bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sound isolation and music on the comfort of mechanically ventilated critical patients
Authors: Mateu‐Capell Marina , Arnau Anna , Juvinyà Dolors , Montesinos Jesús , Fernandez Rafael
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To assess the effect of sound isolation versus music on the comfort of mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) as a combined measurement of the hypnotic level, the level of sedation and the alteration of behaviour because of pain.

Introduction

Patients admitted to the ICU who require mechanical ventilation are surrounded by an ambient noise level ranging from 60 to 90 dB, well above the 40 dB recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Methods

This was a randomized crossover clinical trial. Group A: sound isolation (1 h) followed by music (1 h); Group B: music (1 h) followed by sound isolation (1 h). Interventions were administered using noise‐cancelling headphones. The hypnotic level, the level of sedation and the alteration of behaviour because of pain was assessed using the bispectral index (BIS), the Ramsay scale and the behavioural pain scale (BPS), respectively. Statistical analysis of correlated data was performed using a generalized estimating equations (GEE) model.

Results

Of 130 patients assessed for eligibility, 82 were randomized to Groups A (n = 40) or B (n = 42). Mean age was 69 years (SD = 14), and 77·3% were men. A decrease of 4–5 points out of 100 during sound isolation and music therapy was recorded in BIS in both groups; the differences were not statistically significant compared with baseline scores. Likewise, no differences were observed in the scores obtained in the Ramsay scale and BPS.

Conclusions

Sound isolation and music intervention did not modify the comfort or physiological variables of mechanically ventilated critical patients from their respective baseline values.

Relevance to clinical practice

Music and sound isolation are potential strategies that could be used in nursing care to provide comfort to critical patients. Further studies should be undertaken to define the role of these new approaches and determine which groups of patients can benefit most from music or sound isolation.
Examining the microclimate hypothesis in Amazonian birds: indirect tests of the ‘visual constraints’ mechanism
Authors: Rutt Cameron L. , Midway Stephen R. , Jirinec Vitek , Wolfe Jared D. , Stouffer Philip C
Published: December 2018

Proposed mechanisms for the decline of terrestrial and understory insectivorous birds in the tropics include a related subset that together has been termed the ‘microclimate hypothesis’. One prediction from this hypothesis is that sensitivity to bright light environments discourages birds of the dimly lit rainforest interior from using edges, gaps, or disturbed forest. Using a hierarchical Bayesian framework and capture data across time and space, we tested this by first determining vulnerability based on differences in within‐species capture rates between disturbed and undisturbed forest for 64 bird species at the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project in central Amazonian Brazil. We found that 35 species (55%) were vulnerable to anthropogenic habitat degradation, whereas only four (6%) were more commonly captured in degraded forest. To infer visual sensitivity, we then examined two different characters: eye size (maximum pupil diameter) relative to body mass and the initiation time of dawn song, which presumably reflects a species’ visual capacity under low light intensities. We predicted that species with large relative eye sizes and birds with earlier dawn songs would exhibit increased vulnerability in degraded habitats with bright light. Contrary to our predictions, however, vulnerability was positively correlated with the mean start time of dawn song. This indicates that species that wait to initiate dawn song are also more vulnerable to habitat degradation. After correcting for body size, there was no effect of eye size on vulnerability. Together, our results do not provide quantitative support for the light sensitivity mechanism of the microclimate hypothesis. More sensitive experimental tests, such as behavioral assays with controlled light environments, especially in a comparative framework, are needed to rigorously evaluate the role of light sensitivity as an aspect of the microclimate hypothesis among Neotropical birds.
Adverse events in radiation oncology: A case series from wake up safe, the pediatric anesthesia quality improvement initiative
Authors: Christensen Robert E. , Nause‐Osthoff Rebecca C. , Waldman Jeffrey C. , Spratt Daniel E. , Hearn Jason W. D.
Published: December 2018

Background

Radiation therapy in pediatric patients often requires anesthesia and poses environmental challenges. Monitoring must be done remotely to limit radiation exposure to the provider. Airway access can be limited by masks or frames. Care is often delivered in relatively inaccessible locations in the hospital. While individual institutions have reported their outcomes, this case series aims to review a multicenter registry of significant adverse events and make recommendations for improved care.

Methods

Wake Up Safe: The Pediatric Quality Improvement Initiative maintains a multisite, voluntary registry of pediatric perianesthetic significant adverse events. This was queried for reports from radiation oncology from January 1, 2010 to May 10, 2018. The database contained 3,379 significant adverse events from approximately 3.3 million anesthetics. All 33 institutions submitted data on a standardized form to a central data repository (Axio Research, Seattle Washington). Prior to each significant adverse events case submission, three anesthesiologists who were not involved in the event analyzed the event using a standardized root cause analysis method to identify the causal or contributing factor(s).

