bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Jumping-Droplet Condensation on Nanostructured Surfaces With Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Authors: Su Junwei , Esmaeilzadeh Hamed , Su Chefu , Charmchi Majid , Ruths Marina , Sun Hongwei
Published: January 2018

The spontaneously jumping motion of condensed droplets by coalescence on superhydrophobic surfaces has been an active area of research due to its great potential for enhancing the condensation efficiency. Despite a considerable amount of microscopic observations, the interfacial wetting characterization during jumping-droplet condensation is still notably lacking. This work focuses on applying a novel acoustic sensor - quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), to characterize the interfacial wetting on nanostructured surfaces during jumping-droplet condensation. Copper oxide nanostructures were generated on the surface of QCM with a chemical etching method. Based on the geometry of the nanostructures, we modified a theoretical model to reveal the relationship between the frequency shift of the QCM and the wetting states of the surfaces. It was found that the QCM is extremely sensitive to the penetrated liquid in the structured surfaces. Then, the QCM with nanostructured surface was tested on a customed flow condensation setup. The dynamic interfacial wetting characteristics were quantified by the normalized frequency shift of the QCM. Combined with microscopic observation of the corresponding drop motion, we demonstrated that partial wetting (PW) droplets with an about 25% penetrated area underwent spontaneously jumping by coalescence. However, the PW droplets no longer jumped when the penetrated area exceeds 50% due to the stronger adhesion between liquid and the surface. It shows that the characterization of the penetrated liquid in micro/nanostructures, which is very challenging for microscopic observation, can be easily carried out by this acoustic technique.
Second Law Analysis of Passive Micro-Mixing in Rectangular Microchannels With Flow Obstacles
Authors: Ferguson Steven E. , Lemley Evan C. , Hossan Mohammad R.
Published: January 2018

Passive micromixers have application in the biosciences area. In particular, passive micromixers that may be used as part of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic testing devices are becoming common-place and have application in developed, developing, and relatively undeveloped locales. Characterizing and improving mixing efficiency in these devices is an ongoing research effort. Different channel geometries and flow obstacles lead to varying degrees of mixing effectiveness and serve to increase chaotic advective mixing in contrast to the molecular diffusive mixing that occurs even in the absence of these obstacles. Entropy is generated due to these, and other, irreversible processes. Efficient micromixer design is of interest to biomedical and mechanical engineers working in the biosciences area. The entropy generation rate, we contend, can provide an aid in determining how thoroughly mixed fluids in the channel have become, as well as provide insight into improving channel design to maximize desired outcomes, such as mixing, and minimizing losses due to heat transfer and power consumption.

In this paper, we focus our analysis on numerical simulations conducted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) on a supercomputer-cluster to do simulations with extended mesh refinement and very small residuals. This enabled us to test a wide range of flows with varying Reynolds numbers. The configuration of flow and species parameters within the simulations were compared to experimental results to confirm their validity.

We show that varying the geometry of the channel can lead to a measurable increase in entropy generation via the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Further, we show that this increase in entropy is linked to mixing from obstacle-induced chaotic advection and diffusion. We provide evidence of a positive correlation between the efficiency of the mixing process and entropy generation. These findings will aid in the design of more efficient portable health care-related devices, particular in remote or underdeveloped regions where power utilization is a critical concern.
Analysis of Integrated Cooling Systems for Gas Turbine Power Plants
Authors: El-Damaty Waleed , Gadalla Mohamed
Published: January 2018

With the current increase in electricity consumption and energy demand, most of the research focus is shifted towards the means of increasing the power plants efficiency in order to produce more electricity by using as less fuel as possible. Gas turbine power plants specifically have been under the study in the recent years due to its feasibility, low capital cost, simple design, compact size and higher efficiency compared to steam turbine power plants. There are a lot of operating conditions that affect the performance of the gas turbine which includes the inlet air climatic conditions, mass flow rate and the turbine inlet temperature. Many improvements and enhancements became applicable through the advancement in the material and cooling technologies. Cooling techniques could be used to cool the inlet air entering the compressor by utilizing evaporative coolers and mechanical chillers, and to cool the turbine blades in order to avoid a decline in the life of turbine blades due to unwanted exposure to thermal stresses and oxidation. Internal convection cooling, film cooling and transpiration cooling are the three main techniques that can be used in the process of turbine blades cooling. The main objective of this proposal is to improve the durability and performance of gas turbine power plants by proposing the usage of integrated system of solid desiccant with Maisotsenko cooler in the turbine blade cooling and inlet air cooling processes. Four configurations were presented and the results were an increase in the efficiency of the gas turbine cycle for all the cases specially the two stage Maisotsenko desiccant cooling system where the efficiency increased from 33.33% to 34.17% as well as maintaining the turbine inlet temperature at a desired level of 1500°K.
Modeling of Post-Combustion in an Electric Arc Furnace
Authors: Tang Guangwu , Liu Wenjie , Silaen Armin K. , Zhou Chenn Q.
Published: January 2018

