bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association ofNEFLGene Polymorphisms with Wilms’ Tumor Susceptibility in Chinese Children
Authors: Jia Wei , Zhu Jinhong , Fu Wen , Zhu Shibo , Deng Fuming , Xia Huimin , Liu Guo-Chang , He Jing
Published: April 2019

Wilms’ tumor is renal tumor of childhood, characterized by the appearance of embryonic renal tissue and other kidney malformations. The genetic etiology of sporadic Wilms’ tumor remains largely unknown. Neurofilament light (NEFL) is a tumor suppressor. We evaluated the association between threeNEFLgene polymorphisms (rs11994014 G>A, rs2979704 T>C and rs1059111 A>T) and Wilms’ tumor susceptibility in a Chinese population consisting of 145 cases and 531 controls. In the single locus analysis, rs2979704 CC variant genotype was associated with a decreased risk of Wilms’ tumor [CC vs. TT: adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.24-0.94; CC vs. TT+CT: adjusted OR=0.51, 95% CI=0.27-0.97]. We also observed that carriers of the three protective genotypes had significantly decreased risk of Wilms’ tumor when compared to those with 0-2 protective genotypes (adjusted OR=0.49, 95% CI=0.25-0.95). The association between rs11994014 G>A or rs1059111 A>T polymorphisms and Wilms’ tumor susceptibility did not reach statistical significance. No significant association was detected in the stratified analyses. Our findings suggested that theNEFLrs2979704 T>C polymorphism may be associated with Wilms’ tumor susceptibility in the Chinese population.
Comparative Analysis of the Reported Animal-Vehicle Collisions Data and Carcass Removal Data for Hotspot Identification
Authors: Yang Xiaoxue , Zou Yajie , Wu Lingtao , Zhong Xinzhi , Wang Yinhai , Ijaz Muhammad , Peng Yichuan
Published: April 2019

Two common types of animal-vehicle collision data (reported animal-vehicle collision (AVC) data and carcass removal data) are usually recorded by transportation management agencies. Previous studies have found that these two datasets often demonstrate different characteristics. To accurately identify the higher-risk animal-vehicle collision sites, this study compared the differences in hotspot identification and the effect of explanation variables between carcass removal and reported AVCs. To complete the objective, both the Negative Binomial (NB) model and the generalized Negative Binomial (GNB) are applied in calculating the Empirical Bayesian (EB) estimates using the animal collision data collected on ten highways in Washington State. The important findings can be summarized as follows. (1) The explanatory variables have different effects on the occurrence of carcass removal data and reported AVC data. (2) The ranking results from EB estimates when using carcass removal data and reported AVC data differ significantly. (3) The results of hotspot identification are different between carcass removal data and reported AVC data. However, the ranking results of GNB models are better than those of NB models in terms of consistency. Thus, transportation management agencies should be cautious when using either carcass removal data or reported AVC data to identify hotspots.
Using UPLC-QTOF-MS Method to Analyse the Spot Constituents of the Thin Layer Chromatograms for Chuzhou Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Miq.
Authors: Zhang Ya-Zhong , Tao Ye , Shen Ai-Zong
Published: April 2019

A simple, rapid, and highly sensitive analytical method was established for identification of constituents in the spot of the thin layer chromatogram of Chuzhou Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Miq. (Chuzhou S. sessilifolia) with ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). The technology was applied to systematically analyze and detect the targeted spots. Compared with the fragmentation behaviors of more than thirty reference constituents, the possibly existing compounds of the target spots were identified or tentatively identified by their exact masses and diagnostic fragment ions. Finally, the four clear spots of the thin layer chromatograms of Chuzhou S. sessilifolia were screened and identified of possible molecular formula and structures.
A Novel Algorithm for Studying the Effects of Squeezing Flow of a Casson Fluid between Parallel Plates on Magnetic Field
Authors: Al-Saif Abdul-Sattar J. A. , Jasim Abeer Majeed
Published: April 2019

In this paper, the magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) squeezing flow of a non-Newtonian, namely, Casson, fluid between parallel plates is studied. The suitable one of similarity transformation conversion laws is proposed to obtain the governing MHD flow nonlinear ordinary differential equation. The resulting equation has been solved by a novel algorithm. Comparisons between the results of the novel algorithm technique and other analytical techniques and one numerical Range-Kutta fourth-order algorithm are provided. The results are found to be in excellent agreement. Also, a novel convergence proof of the proposed algorithm based on properties of convergent series is introduced. Flow behavior under the changing involved physical parameters such as squeeze number, Casson fluid parameter, and magnetic number is discussed and explained in detail with help of tables and graphs.
Analysis of Proximal Femoral Parameters in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Burkus Máté , Schlégl Ádám T. , József Kristóf , O’Sullivan Ian , Márkus István , Tunyogi-Csapó Miklós
Published: April 2019