Results

Six significant adverse events were identified. In three, incorrect programming of a propofol infusion resulted in overdose. In case one, the 3‐year‐old female became hypotensive, requiring vasopressors and volume resuscitation. In the second, the 2‐year‐old female experienced airway obstruction and apnea requiring chin lift. In case three, the child suffered no consequences despite a noted overdose of propofol infusion. In case four, a 2‐year‐old female with recent respiratory infection suffered laryngospasm during an unmonitored transport to the recovery area. She developed profound oxygen desaturation with bradycardia treated with succinylcholine and chest compressions. In case five, a 6‐year‐old former premature child suffered laryngospasm at the conclusion of mask creation under general anesthesia with a laryngeal mask airway. The radiation mask delayed recognition of copious secretions. Finally, in case six, a 6‐year‐old undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery in a head halo suffered bronchospasm and unintended extubation during therapy which required multiple attempts at reintubation by multiple providers ultimately requiring cancellation of the treatment and transport to the intensive care unit.

Conclusion

There were few radiation oncology significant adverse events, but analysis has led to the identification of several specific opportunities for improvement in pediatric anesthesia for radiation oncology.
Characteristics of Rare Earth Elements, Zr, and Hf in Ore‐Bearing Porphyries from the Western Awulale Metallogenic Belt, Northwestern China and their Application in Determining Metal Fertility of Granitic Magma
Authors: Liu Rui , Chen Genwen
Published: December 2018

The western Awulale metallogenic belt in northwestern China hosts a number of small‐ to medium‐sized porphyry Cu deposits that are associated with albite porphyry. The common presence of plagioclase (albite) as phenocrysts and the absence of hydrous minerals (amphibole and biotite) indicate that the water content of albite porphyry is low. Trace‐element compositions of whole rocks and zircon grains from these ore‐bearing porphyries were measured. Zircon grains from albite porphyries exhibit Ce4+/Ce3+ ratios ranging from 7.75 to 95.1, which indicate that these porphyries have a low oxygen fugacity. Trace element compositions of ore‐bearing porphyries exhibit (La/Yb)N ratios ranging from 1.09 to 11.1 and Eu/Eu* ratios ranging from 0.10 to 0.66. These ore‐bearing porphyries have Zr values ranging from 171 to 707 ppm and Hf values ranging from 8.30 to 18.9 ppm. Combining these porphyries with other ore‐bearing porphyries that formed in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) and the Pacific Rim metallogenic belt, we found that the (La/Yb)N and Eu/Eu* ratios of ore‐bearing porphyries in western Awulale are low, while the Zr and Hf values are high. Specifically, REEs can be used to evaluate the degree of differentiation and degree of partial melting, and Zr and Hf can be used to evaluate the redox conditions and water content of magmatic rocks. Our findings indicate that ore‐bearing porphyries in western Awulale have a lower oxygen fugacity, degree of differentiation, and water content than do others in the CAOB and the Pacific Rim metallogenic belt. Compared to those of ore‐bearing porphyries with lower zircon Ce4+/Ce3+ ratios, the (La/Yb)N ratios of ore‐bearing porphyries in our study are low, and the Zr and Hf values are high. This finding indicates that, under reducing conditions, the degree of evolution and water content may have an important influence on the metal abundance in magmas. There is also a clear relationship between (La/Yb)N, Eu/Eu*, Zr, Hf, and the size of the deposits. Large‐ (>4 Mt Cu) and intermediate (1.5–4 Mt Cu)‐sized porphyry Cu deposits are associated with granitic intrusions that have higher (La/Yb)N and Eu/Eu* ratios and lower Zr and Hf values. This finding indicates that, in addition to oxygen fugacity, the degree of evolution and water content are controlling parameters for metal abundance in magmas, especially in low oxygen fugacity porphyry Cu deposits. Such a conclusion may be useful in the exploration for other concealed porphyry Cu deposits.
Isometric training and long‐term adaptations: Effects of muscle length, intensity, and intent: A systematic review
Authors: Oranchuk Dustin J. , Storey Adam G. , Nelson André R. , Cronin John B.
Published: December 2018

Isometric training is used in the rehabilitation and physical preparation of athletes, special populations, and the general public. However, little consensus exists regarding training guidelines for a variety of desired outcomes. Understanding the adaptive response to specific loading parameters would be of benefit to practitioners. The objective of this systematic review, therefore, was to detail the medium‐ to long‐term adaptations of different types of isometric training on morphological, neurological, and performance variables. Exploration of the relevant subject matter was performed through MEDLINE, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL databases. English, full‐text, peer‐reviewed journal articles and unpublished doctoral dissertations investigating medium‐ to long‐term (≥3 weeks) adaptations to isometric training in humans were identified. These studies were evaluated further for methodological quality. Twenty‐six research outputs were reviewed. Isometric training at longer muscle lengths (0.86%‐1.69%/week, ES = 0.03‐0.09/week) produced greater muscular hypertrophy when compared to equal volumes of shorter muscle length training (0.08%‐0.83%/week, ES = −0.003 to 0.07/week). Ballistic intent resulted in greater neuromuscular activation (1.04%‐10.5%/week, ES = 0.02‐0.31/week vs 1.64%‐5.53%/week, ES = 0.03‐0.20/week) and rapid force production (1.2%‐13.4%/week, ES = 0.05‐0.61/week vs 1.01%‐8.13%/week, ES = 0.06‐0.22/week). Substantial improvements in muscular hypertrophy and maximal force production were reported regardless of training intensity. High‐intensity (≥70%) contractions are required for improving tendon structure and function. Additionally, long muscle length training results in greater transference to dynamic performance. Despite relatively few studies meeting the inclusion criteria, this review provides practitioners with insight into which isometric training variables (eg, joint angle, intensity, intent) to manipulate to achieve desired morphological and neuromuscular adaptations.
Transactional links between adolescents’ and friends’ victimization during the first two years of secondary school: The mediating role of likeability and friendship involvement
Authors: Cantin Stéphane , Brendgen Mara , Dussault Frédéric , Vitaro Frank
Published: December 2018

