bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Iterative Method for Estimating Nonlinear Elastic Constants of Tumor in Soft Tissue from Approximate Displacement Measurements
Authors: Dastjerdi Maryam Mehdizadeh , Fallah Ali , Rashidi Saeid
Published: January 2019

Objectives. Various elastography techniques have been proffered based on linear or nonlinear constitutive models with the aim of detecting and classifying pathologies in soft tissues accurately and noninvasively. Biological soft tissues demonstrate behaviors which conform to nonlinear constitutive models, in particular the hyperelastic ones. In this paper, we represent the results of our steps towards implementing ultrasound elastography to extract hyperelastic constants of a tumor inside soft tissue. Methods. Hyperelastic parameters of the unknown tissue have been estimated by applying the iterative method founded on the relation between stress, strain, and the parameters of a hyperelastic model after (a) simulating the medium’s response to a sinusoidal load and extracting the tissue displacement fields in some instants and (b) estimating the tissue displacement fields from the recorded/simulated ultrasound radio frequency signals and images using the cross correlation-based technique. Results. Our results indicate that hyperelastic parameters of an unidentified tissue could be precisely estimated even in the conditions where there is no prior knowledge of the tissue, or the displacement fields have been approximately calculated using the data recorded by a clinical ultrasound system. Conclusions. The accurate estimation of nonlinear elastic constants yields to the correct cognizance of pathologies in soft tissues.
Optimizing Vehicle Scheduling Based on Variable Timetable by Benders-and-Price Approach
Authors: Lan Zekang , He Shiwei , Song Rui , Hao Sijia
Published: January 2019

In practice, vehicle scheduling is planned on a variable timetable so that the departure times of trips can be shifted in tolerable ranges, rather than on a fixed timetable, to decrease the required fleet size. This paper investigates the vehicle scheduling problem on a variable timetable with the constraint that each vehicle can perform limited trips. Since the connection-based model is difficult to solve by optimization software for a medium-scale or large-scale instance, a designed path-based model is developed. A Benders-and-Price algorithm by combining the Benders decomposition and column generation is proposed to solve the LP-relaxation of the path-based model, and a bespoke Branch-and-Price is used to obtain the integer solution. Numerical experiments indicate that a variable timetable approach can reduce the required fleet size with a tolerable timetable deviation in comparison with a fixed timetable approach. Moreover, the proposed algorithm is greatly superior to GUROBI in terms of computational efficiency and guarantees the quality of the solution.
Measurement of Flexion Angle of the Finger Joint during Cylinder Gripping Using a Three-Dimensional Bone Model Built by X-Ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Shimawaki Satoshi , Murai Takuma , Nakabayashi Masataka , Sugimoto Hideharu
Published: January 2019

Motion analysis of the thumb and the four fingers during human gripping of a cylindrical object is a prerequisite for designing motion mechanisms in electronic arm prostheses and robotic hands. Conventional measurement methods include the use of angle sensors or multiple video recording of markers. In the present study, we performed X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging on fingers gripping cylinders of three different diameters (10, 60, and 120 mm) and constructed a bone model based on these CT images to directly measure the flexion angle of each finger joint. We then compared the results with the flexion angles of joints measured using other methods. The subjects comprised 10 Japanese men with no hand injuries or diseases. Our results showed that smaller cylinder diameters were associated with significant increases in the flexion angle of all the joints of the four fingers. When focusing on the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP), there was no significant difference between any of the fingers for each of the cylinders, except between the index and middle fingers for the 10 mm-diameter cylinder. When focusing on the 10 mm-diameter cylinder, the flexion angle of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) of each finger was significantly larger than that of the DIP and metacarpophalangeal joint (MP). However, no such significant difference was noted for the 120 mm-diameter cylinder. The coupling ratio (CR), which is the ratio of the flexion angles of the DIP and PIP, was significantly smaller for the 10 mm-diameter cylinder than for the 60 mm-diameter cylinder. However, there were no significant differences in CR between any of the fingers. A comparison of our study results with those derived using other methods indicated quantitative consistency for the DIP and PIP. However, for the MP, we noted differences that may be explained by the difficulty in determining the longitudinal axis of the metacarpal using other methods.
Damage and Failure Evolution Mechanism for Coal Pillar Dams Affected by Water Immersion in Underground Reservoirs
Authors: Wang Fangtian , Liang Ningning , Li Gang
Published: January 2019

