bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of pain management educational interventions on nurses’ knowledge and attitudes regarding postoperative pain management: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Mazilu Doina Carmen , Zazu Mariana , Nedelcu Viorica , Sfetcu Raluca
Published: February 2018

Review question/objective:

The objective of this review is to identify the effectiveness of pain management education programs (PMEPs) in improving the level of knowledge and the attitudes of nurses working in adult surgical departments and intensive care units on postoperative pain management.
Study on Vibration Characteristics of Fan Shaft of Geared Turbofan Engine With Sudden Imbalance Caused by Blade Off
Authors: Wei Jing , Bai Peixin , Qin DaTong , Lim Teik C. , Yang PanWu , Zhang Hong
Published: February 2018

Based on the requirements of the dynamic design of geared turbofan (GTF) engines, the vibration characteristic of the fan shaft is investigated. The effect of sudden imbalance caused by blade off, the time-varying meshing stiffness, and meshing errors on the vibration characteristics is fully considered in the dynamic model. The improved Euler–Bernoulli beam element considering the effects of shear deformation is employed and a coupled relationship between the gear–shaft–bearing–casing is established. Under windmilling condition with a single blade completely lost, the vibration characteristics of the fan shaft of the turbofan engine with and without a gearbox system are compared. The effect of the gear system on the vibration of the fan shaft under different rotating speeds is examined. The results show that the orbit of the fan shaft center in the turbofan engine with the gearbox system exhibits a multifrequency whirling motion and has a stable limit cycle. Under windmilling condition, the meshing frequency and the modal frequency have multiple intersection points. The critical speed is dense and the peak value of the transient vibration of the GTF engine gearbox shows a wave rise with an increase in speed. The results of this study could provide a reference for the parameter design and optimization of GTF engines.
Very Low Specific Speed Centrifugal Pump—Hydraulic Design and Physical Limitations
Authors: Olimstad Grunde , Osvoll Morten , Finstad Pål Henrik Enger
Published: February 2018

For low-flow and high-head applications, pump types such as progressive cavity or gear pumps are often used. However, centrifugal pumps are much more robust and wear resistant, and are beneficial if they can handle the rated head and flows. By challenging the limitations of low specific speed (Nq), centrifugal pumps can be made to handle a combination of low flow and high head, which previously required other pump types. Conventional centrifugal pumps have specific speed down to 10, while in this paper a design with specific speed of 4.8 is presented. The paper describes several iterative steps in the design process of the low Nq pump. These iterations were done one physical pumps, which were successively tested in a test rig. Motivation for each step is explained theoretically and followed up by discussion of the measured results. Four different geometries of the pump were tested, all of them manufactured by rapid prototyping in nylon material. A substantial question is how low the specific speed of a centrifugal pump can be. Limitations of low Nq pumps are discussed and new findings are related to volute cavitation. In addition, limitations due to disk friction, volute losses, leakage flow, and pump stability are discussed and show to limit the design space for the pump designer.
A Method of Measuring Turbulent Flow Structures With Particle Image Velocimetry and Incorporating Into Boundary Conditions of Large Eddy Simulations
Authors: Li Puxuan , Eckels Steve J. , Mann Garrett W. , Zhang Ning
Published: February 2018

The setup of inlet conditions for a large eddy simulation (LES) is a complex and important problem. Normally, there are two methods to generate the inlet conditions for LES, i.e., synthesized turbulence methods and precursor simulation methods. This study presents a new method for determining inlet boundary conditions of LES using particle image velocimetry (PIV). LES shows sensitivity to inlet boundary conditions in the developing region, and this effect can even extend into the fully developed region of the flow. Two kinds of boundary conditions generated from PIV data, i.e., steady spatial distributed inlet (SSDI) and unsteady spatial distributed inlet (USDI), are studied. PIV provides valuable field measurement, but special care is needed to estimate turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent dissipation rate for SSDI. Correlation coefficients are used to analyze the autocorrelation of the PIV data. Different boundary conditions have different influences on LES, and their advantages and disadvantages for turbulence prediction and static pressure prediction are discussed in the paper. Two kinds of LES with different subgrid turbulence models are evaluated: namely dynamic Smagorinsky–Lilly model (Lilly model) and wall modeled large eddy simulation (WMLES model). The performances of these models for flow prediction in a square duct are presented. Furthermore, the LES results are compared with PIV measurement results and Reynolds-stress model (RSM) results at a downstream location for validation.
Thermal Modeling of a Rooftop Photovoltaic/Thermal System With Earth Air Heat Exchanger for Combined Power and Space Heating
Authors: Jakhar Sanjeev , Soni Manoj S. , Boehm Robert F.
Published: February 2018