In the electric arc furnace (EAF) process, post-combustion (PC) technology is applied to utilize the chemical energy in the CO and H2 evolving off of the steel bath through the injection of oxygen. PC technology also improves productivity and helps to optimize the benefits of oxygen and fuel injection. In order to obtain insight on the characteristics of PC inside an electric-arc furnace, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to investigate the combustion characteristics in the EAF with a flat bath assumption. The natural gas is used in EAF operation process, however, the natural gas combustion is not included in this CFD model to simplify the model towards examining the effect of CO post-combustion. The eddy-dissipation (ED) was employed to model the combustion reactions. The CFD model was validated with literature on the flow velocity and temperature profiles. The effects of CO post-combustion and the oxygen mass flow rate on the furnace heat transfer efficiency in the EAF were studied.
Development of Thermally-Activated Shape Memory Polymers and Nanocomposites for Biomedical Devices
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Chowdhury Shoieb , Liu Yingtao , Bohnstedt Bradley , Lee Chung-Hao
Published: January 2018

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) have been developed as an emerging technology platform for biomedical applications in the past decades. In particular, SMPs are clinically essential for the development of novel medical devices to significantly improve long-term surgical outcomes. In this paper, we synthesized and characterized thermally-activated aliphatic urethane SMPs fabricated with nanocomposites for the design and development of biomedical devices. The thermal activation of shape memory function was investigated by direct thermal activation. Critical polymer properties, such as the glass transition temperature and shape memory function, have been tailored to desired applications, by adjusting the polymer composition. Carbon nanotubes were uniformly dispersed within the polymer during nanocomposite fabrication to significantly enhance the thermal and electrical properties. The synthesized SMPs and nanocomposites were characterized to understand their thermal and mechanical properties using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Scanning electron microscopy was employed to evaluate the dispersion of carbon nanotubes in polymer matrix. The mechanical properties of SMPs and nanocomposites at temperature above their glass transition temperature were evaluated using dog-bone samples in a dual-column mechanical testing system and an environmental chamber. SMPs and nanocomposites will then be fabricated in the form of foam for the development of novel devices applicable to endovascular embolization of cerebral aneurysms.
Sensitivity Analysis of a Flexible Marine Riser Using Sobol’s Method
Authors: Bakhtiari-Nejad Firooz , Azimi Arastou , Parker Robert G.
Published: January 2018

In this research, sensitivity analysis of upper and lower end angles in addition to the midpoint displacement of the flexible marine riser with respect to structural parameters such as: uniform mass per unit length, external diameter and the tension of the riser are conducted. Harsh environmental circumstances of ocean flow in addition to exerted tension on top of risers may lead to irreparable damages, so it is important to have a parametric study of dynamic response before it is controlled. The “Sobol” method is applied here as a reliable statistical method to sensitivity analysis of a flexible system. Motion equation of the system is developed based on Hamilton’s principle. The riser is modeled as a distributed parameter system. Moreover, simulations are carried out based on Assumed Mode Method (AMM) to solve PDE of the riser through mode shapes and generalized coordinates. Finally, the results of sensitivity analysis are presented.
Dynamic Modeling and Control of a Throttle Valve in Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Bakhtiari-Nejad Firooz , Seyyedrasuly Mirkamal , Mirsalim Mostafa
Published: January 2018

Throttle valve regulates the amount of intake air to SI engines. Due to continued progress in automotive engineering and need of fine-tuning of the amount of air entering the engine, electronic throttle is very important and is designed and has been used in past decay. Accurate control of electronic is crucial for good performance of engine. A good model and precise identification is needed for accurate control. In this research a dynamic model has been derived and parameters of model is obtained experimentally. The measured parameters are tuned by trial and error using PWM for real throttle. In the proposed model, almost all of the Phenomena including presliding except the backlash effect in the home return have been considered. Throttle position is controlled using a model reference adaptive control named Computed Torque and results are presented and described. For this study EF7 electric throttle is used as a case study.
Design and Analysis of Small Scale Horizontal Archimedean Screw for Electric Power Generation
Authors: Slaboch Paul E. , Coday Jillian
Published: January 2018

A small scale horizontal Archimedean screw was designed, built, and tested for small-scale electric power generation. The small-scale device is suitable for deployment in shallow waterways and rivers. The design of the screw is environmentally friendly and allows for fish and other aquatic life to pass through harmlessly. A series of horizontal screws were designed over a range of blade pitch and tip conditions to determine the most efficient configuration of the device. The tip conditions included straight, flanged, and open. The device was placed both inside and outside of a duct to control tip conditions. The flanged condition added material to the tip of the device to simulate a partially ducted screw. Preliminary studies have shown that the straight bladed screw is the most efficient design. Preliminary data also show that the addition of a duct reduced the overall efficiency of the device. The flange feature on the screw was shown to be ineffective as well. However, the design was environmentally friendly and would provide electric power on a small scale without harm to local aquatic environments.
Equilibrium Adsorption Isotherm Mechanism of Water Vapor on Zeolites 3A, 4A, X, and Y
Authors: Al Ezzi Amged , Ma Hongbin
Published: January 2018