In coal mines, underground reservoir systems can increase the availability of water and are an effective technical approach for the protection and utilization of water resources. The stability of coal pillar dams is the key factor in the safety and stability of these underground water storage systems. However, coal pillar dams must operate in complex environments that combine dynamic-static superimposed stress fields and water immersion; moreover, coal pillar dams subjected to both stress and seepage are more susceptible to damage and even collapse. In this study, a seepage-stress coupling model of a coal pillar dam was constructed using the Universal Distinct Element Code (UDEC) simulation software. This model provides a platform for analyzing the characteristics of fracture development in surrounding rock in active mines and the coupled development of crack fields and seepage fields in coal pillar dams. Methods were developed for (1) calculating the water content for the coal pillar dam numerical simulation model and (2) reducing water immersion weakening. The maximum seepage width of a coal pillar dam subjected to water immersion was obtained, and a damage and failure evolution mechanism for coal pillar dams experiencing flooding was developed. The results provide a scientific basis for enhancing the stability control of coal pillar dams and are of great significance for realizing water conservation in coal mines.
Hermite-Hadamard-Fejér Inequalities for Conformable Fractional Integrals via Preinvex Functions
Authors: Khurshid Yousaf , Adil Khan Muhammad , Chu Yu-Ming , Khan Zareen Abdulhameed
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we present a Hermite-Hadamard-Fejér inequality for conformable fractional integrals by using symmetric preinvex functions. We also establish an identity associated with the right hand side of Hermite-Hadamard inequality for preinvex functions; then by using this identity and preinvexity of functions and some well-known inequalities, we find several new Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for conformal fractional integrals.
A New Primary in Parotid Gland with History of Treated Mediastinal Solitary Fibrous Tumour
Authors: Ahmed Siddiq , Iftikhar Ali Syed , Farid Faizan , Ali Muhammad , Ahmed Waqas , Youseef Talat
Published: January 2019

Solitary fibrous tumours (SFTs) are rare tumours in the head and neck region. They have been reported in many anatomic sites but occurrence in the parotid gland is exceptional. We report a very rare finding of a benign SFT of the parotid gland in a patient with a past history of excision of a malignant type of mediastinal tumour. It is important that clinicians are aware of the possible existence of SFT in the parotid as a synchronous lesion or occurrence of the same disease later on elsewhere when SFT is diagnosed at one anatomical site. This case report illustrates that regular clinical and imaging follow-up is essential in SFTs to look for the appearance of new lesions in the other anatomic site.
The Implications of Liver Biopsy Results in Patients with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Being Treated with Ruxolitinib
Authors: Tremblay Douglas , Putra Juan , Vogel Alexander , Winters Adam , Hoffman Ronald , Schiano Thomas D. , Fiel Maria Isabel , Mascarenhas John O.
Published: January 2019

Ruxolitinib is increasingly being utilized for the treatment of myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera, but the potential for hepatic toxicity is poorly understood. We performed a retrospective review of hepatic damage occurring in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms receiving ruxolitinib. Relevant histologic images of liver biopsies were reviewed by an experienced liver pathologist and reported to a multidisciplinary team including hepatology and hematology. A variety of liver pathology was observed including extramedullary hematopoiesis, obliterative portal venopathy, and drug-induced liver injury. In all cases reviewed, the liver biopsy had significant treatment implications. We conclude that hepatology referral and liver biopsy in patients receiving ruxolitinib therapy with biochemical evidence of liver injury reveals a variety of etiologies which have significant treatment impact. Clinicians should be aware of the potential causes of liver damage in this population and initiate prompt referral and liver biopsy.
Age-Specific Cut-off Values of Amino Acids and Acylcarnitines for Diagnosis of Inborn Errors of Metabolism Using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Sarker Suprovath Kumar , Islam Md Tarikul , Biswas Aparna , Bhuyan Golam Sarower , Sultana Rosy , Sultana Nusrat , Rakhshanda Shagoofa , Begum Mst. Noorjahan , Rahat Asifuzzaman , Yeasmin Sharmina , Khanam Mowshori , Saha Asim Kumar , Noor Farjana Akther , Sajib Abu A. , Islam Abul B. M. M. K. , Qadri Syeda Kashfi , Shahidullah Mohammod , Mannan Mohammad Abdul , Muraduzzaman A. K. M. , Shirin Tahmina , Rahman Sheikh Maksudur , Qadri Syed Saleheen , Saha Narayan , Akhteruzzaman Sharif , Qadri Firdausi , Mannoor Kaiissar
Published: January 2019

Liquid Chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is used for the diagnosis of more than 30 inborn errors of metabolisms (IEMs). Accurate and reliable diagnosis of IEMs by quantifying amino acids (AAs) and acylcarnitines (ACs) using LC-MS/MS systems depend on the establishment of age-specific cut-offs of the analytes. This study aimed to (1) determine the age-specific cut-off values of AAs and ACs in Bangladesh and (2) validate the LC-MS/MS method for diagnosis of the patients with IEMs. A total of 570 enrolled healthy participants were divided into 3 age groups, namely, (1) newborns (1-7 days), (2) 8 days–7 years, and (3) 8–17 years, to establish the age-specific cut-offs for AAs and ACs. Also, 273 suspected patients with IEMs were enrolled to evaluate the reliability of the established cut-off values. Quantitation of AAs and ACs was performed on an automated LC-MS/MS system using dried blood spot (DBS) cards. Then the specimens of the enrolled clinically suspected patients were analyzed by the established method. Nine patients came out as screening positive for different IEMs, including two borderline positive cases of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCAD). A second-tier test for confirmation of the screening positive cases was conducted by urinary metabolic profiling using gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Out of 9 cases that came out as screening positive by LC-MS/MS, seven cases were confirmed by urinary GC-MS analysis including 3 cases with phenylketonuria, 1 with citrullinemia type II, 1 with methylmalonic acidemia, 1 with isovaleric acidemia and 1 with carnitine uptake defect. Two borderline positive cases with MCAD were found negative by urinary GC-MS analysis. In conclusion, along with establishment of a validated LC-MS/MS method for quantitation of AAs and ACs from the DBS cards, the study also demonstrates the presence of predominantly available IEMs in Bangladesh.
Clear Cell Myoepithelial Carcinoma Arising from the Hard Palate with Metastasis to the Lungs
Authors: Fang Jiayun , Kornfield Amanda , Clavijo Alex , Vyas Shikhar , Ulbrandt Alison , Schroeder Carsten , Byrd J. Kenneth , Kleven Daniel
Published: January 2019