Earth air heat exchanger (EAHE) systems are inefficient to provide thermal comfort in winter season for semi-arid regions. The performance of such systems could be improved by coupling them with other renewable energy sources. One of the renewable energy technology is rooftop photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) air collectors which could utilize the incident solar insolation to obtain both electricity as well as useful heat. In the current paper, the thermal performance of an EAHE coupled with a PV/T system has been numerically investigated for climatic conditions of Pilani, Ajmer (India), and Las Vegas (U.S.). For the comparative analysis, a thermodynamic model has been developed and compared with experimental data available in the literature which seems to be in good comparison with the results. Further, a parametric analysis has been carried out for assessing the effect of different operating parameters. Results showed that for the winter season, the maximum cell temperature without any cooling goes up to 54.3 °C, 54.5 °C, and 44.4 °C for Pilani, Ajmer, and Las Vegas, respectively, while with cooling it drops to 43.4 °C, 44.2 °C, and 35.6 °C, respectively, for 0.053 kg/s flow rate. The heating capacity of the EAHE was observed to be improved with PV/T air collector by 23.47 Wh–298.74 Wh, 71.18 Wh–315.93 Wh, and 41.43 Wh–270.75 Wh for the Pilani, Ajmer, and Las Vegas, respectively.
Beyond colour-blindness: Enhancing cultural and racial identity for adopted and fostered children in cross-cultural and transracial families
Authors: Gibbs Anita
Published: February 2018

INTRODUCTION: Cross-cultural and transracial adoption or fostering is a common experience in adoptive and foster family formation yet few adoptive or foster parents are truly competent to address the cultural needs of children who join their families in this way. Few parents comprehend the full extent of cultural and, or, racial identity knowledge that their newly adopted children bring with them. Parents also struggle to answer the cultural, and, or, racial identity questions that their adopted children ask them. Likewise, human service professionals, when helping families, sometimes struggle to provide culturally competent knowledge and training.METHODS: A review of literature nationally and internationally to ascertain best practice models and strategies to help families and professionals move beyond colour-blind approaches and meet the cultural needs of adopted or fostered children.FINDINGS: There are useful models of cultural and bicultural competency that parents and human service professionals can use to enable improved support for families formed through transracial and cross-cultural adoption and fostering.CONCLUSIONS: A colour-blind approach to cross-cultural or transracial parenting is unlikely to help children view their ethnic background and heritage positively. Rather, a culturally competent approach will help children develop positive racial and cultural identities.
Hydrostatic measurement and finite element simulation of the compliance of the organ of Corti complex
Authors: Marnell Daniel , Jabeen Talat , Nam Jong-Hoon
Published: February 2018

In the mammalian cochlea, the geometrical and mechanical properties of the organ of Corti complex (OCC, consisting of the tectorial membrane, the organ of Corti, and the basilar membrane) have fundamental consequences for understanding the physics of hearing. Despite efforts to correlate the mechanical properties of the OCC with cochlear function, experimental data of OCC stiffness are limited due to difficulties in measurement. Modern measurements of the OCC stiffness use microprobes exclusively, but suffer ambiguity when defining the physiologically relevant stiffness due to the high nonlinearity in the force-displacement relationship. The nonlinearity stems from two sources. First, microprobes apply local force instead of fluid pressure across the OCC. Second, to obtain the functionally relevant stiffness, the OCC is deformed well beyond in vivo levels (>10 μm). The objective of this study was to develop an alternative technique to overcome challenges intrinsic to the microprobe method. Using a custom-designed microfluidic chamber system, hydrostatic pressures were applied to the excised gerbil cochlea. Deformations of the OCC due to hydrostatic pressures were analyzed through optical-axis image correlation. The pressure-displacement relationship was linear within nanoscale displacement ranges (<1 μm). To compare the results in this paper with existing measurements, a three-dimensional finite element model was used.
Acoustic Tamm states of three-dimensional solid-fluid phononic crystals
Authors: Korozlu Nurettin , Kaya Olgun Adem , Cicek Ahmet , Ulug Bulent
Published: February 2018

In this work, the existence and propagation of acoustic Tamm states at the interface of air and a face-centered cubic solid-fluid phononic crystal composed of spherical air voids interconnected by cylindrical air channels are demonstrated. Supercell band structure computations via the finite element method reveal surface bands for Tamm states on (100), (110), and (111) surfaces of the phononic crystal. The states decay sharply into the phononic crystal so that only a two-row slab is sufficient to guide them over the respective surfaces without leakage, as confirmed by finite element simulations. In addition, surface wave propagation along the [10] direction of the (100) surface is experimentally demonstrated. Ability to confine the Tamm states in all three dimensions is a key aspect in designing few-layer-thick acoustic circuits. Low material filling fraction of the phononic crystal could be leveraged to realize lightweight all-acoustic systems where either bulk or surface states can be incorporated.
Source levels of foraging humpback whale calls
Authors: Fournet Michelle E. H. , Matthews Leanna P. , Gabriele Christine M. , Mellinger David K. , Klinck Holger
Published: February 2018

Humpback whales produce a wide range of low- to mid-frequency vocalizations throughout their migratory range. Non-song “calls” dominate this species' vocal repertoire while on high-latitude foraging grounds. The source levels of 426 humpback whale calls in four vocal classes were estimated using a four-element planar array deployed in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Southeast Alaska. There was no significant difference in source levels between humpback whale vocal classes. The mean call source level was 137 dBRMS re 1 μPa @ 1 m in the bandwidth of the call (range 113–157 dBRMS re 1 μPa @ 1 m), where bandwidth is defined as the frequency range from the lowest to the highest frequency component of the call. These values represent a robust estimate of humpback whale source levels on foraging grounds and should append earlier estimates.
Players Within a Team: Understanding the Structure of Team Performance Through Individual Functions and Team Objectives
Authors: Soltanzadeh Sadjad , Mooney Mitchell
Published: February 2018

