bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Design of Submarine Pipelines by a Genetic Algorithm with Embedded On-Bottom Stability Criteria
Authors: Baioco Juliana Souza , de Lima Mauro Henrique Alves , Albrecht Carl Horst , de Lima Beatriz Souza Leite Pires , Jacob Breno Pinheiro , Rocha Djalene Maria
Published: March 2018

This work describes a computational tool, based on an evolutionary algorithm, for the synthesis and optimization of submarine pipeline routes considering the incorporation of on-bottom stability criteria (OBS). This comprises a breakthrough in the traditional pipeline design methodology, where the definition of a route and the stability calculations had been performed independently: firstly, the route is defined according to geographical-topographical issues (including manual/visual inspection of seabed bathymetry and obstacles); afterwards, stability is verified, and mitigating procedures (such as ballast weight) are specified. This might require several design spirals until a final configuration is reached, or (most commonly) has led to excessive costs for the mitigation of instability problems. The optimization tool evaluates each candidate route by incorporating, as soft and hard constraints, several criteria usually considered in the manual design (pipeline length, bathymetry data, obstacles); also, with the incorporation of OBS criteria into the objective function, stability becomes an integral part of the optimization process, simultaneously handling minimization of length and cost of mitigating procedures. Case studies representative of actual applications are presented. The results show that OBS criteria significantly influences the best route, indicating that the tool can reduce the design time of a pipeline and minimize installation/operational costs.
The Use of Ropivacaine in Therapeutic Treatment of Oral Aphthosis
Authors: Gasparini Giulio , Saponaro Gianmarco , Gasparini Daniela , Foresta Enrico , Azzuni Camillo , Adduci Alessia , Boniello Roberto , Moro Alessandro , De Angelis Paolo , Di Nardo Francesco , Damato Giuseppe , Doneddu Piero , Todaro Mattia , Garagiola Umberto , Pelo Sando
Published: March 2018

The use of anaesthetic drugs in the treatment of oral aphthosis is one of the pharmaceutical possibilities that a doctor can use for the most painful forms. Normally, Lidocaine or Diclofenac is used to treat this disease, but they can be used for a very limited time and so they are of little practical use. In this study, the authors have used Ropivacaine whose pharmaceutical kinetics allows the analgesic effect to be active for 60 to 90 minutes. In our research, we compared 8 groups of patients who have been given 3 principal pharmaceutical products: one group was given an anaesthetic drug, one had a topical medication administered which is often used for the treatment of aphthous lesions, and the last group was given a multivitamin. These pharmaceutical products were used alone and in various possible combinations in the 8 groups. The results of this study are very interesting and show that in all the groups that used anaesthetics there was more satisfaction on the patients’ part because their pain level became more manageable right after the first application of the drug and the patients could carry on with their normal lives.
Detection of Two-Level Inverter Open-Circuit Fault Using a Combined DWT-NN Approach
Authors: Cherif Bilal Djamal Eddine , Bendiabdellah Azeddine
Published: March 2018

Three-phase static converters with voltage structure are widely used in many industrial systems. In order to prevent the propagation of the fault to other components of the system and ensure continuity of service in the event of a failure of the converter, efficient and rapid methods of detection and localization must be implemented. This paper work addresses a diagnostic technique based on the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) algorithm and the approach of neural network (NN), for the detection of an inverter IGBT open-circuit switch fault. To illustrate the merits of the technique and validate the results, experimental tests are conducted using a built voltage inverter fed induction motor. The inverter is controlled by the SVM control strategy.
Treatment of Elderly Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Itatani Yoshiro , Kawada Kenji , Sakai Yoshiharu
Published: March 2018

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. As society ages, the number of elderly patients with CRC will increase. The percentage of patients with right-sided colon cancer and the incidence of microsatellite instability are higher in elderly than in younger patients with CRC. Moreover, the higher incidence of comorbid diseases in elderly patients indicates the need for less invasive treatment strategies. For example, care should be taken in performing additional surgery after endoscopic submucosal dissection for elderly patients with high-risk T1 CRC. Minimally invasive surgery, such as laparoscopic colectomy, would be preferable for elderly patients with CRC. Chemotherapy for elderly patients requires careful monitoring for adverse events. The aim of this review is to summarize the clinicopathological features of CRC in elderly patients, optical surgical strategies, including endoscopic and laparoscopic resection, and chemotherapeutic strategies, including postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and systemic chemotherapy for unresectable CRC.
The Dynamic DNA Demethylation during Postnatal Neuronal Development and Neural Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Tao Huikang , Xie Pei , Cao Yuhang , Shu Liqi , Li Liping , Chen Junchen , Tian Guangfeng , Zhuang Yingliang , Shu Qiang , Li Xuekun
Published: March 2018

