bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conscientious objection in healthcare, referral and the military analogy
Authors: Clarke Steve
Published: September 2016

An analogy is sometimes drawn between the proper treatment of conscientious objectors in healthcare and in military contexts. In this paper, I consider an aspect of this analogy that has not, to my knowledge, been considered in debates about conscientious objection in healthcare. In the USA and elsewhere, tribunals have been tasked with the responsibility of recommending particular forms of alternative service for conscientious objectors. Military conscripts who have a conscientious objection to active military service, and whose objections are deemed acceptable, are required either to serve the military in a non-combat role, or assigned some form of community service that does not contribute to the effectiveness of the military. I argue that consideration of the role that military tribunals have played in determining the appropriate form of alternative service for conscripts who are conscientious objectors can help us to understand how conscientious objectors in healthcare ought to be treated. Additionally, I show that it helps us to address the vexed issue of whether or not conscientious objectors who refuse to provide a service requested by a patient should be required to refer that patient to another healthcare professional.
Distributed temperature sensing applied during diaphragm wall construction
Authors: Spruit Rodriaan , van Tol Frits , Broere Wout , Doornenbal Pieter , Hopman Victor
Published: September 2016

Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) can be used to monitor the production process of diaphragm walls. DTS is able to differentiate between already present or fresh bentonite suspensions during refreshing of the bentonite slurry in the trench. During concrete casting, DTS is able to differentiate between the bentonite suspension and concrete. As a result, the continuity of the casting process and the arrival of good grade concrete at crucial locations in the trench can be monitored. Tests conducted on laboratory models provided reference information for interpretation of field data. Field experiences have shown the benefits of DTS tests and the predictive value of the reference measurements. Results are compared with crosshole sonic logging measurements at the same location.
Correlated EEG Signals Simulation Based on Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Tomasevic Nikola M. , Neskovic Aleksandar M. , Neskovic Natasa J.
Published: September 2016

In recent years, simulation of the human electroencephalogram (EEG) data found its important role in medical domain and neuropsychology. In this paper, a novel approach to simulation of two cross-correlated EEG signals is proposed. The proposed method is based on the principles of artificial neural networks (ANN). Contrary to the existing EEG data simulators, the ANN-based approach was leveraged solely on the experimentally acquired EEG data. More precisely, measured EEG data were utilized to optimize the simulator which consisted of two ANN models (each model responsible for generation of one EEG sequence). In order to acquire the EEG recordings, the measurement campaign was carried out on a healthy awake adult having no cognitive, physical or mental load. For the evaluation of the proposed approach, comprehensive quantitative and qualitative statistical analysis was performed considering probability distribution, correlation properties and spectral characteristics of generated EEG processes. The obtained results clearly indicated the satisfactory agreement with the measurement data.
On the possibility of gluon number fluctuations in diffractive deep inelastic scattering data with impact parameter
Authors: Hu Z. , Xiang W. , Cai S.
Published: September 2016

A global analysis of the latest diffractive deep inelastic scattering (DIS) data with gluon number fluctuations and impact parameter is performed. The impact parameter is introduced into the scattering amplitude by saturation scale with a Gaussian b-dependence. The results show that the description of the diffractive DIS data is improved once the gluon number fluctuations and impact parameter are included, with [Formula: see text]/d.o.f = 0.878, [Formula: see text]/d.o.f = 0.928 and [Formula: see text]/d.o.f = 0.897 in different sets of free parameters. Moreover, we find that the impact parameter ([Formula: see text] 0.1) is possibly compressed by the gluon number fluctuations, which leads to the value of saturation exponent returning to [Formula: see text] 0.2. This outcome is compatible with the prediction that the saturation exponent is dominated by the fluctuations at sufficiently high energy, which may indicate the possibility of gluon number fluctuations in diffractive DIS data.
Worldline CPT and massless supermultiplets
Authors: Arvanitakis Alex S. , Mezincescu Luca , Townsend Paul K.
Published: September 2016

The action for a massless particle in 4D Minkowski space–time has a worldline-time reversing symmetry corresponding to CPT invariance of the quantum theory. The analogous symmetry of the [Formula: see text]-extended superparticle is shown to be anomalous when [Formula: see text] is odd; in the supertwistor formalism this is because a CPT-violating worldline-Chern–Simons term is needed to preserve the chiral [Formula: see text] gauge invariance. This accords with the fact that no massless [Formula: see text] super-Poincaré irrep is CPT-self-conjugate. There is a CPT self-conjugate supermultiplet when [Formula: see text] is even, but it has [Formula: see text] states when [Formula: see text] is odd (e.g. the [Formula: see text] hypermultiplet) in contrast to just [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] is even (e.g. the [Formula: see text] Maxwell supermultiplet). This is shown to follow from a Kramers degeneracy of the superparticle state space when [Formula: see text] is odd.
Vassiliev invariants for pretzel knots
Authors: Sleptsov A.
Published: September 2016

