bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Thermal Characteristics of Finned Coil LHSU Using Paraffin as Phase Change Material
Authors: Chen Guansheng , Li Nanshuo , Xiang Huanhuan , Li Fan
Published: November 2016

It is well known that attaching fins on the tubes surfaces can enhance the heat transfer into and out from the phase change materials (PCMs). This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the thermal characteristics of finned coil latent heat storage unit (LHSU) using paraffin as the phase change material (PCM). The paraffin LHSU is a rectangular cube consists of continuous horizontal multibended tubes attached vertical fins at the pitches of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mm that creates the heat transfer surface. The shell side along with the space around the tubes and fins is filled with the material RT54 allocated to store energy of water, which flows inside the tubes as heat transfer fluid (HTF). The measurement is carried out under four different water flow rates: 1.01, 1.30, 1.50, and 1.70 L/min in the charging and discharging process, respectively. The temperature of paraffin and water, charging and discharging wattage, and heat transfer coefficient are plotted in relation to the working time and water flow rate.
Thermal Behavior of Radial Foil Bearings Supporting an Oil-Free Gas Turbine: Design of the Cooling Flow Passage and Modeling of the Thermal System
Authors: Lee Donghyun , Lim Hyungsoo , Choi Bumseog , Kim Byungok , Park Junyoung , Bang Jesung
Published: November 2016

Gas foil bearings (GFBs) have many noticeable advantages over the conventional rigid gas bearings, such as frictional damping of the compliance structure and tolerance to the rotor misalignment, so they have been successfully adopted as the key element that makes possible oil-free turbomachinery. As the adoption of the GFB increases, one of the critical elements for its successful implementation is thermal management. Even though heat generation inside the GFB is small due to the low viscosity of the lubricant, many researchers have reported that the system might fail without an appropriate cooling mechanism. The objective of the current research is to demonstrate the reliability of GFBs installed in the hot section of a micro-gas turbine (MGT). For the cooling of the GFBs, we designed a secondary flow passage and thermohydrodynamic (THD) analysis has been done for temperature prediction. In the analysis, the 3D THD model for the radial GFB extended to include the surrounding structure, such as the plenum, chamber, and the rotor in the solution domain by solving global mass and energy balance equations. In the MGT, the pressurized air discharged from the compressor wheel was used as the cooling air source, and it was injected into the plenum between two radial GFBs. We monitored the pressure and temperature of the cooling air along the secondary flow passage during the MGT operation. No thermal instability occurred up to the maximum operation speed of 43,000 rpm. The test results also showed that the pressure drop between the main reservoir and the plenum increases with an increasing operation speed, which indicated an increased cooling air flow into the plenum. The plenum and bearing sleeve temperature was maintained close to the cooling air source temperature for the entire speed due to a sufficient cooling air flow into the bearing. In addition, the direct injection of the cooling air from the main stream lowered the bearing sleeve temperature by 5–20 °C over the injection through the reservoirs. The predicted plenum and bearing sleeve temperatures with the developed THD model show good agreement with the test data.
Large area three dimensional structure fabrication using multilayer electron beam lithography
Authors: Bonam Ravi K. , Hartley John G.
Published: November 2016

Three dimensional nanostructures are of great interest in photonics and optical sensor communities. Although there are many theoretical models developed, lithographic reduction to practice is an ongoing challenge. Numerous lithographic techniques have been proposed for fabricating three dimensional structures with applications in photonics. We demonstrate a novel three-dimensional electron beam fabrication method that is precise, fast, intrinsically self-aligned and has the ability to produce large area patterns.
Materials characterization for multilayer electron beam lithography
Authors: Bonam Ravi K. , Hartley John G.
Published: November 2016