Background. DNA demethylation, the conversion of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC), and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC), plays important roles in diverse biological processes and multiple diseases by regulating gene expression. Methods. In this study, utilizing DNA dot blot, immunofluorescence staining, and qRT-PCR, we studied the expression pattern of Tets, the enzymes governing DNA demethylation, and the levels of 5hmC, 5fC, and 5caC during the postnatal neuronal development of mice. Results. It was found that 5hmC, 5fC, and 5caC were highly enriched in multiple brain regions and aNSCs and displayed temporal and spatial patterns during postnatal neuronal development and the differentiation of aNSCs. Consistently, the expression of Tets also exhibited temporal and spatial patterns. Conclusion. DNA demethylation displayed dynamic features during postnatal neuronal development and the differentiation of aNSCs of mice, which could contribute to appropriate gene expression.
Discussion of a Possible Corrected Black Hole Entropy
Authors: He Miao , Wang Ziliang , Fang Chao , Sun Daoquan , Deng Jianbo
Published: March 2018

Einstein’s equation could be interpreted as the first law of thermodynamics near the spherically symmetric horizon. Through recalling the Einstein gravity with a more general static spherical symmetric metric, we find that the entropy would have a correction in Einstein gravity. By using this method, we investigate the Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld (EiBI) gravity. Without matter field, we can also derive the first law in EiBI gravity. With an electromagnetic field, as the field equations have a more general spherically symmetric solution in EiBI gravity, we find that correction of the entropy could be generalized to EiBI gravity. Furthermore, we point out that the Einstein gravity and EiBI gravity might be equivalent on the event horizon. At last, under EiBI gravity with the electromagnetic field, a specific corrected entropy of black hole is given.
ElectromyoFigureic Evaluation of Functional Adaptation of Patients with New Complete Dentures
Authors: Shala Kujtim Sh. , Dula Linda J. , Pustina-Krasniqi Teuta , Bicaj Teuta , Ahmedi Enis F. , Lila-Krasniqi Zana , Tmava-Dragusha Arlinda
Published: March 2018

Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of adaptation of patients to newly fitted complete dentures in their dominant and nondominant sides, by means of ElectromyoFigureic signals. Materials and Methods. Eighty-eight patients with complete dentures were evaluated in the study. Masticatory muscle (masseter and temporal) bioelectric activity of the patients with complete dentures was recorded at maximum intercuspal relation. Parametric statistical data were analyzed with one-way repeated measures ANOVA test. Results. Measurement time was significantly different for both dominant (DS) and nondominant (NDS) sides: FΣs-DS = 21.51, p=0.0001; FΣs-NDS = 13.25, p=0.0001. Gender was also significantly different: FΣs-DS-gender = 41.53, p=0.001; FΣs-NDS-gender = 85.76, p=0.0001. The average surface area values showed significant difference in females. Prior experience with dentures showed no significant difference for both sides of mastication: FΣs-DS-experiences = 1.83, p=0.1772; F Σs-NDS-experiences = 3.30, p=0.0697. Conclusion. The planimetric indicators of bioelectric activity of masseter and temporalis muscles at maximum physiological loading conditions are significant discriminators of the level of functional adaptation of patients with new complete dentures.
Effects of Angelica gigas Nakai as an Anti‐Inflammatory Agent in In Vitro and In Vivo Atopic Dermatitis Models
Authors: Ok Seon , Oh Sa-Rang , Jung Tae-Sung , Jeon Sang-Ok , Jung Ji-wook , Ryu Deok-Seon
Published: March 2018

We investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating the effects of Angelica gigas Nakai extract (AGNE) through the mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs)/NF‐κB pathway using in vitro and in vivo atopic dermatitis (AD) models. We examined the effects of AGNE on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in human mast cell line‐1 (HMC‐1) cells. Compound 48/80‐induced pruritus and 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene‐ (DNCB‐) induced AD‐like skin lesion mouse models were also used to investigate the antiallergic effects of AGNE. AGNE reduced histamine secretion, production of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin‐ (IL‐) 1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10, and expression of cyclooxygenase‐ (COX‐) 2 in HMC‐1 cells. Scratching behavior and DNCB‐induced AD‐like skin lesions were also attenuated by AGNE administration through the reduction of serum IgE, histamine, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), IL‐6 levels, and COX‐2 expression in skin tissue from mouse models. Furthermore, these inhibitory effects were mediated by the blockade of the MAPKs and NF‐κB pathway. The findings of this study proved that AGNE improves the scratching behavior and atopy symptoms and reduces the activity of various atopy‐related mediators in HMC‐1 cells and mice model. These results suggest the AGNE has a therapeutic potential in anti‐AD.
Hybrid Optimization-Based Approach for Multiple Intelligent Vehicles Requests Allocation
Authors: Hussein Ahmed , Marín-Plaza Pablo , García Fernando , Armingol José María
Published: March 2018

Self-driving cars are attracting significant attention during the last few years, which makes the technology advances jump fast and reach a point of having a number of automated vehicles on the roads. Therefore, the necessity of cooperative driving for these automated vehicles is exponentially increasing. One of the main issues in the cooperative driving world is the Multirobot Task Allocation (MRTA) problem. This paper addresses the MRTA problem, specifically for the problem of vehicles and requests allocation. The objective is to introduce a hybrid optimization-based approach to solve the problem of multiple intelligent vehicles requests allocation as an instance of MRTA problem, to find not only a feasible solution, but also an optimized one as per the objective function. Several test scenarios were implemented in order to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed approach. These scenarios are based on well-known benchmarks; thus a comparative study is conducted between the obtained results and the suboptimal results. The analysis of the experimental results shows that the proposed approach was successful in handling various scenarios, especially with the increasing number of vehicles and requests, which displays the proposed approach efficiency and performance.
Methylene Blue Attenuates Lung Injury Induced by Hindlimb Ischemia Reperfusion in Rats
Authors: Wang Liangrong , Chen Baihui , Lin Bi , Ye Yuzhu , Bao Caiying , Zhao Xiyue , Jin Lida , Xiong Xiangqing
Published: March 2018