Myoepithelial carcinoma is an uncommon tumor of the salivary glands, most commonly the parotid gland. Clear cell myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare variant with an aggressive behavior. Here, we describe a case of clear cell myoepithelial carcinoma arising from the hard palate in an elderly male who underwent resection of the tumor and postop radiation. Posttreatment imaging demonstrated bilateral pulmonary nodules and a C2 body lesion concerning for metastasis. Biopsy of the lung lesions revealed a monomorphous population of optically clear cells with hyperchromatic and pleomorphic nuclei which were morphologically similar to the prior resection specimen. There are few reported cases of clear cell myoepithelial carcinoma arising from the hard palate, and there are even fewer reports on metastases to the lungs. Due to the low number of reported cases, prognosis and treatment of this neoplasm is not well defined.
Ranking Cancer Proteins by Integrating PPI Network and Protein Expression Profiles
Authors: Ren Jie , Shang Lulu , Wang Qing , Li Jing
Published: January 2019

Proteomics, the large-scale analysis of proteins, is contributing greatly to understanding gene function in the postgenomic era. However, disease protein ranking using shotgun proteomics data has not been fully evaluated. In this study, we prioritized disease-related proteins by integrating the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and protein differential expression profiles from colon and rectal cancer (CRC) or breast cancer (BC) proteomics. We applied Local Ranking (LR) and Global Ranking (GR) methods in network with three kinds of protein sets as a priori knowledge, which were known disease proteins (KDPs) that were collected from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database, differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), and the collection of KDPs and their direct neighborhood with differential expression (eKDPs). The cross-validations showed that GR method outperformed LR method while using eKDPs as the initial training showed significantly higher accuracy compared to using the other two a priori sets. And then we validated the top ranked proteins using RNAi-based loss-of-function screens in the DepMap database. The results showed that 75% of top 20 proteins in CRC are necessary for tumor survival. In summary, the network-based Global Ranking with protein differential expression can efficiently prioritize cancer-related proteins and discover new candidate cancer genes or proteins.
Structural Studies of the Epitaxial Layer of a Substitutional Solid Solution (GaAs)1−x(ZnSe)x with Nanocrystals
Authors: Saidov A. S. , Usmonov Sh. N. , Saparov D. V.
Published: January 2019

In this work, we explored the possibility of growing a substitutional solid solution (GaAs)1−x(ZnSe)x with an ordered array of nanosize crystals on GaAs (100) substrates. Grown epitaxial films were investigated by the X-ray diffraction analysis method. The chemical composition of the grown epitaxial films was determined by a X-ray microanalyzer, along the thickness of the epitaxial layer. The photoluminescence spectrum was studied and a peak is observed at λmax = 465 nm, corresponding to the width of the band gap of zinc selenide EZnSe = 2.67 eV, which is apparently due to the nanocrystals ZnSe, disposed in the surface region of the epitaxial film of a solid solution (GaAs)1−x(ZnSe)x. Size of nanocrystals were evaluated by an atomic force microscopy.
Psychiatric Institutions and the Physical Environment: Combining Medical Architecture Methodologies and Architectural Morphology to Increase Our Understanding
Authors: Chrysikou Evangelia
Published: January 2019

The pluralism that characterized the development of psychiatric services around the world created a variety of policies, care models and building types, and fostered experimental approaches. Increased complexities of care, institutional remnants, stigma, and the limited diagnostic and interventional accuracy of psychiatric treatments resulted in institutional behaviors surviving, even in newly built facilities. This was raised by research on awarded psychiatric buildings. The locus of the research comprised two acute psychiatric wards in London. Each was evaluated using the SCP model, a tool specifically developed for the evaluation of mental health facilities, identifying the relation between policy, care regime, and patient-focused environment. Data were derived from plans, visits, and staff and patient interviews. Findings were juxtaposed to those of an earlier study using the same methodology. Also, a syntactic analysis was conducted, to identify the social logic of ward layouts. There were potential connections between regimes, spatial configuration, and the social fabric. Methodologies of architectural morphologies indicated areas that would attract people because of the layout rather than function. However, insights into medical architecture outlined institutional undercurrents and provided alternative interpretation to spatial analysis. Comprehending the social fabric of psychiatric facilities could challenge the current surveillance-led model, as psychosocial rehabilitation uses could be encouraged at points of higher integration.
Quasistatic Nonlinear Analysis of a Drill Pipe in Subsea Xmas Tree Installation
Authors: Qin Haozhi , Liu Jian , Xiao Wensheng , Wang Bingxiang
Published: January 2019

