bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Pavement Vibration Response for Roadway Service Condition Evaluation
Authors: Ye Zhoujing , Lu Yang , Wang Linbing
Published: July 2018

Dynamic response of pavement provides service condition information and helps with damage prediction, while limited research is available with the simulation of pavement vibration response for evaluating roadway service condition. This paper presents a numerical model for the analysis of the pavement vibration due to the dynamic load created by a passing vehicle. A quarter vehicle model was used for the determination of the vehicle moving load. Both random and spatial characteristics of the load were considered. The random nonuniform moving load was then introduced in a 3D finite element model for the determination of the traffic‐induced pavement vibration. The validated numerical model was used to assess the effects of dynamic load, material properties, and pavement structures on pavement vibration response. Numerical analyses showed that the vibration modes changed considerably for the different roadway service conditions. The vibration signals reflect the level of road roughness, the stiffness of the pavement materials, and the integrity of pavement structure. The acceleration extrema, the time‐domain signal waveform, the frequency distribution, and the sum of squares of Fourier amplitude can be potential indexes for evaluating roadway service condition. This provides recommendations for the application of pavement vibration response in early‐warning and timely maintenance of road.
Fast Channel Navigation of Internet Protocol Television Using Adaptive Hybrid Delivery Method
Authors: Adeliyi Timothy T. , Olugbara Oludayo O.
Published: July 2018

The Internet protocol television brought seamless potential that has revolutionized the media and telecommunication industries by providing a platform for transmitting digitized television services. However, zapping delay is a critical factor that affects the quality of experience in the Internet protocol television. This problem is intrinsically caused by command processing time, network delay, jitter, buffer delay, and video decoding delay. The overarching objective of this paper is to use a hybrid delivery method that agglutinates multicast- and unicast-enabled services over a converged network to minimize zapping delay to the bare minimum. The hybrid method will deliver Internet protocol television channels to subscribers using the unicast stream coupled with differentiated service quality of experience when zapping delay is greater than 0.43 s. This aids a faster transmission by sending a join message to the multicast stream at the service provider zone to acquire the requested channel. The hybrid method reported in this paper is benchmarked with the state-of-the-art multicast stream and unicast stream methods. Results show that the hybrid method has an excellent performance by lowering point-to-point queuing delay, end-to-end packet delay, and packet variation and increasing throughput rate.
Interesting Examples of Violation of the Classical Equivalence Principle but Not of the Weak One
Authors: Accioly Antonio , Herdy Wallace
Published: July 2018

The equivalence principle (EP) and Schiff’s conjecture are discussed en passant, and the connection between the EP and quantum mechanics is then briefly analyzed. Two semiclassical violations of the classical equivalence principle (CEP) but not of the weak one (WEP), i.e., Greenberger gravitational Bohr atom and the tree-level scattering of different quantum particles by an external weak higher-order gravitational field, are thoroughly investigated afterwards. Next, two quantum examples of systems that agree with the WEP but not with the CEP, namely, COW experiment and free fall in a constant gravitational field of a massive object described by its wave-function Ψ, are discussed in detail. Keeping in mind that, among the four examples focused on in this work only COW experiment is based on an experimental test, some important details related to it are presented as well.
Wind Load Characteristics and Action Mechanism on Internal and External Surfaces of Super-Large Cooling Towers under Wind-Rain Combined Effects
Authors: Ke Shitang , Yu Wenlin , Ge Yaojun
Published: July 2018

By focusing on wind-rain two-way coupling algorithm, simulation iterations of wind field and raindrops in the world highest cooling tower (210m) in northwest China were carried out using continuous phase and discrete phase models based on CFD numerical simulation. Firstly, influence laws of 9 wind velocity-rainfall intensity combinations on wind-induced rainfall, raindrop additional force, and equivalent pressure coefficient on internal and external surface of the tower body were discussed. On this basis, speed flow line, turbulence energy strength, raindrop running speed, and track on the tower body in the wind-rain coupling field were disclosed. Finally, qualitative and quantitative contrastive analyses on wind pressure, rain pressure, and equivalent pressure coefficient on internal and external surfaces of the tower body were conducted under different working conditions. Thus, the most unfavorable wind-rain combination was identified. Calculation formulas of equivalent internal and external pressure coefficients of super-large cooling towers were fitted from nonlinear least square method. Research results demonstrate that the 3D effect of equivalent internal and external pressure coefficients with considerations to wind-rain two-way coupling is more prominent. Particularly, there is strong transition on the windward region of the external surface and leeside region at bottom of internal surface. The quantity of caught raindrops on the structural surface is negatively related to wind velocity but is positively related to rainfall intensity. Rain load and rainfall coefficients on the external surface are significantly higher than those on the internal surface. Equivalent internal pressure coefficient has a sharp reduction on the leeside region under different working conditions. Besides, equivalent internal pressure coefficient of different meridians decreases with the increase of height. The maximum and minimum are -0.574 and -0.282, respectively. The proposed equivalent internal and external pressure coefficients of super-large cooling tower can predict wind load under extreme climate conditions accurately.
Assessing the Static and Dynamic Sensitivity of a Commercial Off-the-Shelf Multicore Processor for Noncritical Avionic Applications
Authors: Ramos Pablo F. , Vargas Vanessa C. , Zergainoh Nacer-Eddine , Velazco Raoul
Published: July 2018