We compute Vassiliev invariants up to order six for arbitrary pretzel knots, which depend on [Formula: see text] parameters [Formula: see text]. These invariants are symmetric polynomials in [Formula: see text] whose degree coincide with their order. We also discuss their topological and integer-valued properties.
Lamb waves propagation in a novel metal-matrix phononic crystals plate
Authors: Li Suobin , Chen Tianning , Wang Xiaopeng , Xi Yanhui
Published: September 2016

In this paper, the propagation properties of Lamb waves in a novel phononic crystals (PCs) plate composed of a square array of double-sided composite taper stubs, which are deposited on a 2D locally resonant PC plate that composes of an array of rubber fillers embedded in the steel plate is studied. It is shown that the spring–mass system of the resonator will be decoupled by introducing the rubber filler, and then the out-of-plane band gap (BG) and the in-plane BG can be adjusted into the same lowest frequency range, respectively (the out-of-plane BG is adjusted by the rubber filler and the in-plane BG is adjusted by the taper stub). As a result, the frequency range of the generated complete BG is between 59–93 Hz due to the overlap between the in-plane and out-of-plane BG. Compared with the classic double-sided stubbed PC plate, the relative bandwidth of the BG is enlargement by a factor of 5.5 and the location of the BG is reduced by a factor of 5.5 in the proposed structure. It provides an effective way for metal-matrix PCs to obtain complete BGs in low-frequency range (below 100 Hz), which has potential for the reduction of the vibration at low frequency in practical case.
Local conformal symmetry in black holes, standard model, and quantum gravity
Authors: Hooft Gerard ’t
Published: September 2016

The black hole information problem and the firewall problem can be addressed by assuming an extra local symmetry: conformal invariance. It must be an exact symmetry, spontaneously broken by the vacuum, in a way similar to the Brout–Englert–Higgs (BEH) mechanism. We note how this symmetry formally removes the horizon and the singularity inside black holes. For the Standard Model this symmetry is severely restrictive, demanding all coupling constants, masses and even the cosmological constant to be computable, in principle. Finally, this symmetry suggests that the Weyl action (the square of the Weyl curvature) should be added to the Einstein–Hilbert action. The ensuing indefinite metric states are briefly studied, and we conclude with some remarks concerning the interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Prime and primitive Kumjian–Pask algebras
Authors: Kashoul-Radjabzadeh M. , Larki H. , Aminpour A.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, prime as well as primitive Kumjian–Pask algebras [Formula: see text] of a row-finite [Formula: see text]-graph [Formula: see text] over a unital commutative ring [Formula: see text] are completely characterized in graph-theoretic and algebraic terms. By applying quotient [Formula: see text]-graphs, these results describe prime and primitive graded basic ideals of Kumjian–Pask algebras. In particular, when [Formula: see text] is strongly aperiodic and [Formula: see text] is a field, all prime and primitive ideals of a Kumjian–Pask algebra [Formula: see text] are determined.
Group algebras whose p-elements form a subgroup
Authors: Ramezan-Nassab M.
Published: September 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a group, [Formula: see text] a field of characteristic [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] the unit group of the group algebra [Formula: see text]. In this paper, among other results, we show that if either (1) [Formula: see text] satisfies a non-matrix polynomial identity, or (2) [Formula: see text] is locally finite, [Formula: see text] is infinite and [Formula: see text] is an Engel-by-finite group, then the [Formula: see text]-elements of [Formula: see text] form a (normal) subgroup [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is abelian (here, of course, [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text]).
3-Lie∞-algebras and 3-Lie 2-algebras
Authors: Zhou Yanqiu , Li Yumeng , Sheng Yunhe
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we introduce the notions of a [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-algebra and a 3-Lie 2-algebra. The former is a model for a 3-Lie algebra that satisfy the fundamental identity up to all higher homotopies, and the latter is the categorification of a 3-Lie algebra. We prove that the 2-category of 2-term [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-algebras is equivalent to the 2-category of 3-Lie 2-algebras. Skeletal and strict 3-Lie 2-algebras are studied in detail. A construction of a 3-Lie 2-algebra from a symplectic 3-Lie algebra is given.
On the radical of the group algebra of a symmetric group
Authors: Li Yanbo
Published: September 2016

Let [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] a prime and [Formula: see text] a symmetric group. We prove in this paper that if [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the nilpotent ideal constructed in [Radicals of symmetric cellular algebras, Collog. Math. 133 (2013) 67–83]. Finally we give two remarks on algebras [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text].
A multitype sticky particle construction of Wasserstein stable semigroups solving one-dimensional diagonal hyperbolic systems with large monotonic data
Authors: Jourdain Benjamin , Reygner Julien
Published: September 2016

