bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plants and Their Bioactive Constituents in Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Periodontal Regeneration: A Novel Prospective
Authors: Xue Wenqing , Yu Jinhua , Chen Wu
Published: August 2018

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease, which causes the destruction of both the soft and mineralized tissues. However, current treatments such as bone graft materials, barrier membranes, and protein products all have difficulties in regenerating the complete periodontal tissue structure. Stem cell-based tissue engineering has now emerged as one of the most effective treatments for the patients suffering from periodontal diseases. Plants not only can be substrates for life processes, but also contain hormones or functional molecules. Numbers of preclinical studies have revealed that products from plant can be successfully applied in modulating proliferation and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. Plant-derived substances can induce stem cells osteogenic differentiation, and they also possess angiogenic potency. Furthermore, in the field of tissue engineering, plant-derived compounds or plant extracts can be incorporated with biomaterials or utilized as biomaterials for cell transplantation. So it is speculated that botanical products may become a new perspective in stem cell-based periodontal regeneration. However, the lack of achieving predict clinical efficacy and quality control has been the major impediment to its extensive application. This review gives an overview of the prospect of applying different plant-derived substances in various human mesenchymal stem cells-based periodontal regeneration.
Investigation and Optimization of Grounding Grid Based on Lightning Response by Using ATP‐EMTP and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Gholami Farkoush Saeid , Khurshaid Tahir , Wadood Abdul , Kim Chang-Hwan , Kharal Kumail Hassan , Kim Kyu-Ho , Cho Namhun , Rhee Sang-Bong
Published: August 2018

A large number of electromagnetic transient studies have been analyzed for finding the overvoltage behavior of power system. A grounding grid of power system is so important for reducing the effect of overvoltage phenomena during a short‐circuit event. Two sections are important in grounding system behavior: soil ionization and inductive behavior; this paper focuses on the inductive manner of grounding grid. The grounding grid is considered as a conductor segment; each conductor segment acts as a grounding unit. In this paper, the transient methodology is introduced to investigate the lightning effect on grounding body at each point of grounding grid in normal and optimized conditions. Genetic algorithm is applied for regular and irregular grounding grid to obtain best values of mesh size with the lower ground potential rise (GPR) as compared with the normal condition for more safety. The grounding grid is a combination of inductance, resistance, and capacitance. This model is suitable for practical applications related to fault diagnosis. Several voltages on different positions of grounding grid are described in this paper using ATP‐EMTP and genetic algorithm. The computer simulation shows that the proposed scheme is highly feasible and technically attractive.
Study on Biological Characteristics and Mechanism of Paclitaxel Induced Drug Resistance in Endometrial Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Ding Jie , Li Mengxiong , Deng Liuzhi , Li Tian
Published: August 2018

Objective. To study the biological characteristics of paclitaxel resistant endometrial carcinoma cells and its mechanism of drug resistance.Method. The paclitaxel resistant cell lines were established by high-dose paclitaxel (TAX) injection. The IC50 of paclitaxel was determined by CCK-8 assay in Ishikawa and Ishikawa-TAX. The cell cycle and apoptosis rate were detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect the expression of p-AKT and p-p70S6K. The expression of drug resistance-related genes Pgp and MDR1 was determined by RT-PCR. Cell viability was determined by soft agarose assay and invasive ability in vitro by transwell assay.Results. Paclitaxel and NVP-BEZ235 cotreatment group can further inhibit the clonogenicity and invasion of Ishikawa and Ishikawa-TAX cells compared with paclitaxel alone and NVP-BEZ235 treatment group. Paclitaxel and NVP-BEZ235 cotreated groups increased the apoptosis rate of Ishikawa and increased G0/G1 phase arrest in both cells. Paclitaxel alone significantly inhibited p-AK and p-p70 S6K protein expression in Ishikawa and Ishikawa-TAX cells and the inhibition was enhanced by NVP-BEZ235 when cotreated with paclitaxel.Conclusion. Paclitaxel can inhibit Ishikawa and Ishikawa-TAX cell via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Paclitaxel and NVP-BEZ235 cotreatment can enhance the inhibitory effect.
Precoding‐Aided Spatial Modulation for the Wiretap Channel with Relay Selection and Cooperative Jamming
Authors: Bouida Zied , Stavridis Athanasios , Ghrayeb Ali , Haas Harald , Hasna Mazen , Ibnkahla Mohamed
Published: August 2018

We propose in this paper a physical‐layer security (PLS) scheme for dual‐hop cooperative networks in an effort to enhance the communications secrecy. The underlying model comprises a transmitting node (Alice), a legitimate node (Bob), and an eavesdropper (Eve). It is assumed that there is no direct link between Alice and Bob, and the communication between them is done through trusted relays over two phases. In the first phase, precoding‐aided spatial modulation (PSM) is employed, owing to its low interception probability, while simultaneously transmitting a jamming signal from Bob. In the second phase, the selected relay detects and transmits the intended signal, whereas the remaining relays transmit the jamming signal received from Bob. We analyze the performance of the proposed scheme in terms of the ergodic secrecy capacity (ESC), the secrecy outage probability (SOP), and the bit error rate (BER) at Bob and Eve. We obtain closed‐form expressions for the ESC and SOP and we derive very tight upper‐bounds for the BER. We also optimize the performance with respect to the power allocation among the participating relays in the second phase. We provide examples with numerical and simulation results through which we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatology Practice Patterns in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium Study
Authors: Kaspar Cristin D. W. , Sanderson Keia , Ozen Seza , Verghese Priya S. , Lo Megan , Bunchman Timothy E. , Wenderfer Scott E. , Kidd Jason
Published: August 2018