Background. Assessment of the proximal femoral parameters in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using three-dimensional radiological image reconstructions may allow better characterization than conventional techniques. Methods. EOS 3D reconstructions of spines and femurs of 320 scoliotic patients (10-18 years old) and 350 control children lacking spinal abnormality were performed and 6 proximal femoral parameters measured. Results. Individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis showed a small but statistically significant decrease in neck shaft angle (average difference=2.58°) and a higher (0.22°) femoral mechanical axis–femoral shaft angle. When the two sides were compared based on curve direction, greater changes in the neck shaft angle and femoral mechanical axis–femoral shaft angle were found on the side of the convexity. Conclusions. Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were found to have a small but significantly lower neck shaft angle and higher femoral mechanical axis–femoral shaft angle, which related to the curve direction. This is postulated to be due to mechanical compensation for altered balance and centre of gravity associated with a scoliosis deformity, although the observed difference likely has negligible clinical effect.
Leveraging Mobile Augmented Reality Devices for Enabling Specific Human Behaviors in Design and Constructability Review
Authors: Alsafouri Suleiman , Ayer Steven K.
Published: April 2019

Augmented reality (AR) may support effective design and constructability reviews by providing both the physical exploration benefits of traditional physical mock‐ups and also the flexibility benefits of building information models (BIM). Many different types of mobile computing devices can present the same technical AR environment, but it remains unclear how the different properties of the devices impact user behaviors in an architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) context. This study tasked users with completing the same design review task, using the same technical AR environment but viewed through different commercially available mobile AR devices. Specifically, 32 participants were tasked with collaboratively laying out and reviewing a simple office design using the randomly assigned AR device. Results showed 11 different behaviors were observed and different mobile computers elicited different behaviors. To add further context to the findings, the results were compared to those of a similar, previously published study where users completed a design review with the option to choose one or multiple AR devices. For several types of behaviors, including alternative design formation, navigation of design, and problem solving, no differences were observed between either groups or based on specific AR devices. Conversely, for other behaviors, including explanative, decision making, and discussions with team members, participants did not engage in these behaviors when they could self‐select devices, but these behaviors were observed when participants were forced to use a particular device. This suggests that, for some applications, while users may tend to prefer one type of AR interface, they are fully capable of performing the same types of design review tasks with any AR device. The novelty of this work is in demonstrating how the context in which devices are applied impacts the ways in which they are used. This may help future practitioners and researchers to strategically choose to use, or not to use, certain types of devices to elicit specific behaviors.
Arterial Hemodynamics in Prehypertensives
Authors: Ting Chih-Tai , Chen Jaw-Wen , Chang Mau-Song , Yin Frank Chi-Pong
Published: April 2019

Compared to age-matched normotensive adults, those with essential hypertension have been shown to have distinct arterial hemodynamic abnormalities consisting of increased peripheral resistance, pulse wave velocity, and wave reflection magnitude as well as decreased wave reflection time and aortic compliance. These abnormalities are further exacerbated by beta-adrenergic blockade. To see if there are similar hemodynamic abnormalities that antedate the onset of fixed hypertension, we compared age-matched normotensives with prehypertensives selected from patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Ascending aortic pressure and flow were measured with a micromanometer and flow velocity sensor in the baseline state and after beta-adrenergic blockade. In the baseline state the prehypertensive compared to the normotensive group had elevated blood pressure, resistance, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), and wave reflections. Beta-adrenergic blockade increased resistance, LVEDP, and wave reflections in both groups. Some of these findings are the same as those we previously reported in young persons with established, essential hypertension. The differences in LVEDP and wave reflections, both in the baseline state and after beta-blockade, were still present in subgroups with no differences in blood pressure. Hence, the elevated wave reflections in prehypertensives do not appear to be directly related to the level of blood pressure. These results support the notion that the elevated blood pressure in hypertension may represent a later manifestation of an already abnormal vascular system rather than the vascular abnormalities resulting from hypertension. Consequently, even before blood pressure becomes elevated, early diagnosis and treatment of the vascular abnormalities in prehypertensives may be warranted.
Difference between Mechanical Alignment in Navigation and Scanogram during Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Bhimani Rohan , Bhimani Fardeen , Singh Preeti
Published: April 2019