Although systems thinking has been recently introduced as a means to model team performance, the most central and practically valuable question of this modeling tool is yet to be clearly addressed: how can the coaching team go from the level of team performance to the level of individual performance in order to select and evaluate players? In other words, if performance is a holistic phenomenon, how can the performance of individual players be conceptualized in relation to the whole? We appeal to the concepts of ‘objective’ and ‘function’ to show how team performance is linked to, and based on, the performance of individuals. We first describe team performance in relation to a set of objectives that are aimed to be achieved at different levels. Then we define the concept of function and break down this concept into three types, namely, positional, tactical, and interpreted function. We draw conceptual connections between different types of function and different levels of objectives. These connections show how each type of function links individual performance with team performance and how a team can be engineered as a coherent whole. We finish the paper by discussing some practical implications for coaches.
Building High Performing Coach-Athlete Relationships: The USOC’s National Team Coach Leadership Education Program (NTCLEP)
Authors: Ferrar Phil , Hosea Lillian , Henson Miles , Dubina Nadine , Krueger Guy , Staff Jamie , Gilbert Wade
Published: February 2018

The purpose of the present article is to share the design and impact of a coach-athlete relationship coach education seminar. The seminar is part of the United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) National Team Coach Leadership Education Program (NTCLEP). Development and delivery of the seminar is facilitated by The People Academy (www.people.academy). Impact results from participation in this seminar are drawn from coaches and athletes from USA Archery and USA Cycling. The article is organized into three sections. In the first section an overview of the coach-athlete relationship building component of the USOC’s high performance coach education program is provided. Two case summaries are then presented on the impact of the program on coach-athlete relationships and athlete performance. The third and final section is used to offer suggestions for future coach education initiatives and coaching strategies aimed at enhancing coach-athlete relationships.
Body Size and Movement
Authors: Challis John H.
Published: February 2018

Humans of different sizes move in very similar ways despite the size difference. The principles of geometric scaling provide insight into the reasons for the similar movement patterns observed. In human locomotion, body size influences endurance running performance, with shorter body sizes being an advantage due to better heat exchange compared with their taller counterparts. Scaling can also show the equivalence of child gait with that of adults in terms of stride length and walking velocity. In humans, maximum jump height is independent of standing height, a scaling result which has been validated by examining jumps with mass added to the body. Finally, strength scales in proportion to body mass to the two-thirds power, which explains why shorter people have greater relative body strength compared with taller individuals. Geometric scaling reveals the underlying principles of many human movement forms.
Commentary on the Assessment and Interpretation of Pediatric Aerobic Fitness—The Year That Was 2017
Authors: Armstrong Neil
Published: February 2018

Three papers, which between them contribute to the current debate on the assessment and interpretation of pediatric aerobic fitness, were selected for commentary. The first paper (Children. 2017; 4:6; doi:10.3390/children4010006) highlights the merits of clinical exercise testing and advocates the advancement of pediatric exercise testing through a rationale founded on demonstrated prognostic value of data obtained. It notes the lack of well-accepted definitions of exercise outcome variables in children and promotes the case for data harmonization across laboratories. The second paper (J Appl Physiol. 2017; 122: 997–1002) argues persuasively that the acceptance of peak oxygen uptake (peak ) at the termination of an exercise test to voluntary exhaustion as a surrogate for a “true” maximal value (ie, ) is no longer tolerable. The authors present a compelling case for the adoption of a follow-up verification test to unambiguously validate the achievement of . The third paper (Br J Sports Med. 2017; 1–10, doi:10.1136/bjsports-2017-097982) compiles large, previously published datasets to provide a review of temporal trends in 20-m shuttle run test scores. The authors assert that temporal trends in 20-m shuttle run test performance provide meaningful insight into trends in population health. The commentary stresses the importance of scientific rigor in pediatric exercise testing, emphasizes the use of precise definitions when describing health-related variables, and cautions against the misuse of exercise outcome measures in recommendations relating to or impacting on young people’s health and well-being.
Cardiovascular Physiology and Disease in Youth—The Year That Was 2017
Authors: Rowland Thomas
Published: February 2018

The value of exercise studies in children often resides in defining differences, which might make growing youngsters unique from their mature adult counterparts. Many such physiological and behavioral developmental differences have been identified, emphasizing that children are not, physiologically speaking, simply small adults. The following 2 studies published in the past year were chosen for their importance in contributing to the insights into previously unexplored areas. The first study addresses the influence of exercise on physiological variability, an emerging field that offers to provide important insights into the nature of such responses. The second study concerns the effects of altitude on physiological responses to exercise, an area of considerable importance for the health and physical performance of pediatric athletes, climbers, and residents at high altitude. These studies exemplify the genre of investigations that are essential for advancing our understanding of the link between exercise with physical performance and the well-being of growing children and adolescents.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Polymyxin B-Resistant Sequence Type 195 Clinical Isolate of
Acinetobacter baumannii
from India
Authors: Agarwal Bina , Agarwala Niraj , Saikia Sarangapani , Sarkar Snigdha , Ahmed Giasuddin
Published: February 2018