Objective. To assess practice pattern similarities and differences amongst pediatric rheumatologists and nephrologists in the management of pediatric Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA). Methods. A voluntary survey was distributed to the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium Group (MWPNC) and an international pediatric rheumatology email listserv in 2016-2017. Data were collected on general practice characteristics and preferences for induction management under three clinical scenarios (A-C): newly diagnosed GPA with glomerulonephritis, GPA with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, and GPA with pulmonary hemorrhage. In addition, individual preferences for GPA maintenance medications, disease monitoring, and management of GPA with end-stage renal disease were ascertained. Results. There was a 68% response rate from the MWPNC membership and equal numbers of rheumatology respondents. Survey results revealed Rituximab plus Cyclophosphamide is a more common induction choice for rheumatologists than nephrologists in induction Scenarios A and B, whereas Cyclophosphamide is more commonly chosen by nephrologists in Scenario A. Plasmapheresis rates increased for Scenarios A, B, and C for both specialties, but were overall low. There was no clear consensus on the duration of maintenance therapy nor diagnostic work-up. Rheumatologists more frequently chose Rituximab for maintenance and induction compared to nephrologists. There was also a higher than expected proportion of Mycophenolate Mofetil use for both specialties. Conclusion. This survey has revealed important differences in the way that rheumatologists and nephrologists manage this disease. It highlights the need for well-designed clinical trials in pediatric GPA patients and reveals that both specialties must be represented during consensus-building and clinical trial design efforts.
Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma Recurrence in the Caecum
Authors: Chowdri Nisar A. , Mehraj Asif , Parray Fazl Q. , Khan Mudassir A. , Laharwal Masood A. , Wani Rauf A.
Published: August 2018

Endometrial stromal sarcomas of uterus are quite rare. Most of the recurrences in these tumors are seen in the pelvis. However, extrapelvic recurrences and metastases to other parts are quite unusual. Here, we are reporting a rare case of caecal recurrence of endometrial stromal sarcoma. Case Report. A 52-year-old female presented to us with pain and lump in the right lower abdomen. The patient was earlier subjected to total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAHBSO) for low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma. Postoperatively patient received radiotherapy but no hormone therapy. After 10 years of follow up patient presented with a polypoidal lesion in the caecum. Patient was evaluated fully and subjected to resection of this polypoidal lesion, which proved out to be high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma. Conclusion. Recurrence of endometrial stromal sarcoma in the caecum is very rare. However, this entity needs to be kept in mind for differential diagnosis of a caecal mass. Recurrence in such cases may present quite late.
Sparsity Based Locality-Sensitive Discriminative Dictionary Learning for Video Semantic Analysis
Authors: Benuwa Ben-Bright , Zhan Yongzhao , Ghansah Benjamin , Ansah Ernest K. , Sarkodie Andriana
Published: August 2018

Dictionary learning (DL) and sparse representation (SR) based classifiers have greatly impacted the classification performance and have had good recognition rate on image data. In video semantic analysis (VSA), the local structure of video data contains more vital discriminative information needed for classification. However, this has not been fully exploited by the current DL based approaches. Besides, similar coding findings are not being realized from video features with the same video category. Based on the issues stated afore, a novel learning algorithm, called sparsity based locality-sensitive discriminative dictionary learning (SLSDDL) for VSA is proposed in this paper. In the proposed algorithm, a discriminant loss function for the category based on sparse coding of the sparse coefficients is introduced into structure of locality-sensitive dictionary learning (LSDL) algorithm. Finally, the sparse coefficients for the testing video feature sample are solved by the optimized method of SLSDDL and the classification result for video semantic is obtained by minimizing the error between the original and reconstructed samples. The experiment results show that the proposed SLSDDL significantly improves the performance of video semantic detection compared with the comparative state-of-the-art approaches. Moreover, the robustness to various diverse environments in video is also demonstrated, which proves the universality of the novel approach.
Nodular Pulmonary Amyloidosis: A Manifestation of Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Gómez Correa Gustavo Adolfo , Osorno Serna Jovani , Cáceres Acosta Manuel Felipe , Cáceres González Juan David , Calle Ramirez Jaime Andrés , Sandoval Mesa Juan Paulo , Roldán Pérez Miguel Ignacio
Published: August 2018