Successful implementation of multilayer lithography to fabricate three-dimensional structures involves depositing multiple layers of radiation sensitive materials with necessary dose and tone contrast. Resists are radiation sensitive materials (usually polymers dissolved in solvents) used in micro- and nanolithography. Currently, they are deposited on wafers using the spin coating process. Solvent incompatibilities between different resist systems can cause unwanted dissolution and intermixing of adjacent layers. Here, the authors show the use of Hansen solubility parameters to identify compatible solvents and developers. Multiple solubility models have been proposed, and Hansen solubility parameters are the most widely accepted. The Hansen solubility parameters are used to form a three dimensional space in which polymers and their solubility in different solvents can be represented as spheres. This representation makes it convenient to select compatible solvents and developers. It can also provide necessary guidance to synthesize compatible polymer systems for enhancing the lithographic technique.
Patterning optically clear films: Coplanar transparent and color-contrasted thin films from interdiffused electrodeposited and solution-processed metal oxides
Authors: Glynn Colm , Geaney Hugh , McNulty David , O'Connell John , Holmes Justin , O'Dwyer Colm
Published: November 2016

Transparent thin films can now be site-selectively patterned and positioned on surface using mask-defined electrodeposition of one oxide and overcoating with a different solution-processed oxide, followed by thermal annealing. Annealing allows an interdiffusion process to create a new oxide that is entirely transparent. A primary electrodeposited oxide can be patterned and the secondary oxide coated over the entire substrate to form high color contrast coplanar thin film tertiary oxide. The authors also detail the phase formation and chemical state of the oxide and how the nature of the electrodeposited layer and the overlayer influence the optical clearing of the patterned oxide film.
Shallow water acoustic channel estimation using two-dimensional frequency characterization
Authors: Ansari Naushad , Gupta Anubha , Gupta Ananya Sen
Published: November 2016

Shallow water acoustic channel estimation techniques are presented at the intersection of time, frequency, and sparsity. Specifically, a mathematical framework is introduced that translates the problem of channel estimation to non-uniform sparse channel recovery in two-dimensional frequency domain. This representation facilitates disambiguation of slowly varying channel components against high-energy transients, which occupy different frequency ranges and also exhibit significantly different sparsity along their local distribution. This useful feature is exploited to perform non-uniform sampling across different frequency ranges, with compressive sampling across higher Doppler frequencies and close to full-rate sampling at lower Doppler frequencies, to recover both slowly varying and rapidly fluctuating channel components at high precision. Extensive numerical experiments are performed to measure relative performance of the proposed channel estimation technique using non-uniform compressive sampling against traditional compressive sampling techniques as well as sparsity-constrained least squares across a range of observation window lengths, ambient noise levels, and sampling ratios. Numerical experiments are based on channel estimates from the SPACE08 experiment as well as on a recently developed channel simulator tested against several field trials.
Acquired male urethral diverticulum: a rare entity treated in a one-stage procedure
Authors: Santos José Carlos , Rolim Nidia , Mota Renato Lains , Monteiro Hélder
Published: November 2016

Acquired male urethral diverticulum is a rare entity with most of the literature revolving around case reports or small case series. Up to two-thirds of cases are acquired, mostly as a result of trauma, stricture or infection. Infrequently, some cases develop as a complication of urological procedures, or even penile clamping. We present the case of an adult male with lower urinary tract symptoms, recurrent urinary infections and a history of multiple surgeries to treat a complicated perineal fistulae disease. With the help of imaging techniques, a bulbar urethral diverticulum was discovered. Owing to the symptomatic nature of the diverticulum, an open procedure was performed with excision and primary urethral anastomosis. No urinary symptoms were reported and follow-up imaging and flowmetry demonstrated very good functional outcome.
Unusual cause of pleuritic chest pain in a child
Authors: Yan Georgina , Littlewood Alastair , Latimer Mark David
Published: November 2016

We present the case of a 5-year-old boy with hereditary multiple exostoses who presented with left-sided pleuritic chest pain. A CT scan of the chest revealed an intrathoracic exostosis in close association with the heart.
Malignant melanoma of cervix
Authors: Gupta Mayank
Published: November 2016

