bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flames of Swirling Double-Concentric Jets Subject to Acoustic Excitation at Resonance
Authors: Zargar Omid Ali , Huang Rong Fung , Hsu Ching Min
Published: October 2018

The effects of acoustic excitation at resonance on the flame appearances, flame lengths, flame temperatures, and combustion product concentrations of combusting swirling dual-disk double-concentric jets were studied. The Reynolds number of the annular swirling air jet was varied, while it was fixed at 2500 for the central propane jet. The central fuel jet was acoustically forced by a loudspeaker, which was installed using downstream longitudinal irradiation. The central jet pulsation intensities were measured by a calibrated, one-component hot-wire anemometer. The instantaneous full-length and close-up flame images were captured to identify the characteristic flame modes. Long-exposure flame images were taken to measure the flame lengths. The axial and radial temperature distributions of flames were measured using a homemade, fine-wire R-type thermocouple. The concentrations of combustion products were measured by a gas analyzer. Four characteristic flame modes, blue-base wrinkled flame, yellow-base anchored flame, blue-base anchored flame, and lifted flame, were observed in the domain of central jet pulsation intensity and annular swirling jet Reynolds number. The lifted flame, which was formed at large central jet pulsation intensities, presented characteristics of a premixed flame due to significant mixing induced by violent, turbulent flow motions. It was short and stable, with high combustion efficiency and low toxic emissions, when compared with the unexcited flame and other excited characteristic flame modes, which presented characteristics of diffusion flame.
Development and Evaluation of a Distributed Recycling System for Making Filaments Reused in Three-Dimensional Printers
Authors: Lee Dongoh , Lee Younghun , Lee Kyunghyun , Ko Youngsu , Kim Namsu
Published: October 2018

Due to an increase in the number of applications for 3D printers, the use of thermoplastic resins such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and poly lactic acid (PLA), which are typical filament materials for fused filament fabrication (FFF) type 3D printers, has also increased significantly. This trend has produced an interest in recycled filaments, both to reduce the manufacturing cost of fabricated products and to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Also, this recycling system is very useful to make functional filament such as highly conducting or high strength filament by combining carbon nanotube or polydopamine during recycling process. This study presents the design procedures of system for making recycled filaments for 3D printers from waste polymer. The system integrates four main parts for recycling filament: a shredder, which crushes polymer waste into small pieces; an extruder, which extrudes filament from the crushed pieces; a sensing and control component, which regulates the diameter of the extruded filament via a closed-loop control system, and a spooler. Additionally, the dimensional accuracy, the mechanical strength of pristine, and recycled filaments were investigated and compared.
Kinematic Calibration of a Three Degrees-of-Freedom Parallel Manipulator With a Laser Tracker
Authors: He Leiying , Li Qinchuan , Zhu Xubiao , Wu Chuanyu
Published: October 2018

Kinematic calibration is commonly used to improve the accuracy of a parallel mechanism. This paper presents an effective method for calibrating an overconstrained three degrees-of-freedom parallel manipulator employing a direct kinematic model. An error-mapping function is formulated from the differential of its kinematic model which is established through vector chains with the geometrical errors. To simplify the measurement of the error, the positioning and orientation error of the moving platform is replaced by the positioning error of the tool center point, which can be measured by a laser tracker accurately. Three different objective functions F1, F2, and F∞, respectively, representing 1-norm, 2-norm, and inf-norm of the error vector are used to identify the geometrical parameters of the manipulator. The results of computer simulation show that parameters after kinematic calibration through minimizing the objective function F2 is highly accurate and efficient. A calibration experiment is carried out to verify the effectiveness of the method. The maximum residual of calibration points reduces greatly from 3.904 to 0.256 mm during parameter identification. The positioning errors of all points on and inside the space surrounded by the calibration points are smaller than 0.4 mm after error compensation.
Development of a Steady-State Experimental Facility for the Analysis of Double-Wall Effusion Cooling Geometries
Authors: Murray Alexander V. , Ireland Peter T. , Romero Eduardo
Published: October 2018

The continuous drive for ever higher turbine entry temperatures is leading to considerable interest in high performance cooling systems which offer high cooling effectiveness with low coolant utilization. The double-wall system is an optimized amalgamation of more conventional cooling methods including impingement cooling, pedestals, and film cooling holes in closely packed arrays characteristic of effusion cooling. The system comprises two walls, one with impingement holes, and the other with film holes. These are mechanically connected via pedestals allowing conduction between the walls while increasing coolant-wetted area and turbulent flow. However, in the open literature, experimental data on such systems are sparse. This study presents a new experimental heat transfer facility designed for investigating double-wall systems. Key features of the facility are discussed, including the use of infrared thermography to obtain overall cooling effectiveness measurements. The facility is designed to achieve Reynolds and Biot (to within 10%) number similarity to those seen at engine conditions. The facility is used to obtain overall cooling effectiveness measurements for a circular pedestal, double-wall test piece at three coolant mass-flows. A conjugate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the facility was developed providing insight into the internal flow features. Additionally, a computationally efficient, decoupled conjugate method developed by the authors for analyzing double-wall systems is run at the experimental conditions. The results of the simulations are encouraging, particularly given how computationally efficient the method is, with area-weighted, averaged overall effectiveness within a small margin of those obtained from the experimental facility.
Numerical and Experimental Research on the Fluid-Induced Forces of Clearance Flow in Canned Motor Reactor Coolant Pump
Authors: Xu Rui , Long Yun , Hu Yaoyu , Yin Junlian , Wang Dezhong
Published: October 2018