The present work assesses the radiation sensitivity of an affordable and performant COTS multicore processor for noncritical avionic applications. The target device is the Epiphany E16G301 multicore manufactured in 65 nm CMOS which integrates 16 processor cores. This device was selected due to its high performance, low power consumption, and affordability, allowing general public accessing to parallel computing. Additionally, the E16G301 is the coprocessor for parallel processing of the Parallella platform, which was considered by NASA researchers for onboard health management of the DragonEye UAS. The evaluation of the device is done using quantitative theory by means of radiation experiments with 14 MeV neutrons to emulate the effects of high-energy neutrons present at avionic altitudes. Static and dynamic cross sections are obtained to evaluate the intrinsic sensitivity of the device as well as its dynamic response. Results show that the failure rate of the E16G301 running a matrix multiplication as application reaches level D of the DO-178B/C guideline, being the device well suited for minor failure conditions of avionic applications.
Antimycobacterial Activity and Safety Profile Assessment of Alpinia galanga and Tinospora cordifolia
Authors: Alajmi Mohamed F. , Mothana Ramzi A. , Al-Rehaily Adnan J. , Khaled Jamal M.
Published: July 2018

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a common deadly infectious disease and worldwide a major health problem. The current study was therefore designed to investigate the in vitro antimycobacterial activity of different extracts of Alpinia galanga and Tinospora cordifolia. Moreover, a safety assessment for both plants was carried out. Dichloromethane and ethanolic extracts of each plant were examined against H37Rv INH‐sensitive and resistant INH strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The safety assessment of both plants has been performed through in vivo acute and chronic toxicity studies in animal model. Body weight, food consumption, water intake, organ’s weight, and haematological and biochemical parameters of blood and serum were evaluated. The extracts of A. galanga and T. cordifolia produced significant and dose‐dependent inhibitory activity with maximum effect of 18‐32% at 50 μg/ml against both strains of M. tuberculosis. No effect on the body weight or food and water consumption was observed but A. galanga caused significantly an increase in the relative weight of the heart, liver, spleen, and kidney. Haematological studies of both plants revealed a slight but significant fall in the RBC and WBC level as well as haemoglobin and platelets. In addition, A. galanga extracts increased significantly liver enzymes and bilirubin and glucose.
Comparison of RPR and ELISA with TPHA for the Diagnosis of Syphilis: Implication for Updating Syphilis Point-of-Care Tests in Ethiopia
Authors: Negash Markos , Wondmagegn Tadelo , Geremew Demeke
Published: July 2018

Background.Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the spirocheteTreponema pallidum, and it persists to be a major public health problem in Africa, including Ethiopia. Syphilis diagnosis is made by either nontreponemal or treponemal approaches, though in developing countries the diagnosis relies mostly on nonspecific tests due to several reasons. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and agreement of rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) withTreponema pallidumhemagglutination assay (TPHA) as a gold standard for the diagnosis of syphilis.Results. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of ECOTEST-RPR were 100%, 80.8%, 76.2%, and 100%, respectively. However, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of DIALAB-ELISA were 98.4%, 94.9%, 92.3%, and 98.9%, respectively. The agreement between DIALAB-ELISA and Randox-TPHA was excellent (kappa value: 0.96) as compared to ECOTEST-RPR and Randox-TPHA assay (kappa value: 0.88).Conclusion.We found a characteristically variable performance of DIALAB-ELISA test and the currently available traditional ECOTEST-RPR test in the study area. The use of ECOTEST-RPR as a diagnostic test is confronted by its false positivity. Thus, neither the ECOTEST-RPR nor the DIALAB-ELISA test stands on its own to be used either as screening or confirmatory test for syphilis diagnosis. Consequently, thorough studies should be conducted aiming on a change of the current diagnostic scheme in the community.
Remaining Useful Life Prediction Method of Rolling Bearings Based on Pchip‐EEMD‐GM(1, 1) Model
Authors: Wang Fengtao , Liu Xiaofei , Liu Chenxi , Li Hongkun , Han Qingkai
Published: July 2018

A trend prediction method based on the Pchip‐EEMD‐GM(1,1) to predict the remaining useful life (RUL) of rolling bearings was proposed in this paper. Firstly, the dimension of the extracted features was reduced by the KPCA dimensionality reduction method, and the WPHM model parameters were estimated via the kernel principal components. Secondly, the hazard rate was calculated at each time, and the Pchip interpolation method was used to obtain the uniformly spaced interpolation data series. Then the main trend of signal was obtained through the EEMD method to fit the GM(1,1) prediction model. Finally, the GM (1,1) method was used to predict the remaining life of the rolling bearing. The full life test of rolling bearing was provided to demonstrate that the method predicting the hazard data directly has the higher accuracy compared with predicting the covariates, and the results verified the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method for predicting the remaining life.
Prediction of Lift Coefficient for Tandem Wing Configuration or Multiple-Lifting-Surface System Using Prandtl’s Lifting-Line Theory
Authors: Cheng Hao , Wang Hua
Published: July 2018