This paper is devoted to the study of diagonal hyperbolic systems in one space dimension, with cumulative distribution functions or, more generally, nonconstant monotonic bounded functions as initial data. Under a uniform strict hyperbolicity assumption on the characteristic fields, we construct a multi-type version of the sticky particle dynamics and we obtain the existence of global weak solutions via a compactness argument. We then derive a [Formula: see text] stability estimate on the particle system which is uniform in the number of particles. This allows us to construct nonlinear semigroups solving the system in the sense of Bianchini and Bressan [Vanishing viscosity solutions of nonlinear hyperbolic systems, Ann. of Math. (2) 161(1) (2005) 223–342]. We also obtain that these semigroup solutions satisfy a stability estimate in Wasserstein distances of all order, which extends the classical [Formula: see text] estimate and generalizes to diagonal systems a result by Bolley, Brenier and Loeper [Contractive metrics for scalar conservation laws, J. Hyperbolic Differ. Equ. 2(1) (2005) 91–107] in the scalar case. Our results are established without any smallness assumption on the variation of the data, and we only require the characteristic fields to be Lipschitz continuous and the system to be uniformly strictly hyperbolic.
An Arnoldi-Frontal Approach for the Stability Analysis of Flows in a Collapsible Channel
Authors: Hao Yujue , Cai Zongxi , Roper Steven , Luo Xiaoyu
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we present a new approach based on a combination of the Arnoldi and frontal methods for solving large sparse asymmetric and generalized complex eigenvalue problems. The new eigensolver seeks the most unstable eigensolution in the Krylov subspace and makes use of the efficiency of the frontal solver developed for the finite element methods. The approach is used for a stability analysis of flows in a collapsible channel and is found to significantly improve the computational efficiency compared to the traditionally used QZ solver or a standard Arnoldi method. With the new approach, we are able to validate the previous results obtained either on a much coarser mesh or estimated from unsteady simulations. New neutral stability solutions of the system have been obtained which are beyond the limits of previously used methods.
Standardized Compliance Matrices for General Anisotropic Materials and a Simple Measure of Anisotropy Degree Based on Shear-Extension Coupling Coefficient
Authors: Zhao Jia-Min , Song Xiao-Xiong , Liu Bin
Published: September 2016

The compliance matrix for a general anisotropic material is usually expressed in an arbitrarily chosen coordinate system, which brings some confusion or inconvenience in identifying independent elastic material constants and comparing elastic properties between different materials. In this paper, a unique stiffest orientation-based standardized compliance matrix is established, and 18 independent elastic material constants are clearly shown. During the searching process for the stiffest orientation, it is interesting to find from our theoretical analysis and an example that a material with isotropic tensile stiffness does not definitely possess isotropic elasticity. Therefore, the ratio between the maximum and minimum tensile stiffnesses, although widely used, is not a correct measure of anisotropy degree. Alternatively, a simple and correct measure of anisotropy degree based on the maximum shear-extension coupling coefficient in all orientations is proposed. However, for a two-dimensional constitutive relation, both the stiffness ratio and the shear-extension coupling coefficient can be adopted as proper measures of anisotropy degree.
Investigations on Crack Propagation and Strain Energy Release Rate in Notched Woven-Ply Thermoplastic Laminates at High-Temperature
Authors: Chabchoub M. , Vieille B. , Beyaoui M. , Taktak M. , Haddar M. , Taleb L.
Published: September 2016

The strain energy release rate [Formula: see text] is of prime importance in composite materials fracture mechanics. In order to experimentally and numerically evaluate this parameter in the case of quasi-isotropic and angle-ply (AP) woven-ply thermoplastic (TP) laminates, single edge notched (SEN) specimens have been subjected to monotonic tensile loading at [Formula: see text] when the toughness and the viscous behavior of the (TP) matrix are exacerbated. From the simulation standpoint, a particular attention was paid to the type of meshing as well as its refinement in the vicinity of the crack tip where the triaxiality rate leads to significant stress concentrations. For this purpose, a linear spectral viscoelastic and a generalized Norton-type viscoplastic models have been used. A comparison between two types of meshing (radiant and concentric) has been conducted. Both types of meshing allow us to define crowns in order to represent the surface of the integration ring around the crack tip. These crowns are necessary to evaluate the strain energy release rate [Formula: see text] in opening mode using [Formula: see text]-integral computation. Both overstress and overstrain profiles near the crack tip were investigated and validated using theoretical stress fields derived from the linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) framework and overstrain fields obtained from digital image correlation (DIC) to verify the model’s ability to provide accurate mechanical fields at singularity zones.
Synthesis of N-doped Carbon Spheres Using Extended Stöber Method for SO2Adsorption
Authors: Li Yunqian , Yu Yifeng , Liu Lei , Zhang Hongliang , Wang Guoxu , Chen Aibing
Published: September 2016

SO2is one of the major pollutants in the atmosphere. N-doped microporous carbon spheres (NCS) have been demonstrated to be effective for SO2adsorption. Here we report the synthesis of monodispersed NCS by the extended Stöber method with urea resorcinol-formaldehyde resins as carbon source, urea as nitrogen source and ammonia as catalyst in an ethanol-water mixed solvent. The obtained carbon spheres show a uniform diameter of around 550[Formula: see text]nm, specific surface area of 476[Formula: see text]m2[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text], micropores pore volume of 0.20[Formula: see text]cm3[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] and nitrogen doping. The NCS manifest special performance for SO2capture with capability of 75.34[Formula: see text]mg[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] and good cycling stability, due to the large surface area, abundant micropores and nitrogen functionality.
The Role of Phonology in Phonetic Change
Authors: Fruehwald Josef
Published: September 2016

