bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixed Effects Models with Censored Covariates, with Applications in HIV/AIDS Studies
Authors: Wu Lang , Zhang Hongbin
Published: June 2018

Mixed effects models are widely used for modelling clustered data when there are large variations between clusters, since mixed effects models allow for cluster-specific inference. In some longitudinal studies such as HIV/AIDS studies, it is common that some time-varying covariates may be left or right censored due to detection limits, may be missing at times of interest, or may be measured with errors. To address these “incomplete data“ problems, a common approach is to model the time-varying covariates based on observed covariate data and then use the fitted model to “predict” the censored or missing or mismeasured covariates. In this article, we provide a review of the common approaches for censored covariates in longitudinal and survival response models and advocate nonlinear mechanistic covariate models if such models are available.
Improved Genetic Algorithm for Distribution System Performance Analysis by Taking Advantage of Essential Spanning Trees
Authors: Ji Yanzhu , Shi Zhuoqun , O’Connell Robert M.
Published: June 2018

Growing interest in the smart grid, increasing use of distributed generation, and classical distribution system reconfiguration (DSR) and restoration problems have led to the search for efficient distribution automation tools. One such tool, the improved Fast Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (FNSGA), not only is effective in finding system configurations that are optimal with respect to voltages, currents, and losses, but also considered parametric study to determine minimum values of N and Gen. In this paper, the essential spanning tree concept is expanded to improve the computational efficiency of the algorithm. Results of the study show that for relatively small test systems, optimum system configurations are obtained using values of N and Gen that require very small CPU times. In larger systems, optimum values of N and Gen requiring reasonable CPU times can also be found, provided that certain carefully chosen branches are removed from the pool of possibilities when producing the initial population in the algorithm. By using essential trees, the efficiency of the calculation is improved.
Early Infant Feeding Practices as Possible Risk Factors for Immunoglobulin E-Mediated Food Allergies in Kuwait
Authors: Alkazemi Dalal , Albeajan Munirah , Kubow Stan
Published: June 2018

Objective. Early feeding and infant exposures have been suggested as potential risk factors for immunoglobulin E- (IgE-) mediated food allergy (FA). We aimed to evaluate the association between IgE-mediated FA in children and early exposures including the child’s nutritional status, breastfeeding and its duration, the age at which the solid food was first introduced, antibiotic exposure during the first year of life, and the child’s vitamin D status during infancy. Design. A case-control study. Setting and Subjects. Children aged 0–13 years were recruited from pediatric allergy and immunology clinics (PAICs) located at major government hospitals in Kuwait (total FA cases: n=100; boys = 67%), and healthy controls (n=100, boys 55%) were recruited from various vaccination units at primary healthcare centers. Results. Cow’s milk allergy was the most common type of FA. FA status was independently associated with the early exposures of exclusive breastfeeding (aOR = 15.55 (3.26–74.19), p=0.001), vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency during infancy (aOR = 5.42 (1.92–15.30), p=0.001), and antibiotic exposure during the first year of life (aOR = 5.00 (1.58–15.84), p=0.006). Conclusions. FA is highly prevalent among children in Kuwait, and our data indicate that early nutrition-related and antibiotic exposures are associated with FA risk.
Nonlinear Evolution of Benjamin-Bona-Mahony Wave Packet due to an Instability of a Pair of Modulations
Authors: Halfiani Vera , Fadhiliani Dwi , Mardi Harish Abdillah , Ramli Marwan
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the evolution of Benjamin-Bona-Mahony (BBM) wave packet’s envelope. The envelope equation is derived by applying the asymptotic series up to the third order and choosing appropriate fast-to-slow variable transformations which eliminate the resonance terms that occurred. It is obtained that the envelope evolves satisfying the Nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation. The evolution of NLS envelope is investigated through its exact solution, Soliton on Finite Background, which undergoes modulational instability during its propagation. The resulting wave may experience phase singularity indicated by wave splitting and merging and causing amplification on its amplitude. Some parameter values take part in triggering this phenomenon. The amplitude amplification can be analyzed by employing Maximal Temporal Amplitude (MTA) which is a quantity measuring the maximum wave elevation at each spatial position during the observation time. Wavenumber value affects the extreme position of the wave but not the amplitude amplification. Meanwhile, modulational frequency value affects both terms. Comparison of the evolution of the BBM wave packet to the previous results obtained from KdV equation gives interesting outputs regarding the extreme position and the maximum wave peaking.
Hobbit: Providing Fall Detection and Prevention for the Elderly in the Real World
Authors: Bajones Markus , Fischinger David , Weiss Astrid , Wolf Daniel , Vincze Markus , de la Puente Paloma , Körtner Tobias , Weninger Markus , Papoutsakis Konstantinos , Michel Damien , Qammaz Ammar , Panteleris Paschalis , Foukarakis Michalis , Adami Ilia , Ioannidi Danai , Leonidis Asterios , Antona Margherita , Argyros Antonis , Mayer Peter , Panek Paul , Eftring Håkan , Frennert Susanne
Published: June 2018