Many researchers have analyzed the equilibrium adsorption isotherm mechanism of water vapor molecules on 4A, 3A, Y and X zeolites for decades. The demand for moisture removal continues to increase along with the increasing stringency of requirements for product quality control and production energy efficiency. Due to the negative charge of the zeolite framework, exchangeable compensation cations such as Na+, Li+, K+, Ba2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ might be added. These cations are located at different sites within the framework and with different concentrations. Each cation shows a strong affinity to bond with water molecules. Adsorption sites must show a characteristic energy signature corresponding to the adsorbed amount. The values of enthalpies and entropies at each site are different since the bonding strength between the moisture molecules and cations of the site is also different. These exchangeable cations have a very important contribution in determining the zeolites adsorptive properties and selectivity. This investigation of the water vapor adsorption mechanism reveals that size, location, and type of exchangeable compensation cations have a concrete relationship to the adsorption process and zeolite cage capacity.
Reinforcement of Composite Joint Interface Using Nanomaterials
Authors: Rai Ashwin , Datta Siddhant , Chattopadhyay Aditi , Lopez Carlos
Published: January 2018

This paper presents an experimental investigation into the effects of the application of carbon nanotube (CNT) based nanopolymer, and thin film buckypaper, to the interface of stiffened carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite joints. Bonded CFRP composite T-joints, were manufactured with dispersed CNT epoxy nanopolymer mixture, and buckypaper films, applied at the joint interface, and tested under pull-off loading. The presence of the nanomaterial at the interface causes a localized out-of-plane reinforcement, which resists pull-off loads, leading to superior performance compared to composite bonded joints without nano-reinforcements, however, the introduction of substantial voids, in the case of the buckypaper samples, lead to faster structural failure. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used to map the strain contours of the T-joint specimen during testing, which revealed damage initiation and hot-spot zones. Fluorescent optical microscopy of the joint sections was also performed to investigate these hot-spot zones and damage initiation areas, at the mesoscale, to study the possible causal mechanisms of the failure process in the tested composite bonded joints.
Adaptation required to preserve future high-end river flood risk at present levels
Authors: Willner Sven N. , Levermann Anders , Zhao Fang , Frieler Katja
Published: January 2018

United States and Europe must adapt to climate-induced river flood risk at same level as India, Indonesia, and parts of Africa.
Factors associated with neonatal pneumonia in India: protocol for a systematic review and planned meta-analysis
Authors: Nair Sreekumaran , Lewis Leslie Edward , Godinho Myron Anthony , Murthy Shruti , Lakiang Theophilus , Venkatesh Bhumika T
Published: January 2018

Introduction

India accounts for more neonatal deaths than any other country. There is a lack of consolidated evidence from India regarding the determining factors of pneumonia in neonates. This systematic review is aimed to consolidate and appraise the evidence on risk factors and determinants of pneumonia among neonates in India.

Methods and analysis

This protocol is part of a project consisting of three reviews (two systematic reviews and one scoping review) and a qualitative study on neonatal pneumonia in India. English language observational studies which report risk factors and determinants of neonatal pneumonia in India will be eligible for inclusion. Electronic searching of nine databases, and hand searching will be done. Two authors will independently conduct screening (title, abstract and full-text stages), extract data and assess risk of bias. A meta-analysis is planned to be performed with random-effects model. A narrative synthesis will be used to summarise the characteristics and findings of the review, if a meta-analysis cannot be performed. If there are more than 10 studies, publication bias will be assessed. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis will performed based on data availability. The quality of our review will be assessed by using ‘Assessing the Methodological quality of Systematic Reviews’ and ‘Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation’.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol of the entire project has been approved by the host institution’s ethics body (Institutional Ethics Committee, Manipal University, Manipal, India), and the ‘Health Ministry Screening Committee’ under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The study findings will be disseminated among relevant stakeholders using knowledge dissemination workshops, policy briefs, publications, etc.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016044019.
Pilot study protocol to inform a future longitudinal study of ageing using linked administrative data: Healthy AGeing in Scotland (HAGIS)
Authors: Douglas Elaine , Rutherford Alasdair , Bell David
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Population ageing is a welcome testament to improvements in the social, economic and health circumstances over the life course. However, these successes necessitate that we understand more about the pathways of ageing to plan and cost our health and social care services, to support our ageing population to live healthier for longer and to make adequate provisions for retirement. Longitudinal studies of ageing facilitate such understanding in many countries around the world. Scotland presently does not have a longitudinal study of ageing, despite dramatic increases to its ageing population and its poor health record. Healthy AGeing in Scotland (HAGIS) constitutes the launch of Scotland’s first comprehensive longitudinal study of ageing.

Methods

A sample of 1000 people aged 50+ years will be invited to take part in a household social survey. The innovative sampling procedure used administrative data to identify eligible households. Anonymised survey responses will be linked to administrative data.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the host institution for the study design and from the Public Benefits and Privacy Panel for administrative data linkage. Anonymised survey data will be deposited with the UK Data Service. A subset of survey data, harmonised with other global ageing studies, will be available via the Gateway to Global Aging platform. These data will enable powerful cross-country comparisons across the social, economic and health domains that will be relevant for national and international research.