Objective. This study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of methylene blue against lung injury induced by reperfusion of ischemic hindlimb in a rat model. Methods. Twenty-four healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally randomized into three groups: sham (SM) group, ischemia reperfusion (IR) group, and methylene blue (MB) group. Rats in both IR and MB groups were subjected to 4 h of ischemia by clamping the left femoral artery and then followed by 4 h of reperfusion. Treatment with 1% methylene blue (50 mg/kg) was administrated intraperitoneally at 10 min prior to reperfusion in the MB group. After 4 h of reperfusion, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in lung tissue were detected; inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β and IL-6, were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); correspondingly, the morphological changes and water content in both gastrocnemius muscle and lung samples were evaluated. Results. Hindlimb IR caused remarkable morphological abnormalities and edema in both muscle and lung tissues. SOD activity was decreased, both the MPO activity and MDA level in lung tissue, as well as IL-1β and IL-6 levels in BALF, were increased in the IR group (p<0.05). Compared with the IR group, SOD activity was increased, whereas MPO activity and MDA level in lung tissue and IL-1β and IL-6 levels in BALF were decreased in the MB group (p<0.05). Also, the histological damage and edema in both lung and muscle tissues were significantly attenuated by the treatment of methylene blue. Conclusion. Methylene blue attenuates lung injury induced by hindlimb IR in rats, at least in part, by inhibiting oxidative stress.
The Effects of Breathing Behaviour on Crack Growth of a Vibrating Beam
Authors: Liu Wenguang , Barkey Mark E.
Published: March 2018

The effects of breathing behaviour on the dynamic response and crack growth are studied through a cracked cantilever beam. The main goal is to reveal the coupling mechanism of dynamic response and crack growth by employing a plain single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) lumped system with the breathing crack stiffness and friction damping. The friction damping loss factor is derived by using Coulomb friction model and energy principle. Natural frequency, dynamic stress, dynamic stress intensity factor (DSIF), and crack growth are analyzed by case studies in the end. Results indicate that not only does the stiffness oscillates during crack growth corresponding to the physically open and closed states of the crack, but also stiffness and friction damping oscillate nonlinearly with crack growth. This behaviour induces not only nonlinear dynamic response but also nonlinear crack growth. It provides an approximate description of the nonlinearities introduced by the presence of a breathing crack. Therefore, it can be employed to improve the prediction precision of the crack identification and crack growth life of a cracked cantilever beam.
Clinical Analysis of 42 Cases of Ocular Ischemic Syndrome
Authors: Luo Jingyi , Yan Zhichao , Jia Yu , Luo Rongjiang
Published: March 2018

Ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS) is a severe ocular disease caused by ocular hypoperfusion due to stenosis or occlusion of the common or internal carotid arteries. OIS is easily misdiagnosed or undiagnosed given its asymptomatic onset and complicated ocular manifestations. The present study reviewed 42 patients with OIS, including 30 males (71.43%), 29 older patients (69.05%, >61 yrs), and 35 patients (83.33%) with two or more systemic diseases. Only 6 patients had ocular symptoms as the initial signs upon visiting the Department of Ophthalmology of three hospitals (the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University; Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University; and the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University). The ocular symptoms varied from visual deterioration to periorbital pain. Thirty-seven patients (88.10%) complained of constitutional symptoms. Ocular manifestations were diverse and involved both anterior and posterior segments. We reported a case of corneal edema and corneal epithelium erosion in the ipsilateral eye due to internal carotid artery stenosis. As the clinical manifestations of OIS are complex, ophthalmologists must carefully examine patients to avoid a misdiagnosis or a failure to diagnose. The management of OIS requires cooperation with cardiologists and neurologists.
Demystifying Authentication Concepts in Smartphones: Ways and Types to Secure Access
Authors: Gupta Sandeep , Buriro Attaullah , Crispo Bruno
Published: March 2018