To analyse the stress and deformation of a drill pipe during the lowering of a subsea Xmas tree, a mechanical analytical model and equation were established based on Euler‐Bernoulli beam theory. The wave phase is selected as one of the variable parameters for analysis of the deformation and stress of the drill pipe. The research results indicate that the maximum response occurs at 0 radians in the scope of 0 to 2π, and the quasistatic nonlinear analysis is analysed at 0. In addition, Orcaflex software is applied for simulation, and the simulation results are compared with the results from proposed method, which demonstrate the model and the method accuracy. Factors that affect the installation process are discussed, such as current velocity, wave height, pipe size, and towing speed. The results show that all factors have remarkable effects on stress and deformation and that the wave height has a lesser effect on the deformation of the drill pipe. The viable towing speed is chosen by discussing the total stress of the drill pipe with various towing speeds and is notably useful for installation in the real sea state.
Nutritional and Health Benefits of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllusLam.): A Review
Authors: Ranasinghe R. A. S. N. , Maduwanthi S. D. T. , Marapana R. A. U. J.
Published: January 2019

Artocarpus heterophyllusLam., which is commonly known as jackfruit is a tropical climacteric fruit, belonging to Moraceae family, is native to Western Ghats of India and common in Asia, Africa, and some regions in South America. It is known to be the largest edible fruit in the world. Jackfruit is rich in nutrients including carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Both the seeds and the flesh of jackfruit are consumed as curries and boiled forms, while the flesh in fully ripen stage can be eaten directly as a fruit. Several countries have developed different food products such as jam, jellies, marmalades, and ice creams using pureed jackfruit. The several parts of jack tree including fruits, leaves, and barks have been extensively used in traditional medicine due to its anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and hypoglycemic effects. Despite all these benefits, unfortunately, the fruit is underutilized in commercial scale processing in regions where it is grown. The aim of this review is to disseminate the knowledge on nutritional and health benefits of jackfruit, in order to promote utilization of jackfruit for commercial scale food production.
Middle Ear Transducer: Long Term Stability of the Latest Generation T2
Authors: Prenzler Nils Kristian , Kludt Eugen , Giere Thomas , Salcher Rolf , Lenarz Thomas , Maier Hannes
Published: January 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis. Comparing long term stability of the Middle Ear Transducers (MET) of the 1st generation T1 (Otologics LLC) with the current generation T2 (Cochlear Ltd.) in all our clinical cases with standard incus coupling. Study Design. Retrospective chart review. Methods. 52 ears implanted with a MET device between 2008 and 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients suffered from sensorineural hearing loss and the actuator was coupled to the body of the incus (standard coupling). 23 ears were implanted with the transducer T1 (Otologics LLC) between 2008 and 2011 and 29 ears were implanted with the current transducer T2 since 2011 (Otologics LLC/Cochlear Ltd.). Latest available in situ and bone conduction (BC) thresholds were exploited for a follow-up period of up to 7 years after first fitting. Long term stability of coupling and actuator performance was evaluated by tracking differences between in situ and BC thresholds. Results. In the T1 group, 9 out of 23 implants were still used by the patients at their last follow-up visit (average observation time 3.7 yrs.; min 1.0 yrs., max 7.4 yrs.). In 9 patients a technical failure identified by a decrease of in situ threshold of more than 15 dB compared to BC thresholds [Δ (in situ – BC)] lead to non-usage of the implant and 7 explantations. Five other explantations occurred due to medical reasons such as BC threshold decrease, infection, or insufficient speech intelligibility with the device. In the T2 group, 23 out of 29 implants were still used at the most current follow-up visit (average observation time 3.3 yrs.; min 1.0 yrs., max 4.8 yrs.). No technical failures were observed up to more than 4 years after implantation. Five T2 patients discontinued using the device due to insufficient benefit; two of these patients were explanted. One patient had to be explanted before the activation of the device due to disorders of wound healing. Nevertheless, a small but significant decrease of hearing loss corrected coupling efficiency [Δ (in situ – BC)] was seen in the T2 group. Conclusions. In contrast to the T1 transducers of the earlier generation of MET systems where technical failures occurred frequently, no technical failures were detected after 29 implantations with the current T2 transducers. However, a small but significant decline of transmission efficiency was observable even in the T2 implanted group.
Foreign Body in Paranasal Sinus: A Late Clinical Presentation
Authors: Monteiro Francisco , Oliveira Pedro , Condé Artur
Published: January 2019