The goals of this study were to examine to what extent lower likeability at the group level and lower friendship involvement can explain the bidirectional links between adolescents’ own and their friends’ victimization over time. We tested these processes by applying a cross‐lagged path model to a sample of 621 adolescents. Data were collected at four time points over the two first years of secondary school. Participants were asked to identify same grade friends within their school; classroom peer nominations were used to assess participants’ likeability as well as participants’ and friends’ level of peer victimization. Results showed bidirectional associations between adolescents’ own and their friends’ victimization by peers within the first year of secondary school. Moreover, the relation between adolescents’ own victimization at the end of the first year and their friends’ victimization next year was mediated by decreased adolescents’ likeability at the group level. Inversely, their friends’ victimization at the end of the first year predicted lower levels of adolescents’ own likeability over time, which in turn predicted adolescents’ own subsequent levels of victimization. Friends’ victimization also predicted adolescents’ lower friendship involvement during the first year, which in turn predicted decreased likeability, and ultimately higher levels of victimization.
Editors’ Introduction and Review: An Appraisal of Surprise: Tracing the Threads That Stitch It Together
Authors: Munnich Edward L. , Foster Meadhbh I. , Keane Mark T.
Published: December 2018

Though the scientific study of surprise dates back to Darwin (), there was an upsurge in interest beginning in the 1960s and 70s, and this has continued to the present. Recent developments have shed much light on the cognitive mechanisms and consequences of surprise, but research has often been siloed within sub‐areas of Cognitive Science. A central challenge for research on surprise is, therefore, to connect various research programs around their overlapping foci. This issue has its roots in a symposium on surprise, entitled “Triangulating Surprise: Expectations, Uncertainty, and Making Sense,” at the 36th Annual Conference of the Cognitive Science Society (Quebec City, July 2014). Building on the interdisciplinary conversations that started at the symposium, this issue aims to draw attention to some promising empirical and modeling results and their theoretical implications. The present paper sets the stage for the issue by presenting a historical summary, discussing contrasting definitions of surprise, and then by tracing major threads that run through both this issue and the larger literature on surprise. Our aim is to develop broader, shared understandings of the main insights, theories, and findings regarding surprise, with a view to supporting future integration and progress.
An Integrated Working Memory Model for Time‐Based Resource‐Sharing
Authors: Glavan Joseph J. , Houpt Joseph W.
Published: December 2018

The time‐based resource‐sharing (TBRS) model envisions working memory as a rapidly switching, serial, attentional refreshing mechanism. Executive attention trades its time between rebuilding decaying memory traces and processing extraneous activity. To thoroughly investigate the implications of the TBRS theory, we integrated TBRS within the ACT‐R cognitive architecture, which allowed us to test the TBRS model against both participant accuracy and response time data in a dual task environment. In the current work, we extend the model to include articulatory rehearsal, which has been argued in the literature to be a separate mechanism from attentional refreshing. Additionally, we use the model to predict performance under a larger range of cognitive load (CL) than typically administered to human subjects. Our simulations support the hypothesis that working memory capacity is a linear function of CL and suggest that this effect is less pronounced when articulatory rehearsal is available.
Factors Forming Public Appraisal on Service Quality of Sukabumi Municipal Water Supply Company (PDAM)
Authors: Rachmawati Ike , Kania Ikeu , Juhana Ujuh
Published: December 2018

The people of Sukabumi city as the customers of drinking water complain that the Sukabumi Municipal Water Supply Company (PDAM) service is still not optimal. Therefore, this study aims to find out the factors forming public appraisal of PDAM service quality. Using a quantitative approach, the survey was conducted toward the customers of Sukabumi Municipal Water Supply Company (PDAM). A total of 120 respondents were selected by simple random sampling method which then analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. The service quality variables consisting of tangible, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy are broken down into 31 indicators. The result shows that 4 factors out of 31 indicators tested were influential in forming public appraisal on service quality of Sukabumi Municipal Water Supply Company (PDAM). These factors include accuracy (at an eigen score of 10.671), politeness (at eigen score of 2.021), response speed (at eigen score of 1.646) and technological capability (at eigen score of 1.333).
Decisions of the Ethiopian Federal Supreme Court Cassation Division: Imprescriptible Invalidation of Contract of Land Sale
Authors: Berega Yirgalem Germu
Published: December 2018