Acinetobacter baumannii
has emerged as a troublesome nosocomial pathogen worldwide. We report here the draft genome sequence of polymyxin B-resistant sequence type 195 (ST195)
A. baumannii
strain GU71, isolated from a tertiary care hospital in the city of Guwahati, Assam, India.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Bacillus altitudinis
Strain KL4, Isolated from Bottom Sediments in Lake Krotovaya Lyaga (Novosibirsk Region, Russia)
Authors: Rozanov Aleksey S. , Shipova Aleksandra A. , Bryanskaya Alla V. , Tekutieva L. A. , Son O. M. , Peltek Sergey E.
Published: February 2018

The
Bacillus altitudinis
strain KL4 was isolated from bottom sediments in Lake Krotovaya Lyaga (Novosibirsk Region, Russia, 53.7°N, 77.9°E). The sequenced and annotated genome is 3,738,419 bp long and carries 3,909 genes.
Genome Sequence of the Necrotrophic Plant Pathogen
Alternaria brassicicola
Abra43
Authors: Belmas Elodie , Briand Martial , Kwasiborski Anthony , Colou Justine , N’Guyen Guillaume , Iacomi Béatrice , Grappin Philippe , Campion Claire , Simoneau Philippe , Barret Matthieu , Guillemette Thomas
Published: February 2018

Alternaria brassicicola
causes dark spot (or black spot) disease, which is one of the most common and destructive fungal diseases of
Brassicaceae
spp. worldwide. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of strain Abra43. The assembly comprises 29 scaffolds, with an
N
50
value of 2.1 Mb. The assembled genome was 31,036,461 bp in length, with a G+C content of 50.85%.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Acidithiobacillus
sp. Strain SH, a Marine Acidophilic Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacterium
Authors: Kamimura Kazuo , Sharmin Sultana , Yoshino Eriko , Tokuhisa Mirai , Kanao Tadayoshi
Published: February 2018

We announce here the genome sequence of a marine acidophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacterium,
Acidithiobacillus
sp. strain SH. The bacterium has potential for use in bioleaching of sulfide ores from seawater and contains a noble gene for thiosulfate quinone oxidoreductase in addition to specific genes for the oxidation of reduced inorganic sulfur compounds.
Towards high-quality, useful practice guidelines for child and youth mental health disorders: protocol for a systematic review and consensus exercise
Authors: Bennett Kathryn , Duda Stephanie , Brouwers Melissa , Szatmari Peter , Newton Amanda , McLennan John , Sundar Purnima , Cleverley Kristin , Charach Alice , Henderson Joanna , Courtney Darren , Rice Maureen
Published: February 2018

Introduction

The quality of clinical practice guidelines (PGs) has not been evaluated in child and youth mental health (CYMH). To address this gap, we will: (1) conduct a systematic review (SR) to answer the question ‘among eligible PGs relevant to the prevention or treatment of CYMH conditions, which PGs meet criteria for minimum and high quality?’; (2) apply nominal group methods to create recommendations for how CYMH PG quality, completeness and usefulness can be strengthened.

Methods and analysis

SR: Potentially eligible PGs will be identified in 12 databases using a reproducible search strategy developed by a research librarian. Trained raters will: (1) apply prespecified criteria to identify eligible PGs relevant to depression, anxiety, suicidality, bipolar disorder, behaviour disorder (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder) and substance use disorder; (2) extract descriptive data and (3) assess PG quality using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool. Scores on three AGREE II domains (rigour of development, stakeholder involvement, editorial independence) will designate PGs as minimum (≥50%) or high quality (≥70%). Nominal group: Four CYMH PG knowledge user groups (clinicians, mental health service planners, youth and adult family members) will participate in structured exercises derived using nominal group methods to generate recommendations to improve PG quality, completeness and usefulness.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required. Study products will be disseminated as follows. A cross-platform website will house eligible CYMH PGs and their quality ratings. Twitter and Facebook tools will promote it to a wide variety of PG users. Data from Google Analytics, Twitonomy and Altmetrics will inform usage evaluation. Complementary educational workshops will be conducted for CYMH professionals. Print materials and journal articles will be produced.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017060738.
Intraoperative identification of the corticospinal tract and dorsal column of the spinal cord by electrical stimulation
Authors: Deletis Vedran , Seidel Kathleen , Sala Francesco , Raabe Andreas , Chudy Darko , Beck Juergen , Kothbauer Karl F
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Anatomical identification of the corticospinal tract (CT) and the dorsal column (DC) of the exposed spinal cord is difficult when anatomical landmarks are distorted by tumour growth. Neurophysiological identification is complicated by the fact that direct stimulation of the DC may result in muscle motor responses due to the centrally activated H-reflex. This study aims to provide a technique for intraoperative neurophysiological differentiation between CT and DC in the exposed spinal cord.