Reactor coolant pump (RCP) is one of the most important equipment of the coolant loop in a pressurized water reactor system. Its safety relies on the characteristics of the rotordynamic system. For a canned motor RCP, the liquid coolant fills up the clearance between the metal shields of the rotor and stator inside the canned motor, forming a long clearance flow. The fluid-induced forces of the clearance flow in canned motor RCP and their effects on the rotordynamic characteristics of the pump are numerically and experimentally analyzed in this work. A transient computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method has been used to investigate the fluid-induced force of the clearance. A vertical experiment rig has also been established for the purpose of measuring the fluid-induced forces. Fluid-induced forces of clearance flow with various whirl frequencies and various boundary conditions are obtained through the CFD method and the experiment. Results show that clearance flow brings large mass coefficient into the rotordynamic system and the direct stiffness coefficient is negative under the normal operating condition. The rotordynamic stability of canned motor RCP does not deteriorate despite the existence of significant cross-coupled stiffness coefficient from the fluid-induced forces of the clearance flow.
Optimal Speed Synchronization Control With Disturbance Compensation for an Integrated Motor-Transmission Powertrain System
Authors: Huang Jianfeng , Zhang Jianlong , Huang Wei , Yin Chengliang
Published: October 2018

Motor speed synchronization is important in gear shifting of emerging clutchless automated manual transmissions (AMT) for electric vehicles and other kinds of parallel shaft-based powertrains for hybrid electric vehicles. This paper proposes a speed synchronization controller design for a kind of system integrating a traction motor and a dual clutch transmission (DCT), using optimal control and disturbances compensation. Based on the relativity between magnitudes of different system parameters, the optimal control law is simplified into the proportional (P) one to ease design and analysis. Relationship between the feedback gain and the duration of speed synchronization process is derived in an explicit way to facilitate model-based determination of controller parameters. To alleviate overshoot while maintaining predesigned performances, the explicit nominal speed trajectory rather than the fixed setpoint speed is chosen as the reference signal. To improve robustness of the controller, a time-domain disturbance observer (DO) is added to cancel effects from parameter drift, unmodeled dynamics, and other exogenous disturbances. As a result, the proposed controller possesses merits of few controller parameters to be determined, good transient response, and robustness. These features make it suitable for practical engineering use. Simulation and experiment results verify its effectiveness in attaining both a fast and small-overshoot speed synchronizing process.
A Thin Film Fluid Structure Interaction Model for the Study of Flexible Structure Dynamics in Centrifugal Pumps
Authors: Albadawi A. , Specklin M. , Connolly R. , Delauré Y.
Published: October 2018

This paper describes a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model for the study of flexible cloth-like structures or the so-called rags in flows through centrifugal pumps. The structural model and its coupling to the flow solver are based on a Lagrangian formulation combining structural deformation and motion modeling coupled to a sharp interface immersed boundary model (IBM). The solution has been implemented in the open-source library OpenFOAM relying in particular on its PIMPLE segregated Navier–Stokes pressure–velocity coupling and its detached eddy simulation (DES) turbulence model. The FSI solver is assessed in terms of its capability to generate consistent deformations and transport of the immersed flexible structures. Two benchmark cases are covered and both involve experimental validation with three-dimensional (3D) structural deformations of the rag captured using a digital image correlation (DIC) technique. Simulations of a rag transported in a centrifugal pump confirm the suitability of the model to inform on the dynamic behavior of immersed structures under practical engineering conditions.
Synergy-Based Gaussian Process Estimation of Ankle Angle and Torque: Conceptualization for High Level Controlling of Active Robotic Foot Prostheses/Orthoses
Authors: Eslamy Mahdy , Alipour Khalil
Published: October 2018