We present the robot developed within the Hobbit project, a socially assistive service robot aiming at the challenge of enabling prolonged independent living of elderly people in their own homes. We present the second prototype (Hobbit PT2) in terms of hardware and functionality improvements following first user studies. Our main contribution lies within the description of all components developed within the Hobbit project, leading to autonomous operation of 371 days during field trials in Austria, Greece, and Sweden. In these field trials, we studied how 18 elderly users (aged 75 years and older) lived with the autonomously interacting service robot over multiple weeks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a multifunctional, low-cost service robot equipped with a manipulator was studied and evaluated for several weeks under real-world conditions. We show that Hobbit’s adaptive approach towards the user increasingly eased the interaction between the users and Hobbit. We provide lessons learned regarding the need for adaptive behavior coordination, support during emergency situations, and clear communication of robotic actions and their consequences for fellow researchers who are developing an autonomous, low-cost service robot designed to interact with their users in domestic contexts. Our trials show the necessity to move out into actual user homes, as only there can we encounter issues such as misinterpretation of actions during unscripted human-robot interaction.
Multiresolution Analysis Applied to the Monge-Kantorovich Problem
Authors: Sánchez-Nungaray Armando , González-Flores Carlos , López-Martínez Raquiel R.
Published: June 2018

We give a scheme of approximation of the MK problem based on the symmetries of the underlying spaces. We take a Haar type MRA constructed according to the geometry of our spaces. Thus, applying the Haar type MRA based on symmetries to the MK problem, we obtain a sequence of transportation problem that approximates the original MK problem for each of MRA. Moreover, the optimal solutions of each level solution converge in the weak sense to the optimal solution of original problem.
Comparative Study between the Discrete-Frequency Kalman Filtering and the Discrete-Time Kalman Filtering with Application in Noise Reduction in Speech Signals
Authors: da Silva Leandro Aureliano , Carrijo Gilberto Arantes , Vasconcelos Eduardo Silva , Campos Roberto Duarte , Goulart Cleiton Silvano , Lemos Rodrigo Pinto
Published: June 2018

This article aims to carry out a comparative study between discrete-time and discrete-frequency Kalman filters. In order to assess the performance of both methods for speech reconstruction, we measured the output segmental signal-to-noise ratio and the Itakura-Saito distance provided by each algorithm over 25 different voice signals. The results show that although the two algorithms performed very similarly regarding noise reduction, the discrete-time Kalman filter produced smaller spectral distortion on the estimated signals when compared with the discrete-frequency Kalman filter.
Deformation Fields Measurement of Crack Tip under High‐Frequency Resonant Loading Using a Novel Hybrid Image Processing Method
Authors: Gao Hongli , Zhang Zhaonian , Jiang Wei , Zhu Kaiyong , Gong Ao
Published: June 2018

A novel hybrid image processing method is proposed to obtain the crack tip location, crack propagation path, displacement, strain fields, and plastic zone size of crack tip region under high‐frequency resonant loading in this paper. An ordinary CCD camera is used to collect a series of crack images on one side of the compact tension (CT) specimen; meanwhile, a high‐speed digital camera is used to acquire a series of digital speckle images of the other side of the specimen under the loading conditions at regular time intervals. Digital image processing (DIP) method is used to determine the macroscopic crack position. Digital image correlation (DIC) method is applied to obtain the displacement, strain fields, and plastic zone size of crack tip region. The characteristic digital speckle images of one stress cycle are obtained by data fitting and image matching method. Accordingly, the displacement/strain fields of crack tip region within one stress cycle and the displacement and strain amplitude fields with different crack lengths are obtained and analyzed. The obtained results are compared with the measured results of ordinary methods and show a good match. The success of this method will help to obtain better insight into and understanding of the fatigue and failure behavior of metal material with mode I crack under high‐frequency resonant loading.
Pleasant Pain Relief and Inhibitory Conditioned Pain Modulation: A Psychophysical Study
Authors: Bitar Nathalie , Marchand Serge , Potvin Stéphane
Published: June 2018

Background. Inhibitory conditioned pain modulation (ICPM) is one of the principal endogenous pain inhibition mechanisms and is triggered by strong nociceptive stimuli. Recently, it has been shown that feelings of pleasantness are experienced after the interruption of noxious stimuli. Given that pleasant stimuli have analgesic effects, it is therefore possible that the ICPM effect is explained by the confounding effect of pleasant pain relief. The current study sought to verify this assumption. Methods. Twenty-seven healthy volunteers were recruited. Thermal pain thresholds were measured using a Peltier thermode. ICPM was then measured by administering a tonic thermal stimulus before and after a cold-pressor test (CPT). Following the readministration of the CPT, pleasant pain relief was measured for 4 minutes. According to the opponent process theory, pleasant relief should be elicited following the interruption of a noxious stimulus. Results. The interruption of the CPT induced a mean and peak pleasant pain relief of almost 40% and 70%, respectively. Pleasant pain relief did not correlate with ICPM amplitude but was positively correlated with pain level during the CPT. Finally, a negative correlation was observed between pleasant pain relief and anxiety. Discussion. Results show that the cessation of a strong nociceptive stimulus elicits potent pleasant pain relief. The lack of correlation between ICPM and pleasant pain relief suggests that the ICPM effect, as measured by sequential paradigms, is unlikely to be fully explained by a pleasant pain relief phenomenon.
Adsorption of Nitrate onto ZnCl2‐Modified Coconut Granular Activated Carbon: Kinetics, Characteristics, and Adsorption Dynamics
Authors: Liu Lingjie , Ji Min , Wang Fen
Published: June 2018