Methods

Recordings were obtained from 32 consecutive patients undergoing spinal cord tumour surgery from July 2015 to March 2017. A double train stimulation paradigm with an intertrain interval of 60 ms was devised with recording of responses from limb muscles.

Results

In non-spastic patients (55% of cohort) an identical second response was noted following the first CT response, but the second response was absent after DC stimulation. In patients with pre-existing spasticity (45%), CT stimulation again resulted in two identical responses, whereas DC stimulation generated a second response that differed substantially from the first one. The recovery times of interneurons in the spinal cord grey matter were much shorter for the CT than those for the DC. Therefore, when a second stimulus train was applied 60 ms after the first, the CT-fibre interneurons had already recovered ready to generate a second response, whereas the DC interneurons were still in the refractory period.

Conclusions

Mapping of the spinal cord using double train stimulation allows neurophysiological distinction of CT from DC pathways during spinal cord surgery in patients with and without pre-existing spasticity.
Numerical analysis of concrete-faced rockfill dams considering effect of face slab – cushion layer interaction
Authors: Saberi Miad , Annan Charles-Darwin , Konrad Jean-Marie
Published: February 2018

In this study, the effect of concrete face slab – cushion layer interface behavior on the performance of face slabs in concrete-faced rockfill dams (CFRDs) is investigated using the finite element method. The body of the CFRD is simulated by the cap elastoplasticity model while the interface zone between the concrete face slab and the gravelly cushion layer is simulated explicitly by an advanced interface constitutive model, developed in the framework of critical state soil mechanics and state parameters, and capable of simulating volumetric behavior and stress path dependency. The effect of elastic and elastoplastic material behavior and water level on the stress and displacement responses of the concrete face slab is examined, and the influence of the roughness at the interface area between the concrete face slab at the contact face and the cushion layer on the performance of the concrete face slab is investigated. Comparison of the results with and without the explicit consideration of the interface behavior shows the importance of incorporating advanced constitutive interface modeling in the design and analysis of CFRDs.
An engineered one-site aptamer with higher sensitivity for label-free detection of adenosine on graphene oxide
Authors: Zhang Zijie , Liu Juewen
Published: February 2018

The 27-nucleotide DNA aptamer for adenosine and ATP, originally selected by the Szostak lab in 1995, has been a very popular model system for biosensor development. This unique aptamer has two target binding sites, and we recently showed that it is possible to remove either site while the other one still retains binding. From an analytical perspective, tuning the number of binding sites has important implications in modulating sensitivity of the resulting biosensors. In this work, we report that the engineered one-site aptamer showed excellent signaling properties with a 2.6-fold stronger signal intensity and also a 4.2-fold increased detection limit compared with the wild-type two-site aptamer. The aptamer has a hairpin structure, and the length of the hairpin stem was systematically varied for the one-site aptamers. Isothermal titration calorimetry and a label-free fluorescence signaling method with graphene oxide and SYBR Green I were respectively used to evaluate binding and sensor performance. Although longer stemmed aptamers produced better adenosine binding affinity, the signaling was quite independent of the stem length as long as more than three base pairs were left. This was explained by the higher affinity of binding to GO by the longer aptamers, cancelling out the higher affinity for adenosine binding. This work further confirms the analytical applications of such one-site adenosine aptamers, which are potentially useful for improved ATP imaging and for developing new biosensors.
Evaporation/Antievaporation and energy conditions in alternative gravity
Authors: Addazi Andrea
Published: February 2018

We discuss the evaporation and antievaporation instabilities of Nariai solution in extended theories of gravity. These phenomena were explicitly shown in several different extensions of General Relativity, suggesting that a universal cause is behind them. We show that evaporation and antievaporation are originated from deformations of energy conditions on the Nariai horizon. Energy conditions get new contributions from the extra propagating degrees of freedom, which can provide extra focalizing or antifocalizing terms in the Raychaudhuri equation. We show the two explicit cases of [Formula: see text]-gravity and Gauss–Bonnet gravity.
Bright soliton solutions, power series solutions and travelling wave solutions of a (3+1)-dimensional modified Korteweg–de Vries–Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation
Authors: Guo Ding , Tian Shou-Fu , Zou Li , Zhang Tian-Tian
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we consider the (3[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional modified Korteweg–de Vries–Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (mKdV-KP) equation, which can be used to describe the nonlinear waves in plasma physics and fluid dynamics. By using solitary wave ansatz in the form of sech[Formula: see text] function and a direct integrating way, we construct the exact bright soliton solutions and the travelling wave solutions of the equation, respectively. Moreover, we obtain its power series solutions with the convergence analysis. It is hoped that our results can provide the richer dynamical behavior of the KdV-type and KP-type equations.
Linear and nonlinear Fano resonance in the main chain-structure of additional defects with an isolated ring composed of defects
Authors: Ding Xiu-Huan , Wang Rui , Qiao Qian , Zhang Cun-Xi
Published: February 2018