In many parts of Ethiopia, land is the base for economic resources and prestige, as provided under the Constitution of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia this valuable asset is exclusively vested in the State and the peoples of Ethiopia. Land is a common property of the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia and shall not be subject to sale or to other means of exchange. Concerning contractual agreement, sale of land is made imprescriptible by the decision of the Federal Supreme Court Cassation Division. The problem of this decision is that the civil code of the state provides ten years of period of limitation for invalidation of contract, made no clear exception for that matter, and the Cassation Division is empowered to only interpret the law of the state, not making a new law. Based on the problem narrated, the following questions are posed: whether the decision of the division falls under the ambit of its mandate or not and what is the practical value of the ruling?  The questions are addressed via consultation of legal instruments of the state, the decisions of the cassation division and scholarly materials on the area.
Bayesian inference of a dynamical model evaluating Deltamethrin effect on Daphnia survival
Authors: Diouf Abdoulaye , Camara Baba Issa , Ngom Diene , Toumi Hela , Felten Vincent , Masfaraud Jean-Francois , Ferard Jean-Francois
Published: December 2018

The toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic models (TK-TD) are very well-known for their ability, at both the individual and the population level, toВ  accurately describe life cycles such as the growth, reproduction and survival of sentinel organisms under the influence of an ecological biomarker.В Being dynamics, the consistent inference of life history and environmental traits parameters that engender them is sometimes very complexВ numerically, especially as these parameters vary from oneВ  individual to another. In this paper, we estimate the parameters of a survival modelВ TK-TD already applied and validated by the implementation of the R package GUTS (the General Unified Threshold Model of Survival) by anotherВ coding applied to another very recent implementation of Bayesian inference with the R package deBInfer in order to evaluate the survival effectsВ of our ecotoxicological biomarker called Deltamethrin on our Daphnia sample.В The study allowed us to evaluate from a population point of viewВ especially the threshold concentration not to be exceeded to observe a survival effect commonly known NEC (No effect Concentration) and possiblyВ determine the correlations between different variables of life history and the environment traits.
Effects of environmental and genetic risk factors for salt sensitivity on blood pressure in northern China: the systemic epidemiology of salt sensitivity (EpiSS) cohort study
Authors: Qi Han , Liu Bin , Guo Chunyue , Liu Zheng , Cao Han , Liu Kuo , Sun Weiping , Zhang Ling
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The systemic epidemiology of salt sensitivity (EpiSS) study aims to combine molecular biology, epidemiology and bioinformatics methods to discover the potential causes of salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) using single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the genome and non-coding RNAs in the transcriptome to uncover both the genetic and environmental factors of SSBP.

Participants

Between July 2014 and July 2016, we enrolled adults from 11 study centres in Beijing and Liaoning Province; participants were of the Han population and were 35–70 years of age. We collected blood samples, spot urine samples and 24-hour urine samples, in addition to baseline data on demographics, health-related lifestyle factors, chronic diseases, family history of illness and anthropometric information through face-to-face interviews using a standardised questionnaire. EpiSS uses the modified Sullivan’s acute oral saline load and diuresis shrinkage test (MSAOSL-DST) to evaluate the effects of salt on blood pressure.

Findings to date

In total, 2163 participants were included in the EpiSS, of which 2144 participants completed the questionnaire, 2120 (98.0%) completed the MSAOSL-DST and 2083 (96.3%) provided a 24-hour urine sample. A total of 2057 participants (1501 women and 556 men) completed all the steps of the investigation and were included in the analysis. Among them, 583 (28.3%) subjects were classified as having salt sensitivity of blood pressure, and 1061 (51.6%) had hypertension.

Future plans

The next step of our study is to evaluate the incidence of cardiovascular disease in the participants. Biennial follow-up, including face-to-face questionnaire surveys, laboratory measurements of blood, urinary creatinine, glomerular filtration rate and anthropometric measurements, will occur two additional times. DNA and RNA will be collected for subsequent genetic biomarker studies. We plan on screening the salt-sensitive-related gene loci and non-coding RNAs based on relative environmental risk factors.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR-EOC-16009980; Pre-results.
Dark solitons for a variable-coefficient Kundu–Eckhaus equation in an inhomogeneous optical fiber with the relevant Lax pair and binary Darboux transformations
Authors: Zhang Ze , Tian Bo , Chai Han-Peng , Yin Hui-Min , Zhang Chen-Rong
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we study a Kundu–Eckhaus equation with variable coefficients, which describes the ultra-short optical pulses in an inhomogeneous optical fiber. We construct the Lax pair under certain variable-coefficient constraints. With the gauge transformation, one/N-fold binary Darboux transformations and limit forms of the one-fold binary Darboux transformation are obtained. Based on such transformations, one/N-dark (N = 2,3, [Formula: see text]) soliton solutions under those constraints are derived. Linear, periodic and parabolic dark solitons are presented, and numerical simulations are used to investigate the influence of the group velocity dispersion on the structures of the one-dark solitons. Based on the two-dark soliton solutions under certain variable-coefficient constraints, we also discuss the influence of the group velocity dispersion on the structures of the two-dark solitons. Head-on and overtaking collisions between the two linear, parabolic and cubic-type dark solitons are presented.
Superb Microvascular Imaging Compared with Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Assessing Laser Ablation Treatment of Benign Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Liu Wengang , Zhou Ping , Zhao Yongfeng , Tian Shuangming , Wu Xiaomin
Published: December 2018