Research publications from the HAGIS team will be disseminated through journal articles and national and international conferences. The findings will support current and future research and policy debate on ageing populations.
Evidence for sample selection effect and Hawthorne effect in behavioural HIV prevention trial among young women in a rural South African community
Authors: Rosenberg Molly , Pettifor Audrey , Twine Rhian , Hughes James P , Gomez-Olive F Xavier , Wagner Ryan G , Sulaimon Afolabi , Tollman Stephen , Selin Amanda , MacPhail Catherine , Kahn Kathleen
Published: January 2018

Objectives

We examined the potential influence of both sample selection effects and Hawthorne effects in the behavioural HIV Prevention Trial Network 068 study, designed to examine whether cash transfers conditional on school attendance reduce HIV acquisition in young South African women. We explored whether school enrolment among study participants differed from the underlying population, and whether differences existed at baseline (sample selection effect) or arose during study participation (Hawthorne effect).

Methods

We constructed a cohort of 3889 young women aged 11–20 years using data from the Agincourt Health and socio-Demographic Surveillance System. We compared school enrolment in 2011 (trial start) and 2015 (trial end) between those who did (n=1720) and did not (n=2169) enrol in the trial. To isolate the Hawthorne effect, we restricted the cohort to those enrolled in school in 2011.

Results

In 2011, trial participants were already more likely to be enrolled in school (99%) compared with non-participants (93%). However, this association was attenuated with covariate adjustment (adjusted risk difference (aRD) (95% CI): 2.9 (− 0.7 to 6.5)). Restricting to those enrolled in school in 2011, trial participants were also more likely to be enrolled in school in 2015 (aRD (95% CI): 4.9 (1.5 to 8.3)). The strength of associations increased with age.

Conclusions

Trial participants across both study arms were more likely to be enrolled in school than non-participants. Our findings suggest that both sample selection and Hawthorne effects may have diminished the differences in school enrolment between study arms, a plausible explanation for the null trial findings. The Hawthorne-specific findings generate hypotheses for how to structure school retention interventions to prevent HIV.
Young adults’ perspectives on living with kidney failure: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Bailey Phillippa K , Hamilton Alexander J , Clissold Rhian L , Inward Carol D , Caskey Fergus J , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Owen-Smith Amanda
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Young adults fare worse than younger adolescents or older adults on a broad range of health indicators. Those with a chronic illness such as renal failure are a particularly vulnerable group, who experience poor outcomes compared with both children and older adults. Understanding how being in receipt of renal replacement therapy (RRT) affects the lives of young adults might help us to better prepare and support these individuals for and on RRT, and improve outcomes. This study aimed to synthesise research describing young adults’ experiences of the psychosocial impact of kidney failure and RRT.

Design

A systematic literature review identified qualitative research reporting the perspectives of people aged 16–30 years receiving RRT on the psychosocial impact of renal failure. Electronic databases (including Medline/EMBASE/PsycINFO/ASSIA) were searched to November 2017 for full-text papers. The transparency of reporting of each study was assessed using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Health Research (COREQ) framework. Quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist. An inductive thematic synthesis was undertaken.

Participants

Seven studies from five different countries were included, comprising 123 young adults receiving RRT.

Results

Comprehensiveness of reporting was variable: studies reported 9–22 of the 32 COREQ-checklist items.

Three global themes about the impact of kidney failure on young adults were identified: (1) difference desiring normality, (2) thwarted or moderated dreams and ambitions, and (3) uncertainty and liminality. These reflected five organising themes: (1) physical appearance and body image, (2) activity and participation, (3) educational disruption and underachievement, (4) career ambitions and employment difficulties, and (5) social isolation and intimate relationships.

Conclusions

Across different countries and different healthcare settings, young adults on RRT experience difference and liminality, even after transplantation. Tailored social and psychological support is required to allow young adults to experience wellness while in receipt of RRT, and not have life on hold.
Impact of specialist palliative care on coping with Parkinson’s disease: patients and carers
Authors: Badger Nathan J , Frizelle Dorothy , Adams Debi , Johnson Miriam J
Published: January 2018

Objectives

UK guidelines recommend palliative care access for people with Parkinson’s disease; however, this remains sporadic, and it is unknown whether specialist palliative care helps patients and carers cope with this distressing condition. This study aimed to explore whether, and how, access to specialist palliative care services affected patients’ and carers’ coping with Parkinson’s disease.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and verbatim transcribed. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Participants were patients with advanced idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (n=3), and carers of people with Parkinson’s disease (n=5, however, one diagnosis was reviewed) receiving care from an integrated specialist palliative care and Parkinson’s disease service in North East England.

Results

Access to specialist palliative care helped participants cope with some aspects of advanced Parkinson’s disease. Three superordinate themes were developed:‘ managing uncertainty’, ‘impacts on the self’ and ‘specialist palliative care maintaining a positive outlook’.