As is well known, Fano resonance originates from the interference between a continuum energy band and an embedded discrete energy level. We study transmission properties of the discrete chain-structure of additional defects with an isolated ring composed of N defect states, and obtain the analytical transmission coefficient of similar Fano formula. Using the formula, we reveal conditions for perfect reflections and transmissions due to either destructive or constructive interferences. It is found that a nonlinear Kerr-like response leads to bistable transmission, and for either linear cases or nonlinear ones, the defects in main arrays have a major impact on perfect reflections, but has no effect on perfect transmission.
Identification of Potential Reusable Subroutines in Recorded Automated Test Scripts
Authors: Bures Miroslav , Filipsky Martin , Jelinek Ivan
Published: February 2018

In the automated testing based on actions in user interface of the tested application, one of the key challenges is maintenance of these tests. The maintenance overhead can be decreased by suitably structuring the test scripts, typically by employing reusable objects. To aid in the development, maintenance and refactoring of these test scripts, potentially reusable objects can be identified by a semi-automated process. In this paper, we propose a solution that identifies the potentially reusable objects in a set of automated test scripts and then provides developers with suggestions about these objects. During this process, we analyze the semantics of specific test steps using a system of abstract signatures. The solution can be used to identify the potentially reusable objects in both recorded automated test sets and tests programmed in an unstructured style. Moreover, compared to approaches that are based solely on searching for repetitive source code fragments, the proposed system identifies potentially reusable objects that are more relevant for test automation.
Domain-type RBF Collocation Methods for Biharmonic Problems
Authors: Krowiak Artur
Published: February 2018

In this paper some meshless, domain-type discretization techniques are investigated in the context of problems modeled by biharmonic equations. These numerical methods use interpolant composed of radial basis functions (RBFs) as well as collocation technique to discretize a continuous mathematical model. To overcome a problem that appears for biharmonic equations, where two boundary conditions are associated with a boundary node, at which typically only one degree of freedom exists, some modifications of the methods are proposed. They are validated by a benchmark problem of bending and free vibration of Kirchhoff plates. Special attention is paid to estimate proper value of the shape parameter included in radial functions to ensure stability of the solution process and high accuracy. The results obtained show the usefulness of the proposed approaches.
The Role of the Muscle Brachioradialis in Elbow Flexion: An Electromyographic Study
Authors: Caufriez Benoît , Dugailly Pierre-Michel , Brassinne Eric , Schuind Frédéric
Published: February 2018

Background: In the classical conception, the brachioradialis is a forearm supinator. The hypothesis of this study was that, at least in certain positions of elbow flexion and forearm rotation, the brachioradialis is, along with the biceps and brachialis, one of the main elbow flexors.

Methods: Fifteen young healthy male volunteers participated in this research. The activities of the biceps, brachialis and brachioradialis muscles were studied using surface electromyography, while the subjects were performing elbow flexions/extensions with as much strength as possible, forearm in neutral position, then in full pronation, then in full supination. The elbow flexion torques were isokinetically measured at 60°/sec for an arc of 120°.

Results: The biceps, brachialis and brachioradialis muscles were electromyographically very active throughout resisted elbow flexion, in all three investigated positions of forearm rotation. At certain positions, the electromyographic activities were much higher than the maximal voluntary contraction signal. For what concerns specifically the brachioradialis, in all three forearm rotation investigated positions, the activity curve demonstrated a slow increase during the first part of elbow flexion, reaching in 73.3% of subjects its peak at the end of flexion; in the remaining 26.7%, the brachioradialis had a flat activity without significant peak. The activity was slightly higher in supination.

Conclusions: This study indirectly supports the idea that the brachioradialis is one of the main elbow flexors, especially when the elbow flexion is done with the forearm in supination. This observation could be important in clinical elbow and wrist surgical practice.
Feixian Recipe inhibits pulmonary fibrosis by targeting pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells and VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway
Authors: Meng Lihong , Wang Chen , Wang Zijuan , Yin Ting , Liu Zhe , Qin Huihui , Zhang Yuting , Gu Xiaofeng , Yu Xiaolin , Jiang Liangduo , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: February 2018

Objective: To investigate the regulatory mechanism of PMVECs and vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling pathway in pulmonary fibrosis and the inhibitory effect of Feixian Recipe (FXR) in pulmonary fibrosis by targeting VEGF/VEGFR2 signal pathway.

Methods: In this study, pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) were successfully isolated from rats with pulmonary fibrosis. Cells were divided into six groups: model group, prednisone group, losartan group and three different concentrated (100[Formula: see text]ug/mL, 60[Formula: see text]ug/mL, 20[Formula: see text]ug/mL) FXR groups. The adhesion rate, migration and closed blood vessels of each PMVECs group were detected. The mRNA expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), mitogen-activated protein kinases 38 (P38 MAPK) and activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) were detected by SYBR Green I real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.

Results: Compared with the model group, the adhesion rate, migration and angiogenesis of PMVECs were decreased in FXR groups ([Formula: see text]). Compared with prednisone and losartan groups, the mRNA expressions of VEGF, VEGFR2, PI3K and P38 MAPK were down-regulated significantly by FXR ([Formula: see text]).