Coconut granular activated carbon (CGAC) was modified by impregnating with ZnCl2 solution to remove nitrate from aqueous solutions. Sorption isotherm and kinetic studies were carried out in a series of batch experiments. Nitrate adsorption of both ZnCl2‐modified CGAC and CGAC fitted the Langmuir and Freundlich models. Batch adsorption isotherms indicated that the maximum adsorption capacities of ZnCl2‐modified CGAC and CGAC were calculated as 14.01 mgN·g−1 and 0.28 mgN·g−1, respectively. The kinetic data obtained from batch experiments were well described by pseudo‐second‐order model. The column study was used to analyze the dynamic adsorption process. The highest bed adsorption capacity of 1.76 mgN·g−1 was obtained by 50 mgN·L−1 inlet nitrate concentration, 20 g adsorbents, and 10 ml·min−1 flow rate. The dynamic adsorption data were fitted well to the Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models with coefficients of correlation R2 > 0.834 at different conditions. Surface characteristics and pore structures of CGAC and ZnCl2‐modified CGAC were performed by SEM and EDAX and BET and indicated that ZnCl2 had adhered to the surface of GAC after modified. Zeta potential, Raman spectra, and FTIR suggested the electrostatic attraction between the nitrate ions and positive charge. The results revealed that the mechanism of adsorption nitrate mainly depended on electrostatic attraction almost without any chemical interactions.
Biochanin A Reduces Inflammatory Injury and Neuronal Apoptosis following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage via Suppression of the TLRs/TIRAP/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Wu Ling-yun , Ye Zhen-nan , Zhuang Zong , Gao Yongyue , Tang Chao , Zhou Chen-hui , Wang Chun-xi , Zhang Xiang-sheng , Xie Guang-bin , Liu Jing-peng , Zhou Meng-liang , Hang Chun-hua , Shi Ji-xin
Published: June 2018

Inflammatory injury and neuronal apoptosis participate in the period of early brain injury (EBI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Suppression of inflammation has recently been shown to reduce neuronal death and neurobehavioral dysfunction post SAH. Biochanin A (BCA), a natural bioactive isoflavonoid, has been confirmed to emerge the anti-inflammatory pharmacological function. This original study was aimed at evaluating and identifying the neuroprotective role of BCA and the underlying molecular mechanism in an experimental Sprague-Dawley rat SAH model. Neurobehavioral function was evaluated via the modified water maze test and modified Garcia neurologic score system. Thus, we confirmed that BCA markedly decreased the activated level of TLRs/TIRAP/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and the production of cytokines. BCA also significantly ameliorated neuronal apoptosis which correlated with the improvement of neurobehavioral dysfunction post SAH. These results indicated that BCA may provide neuroprotection against EBI through the inhibition of inflammatory injury and neuronal apoptosis partially via the TLRs/TIRAP/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway.
Complex Karyotype in Hematological Diseases: A 6-Year Single Centre Study from Pakistan
Authors: Waheed Samra , Hassan Jawad , Naz Maliha , Maqsood Sidra , Abid Madiha , Shan Saira , Nadeem Muhammad , Shamsi Tahir S.
Published: June 2018

Background. Most of the hematological disorders are heterogenous with regard to morphology, immunophenotype, and genetic rearrangements. Multiple recurrent chromosomal aberrations have been identified by conventional cytogenetic analysis, which is now widely recognized as one of the most important diagnostic and prognostic determinants in these patients. Though rarer, complex karyotype has been associated with worst prognosis.Materials and Methods. A total of 1185 bone marrow or peripheral blood cytogenetics samples were taken with different hematological diseases. They included both benign and malignant disease entities. In each case, cells were cultured and conventional cytogenetic analysis was performed.Results. Among 1185 subjects, 41 (3.4%) patients possessed complex cytogenetic abnormalities. Out of these 41, 33 (80%) were males. The mean age was 37 years (median age 39 years). Myelodysplastic syndromes had the most numbers of complex karyotypes (8%), followed by acute myeloid leukemia (7%) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (4%). Also we found few patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia, aplastic anemia , chronic myeloid leukemia, and diffuse large B cell Lymphoma possessing complex karyotype. Frequencies of different cytogenetic abnormalities were assessed with respect to disease as well as independently. Trisomy 21 was the most common chromosomal abnormality found in 28% of patients.Conclusion. Complex karyotype was most frequently associated with myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Trisomy 21 and deletion 5q were the commonest cytogenetic abnormalities found. We also assessed complex karyotype in benign diseases and detected one patient of aplastic anemia with complex karyotype. This is the first study highlighting the presence of complex karyotypes in hematological disorders in our region.
The Compressive Strength and Resistivity toward Corrosion Attacks by Chloride Ion of Concrete Containing Type I Cement and Calcium Stearate
Authors: Maryoto Agus , Gan Buntara Sthenly , Hermanto Nor Intang Setyo , Setijadi Rachmad
Published: June 2018