The occurrence of foreign bodies in paranasal sinuses is extremely rare. The symptoms are vague and usually discovered after extra/intracranial complications. They may, therefore, go unnoticed if there isn’t a strong clinical suspicion. We present a clinical case of a 64-year-old woman with a paranasal sinus microsurgery history more than 30 years ago, who presented with headache and purulent rhinorrhea. A glass tubular structure was discovered in the ethmoid complex. She underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Since glass is an inert material that doesn’t cause foreign body reaction, the patient may not present any symptom or sign. However, if there is obstruction in the drainage of the ostiomeatal complex, it can manifest itself as rhinosinusitis, which we believe happened in our case. To the best of our knowledge, this is probably the first reported case of a glass removed from the ethmoidal sinuses, diagnosed with more than 30 years of evolution.
Favorable Lithium Nucleation on Lithiophilic Framework Porphyrin for Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Li Bo-Quan , Chen Xiao-Ru , Chen Xiang , Zhao Chang-Xin , Zhang Rui , Cheng Xin-Bing , Zhang Qiang
Published: January 2019

Lithium metal constitutes promising anode materials but suffers from dendrite growth. Lithiophilic host materials are highly considered for achieving uniform lithium deposition. Precise construction of lithiophilic sites with desired structure and homogeneous distribution significantly promotes the lithiophilicity of lithium hosts but remains a great challenge. In this contribution, a framework porphyrin (POF) material with precisely constructed lithiophilic sites in regard to chemical structure and geometric position is employed as the lithium host to address the above issues for dendrite-free lithium metal anodes. The extraordinary lithiophilicity of POF even beyond lithium nuclei validated by DFT simulations and lithium nucleation overpotentials affords a novel mechanism of favorable lithium nucleation to facilitate uniform nucleation and inhibit dendrite growth. Consequently, POF-based anodes demonstrate superior electrochemical performances with high Coulombic efficiency over 98%, reduced average voltage hysteresis, and excellent stability for 300 cycles at 1.0 mA cm−2, 1.0 mAh cm−2superior to both Cu and graphene anodes. The favorable lithium nucleation mechanism on POF materials inspires further investigation of lithiophilic electrochemistry and development of lithium metal batteries.
The Gingival Oral Lichen Planus: A Periodontal-Oral Medicine Approach
Authors: Alsarraf Abdulhameed , Mehta Kunj , Khzam Nabil
Published: January 2019

We present a case of a 77-year-old female who suffered from oral lichen planus (OLP) involving her gingiva and bilateral buccal mucosa for over 6 months. We showed that oral hygiene measures and conventional periodontal treatment and strict maintenance were sufficient to control the gingival involvement of OLP. The mechanism of OLP is complex and not yet fully understood. The focus of discussion in our case was that knowledge and understanding of gingival pathology are fundamental for a determined management approach. Our case was managed according to the suggested protocols in previous case studies. A multidisciplinary approach allowed for accurate diagnosis and treatment tailored to the presented case.
Analysis of the Immune and Antioxidant Response of Cellulose Nanocrystals Grafted with β-Cyclodextrin in Myeloid Cell Lines
Authors: Sunasee Rajesh , Carson Melissa , Despres Hannah W. , Pacherille Angela , Nunez Kaylee D. , Ckless Karina
Published: January 2019

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have great potential in many areas of research, applications, and future commercialization prospects. Recently, CNCs have emerged as attractive candidates for biomedical applications such as drug and gene delivery systems. As such, cytotoxicity studies have been the major focus in the past decade. However, despite the rod-like nature of CNCs, the potential immune response of surface-modified CNCs is not well investigated. The current study examined the potential immune and antioxidant response induced by CNCs grafted with β-cyclodextrin (CNCs-β-CD) in a human monocyte cell line (THP-1) and a mouse macrophage-like cell line (J774A.1). We analyzed the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), by ELISA and mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) using fluorescence cell imaging and examined the intracellular levels of proteins involved in the immune and antioxidant response by immunoblotting. Our results indicated a dramatic increase neither in the IL-1β secretion nor in the mitochondria-derived ROS resulting in no changes in the intracellular antioxidant response in THP-1 cells treated with different concentrations of CNCs-β-CD. Overall, CNCs-β-CD is nonimmunogenic and do not induce an increased antioxidant response under the conditions tested and hence has the potential to be used as a drug delivery carrier.
Adaptive Analysis of Acoustic‐Elastodynamic Interacting Models Considering Frequency Domain MFS‐FEM Coupled Formulations
Authors: Soares D. , Godinho L.
Published: January 2019

This work discusses adaptive iterative coupling strategies for the frequency domain analysis of interacting acoustic‐elastodynamic models. The method of fundamental solutions (MFS) is used to analyze acoustic fluids, whereas the finite element method (FEM) is employed to discretize elastodynamic solids. Flexible and optimized iterative MFS‐FEM coupling procedures are considered, allowing independent discretizations to be adopted for each subdomain. In this context, it is easy to implement adaptive refinements and enable enhanced analyses. Two adaptive coupling approaches are discussed, based on multiple and single iterative algorithms. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed techniques.
Effects of High-Fat Diet on eHSP72 and Extra-to-Intracellular HSP70 Levels in Mice Submitted to Exercise under Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter
Authors: Kostrycki Iberê Machado , Wildner Guilherme , Donato Yohanna Hannah , dos Santos Analú Bender , Beber Lílian Corrêa Costa , Frizzo Matias Nunes , Ludwig Mirna Stela , Keane Kevin Noel , Cruzat Vinicius , Rhoden Cláudia Ramos , Heck Thiago Gomes
Published: January 2019