Human gait is the result of a complex and fascinating cooperation between different joints and segments in the lower extremity. This study aims at investigating the existence of this cooperation or the so-called synergy between the shank motion and the ankle motion. One potential use of this synergy is to develop the high level controllers for active foot prostheses/orthoses. The central point in this paper is to develop a high level controller that is able to continuously map shank kinematics (inputs) to ankle angles and torques (outputs). At the same time, it does not require speed determination, gait percent identification, switching rules, and look-up tables. Furthermore, having those targets in mind, an important part of this study is to determine which input type is required to achieve such targets. This should be fulfilled through using minimum number of inputs. To do this, the Gaussian process (GP) regression has been used to estimate the ankle angles and torques for 11 subjects at three walking speeds (0.5, 1, and 1.5 m/s) based on the shank angular velocity and angle. The results show that it is possible to estimate ankle motion based on the shank motion. It was found that the estimation achieved less quality with only shank angular velocity or angle, whereas the aggregated angular velocity and angle resulted in much higher output estimation quality. In addition, the estimation quality was acceptable for the speeds that there was a training procedure before and when it was tested for the untrained speeds, the estimation quality was not as acceptable as before. The pros and cons of the proposed method are investigated at different scenarios.
Generalized Polynomial Chaos With Optimized Quadrature Applied to a Turbulent Boundary Layer Forced Plate
Authors: Wixom Andrew S. , Walters Gage S. , Martinelli Sheri L. , Williams David M.
Published: October 2018

We explore the use of generalized polynomial chaos (GPC) expansion with stochastic collocation (SC) for modeling the uncertainty in the noise radiated by a plate subject to turbulent boundary layer (TBL) forcing. The SC form of polynomial chaos permits re-use of existing computational models, while drastically reducing the number of evaluations of the deterministic code compared to Monte Carlo (MC) sampling, for instance. Further efficiency is attained through the application of new, efficient, quadrature rules to compute the GPC expansion coefficients. We demonstrate that our approach accurately reconstructs the statistics of the radiated sound power by propagating the input uncertainty through the computational physics model. The use of optimized quadrature rules permits these results to be obtained using far fewer quadrature nodes than with traditional methods, such as tensor product quadrature and Smolyak sparse grid methods. As each quadrature node corresponds to an expensive deterministic model evaluation, the computational cost of the analysis is seen to be greatly reduced.
Gearbox Fault Diagnosis Based on Selective Integrated Soft Competitive Learning Fuzzy Adaptive Resonance Theory
Authors: Wan Xiao-Jin , Liu Licheng , Xu Zengbing , Xu Zhigang
Published: October 2018

In this work, a soft competitive learning fuzzy adaptive resonance theory (SFART) diagnosis model based on multifeature domain selection for the single symptom domain and the single-target model is proposed. In order to solve the problem that the performance of traditional fuzzy ART (FART) is affected by the order of sample input, the similarity criterion of YU norm is introduced into the fuzzy ART network. In the meanwhile, the lateral inhibition theory is introduced to solve the wasteful problem of fuzzy ART mode node. By combining YU norm and lateral inhibition theory with fuzzy ART network, a soft competitive learning ART neural network diagnosis model that allows multiple mode nodes to learn simultaneously is designed. The feature parameters are extracted from the perspectives of time domain, frequency domain, time series model, wavelet analysis, and wavelet packet energy spectrum analysis, respectively. To further improve the diagnostic accuracy, the selective weighted majority voting method is integrated into the diagnosis model. Finally, the selected feature parameters are inputted to the integrated model to complete the fault classification and diagnosis. Finally, the proposed method is verified with a gearbox fault diagnosis test.
Design and Analysis of a Novel Power-Split Infinitely Variable Power Transmission System
Authors: İnce Ender , Güler Mehmet A.
Published: October 2018

In the last few decades, power-split infinitely variable transmission (IVT) systems have attracted considerable attention as they ensure high driving comfort with high total efficiencies, especially in off-highway vehicles and agricultural machines. In this study, a novel power-split-input-coupled IVT system is developed. The effects of various dynamic parameters such as power flow and Willis transmission ratio on the mechanical efficiency of the systems are investigated. Kinematic analysis of the new system has been carried out. In addition power flow equations are derived as functions of the power that flows through the infinitely variable unit (IVU). The results indicate that the main parameters, which are strictly related to mechanical efficiency are the power and torque flows through the IVU.
Numerical Simulation of the Effect of Channel Orientation on Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer at High Buoyancy Number in a Rotating Two-Pass Channel With Angled Ribs
Authors: Brahim Berrabah , Miloud Aminallah
Published: October 2018