Introduction. Malpositioning of the implant results in polyethylene wear and loosing of implant after total knee arthroplasty. Scanogram is often used for measurement of limb alignment. Computer navigation provides real time measurements and thus, the aim is to see any association pre- and postoperatively between coronal alignments measured on scanogram to computer navigation during total knee arthroplasty. Material and Methods. We prospectively gathered data of 200 patients with advanced degenerative symptomatic arthritis, who were consecutively selected for primary total knee arthroplasty with computer navigation. Every patient’s pre- and postoperative scanogram were compared to the intraoperative computer navigation findings. Results. The results show that the preoperative mean mechanical axis on navigation was 10.65° (SD ± 6.95) and on scanogram it was 10.38° (SD ± 6.89). On the other hand, the mean postoperative mechanical axis on navigation was 0.69° (SD ± 0.87) and on scanogram it was 2.73° (SD ± 2.10). Preoperatively, there was no significant difference (p value = 0.46) between the two. However, the postoperative outcomes suggest that there was a noteworthy difference, with no correlation between the mean Hip-Knee Ankle Axis (HKA) and intraoperative mechanical axis (p value <0.0001). Conclusion. Postoperative mechanical alignment values after total knee arthroplasty are lower on navigation than measured on standing full length hip to ankle scanogram.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Based Anatomical Assessment of the Olfactory Fossa
Authors: Costa Andre Luiz Ferreira , Paixão Aline Kataki , Gonçalves Bianca Costa , Ogawa Celso Massahiro , Martinelli Thiago , Maeda Fernando Akio , Trivino Tarcila , Lopes Sérgio Lucio Pereira de Castro
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to investigate the olfactory fossa according to the Keros classification using cone beam computed tomography. This cross-sectional study analysed cone beam computed tomography images selected from a database belonging to a radiology centre. The scans of 174 healthy patients were analysed by using the Xoran software. Gender, age, and side were correlated with the Keros classification. The mean age of the 174 patients was 45.3 years. The most prevalent Keros classification was type II (65.52%), followed by type III (20.69%) and type I (13.79%). No significant differences were found between Keros classification and the variables age, right side (pvalue = 0.4620), and left side (pvalue = 0.5709). There were also no significant differences between gender and the variables right side (pvalue = 0.1421) and left side (pvalue = 0.2136). Based on these results, we suggest that cone beam computed tomography can be recommended for analysis of the anterior skull base. Keros type II was the most prevalent type in our sample.
Asymptotic Behavior of Discrete Time Fuzzy Single Species Model
Authors: Zhang Qianhong , Lin Fubiao , Zhong Xiaoying
Published: April 2019

This work is concerned with the qualitative behavior of discrete time single species model with fuzzy environment xn+1=xnexp⁡A-Bxn,  n=0,1,2,…, where xn denotes the number of individuals of generation n, A is the intrinsic growth rate, and B is interpreted as the carrying capacity of the surrounding environment. xn is a sequence of positive fuzzy number. A,B and the initial value x0 are positive fuzzy numbers. Applying difference of Hukuhara (H-difference), the existence, uniqueness of the positive solution, and global asymptotic behavior of all positive solution with the model are obtained. Moreover a numerical example is presented to show the effectiveness of theoretic results obtained.
Load Localization and Reconstruction Using a Variable Separation Method
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Fang , Jiang Jinhui
Published: April 2019

Load identification is very important in engineering practice. In this paper, a novel method for load reconstruction and localization is proposed. In the traditional load localization method, location information is coupled to the impulse response matrix. The inversion of the impulse response matrix leads the process of load localization to be time‐consuming. So we propose a variable separation method to separate the load location information from the impulse response matrix. An error optimization function of load histories in different modes is employed to determine the true load location. After locating the external load, the load time history can be easily reconstructed by the measurement responses and determinate impulse response matrix. This method is verified by simulations of a simply supported beam acted by a sine load and an impact separately. An experiment is also carried out to validate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method.
Pythagorean Triples with Common Sides
Authors: Ochieng Raymond Calvin , Chikunji Chiteng’a John , Onyango-Otieno Vitalis
Published: April 2019

There exist a finite number of Pythagorean triples that have a common leg. In this paper we derive the formulas that generate pairs of primitive Pythagorean triples with common legs and also show the process of how to determine all the primitive and nonprimitive Pythagorean triples for a given leg of a Pythagorean triple.
Empirical Study Based on the Perceptions of Patients and Relatives about the Acceptance of Wearable Devices to Improve Their Health and Prevent Possible Diseases
Authors: Guillén-Gámez Francisco D. , Mayorga-Fernández María J.
Published: April 2019

In recent years, there has been a technological revolution affecting all areas of life, including health. Following this trend, a series of electronic devices called wearable technology have emerged with the aim of improving the quality of people’s life. These devices are made up of tools that help to prevent the development of chronic diseases and fight against the aging of society by monitoring the vital signs of users. Despite the advantages of using these devices from medical and health points of view, it is necessary to know the opinion of users regarding their use. For this reason, this study has been proposed. The purpose of this study is to analyse the perceptions of the subjects involved in the research regarding the acceptance of wearable devices, taking into account variables, such as age and gender. To this end, a nonexperimental, ex post facto design has been composed that combines descriptive and inferential techniques, with a sample of 606 patients and relatives belonging to a public health centre in the community of Madrid.
MalDeep: A Deep Learning Classification Framework against Malware Variants Based on Texture Visualization
Authors: Zhao Yuntao , Xu Chunyu , Bo Bo , Feng Yongxin
Published: April 2019