In tandem airfoil configuration or multiple-lifting-surface layouts, due to the flow interaction among their lifting surfaces, the aerodynamic characteristics can be affected by each other. In accordance with Prandtl’s classical lifting-line theory, a method to calculate the section lift coefficient for the tandem wing configuration or multiple-lifting-surface system is presented. In that method, the form of Fourier sine series is used to express the variation of the section circulation which changes continuously along the wingspan. The accuracy of the numerical solutions obtained by the method has been validated by the data obtained from computational fluid dynamics and tunnel experiment. By varying the design parameters, such as the gap, the stagger, the incidence angle, the wingspan, the taper ratio as well as the aspect ratio, a series of tandem wing configurations are tested to analyze the lift coefficient and the induced drag of each lifting surface. From the results, it can be seen that the bigger negative gap and stagger can produce better lift characteristic for tandem wing configuration. Besides, it will also be beneficial for the lift characteristic when the incidence angle and the wingspan of fore wing are appropriately declined or if the incidence angle and the wingspan of hind wing are appropriately increased.
Analysis of Blast Wave Parameters Depending on Air Mesh Size
Authors: Draganić Hrvoje , Varevac Damir
Published: July 2018

Results of numerical simulations of explosion events greatly depend on the mesh size. Since these simulations demand large amounts of processing time, it is necessary to identify an optimal mesh size that will speed up the calculation and give adequate results. To obtain optimal mesh sizes for further large‐scale numerical simulations of blast wave interactions with overpasses, mesh size convergence tests were conducted for incident and reflected blast waves for close range bursts (up to 5 m). Ansys Autodyn hydrocode software was used for blast modelling in axisymmetric environment for incident pressures and in a 3D environment for reflected pressures. In the axisymmetric environment only the blast wave propagation through the air was considered, and in 3D environment blast wave interaction and reflection of a rigid surface were considered. Analysis showed that numerical results greatly depend on the mesh size and Richardson extrapolation was used for extrapolating optimal mesh size for considered blast scenarios.
Coenzyme Q10 Prevents Senescence and Dysfunction Caused by Oxidative Stress in Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Huo Jia , Xu Zhe , Hosoe Kazunori , Kubo Hiroshi , Miyahara Hiroki , Dai Jian , Mori Masayuki , Sawashita Jinko , Higuchi Keiichi
Published: July 2018

Oxidative damage in endothelial cells is proposed to play an important role in endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis. We previously reported that the reduced form of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10H2) effectively inhibits oxidative stress and decelerates senescence in senescence‐accelerated mice. Here, we treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with H2O2 and investigated the protective effect of CoQ10H2 against senescence, oxidative damage, and reduction in cellular functions. We found that CoQ10H2 markedly reduced the number of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase‐positive cells and suppressed the expression of senescence‐associated secretory phenotype‐associated genes in H2O2‐treated HUVECs. Furthermore, CoQ10H2 suppressed the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) but promoted NO production that was accompanied by increased eNOS expression. CoQ10H2 prevented apoptosis and reductions in mitochondrial function and reduced migration and tube formation activity of H2O2‐treated cells. The present study indicated that CoQ10H2 protects endothelial cells against senescence by promoting mitochondrial function and thus could delay vascular aging.
A Rare and Potentially Catastrophic Infection: Primary Intestinal Aspergillosis—Case Report in an HIV Patient
Authors: Dias Cátia , Duarte-Ribeiro Filipa , Pipa Sara , Mota Margarida
Published: July 2018

Aspergillus species are ubiquitous in nature; however, infection is uncommon, except in immunocompromised or immunosuppressed hosts. We present the case of a 71-year-old woman with a history of human immunodeficiency virus infection who presented with fever, weight loss, and diarrhea, posteriorly diagnosed with intestinal aspergillosis after examination of a segmental enterectomy piece. The diagnosis was made postmortem once the patient died after fast and progressive deterioration in the postoperative period.
Presumptive Treatment of Malaria in Ghana: Was It Ever Useful? Evidence from the Kassena-Nankana District of Northern Ghana
Authors: Babayara Michael N. K. , Addo Bright
Published: July 2018