Conclution: FXR can inhibit the migration, adhesion and angiogenesis of PMVECs in rats with pulmonary fibrosis by targeting VEGF/VEGFR2 signal pathway, and inhibit the progress of pulmonary fibrosis.
Phrenic motor neuron loss in aged rats
Authors: Fogarty Matthew J. , Omar Tanya S. , Zhan Wen-Zhi , Mantilla Carlos B. , Sieck Gary C.
Published: February 2018

Sarcopenia is the age-related reduction of muscle mass and specific force. In previous studies, we found that sarcopenia of the diaphragm muscle (DIAm) is evident by 24 mo of age in both rats and mice and is associated with selective atrophy of type IIx and IIb muscle fibers and a decrease in maximum specific force. These fiber type-specific effects of sarcopenia resemble those induced by DIAm denervation, leading us to hypothesize that sarcopenia is due to an age-related loss of phrenic motor neurons (PhMNs). To address this hypothesis, we determined the number of PhMNs in young (6 mo old) and old (24 mo old) Fischer 344 rats. Moreover, we determined age-related changes in the size of PhMNs, since larger PhMNs innervate type IIx and IIb DIAm fibers. The PhMN pool was retrogradely labeled and imaged with confocal microscopy to assess the number of PhMNs and the morphometry of PhMN soma and proximal dendrites. In older animals, there were 22% fewer PhMNs, a 19% decrease in somal surface area, and a 21% decrease in dendritic surface area compared with young Fischer 344 rats. The age-associated loss of PhMNs involved predominantly larger PhMNs. These results are consistent with an age-related denervation of larger, more fatigable DIAm motor units, which are required primarily for high-force airway clearance behaviors.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Diaphragm muscle sarcopenia in rodent models is well described in the literature; however, the relationship between sarcopenia and frank phrenic motor neuron (MN) loss is unexplored in these models. We quantify a 22% loss of phrenic MNs in old (24 mo) compared with young (6 mo) Fischer 344 rats. We also report reductions in phrenic MN somal and proximal dendritic morphology that relate to decreased MN heterogeneity in old compared with young Fischer 344 rats.
Higher Approximations to Study Statistical Characteristics of Waves in Multiscale Inhomogeneous Media
Authors: Tinin M. V.
Published: February 2018

The previously obtained integral field representation in the form of double weighted Fourier transform (DWFT) describes effects of inhomogeneities with different scales. The first DWFT approximation describing the first-order effects does not account for incident wave distortions. However, in inhomogeneous media the multiscale second-order effects can also take place when large-scale inhomogeneities distort the field structure of the wave incident on small-scale inhomogeneities. The paper presents the results of the use of DWFT to derive formulas for wave statistical moments with respect to the first- and second-order effects. It is shown that, for narrow-band signals, the second-order effects do not have a significant influence on the frequency correlation. We can neglect the contribution of the second-order effects to the spatial intensity correlation when thickness of the inhomogeneous layer is small, but these effects become noticeable as the layer thickness increases. Accounting for the second-order effects enabled us to get a spatial intensity correlation function, which at large distances goes to the results obtained earlier by the path integral method. This proves that the incident wave distortion effects act on the intensity fluctuations of a wave propagating in a multiscale randomly inhomogeneous medium.
Modulation of Adipocyte Differentiation and Proadipogenic Gene Expression by Sulforaphane, Genistein, and Docosahexaenoic Acid as a First Step to Counteract Obesity
Authors: Valli Veronica , Heilmann Katharina , Danesi Francesca , Bordoni Alessandra , Gerhäuser Clarissa
Published: February 2018

Obesity is characterized by excess body fat accumulation due to an increase in the size and number of differentiated mature adipocytes. Adipocyte differentiation is regulated by genetic and environmental factors, and its inhibition could represent a strategy for obesity prevention and treatment. The current study was designed with two aims: (i) to evaluate the changes in the expression of adipogenic markers (C/EBPα, PPARγ variant 1 and variant 2, and GLUT4) in 3T3‐L1 murine preadipocytes at four stages of the differentiation process and (ii) to compare the effectiveness of sulforaphane, genistein, and docosahexaenoic acid in reducing lipid accumulation and modulating C/EBPα, PPARγ1, PPARγ2, and GLUT4 mRNA expression in mature adipocytes. All bioactive compounds were shown to suppress adipocyte differentiation, although with different effectiveness. These results set the stage for further studies considering natural food constituents as important agents in preventing or treating obesity.
Neural Network Based Central Heating System Load Prediction and Constrained Control
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Tu Fangwen , Tu Baofeng , Feng Guohui , Yuan Guangming , Ren Hao , Dong Jiarong
Published: February 2018