A 68-year-old woman presented with symptoms of bleeding per vaginum. On examination, a growth was seen in the cervix, clinically considered to be squamous cell carcinoma. The growth was confined to the cervix and did not involve the parametria. However, on biopsy it was diagnosed as malignant melanoma. She underwent surgery elsewhere and was advised chemotherapy as these tumours are aggressive; however, she refused chemotherapy. She has been on regular follow-up and has an ongoing survival and disease-free period of more than 5 years. Primary cervical malignant melanomas are very rare as compared with vulval and vaginal counterparts and should be considered in the histological differential diagnosis of poorly differentiated malignant neoplasms involving cervix. Moreover, it is important to rule out metastasis from common primary sites such as skin, oesophagus, uveal tract and anorectal region before considering diagnosis of primary cervical melanoma.
Locking plate external fixation and negative pressure wound therapy for treatment of a primary infection in a closed clavicle fracture
Authors: Kenyon Robert M , Morrissey David I , Molony Diarmuid C , Quinlan John Francis
Published: November 2016

Infection in a clavicle fracture is uncommon, but remains a challenging problem. A paucity of soft tissue coverage often combined with significant displacement and interfragmentary movement add complexity to an already difficult situation for effective infection treatment. External fixation in principle offers a means of achieving fracture stability, while the infection is being eradicated. We present the case of a closed clavicle fracture, initially treated conservatively, that presented 5 weeks later with infection. The fracture was definitively treated with external fixation using a locking plate positioned superficially to the skin, plus negative pressure wound therapy and subsequent secondary closure and antibiotic therapy. This case illustrates a novel method of treatment in this unusual presentation that was well tolerated by the patient and resulted in a good clinical outcome.
Claims for fertility interventions: a systematic assessment of statements on UK fertility centre websites
Authors: Spencer E A , Mahtani K R , Goldacre B , Heneghan C
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Fertility services in the UK are offered by over 200 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)-registered NHS and private clinics. While in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) form part of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance, many further interventions are offered. We aimed to record claims of benefit for interventions offered by fertility centres via information on the centres' websites and record what evidence was cited for these claims.

Methods

We obtained from HFEA a list of all UK centres providing fertility treatments and examined their websites. We listed fertility interventions offered in addition to standard IVF and ICSI and recorded statements about interventions that claimed or implied improvements in fertility in healthy women. We recorded which claims were quantified, and the evidence cited in support of the claims. Two reviewers extracted data from websites. We accessed websites from 21 December 2015 to 31 March 2016.

Results

We found 233 websites for HFEA-registered fertility treatment centres, of which 152 (65%) were excluded as duplicates or satellite centres, 2 were andrology clinics and 5 were unavailable or under construction websites. In total, 74 fertility centre websites, incorporating 1401 web pages, were examined for claims. We found 276 claims of benefit relating to 41 different fertility interventions made by 60 of the 74 centres (median 3 per website; range 0 to 10). Quantification was given for 79 (29%) of the claims. 16 published references were cited 21 times on 13 of the 74 websites.

Conclusions

Many fertility centres in the UK offer a range of treatments in addition to standard IVF procedures, and for many of these interventions claims of benefit are made. In most cases, the claims are not quantified and evidence is not cited to support the claims. There is a need for more information on interventions to be made available by fertility centres, to support well-informed treatment decisions.
2013 Colloquium of the Canadian Geotechnical Society: Geotechnical and geoenvironmental behaviour of high-density tailings
Authors: Simms P.
Published: November 2016

The breaching of containment of conventionally deposited mine tailings impoundments, and the consequent release of tailings flows with long run-outs, unfortunately remains not uncommon and often has devastating ecological and economic consequences, occasionally including the loss of human life. Rather than the breaching of containment itself, which can result from a number of causes (poor control of the phreatic surface, unrecognized dam foundation issues), the contributing factor to the severe consequences of dam breach is the low density and strength and (or) susceptibility of the tailings to liquefy or soften under loading, combined with the driving weight of the ponded water, which allows for significant run-outs (in some cases tens of kilometres) to occur. Hence the motivation for developing alternative technologies that dewater tailings before deposition to the point where reliance on containment is minimized or eliminated. In this paper, these technologies are referred to as “high-density” tailings, which includes any technology that at least produces nonsegregating tailings that will form a sloped stack when deposited, including thickened, paste, and filtered tailings. The paper explores a number of issues related to high-density tailings, including shear behaviour, dewatering behaviour, acid generation, and surface deposition rheology. The paper concludes with some discussion on what the limitations are on this technology that are holding back its wider adoption, and how these limitations might be overcome.
Diversity ofBacillus-like bacterial community in the sediments of the Bamenwan mangrove wetland in Hainan, China
Authors: Liu Min , Cui Ying , Chen Yuqing , Lin Xiangzhi , Huang Huiqin , Bao Shixiang
Published: November 2016