This article reviews the role phonology plays in phonetic changes. After first establishing what kinds of changes qualify as phonetic changes for the purposes of discussion, and laying out the theoretical outlook that is adopted here, I review the most obvious cases in which phonology plays a role in phonetic change. These include (a) the way phonological contrast can lead to phonetic dispersion, (b) the way phonological natural classes can define a set of segments to undergo a parallel phonetic shift, and (c) how phonological biases may lead to instances of underphonologization. Throughout, I discuss alternative approaches to these phenomena.
SAR11 Bacteria: The Most Abundant Plankton in the Oceans
Authors: Giovannoni Stephen J.
Published: September 2016

SAR11 is a group of small, carbon-oxidizing bacteria that reach a global estimated population size of 2.4×1028 cells—approximately 25% of all plankton. They are found throughout the oceans but reach their largest numbers in stratified, oligotrophic gyres, which are an expanding habitat in the warming oceans. SAR11 likely had a Precambrian origin and, over geological time, evolved into the niche of harvesting labile, low-molecular-weight dissolved organic matter (DOM). SAR11 cells are minimal in size and complexity, a phenomenon known as streamlining that is thought to benefit them by lowering the material costs of replication and maximizing transport functions that are essential to competition at ultralow nutrient concentrations. One of the surprises in SAR11 metabolism is their ability to both oxidize and produce a variety of volatile organic compounds that can diffuse into the atmosphere. SAR11 cells divide slowly and lack many forms of regulation commonly used by bacterial cells to adjust to changing environmental conditions. As a result of genome reduction, they require an unusual range of nutrients, which leads to complex biochemical interactions with other plankton. The study of SAR11 is providing insight into the biogeochemistry of labile DOM and is affecting microbiology beyond marine science by providing a model for understanding the evolution and function of streamlined cells.
Cardiac Pacing and Defibrillation Devices: Cost and Effectiveness
Authors: Groeneveld Peter W. , Dixit Sanjay
Published: September 2016

Implantable cardiac pacing and defibrillation devices are effective and commonly used therapies for patients with cardiac rhythm disorders. Because device implantation is not easily reversible, as well as the high healthcare costs inherent in device use, a clear understanding of the clinical benefits relative to costs is essential for both appropriate clinical use and rational policy making. Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have been among the best-investigated therapies in medicine; these devices have been the topic of numerous clinical and economic evaluations during the past 30 years. However, many important questions remain unclarified. We review the evidence supporting the clinical benefits of CIEDs, including effectiveness in extending survival as well as improving quality of life. We also summarize the economic studies that have investigated costs associated with these devices and their overall cost effectiveness, and we highlight important potential areas for future research.
The Structure of Social Cognition: In(ter)dependence of Sociocognitive Processes
Authors: Happé Francesca , Cook Jennifer L. , Bird Geoffrey
Published: September 2016

Social cognition is a topic of enormous interest and much research, but we are far from having an agreed taxonomy or factor structure of relevant processes. The aim of this review is to outline briefly what is known about the structure of social cognition and to suggest how further progress can be made to delineate the in(ter)dependence of core sociocognitive processes. We focus in particular on several processes that have been discussed and tested together in typical and atypical (notably autism spectrum disorder) groups: imitation, biological motion, empathy, and theory of mind. We consider the domain specificity/generality of core processes in social learning, reward, and attention, and we highlight the potential relevance of dual-process theories that distinguish systems for fast/automatic and slow/effortful processing. We conclude with methodological and conceptual suggestions for future progress in uncovering the structure of social cognition.
How Power Affects People: Activating, Wanting, and Goal Seeking
Authors: Guinote Ana
Published: September 2016

Sociocognitive research has demonstrated that power affects how people feel, think, and act. In this article, I review literature from social psychology, neuroscience, management, and animal research and propose an integrated framework of power as an intensifier of goal-related approach motivation. A growing literature shows that power energizes thought, speech, and action and orients individuals toward salient goals linked to power roles, predispositions, tasks, and opportunities. Power magnifies self-expression linked to active parts of the self (the active self), enhancing confidence, self-regulation, and prioritization of efforts toward advancing focal goals. The effects of power on cognitive processes, goal preferences, performance, and corruption are discussed, and its potentially detrimental effects on social attention, perspective taking, and objectification of subordinates are examined. Several inconsistencies in the literature are explained by viewing power holders as more flexible and dynamic than is usually assumed.
Culture Three Ways: Culture and Subcultures Within Countries
Authors: Oyserman Daphna
Published: September 2016