Convective heat transfer in a rotating two-pass square channel with 45 deg ribs is numerically investigated to simulate turbine blade cooling operation under extreme design cooling conditions (high rotation number, high density ratio, and high buoyancy number). Two channel orientations are examined β = 0 deg and β = 45 deg in order to determine the effects of passage orientation on flow and heat transfer. For a reference pressure of 10-atm and a Reynolds number of 25,000, the results show that at low buoyancy number and for both channel orientations, the combined effect of Coriolis and centrifugal buoyancy forces generates an important thermal gradient between low- and high-pressure surfaces of the first passage, while the second passage remains almost unchanged compared to the stationary cases. At high buoyancy number, and unlike low buoyancy number, the interaction of Coriolis-driven cells, rib-induced vortices, and buoyancy-driven cells are destructive, which degrade the heat transfer rate on trailing and leading surfaces in the first passage for β = 0 deg. In contrast, for β = 45 deg, this interaction is constructive, which enhances the heat transfer rate on co-trailing and co-leading surfaces. In the second passage, the interaction of rib-induced vortices and buoyancy-driven cells deteriorates significantly the heat transfer rate in case of β = 0 deg than in case of β = 45 deg compared to low buoyancy number. The computations are performed using the second-moment closure turbulence model and the numerical results are in fair agreement with available experimental data.
Piecewise assembled acoustic arrays based on reconfigurable tessellated structures
Authors: Zou Chengzhe , Harne Ryan L.
Published: October 2018

Physically reconfigurable, tessellated acoustic arrays inspired by origami structures have recently been leveraged to adaptively guide acoustic energy. Yet, the prior work only examined tessellated arrays composed from uniform folding patterns, so that the limited folding-induced shape change prohibits broad acoustic field tailoring. To explore a wider range of opportunities by origami-inspired acoustic arrays, here, piecewise geometries are assembled from multiple folding patterns so that acoustic transducer elements are reconfigured in more intricate ways upon array folding. An analytical model of assembled geometries and resulting acoustic wave radiation from the oscillating facets is formulated. Using the theoretical tool, parametric investigations are undertaken to study the adaptation of acoustic energy transmission caused by folding and modularity of the array assembly. A proof-of-concept specimen is fabricated and experiments are conducted to validate the theoretical model and to investigate the efficacy of the piecewise acoustic array concept. The total findings reveal that the assembly of tessellated acoustic arrays may emulate the wave radiation emitted by ideal acoustic sources of intricate shapes. Moreover, by exploitation of origami folding actions, the shape adaptations of the proposed arrays permit straightforward wave guiding opportunities for diverse application needs.
Pharmacological interventions for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Sridharan Kannan , Sivaramakrishnan Gowri , Sequeira Reginald Paul , Elamin Abdelaziz
Published: October 2018

Aim

Several drugs have been used for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present study is a network meta-analysis of such drugs.

Design, setting and patients

Randomised clinical trials comparing drug interventions in patients with NAFLD were analysed. OR and weighted mean difference (95 % CI) were the effect estimates for categorical and numerical outcomes, respectively. Random-effects model was used to generate pooled estimates. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve was used to rank the treatments.

Main outcome measures

Proportion of responders was the primary outcome measure and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis scores, liver enzymes, lipid profile, body mass index, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, intrahepatic fat and adverse events were the key secondary outcomes.

Results

116 studies were included in the systematic review and 106 in the meta-analysis. Elafibranor, gemfibrozil, metadoxine, obeticholic acid, pentoxifylline, pioglitazone, probiotics, telmisartan, vildagliptin and vitamin E significantly increased the response rate than standard of care. Various other drugs were observed to modify the secondary outcomes favourably. Probiotics was found with a better response in children; and elafibranor, obeticholic acid, pentoxifylline and pioglitazone in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The quality of evidence observed was either low or very low.

Conclusion

In patients with NAFLD, several drugs have been shown to have variable therapeutic benefit. However, the estimates and the inferences should be considered with extreme caution as it might change with the advent of future head-to-head clinical trials.
Association between serum amyloid A levels and cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Jielin , Sheng Jie , Fan Yong , Zhu Xingmeng , Tao Qi , He Yue , Wang Sufang
Published: October 2018

Objective

Increased serum amyloid A (SAA) levels have been investigated in various human malignancies, but a consistent perspective has not been established to date. This study systematically reviewed the association between SAA levels and cancers.

Methods

Cochrane Library, PubMed and Embase were carefully searched for available studies. The following keywords were used in database searches: ‘serum amyloid A’, ‘SAA’, ‘cancer’, ‘tumour’, ‘carcinoma’, ‘nubble’, ‘knurl’ and ‘lump’. Pooled standard mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% CIs were calculated using random-effects model analysis.

Results

Twenty studies, which contained 3682 cancer cases and 2424 healthy controls, were identified in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Our study suggested that the average SAA concentrations in the case groups were significantly higher than those in control groups (SMD 0.77, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.00, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that continent, age and cancer location were associated with SAA level differences between case groups and control groups. Sensitivity analyses showed the robustness and credibility of our results. In addition, we further stratified analyses for cancer stages and found that the concentrations of SAA increased gradually with the aggravation of cancer stages.