Members of the genus Bacillus and related spore-forming genera are ubiquitous. However, Bacillus-like species isolated from marine sediments have attracted less interest than their terrestrial relatives. Here, we investigated the diversity of Bacillus-like bacterial communities in the sediments of the Bamenwan mangrove wetland in Hainan, China, using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods, and present the first report on this subject. We also discovered some potential novel species from the sediment samples. Four families, Bacillaceae (58%), Paenibacillaceae (22%), Alicyclobacillaceae (15%), and Planococcaceae (5%), and 9 genera, Bacillus (42%), Paenibacillus (16%), Halobacillus (13%), Alicyclobacillus (11%), Rummeliibacillus (5%), Cohnella (5%), Tumebacillus (4%), Pontibacillus (3%), and Aneurinibacillus (2%), were identified by pyrosequencing. In contrast, only 4 genera, Bacillus (57%), Paenibacillus (23%), Halobacillus (14%), and Virgibacillus (6%), were detected by the culture-dependent method. In the 16S rDNA sequencing analysis, the isolates HB12036 and HB12037 were closest to Bacillus okuhidensis Kh10-101Tand Paenibacillus xylanilyticus XIL14Twith similarities of 94.8% and 95.9%, respectively, indicating that these were novel species. Bacillus sp. HB12035 and HB12040 exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and Bacillus sp. HB12033 exhibited antimicrobial activity against Ustilago scitaminea Syd.
Link prediction measures considering different neighbors’ effects and application in social networks
Authors: Luo Peng , Wu Chong , Li Yongli
Published: November 2016

Link prediction measures have been attracted particular attention in the field of mathematical physics. In this paper, we consider the different effects of neighbors in link prediction and focus on four different situations: only consider the individual’s own effects; consider the effects of individual, neighbors and neighbors’ neighbors; consider the effects of individual, neighbors, neighbors’ neighbors, neighbors’ neighbors’ neighbors and neighbors’ neighbors’ neighbors’ neighbors; consider the whole network participants’ effects. Then, according to the four situations, we present our link prediction models which also take the effects of social characteristics into consideration. An artificial network is adopted to illustrate the parameter estimation based on logistic regression. Furthermore, we compare our methods with the some other link prediction methods (LPMs) to examine the validity of our proposed model in online social networks. The results show the superior of our proposed link prediction methods compared with others. In the application part, our models are applied to study the social network evolution and used to recommend friends and cooperators in social networks.
AN APPROACH TO STUDY ELASTIC VIBRATIONS OF FRACTAL CYLINDERS
Authors: STEINBERG LEV , ZEPEDA MARIO
Published: November 2016

This paper presents our study of dynamics of fractal solids. Concepts of fractal continuum and time had been used in definitions of a fractal body deformation and motion, formulation of conservation of mass, balance of momentum, and constitutive relationships. A linearized model, which was written in terms of fractal time and spatial derivatives, has been employed to study the elastic vibrations of fractal circular cylinders. Fractal differential equations of torsional, longitudinal and transverse fractal wave equations have been obtained and solution properties such as size and time dependence have been revealed.
Einstein Geometrization Philosophy and Differential Identities in PAP-Geometry
Authors: Wanas M. I. , Youssef Nabil L. , El Hanafy W. , Osman S. N.
Published: November 2016

The importance of Einstein’s geometrization philosophy, as an alternative to the least action principle, in constructing general relativity (GR), is illuminated. The role of differential identities in this philosophy is clarified. The use of Bianchi identity to write the field equations of GR is shown. Another similar identity in the absolute parallelism geometry is given. A more general differential identity in the parameterized absolute parallelism geometry is derived. Comparison and interrelationships between the above mentioned identities and their role in constructing field theories are discussed.
A Rare Case of Primary Meningococcal Myopericarditis in a 71-Year-Old Male
Authors: Woudstra Odilia I. , Boink Gerard J. J. , Winkelman Jacobus A. , van Stralen Ron
Published: November 2016

