bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of an eight-week core strength training program on respiratory muscle fatigue following incremental exercise
Authors: Özdal Mustafa
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND:

Respiratory muscles are important for exercise tolerance. Respiratory muscle fatigue (RMF) has a negative influence on exercise performance.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of a core strength training (CST) program on the RMF following incremental exercise.

METHODS:

Thirty male volleyball players participated in the study. The subjects were divided into two groups as experimental group (EG, n = 15) and control group (CG, n = 15). An eight-week CST program was implemented in the EG. The CG subjects participated in their respective sport training routine. The maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) was measured twice at the baseline and endline incremental exercise both before (pre-test) and after(post-test) the eight weeks. A reduction in the MIP between the baseline and endline incremental exercise was considered to be indicative of the RMF.

RESULTS:

There was a significant decrease in the MIP at the baseline and endline between the pre- and post-tests of both groups (p < 0.05). An increment in the MIP was found at the baseline between the pre- and post-tests in the EG (p < 0.05). There was no change in the RMF between the pre- and post-tests in the CG (p > 0.05). A significant decrease in the RMF was observed between the pre- and post- tests in the EG after the eight-week CST program (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

These variations indicate that core strength training may positively affect both the strength and fatigue of respiratory muscles.
The effects of worksite exercises on physical capabilities of workers in an industry of a developing country: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Sertel Meral , Üçsular Ferda Dokuztuğ , Uğurlu Ümit
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND:

Worksite exercise to promote health is a relatively new concept in the industries of developing countries.

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study was to investigate the first-time feasibilities and effects of worksite exercises on physical capabilities of workers in an industry with limited sport facilities.

METHODS:

A randomized controlled-study was conducted. Ninety-one female workers were randomly assigned to one of the three study groups: two exercise groups and a control group. The workers in the exercise groups participated in group exercises 3 times per week. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), the level of hand skill, and hand grip strengths of the workers were measured before and after the 8-week intervention.

RESULTS:

Approximately 75% of the workers (n= 68) completed the study. Adherence was higher in the exercise groups. Overall, no improvement was observed in the control group. VO2max increased in both exercise groups (p< 0.05) but no difference was recorded between the groups. The level of hand skill was the least affected in all groups. Strengthening exercises conducted with elastic bands were superior to the repetitive movements in terms of strength gains.

CONCLUSION:

Exercises capable of improving physical fitness and strength can be integrated into the usual workflow of an industrial workplace with minimal cost. Ensuring sport facilities and instruments during all working hours may improve adherence to worksite exercises.
Strength ratios are affected by years of experience in American collegiate rugby athletes: A preliminary study
Authors: Beyer Kyle S. , Fukuda David H. , Miramonti Amelia M. , Church David D. , Tanigawa Satoru , Stout Jeffrey R. , Hoffman Jay R.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND:

Hamstring:quadriceps ratios (HQRs) have been studied as potential markers for an athlete's risk of injury, but little is known about how sport-specific experience affects HQRs.

OBJECTIVE:

This study compared isokinetic and isotonic strength measures, including determining HQRs, between American collegiate male rugby athletes with at least two years of experience (XP; n= 10) and those with less than two years of experience (IN; n= 14).

METHODS:

Isokinetic concentric (ConH) and eccentric (EccH) hamstring and concentric only quadriceps (ConQ) strength was measured at 60 and 180°/s. The strength ratio: Hcon/Qcon (HQR), was calculated for both velocities, HQR60, HQR180, while the strength ratio: Hecc/Qcon, the dynamic control ratio (DCR), was likewise calculated, DCR60 and DCR180. The isotonic strength was assessed via squat 1-repetition maximum. Analysis of covariance was used to examine differences between IN and XP while body weight and age served as the covariates.

RESULTS:

No significant differences were noted between groups in isokinetic or isotonic strength. However, a significant difference was observed in DCR60 (p = 0.047) between the two groups, with XP (0.94 ± 0.11) being greater than IN (0.81 ± 0.16).

CONCLUSIONS:

In view of the preliminary nature of this study, the implication of this finding is yet obscure. However, given the role of the DCR in an underlying proneness to injury, we suggest that a more comprehensive study with a substantial follow-up period is undertaken for uncovering the potential importance of this ratio vis-à-vis other major functional parameters as well as injury prediction and assessment of rehabilitation.
Muscle oxygenation in response to high intensity interval exercises among high trained judokas
Authors: Kujach Sylwester , Ziemann Ewa , Grzywacz Tomasz , Luszczyk Marcin , Smaruj Miroslaw , Dzedzej Anna , Laskowski Radoslaw
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Typical judo exercise consists of many acyclic, intermittent activity involving different types of muscle contractions, which makes monitoring judo trainings' process effectiveness challenging. The following study applied the near-infrared spectroscopy(NIRS) as a diagnostic tool in highly-trained judo athletes during an interval exercise, simulating the intermittent physical activity of a judo match. It was also designed to examine, whether muscle oxygenation, cardio-respiratory fitness capacity, and acid-base status differs between female (FJT) and male (MJT) athletes.