Purpose. To compare superb microvascular imaging (SMI) with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for evaluating the ablation of benign thyroid nodules. Methods. 225 Patients with 256 benign thyroid nodules underwent conventional ultrasound, color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), CEUS, and SMI before and after laser ablation. They were routinely followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The volume and volume reduction rate of the ablated nodules was calculated. Results. On SMI, the complete ablated nodules had no microvascular perfusion, while the incompletely ablated nodules had microvascular perfusion at the edge of the nodule. The percentages of the detected incompletely ablated nodules of SMI (37/256, 14.45%) and CEUS (41/256, 16.02%) were comparable, and both were significantly higher than CDFI (P< 0.001). CEUS was used as the criterion to determine whether the nodules were completely ablated. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of SMI for detecting incompletely ablated nodules were 90.2, 98.2, and 100%, respectively. The volume of ablated nodules, as measured on ultrasound, was greater than that on CEUS or SMI (both P< 0.001), while CEUS and SMI were similar. The average volume reduction rate of nodules at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was 40.25, 54.98, 76.83, and 95.43%, respectively. Conclusion. SMI sensitively detected the capillaries within residual thyroid nodules after laser ablation. The lesion size and detection rate of incompletely ablated nodules via SMI was consistent with that of CEUS. SMI may replace CEUS in certain cases for monitoring the curative effect of laser ablation for benign thyroid nodules.
Oncogenic Metabolism Acts as a Prerequisite Step for Induction of Cancer Metastasis and Cancer Stem Cell Phenotype
Authors: Lee Su Yeon , Ju Min Kyung , Jeon Hyun Min , Lee Yig Ji , Kim Cho Hee , Park Hye Gyeong , Han Song Iy , Kang Ho Sung
Published: December 2018

Metastasis is a major obstacle to the efficient and successful treatment of cancer. Initiation of metastasis requires epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) that is regulated by several transcription factors, including Snail and ZEB1/2. EMT is closely linked to the acquisition of cancer stem cell (CSC) properties and chemoresistance, which contribute to tumor malignancy. Tumor suppressor p53 inhibits EMT and metastasis by negatively regulating several EMT‐inducing transcription factors and regulatory molecules; thus, its inhibition is crucial in EMT, invasion, metastasis, and stemness. Metabolic alterations are another hallmark of cancer. Most cancer cells are more dependent on glycolysis than on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation for their energy production, even in the presence of oxygen. Cancer cells enhance other oncogenic metabolic pathways, such as glutamine metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, and the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. Metabolic reprogramming in cancer is regulated by the activation of oncogenes or loss of tumor suppressors that contribute to tumor progression. Oncogenic metabolism has been recently linked closely with the induction of EMT or CSC phenotypes by the induction of several metabolic enzyme genes. In addition, several transcription factors and molecules involved in EMT or CSCs, including Snail, Dlx‐2, HIF‐1α, STAT3, TGF‐β, Wnt, and Akt, regulate oncogenic metabolism. Moreover, p53 induces metabolic change by directly regulating several metabolic enzymes. The collective data indicate the importance of oncogenic metabolism in the regulation of EMT, cell invasion and metastasis, and adoption of the CSC phenotype, which all contribute to malignant transformation and tumor development. In this review, we highlight the oncogenic metabolism as a key regulator of EMT and CSC, which is related with tumor progression involving metastasis and chemoresistance. Targeting oncometabolism might be a promising strategy for the development of effective anticancer therapy.
Selection of Neural Oscillatory Features for Human Stress Classification with Single Channel EEG Headset
Authors: Umar Saeed Sanay Muhammad , Anwar Syed Muhammad , Majid Muhammad , Awais Muhammad , Alnowami Majdi
Published: December 2018

A study on classification of psychological stress in humans using electroencephalography (EEG) is presented. The stress is classified using a correlation-based feature subset selection method that efficiently reduces the feature vector length. In this study, twenty-eight participants are involved by filling in the perceived stress scale-10 (PSS-10) questionnaire and their EEG is also recorded in closed eye condition to measure the baseline stress. The recorded data is labelled on the basis of the stress level that is indicated by the participant’s PSS score. The feature selection method has shown that, among the EEG oscillations, low beta, high beta, and low gamma are the most significant neural oscillations for classifying human stress. The proposed method not only reduces the time to build a classification model but also improves the classification accuracy up to 78.57% using a single channel wearable EEG device.
The Association between Glucose Control and Functional Indices in Older People with Diabetes
Authors: Azmon M. , Gayus N. , Michal H. , Olmer L. , Cukierman-Yaffe T.
Published: December 2018