Smartphones are the most popular and widespread personal devices. Apart from their conventional use, that is, calling and texting, they have also been used to perform multiple security sensitive activities, such as online banking and shopping, social networking, taking pictures, and e-mailing. On a positive side, smartphones have improved the quality of life by providing multiple services that users desire, for example, anytime-anywhere computing. However, on the other side, they also pose security and privacy threats to the users’ stored data. User authentication is the first line of defense to prevent unauthorized access to the smartphone. Several authentication schemes have been proposed over the years; however, their presentation might be perplexing to the new researchers to this domain, under the shade of several buzzwords, for example, active, continuous, implicit, static, and transparent, being introduced in academic papers without comprehensive description. Moreover, most of the reported authentication solutions were evaluated mainly in terms of accuracy, overlooking a very important aspect—the usability. This paper surveys various types and ways of authentication, designed and developed primarily to secure the access to smartphones and attempts to clarify correlated buzzwords, with the motivation to assist new researchers in understanding the gist behind those concepts. We also present the assessment of existing user authentication schemes exhibiting their security and usability issues.
Oxysterols Increase Inflammation, Lipid Marker Levels and Reflect Accelerated Endothelial Dysfunction in Experimental Animals
Authors: Wielkoszyński Tomasz , Zalejska-Fiolka Jolanta , Strzelczyk Joanna K. , Owczarek Aleksander J. , Cholewka Armand , Furmański Marcin , Stanek Agata
Published: March 2018

Objective. Oxidized cholesterol derivatives are thought to exert atherogenic effect thus adversely affecting vascular endothelium. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol on experimentally induced hypercholesterolemia in rabbits, and the levels of homocysteine (HCY), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and inflammatory parameters (IL-6, TNF-α, CRP).Material and methods. The rabbits were divided into 3 groups, 8 animals each, and fed with basic fodder (C), basic fodder plus cholesterol (Ch) or basic fodder plus 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol, and unoxidized cholesterol (ECh). Serum concentrations of studied parameters were determined at 45-day intervals. The study was continued for six months.Results. We demonstrated that adding 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol to basic fodder significantly affected lipid status of the experimental animals, increasing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as HCY and ADMA levels, whilst leaving the PON-1 activity unaffected. Additionally, the ECh group presented with significantly higher concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP). In the Ch group, lower yet significant (as compared to the C group) changes of levels of studied parameters were observed.Conclusion. Exposure of animals with experimentally induced hypercholesterolemia to 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol increases dyslipidaemia, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammatory response.
Tanshinone IIA Attenuates Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain in Experimental Rats via Inhibiting Inflammation
Authors: Zhang Baojian , Yu Yanbing , Aori Gele , Wang Qi , Kong Dawei , Yang Wenqiang , Guo Zhuangli , Zhang Li
Published: March 2018

Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) is a common and intractable complication of diabetes. Conventional therapies are always not ideal; development of novel drugs is still needed to achieve better pain relief. Recent evidences have demonstrated that inflammation is involved in the onset and maintenance of DPNP. The anti‐inflammatory property of Tanshinone IIA (TIIA) makes it a promising candidate to block or alter the pain perception. This study was conducted to investigate whether TIIA could attenuate DPNP in streptozotocin‐ (STZ‐) induced rats model and its potential mechanisms. TIIA was administered to STZ‐induced diabetic rats at the dose of 40 mg/kg once a day for 3 weeks. The effects of TIIA on thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were investigated using behavioral tests. The mRNA level and expression of interleukin‐ (IL‐) 1β, interleukin‐ (IL‐) 6, tumor necrosis factor‐ (TNF‐) α, and interleukin‐ (IL‐) 10 in the fourth to sixth segments of the dorsal root ganglion (L4–6 DRG) were detected by quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot. TIIA treatment significantly attenuated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in diabetic rats. In addition, the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α was inhibited, and the level of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 was increased by TIIA. This study demonstrated that TIIA has significant antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects in a rat model of STZ‐induced DPNP, and the effect may be associated with its anti‐inflammation property.
Sensitivity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Isolates from Diseased Avocado Fruits to Selected Fungicides in Kenya
Authors: Kimaru Stanley Kirugo , Monda E. , Cheruiyot R. C. , Mbaka J. , Alakonya A.
Published: March 2018

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a serious postharvest pathogen of avocado fruits worldwide. Kenya lacks any registered fungicides for the management of the disease. Nevertheless, farmers commonly use commercially available fungicides such as Bayleton 25WP (Triadimefon 250 g/Kg), Milraz 76WP (Propineb 70% and Cymoxanil 6%), and Copper oxychloride 500WP for disease management. The efficacy of these fungicides against C. gloeosporioides is not known. The purpose of this study was therefore to test the inhibitory effect of these fungicides against 46 C. gloeosporioides isolates from avocado fruits collected from varieties grown at different agroecological zones in Murang’a County, a popular avocado-growing region in Kenya. Mycelial growth rate and sporulation for each isolate were measured in vitro on PDA plates amended with different concentrations of the fungicides. Plates were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications per treatment. All fungicides were effective in vitro but there were significant differences in sensitivity among isolates. Bayleton had the highest mycelial inhibition followed by Milraz, while copper oxychloride had the lowest mycelial inhibition rates, ranging from 81% to 88%. However, copper oxychloride was more effective in inhibiting sporulation. The inhibitory effect of each fungicide was concentration-dependent, where twice the recommended concentration had the highest inhibitory effect, followed by the recommended concentration. Our results show that the fungicides used by farmers against C. gloeosporioides, the causal agent for anthracnose, are effective. We, however, recommend further field tests in different avocado-growing areas so as to validate their efficacy against various isolates and under different environments.
Integration of Family Planning Counselling to Mass Screening Campaign for Cervical Cancer: Experience from Guinea
Authors: Leno D. W. A. , Diallo F. D. , Delamou A. , Komano F. D. , Magassouba M. , Niamy D. , Tolno J. , Keita N.
Published: March 2018