METHODS:

Judokas completed the same exercise protocol - a triple Wingate test separated by 4-minute rests. Before, directly after each WAnT as well as 15 minutes and 1 hour after the third WAnT, blood lactate (LA) and acid-base balance were determined. During the testing session the breath-by-breath pulmonary gas exchange method was used.

RESULTS:

Recorded values of concentration changes in oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb), deoxyhemoglobin (HHb) and absolute measure of O2Hb saturation represented as tissue oxygenation index (TOI) revealed significant differences between groups (p≤ 0.05). Significant differences among cardio-respiratory factors were only noted between minute ventilation, and respiratory exchange ratio. Differences in blood lactate, HCO3 - , and arterial pH were noted after the second and third test as well as 15 minutes after the protocol's completion.

CONCLUSION:

Collected data indicate that muscle oxygenation during the supramaximal exercise differed between genders, likely due to the influence of blood lactate accumulation on oxygen unloading and reduction in blood flow. Using NIRS, metabolic differences between groups were non-invasively determined, with the recorded data confirming the significance of an aerobic metabolism in judo, even during high-intensity exercise.
A study of noisy signal pattern recognition using method of emphasizing wavelet coefficients for reference clean signal data
Authors: Midorikawa Yoichi , Akita Masanori
Published: August 2016

This paper improves a pattern recognition method for the signals under the noisy environment using method of emphasizing wavelet coefficients for reference clean signal data. If the data is polluted with noise, these signal pattern recognitions are extremely difficult problem. To analyze noise problem, people in general have used the fourier analysis. But the fourier analysis reveals only the frequency information. And the general noise filters reduce specific frequency band contained both noise and signal. It is difficult to eliminate only noise component from a signal containing noise signal. To overcome this difficulty, we applied the wavelet analysis. In this paper, we improve the noisy signal pattern recognition by bringing it close to reference data and noisy input data by modifying the spectrum by using the wavelet transform for reference clean signal data. As a result, noisy signal pattern recognition rate is improved by this method.
Study of power generation using FPED assuming engine vibration
Authors: Tanaka Yoshikazu , Oko Takuya , Mutsuda Hidemi , Ichikawa Kazuo , Yamamoto Toshihide , Okihama Keisuke
Published: August 2016

In this study, the power generated by a flexible piezoelectric device (FPED) assuming engine vibration is presented. An FPED is designed considering the frequency of the vehicle engine, and a forced vibration experiment is conducted. The FPED has a pinned-pinned support. The experimental results are presented, and the power generation is discussed. The validity of a theoretical analysis method is also considered for future manufacturing. Finally, a feasibility study for power generation using an actual engine is conducted, and the results are presented.
Analysis and experiment of transformer vibration and noise considering electrical steel sheet magnetostriction
Authors: Chen Dezhi , Zhao Wenliang , Bai Baodong , Kwon Byung-Il
Published: August 2016

This paper presents the performance analysis and experiment of vibration and noise in transformer cores, considering the different magnetostriction influence of electrical steel sheets in the lamination rolling direction and perpendicular to this direction. Firstly, the magnetostrictive curves are obtained by the experimental test, which are utilized for the accurate setup in the finite element method (FEM). Then, the vibration and noise of a single phase power transformer are analyzed by FEM. Finally, the simulation results are verified by the experimental results under the DC bias.
Active vibration control of an axially moving cantilever structure using MFC
Authors: Ma Guoliang , Xu Minglong , An Zengyong , Wu Chengsong , Miao Weikai
Published: August 2016

In this paper, the vibration characteristics and active vibration control of axially moving cantilever structure are investigated. The free vibration equation of axially moving cantilever beam with different lengths and tip masses is derived from the Hamilton's principle, and the natural frequency and modal function are calculated by using complex modal analysis. Macro Fibre Composite (MFC) patches are utilized as actuator and sensor in combination with proportional plus derivative (PD) control and Fuzzy control to establish the closed-loop feedback system, aiming to control the transverse vibration of the axially moving cantilever structure. And then, the active vibration control experiment is implemented. The numerical example illustrates that length and tip mass affect vibration characteristics significantly. The experimental results suggest that the MFC actuator and sensor are effective on suppressing the vibration.
An improved physical programming method for multi-objective inverse problems
Authors: An Siguang , Yang Shiyou , Bai Yanan , Wu Xiushan
Published: August 2016