This study aims to determine the effect of calcium stearate on concrete. Three kinds of concrete quality are studied, namely, 20, 30, and 40 MPa. Tests performed in the laboratory comprise a compressive strength test and an infiltration test of chloride ion content. The specimens used were cylinders with a diameter of 150 mm and height of 300 mm. The chloride ion infiltration test was carried out on a cube with sides of 150 mm. The infiltration of ions into the concrete was examined at depths of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 cm. Four dosages of calcium stearate were added to the concrete, namely, 0, 0.25, 1.27, and 2.53% for 20 MPa concrete; 0, 0.21, 1.07, and 2.48% for 30 MPa concrete; and 0, 0.19, 0.90, and 1.87% for 40 MPa concrete. The results of compressive strength tests indicate that the amount of calcium stearate that could be safely applied to the concrete was 0.25% of the weight of cement. On the other hand, the infiltration of chloride ions at a depth of 6 cm from the unprotected concrete surface decreased by 87, 69, and 113% for the 20, 30, and 40 MPa concrete, respectively, compared to concrete without calcium stearate. The test shows that the use of calcium stearate in concrete significantly increases its resistivity against corrosion attacks because, in the absence of chloride ions, the process of corrosion does not take place in the concrete.
Instant Feedback Rapid Prototyping for GPU-Accelerated Computation, Manipulation, and Visualization of Multidimensional Data
Authors: Malek Maximilian , Sensen Christoph W.
Published: June 2018

Objective. We have created an open-source application and framework for rapid GPU-accelerated prototyping, targeting image analysis, including volumetric images such as CT or MRI data. Methods. A visual graph editor enables the design of processing pipelines without programming. Run-time compiled compute shaders enable prototyping of complex operations in a matter of minutes. Results. GPU-acceleration increases processing the speed by at least an order of magnitude when compared to traditional multithreaded CPU-based implementations, while offering the flexibility of scripted implementations. Conclusion. Our framework enables real-time, intuition-guided accelerated algorithm and method development, supported by built-in scriptable visualization. Significance. This is, to our knowledge, the first tool for medical data analysis that provides both high performance and rapid prototyping. As such, it has the potential to act as a force multiplier for further research, enabling handling of high-resolution datasets while providing quasi-instant feedback and visualization of results.
In Vitro and Ex Vivo Chemopreventive Action of Mauritia flexuosa Products
Authors: Pereira-Freire Joilane Alves , Oliveira George Laylson da Silva , Lima Layana Karine Farias , Ramos Carla Lorena Silva , Arcanjo-Medeiros Stella Regina , Lima Ana Cristina Silva de , Teixeira Sabrina Almondes , Oliveira Guilherme Antônio Lopes de , Nunes Nárcia Mariana Fonseca , Amorim Vivianne Rodrigues , Lopes Luciano da Silva , Rolim Larissa Araújo , Costa-Júnior Joaquim Soares da , Ferreira Paulo Michel Pinheiro
Published: June 2018

Mauritia flexuosa (Arecaceae), known as “Buriti,” is a Brazilian palm tree with high economic potential for local communities. Herein, we investigated the phytochemistry profile and antioxidant potential of M. flexuosa fruits and determined the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds. Peels revealed upper values for phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, tannins, and ascorbic acid when compared to the pulps and endocarps. All samples showed capacity to scavenger free radicals (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mg/mL) but peels presented higher scavenger action in all methods explored. Phenolic compounds identified by HPLC displayed reduced bioaccessibility after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion for pulp (38.7%), peel (18.7%), and endocarp (22.3%) extracts (P < 0.05). Buriti fruits also protected rat blood cells against lysis induced by peroxyl radicals. We demonstrated the promising chemopreventive potentialities of M. flexuosa fruits and their by‐products and peels with higher quantities of bioactive compounds and phenolic substances before and after in vitro bioaccessibility investigation. In Brazil, these parts are discarded or underused, mainly as feed for ruminant animals. Consequently, it is extremely important to explore nutritional characteristics of these by‐products for human/livestock foods and to install biofriendly techniques and sustainable biotechnology handling of natural resources.
Formation and Properties of the Ta‐Y2O3, Ta‐ZrO2, and Ta‐TaC Nanocomposites
Authors: Jakubowicz J. , Sopata M. , Adamek G. , Siwak P. , Kachlicki T.
Published: June 2018