We describe a case of primary meningococcal C pericarditis with myocardial involvement in a 71-year-old male that is thus far the oldest patient with isolated meningococcal pericardial disease and only the third patient with primary meningococcal myopericarditis described in English literature. Our patient was successfully treated by full sternotomy and surgical drainage combined with intravenous ceftriaxone. Mild symptoms unresponsive to anti-inflammatory treatment and leukocytosis may guide clinicians towards the correct diagnosis. It is important to recognize this cause of pericarditis as the relatively mild clinical presentation may rapidly progress into tamponade and right-sided heart failure.
Impact Pseudostatic Load Equivalent Model and the Maximum Internal Force Solution for Underground Structure of Tunnel Lining
Authors: Guo Xuan , Zhang Xiao Xin
Published: November 2016

The theoretical formula of the maximum internal forces for circular tunnel lining structure under impact loads of the underground is deduced in this paper. The internal force calculation formula under different equivalent forms of impact pseudostatic loads is obtained. Furthermore, by comparing the theoretical solution with the measured data of the top blasting model test of circular formula under different equivalent forms of impact pseudostatic loads are obtained. Furthermore, by comparing the theoretical solution with the measured data of the top blasting model test of circular tunnel, it is found that the proposed theoretical results accord with the experimental values well. The corresponding equivalent impact pseudostatic triangular load is the most realistic pattern of all test equivalent forms. The equivalent impact pseudostatic load model and maximum solution of the internal force for tunnel lining structure are partially verified.
In Vitro Osteogenic Potential of Green Fluorescent Protein Labelled Human Embryonic Stem Cell‐Derived Osteoprogenitors
Authors: Islam Intekhab , Sriram Gopu , Li Mingming , Zou Yu , Li Lulu , Handral Harish K. , Rosa Vinicus , Cao Tong
Published: November 2016

Cellular therapy using stem cells in bone regeneration has gained increasing interest. Various studies suggest the clinical utility of osteoprogenitors‐like mesenchymal stem cells in bone regeneration. However, limited availability of mesenchymal stem cells and conflicting evidence on their therapeutic efficacy limit their clinical application. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are potentially an unlimited source of healthy and functional osteoprogenitors (OPs) that could be utilized for bone regenerative applications. However, limited ability to track hESC‐derived progenies in vivo greatly hinders translational studies. Hence, in this study, we aimed to establish hESC‐derived OPs (hESC‐OPs) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and to investigate their osteogenic differentiation potential in vitro. We fluorescently labelled H9‐hESCs using a plasmid vector encoding GFP. The GFP‐expressing hESCs were differentiated into hESC‐OPs. The hESC‐OPsGFP+ stably expressed high levels of GFP, CD73, CD90, and CD105. They possessed osteogenic differentiation potential in vitro as demonstrated by increased expression of COL1A1, RUNX2, OSTERIX, and OPG transcripts and mineralized nodules positive for Alizarin Red and immunocytochemical expression of osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, and collagen‐I. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that fluorescently labelled hESC‐OPs can maintain their GFP expression for the long term and their potential for osteogenic differentiation in vitro. In future, these fluorescently labelled hESC‐OPs could be used for noninvasive assessment of bone regeneration, safety, and therapeutic efficacy.
A Mobile Application That Allows Children in the Early Childhood to Program Robots
Authors: Ramírez-Benavides Kryscia , López Gustavo , Guerrero Luis A.
Published: November 2016

Children born in the Information Age are digital natives; this characteristic should be exploited to improve the learning process through the use of technology. This paper addresses the design, construction, and evaluation process of TITIBOTS, a programming assistance tool for mobile devices that allows children in the early childhood to create programs and execute them using robots. We present the results of using TITIBOTS in different scenarios with children between 4 and 6 years old. The insight obtained in the development and evaluation of the tool could be useful when creating applications for children in the early childhood. The results were promising; children liked the application and were willing to continue using it to program robots to solve specific tasks, developing the skills of the 21st century.
In Vitro Protective Effect of Phikud Navakot Extraction on Erythrocyte
Authors: Kengkoom Kanchana , Ampawong Sumate
Published: November 2016