Background. The WHO currently advocates parasitological confirmation of malaria before treatment is commenced. However, many arguments have emerged both for and against this new position. To contribute to the debate, this secondary data analysis was conducted to determine the likelihood of malaria parasitaemia in a child presenting with fever, vomiting, or cough in the Kassena-Nankana District. Methods. The dataset for this analysis was generated during a study to assess the incidence and risk factors for paediatric rotavirus diarrhoea in the Kassena-Nankana District. Over a two-year period, trained field staff recruited 2086 subjects with episodes of diarrhoea aged 24 months or below into the study. A standard case report form was used to collect data on histories of illness, symptoms, vaccination, and anthropometry. Blood smears were tested for malaria parasites. The data set generated was obtained, cleaned, and analysed using Epi Info version 7.1.1.14 statistical software. Results. Of the 2086 subjects recruited, 2078 had blood smears done and 54.0% had malaria parasites. Fever and vomiting appeared to be associated with parasitaemia with odds ratios of 1.9 (95% CI: 1.5586–2.2370) and 1.2 (95% CI: 1.0352–1.4697), respectively. Cough however appeared protective with an odds ratio of 0.8 (95% CI: 0.6910–0.9765). The odds of parasitaemia appeared to increase where a child presented with more than one symptom. Conclusion. Nearly half (46%) of the subjects in this study presented with symptoms but had no malaria. Presumptive treatment of malaria may therefore be useful in situations where diagnostic tests are not readily available, its routine practice should however not be encouraged.
Efficiency Analysis of Multiple-Transmitter Wireless Power Transfer Systems
Authors: Zhang Jin , Wang Fangfang
Published: July 2018

The range of the power transmission region can be effectively enlarged by a multiple-transmitter (TXs) and single-receiver (RX) magnetic wireless power transfer (WPT) system. However, the power transfer efficiency (PTE) of the WPT system with two TXs and a single RX has been intensively studied in the past few years. Therefore, a deep analysis of multiple-TX WPT systems needs to be implemented urgently to achieve the highest PTE in a wider range of power transmission. This paper analyzes a general multiple-TX single-RX system in detail based on the circuit model. Two optimal conditions, in which the feeding amplitude ratios need be equal to the mutual inductance ratios and the optimal load should be connected to RX, are derived to obtain the highest PTE. In the experiment part, the feeding amplitude ratios for multiple TXs are implemented by a proposed lumped transformer for the first time. The use of the lumped transformer reduces the complexity compared with the use of multiple inverters to achieve predetermined feeding amplitude ratios. Multiple-TX systems are designed and measured to validate the theoretical analysis. Experimental results agree very well with theoretical calculations.
The Association betweenLRRK2G2385R and Phenotype of Parkinson’s Disease in Asian Population: A Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies
Authors: Di Wei , Zeng Zhiyong , Li Jingyan , Liu Xiaoling , Bo Minzhi , Lv Hua
Published: July 2018

Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between theLRRK2G2385R variant and clinical characteristics in Parkinson’s disease (PD), but the results have been inconsistent. This study investigated whether theLRRK2G2385R variant was associated with a unique clinical phenotype of PD in the Asian population, using a meta-analysis. The PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CNKI, and WANFANG databases were searched until September 2017. The strict selection criteria and exclusion criteria were determined, and mean differences (MD) or odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the strength of associations. Statistical analyses and graphics were performed using Review Manager 5.3. Sixteen related case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. TheLRRK2G2385R carriers significantly more often presented a family history (OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.16−3.39;P=0.01) and had a longer disease duration (MD = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.01−0.93,P=0.04) and a higher MMSE score (MD = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.43–1.62P=0.0007) thanLRRK2G2385R noncarriers. There were no significant differences in sex distribution, age at onset, initial symptoms, motor symptoms, depression, levodopa-equivalent dose, and related complications betweenLRRK2G2385R-carrier andLRRK2G2385R-noncarrier PD patients. Our results suggested that most of the clinical characteristics of PD patients withLRRK2G2385R mutations are similar to those ofLRRK2G2385R noncarriers among Asian PD patients, except for the more common family history, relatively longer disease duration, and higher MMSE scores in the former group.
Localized Bone Loss Resulted from an Unlikely Cause in an 11-Year-Old Child
Authors: Bergantin Bianca Tozi Portaluppe , Rios Daniela , Oliveira Daniela Silva Barroso , Júnior Edmêr Silvestre Pereira , Hanemann João Adolfo Costa , Honório Heitor Marques
Published: July 2018

Periodontal diseases have several causes, amongst them, by foreign bodies. In this case report, an 11-year-old child who lived in a rural area and has never been treated by a dentist presented an extensive horizontal bone loss and edema on the region of tooth 44. The diagnosis of foreign body was obtained after biopsy, since an elastic band around the middle of the root tooth was found. The elastic band was not radiopaque, and the patient did not inform that she found the elastic band on the floor of the school and introduced the tooth by herself. Based on the case reported, it is concluded that anamnesis and clinical and radiographic examination are fundamental strategies to obtain the diagnosis, but sometimes, especially in children, there may be inconsistencies that can be elucidated by a biopsy.
Nonsmooth Vibration Characteristic of Gear Pair System with Periodic Stiffness and Backlash
Authors: He Minjia , Li Shuo , Lin Zhenjun , Wang Jinjin , Liu Shuang , Hao Ruolan
Published: July 2018