Conclusion

High circulating SAA levels were markedly associated with the developing risks of cancer, especially for participants from Asia, Oceania and Europe, or subject age more than 50, or locations in oesophageal squamous cell, ovarian, breast, lung, renal and gastric cancers. In addition, our study found that the concentrations of SAA increased with the severity of cancer stages.
Numerical Analysis of the Structural Stability of Ideal (Defect-Free) and Structurally and Morphologically Degenerated Homogeneous, Linearly- and Angle-Adjoined Nanotubes and Cylindrical Fullerenes Under Axial Loading Using Finite Element Method
Authors: Yengejeh Sadegh Imani , Öchsner Andreas , Kazemi Seyedeh Alieh , Rybachuk Maksym
Published: October 2018

We report on the structural stability of ideal (defect-free) and structurally and morphologically degenerate carbon nanotubes and nanotube junction systems under axial loading based on the finite element method. We estimated the values for critical buckling load for uncapped and capped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and linear and angle-adjoined SWCNT heterojunctions in ideal and structurally degenerate systems containing single-, double-, triple-, pinhole- and pentagon–heptagon (i.e., 5–7) structural defects and also containing a substitutional nitrogen (N) atom inclusion under compressive loading. Absolute atomic vacancy (defect) concentration in studied SWCNTs models was assumed to be nil for ideal systems, and was up to 3.0 at.% for structurally and morphologically degenerate systems. It was found that all types of structural defects and the morphological N-defect had reduced the load carrying capacity and mechanical strength in all SWCNT systems studied. The SWCNT models containing physically large vacant sites, such as triple- and pinhole-defects, displayed significantly lower critical load values compared to the systems that contained only a single-, double- or triple-vacancies. In addition, we found that capped SWCNTs performed marginally better in critical load carrying capacity compared to uncapped SWCNT systems. Furthermore, majority of the investigated structures displayed reduced load in SWCNTs with narrower tube widths, proportional to the size and the type of the defect investigated. The effects of chirality, such as zigzag- versus armchair-type, on the structural stability of the investigated SWCNT models were also investigated.
Influence of Flexoelectricity on Electromechanical Properties of Functionally Graded Piezoelectric Nanobeams Based on Modified Couple Stress Theory
Authors: Chu Liangliang , Dui Guansuo , Yan Zhi , Zheng Yicong
Published: October 2018

Flexoelectricity refers to the linear coupling between the strain gradient and the electric polarization at micro/nanometer scale and exists in all dielectrics. Flexoelectricity exhibits strong size-dependence, which can be remarkably enhanced by size reduction. Flexoelectricity is also shape-associated and the strain gradients induced electric polarization in nonpiezoelectric dielectrics with irregular shapes (i.e., truncated pyramids) depend on shape geometry, dimension and aspect ratio of the structures. In this work, a novel asymmetric piezoelectric nanobeam based on functionally graded (FG) nanomaterial is modeled and the flexoelectricity in such a designed structure is theoretically examined. Since the material properties of FG nanomaterial vary along a certain direction, it is expected that such an inhomogeneity will result in large strain gradients in the nanobeam and a large flexoelectric response will occur. By assuming that the material properties of FG nanomaterial obey a power volume fraction distribution, we derive a six-order governing equation based on modified couple stress elasticity theory, and closed-form solutions are obtained. Results indicate that the flexoelectricity has a significant influence on the electromechanical responses in FG piezoelectric nanobeams. The results obtained from the current work may help explain the extremely large flexoelectric coefficients observed in some classes of materials with irregular shapes.
Machine Learning in Network Centrality Measures
Authors: Grando Felipe , Granville Lisandro Z. , Lamb Luis C.
Published: October 2018

Complex networks are ubiquitous to several computer science domains. Centrality measures are an important analysis mechanism to uncover vital elements of complex networks. However, these metrics have high computational costs and requirements that hinder their applications in large real-world networks. In this tutorial, we explain how the use of neural network learning algorithms can render the application of the metrics in complex networks of arbitrary size. Moreover, the tutorial describes how to identify the best configuration for neural network training and learning such for tasks, besides presenting an easy way to generate and acquire training data. We do so by means of a general methodology, using complex network models adaptable to any application. We show that a regression model generated by the neural network successfully approximates the metric values and therefore is a robust, effective alternative in real-world applications. The methodology and proposed machine-learning model use only a fraction of time with respect to other approximation algorithms, which is crucial in complex network applications.
Welcome to AI matters 4(3)
Authors: McGovern Amy
Published: October 2018

Welcome to the third issue of the fourth volume of the AI Matters Newsletter. In this issue, we have some great news: we are bringing back the AI student essay contest! Please see the first article for details on this fun contest which is due January 10, 2019. In addition to the prizes discussed in the article, the winners will have their articles features in AI Matters in the issue following their selection.
AI education matters
Authors: Sturtevant Nathan R.
Published: October 2018

In this column, we share advice and resources for teaching and learning about heuristic search algorithms. These are algorithms like A* (Hart, Nilsson, & Raphael, 1968), IDA* (Korf, 1985) and others that use admissible heuristics to find optimal and suboptimal solutions to shortest path problems.
Ethics in Human Biology: A Historical Perspective on Present Challenges
Authors: Radin Joanna
Published: October 2018