The increasing sophistication of malware variants such as encryption, polymorphism, and obfuscation calls for the new detection and classification technology. In this paper, MalDeep, a novel malware classification framework of deep learning based on texture visualization, is proposed against malicious variants. Through code mapping, texture partitioning, and texture extracting, we can study malware classification in a new feature space of image texture representation without decryption and disassembly. Furthermore, we built a malware classifier on convolutional neural network with two convolutional layers, two downsampling layers, and many full connection layers. We adopt the dataset, from Microsoft Malware Classification Challenge including 9 categories of malware families and 10868 variant samples, to train the model. The experiment results show that the established MalDeep has a higher accuracy rate for malware classification. In particular, for some backdoor families, the classification accuracy of the model reaches over 99%. Moreover, compared with other main antivirus software, MalDeep also outperforms others in the average accuracy for the variants from different families.
Extraction and Characterisation of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) Seed Oil and the Adsorptive Properties of the Fruit Shell in Ghana
Authors: Anang Michael A. , Oteng-Peprah Michael , Opoku-Boadu Kwasi
Published: April 2019

This research work was undertaken to determine the physicochemical parameters of oil from the seeds of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) and further evaluate the adsorptive properties of the fruit shell. The oil was extracted using hexane with the soxhlet apparatus at a temperature of 65°C for 4 hours. The results showed an average oil yield obtained of 11.6%, specific gravity of 0.92kg/m3, the refractive index of 1.464 at 30°C, an acid value of 7.72 mg KOH/g, a free fatty acid value of 3.16 g/100g, saponification value of 200.56 mg KOH/g, and an iodine value of 70.64 g/100g. A Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) study on the oil identified some triglycerides, carbonyl, alkane, and alkene compounds. Adsorptive studies of the fruit shell for the removal of dye were also performed after chemical activation with CaCl2, MgCl2, and ZnCl2. The kinetics of the adsorption favoured a pseudo-first-order reaction pathway for CaCl2with R2of 0.941 while ZnCl2and MgCl2favoured a pseudo-second-order reaction pathway with R2of 0.914 and 0.973, respectively.
A Transition Control Mechanism for Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) Algorithm
Authors: Aslan Selcuk
Published: April 2019

Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm inspired by the complex search and foraging behaviors of real honey bees is one of the most promising implementations of the Swarm Intelligence- (SI-) based optimization algorithms. Due to its robust and phase-divided structure, the ABC algorithm has been successfully applied to different types of optimization problems. However, some assumptions that are made with the purpose of reducing implementation difficulties about the sophisticated behaviours of employed, onlooker, and scout bees still require changes with the more literal procedures. In this study, the ABC algorithm and its well-known variants are powered by adding a new control mechanism in which the decision-making process of the employed bees managing transitions to the dance area is modeled. Experimental studies with different types of problems and analysis about the parallelization showed that the newly proposed approach significantly improved the qualities of the final solutions and convergence characteristics compared to the standard implementations of the ABC algorithms.
Detection of the Soluble Solid Contents from Fresh Jujubes during Different Maturation Periods Using NIR Hyperspectral Imaging and an Artificial Bee Colony
Authors: Sun Haixia , Zhang Shujuan , Chen Caihong , Li Chengji , Xing Shuhai , Liu Jianglong , Xue Jianxin
Published: April 2019

To perform accurate and synchronous detection of the soluble solid contents (SSC) in fresh jujubes at different stages of maturity, hyperspectral imaging was used to establish robust models. The combined data constituting four maturation stages were used to build the grid-search least squares support vector machine (GS-LS-SVM) model. The determination coefficient (Rp2), the root-mean-square error (RMSEP), and the residual predictive deviation (RPD) of the prediction set for samples of the overall stages were 0.98, 1.10%, and 7.85, respectively. Furthermore, a successive projections algorithm (SPA) was used to extract the characteristic wavelengths of the combined data. An artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm (for the prediction set, Rp2 = 0.98, RMSEP = 1.19%, RPD = 7.25) was used to improve the SPA-LS-SVM model, which was better than the SPA-GS-LS-SVM model (for the prediction set, Rp2 = 0.98, RMSEP = 1.24%, RPD = 6.96). Lastly, visualization of the SSC distribution map was performed based on the SPA-ABC-LS-SVM model, which clearly showed that the SSC gradually increased during maturation. The results indicated that it was realistic to construct a detection model of the multimaturity stage. This research also demonstrated that the combination of hyperspectral imaging and the ABC had good application values in the testing of agricultural products.
Development of Paint-Type Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Using Carbon Nanotube Paint
Authors: Matsunaga Yuki , Oya Takahide
Published: April 2019

This paper proposes paint-type dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). DSCs, one type of solar cell, generally consist of a dye-attached semiconducting electrode, a metallic electrode, and an electrolyte. The DSC generates power through the excitation of the electrons in the dyes and the oxidation-reduction reaction between the dyes and the electrolyte. For our paint-type DSC, we made two electrodes by painting two types of paint on substrates. We used carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the paint material because they have both semiconducting and metallic properties. This enabled us to prepare semiconducting and metallic electrodes easily by simply painting with the CNT paint. As a result of testing, we determined that our DSCs were capable of power generation. Our paint-type DSCs have the potential to provide power as a unique and useful device for daily life in the near future.
Experimental Characterisation of Photovoltaic Modules with Cells Connected in Different Configurations to Address Nonuniform Illumination Effect
Authors: Paul Damasen Ikwaba
Published: April 2019