Conclusions

Specialist palliative care helped patients and carers cope with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Specialist palliative care is a complex intervention that acknowledges the complex and holistic nature of Parkinson’s disease, enabling health in some domains despite continued presence of pathology. These exploratory findings support the utility of this approach for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Guillain-Barré syndrome in southern China: retrospective analysis of hospitalised patients from 14 provinces in the area south of the Huaihe River
Authors: Liu Shuping , Xiao Zheman , Lou Min , Ji Fang , Shao Bei , Dai Hongyuan , Luo Can , Hu Bo , Zhou Ruiling , Zou Zhangyu , Li Jing , Li Xiaoyi , Xu Jun , Hu Fan , Qin Chao , Wang Lian , Liu Tao , Bai Runtao , Chen Yangmei , Lv Haiyan , Zhang Ruxu , Wang Xiaoming , Wang Yunfu , Ren Shanling , He Xiaoming , Jiang Zhenwei , Wu Huiwen , Yu Donghui , Yang Wenqiong , Luo Wenjing , Gong Daokai , Chen Bin , Liu Yin , Yao Jiajia , Yang Yujie , Guan Jingxia , Zhu Mingzhen , Fu Xiujuan , Gao Genshan , Zhang Hong , Ding Man , Fan Shanghua , Cao Qian , Lu Jingyi , Lu Zuneng
Published: January 2018

Objectives

The clinical and epidemiological profiles of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in southern China have yet to be fully recognised. We aimed to investigate the subtypes of GBS in southern China, compare the clinical features of demyelinating form with that of axonal form and test whether preceding infections and age have influence on the clinical phenotype, disease course and severity of GBS.

Methods

Medical records of patients with a diagnosis of GBS admitted to 31 tertiary hospitals, located in 14 provinces in southern China, from 1 January 2013 to 30 September 2016, were collected and retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Finally. 1056 patients, including 887 classic GBS and 169 variants, were enrolled. The 661 classic patients with available electromyographic data were grouped as having acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP, 49.0%), acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN, 18.8%), inexcitable (0.9%) and equivocal (31.3%). In contrast to AIDP, patients with AMAN were characterised by earlier nadir (P=0.000), higher Hughes score at nadir (P=0.003) and at discharge (P=0.000). Preceding upper respiratory infections were identified in 369 (34.9%) patients, who were more inclined to develop AIDP (P=0.000) and Miller-Fisher syndrome (P=0.027), whereas gastrointestinal infection were found in 89 (8.4%) patients, who were more prone to develop AMAN (P=0.000), with more severe illness (P=0.001) and longer hospital stay (P=0.009). Children (≤15 years) and the elderly (≥56 years) were more severe at nadir, the elderly had the longest hospital stay (P=0.023).

Conclusion

AIDP is the predominant form in southern China, which is different from data of northern China. The different subtypes, preceding infection and age of onset can partially determine the disease progression, severity and short-term recovery speed of GBS.

Clinical trial registration

ChiCTR-RRC-17014152.
Roger Barry Clampitt
Authors: Murray Max , Armour James , Little Christopher , Barron Ronald
Published: January 2018

A clinical pathologist whose outstanding contribution to the profession was to invent the first reliable clinical biochemistry analyser for use in practice.
Multivariate estimation for accurate and logically consistent forest-attributes maps at macroscales
Authors: Lochhead Kyle , LeMay Valerie , Bull Gary , Schwab Olaf , Halperin James
Published: January 2018

Spatially explicit wall-to-wall forest-attributes information is critically important for designing management strategies resilient to climate-induced uncertainties. Multivariate estimation methods that link forest attributes and auxiliary variables at full-information locations can be used to estimate the forest attributes for locations with only auxiliary variables information. However, trade-offs between estimation accuracies versus logical consistency among estimated attributes may occur. This is particularly likely for macroscales (i.e., ≥1 Mha) with large forest-attributes variances and wide spacing between full-information locations. We examined these trade-offs for ∼390 Mha of Canada’s boreal zone using variable-space nearest-neighbours imputation versus two modelling methods (i.e., a system of simultaneous nonlinear models and kriging with external drift). We found logical consistency among estimated forest attributes (i.e., crown closure, average height and age, volume per hectare, species percentages) using (i) k ≤ 2 nearest neighbours or (ii) careful model selection for the modelling methods. Of these logically consistent methods, kriging with external drift was the most accurate, but implementing this for a macroscale is computationally more difficult. This extra cost is justified given the importance of assessing strategies under expected climate changes in Canada’s boreal forest and in other forest regions.
Levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain: Results of an aquatic physical therapy protocol
Authors: Martin Daniela Gomez , Wiener Carolina David , de Freitas Caroline Xavier , Costa Joice Luisa , Rombaldi Airton José , Oses Jean Pierre
Published: January 2018

Objectives: This work aims to assess changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in women after the practice of a specific short duration 10-session aquatic physical therapy protocol in patients with fibromyalgia (FB).

Methods: Case–control study. Thirteen women diagnosed with FB and 11 controls with the same age group, 35–55 years. Patients were evaluated according to the visual analog scale of pain and the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ). All were subjected to a short protocol totaling 10 sessions of 40 min twice a week for five weeks. Heart rate and pain were monitored. BDNF levels were measured using enzyme immunoassay.