As the most widely used power transmission device in mechanical equipment, the vibration characteristics of gears have a very important influence on the working performance. It is of great theoretical and practical significance to study the vibration characteristics of gear system. In this paper, a gear transmission system model is set up in a forcefully nonlinear form; the continuity mapping and discontinuity mapping are utilized to analyze the nonsmooth vibration. Then, the sliding dynamics of separation boundaries is studied by using the perturbation method and the differential inclusion theory. In addition, the periodic response of gear pair system is illustrated and Floquet’s theory is presented to confirm the stability and bifurcation of periodic response. Concurrently, the maximal Lyapunov exponent is obtained to accurately determine the chaotic state in gear pair system, which is consistent with the bifurcation diagram and Poincare section. Finally, a reasonable explanation is given for the jump phenomenon in bifurcation diagram.
Cosmologies with Scalar Fields from Higher Dimensions Applied to Bianchi Type VIh=-1 Model: Classical and Quantum Solutions
Authors: Socorro J. , Sesma L. Toledo , Pimentel Luis O.
Published: July 2018

We construct an effective four-dimensional model by compactifying a ten-dimensional theory of gravity coupled with a real scalar dilaton field on a time-dependent torus. The corresponding action in four dimensions is similar to the action of K-essence theories. This approach is applied to anisotropic cosmological Bianchi type VI(h=-1) model for which we study the classical coupling of the anisotropic scale factors with the two real scalar moduli produced by the compactification process. The classical Einstein field equations give us a hidden symmetry, corresponding to the equality between two radii B=C, which permits us to solve exactly the equations of motion. One relation between the scale factors (A,C) via the solutions is found. With this hidden symmetry, then we solve the FRW model, finding that the scale factor goes to B radii. Also the corresponding Wheeler-DeWitt (WDW) equation in the context of Standard Quantum Cosmology is solved, building a wavepacket when the scalar fields have a hyperbolic behavior, obtaining some qualitative results when we analyze the projection plane to the wall formed by the probability density. Bohm’s formalism for this cosmological model is revisited too.
Deubiquitinating Enzymes and Bone Remodeling
Authors: Guo Yu-chen , Zhang Shi-wen , Yuan Quan
Published: July 2018

Bone remodeling, which is essential for bone homeostasis, is controlled by multiple factors and mechanisms. In the past few years, studies have emphasized the role of the ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis system in regulating bone remodeling. Deubiquitinases, which are grouped into five families, remove ubiquitin from target proteins and are involved in several cell functions. Importantly, a number of deubiquitinases mediate bone remodeling through regulating differentiation and/or function of osteoblast and osteoclasts. In this review, we review the functions and mechanisms of deubiquitinases in mediating bone remodeling.
Nonsevere Hypoglycemia Episode Clinical and Economic Outcomes: A Comparison between Sulfonylurea and Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor as Add-On to Metformin from a Canadian Perspective
Authors: Farahani Pendar
Published: July 2018

Background. Nonsevere hypoglycemia episodes (NSHEs) are associated with clinically adverse outcomes, lower health-related quality of life, increased burden of disease, and reduced work productivity. Objective. To estimate prevalence of NSHEs and associated economic outcomes attributable to sulfonylurea (SU) versus sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) initiation after metformin over one year for Canadian patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods. Risk difference for NSHEs was calculated for SU and SGLT2i from RCT data. Estimation of NSHEs attributable to SU utilization in Canada was calculated from published data. Both direct and indirect costs associated with NSHEs were obtained from previous published studies in literature. Results. The number of patients with T2DM and exposure to SU in Canada in 2016 was estimated to be 1,246,438. The average underreported NSHEs in clinical settings were estimated at 67.7%. Risk difference for NSHEs for SU versus SGLT2i was estimated at 26.7%. Estimation of excess NSHEs attributable to SU utilization versus SGLT2i in Canada was estimated at 130,434 events per year (sensitivity analysis: minimum 80,680 and maximum 624,465). Total indirect costs including loss-of-work productivity and out-of-pocket costs secondary to excess NSHEs due to SU utilization versus SGLT2i after metformin were estimated at CDN$8.6M (M = millions) for 2016 (sensitivity analysis: minimum CDN$5.3M and maximum CDN$81.2M). Conclusion. NSHE, which is a forgotten variable in economic evaluations for healthcare reimbursement models, occurs frequently in real-world clinical settings but is infrequently reported. NSHEs can lead to a significant loss-of-work productivity and out-of-pocket costs.
Antioxidant Status in the Soleus Muscle of Sprague‐Dawley Rats in Relation to Duodenal‐Jejunal Omega Switch and Different Dietary Patterns
Authors: Skrzep-Poloczek Bronisława , Stygar Dominika , Chełmecka Elżbieta , Nabrdalik Katarzyna , Romuk Ewa , Poloczek Jakub , Sawczyn Tomasz , Karcz Konrad W. , Gumprecht Janusz
Published: July 2018