Most concentrating systems that are being used for photovoltaic (PV) applications do not illuminate the PV module uniformly which results in power output reduction. This study investigated the electrical performance of three PV modules with cells connected in different configurations to address nonuniform illumination effect. PV module 1 is the standard module consisting of 11 solar cells connected in series whereas PV module 2 is a proposed design with 11 cells in three groups and each group consists of different cells in series connections. PV module 3 is also a new design with 11 cells in two groups and each group consists of different cells connected in series. The new PV modules were designed in such a way that the effect of nonuniform illumination should affect a group of cells but not the entire PV module, leading to high power output. The PV modules were tested under three different intensities: uniform, low nonuniform, and high nonuniform illumination. When the PV modules were tested at uniform illumination, the total maximum power output of PV module 1 was higher than that of PV module 2 and PV module 3 by about 7%. However, when the PV modules were tested at low nonuniform illumination, the total maximum power output of PV module 2 was higher than that of PV module 1 and PV module 3 by about 4% and 7%, respectively. This difference increased to about 12% for PV module 3 and 17% for PV module 1 when the modules were tested at high nonuniform illumination. Therefore, the best PV module design in addressing nonuniform illumination effect in solar collectors is PV module 2. In practical situation this implies that manufacturers of PV modules should consider designing modules with groups of cells in series connection instead of all cells being connected in series.
Rockburst in Sandstone Containing Elliptic Holes with Varying Axial Ratios
Authors: Wang Yang , He Manchao , Liu Dongqiao , Gao Yubing
Published: April 2019

Rockburst disaster is one of the prominent problems faced by deep underground engineering. In this study, rockburst in four elliptical holes with different axial ratios in sandstone under biaxial loading is studied as an analogue for underground roadways. Video and acoustic emission (AE) equipment is used to monitor the biaxial loading tests. Experimental results indicate that each of the elliptical holes goes through four stages: quiet period, small particle ejection, spalling, and rockburst. The duration of quiet and spalling periods increased with increasing axial ratio of ellipse. The duration of the ejection and rockburst periods remains unchanged. All the four elliptical holes have V-shaped pits after rockburst occurs. The fragments produced during rockburst are divided into coarse, medium, fine, and micro grains. The quantity of coarse and medium grains increases with increasing axial ratio. The mass ratio of coarse and medium grains increases and that of fine and micro grains decreases. The depth, angle, and area of the V-shaped pits decrease with increasing axis ratio. Tensile cracks play an important role in rockburst failure. Tensile cracks are the dominant crack types formed during rockburst and account for over 70% of all cracks in the samples. The number of tensile cracks increased and the number of shear cracks decreased. This paper has some reference value for practical engineering design and prevention of rockburst.
Effect of the Confining Pressure on the Dynamic Compression Properties of Transversely Isotropic Rocks
Authors: Ou Xuefeng , Zhang Xuemin , Feng Han , Zhang Cong , Yang Junsheng
Published: April 2019

The dynamic compression properties of transversely isotropic rocks and their dependence on the confining pressure and bedding directivity are important in deep underground engineering activities. In this study, a slate is characterized using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test. Five groups of samples with preferred bedding directions (dip angles of 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) are subjected to coupled axial impact loading (low, medium, and high) under confining pressure (0, 5, and 10 MPa). The failure mode, dynamic strength, and Young’s modulus are investigated. The test results show that the tensile splitting effect is significant when there is no confining pressure. However, under a confining pressure (5 and 10 MPa) condition, the cracks that develop along the loading direction can be significantly constrained and the samples are forced to fail along the bedding plane. With increasing confining pressure, the critical dynamic strength significantly increases, and Young’s modulus increases when θ ≥ 45° while it decreases when θ ≤ 30°.
Knowledge and Health Seeking Behaviour of Breast Cancer Patients in Ghana
Authors: Agbokey Francis , Kudzawu Elorm , Dzodzomenyo Mawuli , Ae-Ngibise Kenneth Ayuurebobi , Owusu-Agyei Seth , Asante Kwaku Poku
Published: April 2019

Background. Breast cancer is a major contributor to cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, despite the numerous measures employed to prevent and manage the disease. This study explored the knowledge and health seeking behaviour of breast cancer patients at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, from June 2014 to July 2014. Thirty-five participants were purposively selected. The responses to questions about their experiences with breast cancer were determined using indepth interviews. Transcripts were coded and analysed using NVIVO version 10.0. Results. Participants’ knowledge about signs and symptoms of breast cancer after their diagnosis was high but low for risk factors. Screening for breast cancer through self-breast examination was infrequently performed prior to their diagnosis. The patients’ first point of care was generally health facilities. Some patients reported late due to misinterpretation of signs and symptoms, cultural influences and fear of losing their breast to surgery, physician delay, health providers’ laxity, and disinterest in breast cancer. Men, for example, husbands, decide on where and when breast cancer patients go for treatment. Conclusion. There is poor knowledge of the risk factors for developing breast cancer. Patients resorted to the hospital as first options for cure but were generally delayed in doing so. There is the need to create awareness about breast cancer among the general population.
Vibration Failure of Young Low‐Temperature Concrete Shaft Linings Caused by Blasting Excavation
Authors: Xie Lidong , Dong Zhaoxing , Qi Yanjun , Qiu Ruohua , He Qiang
Published: April 2019