Diabetes may be viewed as a disease of accelerated aging as it is a risk factor for physical disability and impairment in simple and complex activities, and is a higher risk for falls and fractures. Data from the last several years suggests that this increased risk is due not only to recognized diabetes complications but also to an accelerated decline in physical capacity due to lower muscle quality and a more rapid decline in muscle mass and lower extremity strength over time. Aim. To find the association between glucose control and functional indices. Methods. A cross-sectional study conducted at the Center for Successful Aging with Diabetes at the Sheba Medical Center. Individuals with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes over the age of 60 were included. Functional status was assessed using tools that assess aerobic, strength, and balance capacities. Medical assessment was conducted through interview, physical examination, and collection of information from medical records. The association between functional indices and A1C was assessed using linear regression. Results. 153 consecutive individuals were evaluated. There was an inverse association between A1C and score achieved on the 6-minute walk; with increasing meters walked on the 6-minute walk test, there was a reduction in A1C (p=0.003). There was also an inverse association with the 10-meter walk (p=0.007), BERG balance test (p=0.0006), and timed up and go (p=0.01). Conclusion. In this cohort of older people with diabetes, there was an association between A1C and measures of functional indices. Future studies of glucose-lowering medication should include physical and functional assessment.
The Removal of HBV in Plasma by Extracorporeal Immunoadsorption from Plasma: A Potential Therapy of Hepatitis B Patients
Authors: Han Zhenwei , Lu Xuan , Tang Yiping , Yang Yuanyuan , Liu Qiuchen , Cheng Pengfei , Zhou Li , Wang Yefu
Published: December 2018

Objective. To establish a novel HBV specific immunoadsorbent for the removing of HBV particles.Methods. The anti-HBsAg monoclonal antibody was immobilized on sepharose beads to produce a sepharose anti-HBs column. Then the immunoadsorbent was evaluated and characterized by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, time-dependent effects of the eradication capacity of anti-HBsAg functionalized sepharose beads against HBV were investigated.Results. Proposed immunoadsorbents exhibited a favorable biocompatibility as well as specificity. With the optimized recycle time, the decontamination performance of HBV particles and quantity of HBsAg were assessed either by real-time quantitative PCR or ELISA, which showed that the immunoadsorbent could remove approximately 90% of the HBV and 90% of the HBsAg from human plasma samples.Conclusions. All these results indicated that the novel immunoadsorbent could effectively remove HBV particles and likely serve as a novel therapy option or at least supplementary for the treatment regimen of HBV.
Numerical Study of the Dynamic Compaction Process considering the Phenomenon of Particle Breakage
Authors: Li Xi , Li Jing , Ma Xinyan , Teng Jidong , Zhang Sheng
Published: December 2018

Dynamic compaction (DC) is commonly used to strengthen the coarse grained soil foundation, where particle breakage of coarse soils is unavoidable under high‐energy impacts. In this paper, a novel method of modeling DC progress was developed, which can realize particle breakage by impact stress. A particle failure criterion of critical stress is first employed. The “population balance” between particles before and after crushing is guaranteed by the overlapping method. The performance of the DC model is successfully validated against literature data. A series of DC tests were then carried out. The effect of particle breakage on key parameters of DC including crater depth and impact stress was discussed. Besides, it is observed that the relationship between breakage amount and tamping times can be expressed by a logarithmic curve. The present method will contribute to a better understanding of DC and benefit further research on the macro‐micro mechanism of DC.
Right Upper Lobe Torsion after Right Lower Lobectomy: A Rare and Potentially Life-Threatening Complication
Authors: Nakada Takeo , Tsukamoto Yo , Yabe Mitsuo , Misawa Takeyuki , Akiba Tadashi , Ohtsuka Takashi
Published: December 2018

An 84-year-old woman was referred to our institution with suspected right lung cancer. Subsequently, she underwent thoracoscopic right lower lobectomy without mediastinal lymph node dissection. Postoperatively, she complained of dyspnea and developed arterial oxygen desaturation after 12 h and acute respiratory failure (ARF). An emergency chest computed tomography revealed the right upper bronchial stenosis with hilar peribronchovascular soft tissue edema because the middle lung lobe had been pushed upward and forward and the right upper lung lobe had twisted dorsally. Emergency bronchoscopy revealed severe right upper bronchial stenosis with an eccentric rotation and severe edema. The bronchia stenosis was successfully treated with glucocorticoids and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for ARF.
Shear-induced Permeability Evolution of Sandstone Fractures
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Wan Zhijun , Feng Zijun , Wu Jinwen
Published: December 2018

In underground coal mines, shear-induced changes in regional fluid flow are a major factor causing water inrushes from faults into working faces. Shear slip along preexisting fractures tends to be activated during hydraulic fracturing, and this movement can either enhance or diminish hydraulic fracturing efficiency. To prevent water inrush disasters and further hydraulic fracturing, understanding the evolution of shear-induced permeability in fractures in sedimentary rock is very important. In this study, the evolution of shear-induced permeability in saw-cut sandstone fractures with three different types of surface roughness was investigated by conducting triaxial shear tests and examining the 3-D topography of the unsheared and sheared fracture surfaces. The results allow several important conclusions to be drawn. (1) The permeability of fractures follows a three-stage shear-displacement-dependent evolution. The permeability remains unchanged in the first stable stage. After that, permeability decreases sharply with increasing shear displacement. Finally, the permeability enters a second stable stage. (2) The shear stress versus shear-displacement curves can also be divided into three stages, namely, a stress adjustment stage, a stage of increasing stress, and a stable stage. During the experiments, the fractures always experienced stick-slip shear in the stable stage. The oscillations of the shear stress in the stick-slip stage had a higher frequency for fractures with rougher surfaces. In addition, the rougher surfaces exhibited a greater permeability drop after shearing than that shown by smoother fracture surfaces. (3) The 3-D scanning results imply that the coupled effects of grinding (plus scraping) and sealing lead to decreased permeability. During shearing, the fracture walls grind and scrape against each other resulting in partial flattening of the fracture surface and the production of fault gouge in the fracture. This leads in turn to the flow pathways being partially sealed by crushed mineral grains.
Dynamic Stress of Subgrade Bed Layers Subjected to Train Vehicles with Large Axle Loads
Authors: Xu Fang , Yang Qi , Liu Wenjie , Leng Wuming , Nie Rusong , Mei Huihao
Published: December 2018