Culture can be thought of as a set of everyday practices and a core theme—individualism, collectivism, or honor—as well as the capacity to understand each of these themes. In one's own culture, it is easy to fail to see that a cultural lens exists and instead to think that there is no lens at all, only reality. Hence, studying culture requires stepping out of it. There are two main methods to do so: The first involves using between-group comparisons to highlight differences and the second involves using experimental methods to test the consequences of disruption to implicit cultural frames. These methods highlight three ways that culture organizes experience: (a) It shields reflexive processing by making everyday life feel predictable, (b) it scaffolds which cognitive procedure (connect, separate, or order) will be the default in ambiguous situations, and (c) it facilitates situation-specific accessibility of alternate cognitive procedures. Modern societal social-demographic trends reduce predictability and increase collectivism and honor-based go-to cognitive procedures.
Precision medicine in alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via modulating the gut microbiota
Authors: Bluemel Sena , Williams Brandon , Knight Rob , Schnabl Bernd
Published: September 2016

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represent a major health burden in industrialized countries. Although alcohol abuse and nutrition play a central role in disease pathogenesis, preclinical models support a contribution of the gut microbiota to ALD and NAFLD. This review describes changes in the intestinal microbiota compositions related to ALD and NAFLD. Findings from in vitro, animal, and human studies are used to explain how intestinal pathology contributes to disease progression. This review summarizes the effects of untargeted microbiome modifications using antibiotics and probiotics on liver disease in animals and humans. While both affect humoral inflammation, regression of advanced liver disease or mortality has not been demonstrated. This review further describes products secreted by Lactobacillus- and microbiota-derived metabolites, such as fatty acids and antioxidants, that could be used for precision medicine in the treatment of liver disease. A better understanding of host-microbial interactions is allowing discovery of novel therapeutic targets in the gut microbiota, enabling new treatment options that restore the intestinal ecosystem precisely and influence liver disease. The modulation options of the gut microbiota and precision medicine employing the gut microbiota presented in this review have excellent prospects to improve treatment of liver disease.
The prefrontal oxygenation and ventilatory responses at start of one-legged cycling exercise have relation to central command
Authors: Asahara Ryota , Matsukawa Kanji , Ishii Kei , Liang Nan , Endo Kana
Published: September 2016

When performing exercise arbitrarily, activation of central command should start before the onset of exercise, but when exercise is forced to start with cue, activation of central command should be delayed. We examined whether the in-advance activation of central command influenced the ventilatory response and reflected in the prefrontal oxygenation, by comparing the responses during exercise with arbitrary and cued start. The breath-by-breath respiratory variables and the prefrontal oxygenated-hemoglobin concentration (Oxy-Hb) were measured during one-legged cycling. Minute ventilation (V̇e) at the onset of arbitrary one-legged cycling was augmented to a greater extent than cued cycling, while end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (ETco2) decreased irrespective of arbitrary or cued start. Symmetric increase in the bilateral prefrontal Oxy-Hb occurred before and at the onset of arbitrary one-legged cycling, whereas such an increase was absent with cued start. The time course and magnitude of the increased prefrontal oxygenation were not influenced by the extent of subjective rating of perceived exertion and were the same as those of the prefrontal oxygenation during two-legged cycling previously reported. Mental imagery or passive performance of the one-legged cycling increased V̇e and decreased ETco2. Neither intervention, however, augmented the prefrontal Oxy-Hb. The changes in ETco2could not explain the prefrontal oxygenation response during voluntary or passive one-legged cycling. Taken together, it is likely that the in-advance activation of central command influenced the ventilatory response by enhancing minute ventilation at the onset of one-legged cycling exercise and reflected in the preexercise increase in the prefrontal oxygenation.
Validity and reliability of measuring resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity using short sampling durations in healthy humans
Authors: Notay Karambir , Seed Jeremy D. , Incognito Anthony V. , Doherty Connor J. , Nardone Massimo , Burns Matthew J. , Millar Philip J.
Published: September 2016

Resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) demonstrates high intraindividual reproducibility when sampled over 5–30 min epochs, although shorter sampling durations are commonly used before and during a stress to quantify sympathetic responsiveness. The purpose of the present study was to examine the intratest validity and reliability of MSNA sampled over 2 and 1 min and 30 and 15 s epoch durations. We retrospectively analyzed 68 resting fibular nerve microneurographic recordings obtained from 53 young, healthy participants (37 men; 23 ± 6 yr of age). From a stable 7-min resting baseline, MSNA (burst frequency and incidence, normalized mean burst amplitude, total burst area) was compared among each epoch duration and a standard 5-min control. Bland-Altman plots were used to determine agreement and bias. Three sequential MSNA measurements were collected using each sampling duration to calculate absolute and relative reliability (coefficients of variation and intraclass correlation coefficients). MSNA values were similar among each sampling duration and the 5-min control (all P > 0.05), highly correlated ( r = 0.69–0.93; all P < 0.001), and demonstrated no evidence of fixed bias (all P > 0.05). A consistent proportional bias ( P < 0.05) was present for MSNA burst frequency (all sampling durations) and incidence (1 min and 30 and 15 s), such that participants with low and high average MSNA underestimated and overestimated the true value, respectively. Reliability decreased progressively using the 30- and 15-s sampling durations. In conclusion, short 2 and 1 min and 30 s sampling durations can provide valid and reliable measures of MSNA, although increased sample size may be required for epochs ≤30 s, due to poorer reliability.
Computer Based Melanocytic and Nevus Image Enhancement and Segmentation
Authors: Jamil Uzma , Akram M. Usman , Khalid Shehzad , Abbas Sarmad , Saleem Kashif
Published: September 2016