The practice of human biology requires the negotiation of a range of ethical issues, including the politics of race and indigeneity, the appropriate use of research materials, and the relationship between researchers and those people from whose bodies they seek to gain knowledge. Grounding my discussion in a history of the field, I discuss key ethical turning points that have shaped the present. These include the field's complex historical relationship to race and colonialism and the implications this relationship has for research, including the needs and desires of Indigenous peoples. This review demonstrates that human biology has been a crucible for many of the most complex ethical issues facing anthropology and allied practices of biomedicine and life science. Its future success as a field is inextricable from its practitioners’ ability to adapt in ways that foster the trust and engagement of those humans whose bodies constitute the basis for their knowledge making.
Literature and Reading
Authors: Reed Adam
Published: October 2018

This article examines anthropological approaches to fiction reading. It asks why the field of literary anthropology remains largely disinvested of ethnographic work on literary cultures and how that field might approach the study of literature and reading ethnographically. The issue of the creative agency of fiction readers is explored in the context of what it means to ask anthropological questions of literature, which includes the challenge of speaking back to dominant approaches grounded in forms of critical analysis. Finally, the article looks to recent work in the anthropology of Christianity on Bible reading and engagements with biblical characters to open up new questions about the relationship between fiction reading and temporal regimes.
The Backpropagation Artificial Neural Network Based on Elite Particle Swam Optimization Algorithm for Stochastic Linear Bilevel Programming Problem
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Xiaofei
Published: October 2018

For a class of stochastic linear bilevel programming problem, we firstly transform it into a deterministic linear bilevel covariance programming problem. Then, the deterministic bilevel covariance programming problem is solved by backpropagation artificial neural network based on elite particle swam optimization algorithm (BPANN-PSO). Finally, we perform the simulation experiments and the results show that the computational efficiency of the proposed algorithm has a potential upside compared with the classical algorithm.
Lumbar Intraspinal Osteolipoma Presenting as Cauda Equina Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Dilip Chand Raja S. , Kanna Rishi Mugesh , Shetty Ajoy Prasad , Rajasekaran S.
Published: October 2018

Introduction. Osteolipomas are uncommon variants of lipoma. These lesions have been usually reported to arise from the oral cavity, brain, and neck and scarcely from the knee and thigh. Intraspinal osteolipomas are rare. A single case of intraspinal osteolipoma has been reported in the cervical and thoracic spine in the literature. To our knowledge, there is no report of osteolipomas in the lumbar spine. Case Presentation. We report a very rare case of a solitary lumbar intraspinal osteolipoma, presenting as a cauda equina syndrome. The intraspinal osteolipoma was excised en bloc and fusion was performed as it required partial resection of the facet joint within 24 hours of presentation. He has since then improved neurologically, and there has been no recurrence of the lesion so far. The clinical presentation, radiological characteristics, treatment course, and histopathological features of this lesion along with the clinical outcomes and a pertinent literature review were done and have been discussed. Discussion. The heterogeneous signal intensity of the lesion in MRI differentiates it from other dural-based lesions, and this should raise suspicion of an osteolipoma, which warrants a CT. Although intraspinal osteolipomas are benign lesions and generally have good prognosis, they need to be removed en bloc as they may result in rapid neurological deterioration.
Exponential Stability and Robust H∞ Control for Discrete-Time Time-Delay Infinite Markov Jump Systems
Authors: Liu Yueying , Hou Ting
Published: October 2018

In this paper, exponential stability and robust H∞ control problem are investigated for a class of discrete-time time-delay stochastic systems with infinite Markov jump and multiplicative noises. The jumping parameters are modeled as an infinite-state Markov chain. By using a novel Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, a new sufficient condition in terms of matrix inequalities is derived to guarantee the mean square exponential stability of the equilibrium point. Then some sufficient conditions for the existence of feedback controller are presented to guarantee that the resulting closed-loop system has mean square exponential stability for the zero exogenous disturbance and satisfies a prescribed H∞ performance level. Numerical simulations are exploited to validate the applicability of developed theoretical results.
The Role of IL-6RA in UHMWPE Promotes Proliferation in Fibro-Like Synovial Cells
Authors: Pang Xianlun , Yang Jiang , Zhen Xiaoli , Nie Hai , Qin Hao , Huang Lingyuan , Zhang Lijie
Published: October 2018