The freezing‐blasting method constitutes the only available technique for excavating mining shafts within water‐bearing bedrock. This study explores the effects of vibration damage to young C65 concrete shaft linings caused by close‐range blasting excavation using the finite element method. C65 concrete test specimens were made in the laboratory and then cured at −7°C, and the elastic modulus, compressive strength, and longitudinal wave velocity were tested. The allowable dynamic tensile strength of the concrete for each mold of the shaft lining was obtained according to the observed strain rate of the concrete shaft lining using a regression formula. The finite element simulation results are basically consistent with the in situ measurements, thereby attesting to the validity of the numerical simulation. The blasting‐induced vertical peak vibration velocity of the first mold of the concrete shaft lining reached 20∼25 cm/s, which far surpasses the allowable vibration velocity range (i.e., 2∼3 cm/s) in the Safety Regulations for Blasting for newly cast concrete between the initial setting and an age of 3 d. The tensile stress of the first concrete mold calculated by the finite element method is approximately equal to the theoretical tensile stress, both of which are smaller than the dynamic tensile strength of concrete. The cumulative energy sustained by the shaft lining of each mold and the allowable values of the dynamic tensile strength were obtained. The growth rate of the dynamic tensile strength of the subsequent molds was larger than that of the cumulative energy, and thus the safety of the shaft lining gradually improved. The C65 concrete would therefore not experience tensile failure after the shaft lining has sustained multiple rounds of blasting loads. This finding can provide a basis for safety considerations when employing the freezing‐blasting method to construct mining shafts in water‐bearing bedrock.
The Effects ofCordyceps sinensis(Berk.) Sacc. andGymnema inodorum(Lour.) Decne. Extracts on Adipogenesis and Lipase ActivityIn Vitro
Authors: Tiamyom Kanokwan , Sirichaiwetchakoon Kittipot , Hengpratom Tanaporn , Kupittayanant Sajeera , Srisawat Rungrudee , Thaeomor Atcharaporn , Eumkeb Griangsak
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to investigate the effects ofCordyceps sinensisextract (CSE) andGymnema inodorumextract (GIE), used alone and combined, on antiadipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. Oil Red O staining was used to examine the effects of these extracts on inhibition of intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and on lipid droplet morphology. Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy was used to examine biomolecular changes in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The pancreatic lipase assay was used to evaluate the inhibitory effects of CSE and GIE on pancreatic lipase activity. Taken together, the results indicated that CSE, GIE, and their combination suppressed lipid accumulation. The FTIR microspectroscopy results indicated that CSE, GIE, and their combination had inhibitory effects on lipid accumulation in the adipocytes. Compared with the untreated adipocytes, the signal intensity and integrated areas of glycogen and other carbohydrates, the acyl chain of phospholipids, and the lipid/protein ratios of the CSE, GIE, alone, and combined treated adipocytes were significantly lower (p< 0.05). Combination treatment resulted in a synergistic effect on lipid accumulation reduction in the adipocytes. Principal component analysis of the biomolecular changes revealed six distinct clusters in the FTIR spectra of the sample cells. The pancreatic lipase assay results indicated that CSE and GIE inhibited the pancreatic lipase activity in a dose-dependent manner (mean ± standard error of the mean IC50values, 2312.44 ± 176.55μg mL−1and 982.24 ± 44.40μg mL−1, resp.). Our findings indicated that FTIR microspectroscopy has potential application for evaluation of the effectiveness of medicinal plants and for the development of infrared biochemical obesity markers useful for treating patients with obesity. These results suggested that use of CSE and GIE alone and in combination may be efficacious as a complementary therapy for hyperlipidemia and obesity management. However, clinical trials in animals and humans must first be completed.
A Generalization of Arrow’s Lemma on Extending a Binary Relation
Authors: Andrikopoulos Athanasios
Published: April 2019

By examining whether the individualistic assumptions used in social choice could be used in the aggregation of individual preferences, Arrow proved a key lemma that generalizes the famous Szpilrajn’s extension theorem and used it to demonstrate the impossibility theorem. In this paper, I provide a characterization of Arrow’s result for the case in which the binary relations I extend are not necessarily transitive and are defined on abelian groups. I also give a characterization of the existence of a realizer of a binary relation defined on an abelian group. These results also generalize the well-known extension theorems of Szpilrajn, Dushnik-Miller, and Fuchs.
Resting Heart Rate and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Results from a 10-Year Follow-Up of the CORFCHD-PCI Study
Authors: Zheng Ying-Ying , Wu Ting-Ting , Chen You , Hou Xian-Geng , Yang Yi , Ma Xiang , Ma Yi-Tong , Zhang Jin-Ying , Xie Xiang
Published: April 2019