Digital dermoscopy aids dermatologists in monitoring potentially cancerous skin lesions. Melanoma is the 5th common form of skin cancer that is rare but the most dangerous. Melanoma is curable if it is detected at an early stage. Automated segmentation of cancerous lesion from normal skin is the most critical yet tricky part in computerized lesion detection and classification. The effectiveness and accuracy of lesion classification are critically dependent on the quality of lesion segmentation. In this paper, we have proposed a novel approach that can automatically preprocess the image and then segment the lesion. The system filters unwanted artifacts including hairs, gel, bubbles, and specular reflection. A novel approach is presented using the concept of wavelets for detection and inpainting the hairs present in the cancer images. The contrast of lesion with the skin is enhanced using adaptive sigmoidal function that takes care of the localized intensity distribution within a given lesion’s images. We then present a segmentation approach to precisely segment the lesion from the background. The proposed approach is tested on the European database of dermoscopic images. Results are compared with the competitors to demonstrate the superiority of the suggested approach.
Diabetic Macular Edema Pathophysiology: Vasogenic versus Inflammatory
Authors: Romero-Aroca Pedro , Baget-Bernaldiz Marc , Pareja-Rios Alicia , Lopez-Galvez Maribel , Navarro-Gil Raul , Verges Raquel
Published: September 2016

Diabetic macular edema (DME) can cause blindness in diabetic patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy (DR). DM parameters controls (glycemia, arterial tension, and lipids) are the gold standard for preventing DR and DME. Although the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to play a role in the development of DME, the pathological processes leading to the onset of this disease are highly complex and the exact sequence in which they occur is still not completely understood. Angiogenesis and inflammation have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. However, it still remains to be clarified whether angiogenesis following VEGF overexpression is a cause or a consequence of inflammation. This paper provides a review of the data currently available, focusing on VEGF, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Our analysis suggests that angiogenesis and inflammation act interdependently during the development of DME. Knowledge of DME etiology seems to be important in treatments with anti-VEGF or anti-inflammatory drugs. Current diagnostic techniques do not permit us to differentiate between both etiologies. In the future, diagnosing the physiopathology of each patient with DME will help us to select the most effective drug.
Brain MR Contribution to the Differential Diagnosis of Parkinsonian Syndromes: An Update
Authors: Rizzo Giovanni , Zanigni Stefano , De Blasi Roberto , Grasso Daniela , Martino Davide , Savica Rodolfo , Logroscino Giancarlo
Published: September 2016

Brain magnetic resonance (MR) represents a useful and feasible tool for the differential diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Conventional MR may reveal secondary forms of parkinsonism and may show peculiar brain alterations of atypical parkinsonian syndromes. Furthermore, advanced MR techniques, such as morphometric-volumetric analyses, diffusion-weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, tractography, proton MR spectroscopy, and iron-content sensitive imaging, have been used to obtain quantitative parameters useful to increase the diagnostic accuracy. Currently, many MR studies have provided both qualitative and quantitative findings, reflecting the underlying neuropathological pattern of the different degenerative parkinsonian syndromes. Although the variability in the methods and results across the studies limits the conclusion about which technique is the best, specific radiologic phenotypes may be identified. Qualitative/quantitative MR changes in the substantia nigra do not discriminate between different parkinsonisms. In the absence of extranigral abnormalities, the diagnosis of PD is more probable, whereas basal ganglia changes (mainly in the putamen) suggest the diagnosis of an atypical parkinsonian syndrome. In this context, changes in pons, middle cerebellar peduncles, and cerebellum suggest the diagnosis of MSA, in midbrain and superior cerebellar peduncles the diagnosis of PSP, and in whole cerebral hemispheres (mainly in frontoparietal cortex with asymmetric distribution) the diagnosis of Corticobasal Syndrome.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study on Temperature Distribution of Self-Lubricating Packing Rings in Reciprocating Compressors
Authors: Xiaohan Jia , Qingqing Zhang , Jianmei Feng , Xueyuan Peng
Published: September 2016

The nonuniform abrasion failure and high-temperature thermal failure of packing rings have a significant influence on compressor reliability, particularly that of oil-free compressors. In this study, a test rig was constructed to measure the dynamic temperature of packing rings under different operational conditions in an oil-free reciprocating compressor. The dynamic axial and radial temperature distributions of the packing rings were obtained using an innovative internal temperature testing device that kept the thermocouples and packing box relatively static during compressor operation. A three-dimensional heat transfer model was also developed to analyze the temperature distribution of the packing boxes, piston rod, and cylinder during such operation. Good agreement was observed between the simulation results and experimental data, which showed an average relative error of less than 2.35%. The results indicate that the pressure ratio exerts a significant effect on the axial temperature distribution and determines which packing ring reaches the maximum temperature. They also show the average temperature to rise with an increase in the rotational speed and to fall with an improvement in the external cooling conditions. Finally, the material of the packing rings was found to affect the temperature gradient from their inner to outer surface.
Short-Term High-Intensity Interval Training on Body Composition and Blood Glucose in Overweight and Obese Young Women
Authors: Kong Zhaowei , Sun Shengyan , Liu Min , Shi Qingde
Published: September 2016