Results: A statistically significant increase in BDNF values was noted in patients with FB between the pre- and post-10th session assessments (mean of 35.52–41.96; p = 0.041).

Conclusion: BDNF values may present fluctuations during a short duration moderate aerobic exercise protocol, when measured and analyzed in a longitudinal design. Further studies with a more frequent BDNF evaluation could help in understanding its behavior more accurately and are warranted.
Lp-valued stochastic convolution integral driven by Volterra noise
Authors: Čoupek Petr , Maslowski Bohdan , Ondreját Martin
Published: January 2018

Space-time regularity of linear stochastic partial differential equations is studied. The solution is defined in the mild sense in the state space [Formula: see text]. The corresponding regularity is obtained by showing that the stochastic convolution integrals are Hölder continuous in a suitable function space. In particular cases, this allows us to show space-time Hölder continuity of the solution. The main tool used is a hypercontractivity result on Banach-space valued random variables in a finite Wiener chaos.
INVESTIGATION OF THE DYNAMICS OF BODY OXYGEN STATUS UPON LIMITED LOADS
Authors: KOTOVSKYI VITALIJ , DZHEZHERYA YURIJ , SNARSKII ANDREI , VIŠNIAKOV NIKOLAJ , ŠEŠOK ANDŽELA
Published: January 2018

This paper discusses the dynamics of oxygen partial pressure in intercellular fluid upon a limited load and a subsequent post-ischemic hyperemia in healthy individuals and individuals with vascular pathologies of the lower limbs. Within the framework of the phenomenological approach, which takes into consideration the qualitative peculiarities of the gas exchange processes in the body, a formal theory describing the dynamics of oxygen ([Formula: see text]) concentration dependently on the conditions of blood supply to the tissues has been developed. It was shown that certain parameters, for instance the relaxation time upon the conditions of artificial ischemia and the characteristic time of return of spontaneous blood circulation in the post-ischemic period, depend on the degree of pathology of the vascular system and may be used for assessing the functional status of a biological body.
Entomological Opportunities and Challenges for Sustainable Viticulture in a Global Market
Authors: Daane Kent M. , Vincent Charles , Isaacs Rufus , Ioriatti Claudio
Published: January 2018

Viticulture has experienced dramatic global growth in acreage and value. As the international exchange of goods has increased, so too has the market demand for sustainably produced products. Both elements redefine the entomological challenges posed to viticulture and have stimulated significant advances in arthropod pest control programs. Vineyard managers on all continents are increasingly combating invasive species, resulting in the adoption of novel insecticides, semiochemicals, and molecular tools to support sustainable viticulture. At the local level, vineyard management practices consider factors such as the surrounding natural ecosystem, risk to fish populations, and air quality. Coordinated multinational responses to pest invasion have been highly effective and have, for example, resulted in eradication of the moth Lobesia botrana from California vineyards, a pest found in 2009 and eradicated by 2016. At the global level, the shared pests and solutions for their suppression will play an increasing role in delivering internationally sensitive pest management programs that respond to invasive pests, climate change, novel vector and pathogen relationships, and pesticide restrictions.
Tritrophic Interactions Mediated by Herbivore-Induced Plant Volatiles: Mechanisms, Ecological Relevance, and Application Potential
Authors: Turlings Ted C.J. , Erb Matthias
Published: January 2018

Tritrophic interactions between plants, herbivores, and their natural enemies are an integral part of all terrestrial ecosystems. Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) play a key role in these interactions, as they can attract predators and parasitoids to herbivore-attacked plants. Thirty years after this discovery, the ecological importance of the phenomena is widely recognized. However, the primary function of HIPVs is still subject to much debate, as is the possibility of using these plant-produced cues in crop protection. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of HIPVs in tritrophic interactions from an ecological as well as a mechanistic perspective. This overview focuses on the main gaps in our knowledge of tritrophic interactions, and we argue that filling these gaps will greatly facilitate efforts to exploit HIPVs for pest control.
Harm Minimization and Tobacco Control: Reframing Societal Views of Nicotine Use to Rapidly Save Lives
Authors: Abrams David B. , Glasser Allison M. , Pearson Jennifer L. , Villanti Andrea C. , Collins Lauren K. , Niaura Raymond S.
Published: January 2018

Inhalation of the toxic smoke produced by combusting tobacco products, primarily cigarettes, is the overwhelming cause of tobacco-related disease and death in the United States and globally. A diverse class of alternative nicotine delivery systems (ANDS) has recently been developed that do not combust tobacco and are substantially less harmful than cigarettes. ANDS have the potential to disrupt the 120-year dominance of the cigarette and challenge the field on how the tobacco pandemic could be reversed if nicotine is decoupled from lethal inhaled smoke. ANDS may provide a means to compete with, and even replace, combusted cigarette use, saving more lives more rapidly than previously possible. On the basis of the scientific evidence on ANDS, we explore benefits and harms to public health to guide practice, policy, and regulation. A reframing of societal nicotine use through the lens of harm minimization is an extraordinary opportunity to enhance the impact of tobacco control efforts.
Beneficial Effects of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells on Porcine Hepatocyte Viability and Albumin Secretion
Authors: Montanari Elisa , Pimenta Joel , Szabó Luca , Noverraz François , Passemard Solène , Meier Raphael P. H. , Meyer Jeremy , Sidibe Jonathan , Thomas Aurelien , Schuurman Henk-Jan , Gerber-Lemaire Sandrine , Gonelle-Gispert Carmen , Buhler Leo H.
Published: January 2018