Case Description. A 72-year-old woman with primary Sjögren Syndrome (SS) was diagnosed during an inpatient hospital stay with dry symptoms. The patient had respiratory and constitutional symptoms, requiring a pulmonary imaging evaluation by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the thorax. Clinical Findings. Multiple cavitary pulmonary nodules, halo sign, and focal areas of ground-glass opacity with predominance in both bases were found in the images. Complementary studies were done where a neoplastic focus was ruled out. The diagnosis of nodular pulmonary amyloidosis was confirmed with a pulmonary biopsy performed by videothoracoscopy for histopathological study, which reported the formation of nodules in the parenchyma with amyloid deposits and positive immunohistochemical markers for CD3, CD20, and CD38 lymphocytic infiltration. Treatment and Outcome. Initial inpatient management with intravenous cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone was given. Subsequent outpatient management was given with high dose glucocorticoids. Clinical Relevance. We presented a case of nodular pulmonary amyloidosis in a female patient with primary SS, which is a rare pulmonary manifestation of this syndrome.
Distribution of Microbes and Drug Susceptibility in Patients with Diabetic Foot Infections in Southwest China
Authors: Wu Mingxia , Pan Hang , Leng Weiling , Lei Xiaotian , Chen Liu , Liang Ziwen
Published: August 2018

Objective. To investigate the microbial distribution and drug susceptibility among diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) with different Wagner grades and between acute and chronic DFUs. Methods. We enrolled 428 DFU patients who were hospitalized and treated in the Southwest Hospital. We collected deep ulcer secretion for microbial culture and drug susceptibility tests and analyzed the results. We reexamined 67 patients with poor anti-infection efficacy and analyzed microbial species. Results: The 354 positive samples included 201 cases (56.8%) of single-pathogen infections and 153 cases (43.2%) of multiple-pathogen infections before antibiotic therapy. A total of 555 strains were cultivated, including 205 (36.9%) strains of gram-positive organisms (GPOs), 283 (51.0%) gram-negative bacilli (GNB), and 67 (12.1%) fungal strains. In terms of distribution, patients with different Wagner grades had different bacterial composition ratios (P<0.01). Patients with Wagner grades 3–5 mainly had GNB. The specimens from chronic ulcer wounds were primarily GNB (54.2%), whereas fungi accounted for 14.4% of the infections; the distribution was significantly different from that of acute ulcers (P<0.01). The susceptibility tests showed that the Staphylococcus genus was more susceptible to vancomycin, linezolid, and tigecycline. Tobramycin was the most effective drug (97%) for the treatment of Escherichia coli, followed by ertapenem (96.4%), imipenem (93.5%), and cefotetan (90%). Most of the remaining GNB were susceptible to antibiotics such as carbapenems, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, ceftazidime, cefepime, and piperacillin-tazobactam (>63.2%). After antibiotic therapy, the positive rate of microbial culture was 52.2%, and the proportion of GNB and fungi increased to 68.9% and 20%. Conclusion. The distribution and types of bacteria in diabetic foot infection (DFI) patients varied with the different Wagner classification grades, courses of the ulcers, and antibiotic therapy. Multidrug resistance were increased, and the clinical treatment of DFIs should select the most suitable antibiotics based on the pathogen culture and drug susceptibility test results.
Ghrelin Ameliorates Angiotensin II-Induced Myocardial Fibrosis by Upregulating Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma in Young Male Rats
Authors: Wang Qian , Sui Xin , Chen Rui , Ma Pei-Yong , Teng Yong-Liang , Ding Tao , Sui Dian-Jun , Yang Ping
Published: August 2018

Angiotensin (Ang) II contributes to the formation and development of myocardial fibrosis. Ghrelin, a gut peptide, has demonstrated beneficial effects against cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we explored the effect and related mechanism of Ghrelin on myocardial fibrosis in Ang II-infused rats. Adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into 6 groups: Control, Ang II (200ng/kg/min, microinfusion), Ang II+Ghrelin (100μg/kg, subcutaneously twice daily), Ang II+Ghrelin+GW9662 (a specific PPAR-γinhibitor, 1 mg/kg/d, orally), Ang II+GW9662, and Ghrelin for 4 wks. In vitro, adult rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were pretreated with or without Ghrelin, Ghrelin+GW9662, or anti-Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 antibody and then stimulated with or without Ang II (100 nmol/L) for 24 h. Ang II infusion significantly increased myocardial fibrosis, expression of collagen I, collagen III, and TGF-β1, as well as TGF-β1 downstream proteins p-Smad2, p-Smad3, TRAF6, and p-TAK1 (all p<0.05). Ghrelin attenuated these effects. Similar results were seen in Ang II-stimulated rat cardiac fibroblasts in vitro. In addition, Ghrelin upregulated PPAR-γexpressionin vivoandin vitro, and treatment with GW9662 counteracted the effects of Ghrelin. In conclusion, Ghrelin ameliorated Ang II-induced myocardial fibrosis by upregulating PPAR-γand in turn inhibiting TGF-β1signaling.
A Digital RNA Signature of Circulating Tumor Cells Predicting Early Therapeutic Response in Localized and Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Kwan Tanya T. , Bardia Aditya , Spring Laura M. , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Kalinich Mark , Dubash Taronish , Sundaresan Tilak , Hong Xin , LiCausi Joseph A. , Ho Uyen , Silva Erin J. , Wittner Ben S. , Sequist Lecia V. , Kapur Ravi , Miyamoto David T. , Toner Mehmet , Haber Daniel A. , Maheswaran Shyamala
Published: August 2018