UHMWPE granule could induce macrophages and inflammatory responses in interfacial tissues, which eliminated the wear debris of UHMWPE component and further induced dissolution of the surrounding bone, leading aseptic loosening. However, the mechanism of synovial cells, especially fibroblast-like synovial (FLS) cells response to UHMWPE, remains unknown. Herein we choose FLS cells as research object. Vimentin (+) CD68 (-) was identified by flow cytometry and immunofluorescent staining assay, and the cells were identified as FLS cells, which was consistent with the experimental requirements. The inhibitory evaluation showed that UHMWPE could significantly promote the proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of FLS cells in dose- and time-dependent manners and increase the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, PGE2, MMP2, and LOX. UHMWPE also can induce the expression of mIL-6R protein in FLS cells and further investigate the relationship between apoptosis and inflammation. Interestingly enough, when we added the interleukin-6 receptor antagonist (IL-6RA), the expression levels of proapoptosis-related proteins increased; in other words, UHMWPE-induced antiapoptosis diminished by IL-6RA (50 μg/ml). Taken together, these findings clearly demonstrated that UHMWPE promote growth in FLS cells through upregulating inflammatory factors to produce antiapoptotic effect.
An Overview on the Anti‐inflammatory Potential and Antioxidant Profile of Eugenol
Authors: Barboza Joice Nascimento , da Silva Maia Bezerra Filho Carlos , Silva Renan Oliveira , Medeiros Jand Venes R. , de Sousa Damião Pergentino
Published: October 2018

The bioactive compounds found in foods and medicinal plants are attractive molecules for the development of new drugs with action against several diseases, such as those associated with inflammatory processes, which are commonly related to oxidative stress. Many of these compounds have an appreciable inhibitory effect on oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and may contribute in a preventive way to improve the quality of life through the use of a diet rich in these compounds. Eugenol is a natural compound that has several pharmacological activities, action on the redox status, and applications in the food and pharmaceutical industry. Considering the importance of this compound, the present review discusses its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties, demonstrating its mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
The Effect of Chronic Inflammation and Oxidative and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in the Course of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Therapy
Authors: Alicka Michalina , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: October 2018

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly associated with a modern lifestyle. The prevalence of MetS has reached epidemic proportion and is still rising. The main cause of MetS and finally type 2 diabetes occurrence is excessive nutrient intake, lack of physical activity, and inflammatory cytokines secretion. These factors lead to redistribution of body fat and oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress occurrence, resulting in insulin resistance, increase adipocyte differentiation, and much elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Cellular therapies, especially mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation, seem to be promising in the MetS and type 2 diabetes treatments, due to their immunomodulatory effect and multipotent capacity; adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) play a crucial role in MSC-based cellular therapies. In this review, we focused on etiopathology of MetS, especially on the crosstalk between chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and ER stress and their effect on MetS-related disease occurrence, as well as future perspectives of cellular therapies. We also provide an overview of therapeutic approaches that target endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress.
Thromboembolic Events Related to Treatment with Checkpoint Inhibitors: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Tsukamoto Jessica , Monteiro Mariana , Vale Silvana , Lemos Cynthia , Scarpelli Thais , Carvalho Leticia , Pezzutti Daniela , Brandão Raphael
Published: October 2018

Despite the significant clinical benefits, checkpoint inhibition is associated with a unique spectrum of immune-related adverse events. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish some rare adverse effects from a cancer progression; thus, such effects should be reported in clinical trials to be diagnosed by physicians. Only a few cases of arterial embolic events have been described in studies related to patients treated by immunotherapy. In this article, we report the cases of 2 patients who presented rare and severe thromboembolic events after using checkpoint inhibitors. The first case describes multiple organ embolism at the same time, associated with other autoimmune symptoms. In the second case, distal digital necrosis emerged after the initiation of immunotherapy. There is insufficient data about the real incidence of thromboembolic and rheumatological events related to checkpoint inhibition. Future trials should be done to establish preventive strategies.
Novel Neural Network Approach to Predict Drug-Target Interactions Based on Drug Side Effects and Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Prinz Jeanette , Koohi-Moghadam Mohamad , Sun Hongzhe , Kocher Jean-Pierre A. , Wang Junwen
Published: October 2018

Aims: We propose a novel machine learning approach to expand the knowledge about drug-target interactions. Our method may help to develop effective, less harmful treatment strategies and to enable the detection of novel indications for existing drugs. Methods: We developed a novel machine learning strategy to predict drug-target interactions based on drug side effects and traits from genome-wide association studies. We integrated data from the databases SIDER and GWASdb and utilized them in a unique way by a neural network approach. Results: We validate our method using drug-target interactions from the STITCH database. In addition, we compare the chemical similarity of the predicted target to known targets of the drug under consideration and present literature-based evidence for predicted interactions. We find drug combination warnings for drugs we predict to target the same protein, hinting to synergistic effects aggravating harmful events. This substantiates the translational value of our approach, because we are able to detect drugs that should be taken together with care due to common mechanisms of action. Conclusion: Taken together, we conclude that our approach is able to generate a novel and clinically applicable insight into the molecular determinants of drug action.
Biofilm-Leukocyte Cross-Talk: Impact on Immune Polarization and Immunometabolism
Authors: Yamada Kelsey J. , Kielian Tammy
Published: October 2018