Multi-objective design is very common in electrical engineering, and the development of new multi-objective optimizers becomes recently a topical issue in computational electromagnetics because of the unavailability of a universal multi-objective optimizer. In this regard, an improved physical programming (PP) method is presented to solve multi-objective electromagnetic inverse problems. The improvements include: (1) the multi-pseudo preference concept is introduced to overcome the deficiency of existing PP method in finding only one Pareto solution in a simulation and enhance the usage rate of sampling points; (2) a novel dynamically guiding mechanism is proposed to improve the computational efficiency and to provide the evolutionary direction; (3) some new rules for algorithm parameter updating are proposed to realize the two ultimate goals of an idea multi-objective optimizer of finding as many as possible Pareto optimal solutions and having them uniformly distributed on the Pareto Front. The results of typical mathematic test functions and a practical optimization design demonstrate the validity and advantages of the proposed method.
Tactile texture classification using magnetic tactile sensor
Authors: Nakamoto Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Takuya
Published: August 2016

Human skin has tactile receptors that have different response characteristics. These characteristics are effective for the tactile texture classification. In this paper, we propose a classification method by using a magnetic tactile sensor. The tactile sensor has two sensing elements that detects slow and fast deformations occurred on the surface of itself. We confirm that the output voltages of the sensing elements include frequency characteristics of tactile texture. In addition, a support vector machine classifies tactile textures based on the output voltages.
The study of the characteristics of constant-force elements using NiTi SMAs
Authors: Zhou Ying , Wang Minghui , Zhu Liangfan , Luo Yun
Published: August 2016

Constant-force behavior is an unique property of superelastic NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) and could be used in designing constant-force elements in surgical devices. It is easily obtained by stretching an SMA wire. However, studies with SMA bending strips have seldom been reported before. According to the constant-force design principles of the bending strips obtained through simulations in previous paper, several prototypes were developed for experimental evaluation. This paper presents a proof of concept on the principles through experiments. The results show its availability as constant-force element for practical use.
Attenuation measurement of cylindrical guided waves
Authors: Aoki Fumiko , Kanda Kosuke , Sugiura Toshihiko
Published: August 2016

Guided waves can propagate along waveguides with low attenuation. Therefore, guided waves are expected to be used for non-destructive testing especially of cylindrical structures such as wire-ropes. However, as guided waves propagate over longer distance, their attenuation cannot be neglected, though quantitative measurement of attenuation of cylindrical guided waves has not yet been given enough. Thus, we conducted theoretical analysis and experiment of wave attenuation. In theoretical analysis, we derived dispersion curves including effects of material attenuation in order to obtain frequency-dependent attenuation coefficients. In experiment, we transmitted and received guided waves by electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) in order to measure attenuation of guided waves. By comparing the experimental results with the theoretical ones, we showed that the experimental results of wave attenuation increased with frequency just as the theoretical ones, though the formers were larger than the latters.
TripleMon: A multi-layer security framework for mediating inter-process communication on Android
Authors: Jing Yiming , Ahn Gail-Joon , Hu Hongxin , Cho Haehyun , Zhao Ziming
Published: August 2016

As smartphones have become an indispensable part of daily life, mobile users are increasingly relying on them to process personal information with feature-rich applications. This situation requires robust security mechanisms for protecting sensitive applications and data on mobile devices. Android, as one the most popular smartphone operating systems, provides two core security mechanisms, application sandboxing and a permission system. However, recent studies show that these mechanisms are vulnerable to be passed by a variety of attacks. In this paper, we argue for the need of designing and implementing more comprehensive security mechanisms for Android. We realize that mediating Inter-Process Communication (IPC) channels used by Android applications can mitigate prominent attacks effectively and efficiently. Based on this observation, we propose a practical multi-layer security framework called TripleMon to support policy-based mediation on Android IPC. We also discuss and evaluate a proof-of-concept prototype of TripleMon along with the experimental results derived from real malware samples and synthetic attacks.
Do Psychosocial Interventions Improve Quality of Life and Wellbeing in Adults with Neuromuscular Disorders? A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Walklet Elaine , Muse Kate , Meyrick Jane , Moss Tim
Published: August 2016

Quality of life and well-being are frequently restricted in adults with neuromuscular disorders. As such, identification of appropriate interventions is imperative. The objective of this paper was to systematically review and critically appraise quantitative studies (RCTs, controlled trials and cohort studies) of psychosocial interventions designed to improve quality of life and well-being in adults with neuromuscular disorders. A systematic review of the published and unpublished literature was conducted. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were appraised using a validated quality assessment tool and results presented in a narrative synthesis. Out of 3,136 studies identified, ten studies met criteria for inclusion within the review. Included studies comprised a range of interventions including: cognitive behavioural therapy, dignity therapy, hypnosis, expressive disclosure, gratitude lists, group psychoeducation and psychologically informed rehabilitation. Five of the interventions were for patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The remainder were for patients with post-polio syndrome, muscular dystrophies and mixed disorders, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, myasthenia gravis and myotonic dystrophy. Across varied interventions and neuromuscular disorders, seven studies reported a short-term beneficial effect of intervention on quality of life and well-being. Whilst such findings are encouraging, widespread issues with the methodological quality of these studies significantly compromised the results. There is no strong evidence that psychosocial interventions improve quality of life and well-being in adults with neuromuscular disorders, due to a paucity of high quality research in this field. Multi-site, randomised controlled trials with active controls, standardised outcome measurement and longer term follow-ups are urgently required.
What Matters Most: A Perspective From Adult Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients
Authors: Hunter Michael , Heatwole Chad , Luebbe Elizabeth , Johnson Nicholas E.
Published: August 2016