Obesity, air pollution, and exercise induce alterations in the heat shock response (HSR), in both intracellular 70 kDa heat shock proteins (iHSP70) and the plasmatic extracellular form (eHSP72). Extra-to-intracellular HSP70 ratio (H-index = eHSP70/iHSP70 ratio) represents a candidate biomarker of subclinical health status. This study investigated the effects of moderate- and high-intensity exercise in the HSR and oxidative stress parameters, in obese mice exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Thirty-day-old male isogenic B6129F2/J mice were maintained for 16 weeks on standard chow or high-fat diet (HFD). Then, mice were exposed to either saline or 50 μg of PM2.5 by intranasal instillation and subsequently maintained at rest or subjected to moderate- or high-intensity swimming exercise. HFD mice exhibited high adiposity and glucose intolerance at week 16th. HFD mice submitted to moderate- or high-intensity exercise were not able to complete the exercise session and showed lower levels of eHSP70 and H-index, when compared to controls. PM2.5 exposure modified the glycaemic response to exercise and modified hematological responses in HFD mice. Our study suggests that obesity is a critical health condition for exercise prescription under PM2.5 exposure.
Clinical Effects and Safety of Tongxieyaofang on Diarrhea Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trails
Authors: Zhou Yuhong , Han Shutang , He Yamin
Published: January 2019

Background. Tongxieyaofang (TXYF), a prescription originated from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been widely used on treating Diarrhea Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D). The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate whether TXYF was effective and safe for IBS-D. Methods. We searched seven electronic databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PubMed, CNKI, VIP, CBM, and Wanfang Data up to 26 July 2017. Randomized controlled trails (RCTs) were eligible, regardless of blinding. Risk of bias of included trials was evaluated according to the Cochrane Handbook. Results. The total number of participants analyzed in the meta-analysis was 3062, of which 1556 received TXYF, while 1506 received ordinary treatment. The primary outcome was clinical effective rate. Compared with conventional medication which included probiotics, pinaverium bromide, trimebutine, and Oryzanol, TXYF significantly improved the clinical effective rate (n=37, OR: 4.61; 95% CI: 3.67–5.78; P < 0.00001) and decreased the adverse events (n=10, OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.08–0.86; P = 0.03). There was not significant association with the score of abdominal pain, defecating frequency, fecal property, and total symptom. Conclusions. We suggested a moderate recommendation for TXYF on IBS-D, due to the fact that the risk of bias of the finally included trails was not high. Considering that all identified studies were not of high qualities and large samples, further rigorously designed and large scale RCTs were necessary to improve the applicability of our study results.
Strategic Availability and Cost-Effective UAV-Based Flying Access Networks: S-Modular Game Analysis
Authors: Handouf Sara , Sabir Essaid
Published: January 2019

Nowadays, ubiquitous network access has become a reality, thanks to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that have gained extreme popularity due to their flexible deployment and higher chance of line-of-sight links to ground users. Telecommunication service providers deploy UAVs to provide areal network access in remote rural areas, disaster-affected areas, or massive-attended events (sport venues, festivals, etc.), where full setup to provide temporary wireless coverage would be very expensive. Of course, a UAV is battery-powered with a limited energy budget for both mobility aspect and communication aspect. An efficient solution is to allow UAVs switching their radio modules to the sleep mode in order to extend the battery lifetime. This results in temporary unavailability of communication feature. Within such a situation, the ultimate deal for a UAV operator is to provide a cost-effective service with acceptable availability. This would allow meeting some target quality of service while having a good market share granting satisfactory benefits. In this article, we exhibit a new framework with many interesting insights into how to jointly define the availability and the access cost in UAV-empowered flying access networks to opportunistically cover a target geographical area. Yet, we construct a duopoly model to capture the adversarial behavior of service providers in terms of their pricing policies and their respective availability probabilities. Optimal periodic beaconing (advertising the presence of the UAV) is to be addressed, given the UAVs with limited battery capacity and their recharging constraints. A full analysis of the game, both in terms of equilibrium pricing and equilibrium availability, is derived. We show that the availability-pricing game exhibits some nice features as it is submodular with respect to the availability policy; whereas, it is supermodular with respect to the service fee. Furthermore, we implement a learning scheme using best response dynamics that allows operators to learn their joint pricing-availability strategies in a fast, accurate, and distributed fashion. Extensive simulations show convergence of the proposed scheme to the joint pricing-availability equilibrium and offer promising insights into how the game parameters should be chosen to efficiently control the duopoly game.
Experimental Study on Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Dry and Saturated Basalt Columnar Joints under Uniaxial Compression and Tensile Damage
Authors: Gang Liu , Fu-kun Xiao , Qian-long Cheng , Tao Qin
Published: January 2019