Aim. To assess feasibility of integrating family planning counselling into mass screening for cervical cancer in Guinea. Methodology. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a month in Guinea regional capital cities. The targeted population comprised women aged 15 to 49 years. Nearly 4000 women were expected for the screening campaigns that utilized VIA and VIL methods with confirmation of positive tests through biopsy. A local treatment was immediately performed when the patient was eligible. Results. Overall 5673 women aged 15 to 60 years were received, a surplus of 42% of the expected population. 92.3% of women were aged 15–49 years and 90.1% were 25–49 years. Long-acting methods were the most utilized (89.2% of family planning users). 154 precancerous and cancerous lesions were screened, a global positivity rate of 2.7%. Conclusion. Integration of counselling and family planning services provision during cervical cancer mass screening is a feasible strategy. A cost-effective analysis of this approach would help a better planning of future campaigns and its replication in other contexts.
Evaluation of Carbonisation Gas from Coal and Woody Biomass and Reduction Rate of Carbon Composite Pellets
Authors: Usui Tateo , Konishi Hirokazu , Ichikawa Kazuhira , Ono Hideki , Kawabata Hirotoshi , Pena Francisco B. , Souza Matheus H. , Xavier Alexandre A. , Assis Paulo S.
Published: March 2018

Carbon composite iron oxide pellets using semichar or semicharcoal were proposed from the measured results of the carbonisation gas release behaviour. The carbonisation was done under a rising temperature condition until arriving at a maximum carbonisation temperature Tc,max to release some volatile matter (VM). The starting point of reduction of carbon composite pellets using semicharcoal produced at Tc,max = 823 K under the rising temperature condition was observed at the reduction temperature TR = 833 K, only a little higher than Tc,max, which was the aimed phenomenon for semicharcoal composite pellets. As Tc,max increases, the emitted carbonisation gas volume increases, the residual VM decreases, and, as a whole, the total heat value of the carbonisation gas tends to increase monotonically. The effect of the particle size of the semicharcoal on the reduction rate was studied. When TR is higher than Tc,max, the reduction rate increases, as the particle size decreases. When TR is equal to Tc,max, there is no effect. With decreasing Tc,max, the activation energy Ea of semicharcoal decreases. The maximum carbonisation temperature Tc,max may be optimised for reactivity (1/Ea) of semicharcoal and the total carbonisation gas volume or the heat value.
Effects of Inlet Pressure on Ignition of Spray Combustion
Authors: Chen Jian , Li Jianzhong , Yuan Li
Published: March 2018

To evaluate the effects of inlet pressure on the ignition process of spray combustion, the images of the ignition process were recorded and the outlet temperatures were measured under inlet pressure of 0.04–0.16 MPa. The initial flame formation and flame propagation and the effects of the inlet pressure on the initial flame formation were observed. A variation of outlet temperature, flame propagation, initial time of outlet temperature rise, time of maximum temperature rise, and temperature rise rate was investigated. With increasing inlet pressure, the time of initial flame formation and time of maximum area growth rate of flame decrease and the centroid location move radially. The radial distances of the initial flame centroid gradually increased by about 13%, 5%, 6%, 12%, 57%, and 24%. The trace of flame centroid is determined from the distribution of fuel and is related to the initial SMD of the atomizer. The maximum temperature rise and temperature rise rate are determined by the rate of flame chemical reaction, rate of large drop evaporation, and fuel/air ratio. With increasing inlet pressure, the maximum temperature rise increased by 50%, 58%, 12%, 11%, and −9%, respectively. Meanwhile, the rate of the temperature rise increased by about 47%, 54%, 11%, 11%, and −7%, respectively.
IL-33/IL-31 Axis: A Potential Inflammatory Pathway
Authors: Di Salvo Eleonora , Ventura-Spagnolo Elvira , Casciaro Marco , Navarra Michele , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: March 2018

Cytokines play an important role in the regulation of the immune system (adaptive and innate). Given their importance in proinflammatory processes, cytokines have been used for understanding the pathogenesis and as biomarkers in many diseases. IL-31 and IL-33 are still considered novel cytokines. IL-31 controls signalling and regulates a huge amount of biological functions: it induces proinflammatory cytokines, regulates cell proliferation, and is involved also in tissue remodelling. On the other hand, IL-33 has been identified as an “alarmin” released from the epithelial cells and from different human tissues and organs after a damage following, that is, an inflammatory process. The aim of this literature review is to strengthen the hypothesis about an IL-31/IL-33 axis by evaluating the most recent studies linking these two cytokines. Literature data showed that, in many cases, IL-31 and IL-33 are linked to each other and that their expression is correlated with disease severity. The presence of one interleukin might stimulate the induction of the other, amplifying inflammation and the consequent detrimental processes. In a near future, influencing their balance could be helpful in modulating the first responses of the immune system in order to prevent the development of many inflammation-related diseases.
Gear Fault Diagnosis in Variable Speed Condition Based on Multiscale Chirplet Path Pursuit and Linear Canonical Transform
Authors: Shuiqing Xu , Ke Zhang , Yi Chai , Yigang He , Li Feng
Published: March 2018