The multiplicity of new therapies for breast cancer presents a challenge for treatment selection. We describe a 17-gene digital signature of breast circulating tumor cell (CTC)–derived transcripts enriched from blood, enabling high-sensitivity early monitoring of response. In a prospective cohort of localized breast cancer, an elevated CTC score after three cycles of neoadjuvant therapy is associated with residual disease at surgery (P = 0.047). In a second prospective cohort with metastatic breast cancer, baseline CTC score correlates with overall survival (P = 0.02), as does persistent CTC signal after 4 weeks of treatment (P = 0.01). In the subset with estrogen receptor (ER)–positive disease, failure to suppress ER signaling within CTCs after 3 weeks of endocrine therapy predicts early progression (P = 0.008). Drug-refractory ER signaling within CTCs overlaps partially with presence of ESR1 mutations, pointing to diverse mechanisms of acquired endocrine drug resistance. Thus, CTC-derived digital RNA signatures enable noninvasive pharmacodynamic measurements to inform therapy in breast cancer.

Significance: Digital analysis of RNA from CTCs interrogates treatment responses of both localized and metastatic breast cancer. Quantifying CTC-derived ER signaling during treatment identifies patients failing to respond to ER suppression despite having functional ESR1. Thus, noninvasive scoring of CTC-RNA signatures may help guide therapeutic choices in localized and advanced breast cancer. Cancer Discov; 8(10); 1286–99. ©2018 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1195
The Professionalism of Teaching
Authors: Huggett A. J.
Published: August 2018

That teaching as a profession is on the up-grade and will soon rank equally with medicine and the law, is the prediction of the writer. He cites the rise of medicine from a side line of barbering.
Problems of Personality
Authors: Myers Garry Cleveland
Published: August 2018

“The average parent does not feel welcome at school…. We are accustomed to have the pupils look up to us for wisdom and guidance, and, curiously enough, we tend to betray this same attitude toward parents.”
A College Breaks with Tradition
Authors: Whitcomb Ward A.
Published: August 2018

Under the Hiram Plan, a course is taken intensively for nine weeks, then dropped for another course.
Where They Sought Advice
Authors: Tyson Robert
Published: August 2018

Undergraduates baffled by problems of a personal nature did not turn to experts—but where? And why?
For Liberty: A Liberal Education
Authors: Clifton Robert S.
Published: August 2018

The first of two articles.
Try this Pepper Relish
Authors: Rich Frank M.
Published: August 2018

A sheaf of out-of-the-groove devices that will help to make activity programs not only progressive but practical and economical.
Development of adaptive pleated woven fabrics with shape memory alloys
Authors: Ashir Moniruddoza , Hindahl Jan , Nocke Andreas , Sennewald Cornelia , Cherif Chokri
Published: August 2018

The growing demand for fiber-reinforced plastics for different high-tech lightweight applications requires their consistent and continuous development with a high functional density. The integration of actuator-like materials for developing adaptive reinforced fabrics can increase the market value of fiber-reinforced plastics. This paper reports on the development of adaptive pleated woven fabrics based on shape memory alloys using weaving technology. For the development of these fabrics, a systematic weave pattern was generated. Adaptive pleated woven fabrics were manufactured on a rapier weaving machine with a jacquard unit. By varying the pleat thickness, pleat width and the spacing between two pleats, eight types of adaptive pleated woven fabrics were developed, and their weaving-technical implementation for the subsequent infusion was evaluated. The flexural modulus of infused adaptive pleated woven fabrics was characterized by bending. Experimental results showed that the spacing between two pleats predominantly influences the flexural modulus of impregnated adaptive pleated woven fabrics.
Electronic cigarettes: the solution or yet another phase of the tobacco epidemic?
Authors: Egbe Catherine O , Parry Charles DH , Myers Bronwyn
Published: August 2018

Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of death globally. For years, the tobacco industry sought to create a tobacco product that is less controversial than conventional cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes were created out of the supposed need to supply consumers of tobacco products with a less harmful tobacco product. The question remains, is it really less harmful for consumers of traditional cigarettes and other tobacco products to switch to electronic cigarettes? This article takes a closer look at the overall harm in relation to benefits of using electronic cigarettes for the individual and public health and the unintended negative consequences the introduction of electronic cigarette has had on overall public health. Given the evidence that the use of electronic cigarettes is a gateway to the use of other tobacco products especially among adolescents, we view electronic cigarettes as having the potential to cause a rebound of the tobacco use glut which the global public health community has been succeeding in reversing. We therefore support the World Health Organization’s suggestion that electronic cigarettes should be regulated as other tobacco products since there is, as yet, no harmless tobacco product. In the same vein, we view the new Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill seeking to regulate electronic cigarettes in South Africa as other tobacco products as a step in the right direction.
Duos and Duels in Field Evolution: How Governments and Interorganizational Networks Relate
Authors: Mountford Nicola , Geiger Susi
Published: August 2018