The dynamic responses of subgrade bed layers are the key factors affecting the service performance of a heavy‐haul railway. A 3D train‐track‐subgrade interaction finite element (FE) model was constructed using the ABAQUS code, where different vertical irregular track spectra were simulated by modifying the vertical node coordinates of the FE mesh of the rail. Then, the dynamic stresses in the subgrade bed layers subjected to heavy‐haul trains were studied in detail. The results showed the following: (1) the transverse distribution of the dynamic stress transformed from a bimodal pattern to a unimodal pattern with increasing depth; (2) the pass of adjacent bogies of adjacent carriages can be simplified once loaded on the subgrade since the dynamic stresses are maintained around the peak value during the pass of the adjacent bogies; (3) the dynamic stress at the bottom of the subgrade bed surface layer was more sensitive to the train axle load compared with that at the subgrade surface because the dynamic stresses induced by the two rails were gradually overlaid with increasing depth; (4) the maximum dynamic stress at the subgrade bed bottom was reduced by approximately 70% compared with that at the subgrade surface; (5) the vertical track irregularities intensified the vertical excitation between the train vehicle wheels and rails, and the maximum dynamic stress at the subgrade surface under the action of the irregular heavy‐haul track spectrum increased by 23% compared with the smooth rail condition; and (6) the possible maximum dynamic stress (σdm) at the subgrade surface under the action of irregular track spectra can be predicted using the triple standard deviation principle of a normally distributed random variable, i.e., σdm = μ + 3σ (where μ and σ are the expectation and standard deviation of σdm, respectively).
Magnitude of Turnover Intention and Associated Factors among Health Professionals Working in Public Health Institutions of North Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Ferede Aster , Kibret Getiye Dejenu , Million Yihenew , Simeneh Muluye Molla , Belay Yihalem Abebe , Hailemariam Damen
Published: December 2018

Background. Health workers are one of the most important building blocks of the health system. High turnover rate contribute to the shortfalls and unbalanced distribution of health personnel in the health workforce. Turnover intention is the strongest predictor of actual turnover.Objective. To assess the magnitude of turnover intention and associated factors among health professionals working in public health institutions of North Shoa Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia.Methods. A health facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2016, on 612 health professionals working in public health institutions of North Shoa Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia, using a multistage stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested self-administered structured questionnaire. The data were entered using Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 22 software. Descriptive statistics were conducted to summarize the sample characteristics. Backward stepwise logistic regression model was fitted and AOR with 95% CI was calculated to identify the associated factors. P-value <0.05 was taken as a cut-off point for statistical significance. Ethical issues were addressed.Results. Among the 568 health professionals who responded to the questionnaire, 348 (61.3%) of them reported to have the intention to leave their current workplaces. The results showed that being a male [AOR = 1.496 (95% CI: 1.016, 2.204)], medical doctor [AOR = 0.318 (95% CI: 0.122, 0.824)], unsatisfied with the work nature [AOR = 1.822 (95% CI: 1.206, 2.753)], unsatisfied with the incentives [AOR = 1.668 (95% CI: 1.105, 2.517)], and unsatisfied with the supervision [AOR = 1.916 (95% CI: 1.274, 2.881)] and having low normative commitment [AOR = 2.176 (95% CI: 1.482, 3.196)] were significantly associated with turnover intention of the health professionals.Conclusions. The magnitude of turnover intention was high among health professionals working in public health institutions of North Shoa Zone. Health service managers and policymakers should develop evidence based retention strategies considering the determinants of health professionals’ intention to leave.
A Case of Prefemoral Fat Pad Impingement Syndrome Caused by Hyperplastic Fat Pad
Authors: Koyama Suguru , Tensho Keiji , Shimodaira Hiroki , Iwaasa Tomoya , Horiuchi Hiroshi , Kato Hiroyuki , Saito Naoto
Published: December 2018