The vibration signals analysis is a very effective and reliable method for detecting the gear failures. Because the vibration signals acquired from the gear in the variable speed condition often contain more useful fault information, the analysis of the gear vibration signals during the variable speed condition has been a hot research topic. In this paper, a method based on the multiscale chirplet path pursuit (MSCPP) and the linear canonical transform (LCT) has been applied to diagnose the gear fault in the variable speed condition for the first time. First, by using the MSCPP method to estimate the instantaneous meshing frequency, the suitable signal segment approximation to the acceleration or deceleration process can be selected. Then, because the LCT is a novel and efficient nonstationary signals analysis tool, the optimal LCT spectrum of the selected signal has been attainted to diagnose the gear faults based on the properties of the LCT. In addition, the simulations and the experimental evaluation are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Use of Telemedicine in Addiction Treatment: Current Practices and Organizational Implementation Characteristics
Authors: Molfenter Todd , Brown Roger , O’Neill Andrew , Kopetsky Ed , Toy Alexander
Published: March 2018

Telemedicine applications offer innovative approaches for treating and reducing the effects of substance use disorders (SUDs). This analysis assessed the interest in and use of 11 telemedicine applications in a sample of 363 SUD organizations in the United States of America. Fifty percent of the organizations expressed high rates of interest in seven of the telemedicine applications, demonstrating the appeal of telemedicine within this field. The top three self-reported telemedicine applications being used were (1) computerized screening/assessments (44.6%), (2) telephone-based recovery supports (29.5%), and (3) telephone-based therapy (28.37%). The greatest gaps between interest and use were for (1) texting appointment reminders (55.2% differential), (2) mobile apps for posttreatment recovery (46.6% differential), and (3) recovery support chats (46.6% differential). A Latent Class Analysis (LCA) of the organizations’ telemedicine use behavior identified three groupings: “Innovators” that were using a range of technologies (n=27, 7.4%); “Technology Traditionalists” that limited their use to telephone, video, and web portal technologies (n=101, 27.8%); and “Low Tech” that had low overall technology use (n=235, 64.7%). Future studies should build on how telemedicine could be applied in SUD settings, organizational behaviors towards its adoption, and telemedicine’s effect on treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.
An Experimental Study on Cracking Behavior of Precracked Sandstone Specimens under Seepage Pressure
Authors: Lin Qibin , Cao Ping , Wang Hua , Cao Rihong
Published: March 2018

This paper aims to investigate the strength and failure mechanism of fractured rock under seepage pressure. For this purpose, precracked sandstone specimens were prepared with different fissure angles, and a seepage pressure loading device was created. Together with the acoustic emission (AE) system, the loading device was adopted to perform uniaxial compression tests with or without seepage pressure. The main results are as follows. Combined with axial stress‐strain curves, photographic monitoring results and the output of AE counts and rock failure process can be generally divided into four stages: microcrack closure, elastic deformation, crack growth and propagation, and final failure. The seepage pressure had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the specimens: the specimens under seepage pressure lagged far behind those without seepage pressure in peak strength but maintained a comfortable lead in peak strain. Under seepage pressure, the typical failure features of the specimens varied with the fissure angles: the specimens with small fissure angles (i.e., [0°,30°]) mainly underwent tensile failure; those with medium fissure angles (i.e., [30°,60°]) suffered from shear failure; and those with large fissure angles (i.e., [60°,75°]) were prone to tensile‐shear failure.
Spatial and Temporal Variability in the Precipitation Concentration in the Upper Reaches of the Hongshui River Basin, Southwestern China
Authors: Huang Ya , Wang Hao , Xiao Weihua , Chen Li-hua , Yan Deng-hua , Zhou Yu-yan , Jiang Da-chuan , Yang Ming-zhi
Published: March 2018

The statistical characteristics of precipitation play important roles not only in flood and drought risk assessments but also in water resource management. This paper implements a statistical analysis to study the spatial and temporal variability in precipitation in the upper reaches of the Hongshui River basin (UHRB), southwestern China, by analysing time series of daily precipitation from 18 weather stations during the period of 1959 to 2015. To detect precipitation concentrations and the associated patterns, three indices, the precipitation concentration index (PCI), precipitation concentration degree (PCD), and precipitation concentration period (PCP), were used. The relationships between the precipitation concentration indices (PCI, PCD, and PCP) and geographic variables (latitude, longitude, and elevation), large-scale atmospheric circulation indices, and summer monsoon indices were investigated to identify specific dependencies and spatial patterns in the precipitation distribution and concentration. The results show that high PCI values were mainly observed in the northeastern portion of the basin, whereas low PCI values were mainly detected in the southwest. The Mann-Kendall test results demonstrate that the majority of the UHRB is characterized by nonsignificant trends in the PCI, PCD, and PCP from 1959 to 2015. The PCP results reveal that rainfall in the UHRB mainly occurs in summer months, and the rainy season arrives earlier in the eastern UHRB than in the western UHRB. Additionally, the PCD results indicate that the rainfall in the western UHRB is more dispersed throughout the year than that in the eastern UHRB. Compared with other geographical factors, longitude is the most important variable that governs the spatial distribution and variations in annual precipitation and the precipitation concentration indices. Due to a combination of topography, the Indian subtropical high, and monsoon weakening, precipitation may be more concentrated in one period, especially in the eastern part of the basin, which increases the risk of drought.
Hypoglycaemic and Antioxidant Effects of Propolis of Chihuahua in a Model of Experimental Diabetes
Authors: Rivera-Yañez Nelly , Rodriguez-Canales Mario , Nieto-Yañez Oscar , Jimenez-Estrada Manuel , Ibarra-Barajas Maximiliano , Canales-Martinez M. M. , Rodriguez-Monroy M. A.
Published: March 2018