Porcine hepatocytes transplanted during acute liver failure might support metabolic functions until the diseased liver recovers its function. Here, we isolated high numbers of viable pig hepatocytes and evaluated hepatocyte functionality after encapsulation. We further investigated whether coculture and coencapsulation of hepatocytes with human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are beneficial on hepatocyte function. Livers from 10 kg pigs (n=9) were harvested, and hepatocytes were isolated from liver suspensions for microencapsulation using alginate and poly(ethylene-glycol)- (PEG-) grafted alginate hydrogels, either alone or in combination with MSC. Viability, albumin secretion, and diazepam catabolism of hepatocytes were measured for one week. 9.2 ± 3.6 × 109hepatocytes with 95.2 ± 3.1% viability were obtained after isolation. At day 3, free hepatocytes displayed 99% viability, whereas microencapsulation in alginate and PEG-grafted alginate decreased viability to 62% and 48%, respectively. Albumin secretion and diazepam catabolism occurred in free and microencapsulated hepatocytes. Coencapsulation of hepatocytes with MSC significantly improved viability and albumin secretion at days 4 and 8 (p<0.05). Coculture with MSC significantly increased and prolonged albumin secretion. In conclusion, we established a protocol for isolation and microencapsulation of high numbers of viable pig hepatocytes and demonstrated that the presence of MSC is beneficial for the viability and function of porcine hepatocytes.
A Digital Compressed Sensing-Based Energy-Efficient Single-Spot Bluetooth ECG Node
Authors: Luo Kan , Cai Zhipeng , Du Keqin , Zou Fumin , Zhang Xiangyu , Li Jianqing
Published: January 2018

Energy efficiency is still the obstacle for long-term real-time wireless ECG monitoring. In this paper, a digital compressed sensing- (CS-) based single-spot Bluetooth ECG node is proposed to deal with the challenge in wireless ECG application. A periodic sleep/wake-up scheme and a CS-based compression algorithm are implemented in a node, which consists of ultra-low-power analog front-end, microcontroller, Bluetooth 4.0 communication module, and so forth. The efficiency improvement and the node’s specifics are evidenced by the experiments using the ECG signals sampled by the proposed node under daily activities of lay, sit, stand, walk, and run. Under using sparse binary matrix (SBM), block sparse Bayesian learning (BSBL) method, and discrete cosine transform (DCT) basis, all ECG signals were essentially undistorted recovered with root-mean-square differences (PRDs) which are less than 6%. The proposed sleep/wake-up scheme and data compression can reduce the airtime over energy-hungry wireless links, the energy consumption of proposed node is 6.53 mJ, and the energy consumption of radio decreases 77.37%. Moreover, the energy consumption increase caused by CS code execution is negligible, which is 1.3% of the total energy consumption.
Corneal Biomechanical Properties after FS-LASIK with Residual Bed Thickness Less Than 50% of the Original Corneal Thickness
Authors: Zhang Haixia , Khan Muhammad Ahmad , Zhang Di , Qin Xiao , Lin Ding , Li Lin
Published: January 2018

Background. The changes in corneal biomechanical properties after LASIK remain an unknown but important topic for surgical design and prognostic evaluation. This study aims to observe the postoperative corneal biomechanical properties one month after LASIK with amount of corneal cutting (ACC) greater than 50% of the central corneal thickness (CCT). Methods. FS-LASIK was performed in 10 left rabbit eyes with ACC being 60% (L60) and 65% (L65) of the CCT, while the right eyes (R) were the control. After 4 weeks, rabbits were executed and corneal strip samples were prepared for uniaxial tensile tests. Results. At the same strain, the stresses of L65 and L60 were larger than those of R. The elastic moduli of L60 and L65 were larger than those of R when the stress was 0.02 MPa, while they began to be less than those of R when stress exceeds the low-stress region. After 10 s relaxation, the stress of specimens L65, L60, and R increased in turn. Conclusion. The elastic moduli of the cornea after FS-LASIK with ACC greater than 50% of the CCT do not become less under normal rabbit IOP. The limit stress grows with the rise of ACC when relaxation becomes stable.
Correlation between Virtual Screening Performance and Binding Site Descriptors of Protein Targets
Authors: Shamsara Jamal
Published: January 2018