A neural network (NN) based heating system load prediction and control scheme are proposed. Different from traditional physical principle based load calculation method, a multilayer NN is incorporated with selected input features and trained to predict the heating load as well as the desired supply water temperature in heating supply loop. In this manner, a complicated load calculation model can be replaced by simple but efficient data-driven scheme and the response time to outdoor temperature variation can be enhanced. Moreover, in order to handle the input and output constraints in valve opening degree control task to achieve desired supply water temperature, Barrier Lyapunov candidate function and axillary system technique are involved. An additional NN is employed to approximate the system transfer function with reliable accuracy. The stability of the system is guaranteed through rigorous mathematical analysis. The excellent performance of the novelly proposed control over traditional PID is demonstrated via extensive simulation study. A quantitative case study is also conducted to verify the flexibility and validity of proposed load prediction strategy.
Investigation into the Individualized Treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine through a Series of N‐of‐1 Trials
Authors: Huang Haiyin , Yang Peilan , Wang Jie , Wu Yingen , Zi Suna , Tang Jie , Wang Zhenwei , Ma Ying , Zhang Yuqing
Published: February 2018

Purpose. To compare the efficacy of individualized herbal decoction with standard decoction for patients with stable bronchiectasis through N‐of‐1 trials. Methods. We conducted a single center N‐of‐1 trials in 17 patients with stable bronchiectasis. Each N‐of‐1 trial contains three cycles. Each cycle is divided into two 4‐week intervention including individualized decoction and fixed decoction (control). The primary outcome was patient self‐reported symptoms scores on a 1–7 point Likert scale. Secondary outcomes were 24‐hour sputum volume and CAT scores. Results. Among 14 completed trials, five showed that the individualized decoction was statistically better than the control decoction on symptom scores (P < 0.05) but was not clinically significant. The group data of all the trials showed that individualized decoction was superior to control decoction on symptom scores (2.13 ± 0.58 versus 2.30 ± 0.65, P = 0.002, mean difference and 95% CI: 0.18 (0.10, 0.25)), 24 h sputum volume (P = 0.009), and CAT scores (9.69 ± 4.89 versus 11.64 ± 5.59, P = 0.013, mean difference and 95% CI: 1.95 (1.04, 2.86)) but not clinically significant. Conclusion. Optimizing the combined analysis of individual and group data and the improvement of statistical models may make contribution in establishing a method of evaluating clinical efficacy in line with the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine individual diagnosis and treatment.
Citrus aurantium Naringenin Prevents Osteosarcoma Progression and Recurrence in the Patients Who Underwent Osteosarcoma Surgery by Improving Antioxidant Capability
Authors: Zhang Lirong , Xu Xiaohua , Jiang Tiechao , Wu Kunzhe , Ding Chuanbo , Liu Zhen , Zhang Xuanhe , Yu Tianhua , Song Changlong
Published: February 2018

Citrus aurantium is rich in flavonoids, which may prevent osteosarcoma progression, but its related molecular mechanism remains unclear. Flavonoids were extracted from C. aurantium and purified by reparative HPLC. Each fraction was identified by using electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). Three main components (naringin, naringenin, and hesperetin) were isolated from C. aurantium. Naringenin inhibited the growth of MG‐63 cells, whereas naringin and hesperetin had no inhibitory function on cell growth. ROS production was increased in naringin‐ and hesperetin‐treated groups after one day of culture while the level was always lowest in the naringenin‐treated group after three days of culture. 95 osteosarcoma patients who underwent surgery were assigned into two groups: naringenin group (NG, received 20 mg naringenin daily, n = 47) and control group (CG, received 20 mg placebo daily, n = 48). After an average of two‐year follow‐up, osteosarcoma volumes were smaller in the NG group than in the CG group (P > 0.01). The rate of osteosarcoma recurrence was also lower in the NG group than in CG group. ROS levels were lower in the NG group than in the CG group. Thus, naringenin from Citrus aurantium inhibits osteosarcoma progression and local recurrence in the patients who underwent osteosarcoma surgery by improving antioxidant capability.
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase PDH-E1β Controls Tumor Progression by Altering the Metabolic Status of Cancer Cells
Authors: Yonashiro Ryo , Eguchi Kayoko , Wake Masaki , Takeda Norihiko , Nakayama Koh
Published: February 2018

Downregulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) is critical for the aberrant preferential activation of glycolysis in cancer cells under normoxic conditions. Phosphorylation-dependent inhibition of PDH is a relevant event in this process, but it is not durable as it relies on PDH kinases that are activated ordinarily under hypoxic conditions. Thus, it remains unclear how PDH is durably downregulated in cancer cells that are not hypoxic. Building on evidence that PDH activity depends on the stability of a multi-protein PDH complex, we found that the PDH-E1β subunit of the PDH complex is downregulated to inhibit PDH activity under conditions of prolonged hypoxia. After restoration of normoxic conditions, reduced expression of PDH-E1β was sustained such that glycolysis remained highly activated. Notably, PDH-E1β silencing in cancer cells produced a metabolic state strongly resembling the Warburg effect, but inhibited tumor growth. Conversely, enforced exogenous expression of PDH-E1β durably increased PDH activity and promoted the malignant growth of breast cancer cells in vivo. Taken together, our results establish the specific mechanism through which PDH acts as an oncogenic factor by tuning glycolytic metabolism in cancer cells.

Significance: This seminal study offers a mechanistic explanation for why glycolysis is aberrantly activated in normoxic cancer cells, offering insights into this long-standing hallmark of cancer termed the Warburg effect. Cancer Res; 78(7); 1592–603. ©2018 AACR.