Case. We report a rare case of prefemoral fat pad impingement syndrome that was caused by a hyperplasia of the normal suprapatellar fat pad. Pain and catching were observed in the proximal-lateral patellofemoral joint, and MRI imaging confirmed a hyperplasic mass in the same area. Although conservative treatment showed no signs of improvement, symptoms improved after an arthroscopic excision of the mass. Conclusion. Prefemoral fat pad impingement syndrome is related to patellar motion and should be considered as one of the underlying causes of anterior knee pain (AKP). Surgeons should recognize that a small hyperplasia composed of normal adipose tissue can cause AKP.
Association of Impaired Reactive Aldehyde Metabolism with Delayed Graft Function in Human Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Wijermars Leonie G. M. , Schaapherder Alexander F. , George Thomas , Sinharoy Pritam , Gross Eric R.
Published: December 2018

Delayed graft function is an early complication following kidney transplantation with an unclear molecular mechanism. Here we determined whether impaired reactive aldehyde metabolism is associated with delayed graft function. Human kidney biopsies from grafts with delayed graft function were compared with grafts that did not develop delayed graft function by Ingenuity gene pathway analysis. A second series of grafts with delayed graft function (n = 10) were compared to grafts that did not develop delayed graft function (n = 10) by measuring reactive aldehyde metabolism, reactive aldehyde‐induced protein adduct formation, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) gene and protein expression. In the first series of kidney biopsies, several gene families known for metabolizing reactive aldehydes, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), aldo‐keto reductase (AKR), and glutathione‐S transferase (GSTA), were upregulated in kidneys that did not develop delayed graft function versus those that did. In the second series of kidney grafts, we focused on measuring aldehyde‐induced protein adducts and ALDH enzymatic activity. The reactive aldehyde metabolism by ALDH enzymes was reduced in kidneys with delayed graft function compared to those that did not (37 ± 12 ∗ vs. 79 ± 5 μg/min/mg tissue,  ∗P < 0.005, respectively). ALDH enzymatic activity was also negatively correlated with length of hospital stay after a kidney transplant. Together, our study identifies a reduced ALDH enzymatic activity with kidneys developing delayed graft function compared to those that did not. Measuring ALDH enzymatic activity and reactive aldehyde‐induced protein adducts can potentially be further developed as a biomarker to assess for delayed graft function and recovery from a kidney transplant.
Data Inspecting and Denoising Method for Data‐Driven Stochastic Subspace Identification
Authors: Zhou Xiaohang , Cao Lu , Khan Inamullah , Li Qiao
Published: December 2018

Data‐driven stochastic subspace identification (DATA‐SSI) is frequently applied to bridge modal parameter identification because of its high stability and accuracy. However, the existence of abnormal data and noise components may make the identification result of DATA‐SSI unreliable. In order to achieve a reliable identification result of the bridge modal parameter, a data inspecting and denoising method based on exploratory data analysis (EDA) and morphological filter (MF) was proposed for DATA‐SSI. First, EDA was adopted to inspect the data quality for removing the data measured from malfunctioning sensors. Then, MF along with an automated structural element (SE) size determination technique was adopted to suppress the noise components. At last, DATA‐SSI and stabilization diagram were applied to identify and exhibit the bridge modal parameter. A model bridge and a real bridge were used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The comparison of the identification results of the original data and improved data was made. The results show that the identification results obtained with the improved data are more accurate, stable, and reliable.
Automation of the Peak Fitting Method in Bone FTIR Microspectroscopy Spectrum Analysis: Human and Mice Bone Study
Authors: Gardegaront Marc , Farlay Delphine , Peyruchaud Olivier , Follet Hélène
Published: December 2018

FTIR microspectroscopy (FTIRM) is a commonly used nondestructive method to characterise thin bone sections. However, spectrum analysis methods are often highly sensitive to small variations (e.g., boundary limits), thus implying a time-consuming and redundant analysis process. To solve this issue, software has been developed based on several algorithms to automate the analysis. Furthermore, a rigorous framework has been established concerning the peak fitting method to obtain the systematic best potential solution. Validation of the automatic method has been performed by comparison with the manual method. Results and validation proved the reliability of the automatic process. The developed algorithms provide the means necessary to fully compare the results between bone FTIRM studies and between different laboratories.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Characterization of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Hydroxamic Alginate Nanocomposite Scaffolds
Authors: Lima Aline Margarete Furuyama , Lima Marcelo de Freitas , Assis Odílio Benedito Garrido , Raabe Alice , Amoroso Hemelen Caroline , de Oliveira Tiera Vera Aparecida , Andrade Marcelo Barbosa de , Tiera Marcio José
Published: December 2018

In this study, the preparation of porous nanocomposite scaffolds (HX-CNT) from a combination of a hydroxamic derivative of alginate (HX) and an amine-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) at different concentrations is described. The structure of HX was investigated by FTIR, and the degree of substitution around 9% was confirmed by elemental analysis. The interaction between CNT and alginate derivative in the nanocomposite crosslinked with calcium was confirmed by FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM. The results obtained in this study showed that scaffolds based on HX-CNT composites with a 4 wt% concentration level exhibited improved physical and mechanical properties compared to plain alginate (Young’s modulus increased from 2.2 to 5.1 MPa and elastic strength from 0.13 to 0.25 MPa) and decreased the swelling ratios from ~900 to ~673. The cytotoxicity assays using the L929 cell line proved that the nanocomposite scaffolds were nontoxic, even at the highest CNT concentration.