Propolis is a bee‐collected natural product that has been proven to have various bioactivities. This study tested the effects of a Mexican propolis on streptozotocin‐induced diabetes mellitus in a murine model. The results showed that an ethanolic extract of propolis of Chihuahua (EEPCh) significantly inhibited increases in blood glucose and the loss of body weight in diabetic mice. EEPCh increased plasma insulin levels in STZ‐diabetic mice, whereas, in untreated diabetic mice, there was no detection of insulin. EEPCh had a high antioxidant capacity (SA50 = 15.75 μg/mL), which was directly related to the concentrations of total phenols (314 mg GAE/g of extract) and flavonoids (6.25 mg QE/g of extract). In addition, increased activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were observed in diabetic mice treated with EEPCh. Compounds such as pinocembrin, quercetin, naringin, naringenin, kaempferol, acacetin, luteolin, and chrysin were identified by HPLC‐MS analysis. This investigation demonstrated that propolis of Chihuahua possesses hypoglycaemic and antioxidant activities and can alleviate symptoms of diabetes mellitus in mice. These effects may be directly related to the chemical composition of propolis, as most of the compounds identified in propolis are reportedly active in terms of the different parameters evaluated in this work.
Refractive and Biometric Outcomes in Patients with Retinopathy of Prematurity Treated with Intravitreal Injection of Ranibizumab as Compared with Bevacizumab: A Clinical Study of Correction at Three Years of Age
Authors: Chen Yen-Chih , Chen San-Ni , Yang Benjamin Chi-Lan , Lee Kun-Hsien , Chuang Chih-Chun , Cheng Chieh-Yin
Published: March 2018

Purpose. To compare refractive and biometric outcomes in patients with type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treated with intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR) versus bevacizumab (IVB), at a corrected age of 3 years. Methods. A retrospective case series compared cycloplegic refractive statuses and biometric statuses in patients who received either IVR or IVB for type 1 ROP, from April 2011 to April 2014. Results. A total of 62 eyes (33 patients) with type 1 ROP were evaluated (26 eyes in 13 IVR patients and 36 eyes in 20 IVB patients). There were no differences in birth statuses including gestational age and birth body weight between the two groups. The prevalence of refractive error greater than 1 D was higher in the IVB group (p=0.03), and there was a higher prevalence of high myopia (<−5.0 D, p=0.03) in the IVB group. Comparisons in biometric finding showed that IVB patients had shallower anterior chamber depth (p=0.01). Conclusion. Both IVR and IVB showed low refractive errors, even followed at the corrected age of 3 years. No difference was noted between the two groups in refractive statuses. However, IVB was associated with shallower anterior chamber and higher prevalence of refractive error at the corrected age of 3 years. This trial is registered with NCT03334513.
ANN and Fuzzy Logic Based Model to Evaluate Huntington Disease Symptoms
Authors: Lauraitis Andrius , Maskeliūnas Rytis , Damaševičius Robertas
Published: March 2018

We introduce an approach to predict deterioration of reaction state for people having neurological movement disorders such as hand tremors and nonvoluntary movements. These involuntary motor features are closely related to the symptoms occurring in patients suffering from Huntington’s disease (HD). We propose a hybrid (neurofuzzy) model that combines an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the functional capacity level (FCL) of a person and a fuzzy logic system (FLS) to determine a stage of reaction. We analyzed our own dataset of 3032 records collected from 20 test subjects (both healthy and HD patients) using smart phones or tablets by asking a patient to locate circular objects on the device’s screen. We describe the preparation and labelling of data for the neural network, selection of training algorithms, modelling of the fuzzy logic controller, and construction and implementation of the hybrid model. The feed-forward backpropagation (FFBP) neural network achieved the regression R value of 0.98 and mean squared error (MSE) values of 0.08, while the FLS provides a final evaluation of subject’s reaction condition in terms of FCL.
Investigation on the Nonlinear Strength Properties and Damage Statistical Constitutive Model for Frozen Sandy Soils
Authors: Zhang De , Liu Enlong , Liu Xingyan , Zhang Ge , Yin Xiao , Song Bingtang
Published: March 2018