Background. Obesity and chronic ingestion of lipid‐rich meals are related to an enhanced oxidative stress (OS). Aims. To examine the influence of duodenal‐jejunal omega switch surgery in combination with different diets on the antioxidative status in the soleus muscle of rats. Methods. After 8 weeks on a high‐fat diet (HF) or control diet (CD), rats underwent duodenal‐jejunal omega switch (DJOS) or SHAM (control) surgery. After surgery, for the next 8 weeks, half of DJOS/SHAM animals were kept on the same diet as before, and half had a changed diet. The total superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR) activity as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were measured in the soleus of rats. Results. CAT and GPx activity were significantly lower after DJOS surgery versus SHAM, regardless of the type of diet. The activity of CAT, SOD, GR, CuZnSOD, and GPx was altered in the CD/HF or HF/CD groups. After DJOS, the lowest muscle concentration of MDA was observed in the CD/CD group and the highest in CD/HF. Conclusions. DJOS surgery significantly decreases the antioxidative system in soleus muscles of rats. CD/HF and HF/CD dietary patterns lead to an increase in antioxidative activity, while remaining on unchanged diet (CD or HF) is associated with a reduced oxidative stress.
Dynamic Analysis of a Plate on the Generalized Foundation with Fractional Damping Subjected to Random Excitation
Authors: Hosseinkhani Ali , Younesian Davood , Farhangdoust Saman
Published: July 2018

Stochastic response of a plate on the generalized foundation driven by random excitation is solved in this paper. Governing differential equation is obtained by employing the Galerkin method. The generalized harmonic function technique is applied to the governing equation of motion. Using the stochastic averaging method (SAM), the system is approximated by the time homogeneous diffusive Markov process. Corresponding approximate stationary probability function is achieved by solving associated Fokker-Plank-Kolmogorov (FPK). An analytical solution is presented for the stationary probability of the amplitude and velocity. Validity of the stationary probability is verified by Monte-Carlo simulation. Parametric study is carried out to investigate effects of foundation parameters and excitation intensity on the stationary probability function. It is found that the fractional properties act similar to the foundation stiffness and damping and can be employed as a new control parameter for the support design.
Filter Trust Region Method for Nonlinear Semi-Infinite Programming Problem
Authors: Su Ke , Xu Chun , Ren Lele
Published: July 2018

We present a filter trust region method for nonlinear semi-infinite programming. Based on the discretization technique and motivated by the multiobjective programming, we transform the semi-infinite problem into a finite one. Together with the filter technique, we propose a modified method that avoids the merit function. Compared with the existing methods, our method is more flexible and easier to implement. Under some mild conditions, the convergent properties are proved. Moreover, the numerical results are reported in the end.
Kinetic Studies on the Removal of Some Lanthanide Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using Amidoxime-Hydroxamic Acid Polymer
Authors: Alakhras Fadi
Published: July 2018

Lanthanide metal ions make distinctive and essential contributions to recent global proficiency. Extraction and reuse of these ions is of immense significance especially when the supply is restricted. In light of sorption technology, poly(amidoxime-hydroxamic) acid sorbents are synthesized and utilized for the removal of various lanthanide ions (La3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, Gd3+, and Tb3+) from aqueous solutions. The sorption speed of trivalent lanthanides (Ln3+) depending on the contact period is studied by a batch equilibrium method. The results reveal fast rates of metal ion uptake with highest percentage being achieved after 15–30 min. The interaction of poly(amidoxime-hydroxamic) acid sorbent with Ln3+ ions follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with a correlation coefficient R2 extremely high and close to unity. Intraparticle diffusion data provide three linear plots indicating that the sorption process is affected by two or more steps, and the intraparticle diffusion rate constants are raised among reduction of ionic radius of the studied lanthanides.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Riding for Children with Cerebral Palsy Gross Motor Functions
Authors: Žalienė L. , Mockevičienė D. , Kreivinienė B. , Razbadauskas A. , Kleiva Ž. , Kirkutis A.
Published: July 2018

Aim. To evaluate the effects of riding for beginners (short-term) and advanced (long-term) riders with cerebral palsy on their whole mobility. The study involved 15 subjects (two girls and eleven boys). The subjects were aged from 3 to 19 years (8.73 years ± 5.85). All of the subjects had been diagnosed with a spastic form of cerebral palsy. The duration of the participation differed as follows: the advanced subjects had been riding for 1-4 years (2.66 years ± 1.16), while the beginners have been riding for two weeks (10 sessions). Group I (advanced riders) consisted of eight subjects (7 boys and 1 girl) who had therapy sessions regularly once a week and differed only in terms of the duration of their participation in the experiment. Group II (beginners) consisted of seven children (1 girl and 6 boys) who participated in only 10 riding sessions. All of the subjects were assessed according to the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Gross Motor Function Classification System for CP (GMFCS) both before the investigation and after it. Conclusions. Ten riding lessons did not have an influence on the beginner riders with cerebral palsy gross motor functions and their gross motor function level did not change. However, in half of the advanced riders with cerebral palsy, the gross motor functions significantly improved. Meanwhile, the level of the performance of the gross motor skills in the four advanced riders increased, but this difference was not statistically significant.
Incidence of Delirium in Critically Ill Cancer Patients
Authors: Sánchez-Hurtado Luis A. , Hernández-Sánchez Nancy , Del Moral-Armengol Mario , Guevara-García Humberto , García-Guillén Francisco J. , Herrera-Gómez Ángel , Ñamendys-Silva Silvio A.
Published: July 2018