Phikud Navakot (PN), Thai herbal remedy in National List of Essential Medicines, has been claimed to reduce many cardiovascular symptoms especially dizziness and fainting. Apart from blood supply, erythrocyte morphology, in both shape and size, is one of the main consideration factors in cardiovascular diseases and may be affected by vascular oxidative stress. However, little is known about antioxidative property of PN on erythrocyte to preserve red blood cell integrity. In this study, 1,000 μM hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress was conducted on sheep erythrocyte. Three doses of PN (1, 0.5, and 0.25 mg/mL) and 10 μM of ascorbic acid were compared. The released hemoglobin absorbance was measured to demonstrate hemolysis. Electron microscopic and immunohistochemical studies were also performed to characterize dysmorphic erythrocyte and osmotic ability in relation to aquaporin‐ (AQP‐) 1 expression, respectively. The results revealed that all doses of PN and ascorbic acid decreased the severity of dysmorphic erythrocyte, particularly echinocyte, acanthocyte, knizocyte, codocyte, clumping, and other malformations. However, the most effective was 0.5 mg/mL PN dosage. In addition, hydrostatic pressure may be increased in dysmorphic erythrocyte in association with AQP‐1 upregulation. Our results demonstrated that PN composes antioxidative effect to maintain the integrity and osmotic ability on sheep erythrocyte.
Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Using Topography-Guided UV-A Energy Emission: Preliminary Clinical and Morphological Outcomes
Authors: Mazzotta Cosimo , Moramarco Antonio , Traversi Claudio , Baiocchi Stefano , Iovieno Alfonso , Fontana Luigi
Published: November 2016

Purpose. To assess the clinical and morphological outcomes of topography-guided accelerated corneal cross-linking. Design. Retrospective case series. Methods. 21 eyes of 20 patients with progressive keratoconus were enrolled. All patients underwent accelerated cross-linking using an ultraviolet-A (UVA) exposure with an energy release varying from 7.2 J/cm2 up to 15 J/cm2, according to the topographic corneal curvature. Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuity, topography, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and anterior segment optic coherence tomography (AS-OCT) were evaluated preoperatively and at the 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results. 12 months after surgery UDVA and CDVA did not significantly vary from preoperative values. The average topographic astigmatism decreased from -4.61±0.74 diopters (D) to -3.20±0.81 D and coma aberration improved from 0.95 ± 0.03 μm to 0.88 ± 0.04 μm after surgery. AS-OCT and IVCM documented differential effects on the treated areas using different energies doses. The depths of demarcation line and keratocyte apoptosis were assessed. Conclusions. Preliminary results show correspondence between the energy dose applied and the microstructural stromal changes induced by the cross-linking at various depths in different areas of treated cornea. One year after surgery a significant reduction in the topographic astigmatism and comatic aberration was detected. None of the patients developed significant complications.
Utility of Ultrasonography in Assessing the Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy
Authors: Cheng Yi , Zhang Jian , Cai Yehua
Published: November 2016

Introduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of ultrasonography (US) for predicting and assessing the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT).Methods. A total of 42 patients with an established diagnosis of chronic IAT were examined by US before ESWT and at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after ESWT. The thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the Achilles tendon, size of calcific plaques, tendon structure score, and neovascularization score were measured at each time point.Results. After therapy, Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) scores increased significantly, and the size of calcific plaques decreased (P<0.05). Neovascularization scores increased at the 4th week and then decreased at the 12th week (P<0.05). The thickness, CSA, and structure of the Achilles tendon did not change. Variables observed by US at baseline were not associated with changes in VISA-A scores at follow-up. However, the changes in calcific plaque size and neovascularization scores were related to the improvement of VISA-A scores between pre- and posttherapy (P<0.01).Conclusion. Ultrasonography can reveal some changes in the insertion of the Achilles tendon after ESWT, but the outcome of ESWT in IAT cannot be predicted by the variables observed by US.
Preparation of Magnetic Hybrid Microspheres with Well-Defined Yolk-Shell Structure
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Chen Tao , Sun Shaofa , Zhao Long
Published: November 2016