There are many flaws, such as fissures, cavities, and inclusions, in geomaterials, which make their mechanical properties with great randomness and uncertainty. Upon loading, the soil structure gradually losses the bearing capacity due to the transformation from microdefects to macroscopic breakage bands. Based upon the experimental data of frozen sandy soils, a new nonlinear strength equation between the first and third principal stresses was proposed, and then the nonlinear strength properties for frozen sandy soils in σ‐τ plane were analyzed. In addition, by assuming that the microstrength of frozen sandy soil obeys the Weibull distribution function, a statistical damage constitutive model was established based upon the framework of continuum damage mechanics (CDM), with few parameters and a high accuracy. Compared with experimental data, the new model can well grasp the nonlinear strength properties and simulate the stress‐strain relationships under different confining pressures for frozen sandy soils.
Asynchronous Communication under Reliable and Unreliable Network Topologies in Distributed Multiagent Systems: A Robust Technique for Computing Average Consensus
Authors: Mustafa Ali , Najam ul Islam Muhammad , Ahmed Salman , Tufail Muhammad Ahsan
Published: March 2018

Nearly all applications in multiagent systems demand precision, robustness, consistency, and rapid convergence in designing of distributed consensus algorithms. Keeping this thing in our sight, this research suggests a robust consensus protocol for distributed multiagent networks, continuing asynchronous communications, where agent’s states values are updated at diverse interval of time. This paper presents an asynchronous communication for both reliable and unreliable network topologies. The primary goal is to delineate local control inputs to attain time synchronization by processing the update information received by the agents associated in a communication topology. Additionally in order to accomplish the robust convergence, modelling of convergence analysis is conceded by commissioning the basic principles of graph and matrix theory alongside the suitable lemmas. Moreover, statistical examples presenting four diverse scenarios are provided in the end; produced results are the recognisable indicator to authenticate the robust effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Likewise, a simulation comparison of the projected algorithm with the other existing approaches is conducted, considering different performance parameters are being carried out to support our claim.
Effect of Copper and Iron Ions on the Sulphidizing Flotation of Copper Oxide in Copper Smelting Slag
Authors: Pan Qing-qing , Peng Hui-qing
Published: March 2018

The treatment of smelting slag has attracted much attention nowadays. This study investigates the influence of Na2S, CuSO4, and FeCl3 on sulphidizing flotation of copper oxide. The results show that a proper Cu2+ concentration can increase the sulphidizing effect of copper oxide, while Fe3+ inhibits the sulphidizing effect. Further analysis shows that Cu2+ ions can reduce the surface potential, increase the S2− adsorption, then generate more polysulfide, and therefore promote the sulphidizing flotation. However, Fe3+ ions would increase the surface potential, reduce the S2− adsorption, generate more sulfur element, and therefore inhibit the sulphidizing flotation.
Treatment Discontinuation and Clinical Events in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Treated with Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors or NPH Insulin as Third-Line Therapy
Authors: Moura Cristiano S. , Rosenberg Zale B. , Abrahamowicz Michal , Bernatsky Sasha , Behlouli Hassan , Pilote Louise
Published: March 2018

Objective. To compare dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors with neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin, in terms of effectiveness and safety for the management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) not controlled on metformin and sulfonylureas. Methods. A retrospective cohort study of individuals with DM2 newly dispensed with either DPP-4 inhibitors or NPH as third-line therapy, after metformin and sulfonylurea. Treatment discontinuation, macrovascular outcomes, and hypoglycemia were compared using multivariable Cox regression models, adjusted for sex, age, year of cohort entry, place of residence, hypertension, past history of hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, comorbidities, and number of visits to emergency departments, outpatient physician, and hospitalizations. Results. Treatment discontinuation and hypoglycemia occurred more frequently with NPH than with DPP-4 inhibitor users. In the adjusted Cox model, the use of NPH compared to that of DPP-4 inhibitors was associated with a higher risk of discontinuation (HR: 1.33; 95% CI 1.27–1.40) and hypoglycemia (HR: 2.98; 95% CI 2.72–3.28). Risk of cardiovascular events was similar across groups. Conclusions. This real-world analysis suggests that DM2 patients initiating third-line therapy with NPH have poorer control of diabetes when compared to DPP-4 inhibitor initiators.
A Combination of Tachycardia-Mediated Heart Failure and Coronary Artery Vasospasm-Induced Silent Myocardial Infarction in a Patient with Severe Thyrotoxicosis
Authors: Khoo Serena Sert Kim , Chu Chong Mow , Fung Yin Khet
Published: March 2018

Severe thyrotoxicosis can present with a myriad of cardiovascular complications. It may be mild features such as palpitations, tachycardia, and exertional dyspnea or may progress to life-threatening consequences such as atrial fibrillation, tachyarrhythmias, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and shock. In rare cases, they may present with myocardial ischemia secondary to coronary artery vasospasm. We report a case of a 59-year-old Malay gentleman who presented with fast atrial fibrillation and tachycardia-mediated heart failure that evolved to a silent myocardial infarction secondary to severe coronary artery vasospasm with undiagnosed severe thyrotoxicosis. He had complete resolution of heart failure and no further recurrence of coronary artery vasospasm once treatment for thyrotoxicosis was initiated and euthyroidism achieved. This life-threatening consequence has an excellent prognosis if recognised early and treated promptly.