We live in an era where models of governing are changing rapidly under multifaceted evolutionary pressures and where, at the same time, organizational fields are becoming increasingly networked. With this paper, we add to the field dynamics literature, focusing on the space where these evolutionary pressures coincide – the interactions of Governments and interorganizational networks. We examine the roles that interorganizational networks play in relation to Government actors under particular long- and short-term institutional and governance conditions. We articulate four roles that networks may play in relation to Government: advocate, technology, judge and ruler. We argue that long-term institutional logics, combined with short-term Government action in response to a particular field evolution, may predict the role that the interorganizational network will assume in relation to Government in that particular field scenario. We discuss flows through the typology as conditions change and we conclude by presenting an agenda for future research in the field dynamics and interorganizational networks research domains that leverages our proposed network role typology.
Reliable self-application of short stretch leg compression: Pressure measurements under self-applied, adjustable compression wraps
Authors: Partsch Hugo
Published: August 2018

Aim

Self-application of properly performed compression bandages is generally considered as problematic. Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure the pressure of self-applied short stretch adjustable compression wrap compression systems (Juxta fit™) and to compare the results with the pressure achieved by bandaging other legs using the same material.

Methods

In the two training courses for nurses, specifically interested in leg ulcer treatment, the new bandage type of adjustable compression wrap was explained and workshops were organized, in which the interface pressure achieved by Juxta fit™ was measured. In the first course, the nurses applied the compression system to each other, and in the second course, another group did it on their own legs. Bandagers were instructed to apply the system strongly, with a target range of more than 50–60 mmHg.

Results

In the first course with mutual application ( n = 34), the median pressure at the medial lower leg was 58.5 mmHg (minimal 31, maximal value 137 mmHg), in the second course in which self-application was tested ( n = 36), the corresponding values were 61.5 mmHg (minimum 35, maximum 102 mmHg). No pressures less than 30 mmHg were seen on the distal calf in either group.

Conclusions

In contrast to short stretch bandages that are frequently applied by bandagers with too low pressure, the adjustable compression wrap devices handled by the patients themselves produce more appropriate and more consistent pressure.
Feedback synthesis for underactuated systems using sequential second-order needle variations
Authors: Mamakoukas Giorgos , MacIver Malcolm A. , Murphey Todd D.
Published: August 2018

This paper derives nonlinear feedback control synthesis for general control affine systems using second-order actions, the second-order needle variations of optimal control, as the basis for choosing each control response to the current state. A second result of this paper is that the method provably exploits the nonlinear controllability of a system by virtue of an explicit dependence of the second-order needle variation on the Lie bracket between vector fields. As a result, each control decision necessarily decreases the objective when the system is nonlinearly controllable using first-order Lie brackets. Simulation results using a differential drive cart, an underactuated kinematic vehicle in three dimensions, and an underactuated dynamic model of an underwater vehicle demonstrate that the method finds control solutions when the first-order analysis is singular. Finally, the underactuated dynamic underwater vehicle model demonstrates convergence even in the presence of a velocity field.
Investigation on the bubble dynamic behaviors and corresponding regulation method in underwater flux-cored arc welding
Authors: Zhang Yong , Jia Chuanbao , Wang Jianxin , Zhao Bo , Wu Chuansong
Published: August 2018

Observed two bubble growth modes indicated that the stability of arc burning and bubble growth relied on each other. Under selected welding parameters, the maximum diameters of generated bubbles complied with approximately normal distribution. Higher preset welding parameters generated larger bubbles with gradually receding influences. Vaporization, condensation, and reactions happened rapidly inside the bubbles even after detachment and when coming to water surface. Gas-assisted underwater flux-cored arc welding was proposed to improve the slag coverage. This method was also effective in achieving better weld appearance.
Experimental validation of constraint mitigation algorithm in underwater robot depth control
Authors: Rosendo Juan Luis , Clement Benoit , Garelli Fabricio
Published: August 2018

This work explores both modeling and control of the experimental Ciscrea autonomous underwater vehicle. A 6-degree-of-freedom model is presented and validated for turn and emerge/sink maneuvers. Then, a constraint compensating algorithm is proposed based on quasi-sliding mode conditioning ideas and added to a pre-existing inaccessible proportional-derivative controller in order to improve the overall closed-loop response. By considering actuator constraints, the employed technique allows path following at greater speed than the original controller for a given error tolerance. Experimental results on the so-called Ciscrea underwater robot are presented.
The Impact of Interpersonal Accuracy on Behavioral Outcomes
Authors: Schmid Mast Marianne , Hall Judith A.
Published: August 2018