Objective. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of delirium and its risk factors among critically ill cancer patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods. This is a prospective cohort study. The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) was measured daily at morning to diagnose delirium by a physician. Delirium was diagnosed when the daily was positive during a patient’s ICU stay. All patients were followed until they were discharged from the ICU. Using logistic regression, we estimated potential risk factors for developing delirium. The primary outcome was the development of ICU delirium. Results. There were 109 patients included in the study. Patients had a mean age of 48.6 ± 18.07 years, and the main reason for admission to the ICU was septic shock (40.4%). The incidence of delirium was 22.9%. The mortality among all subjects was 15.6%; the mortality rate in patients who developed delirium was 12%. The only variable that had an association with the development of delirium in the ICU was the days of use of mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.06; CI 95%: 0.99–1.13;p=0.07). Conclusion. Delirium is a frequent condition in critically ill cancer patients admitted to the ICU. The duration in days of mechanical ventilation is potential risk factors for developing delirium during an ICU stay. Delirium was not associated with a higher rate of mortality in this group of patients.
Hybrid Optimal Kinematic Parameter Identification for an Industrial Robot Based on BPNN‐PSO
Authors: Gao Guanbin , Liu Fei , San Hongjun , Wu Xing , Wang Wen
Published: July 2018

A novel hybrid algorithm that employs BP neural network (BPNN) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed for the kinematic parameter identification of industrial robots with an enhanced convergence response. The error model of the industrial robot is established based on a modified Denavit‐Hartenberg method and Jacobian matrix. Then, the kinematic parameter identification of the industrial robot is transformed to a nonlinear optimization in which the unknown kinematic parameters are taken as optimal variables. A hybrid algorithm based on a BPNN and the PSO is applied to search for the optimal variables which are used to compensate for the error of the kinematic parameters and improve the positioning accuracy of the industrial robot. Simulations and experiments based on a realistic industrial robot are all provided to validate the efficacy of the proposed hybrid identification algorithm. The results show that the proposed parameter‐identification method based on the BPNN and PSO has fewer iterations and faster convergence speed than the standard PSO algorithm.
Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation of the Quadriceps and Diaphragm in Critically Ill Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Leite Marcela Aparecida , Osaku Erica Fernanda , Albert Jaqueline , Costa Claudia Rejane Lima de Macedo , Garcia Alessandra Madalena , Czapiesvski Francieli do Nascimento , Ogasawara Suely Mariko , Bertolini Gladson Ricardo Flor , Jorge Amaury Cezar , Duarte Péricles Almeida Delfino
Published: July 2018

Background. Deep and respiratory muscle disorders are commonly observed in critically ill patients. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is an alternative to mobilize and to exercise that does not require active patient participation and can be used on bedridden patients. Objective. Evaluate the effectiveness of the NMES therapy in quadriceps versus diaphragm subjects in mechanical ventilation (MV). Methods. Sixty-seven subjects in MV were included, divided into 3 groups: (a) control group (CG, n=26), (b) stimulation of quadriceps (quadriceps group–QG, n=24), and (c) stimulation of diaphragm (diaphragm group–DG, n=17). The QG and DG patients received consecutive daily electrical stimulation sessions at specific points from the first day of randomization until ICU discharge. Respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, MV time, length of hospitalization, and functional independence score (the Functional Status Score-ICU) were recorded. Results. There were studied n=24 (QG), n=17 (DG), and n=26 (CG) patients. Peripheral muscle strength improved significantly in the QG (p=0.030). Functional independence at ICU discharge was significantly better in QG (p=0.013), and the QG presented a better Barthel Index compared to DG and CG (p=0.0049) and also presented better FSS compared to CG (p=0.001). Conclusions. Electrical stimulation of quadriceps had best outcomes for peripheral muscle strength compared with controls or electrical stimulation of diaphragm among mechanically ventilated critically ill subjects and promoted functional independence and decreased length of hospitalization.
Effects of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation on Repetitive Finger Movements in Healthy Humans
Authors: Guerra Andrea , Bologna Matteo , Paparella Giulia , Suppa Antonio , Colella Donato , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo , Brown Peter , Berardelli Alfredo
Published: July 2018

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a noninvasive neurophysiological technique that can entrain brain oscillations. Only few studies have investigated the effects of tACS on voluntary movements. We aimed to verify whether tACS, delivered over M1 at beta and gamma frequencies, has any effect on repetitive finger tapping as assessed by means of kinematic analysis. Eighteen healthy subjects were enrolled. Objective measurements of repetitive finger tapping were obtained by using a motion analysis system. M1 excitability was assessed by using single-pulse TMS and measuring the amplitude of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs). Movement kinematic measures and MEPs were collected during beta, gamma, and sham tACS and when the stimulation was off. Beta tACS led to an amplitude decrement (i.e., progressive reduction in amplitude) across the first ten movements of the motor sequence while gamma tACS had the opposite effect. The results did not reveal any significant effect of tACS on other movement parameters, nor any changes in MEPs. These findings demonstrate that tACS modulates finger tapping in a frequency-dependent manner with no concurrent changes in corticospinal excitability. The results suggest that cortical beta and gamma oscillations are involved in the motor control of repetitive finger movements.
Pricing Warrant Bonds with Credit Risk under a Jump Diffusion Process
Authors: Su Xiaonan , Wang Wei , Wang Wensheng
Published: July 2018