Biofilms are bacterial communities contained within an extracellular matrix, which can colonize both native tissues and artificial surfaces. In particular, indwelling medical devices and prosthetic implants are targets for biofilm formation because they facilitate bacterial attachment via host proteins that coat the foreign body. Biofilm infections are particularly challenging to treat, since they are not readily cleared by antibiotics, require invasive procedures to eradicate, and are prone to recurrence. It has been demonstrated that biofilm-derived products can actively suppress proinflammatory immune responses, as evident by the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and macrophage (MФ) polarization towards an anti-inflammatory state. Recent studies have shown that alterations in leukocyte metabolism shape their inflammatory phenotype and function. For example, anti-inflammatory MФs are biased towards oxidative phosphorylation whereas proinflammatory MФs favor aerobic glycolysis. This review will compare the immune responses elicited by planktonic and biofilm bacterial infections, with a discussion on the metabolic properties of MФs and neutrophils in response to both bacterial growth conditions.
Primary Gastrointestinal Kaposi’s Sarcoma in a Patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Zapata Laguado Martin Ignacio , Aponte Monsalve Jorge Enrique , Santos Jorge Hernan , Preciado Javier , Mosquera Zamudio Andres , Garza Acosta Cristina
Published: October 2018

Gastrointestinal bleeding in HIV patients secondary to coinfection by HHV8 and development of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a rare complication even if no skin lesions are detected on physical examination. This article indicates which patients might develop this type of clinical sign and also tries to recall that absence of skin lesions never rules out the presence of KS, especially if gastrointestinal involvement is documented. Gastrointestinal bleeding in terms of hematemesis has rarely been reported in the literature. We review some important clinical findings, diagnosis, and treatment approach. We present the case of an HIV patient who presented to the emergency department with hematemesis and gastrointestinal signs of KS on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy without any dermatological involvement.
Evaluation of Notch3 Deficiency in Diabetes-Induced Pericyte Loss in the Retina
Authors: Liu Hua , Zhang Wenbo , Lilly Brenda
Published: October 2018

Loss of vascular pericytes has long been associated with the onset of diabetic retinopathy; however, mechanisms contributing to pericyte dropout are not understood. Notch3 has been implicated in pericyte stability and survival, and linked to vascular integrity. Notch3 mutant mice exhibit progressive loss of retinal pericytes. Given that diabetic retinopathy is associated with pericyte loss, we sought to determine whether perturbation of Notch3 signaling contributes to diabetes-induced pericyte dropout and capillary degeneration. We utilized a pericyte-expressed LacZ transgene (XlacZ4) to examine pericyte loss in retinas of a type I diabetic mouse model (Ins2Akita) and Notch3-deficient mice. Notch3 null animals showed a dramatic loss of the LacZ marker by 8 weeks of age, while Ins2Akita diabetic and Notch3 heterozygous mice exhibited a much slower and subtler loss of LacZ. Although combined Notch3 heterozygosity in Ins2Akita diabetic animals did not show further deficits, the trypsin digest method revealed that Notch3 haploinsufficiency increased the formation of acellular capillaries in diabetic mice. Our data further indicate that Notch signaling is blunted in diabetic retinas and in cells exposed to hyperglycemia. These results are the first to demonstrate an association between Notch3 signaling, pericyte loss, and diabetic retinopathy.
Medication Adherence of Statin Users after Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Chung Pil-Wook , Yoon Byung-Woo , Lee Yeong-Bae , Shin Byoung-Soo , Kim Hahn Young , Park Jae Hyeon , Kim Byung-Kun , Yoo Bong-Goo , Shin Won-chul , Kim Eung-Gyu , Do Jin Kuk , Park Kyung-Pil , Jung Yohan , Seo Woo-Keun , Han Moon-Ku , Kim Jei , Kim Yongduk , Bang Oh Young , Hwang Yang-Ha , Cha Jin-Hye , Kim Young-Joo
Published: October 2018

Although statins are established therapy for the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke, factors associated with adherence to statin treatment following ischemic stroke are not well known. To address this, we assessed the 6-month statin adherence using 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Of 991 patients, 65.6% were adherent to statin at 6-month after discharge. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that patients’ awareness of hyperlipidemia (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.07–2.43), large artery stroke subtype (versus non-large artery stroke, OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.19–2.68), and alcohol drinking habits (OR 1.64; 95% CI 1.06–2.53) were positively associated, while high statin dose (versus low dose, OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.40–0.90) and higher daily number of medication pills (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.88–0.97) were found to have a negative association with self-reported good adherence to statin medication after acute ischemic stroke. However, stroke severity and diagnosis of hyperlipidemia were not associated with adherence. These results suggest that educational and motivational interventions may enhance statin adherence because modifiable factors were associated with statin adherence.