Interpersonal accuracy, the ability to correctly assess other people’s states or traits, has been studied for over 60 years, and many correlates have been uncovered. Furthermore, theorists routinely propose that having this kind of skill matters for social and workplace outcomes. However, much of the empirical work concerned with interpersonal accuracy does not directly address real-life outcomes for people who have, or lack, this skill. The present article summarizes literature pointing to behavioral correlates of interpersonal accuracy and illustrates when and why interpersonal accuracy is related to favorable interaction outcomes. There seems to be no specific behavior associated with high interpersonal accuracy. Instead, interpersonal accuracy seems to foster behavioral adaptability, the ability to change one’s behavior to match the expectations of the social interaction partner. This behavioral adaptability might be responsible for the positive interaction outcomes related to interpersonal accuracy. We illustrate the mechanism and boundary conditions underlying and framing how interpersonal accuracy affects interaction outcomes and discuss future directions in research on interpersonal accuracy.
Book Review: Aparna Bandyopadhyay, Desire and Defiance: A Study of Bengali Women in Love, 1850–1930
Authors: Bapna Geetika
Published: August 2018

Aparna Bandyopadhyay, Desire and Defiance: A Study of Bengali Women in Love, 1850–1930. New Delhi: Orient Black Swan, 2016, 303 pages, ₹1275. ISBN: 978 81 250 6235 6.
Integrated design of active suspension parameters for solving negative vibration effects of switched reluctance-in-wheel motor electrical vehicles based on multi-objective particle swarm optimization
Authors: Li Zhe , Zheng Ling
Published: August 2018

As for the elastic layout of the direct-driven electric wheel system, the electromechanical coupling between the electromagnetic excitation of in-wheel driving motor and the weak damping system gives rise to negative vibration issues, which further deteriorate the dynamic performance of the electric vehicle. This paper presents a multi-objective optimization method for active suspension system to solve these issues by developing an integrated in-wheel motor electrical vehicles model. The unbalanced electromagnetic excitation from in-wheel driving motor is investigated by means of analytical and finite element methods. The Pareto solution set of optimal parameters are generated by the multi-objective particle swarm optimization method, and a comparison in vehicle dynamic performances is made to verify the targeted optimization method. The simulation results indicate that the optimized active suspension system attenuates the sensitivity of the vehicle system to electromagnetic excitation with a satisfactory balancing between vehicle ride comfort and stability as well as active suspension utilization.
Predictors of Undiagnosed and Uncontrolled Hypertension in the Local Community of Byblos, Lebanon
Authors: Kanj Hazar , Khalil Ali , Kossaify Mikhael , Kossaify Antoine
Published: August 2018

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) in a local community in Lebanon.

Design and methods:

In this cross-sectional study, we interviewed 911 adults in the local community of Byblos, Lebanon, and 691 were enrolled in the study. Blood pressure (BP), height, and weight were measured. The diagnosis of HTN was based on the 2013 European Society of Hypertension (ESH)/ European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines (systolic BP ⩾140 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP ⩾90 mm Hg). The data collected were analyzed using “Statistical Package for the Social Sciences” software (SPSS).

Results:

A total of 260 participants were found to be hypertensive, either previously diagnosed or undiagnosed, yielding an overall prevalence of HTN of 37.62%. Of these participants, 149 (57.31%) were previously diagnosed and had controlled BP, and 111 (42.69%) had undiagnosed or uncontrolled HTN. Of these 111 participants, 44 had undiagnosed HTN and 67 were previously documented as hypertensive but had uncontrolled BP. Younger age and the absence of associated cardiovascular comorbidities were found to be associated with undiagnosed HTN, whereas high body mass index, smoking, and nonadherence to therapy were found to be associated with uncontrolled HTN.

Conclusion and implications:

This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of HTN in the studied population, along with a high prevalence of undiagnosed and uncontrolled HTN. These findings emphasize the need for wider and more efficient screening strategies to better diagnose and control HTN in the general population.
Association of HIV infection with age and symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic disease at the time of carotid intervention in the United States
Authors: Lin Timothy C , Burton Brittany N , Barleben Andrew , Hoenigl Martin , Gabriel Rodney A
Published: August 2018

The primary objectives of this work were: (1) to describe trends in HIV prevalence among those undergoing carotid intervention (carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting) in the United States; and (2) to determine if HIV infection is independently associated with symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic disease or age at the time of carotid intervention. In a nationally representative inpatient database from 2004 to 2014, HIV infection was associated with younger age at the time of carotid intervention (59 years [SE 0.2] vs 71 years [SE 0.01], p < 0.001), male sex (83% vs 58%, p < 0.001), black race (21% vs 4%, p < 0.001), and symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic disease (18.8% vs 11.0%, p < 0.001). Among those undergoing carotid intervention, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of HIV from 0.08% in 2004 to 0.17% in 2014 ( p < 0.001). After adjustment for patient demographics, comorbidities and other covariates, HIV infection remained significantly associated with younger age (–8.9 years; 95% CI: –9.7 to −8.1; p < 0.001) at the time of carotid intervention, but HIV infection was not independently associated with symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic disease.
Independent female escorts: Stigmatized, value-adding entrepreneurs
Authors: Analoui Bejan David , Herath Dinuka B
Published: August 2018