An experimental study was carried out to investigate the acoustic emission (AE) characteristics of dry and saturated basalt columnar joints under uniaxial compression and tensile damage by using the TAW‐2000 rock experiment system and SH‐IIAE system for the whole loading. The results show that the softening coefficient of uniaxial compressive strength and the tensile strength was 0.78 and 0.68, respectively, and water increases the sample complexity and has a strong effect on its strength. The dry sample under uniaxial compression at the beginning of loading produced a large number of AE signals, and the AE signal showed steady growth as the load increased, but the sample destruction occurred during the blank period, which can be used as a precursor of instability. From the amplitude‐time‐energy diagram, it can be found that as amplitude increases with hit, energy decreases, which shows an obvious triangle relation. From the uniaxial compression damage AE location map, we can find that AE events exist disorderly and show scattered distribution in each area. From the failure modes and sections of tension and uniaxial compression tests, it is found that there are many layers and fissures in rock samples, which are consistent with AE location.
Unbalanced Multiple Left Turn Lane Usage Modelling: From Individual Choice to Aggregate Volume
Authors: Li Li , Lu Qing-Chang , Zhang Dong , Wang Ping , Wang Gui-Ping
Published: January 2019

Diverse lane preferences of left-turn drivers lead to unbalanced traffic distribution on multiple left-turn lanes. The preferences can be measured in terms of lane usage at macroscopic level and individual lane choice at microscopic level. The data of lane volume and individual lane choices are collected at eight dual or triple left-turn lanes equipped in signalized intersections in China. Linear regression model with dummy variables and discrete choice model were applied to analyse drivers’ lane choosing patterns at macroscopic and microscopic levels, respectively, and results of the two studies are mutually verified and complemented. The drivers’ lane preferences are found to vary with approach configurations, traffic control, and the number of lanes available. Static influential factors, such as turning radius inside the intersection, the design of shadowed lane, and intersection skewedness, as well as dynamic influential factors, including queue length, heavy vehicle in queue back and subject vehicle type, could affect the drivers’ lane preferences. The findings of this study have important implications for intersection design and traffic control in practice.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Evolution of Choroidal Neovascular Membrane in Choroidal Rupture Managed by Intravitreal Bevacizumab
Authors: Lorusso Massimo , Micelli Ferrari Luisa , Nikolopoulou Eleni , Micelli Ferrari Tommaso
Published: January 2019

Purpose. To describe a case of a 25-year-old man with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to traumatic choroidal rupture treated with intravitreal bevacizumab and to evaluate the vascular structure of the area near the traumatic choroidal rupture. Methods. The patient underwent complete ophthalmologic evaluation, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, anterior segment and funds examination, and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) at baseline and on each follow-up visit. Fluorescein angiography (FA) was performed at baseline. Intravitreal bevacizumab was administered at the time of choroidal neovascular membrane diagnosis. Results. At baseline, ophthalmoscopic examination of the left eye revealed four subretinal macular hemorrhages and two choroidal ruptures located temporally to the fovea. On OCT angiograms, the choroidal rupture appeared as a hypointense break in choriocapillaris plexus. At 4-week follow-up, the OCTA disclosed a well circumscribed lesion characterized by numerous and fine anastomotic vessels. Patient received intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. At 6-week post injection, OCTA documented regression of the neovascular complex. Conclusion. Choroidal neovascularization is a common complication associated with traumatic choroidal rupture and OCTA may represent a complementary diagnostic technique to evaluate the vascular structure of the area near the traumatic choroidal rupture.
How May Coexisting Frailty Influence Adherence to Treatment in Elderly Hypertensive Patients?
Authors: Uchmanowicz Bartosz , Chudiak Anna , Uchmanowicz Izabella , Mazur Grzegorz
Published: January 2019

Background. Hypertension is considered to be the most common condition in the general population. It is the most important risk factor for premature deaths in the world. Treatment compliance at every stage is a condition for successful antihypertensive therapy, and improving the effectiveness of treatment is a major goal in preventing cardiovascular incidents. Treatment noncompliance and lack of cooperation stem from numerous problems of older age, including frailty syndrome. Objective. To evaluate the effect of frailty syndrome on treatment compliance in older patients with hypertension. Methods. The study sample consisted of 160 patients (91 women, 69 men) with hypertension aged 65 to 78 (mean = 72.09, SD = 7.98 years), hospitalized at the University Clinical Hospital due to exacerbation of disease symptoms. Standardised research tools were used: the Tilburg Frailty Indicator questionnaire and the questionnaire for the assessment of treatment compliance in patients with hypertension, the Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale. Results. Frailty syndrome was diagnosed in 65.62% of patients: 35.62% with mild, 29.38% with moderate, and 0.62% with severe frailty. The treatment compliance was 36.14%. The prevalence of the FS and its three components (physical, psychological, social) significantly affected (p <0.05) the global score of the Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale and all subscales: “reduced sodium intake”, “appointment keeping”, and “antihypertensive medication taking”. Conclusions. The coexistence of frailty syndrome has a negative impact on the compliance of older patients with hypertension. Diagnosis of frailty and of the associated difficulties in adhering to treatment may allow for targeting the older patients with a poorer prognosis and at risk of complications from untreated or undertreated hypertension and for planning interventions to improve hypertension control.
Plant Diversity and Ethnoveterinary Practices of Ethiopia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tilahun Minyahel , Etifu Melesse , Shewage Tesfaye
Published: January 2019