There are multiple symptoms that affect adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The extent of these symptoms and their impact on individuals’ lives is not fully known. We interviewed 15 adults with genetically confirmed SMA. Participants were asked to identify issues that have significant impact on their lives. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed. Participants provided 1045 direct quotes. 177 potential symptoms of importance were identified. Symptoms were grouped by like topics into fourteen symptomatic themes. The symptoms and issues identified by SMA patients alter their physical, mental, and social health and may be amendable to therapeutic intervention.
Automatic Classification on Multi-Modal MRI Data for Diagnosis of the Postural Instability and Gait Difficulty Subtype of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gu Quanquan , Zhang Huan , Xuan Min , Luo Wei , Huang Peiyu , Xia Shunren , Zhang Minming
Published: August 2016

Background: Patients with the postural instability and gait difficulty subtype (PIGD) of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are a refractory challenge in clinical practice. Despite previous attempts that have been made at studying subtype-specific brain alterations across PD population, conclusive neuroimaging biomarkers on patients with the PIGD subtype are still lacking. Machine learning-based classifications are a promising tool for differential diagnosis that effectively integrate complex and multivariate data.

Objective: Our present study aimed to introduce the machine learning-based automatic classification for the first time to distinguish patients with the PIGD subtype from those with the non-PIGD subtype of PD at the individual level.

Methods: Fifty-two PD patients and forty-five normal controls (NCs) were recruited and underwent multi-modal MRI scans including a set of resting-state functional, 3D T1-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging sequences. By comparing the PD patients with the NCs, features that were not conducive to the subtype-specific classification were ruled out from massive brain features. We applied a support vector machine classifier with the recursive feature elimination method to multi-modal MRI data for selecting features with the best discriminating power, and evaluated the proposed classifier with the leave-one-out cross-validation.

Results: Using this classifier, we obtained satisfactory diagnostic rates (accuracy = 92.31%, specificity = 96.97%, sensitivity = 84.21% and AUCmax  = 0.9585). The diagnostic agreement evaluated by the Kappa test showed an almost perfect agreement with the existing clinical categorization (Kappa value = 0.83).

Conclusions: With these favorable results, our findings suggested the machine learning-based classification as an alternative technique to classifying clinical subtypes in PD.
The Relationship between the Experience of Hypomimia and Social Wellbeing in People with Parkinson’s Disease and their Care Partners
Authors: Gunnery Sarah D. , Habermann Barbara , Saint-Hilaire Marie , Thomas Cathi A. , Tickle-Degnen Linda
Published: August 2016

Background: Though hypomimia, also called facial masking, is experienced by many people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), little is known about how the experience of this motor impairment relates to their own and their care partners’ (CP) social life and relationship quality.

Objective: To test if the experience of facial masking relates to social wellbeing in people with PD and their CPs.

Method: Forty individuals with PD and their CPs rated PD’s difficulty showing facial expression (facial masking), and completed questionnaires about their own social wellbeing and depression.

Results: PD-reported and CP-reported facial masking of PD were positively correlated with experience of social rejection in both partners, though this relationship was diminished when controlling for depression. CPs’ rating of their partner’s facial masking was negatively associated with enjoyment interacting with their partner. This relationship remained when controlling for CP and PD depression.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that the experience of facial masking is negatively associated with social wellbeing particularly for the CPs, and especially so for the quality of CPs interpersonal relationship with their partner with PD.
Potential Benefit of Singing for People with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Barnish Jean , Atkinson Rachel A. , Barran Susannah M. , Barnish Maxwell S.
Published: August 2016

Background: There is evidence that participation in performing arts brings psychosocial benefits in the general population and in recent years there has been substantial interest in the potential therapeutic benefit of performing arts, including singing, for people with chronic medical conditions including those of neurological aetiology.

Objective: To systematically review the existing body of evidence regarding the potential benefit of singing on clinical outcomes of people with PD.

Methods: Seven online bibliographic databases were systematically searched in January 2016 and supplementary searches were conducted. Full-text original peer-reviewed scientific papers that investigated the potential benefit of singing on at least one of speech, functional communication, cognitive status, motor function and quality of life in human participants with PD were eligible for inclusion.

Results: 449 unique records were identified, 25 full-text articles were screened and seven studies included in the review. All seven studies assessed the impact of singing on speech, five found partial evidence of benefit and two found no evidence of benefit. One study assessed each of functional communication and quality of life and no significant benefit was found. No included study assessed the impact of singing on motor function or cognitive status.