This study was to determine the effects of five-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, blood glucose, and relevant systemic hormones when compared to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in overweight and obese young women.Methods. Eighteen subjects completed 20 sessions of HIIT or MICT for five weeks. HIIT involved 60 × 8 s cycling at ~90% of peak oxygen consumption (V˙O2peak) interspersed with 12 s recovery, whereas MICT involved 40-minute continuous cycling at 65% ofV˙O2peak.V˙O2peak, body composition, blood glucose, and fasting serum hormones, including leptin, growth hormone, testosterone, cortisol, and fibroblast growth factor 21, were measured before and after training.Results. Both exercise groups achieved significant improvements inV˙O2peak(+7.9% in HIIT versus +11.7% in MICT) and peak power output (+13.8% in HIIT versus +21.9% in MICT) despite no training effects on body composition or the relevant systemic hormones. Blood glucose tended to be decreased after the intervention (p=0.062). The rating of perceived exertion in MICT was higher than that in HIIT (p=0.042).Conclusion. Compared with MICT, short-term HIIT is more time-efficient and is perceived as being easier for improving cardiorespiratory fitness and fasting blood glucose for overweight and obese young women.
Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Multifocal Synchronous Transformation to Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Benedict Mark , Costa Jose
Published: September 2016

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is a common malignancy to affect the thyroid and is typified by a nonaggressive nature and low rates of mortality. In contrast, anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is the most aggressive thyroid malignancy with a mortality rate of nearly 90% and survival typically of only six months after the diagnosis is made. The transformation of papillary thyroid carcinoma to anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is well documented in the literature but is uncommon and in most instances is reported as a case report or small series only. Transformation of papillary thyroid carcinoma to anaplastic thyroid carcinoma usually takes place in the thyroid itself or in the adjacent lymph nodes. Only on rare occasions does a transformation occur in a papillary thyroid carcinoma metastasis outside of these locations. In the present case report and subsequent discussion we highlight an unusual case of PTC with transformation to anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, which is shown to involve numerous locations to include near total lung parenchyma obliteration. We also discuss the differential diagnostic challenges when faced with a thyroid malignancy that is negative for thyroglobulin.
Ecofriendly Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Garden Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)
Authors: Reddy Palem Ramasubba , Ganesh Shimoga D. , Saha Nabanita , Zandraa Oyunchimeg , Sáha Petr
Published: September 2016

Bioreduction of silver ions following one pot process is described to achieveRheum rhabarbarum(RR) based silver nanoparticles (SNPs) which is termed as “RR-SNPs.” The Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) confirms the characteristic surface plasmon resonance band for RR-SNPs in the range of 420–460 nm. The crystalline nature of SNPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks at 38.2°, 45.6°, 64.2°, and 76.8°. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) confirm the shape of synthesized SNPs. They are roughly spherical but uniformly distributed, and size varies from 60 to 80 nm. These biogenic SNPs show persistent zeta potential value of 34.8 mV even after 120 days and exhibit potent antibacterial activity in presence ofEscherichia coli(CCM 4517) andStaphylococcus aureus(CCM 4516). In addition, cytotoxicity of RR-SNPs againstin vitrohuman epithelial carcinoma (HeLa) cell line showed a dose-response activity. The lethal concentration (LC50) value was found to be 28.5 μg/mL for RR-SNPs in the presence of HeLa cells. These findings help us to evaluate their appropriate applications in the field of nanotechnology and nanomedicine.
Minimum Lens Size Supporting the Leaky-Wave Nature of Slit Dipole Antenna at Terahertz Frequency
Authors: Hussain Niamat , Nguyen Truong Khang , Han Haewook , Park Ikmo
Published: September 2016

We designed a slit dipole antenna backed by an extended hemispherical silicon lens and investigated the minimum lens size in which the slit dipole antenna works as a leaky-wave antenna. The slit dipole antenna consists of a planar feeding structure, which is a center-fed and open-ended slot line. A slit dipole antenna backed by an extended hemispherical silicon lens is investigated over a frequency range from 0.2 to 0.4 THz with the center frequency at 0.3 THz. The numerical results show that the antenna gain responses exhibited an increased level of sensitivity to the lens size and increased linearly with increasing lens radius. The lens with the radius of 1.2λois found to be the best possible minimum lens size for a slit dipole antenna on an extended hemispherical silicon lens.
N-Acetylcysteine in Combination with IGF-1 Enhances Neuroprotection against Proteasome Dysfunction-Induced Neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Cheng Benxu , Anand Pinki , Kuang Anxiu , Akhtar Feroz , Scofield Virginia L.
Published: September 2016

Ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) dysfunction has been implicated in the development of many neuronal disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Previous studies focused on individual neuroprotective agents and their respective abilities to prevent neurotoxicity following a variety of toxic insults. However, the effects of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on proteasome impairment-induced apoptosis have not been well characterized in human neuronal cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether cotreatment of NAC and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) efficiently protected against proteasome inhibitor-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Our results demonstrate that the proteasome inhibitor, MG132, initiates poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, caspase 3 activation, and nuclear condensation and fragmentation. In addition, MG132 treatment leads to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy-mediated cell death. All of these events can be attenuated without obvious reduction of MG132 induced protein ubiquitination by first treating the cells with NAC and IGF-1 separately or simultaneously prior to exposure to MG132. Moreover, our data demonstrated that the combination of the two proved to be significantly more effective for neuronal protection. Therefore, we conclude that the simultaneous use of growth/neurotrophic factors and a free radical scavenger may increase overall protection against UPS dysfunction-mediated cytotoxicity and neurodegeneration.
Real-Time Distributed Strain Monitoring of a Railway Bridge during Train Passage by Using a Distributed Optical Fiber Sensor Based on Brillouin Optical Correlation Domain Analysis
Authors: Yoon Hyuk-Jin , Song Kwang-Yong , Choi Chanyong , Na Hee-Seoung , Kim Jung-Seok
Published: September 2016

This study demonstrates the monitoring of distributed strain of rail and girder of a railway bridge occurring during train passage over the bridge’s entire section on a real-time basis by applying a developed distributed optical fiber sensor based on Brillouin Optical Correlation Domain Analysis (BOCDA). The distributed optical fiber sensor system and an algorithm to control as well as to analyze Brillouin gain spectrum signals were also developed. A single-mode optical fiber was attached in the longitudinal direction on the rail and the lower flange of the girder to be used as a sensing fiber of the BOCDA system. Changes in the girder’s strain at the center point of the bridge during the passage of a commercial train were measured at 9 Hz, and the accuracy of this measurement was validated by comparing the measured data with the data from strain gauge. In addition, the distributed strain of a girder and the rail with a length of 40.26 m was measured in real time with a spatial resolution of 31.1 cm. Based on the results of the rail’s strain distribution, the study could identify the location where excessive strain occurred due to an influence of unsupported sleepers on girder of the bridge.
The Complex Function Method Roadway Section Design of the Soft Coal Seam
Authors: Tu Shihao , Li Zhaoxin , Ye Zhiwei , Zhang Cun , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2016

As for the sophisticated advanced support technique of vertical wall semicircle arch roadway in the three-soft coal seam, a design of flat top U-shape roadway section was put forward. Based on the complex function method, the surrounding rock displacement and stress distribution laws both of vertical wall semicircle arch roadway and of flat top U-shape roadway were obtained. The results showed that the displacement distribution laws in the edge of roadway surrounding rock were similar between the two different roadways and the area of plasticity proportion of flat top U-shape roadway approximately equals that of vertical wall semicircle arch roadway. Based on finite element method, the bearing behaviors of the U-type steel support under the interaction of surrounding rock in vertical wall semicircle arch roadway and flat top U-shape roadway were analyzed. The results showed that, from a mechanics perspective, U-type steel support can fulfill the requirement of surrounding rock supporting in flat top U-shape roadway and vertical wall semicircle arch roadway. The field measurement of mining roadway surrounding rock displacement in Zouzhuang coal mine working face 3204 verified the accuracy of theoretical analysis and numerical simulation.
The Prevalence of Tooth Wear in the Dutch Adult Population
Authors: Wetselaar Peter , Vermaire Jan H. , Visscher Corine M. , Lobbezoo Frank , Schuller Annemarie A.
Published: September 2016

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of tooth wear in different age groups of the Dutch adult population and to determine this tooth wear distribution by gender, socioeconomic class, and type of teeth. Results were compared with the outcomes of a previous study in a comparable population. As part of a comprehensive investigation of the oral health of the general Dutch adult population in 2013, tooth wear was assessed among 1,125 subjects in the city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch. The data collected were subjected to stratified analysis by 5 age groups (25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, and 65-74 years), gender, socioeconomic class, and type of teeth. Tooth wear was assessed using a 5-point ordinal occlusal/incisal grading scale. The number of teeth affected was higher in older age groups. Men showed more tooth wear than women, and subjects with low socioeconomic status (low SES) showed on average higher scores than those with high SES. Tooth wear prevalence found in this study was higher in all age groups than in the previous study. The present study found prevalences of 13% for mild tooth wear and 80% for moderate tooth wear, leading to the conclusion that these are common conditions in the Dutch adult population. Severe tooth wear (prevalence 6%) may however be characterized as rare. A tendency was found for there to be more tooth wear in older age groups, in men as compared with women, in persons with lower SES, and in the present survey as compared with the previous one.