Background. The relationship between heart rate in CAD patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and had long-term outcomes over up to 10 years of follow-up has not been investigated. Methods. All patients were from the CORFCHD-PCI, a retrospective cohort study that included a total of 6050 CAD patients who underwent PCI from January 2008 to December 2016. One patient was excluded due to a lack of heart rate data. Ultimately, 6049 patients were enrolled. The primary outcome was long-term mortality after PCI. Results. Patients were divided into 5 groups according to heart rate quintiles: 1st quintile (heart rate <66 beats/min; n=1123), 2nd quintile (heart rate ≥66 beats/min to 72 beats/min; n=1010), 3rd quintile (heart rate ≥72 beats/min to 78 beats/min; n=1442), 4th quintile (heart rate ≥78 beats/min to 84 beats/min; n=1211), and 5th quintile (heart rate ≥84 beats/min; n=1263). After multivariate Cox regression analyses, the respective risks of ACM, CM, and MACEs were increased 79.1% (hazard risk (HR) = 1.791, 95% CI: 1.207–2.657, P=0.004), 56.9% (HR = 1.569, 95% CI: 1.019–2.416, P=0.041), and 25.5% (HR = 1.255, 95% CI: 0.990–1.590, P=0.060) in the 4th quintile and 98.7% (HR = 1.987, 95% CI: 1.344–2.937, P=0.001), 98.8% (HR = 1.988, 95% CI: 1.310–3.016, P<0.001), and 0.36.1% (HR = 1.361, 95% CI: 1.071–1.730, P=0.012) in the 5th quintile compared with those in the 1st quintile. Patients with a heart rate of ≥80 beats/min had 89.4%, 115.2%, and 39.1% increased risk of ACM, CM, and MACEs, respectively, compared to those patients with a heart rate of <80 beats/min. Conclusion. The present study indicated that the resting heart rate is an independent predictor of adverse long-term outcomes in CAD patients who underwent PCI.
Performance Damage Characteristics of Asphalt Binder Suffered from the Action of Sulfate
Authors: Xiong Rui , Qiao Ning , Yang Fa , Chu Ci , Li Liding , Wu Jiayu , Jiang Wenyu , Li Kehong , Chen Huaxin
Published: April 2019

Sulfate erosion is a threat to durability and sustainability of pavement structure. In this work, the performance degradation of asphalt binder under internal sulfate erosion was investigated. Different dosages of Na2SO4 (0 wt.%, 2.5 wt.%, 5 wt.%, and 10 wt.%) samples were prepared to investigate the effect of sulfate on the performance of the asphalt binder. The surface tension test and low-temperature rheological property test were carried out to evaluate the adhesion of sulfate-incorporated asphalt mastic. Rapid freezing and thawing test with different concentrations of sulfate solution was conducted to explore the effect of sulfate concentrations and freeze-thaw cycles on the softening point and force ductility of matrix asphalt. Phases of the asphalt binder were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results show that sulfate has a negative impact on the road performance of the asphalt binder. Internal sulfate erosion decreased the adhesion of the asphalt binder. Also, the low-temperature rheological property of asphalt binder was deteriorated. After the freeze-thaw cycles of external sulfate erosion, softening point and tensile force peak of matrix asphalt increased and the low-temperature ductility decreased. The main reason of performance deterioration of the asphalt binder is the “salt aging” effect causing by sulfate erosion. The research results can provide useful reference for the durability design of asphalt mixture in sulfate-enriched regions.
Comparison of Micro-EDM Characteristics of Inconel 706 between EDM Oil and an Al Powder-Mixed Dielectric
Authors: Wang Chenxue , Qiang Zhang
Published: April 2019

Inconel 706 is a newly developed aeronautical material that has corrosion resistance along with high mechanical strength. Conventional machining of Inconel 706 results in a poor surface finish and a low-dimensional accuracy. Hence, micro-EDM (electrical discharge machining) is utilized to machine Inconel 706. This work proposes a comparison of micro-EDM characteristics of Inconel 706 between EDM oil and an Al powder mixture. The effects of input parameters on the surface roughness, material removal rate, tool removal rate, and microstructures of the machined surfaces between EDM oil and EDM oil mixed with Al were investigated. It was clarified that micro-EDM with a certain amount of Al powder added to the EDM oil can attain a high MRR and better surface integrity. However, the TWR discharge gap was larger than that in the EDM oil. Furthermore, it was observed that more attachment of the workpiece was adhered to the top surface of the electrode in the EDM oil due to its unstable machining. It was explained that the MRR increases with an increase in the Al concentration and then tends to decline.
Use of a Tablet Attachment in Teleophthalmology for Real-Time Video Transmission from Rural Vision Centers in a Three-Tier Eye Care Network in India: eyeSmart Cyclops
Authors: Loomba Abhinav , Vempati Sandeep , Davara NavyaDeepthi , Shravani M. , Kammari Priyanka , Taneja Mukesh , Das Anthony Vipin
Published: April 2019