Conclusions: Singing may benefit the speech of people with PD, although evidence is not unequivocal. Further research is required to assess wider benefits including on functional communication, cognitive status, motor function and quality of life. Substantial methodological limitations were identified in the existing literature. Recommendations are made for advancing the state of the literature.
Suitability of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Johnson Andrew R. , Lawrence Blake J. , Corti Emily J. , Booth Leon , Gasson N. , Thomas Meghan G. , Loftus A.M. , Bucks Romola S.
Published: August 2016

Background: The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale –21 (DASS-21) is a frequently used measure of emotional disturbance symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the factor structure of the DASS-21 in PD has yet to be explored.

Objective: To assess whether the scale is measuring these symptoms in PD in the same way as the general population.

Methods: The present study fit a series of established DASS-21 factor structures with both confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) using data from 251 participants with PD.

Results: The 3-factor ESEM provided the best fit. The depression and stress scales fit well, however, few items on the anxiety subscale loaded clearly, with several items significantly loading onto the depression or stress factors.

Conclusions: Whilst the depression and stress subscales appear suitable in PD, poor loadings and internal consistency indicate the anxiety subscale may not accurately assess anxiety symptomology in PD. This may be due to the scale’s reliance on physiological symptoms as indicators of anxiety, when many of these are present in PD. Thus, the anxiety subscale of the DASS-21 may not be a suitable measure of anxiety in PD.
Efficacy of Rotigotine at Different Stages of Parkinson’s Disease Symptom Severity and Disability: A Post Hoc Analysis According to Baseline Hoehn and Yahr Stage
Authors: Giladi Nir , Nicholas Anthony P. , Asgharnejad Mahnaz , Dohin Elisabeth , Woltering Franz , Bauer Lars , Poewe Werner
Published: August 2016

Background: The efficacy of rotigotine has been demonstrated in studies of patients with early (i.e. not receiving levodopa) and advanced (i.e. not adequately controlled on levodopa; average 2.5 h/day in ‘off’ state) Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Objective: To further investigate the efficacy of rotigotine transdermal patch across different stages of PD symptom severity and functional disability, according to baseline Hoehn and Yahr (HY) staging.

Methods: Post hoc analysis of six placebo-controlled studies of rotigotine in patients with early PD (SP506, SP512, SP513; rotigotine ≤8 mg/24 h) or advanced-PD (CLEOPATRA-PD, PREFER, SP921; rotigotine ≤16 mg/24 h). Data were pooled and analyzed according to baseline HY stage (1, 2, 3 or 4) for change from baseline to end of maintenance in Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) II (activities of daily living), UPDRS III (motor) and UPDRS II+III; statistical tests are exploratory.

Results: Data were available for 2057 patients (HY 1 : 262; HY 2 : 1230; HY 3 : 524; HY 4 : 41). Patients at higher HY stages were older, had a longer time since PD diagnosis and higher baseline UPDRS II+III scores vs patients at lower HY stages. Rotigotine improved UPDRS II+III versus placebo for each individual HY stage ( p < 0.05 for each HY stage), with treatment differences increasing with increasing HY stages. Similar results were observed for UPDRS II and UPDRS III.

Conclusions: This post hoc analysis suggests that rotigotine may be efficacious across a broad range of progressive stages of PD symptom severity and functional disability (HY stages 1–4).
Classification of Scans Without Evidence of Dopamine Deficit (SWEDD) According to the Olfactory Function
Authors: Oh Yoon-Sang , Choi Ji Ho , Kwon Do-Young
Published: August 2016

Background: Scans without evidence of dopaminergic deficit (SWEDD), a heterogeneous disorder, refers to patients with normal dopamine transporter scan presumed to have Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although clinically hard to discriminate, it is important to differentiate SWEDD from PD in the early stage of disease in practice. Olfactory dysfunction is a sensitive biomarker of neurodegeneration. A considerable number of SWEDD patients show abnormal olfaction. We investigated the olfaction and non-motor symptoms in SWEDD, PD, and healthy controls. A subgroup analysis of SWEDD by olfactory function was also conducted.

Methods: This study enrolled 40 SWEDD, 28 PD, and 26 healthy controls. The Korean version of Sniffin’s stick test II (KVSS II) and the Korean version of non-motor symptoms scale for PD (K-NMSS) were used to evaluate olfaction and non-motor symptoms. Patients with SWEDD were categorized into normal olfaction (SWEDD-N) and olfactory dysfunction (SWEDD-D) subgroups.

Results: Overall KVSS II scores of SWEDD group was distinctive when compared to those of PD or controls. K-NMSS scores were increased in PD compared to those in SWEDD or controls. In subgroup analysis, KVSS II scores in SWEDD-D were similar to those in PD. K-NMSS scores in SWEDD-D were also significantly higher than those in SWEDD-N but lower than those in PD.

Conclusions: Olfactory dysfunction could be a biomarker to differentiate SWEDD from PD. Non-motor symptoms differed between the two SWEDD subgroups classified by olfaction. These findings suggest that the underlying pathophysiology of SWEDD with normal olfaction and olfactory dysfunction might be different.
Actions in response to drug safety signals arising from a spontaneous reporting system: Retrospective study in The Netherlands
Authors: Rolfes Leàn , Kolfschoten Judith , van Hunsel Florence , Kooijman Michel , van Puijenbroek Eugène
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND: There is limited information on actions taken in response to drug safety signals originating from a spontaneous reporting system (SRS) in pharmacovigilance. In The Netherlands the Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb is an independent organization that works in close collaboration with the Dutch regulatory agency, the Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB).