This article investigates the pricing of the warrant bonds with default risk under a jump diffusion process. We assume that the stock price follows a jump diffusion model while the interest rate and the default intensity have the feature of mean reversion. By the risk neutral pricing theorem, we obtain an explicit pricing formula of the warrant bond. Furthermore, numerical analysis is provided to illustrate the sensitivities of the proposed pricing model.
Gastric Linitis Plastica and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis as First Manifestations of Occult Breast Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mantiero Mara , Faggioni Giovanni , Menichetti Alice , Fassan Matteo , Guarneri Valentina , Conte Pierfranco
Published: July 2018

Gastric linitis plastica is a diffuse involvement of the stomach walls by neoplastic cells. It represents about 3–19% of primitive gastric adenocarcinomas, but it can also be the manifestation of a metastatic disease. Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy in women, and the metastatic spread to the stomach occurs in less than 10% of the cases. We present an unusual case of gastric linitis plastica and peritoneal carcinomatosis as manifestations of an occult breast cancer in a 53-year-old woman. Imaging and endoscopic evaluation were not able to discriminate a primary from a secondary gastric lesion. The histological evaluation excluded the diagnosis of a primary gastric neoplasia. The IHC profile was consistent with the diagnosis of metastases from the breast cancer. Due to the hormonal receptors’ positivity, we started therapy with fulvestrant (500 mg, day 0, 14, and 28 and every 28 days thereafter by intramuscular injection). After 20 months, the same therapy is still ongoing and well tolerated, while the patient is in good condition with improvement of the dysphagia. Almost 2 years after the diagnosis of linitis plastica, the primitive breast lesion is still occult.
Wrist Arthrodesis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Using an LCP Metaphyseal Locking Plate versus an AO Wrist Fusion Plate
Authors: Taii Toshitake , Matsumoto Takumi , Tanaka Sakae , Nakamura Ichiro , Ito Katsumi , Juji Takuo
Published: July 2018

Objectives.Although wrist arthrodesis using a plate is an established treatment with a well-documented successful union rate for severely destroyed wrists, plate-related complications are a matter of great concern.Methods.We retrospectively compared wrist arthrodesis using an AO wrist fusion plate in nine and a locking compression plate (LCP) metaphyseal plate in seven cases of rheumatoid arthritis.Results.The mean follow-up was 40.6 months in the AO wrist fusion plate group and 57.2 months in the LCP metaphyseal plate group. Bone union at the arthrodesis site was achieved in all cases in both groups. Comparison of the original position of the fusion on the immediate postoperative radiographs and the position on the most recent follow-up radiographs demonstrated good stability in both groups. Plate-related complications occurred in four cases in the AO wrist fusion plate group and no cases in the LCP metaphyseal plate group. Complications included pain over the plate, wound dehiscence and infection, extensor tendon adhesion, and fracture in one case each.Conclusion.Wrist arthrodesis using an LCP metaphyseal plate was favorable for rheumatoid arthritis patients with comparable stability to that of and a lower risk of plate-related complications than an AO wrist fusion plate.
Effect of a Nurse-Led Diabetes Self-Management Education Program on Glycosylated Hemoglobin among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Azami Golnaz , Soh Kim Lam , Sazlina Shariff Ghazali , Salmiah Md. Said , Aazami Sanaz , Mozafari Mosayeb , Taghinejad Hamid
Published: July 2018

In recent years, great emphasis has been placed on the role of nonpharmacological self-management in the care of patients with diabetes. Studies have reported that nurses, compared to other healthcare professionals, are more likely to promote preventive healthcare seeking behaviors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a nurse-led diabetes self-management education on glycosylated hemoglobin. A two-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial with the blinded outcome assessors was designed. One hundred forty-two adults with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive either usual diabetes care (control group) or usual care plus a nurse-led diabetes self-management education (intervention group). Duration of the intervention was 12 weeks. The primary outcome was glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c values). Secondary outcomes were changes in blood pressure, body weight, lipid profiles, self-efficacy (efficacy expectation and outcome expectation), self-management behaviors, quality of life, social support, and depression. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and at 12-week and 24-week postrandomizations. Patients in the intervention group showed significant improvement in HbA1c, blood pressure, body weight, efficacy expectation, outcome expectation, and diabetes self-management behaviors. The beneficial effect of a nurse-led intervention continued to accrue beyond the end of the trial resulting in sustained improvements in clinical, lifestyle, and psychosocial outcomes. This trial is registered with IRCT2016062528627N1.