The nanocrystalline tantalum‐ceramic composites were made using mechanical alloying followed by pulse plasma sintering (PPS). The tantalum acts as a matrix, to which the ceramic reinforced phase in the concentration of 5, 10, 20, and 40 wt.% was introduced. Oxides (Y2O3 and ZrO2) and carbides (TaC) were used as the ceramic phase. The mechanical alloying results in the formation of nanocrystalline grains. The subsequent hot pressing in the mode of PPS results in the consolidation of powders and formation of bulk nanocomposites. All the bulk composites have the average grain size from 40 nm to 100 nm, whereas, for comparison, the bulk nanocrystalline pure tantalum has the average grain size of approximately 170 nm. The ceramic phase refines the grain size in the Ta nanocomposites. The mechanical properties were studied using the nanoindentation tests. The nanocomposites exhibit uniform load‐displacement curves indicating good integrity and homogeneity of the samples. Out of the investigated components, the Ta‐10 wt.% TaC one has the highest hardness and a very high Young’s modulus (1398 HV and 336 GPa, resp.). For the Ta‐oxide composites, Ta‐20 wt.% Y2O3 has the highest mechanical properties (1165 HV hardness and 231 GPa Young’s modulus).
Wall Pressure and Blade Surface Pressure in a Side Channel Blower
Authors: Münsterjohann Sven , Becker Stefan
Published: June 2018

In side channel blowers, the pressure field is the result of complex, inner flow mechanisms. While there are already experimental investigations on the wall pressure distributions, little is known about the pressure in the rotating system, i.e., on the blade surface. In this work, we present an experimental setup for measuring the unsteady blade surface pressure in several positions. The acquired data will be complemented by and compared to the additionally measured wall pressure on the side channel housing. Miniature pressure sensors are integrated into the impeller. It is modified to ensure flush mounted membranes of the sensors and to avoid impacting on the flow field. A telemetric system is used for a wireless transfer of the data from the rotating system to the data recorder. As a result, we show the time-resolved pressure distribution as well as its phase-locked ensemble average. The variations of the pressure field are related to the integral pressure difference across the turbomachine and to its rotational speed. Due to the high temporal resolution of the measurement data, an exact spatial localization of crucial flow phenomena is achieved. Low integral pressure differences show a nearly linear increase of the pressure in circumferential direction, while greater integral pressure differences evolve exponentially over the azimuth. The results confirm the circulatory flow theory. Different rotational speeds elicit a comparable behavior. The stripper is a dominant source for pressure fluctuations. Its individual geometric discontinuities are correlated to the flow field. Our results provide a deeper understanding of the flow phenomena in side channel blowers and the theory of pressure generation. Although the measurements were performed for only one type of side channel blower with a double-flow configuration and open blades, the energy transfer mechanism is the same for other modifications like single flow or closed blade versions.
The Experience of the Robot Programming Network Initiative
Authors: Casañ Gustavo A. , Cervera Enric
Published: June 2018

Since its creation in 2014, the Robot Programming Network (RPN) has been an environment to learn and teach robotics to the general public, which has also allowed us to learn about education. In this paper, we aim to not only present the RPN and the active courses in the system but also show the evolution of this initiative in front of the changing e-learning environment and its possible future evolution towards Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) and cloud simulation.
Prevalence and Clinical Significance ofStreptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis(Groups C or G Streptococci) Colonization in Pregnant Women: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jaalama M. , Palomäki O. , Vuento R. , Jokinen A. , Uotila J.
Published: June 2018

Objectives.Little is known about the significance of Streptococcus G or C colonization in pregnant women. The objective of this study was to assess whether vaginal Streptococcus group G or C colonization detected in late pregnancy increases the infectious morbidity of the mother or newborn.Methods. A total of 15,114 rectovaginal cultures taken at 35–37 weeks of pregnancy were analyzed at Tampere University Hospital, Finland, between 2012 and 2014. From this laboratory data, all Streptococcus G or C-positive cultures were included to study maternal and neonatal infectious morbidity after delivery. This study population was compared to women with a positive Streptococcus B culture and to women with a negative culture.Results. The prevalence of Streptococcus G or C colonization was 2.9%. Significantly more postpartum endometritis was found in this study group. No association was found between colonization and neonatal bacteremia.Conclusions. Streptococcus G or C colonization is associated with postpartum endometritis. More research is needed to clarify if antibiotic prophylaxis is reasonable for this group during delivery.
Improved Surface-Based Registration of CT and Intraoperative 3D Ultrasound of Bones
Authors: Fanti Zian , Torres Fabian , Hazan-Lasri Eric , Gastelum-Strozzi Alfonso , Ruiz-Huerta Leopoldo , Caballero-Ruiz Alberto , Cosío F. Arámbula
Published: June 2018

The intraoperative registration of preoperative CT volumes is a key process of most computer-assisted orthopedic surgery (CAOS) systems. In this work, is reported a new method for automatic registration of long bones, based on the segmentation of the bone cortical in intraoperative 3D ultrasound images. A bone classifier was developed based on features, obtained from the principal component analysis of the Hessian matrix, of every voxel in an intraoperative ultrasound volume. 3D freehand ultrasound was used for the acquisition of the intraoperative ultrasound volumes. Corresponding bone surface segmentations in ultrasound and preoperative CT imaging were used for the intraoperative registration. Validation on a phantom of the tibia produced encouraging results, with a maximum mean segmentation error of 0.34⁡mm (SD=0.26⁡mm) and a registration accuracy error of 0.64⁡mm (SD=0.49⁡mm).
A Hybrid System for Subjectivity Analysis
Authors: Rustamov Samir
Published: June 2018