In this article we characterize an independent female escort (IFE) as a sex worker who provides sexual services and companionship in exchange for remuneration, makes use of the Internet for the solicitation of her clients, and solicits those clients and organizes her work in a largely independent manner. We draw on the typology of value-adding and value-extracting entrepreneurship to argue that the activities of IFEs can be considered as entrepreneurial activity that has clear individual and societal benefits. Despite undertaking value-adding entrepreneurial activity, IFEs, as with other sex workers, often face social stigma and concomitant social exclusion. We argue that such stigma is not warranted, and highlight the opportunities for undertaking research into the manner in which perceived and experienced social stigma may affect the entrepreneurial activity of IFEs.
Meta-operations, autopoiesis and neo-systems thinking: What significance for spatial planners?
Authors: Chettiparamb Angelique
Published: August 2018

This essay introduces the theory of legal autopoiesis to planning. It discusses the main tenets of neo-systems thinking and elaborates on select claims and concepts from legal autopoiesis for planners. The claims and concepts are then used to re-analyse a published case study describing the after-effects of the implementation of a Compulsory Purchase Order in the regeneration of the Docklands in Cardiff. The re-interpretation draws attention to the added insights brought into focus by the theory. The significance of neo-systems thinking for planning is then discussed. The article concludes that the new epistemological framings connects the universal to the particular with implications for current understandings of planning concepts such as public interest, consensus, situatedness, contingency and justice. Neo-systems thinking thus deconstructs ‘how to’ dilemmas for planners from a non-normative standpoint at a meta-operational level.
Azithromycin or erythromycin? Macrolides for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in adults: A systematic review and adjusted indirect treatment comparison
Authors: Li Wen , Qin Zhong , Gao Jie , Jiang Zhibin , Chai Yihui , Guan Liancheng , Chen Yunzhi
Published: August 2018

Non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis is a condition characterized by an airway inflammatory response to bacterial pathogens. Frequent exacerbations have a major influence on the quality of life. Macrolide antibiotics have not only antibacterial but also immune-regulation effects. It is proved that macrolides have a benefit in preventing exacerbations. However, it is still uncertain whether azithromycin or erythromycin is more effective and safe. The purpose of this study was to answer the following question: Which kind of macrolide antibiotic is more effective and safe in preventing non-CF bronchiectasis exacerbation? We conducted a systematic review to identify randomized clinical trials published up to May 2017 that reported on macrolides for non-CF bronchiectasis and an adjusted indirect treatment comparison (AITC) between macrolides to evaluate their efficacy and safety. The direct comparison meta-analysis found that macrolides decreased the rate of exacerbation of non-CF bronchiectasis (risk ratio (RR) = 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36–0.55) with heterogeneity ( I2 = 63.7%, p = 0.064). The AITC showed that azithromycin had a significantly lower bronchiectasis exacerbation rate than erythromycin (RR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.403–0.947). Azithromycin increased the risk of diarrhea and abnormal pain. This meta-analysis suggested that long-term treatment with macrolides significantly reduced the incidence of non-CF bronchiectasis exacerbation. Moreover, azithromycin is more efficient than roxithromycin and erythromycin in preventing exacerbation.
MAC2: Enabling multicasting and congestion control with multichannel transmission for intelligent vehicle terminal in Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Long , Cao Wenjing , Zhang Xinxin , Xu Haitao
Published: August 2018

Internet of Vehicles has become a promising way to realize the evolution from vehicular ad hoc networks and next-generation intelligent transportation system into future autonomous driving scenarios, clean-energy intelligent vehicles, and Smart Cities. However, multicasting service messages on available service channels and periodic exchanges of beacon messages on control channel cause the problem of efficiently scheduling those messages via multichannel transmission for intelligent vehicle terminal, to support real-world applications in Internet of Vehicles scenario. In this article, we investigate the intelligent vehicle terminal architecture and, particularly, design the wireless communication board by incorporating multicasting and congestion control modules. Especially, we present a multicast data delivery scheme with random-delay lowest-cost constraint to transfer service messages on service channels. Furthermore, a priority-aware congestion control scheme is also proposed by considering differentiated priorities of beacon messages on control channel, to cope with the congestion problem at bottleneck vehicle node. Based on the proposed schemes, we build up the RanLow (Random-delay Lowest-cost) module and the priority-aware congestion control (PARCEL) module by enabling multicasting and congestion control together in wireless communication board of the intelligent vehicle terminal architecture. Finally, the experimental results and comparison show that our devised RanLow module and PARCEL module are feasible and more efficient than existing schemes.
Weight-perception-based fixed and variable admittance control algorithms for unimanual and bimanual lifting of objects with a power assist robotic system
Authors: Rahman S M Mizanoor , Ikeura Ryojun
Published: August 2018