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to gain insight in steps undertaken on signals originating from the SRS and disseminated by Lareb from 2008–2012.

METHOD: For all signals the recommendations of Lareb and the following steps proposed by the MEB were analyzed. Secondary outcomes were prioritization of the signal, the year of dissemination and if Lareb published (inter)nationally about the signal. Pearson’s Chi-square (X2) and Mantel-Haenszel statistics were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Of all signals disseminated by Lareb from 2008–2012, 90,7% resulted in an action: in 87% a regulatory action and in 36% an (inter)national publication. Generally, Lareb’s recommendations correspond to steps undertaken by the MEB.

CONCLUSION: This study found influence of signal prioritization on Lareb’s recommendations but not on the steps undertaken by the MEB. Trends over time were only seen for steps undertaken by the MEB. These differences are most probably due to responsibilities of the different EU member states of various drugs.
Neuronal functions of FOXO/DAF-16
Authors: Kim Sun Y. , Webb Ashley E.
Published: August 2016

The FOXO family of transcription factors plays a conserved role in longevity and tissue homeostasis across species. In the mammalian nervous system, emerging evidence has implicated FOXOs in cognitive performance, stem cell maintenance, regeneration, and protection against stress. Much of what we know about neuronal functions of FOXO emerged from recent studies in C. elegans. Similar to mammalian FOXO, the worm FOXO ortholog, called DAF-16, regulates learning and memory, regeneration, and stress resistance in neurons. Here, we discuss the current state of our knowledge of FOXO’s functions in neurons in mammals and invertebrates, and highlight areas where our understanding is limited. Defining the function of FOXO factors in the healthy, aged, and diseased brain may have important implications for improving healthspan and treating neurodegenerative disease.
Characterization of Low Back Pain in Pilots and Maintenance Technicians on a Commercial Airline
Authors: Fajardo Rodriguez Hugo A. , Ortiz Mayorga Viviana A.
Published: August 2016

INTRODUCTION: Lower back pain (LBP) is the most common complaint worldwide and the leading cause of disability in the workplace. In Colombia there are no epidemiological data on low back pain in aviation. This study aimed to characterize lower back pain in pilots and maintenance
technicians in a Colombian commercial airline.METHODS: Information was collected from the total population in a Colombian commercial airline in Bogota during the period from 2011 to 2013 using a voluntary survey which requested demographics, occupational (LEST survey) factors, back
pain, and chronic pain (chronic pain grade scale).RESULTS: The prevalence rate of LBP in pilot respondents was 71% and the factors associated previously have belonged to the military forces: occupational exposure to physical load and work time. Chronic low back pain was at a prevalence
of 49%. The prevalence of LBP in maintenance technicians was 65%. Associated factors were again similar to military forces and included mental workload. Chronic pain had a prevalence of 65%. Factors associated with chronic low back pain were the technicians’ time in office and physical
load.DISCUSSION: The prevalence of lower back pain in pilots is similar to that presented in the airline world population. In the case of maintenance technicians, the prevalence was higher than those found in other similar groups, but very similar to prevalences presented in different
business industries, including the transport sector.Fajardo Rodriguez HA, Ortiz Mayorga VA. Characterization of low back pain in pilots and maintenance technicians on a commercial airline. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(9):795–799.
Compilation of Cognitive and Personality Norms for Military Aviators
Authors: Carretta Thomas R. , King Raymond E. , Ree Malcolm James , Teachout Mark S. , Barto Erica
Published: August 2016