A facile and efficient route was reported to prepare a kind of yolk-shell magnetic hybrid microspheres by suspension polymerization and calcinations method. The morphology, structure, and composition of the magnetic microspheres were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TEM, SEM, and TGA analysis. The vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM) results clearly showed that the magnetic particles were superparamagnetic with saturation magnetization of 32.82 emu/g which makes the microcomposites easily controlled by an external magnetic field. The results revealed that the magnetic hybrid microspheres might have important applications in magnetic bioseparation and drug delivery.
Mechanical Properties of Calcium Fluoride-Based Composite Materials
Authors: Łukomska-Szymańska Monika , Kleczewska Joanna , Nowak Joanna , Pryliński Mariusz , Szczesio Agata , Podlewska Magdalena , Sokołowski Jerzy , Łapińska Barbara
Published: November 2016

Aim of the study was to evaluate mechanical properties of light-curing composite materials modified with the addition of calcium fluoride. The study used one experimental light-curing composite material (ECM) and one commercially available flowable light-curing composite material (FA) that were modified with 0.5–5.0 wt% anhydrous calcium fluoride. Morphology of the samples and uniformity of CaF2distribution were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Mechanical properties were tested after 24-hour storage of specimens in dry or wet conditions. Stored dry ECM enriched with 0.5–1.0 wt% CaF2showed higher tensile strength values, while water storage of all modified ECM specimens decreased their tensile strength. The highest Vickers hardness tested after dry storage was observed for 2.5 wt% CaF2content in ECM. The addition of 2.0–5.0 wt% CaF2to FA caused significant decrease in tensile strength after dry storage and overall tensile strength decrease of modified FA specimens after water storage. The content of 2.0 wt% CaF2in FA resulted in the highest Vickers hardness tested after wet storage. Commercially available composite material (FA), unmodified with fluoride addition, demonstrated overall significantly higher mechanical properties.
Effect of Crushed Glass Cullet Sizes on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Red Clay Bricks
Authors: Ponce Peña Patricia , González Lozano María Azucena , Rodríguez Pulido Alicia , Lara Castro René Homero , Quiñones Jurado Zoe V. , Pérez Medina Juan Carlos , Poisot Vázquez Martha Emilia , Villavicencio Torres Axel
Published: November 2016

This study reports the effect of clear waste glass from bottles added on 20 to 30 wt.% and variable particle size (<500, <300, and <212 μm), into clay mixtures for the handmade brick manufacturing process. The bricks were manufactured with mixtures of clay, crushed glass, and water in different proportions, homogenized, casted in wooden molds, air-dried at room temperature for 72 h, and sintered at 1000°C for 12 h. Total shrinkage, water absorption, compressive strength, microstructure, and phase composition are discussed with respect to glass content and its particle size. The results indicate that increasing the content of glass and decreasing its particle size enhanced significantly the brick properties of water absorption and compressive strength by up to 18.5% and 6.8 MPa, for bricks with 30 wt% and particle size lower than 212 μm. It is proposed that decreasing the glass particle size its surface area increases allowing easier melting of glass by lower energy consumption, reducing porosity and enhancing brick properties.
Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation in Hong Kong: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Wang Ying-ying , Liu Zhao , Wu Yuan , Zhang Ou , Chen Min , Huang Ling-ling , He Xiu-qing , Wu Guan-yi , Yang Jin-sheng
Published: November 2016

This was a prospective multicenter observational study, aiming to explore the effects of acupuncture on smoking cessation in Hong Kong. From March of 2010 to August of 2015, a total of 5202 smokers were recruited based on inclusion criteria and treated with acupuncture for 8 weeks. As a result, 2940 subjects finished the study with a drop‐out rate of 43.48%. The self‐reported 7‐day point abstinence rate was 34.00% in Week 8 and 18.40% in Week 52. The exhaled carbon monoxide level and the number of cigarettes smoked per day were reduced significantly after treatment. The time to relapse was calculated to be 38.71 days. In addition, “cigarettes smoked per day,” “Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence,” “total sessions of acupuncture,” “whether finished 8 acupuncture treatments in the first month,” and “total sessions of acupuncture” were believed to be essential factors for abstinence success. It was concluded that acupuncture was a safe method for smoking cessation and was effective in helping smokers to quit; therefore, acupuncture could be considered as one of the methods to help smokers quit. Further studies regarding the effect differences between acupuncture and medications were needed to clarify the overall benefits of acupuncture.
Early Sexual Debut and HIV Infection among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Xu Ruiwei , Dai Wenjie , Zhao Guanglu , Tu Dan , Yang Lin , Wang Feng , Cai Yumao , Lan Lina , Tan Hongzhuan , Liu Aizhong , Feng Tiejian , Kaminga Atipatsa C.
Published: November 2016