Weight-perception-based fixed admittance control algorithm and variable admittance control algorithm are proposed for unimanual and bimanual lifting of objects with a power assist robotic system. To include weight perception in controls, the mass parameter for the inertial force is hypothesized as different from that for the gravitational force in the dynamics model for lifting objects with the system. For the bimanual lift, two alternative approaches of force sensor arrangements are considered: a common force sensor and two separate force sensors between object and human hands. Computational models for power assistance, excess in load forces, and manipulation efficiency and precision are derived. The fixed admittance control algorithm is evaluated in a 1-degree-of-freedom power assist robotic system. Results show that inclusion of weight perception in controls produce satisfactory performance in terms of power assistance, system kinematics and kinetics, human–robot interactions, and manipulation efficiency and precision. The fixed admittance control algorithm is then augmented to variable admittance control algorithm as a tool of active compliance to vary the admittance with inertia instead of with gravity. The evaluation shows further improvement in the performance for the variable admittance control algorithm. The evaluation also shows that bimanual lifts outperform unimanual lifts and bimanual lifts with separate force sensors outperform bimanual lifts with a common force sensor. Then, the results are proposed to develop power assist robotic systems for handling heavy objects in industries.
A novel system for tracking iron golf clubheads
Authors: Corke Tom W , Betzler Nils F , Wallace Eric S , Otto Steve R
Published: August 2018

The importance of iron play to scoring in golf is widely recognised. To better understand this relationship, accurate, yet unobtrusive measurement techniques are required to capture information about the collision between the golf club and ball. This article presents a method for tracking an iron clubhead prior to impact with the ball. Using repeated shots by a golf robot with a 5-iron and 9-iron, the system reliably measured clubhead speed (standard deviation ≤ 0.5 mile/h), face angle (≤0.2°), club path (≤0.2°), effective loft (≤0.5°), attack angle (≤0.1°) and effective lie (≤0.3°). Impact position was within a standard deviation ≤ 0.6 mm for repeated shots. Absolute accuracy of horizontal impact position at initial contact was <1 mm, whereas a systematic offset of up to 4 mm was found for vertical impact position compared to tests using impact location tape. This offset was dependent on the loft of the club and could be explained by the interaction between ball and club during contact. In addition, a unique feature of the algorithm is presented which categorises impacts commonly known as ‘top’, ‘thin’, ‘good’ or ‘heavy’ shots, which is facilitated through tracking of the bottom edge of the clubhead using virtual markers. Hence, this tracking system is presented as a novel solution to accurately measure clubhead presentation and initial ball impact location for irons.
Decompression Versus Fusion for Grade I Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Koenig Scott , Jauregui Julio J. , Shasti Mark , Jazini Ehsan , Koh Eugene Y. , Banagan Kelley E. , Gelb Daniel E. , Ludwig Steven C.
Published: August 2018

Study Design:

Meta-analysis of evidence level I to IV studies.

Objective:

To compare decompression alone versus decompression plus fusion in the treatment of grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS).

Methods:

Following established guidelines, we systematically reviewed 3 electronic databases to assess studies evaluating patients with grade I DS. We stratified all patients into 2 cohorts; the first cohort underwent a decompression-type surgery, and the second cohort underwent decompression plus fusion. We noted clinical outcomes, complications, reoperations, and surgical details such as blood loss. Descriptive statistics and random-effects models were used to determine the specified outcome metrics with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

In both cohorts, the pain (legs and lower back) significantly decreased and the physical component of the Short Form 36 showed better patient clinical outcomes. The decompression cohort had a 5.8% complication rate (95% CI = 1.7-2.1), and the decompression plus fusion cohort had an 8.3% complication rate (95% CI = 5.5-11.6). The reoperation rate was higher in the decompression-only cohort (8.5%; 95% CI = 2.9-17.0) compared with the decompression plus fusion cohort (4.9%; 95% CI = 2.5-7.9).

Conclusions:

There does not appear to be any advantage of one procedure over the other. Patients undergoing decompression alone tended to be older with a higher percentage of leg pain, whereas patients additionally undergoing fusion tended to be younger with more lower back pain. The decompression-only cohort had fewer complications but a higher revision rate.
Dismantling the fence for social justice? Evidence based on the inequity of urban green space accessibility in the central urban area of Beijing
Authors: Wu Jiayu , He Qingsong , Chen Yunwen , Lin Jian , Wang Shantong
Published: August 2018

Gated communities have become a common feature in recent decades and have been shown to lead to social inequality to the detriment of the poorest social classes. Because access to urban green space is crucial for both physical health and spiritual pleasure, it is often regarded as an indicator of social justice; however, there are many references to the current inequity in urban green space accessibility. Our study aimed first to measure the potential spatial accessibility of green space in the central urban area of Beijing; then to evaluate the socio-economic disparities in green space accessibility; and finally, to assess the effect of the policy of “opening up gated residential communities” on urban green space accessibility. We adopt the Gaussian-based two-step floating catchment to assess the spatial accessibility of green spaces in each residential zone in the central area of Beijing, and the ordinary least squares model was used to evaluate the inequity in accessibility caused by socio-economic disparities. The results reveal that lower income residential zones have remarkably lower access to green spaces. Next, by comparing the differences in accessibility equity between two comparable scenarios in which all communities have dismantled their fences, we unexpectedly find that the inequity of access to urban green space does not improve but becomes more pronounced. We attribute this result to socio-spatial polarization. Our findings can be used by urban planners to target current urban planning system reform and by policymakers to focus closely on the gradual spatial polarization between the rich and the poor.