INTRODUCTION: The assessment of individuals on abilities or other characteristics is based on comparison to a representative sample. General population norms provide an appropriate reference group when the distribution of scores in the sample can be expected to be similar to
those for the general population (e.g., comparing high school students at a particular school to national high school norms on a college entrance test). Specialized norms are needed, however, when subsets of the population differ from the population at large. Military pilot trainees represent
a special population; they are highly screened on cognitive ability and other characteristics thought to be related to job performance. Other characteristics (e.g., personality) are thought to be “self-selected,” resulting in distinctive profiles. Normative tables were developed
for U.S. Air Force pilot trainees for two widely used tests, the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery-II (MAB-II) and NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO PI-R).METHODS: The MAB-II and NEO PI-R were administered to large samples of USAF cadets, ROTC students, and officers selected
for pilot training.RESULTS: The mean MAB-II full-scale IQ was about 1.5 SD above the adult population norm and was much less variable, supporting the need for specialized norms. Tables showing the percentile equivalents are provided for use by clinicians.DISCUSSION: Use
of these tables, in addition to, or in lieu of, commercially published norms, will prove helpful when clinical psychologists perform assessments on pilots; in particular when evaluating them for return-to-duty status following a disqualifying condition that may have affected cognitive functioning
or emotional stability.Carretta TR, King RE, Ree MJ, Teachout MS, Barto E. Compilation of cognitive and personality norms for military aviators. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(9):764–771.
Assessment of a Prototype Apache Flight Eyewear
Authors: Walsh David V. , Jurek Gina M. , McLean William E. , Statz Jonathan K. , Allen Roddricus L. , Riggs Daniel W.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND: Apache pilots needing refractive correction are issued modified HGU-4/P aviator spectacles. However, a recently published survey found field of view (FOV) dissatisfaction with the current spectacles when sighting in with a Helmet Display Unit (HDU). A current Air
Force flight frame was modified in-lab and the purpose of this study was to evaluate the FOV with the current Apache flight frame vs. the modified flight frame.METHODS: Recruited were 21 Apache pilots to assess FOV under three conditions: 1) wearing the current Apache frame; 2)
wearing the modified Apache frame; and 3) wearing no frame. The main outcome measure was total FOV of four quadrants tested: superior left (45°); superior right (135°); inferior right (225°); and inferior left (315°).RESULTS: No significant differences in FOV were
seen between the two frames tested while wearing the current Apache helmet (P = 0.33) and the new Apache helmet (P = 0.64). However, there were significant differences in FOV between the no frame condition and the two frame conditions tested with both helmets (P < 0.001).DISCUSSION:
No significant differences in FOV were seen between the two frames tested while wearing either Apache helmet. However, with both helmets there were significant differences in FOV between the no frame condition and the two frame conditions tested. This suggests that wearing no eyewear is still
optimal in integrating the HDU device. With advances in contact lens technology, future research can study the viability of the latest generation of multifocal contact lenses with Apache aviators.Walsh DV, Jurek GM, McLean WE, Statz JK, Allen RL, Riggs DW. Assessment of a prototype
Apache flight eyewear. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(9):800–805.
Intercomparison of Carbon Dioxide Products Retrieved from GOSAT Short-Wavelength Infrared Spectra for Three Years (2010–2012)
Authors: Deng Anjian , Yu Tao , Cheng Tianhai , Gu Xingfa , Zheng Fengjie , Guo Hong
Published: August 2016

This paper presents the comparison of two CO2 datasets from the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) of Japan and the Atmospheric CO2 Observations from Space (ACOS) of NASA for three years (2010 to 2012). Both CO2 datasets are retrieved from the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) short-wavelength infrared spectra over High gain surface land. In this three-year period, the yield of the NIES CO2 column averaged dry air mole fractions (XCO2) is about 71% of ACOS retrievals. The overall bias is 0.21 ± 1.85 ppm and −0.69 ± 2.13 ppm for ACOS and NIES XCO2, respectively, when compared with ground-based Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) observations from twelve Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) sites. The differences in XCO2 three-year means and seasonal means are within about 1 to 2 ppm. Strong consistency is obtained for the ACOS and NIES XCO2 monthly averages time series over different regions, with the greatest mean difference of ACOS to NIES monthly means over China (1.43 ± 0.60 ppm) and the least over Brazil (−0.03 ± 0.64 ppm). The intercomparison between the two XCO2 datasets indicates that the ACOS XCO2 is globally higher than NIES by about 1 ppm and has smaller bias and better consistency than NIES data.
Sleep Stage Classification Using EEG Signal Analysis: A Comprehensive Survey and New Investigation
Authors: Aboalayon Khald , Faezipour Miad , Almuhammadi Wafaa , Moslehpour Saeid
Published: August 2016

Sleep specialists often conduct manual sleep stage scoring by visually inspecting the patient’s neurophysiological signals collected at sleep labs. This is, generally, a very difficult, tedious and time-consuming task. The limitations of manual sleep stage scoring have escalated the demand for developing Automatic Sleep Stage Classification (ASSC) systems. Sleep stage classification refers to identifying the various stages of sleep and is a critical step in an effort to assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of related sleep disorders. The aim of this paper is to survey the progress and challenges in various existing Electroencephalogram (EEG) signal-based methods used for sleep stage identification at each phase; including pre-processing, feature extraction and classification; in an attempt to find the research gaps and possibly introduce a reasonable solution. Many of the prior and current related studies use multiple EEG channels, and are based on 30 s or 20 s epoch lengths which affect the feasibility and speed of ASSC for real-time applications. Thus, in this paper, we also present a novel and efficient technique that can be implemented in an embedded hardware device to identify sleep stages using new statistical features applied to 10 s epochs of single-channel EEG signals. In this study, the PhysioNet Sleep European Data Format (EDF) Database was used. The proposed methodology achieves an average classification sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 89.06%, 98.61% and 93.13%, respectively, when the decision tree classifier is applied. Finally, our new method is compared with those in recently published studies, which reiterates the high classification accuracy performance.
MMCS: Multi-Module Charging Strategy for Increasing the Lifetime of Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks
Authors: Chang Hong-Yi , Lin Jia-Chi , Wu Yu-Fong , Huang Shih-Chang
Published: August 2016