We suggested different structured hybrid systems for the sentence-level subjectivity analysis based on three supervised machine learning algorithms, namely, Hidden Markov Model, Fuzzy Control System, and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System. The suggested feature extraction algorithm in our experiment computes a feature vector using statistical textual terms frequencies in a training dataset not having the use of any lexical knowledge except tokenization. Taking into consideration this fact, the above-mentioned methods may be employed in other languages as these methods do not utilize the morphological, syntactical, and lexical analysis in the classification problems.
Around Chaotic Disturbance and Irregularity for Higher Order Traveling Waves
Authors: Doungmo Goufo Emile F. , Tchangou Toudjeu Ignace
Published: June 2018

Many unknown features in the theory of wave motion are still captivating the global scientific community. In this paper, we consider a model of seventh order Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation with one perturbation level, expressed with the recently introduced derivative with nonsingular kernel, Caputo-Fabrizio derivative (CFFD). Existence and uniqueness of the solution to the model are established and proven to be continuous. The model is solved numerically, to exhibit the shape of related solitary waves and perform some graphical simulations. As expected, the solitary wave solution to the model without higher order perturbation term is shown via its related homoclinic orbit to lie on a curved surface. Unlike models with conventional derivative (γ=1) where regular behaviors are noticed, the wave motions of models with the nonsingular kernel derivative are characterized by irregular behaviors in the pure factional cases (γ<1). Hence, the regularity of a soliton can be perturbed by this nonsingular kernel derivative, which, combined with the perturbation parameter ζ of the seventh order KdV equation, simply causes more accentuated irregularities (close to chaos) due to small irregular deviations.
A Comparison of Two Nights of Ambulatory Sleep Testing in Arrhythmia Patients
Authors: Abumuamar Asmaa M. , Dorian Paul , Newman David , Shapiro Colin M.
Published: June 2018

Introduction. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common and usually underdetected in patients with cardiac arrhythmia. Ambulatory sleep testing may provide an alternative method for detection of OSA under realistic conditions compared to in-laboratory polysomnography. We aimed to (1) determine the sleep architecture in arrhythmia patients; (2) detect differences in sleep parameters between patients with and without OSA; and (3) compare the results of two consecutive nights of unattended ambulatory sleep testing. Methods. Consecutive patients with unknown OSA status were recruited from arrhythmia clinics. Patients underwent two consecutive nights of self-applied in-home sleep testing replete with electroencephalogram (EEG) recording. Results. One hundred patients were recruited. The mean age was 64±13 years (70% males). OSA (AHI ≥ 5/h) was detected in 85% of patients. In the total sample, the sleep efficiency was reduced, and sleep onset latency was longer compared to a reference population of the same age. In patients with OSA, the sleep efficiency and the percentage of slow wave sleep were reduced; however, the arousal and periodic limb movement indices were increased compared to patients without OSA. The two nights of the ambulatory sleep testing showed consistent results with an excellent test-retest reliability for the AHI (ICC = 0.813). REM latency was shorter during the second night of sleep recording (p=0.02). There were no other significant differences in the sleep architecture, respiratory indices, and other sleep parameters between the first and the second night of the ambulatory sleep recording. Conclusions. There is no significant difference in the respiratory parameters obtained during two consecutive nights of ambulatory sleep testing. Ambulatory studies incorporating EEG may provide a reliable, convenient, and economically efficient method for sleep assessment and there appears to be no significant night-to-night variability.
Distribution Network Voltage Control Based on Coordinated Optimization of PV and Air-Conditioning
Authors: Wang Qi , Lu Bin , Dou Xiaobo , Sun Yichao , Liu Jin
Published: June 2018

This paper proposes a coordinated optimal control strategy of PV generators and air-conditioning loads, in order to handle the possible voltage beyond limit issues resulting from high penetration of PV generators in the distribution networks. This strategy is achieved via coordinately considering the node voltage sensitivity and the adjustment-compensation bid model, to improve the economy of the whole system. As a result, the shortage of the PVs’ reactive power control capability is compensated by the adjustable air-conditioning loads, so that the waste of the photovoltaic power can be reduced or even avoided. The case study using an IEEE standard 33-node system, which is further updated with the installation of 5 PV generators and 5 air-conditioning loads, validates the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
ZIKV Infection Induces an Inflammatory Response but Fails to Activate Types I, II, and III IFN Response in Human PBMC
Authors: Colavita Francesca , Bordoni Veronica , Caglioti Claudia , Biava Mirella , Castilletti Concetta , Bordi Licia , Quartu Serena , Iannetta Marco , Ippolito Giuseppe , Agrati Chiara , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria , Lalle Eleonora
Published: June 2018

