software is an important problem to be solved urgently. In order to calculate the complicated situation and fuzziness of software quality, this paper introduced a software quality evaluation model based on the fuzzy matter element by using a method known as the fuzzy matter element analysis, combined with the TOPSIS method and the close degree. Compared with the existing typical software measurement methods, the results are basically consistent with the typical software measurement results. Then, Pearson simple correlation coefficient was used to analyse the correlation between the existing four measurement methods and the metric of practical experience, whose results show that the results of software quality measures based on fuzzy matter element are more in accordance with practical experience. Meanwhile, the results of this method are much more precise than the results of the other measurement methods.
Chloroquine Protects Human Corneal Epithelial Cells from Desiccation Stress Induced Inflammation without Altering the Autophagy Flux
Authors: Shivakumar Shivapriya , Panigrahi Trailokyanath , Shetty Rohit , Subramani Murali , Ghosh Arkasubhra , Jeyabalan Nallathambi
Published: November 2018

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular surface disorder affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Inflammation has been associated with dry eye and anti-inflammatory drugs are now being targeted as the alternate therapeutic approach for dry eye condition. In this study, we have explored the anti-inflammatory and autophagy modulating effect of chloroquine (CQ) in human corneal epithelial and human corneal fibroblasts cells exposed to desiccation stress, (anin-vitromodel for DED). Gene and protein expression profiling of inflammatory and autophagy related molecular factors were analyzed in HCE-T and primary HCF cells exposed to desiccation stress with and without CQ treatment. HCE-T and HCF cells exposed to desiccation stress exhibited increased levels of activated p65, TNF-α, MCP-1, MMP-9, and IL-6. Further, treatment with CQ decreased the levels of active p65, TNF-α, MCP-1, and MMP-9 in cells underdesiccation stress. Increased levels of LC3B and LAMP1 markers in HCE-T cells exposed to desiccation stress suggest activation of autophagy and the addition of CQ did not alter these levels. Changes in the phosphorylation levels of MAPKinase and mTOR pathway proteins were found in HCE-T cells under desiccation stress with or without CQ treatment. Taken together, the data suggests that HCE-T cells under desiccation stress showed NFκB mediated inflammation, which was rescued through the anti-inflammatory effect of CQ without altering the autophagy flux. Therefore, CQ may be used as an alternate therapeutic management for dry eye condition.
Quantum Techniques for Reaction Networks
Authors: Baez John C.
Published: November 2018

Reaction networks are a general formalism for describing collections of classical entities interacting in a random way. While reaction networks are mainly studied by chemists, they are equivalent to Petri nets, which are used for similar purposes in computer science and biology. As noted by Doi and others, techniques from quantum physics, such as second quantization, can be adapted to apply to such systems. Here we use these techniques to study how the “master equation” describing stochastic time evolution for a reaction network is related to the “rate equation” describing the deterministic evolution of the expected number of particles of each species in the large-number limit. We show that the relation is especially strong when a solution of master equation is a “coherent state”, meaning that the numbers of entities of each kind are described by independent Poisson distributions. Remarkably, in this case the rate equation and master equation give the exact same formula for the time derivative of the expected number of particles of each species.
Experimental Treatment with a Hypomethylating Agent Alters Life History Traits and Fitness in Brassica rapa
Authors: Kottler Emily J. , VanWallendael Acer , Franks Steven J.
Published: November 2018

Epigenetic modifications to DNA can be inherited and may play a key role in evolution, with epigenetic influences on life history traits such as the timing of germination and flowering thought to be particularly important in plants. However, few studies have examined the effects of epigenetic modifications through experimental alteration of the methylome under differential growth conditions. In this study, we chemically induced global DNA hypomethylation using 5-azacytidine in three Brassica rapa plant populations differing in life history characteristics and under differing photoperiod treatments. We found that our 5-azacytidine treatment affected the timing of germination and that this effect differed across populations, with the treatment delaying germination in B. rapa Fast Plants, which have been artificially selected for rapid cycling, but accelerating germination in biennials. Rapid cycling B. rapa plants also were smaller and had lower reproductive fitness under the experimental demethylation treatment. There was no main effect of demethylation or photoperiod on flowering time, but the interaction was marginally significant, indicating that demethylation effects on flowering time depend on photoperiod. These results demonstrate that epigenetic modifications can influence phenotypic traits in ways that are dependent on genetic identity, life history, and light availability.
Lump Solutions to the (3+1)-Dimensional Generalized B-Type Kadomtsev-Petviashvili Equation
Authors: Cao Xifang
Published: November 2018

This paper is devoted to the study of lump solutions to the (3+1)-dimensional generalized B-type Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation. First we use a direct method to construct a class of exact solutions which contain six arbitrary real constants. Then we use these solutions to generate lump solutions with four real parameters. We also determine the amplitude and velocity of these lumps.
A Case of Clitoral Hypertrophy of Unknown Origin
Authors: Okaneya Tetsuya , Onishi Kiyoshi , Saze Michio , Iwakura Kei , Sakuma Hiroko
Published: November 2018

Clitoral hypertrophy is caused by disorders of sex development and it is observed from birth in most cases. We encountered a patient in whom normal morphology at birth may have acquired deformity and hypertrophy. The patient was a 10-year-old girl with a chief complaint of pudendal deformity. The clitoral hood was enlarged and the clitoris size was 8 x 5 mm on the first examination. Various tests were performed. Sex chromosome or hormonal abnormalities and tumorous lesions were not detected, and the ovaries, uterus, and vagina were normal, indicating that disorders of mullerian development were negative. In surgery, reconstruction of the vulva was performed following the Marberger method. The present case may have been a very rare case of acquired hypertrophy of unknown origin.