The systematic review was conducted on Ethnoveterinary Medicinal (EVM) plants from the two (integrated and pastoral) majorly known livestock production systems (LPS) of Ethiopia. A total of 48 documents pertinent to EVM significance were assessed from different sources using Google search engine and local university websites. Search outputs were screened using the developed inclusion criteria, and only 26 documents were selected. Descriptive analysis measures, Document Consensus Factor (DCF), and rank of the collected data were analysed using SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel. The result showed that females (33%), being below 40 years of age (27%), and educational level of above college (1%) healers participation was not significance. A total of 645 EVM plant species (from 133 families) were identified. Only 22 (16.54%) plant families were represented by one species. Leaf (47.8%) was the major plant part used to prepare remedies. The major administration route was oral route (58.2%). Blackleg 43 (0.188), diarrhea 25 (0.110), and wound 18 (0.079) were the most commonly treated livestock ailments. Solanaceae and Fabaceae were the frequently utilized EVM plant families in integrated and pastoral LPS, respectively.Croton macrostachyus(Bisana) andSolanum incanum(Embuay) were the most widely applied EVM plant species in integrated and pastoral LPS, respectively. Pastoral LPS were using higher number of specific EVM plants (DCF>0.5) compared to integrated LPS. Less than 40% (n< 10) of the collected documents were dealing with measurability and risk of toxicity, giving emphasis to indigenous plant and constraints of EVM plants use.
Do Different Species of Sargassum in Haizao Yuhu Decoction Cause Different Effects in a Rat Goiter Model?
Authors: Liu Dianna , Chen Feng , Yu Xue , Xiu Linlin , Liu Haiyan , Chen Shaohong , Gao Jie , Zhang Chen , Li Na , He Cheng , Zhong Gansheng
Published: January 2019

Sargassum species combined with Glycyrrhiza uralensis is a famous herbal pair in traditional Chinese medicine, as one of the so-called “eighteen antagonistic medicaments.” In the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, two different species of Sargassum, Sargassum pallidum and Sargassum fusiforme, are recorded but they are not clearly differentiated in clinical use. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the two species of Sargassum could result in different effects when combined with G. uralensis in Haizao Yuhu Decoction (HYD), which is used for treating thyroid-related diseases, especially goiter. HYD containing S. pallidum or S. fusiforme was administered to rats with propylthiouracil-induced goiter. After 4 weeks, pathological changes in the thyroid tissue and the relative thyroid weight indicated that HYD containing S. pallidum or S. fusiforme protected thyroid tissues from propylthiouracil damage. Neither species increased the propylthiouracil-induced decrease in serum levels of thyroid hormones. However, there were some differences in their actions, and only HYD containing S. fusiforme abated the propylthiouracil-induced elevation of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and activated thyroglobulin mRNA expression.
Influence of the Textural Parameters of LDH-TiO2 Composites on Phenol Adsorption and Photodegradation Capacities
Authors: Contreras-Ruiz J. C. , Martínez-Gallegos S. , García-Rivas J. L. , Illescas J. , González-Juárez J. C. , Macedo Miranda Guadalupe , Ordoñez Regil Eduardo
Published: January 2019

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) M2+M3+CO32− were synthesized following the sol-gel methodology using Mg-Al, Mg-Fe, and Zn-Al as cation pairs for subsequent use in the preparation of TiO2/LDH materials. The samples were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) technique to determine the surface area (SA); the results of which were used to determine the roughness of the samples in terms of surface fractal dimension (D). The prepared materials exhibited both adsorption and photocatalytic properties in the removal of phenol in aqueous solution under ultraviolet irradiation. This work studies the relationship between the textural parameters of the materials obtained in relation to their photocatalytic efficiency and adsorption capacity, finding that the surface of the solids, their structural heterogeneity, and roughness condition the photodegradation and adsorption processes, using phenol as reference organic pollutant. The results show that different cation in LDH influences in photocatalytic capacity; the TiO2/ZnAl was the best material in one test, but after 10 times of test, the TiO2/MgFe gave the better photodegradation material. In adsorption capacity, TiO2/ZnAl and TiO2/MgFe have a close rate for phenol adsorption and both were better than TiO2/MgAl. The differences in textural characteristics (surface area, surface roughness, and pore-size distribution) affected phenol adsorption and photodegradation efficiency.
Determinantal Representations of General and (Skew-)Hermitian Solutions to the Generalized Sylvester-Type Quaternion Matrix Equation
Authors: Kyrchei Ivan I.
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we derive explicit determinantal representation formulas of general, Hermitian, and skew-Hermitian solutions to the generalized Sylvester matrix equation involving ⁎-Hermicity AXA⁎+BYB⁎=C over the quaternion skew field within the framework of the theory of noncommutative column-row determinants.