The recent epidemic in the Americas caused by Zika virus (ZIKV), Asian lineage, spurred the research towards a better understanding of how ZIKV infection affects the host immune response. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Asian and East African ZIKV strain infection on the induction of IFN and proinflammatory and Th2 cytokines in human PBMC. We reported a slight modulation of type II IFN in PBMC exposed to Asian strain, but not to African strain, and a complete lack of type I and III IFN induction by both strains, suggesting the ability of ZIKV to evade the IFN system not only inhibiting the antiviral IFN response but also IFN production. Moreover, we highlighted a polyfunctional immune activation only in PBMC exposed to Asian strain, due to the induction of an inflammatory profile (IL-6, IL-8) and of a Th9 (IL-9) response. Overall, our data show a different ability of the ZIKV Asian strain, with respect to the African strain, to activate host immune response that may have pathogenetic implications for virus spread in vivo, including mother-to-child transmission and induction of severe fetal complications, as birth defects and neurological disorders.
Investigating Youth Sport Coach Perspectives of an Asthma Education Module
Authors: Cardwell Francesca S. , Elliott Susan J.
Published: June 2018

Physical activity can reduce symptoms and improve wellbeing in people who have asthma, and organized sport is one way for children and youth with asthma to engage in exercise. While asthmatic youth may experience a number of barriers to sport participation, healthy physical and social sport environments supported by coaches can help asthmatic youth athletes maintain long-term engagement in activity. This paper reports results of an assessment of an online coach education tool related to air quality, physical activity, and allergic disease (e.g., asthma). Focus groups with youth team sport coaches in southern Ontario (n=12 participants) were conducted to explore how users experience the module and short- and medium-term outcomes of implementation. Although coaches perceive the module as relevant, it is considered less valuable in certain contexts (e.g., indoor environments) or when compared with other coach education (e.g., tactical). Although broad asthma management behaviours (e.g., athlete medical forms) were recognized, specific module-identified prevention and management techniques (e.g., the Air Quality Health Index) were less frequently described. Ensuring environment and health coach education emphasizes athlete performance while reducing risk is critical to promoting module application and providing safe and enjoyable youth team sport spaces.
An Automatic Road Distress Visual Inspection System Using an Onboard In-Car Camera
Authors: Siriborvornratanakul Thitirat
Published: June 2018

Speaking of road maintenance, the preventive maintenance strategy is preferable for most governments. Many governments possess special vehicles that can accurately detect and classify many types of road distresses. By running these vehicles frequently, small road distresses will be detected before growing into the big ones. However, because running these huge and expensive vehicles is not easy, in practical, it usually ends up with infrequent road inspection regardless of having automatic road inspection vehicles. In this paper, we focus on investigating and developing an automatic and nondestructive visual inspection system whose setup and usage are designed by considering the context of drivers, driving styles, and road conditions in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Our proposal includes a workflow diagram of a vision-based road inspection system that is capable of detecting, classifying, tracking, measuring, and pricing road distresses. As for the proof-of-concept, our current system focuses on detecting one specific type of road distresses called pothole, using only one onboard in-car camera. Experimental results reveal that the context of Bangkok introduces many nontrivial challenges for vision-based analysis systems where maintaining both accuracy and ease of use altogether may not be easy.
KC-Means: A Fast Fuzzy Clustering
Authors: Abdzaid Atiyah Israa , Mohammadpour Adel , Taheri S. Mahmoud
Published: June 2018

A novel hybrid clustering method, named KC-Means clustering, is proposed for improving upon the clustering time of the Fuzzy C-Means algorithm. The proposed method combines K-Means and Fuzzy C-Means algorithms into two stages. In the first stage, the K-Means algorithm is applied to the dataset to find the centers of a fixed number of groups. In the second stage, the Fuzzy C-Means algorithm is applied on the centers obtained in the first stage. Comparisons are then made between the proposed and other algorithms in terms of time processing and accuracy. In addition, the mentioned clustering algorithms are applied to a few benchmark datasets in order to verify their performances. Finally, a class of Minkowski distances is used to determine the influence of distance on the clustering performance.
Optimization of Process Parameters for Vertical‐Faced Polypropylene Bottle Injection Molding
Authors: Wang Youmin , Yan Zhichao , Shan Xuejun
Published: June 2018

In order to obtain the optimal combination of process parameters for vertical‐faced polypropylene bottle injection molding, with UG, the model of the bottle was drawn, and then, one module and sixteen‐cavity injection molding system was established and analyzed using Moldflow. For filling and maintaining pressure during the process of infusion bottle injection molding, the orthogonal test table L25 (56) using CAE was designed for injection molding of the bottle, with six parameters such as melt temperature, mold temperature, injection pressure, injection time, dwell pressure, and dwell time as orthogonal test factors. By finding the best combination of process parameters, the orthogonal experiment was completed, the results were analyzed by range analysis, and the order of influence of each process parameter on each direction of optimization was obtained. The prediction dates of the infusion bottle were gained under various parameters, a comprehensive quality evaluation index of the bottle was formulated, and the multiobjective optimization problem of injection molding process was transformed into a single‐objective optimization problem by the integrated weighted score method. The bottle parameters were optimized by analyzing the range date of the weighted scoring method, and the best parameter combination such as melt temperature 200°C, mold temperature 80°C, injection pressure 40 MPa, injection time 2.1 S, dwell pressure 40 MPa, and dwell time 40 S was gained.
Role of High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Children and Young Adults with Relapsed Ewing’s Sarcoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tenneti Pavan , Zahid Umar , Iftikhar Ahmad , Yun Seongseok , Sohail Atif , Warraich Zabih , Anwer Faiz
Published: June 2018