Purpose. This study describes the development of an attachment for a smart tablet to stream live video information of an eye examination through the slit lamp. Methods. A tablet attachment was developed that enables the live streaming of video from the slit lamp from the rural vision centers of the LVPEI network. A video streaming solution like Skype Lite was used to transmit the same. The eyeSmart app was utilized for the documentation of the clinical information of the patients. Results. A tablet attachment of eyeSmart Cyclops was developed and piloted in 3 vision centers of the LVPEI network. Conclusion. The use of real-time video transmission illustrates a novel teleophthalmology solution in low resource settings to screen rural populations. The ability to transmit live video enables gathering more information than static images.
Simultaneous Determination of Amlodipine, Hydrochlorothiazide, and Valsartan in Pharmaceutical Products by a Combination of Full Spectrum Measurement and Kalman Filter Algorithm
Authors: Quynh Trang Nguyen Thi , Van Hop Nguyen , Giang Chau Nguyen Dang , Tran Thuc Binh
Published: April 2019

In this work, a new solution has been found for selecting the approximate initial value of concentration (by means of the classical least squares) and variance (calculated by the Horwitz equation) for the Kalman filter algorithm. With this solution, the Kalman method is less error-prone and has a better repeatability than the least squares method when using the full spectrum. A protocol for simultaneous determination of amlodipine (AML), hydrochlorothiazide (HYD), and valsartan (VAL) in pharmaceutical products was developed based on the spectrophotometry-chemometric method using full spectrum measurement in combination with the Kalman filter algorithm written in Microsoft Excel 2016 and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). The method was validated on the Exforge HCT tablets with good repeatability (RSD) (varied from 2.2% to 2.3% (n = 3) for all the three studied compounds) and good recovery (90.0%–94.0% for AML, 90.3%–94.5% for HYD, and 98.5%–103.1% for VAL (n = 3)). The results were in good agreement with the measurements achieved from the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.
Risk Assessment Method for Cable System Construction of Long‐Span Suspension Bridge Based on Cloud Model
Authors: Lu Zhifang , Wei Chaofan , Liu Muyu , Deng Xiaoguang
Published: April 2019

Cable system construction is one of the most risky construction stages of long‐span suspension bridges, and a reliable risk assessment is an important means to ensure the construction safety. This study proposes a risk assessment method for cable system construction of suspension bridges based on the cloud model, which can combine randomness and fuzziness of risk information effectively. First, a multilevel evaluation index system is built by disassembling the process of cable system construction. Next, the index weights are calculated by the uncertain analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Then, according to the cloud model, a risk assessment model for cable system construction of the suspension bridge is established by realizing the mutual transformation between qualitative language and quantified data. Finally, an illustrative example concerning the risk of cable system construction of Wuhan Yang‐Si‐Gang Yangtze River Bridge is provided to demonstrate the feasibility and objectivity of the proposed method.
Directional Convexity of Convolutions of Harmonic Functions
Authors: Jahangiri Jay M. , Garg Raj Kumar
Published: April 2019

Harmonic functions can be constructed using two analytic functions acting as their analytic and coanalytic parts but the prediction of the behavior of convolution of harmonic functions, unlike the convolution of analytic functions, proved to be challenging. In this paper we use the shear construction of harmonic mappings and introduce dilatation conditions that guarantee the convolution of two harmonic functions to be harmonic and convex in the direction of imaginary axis.
Qualitative Case Study of Public Health Preparedness and Response to the Rabid Raccoon Discovered in Wise County, Virginia
Authors: Martin Brian , Williamson Benjamin , Nahar Vinayak K. , Gruszynski Karen , Sharma Manoj , Johnson Jason W.
Published: April 2019

Rabies is a zoonotic lyssavirus of mammals that is a major public health threat due to the high mortality rate in humans who develop clinical symptoms. In the United States and other developed countries, the main reservoirs are wildlife species. In April 2017, a raccoon tested positive for rabies in Wise County, Virginia, with a second raccoon testing positive in May. Wise County, Virginia, is one of the few counties in western Virginia that is not endemic for raccoon rabies variant virus. Due to this fact, local, state, and federal agencies worked together to prevent and control the outbreak to stop the public health theat. The purpose of this study was to understand how professionals from these various agencies viewed the response efforts to the two rabid raccoons in 2017 and to determine what could be done to improve future responses. A list of responders from the different agencies involved in the outbreak in 2017 was created. Participants were recruited via email and those who agreed to be interviewed were contacted via telephone. Participants were asked a series of 13 questions pertaining to the 2017 outbreak to understand more about the strengths and weaknesses perceived during the outbreak. Of the 11 individuals contacted, six agreed to an interview. Data were analyzed utilizing a three-step qualitative analysis process which included the steps of open coding, audit trail, and axial coding. Staff and partnerships were identified as strengths of the response while funding, community, and region were identified as weaknesses of the response. It is hoped that by identifying different strengths and weaknesses through qualitative analysis this will aid in improving future responses.