In recent years, wireless charging technology has provided an alternative to charging equipment. Wireless charging technology has already proved to be useful in our daily lives in phones, buses, restaurants, etc. Wireless charging technology can also be applied in energy-bounded wireless sensor networks (WSNs), and these are called wireless rechargeable sensor networks (WRSNs). The optimized charging path problem is the most widely discussed issue in employing WRSNs with wireless charging vehicles (WCVs). This problem involves determining the most efficient path for charging sensor nodes. Further, charging-scheduling problems also need to be considered in the optimized charging path problem. In this paper, we proposed a multi-module charging strategy (MMCS) used to prolong the lifetime of the entire WRSN. MMCS can be divided into three stages: the charging topology, charging scheduling, and charging strategy stages, with multiple modules in each stage. The best module combination of MMCS is the distance-based module in the charging topology stage, delay-based module in the charging schedule stage, and the average lifetime module in the charging strategy stage. The best module combination enables prolonging the lifetime efficiently, as it considers not only the priority of urgent nodes but also the travel distance of WCV; the delay-based module of the charging schedule stage considers the delay effect on the follow-up nodes. The experimental results show that the proposed MMCS can improve the lifetime of the entire WRSN and that it substantially outperforms the nearest job next with preemption (NJNP) method in terms of lifetime improvement of the entire WRSN.
A Conservation Voltage Reduction Scheme for a Distribution Systems with Intermittent Distributed Generators
Authors: Hwang Pyeong-Ik , Moon Seung-Il , Ahn Seon-Ju
Published: August 2016

In this paper, a conservation voltage reduction (CVR) scheme is proposed for a distribution system with intermittent distributed generators (DGs), such as photovoltaics and wind turbines. The CVR is a scheme designed to reduce energy consumption by lowering the voltages supplied to customers. Therefore, an unexpected under-voltage violation can occur due to the variation of active power output from the intermittent DGs. In order to prevent the under-voltage violation and improve the CVR effect, a new reactive power controller which complies with the IEEE Std. 1547TM, and a parameter determination method for the controller are proposed. In addition, an optimal power flow (OPF) problem to determine references for the resources of CVR is formulated with consideration of the intermittent DGs. The proposed method is validated using a modified IEEE 123-node test feeder. With the proposed method, the voltages of the test system are maintained to be greater than the lower bound, even though the active power outputs of the DGs are varied. Moreover, the CVR effect is improved compared to that used with the conventional reactive power control methods.
Promoting Effect of Inorganic Alkali on Carbon Dioxide Adsorption in Amine-Modified MCM-41
Authors: Teng Yang , Li Lijiao , Xu Gang , Zhang Kai , Li Kaixi
Published: August 2016

Three kinds of inorganic alkali are introduced into tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI)-modified MCM-41 as the CO2 adsorbents. X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption, fourier-transform infrared and thermo gravimetric analysis are used to characterize the surface structures and the thermal stability of adsorbents. Chemical titration method is used to measure the alkali amounts of adsorbents. Thermo-gravimetric analysis with 10% CO2/90% N2 as the simulated flue gas is used to test the CO2 adsorption performance of adsorbents. The results show that all three kinds of inorganic alkali-containing adsorbents exhibit higher CO2 adsorption capability than traditional TEPA and PEI modified samples. Ca(OH)2 and PEI modified samples exhibit the highest adsorption capacity and recyclable property. The introduction of inorganic alkali changes the chemical adsorption mechanism between CO2 and adsorbent surface due to the increased hydroxyl groups. The CO2 adsorption capacities have a linear dependence relation with the alkali amounts of adsorbents, indicating that alkali amount is a critical factor for the exploration of novel adsorbents.
Modularized Three-Phase Semiconductor Transformer with Bidirectional Power Flow for Medium Voltage Application
Authors: Kim Do-Hyun , Han Byung-Moon , Lee Jun-Young
Published: August 2016

This paper describes a prototype of modularized three-phase semiconductor transformer that was developed in the lab for feasibility study. The developed prototype is composed of three units of single-phase semiconductor transformer coupled in Y-connection. Each single-phase unit has multiple units of high-voltage high-frequency resonant AC–DC converter, a low-voltage hybrid-switching DC–DC converter, and a low-voltage hybrid-switching DC–AC inverter. Also, each single-phase unit has two digital signal processor (DSP) boards to control converter operation and to acquire monitoring data. The monitoring system was developed based on LabView by using controller area network (CAN) communication between the DSP board and the personal computer (PC). Through diverse experimental analyses it was verified that the prototype operates with proper performance under normal and sag conditions. The developed prototype confirms the possibility of fabricating a commercial high-voltage high-power semiconductor transformer by increasing the number of series-connected converter modules in high-voltage side and improving the system efficiency with a new switching device such as an SiC device.