Background. Relapsed Ewing’s sarcoma (RES) is an aggressive malignancy with poor survival. Although high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) given after conventional chemotherapy (CC) has shown survival benefits, it is not generally used in the United States for RES. We performed a systemic review to evaluate the benefits of HDCT for RES. Methods. Literature search involved Medline, Embase, and Cochrane database. We included studies with RES patients treated with HDCT/ASCT. Results. Twenty-four studies with total of 345 reported RES patients that got HDCT were included in final analysis. Seventeen studies had patients with multiple malignancies including RES, while seven had only RES patients. At 2 and 3–5 years, event-free survival (EFS) in studies with only RES patients ranged 42–47% and 20–61% and overall survival (OS) ranged 50–66% and 33–77%, respectively. In studies with combined patients that reported outcomes of RES separately, the EFS at 1–3 and 4 years was 36–66% and 17–50%, respectively. The OS at 1-2 and 3-4 years was 40–60% and 50–70%. Conclusions. Most studies using HDCT/ASCT as consolidation regimen showed improved survival benefits compared to CC. Randomized controlled studies are needed to determine true clinical benefits of HDCT followed by ASCT in patients with RES.
Epimutation and Cancer: Carcinogenesis Viewed as Error-Prone Inheritance of Epigenetic Information
Authors: Riley Patrick A.
Published: June 2018

The epimutation concept, that is, malignancy is a result of deranged patterns of gene expression due to defective epigenetic control, proposes that in the majority of adult cancers the primary (initiating) lesion adversely affects the mechanism of vertical transmission of the epigenetic pattern existing in the stem cells of differentiated tissue. Such an error-prone mechanism will result in deviant gene expression capable of accumulation at each mitosis of the affected stem cell clone. It is argued that a proportion of these proliferation products will express combinations of genes which endow them with malignant properties, such as the ability to transgress tissue boundaries and migrate to distant locations. Since the likelihood of this occurrence is dependent on the proliferation of cells manifesting the defective epigenetic transmission, the theory predicts that cancer incidence will be strongly influenced by factors regulating the turnover rate of the stem cells of the tissue in question. Evidence relating to this stipulation is examined. In addition, it would be anticipated on the basis of the selection of genes involved that the susceptibility to malignant transformation will vary according to the tissue of origin and this is also discussed.
Correlation between Surface Energy and Adhesion Force of Polyethylene/Paperboard: A Predictive Tool for Quality Control in Laminated Packaging
Authors: Madeira Danielle M. F. , Vieira Osvaldo , Pinheiro Luís Antonio , de Melo Carvalho Benjamim
Published: June 2018

Poor adhesion continues to be a problem for manufacturers of laminated packaging. Therefore, the aim of this research was to study the effect of flame treatment, the type of coating, and starch application on the adhesion force of polyethylene/paperboard. The force of adhesion was determined using the peel test method; the paper surface energy was assessed by contact angle analysis; and paperboard roughness was determined by profilometer. The flame treatment did not affect the surface roughness but significantly increased the paperboard surface energy. The paperboard coated with polar latex showed much higher surface energy than the paperboard coated with nonpolar latex. The adhesion force of polyethylene presented a linear correlation to the surface energy of the paperboard. Therefore, the surface energy of paperboard is an excellent indication of its adhesion force to polyethylene, and this represents a very reliable and practical method in terms of quality control in the paper industry for producing laminated packages.
Performance and Microstructural Analysis of Lightweight Concrete Blended with Nanosilica under Sulfate Attack
Authors: Vargas Paola , Marín Natalia A. , Tobón Jorge I.
Published: June 2018

The influence of two lightweight aggregates (LWA) on concrete and the effects of cement substitution for nanosilica (NS) on the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and cementitious matrix of concrete in resistance to attacks by magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) are researched in this work. The aggregates evaluated were perlite, which is a lightweight aggregate of open porous structure, and expanded clay (aliven) with closed porous structure. The variables included in the study were replacement percentage of coarse aggregates by lightweight coarse aggregates (0 and 100% by volume) and replacement percentage of cement by nanosilica (0 and 10% by weight). In the dosage of the mixtures, water/cementitious‐material ratio constant of 0.35 was used. The LWA were characterized by XRD, XRF, and SEM techniques. Compressive strength, water absorption, and volume change in magnesium sulfate solution (according to ASTM C1012 for a period of 15 weeks) of lightweight concretes were evaluated. It was found that the nanosilica had effect on refinement in the pore system; however, the main incidence on the compressive strength and durability of lightweight concrete (LWC) was defined by the characteristics of lightweight aggregate used in its preparation.