Rescoring is a simple approach that theoretically could improve the original docking results. In this study AutoDock Vina was used as a docked engine and three other scoring functions besides the original scoring function, Vina, as well as their combinations as consensus scoring functions were employed to explore the effect of rescoring on virtual screenings that had been done on diverse targets. Rescoring by DrugScore produces the most number of cases with significant changes in screening power. Thus, the DrugScore results were used to build a simple model based on two binding site descriptors that could predict possible improvement by DrugScore rescoring. Furthermore, generally the screening power of all rescoring approach as well as original AutoDock Vina docking results correlated with the Maximum Theoretical Shape Complementarity (MTSC) and Maximum Distance from Center of Mass and all Alpha spheres (MDCMA). Therefore, it was suggested that, with a more complete set of binding site descriptors, it could be possible to find robust relationship between binding site descriptors and response to certain molecular docking programs and scoring functions. The results could be helpful for future researches aiming to do a virtual screening using AutoDock Vina and/or rescoring using DrugScore.
HuAc: Human Activity Recognition Using Crowdsourced WiFi Signals and Skeleton Data
Authors: Guo Linlin , Wang Lei , Liu Jialin , Zhou Wei , Lu Bingxian
Published: January 2018

The joint of WiFi‐based and vision‐based human activity recognition has attracted increasing attention in the human‐computer interaction, smart home, and security monitoring fields. We propose HuAc, the combination of WiFi‐based and Kinect‐based activity recognition system, to sense human activity in an indoor environment with occlusion, weak light, and different perspectives. We first construct a WiFi‐based activity recognition dataset named WiAR to provide a benchmark for WiFi‐based activity recognition. Then, we design a mechanism of subcarrier selection according to the sensitivity of subcarriers to human activities. Moreover, we optimize the spatial relationship of adjacent skeleton joints and draw out a corresponding relationship between CSI and skeleton‐based activity recognition. Finally, we explore the fusion information of CSI and crowdsourced skeleton joints to achieve the robustness of human activity recognition. We implemented HuAc using commercial WiFi devices and evaluated it in three kinds of scenarios. Our results show that HuAc achieves an average accuracy of greater than 93% using WiAR dataset.
Effects of a 12-Week Exercise Training Program on Physical Function in Institutionalized Frail Elderly
Authors: Ferreira Cristiane Batisti , Teixeira Pâmela dos Santos , Alves dos Santos Geiane , Dantas Maya Athila Teles , Americano do Brasil Paula , Souza Vinícius Carolino , Córdova Cláudio , Ferreira Aparecido Pimentel , Lima Ricardo Moreno , Nóbrega Otávio de Toledo
Published: January 2018

With the increase in life expectancy, the Brazilian elderly population has risen considerably. However, longevity is usually accompanied by problems such as the loss of functional capacity, cognitive decline, frailty syndrome, and deterioration in anthropometric parameters, particularly among those living in long-term care facilities. This randomized controlled trial aimed to verify the effects of exercise training on biochemical, inflammatory, and anthropometric indices and functional performance in institutionalized frail elderly. The sample consisted of 37 elderly people of both genders, aged 76.1 ± 7.7 years, who were randomly allocated into 2 groups: 13 individuals in the exercise group (EG) and 24 in the control group (CG). Anthropometrics, clinical history, functional tests, and biochemical evaluation were measured before and after the completion of a physical exercise program, which lasted for 12 weeks. The 12-week exercise program for frail elderly residents in a long-term care facility was efficient in improving muscle strength, speed, agility, and biochemical variables, with reversal of the frailty condition in a considerable number. However, no effects in anthropometric and inflammatory parameters were noted.
Iatrogenic T-Cell Lymphoma with Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocyotsis in a Patient with Long-Standing Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Andrade X. A. , Fuentes H. E. , Oramas D. M. , Mann H. , Kovarik P.
Published: January 2018

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of hematological malignancies, especially when exposed to immunosuppressive therapy. The mechanisms of lymphomagenesis remain poorly understood but factors implicated include high disease activity, exposure to antitumoral necrosis factor medications, and Epstein–Barr virus infection. Lymphoid malignancies of T-cell origin are uncommon in patients with rheumatoid arthirits. Clinical presentation with associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocyotsis is rare and confers a poor prognosis. This case report illustrates a case of a patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis and an iatrogenic peripheral T-cell lymphoma with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis who achieved a complete response after intensive chemotherapy.
Efficient Nonrecursive Bit-Parallel Karatsuba Multiplier for a Special Class of Trinomials
Authors: Li Yin , Zhang Yu , Guo Xiaoli
Published: January 2018

Recently, we present a novel Mastrovito form of nonrecursive Karatsuba multiplier for all trinomials. Specifically, we found that related Mastrovito matrix is very simple for equally spaced trinomial (EST) combined with classic Karatsuba algorithm (KA), which leads to a highly efficient Karatsuba multiplier. In this paper, we consider a new special class of irreducible trinomial, namely, xm+xm/3+1. Based on a three-term KA and shifted polynomial basis (SPB), a novel bit-parallel multiplier is derived with better space and time complexity. As a main contribution, the proposed multiplier costs about 2/3 circuit gates of the fastest multipliers, while its time delay matches our former result. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the space complexity bound is reached without increasing the gate delay.