Studies investigating the association between early sexual debut and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have mainly focused on Africans or females but rarely on men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. This study, therefore, mainly aimed at exploring the association between early sexual debut and HIV infection among MSM in Shenzhen, China. A total of 533 MSM were enrolled in this study using a convenience sampling method. Information about sociodemographic characteristics and risky sexual behaviors was collected. It was found that the prevalence of HIV infection was 24.2% among this study population and 66.4% of the MSM reported having had vaginal sexual intercourse with females. The mean ages at first vaginal sexual intercourse, first anal sexual intercourse, and first sexual intercourse were 21.38, 22.43, and 19.87 years, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that the MSM who experienced early anal sexual debut were more likely to be infected with HIV than those who did not. The results indicate that HIV infection is quite prevalent among MSM in Shenzhen. Early and efficient intervention strategies should be taken, and the MSM experiencing early anal sexual debut should be given special attention.
Stickler Syndrome Type 1 with Short Stature and Atypical Ocular Manifestations
Authors: Goyal Manisha , Kapoor Seema , Ikegawa Shiro , Nishimura Gen
Published: November 2016

Stickler syndrome or hereditary progressive arthroophthalmopathy is a heterogeneous group of collagen tissue disorders, characterized by orofacial features, ophthalmological features (high myopia, vitreoretinal degeneration, retinal detachment, and presenile cataracts), hearing impairment, mild spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, and/or early onset arthritis. Stickler syndrome type I (ocular form) is caused by mutation in theCOL2A1gene. Ptosis and uveitis are relatively rare ophthalmological manifestations of this syndrome. We report an Indian boy having 2710C>T mutation inCOL2A1gene demonstrating short stature, ptosis, and uveitis with Stickler syndrome.
Klebsiella pneumoniae Planktonic and Biofilm Reduction by Different Plant Extracts: In Vitro Study
Authors: Paula-Ramos Lucas , da Rocha Santos Carlos Eduardo , Camargo Reis Mello Daphne , Nishiama Theodoro Lígia , De Oliveira Felipe Eduardo , Back Brito Graziella N. , Junqueira Juliana Campos , Jorge Antonio Olavo Cardoso , de Oliveira Luciane Dias
Published: November 2016

This study evaluated the action of Pfaffia paniculata K., Juglans regia L., and Rosmarius officinalis L. extracts against planktonic form and biofilm of Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum microbicidal concentration (MMC) values were determined for each extract by microdilution broth method, according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Next, antimicrobial activity of the extracts on biofilm was analyzed. For this, standardized suspension at 107 UFC/mL of K. pneumoniae was distributed into 96-well microplates (n=10) and after 48 h at 37°C and biofilm was subjected to treatment for 5 min with the extracts at a concentration of 200 mg/mL. ANOVA and Tukey tests (5%) were used to verify statistical significant reduction (p<0.05) of planktonic form and biofilm. P paniculata K., R. officinalis L., and J. regia L. showed reductions in biomass of 55.6, 58.1, and 18.65% and cell viability reduction of 72.4, 65.1, and 31.5%, respectively. The reduction obtained with P. paniculata and R. officinalis extracts was similar to the reduction obtained with chlorhexidine digluconate 2%. In conclusion, all extracts have microbicidal action on the planktonic form but only P. paniculata K. and R. officinalis L. were effective against biofilm.
Robust Automatic Target Recognition Algorithm for Large-Scene SAR Images and Its Adaptability Analysis on Speckle
Authors: Wang Hongqiao , Cai Yanning , Fu Guangyuan , Wang Shicheng
Published: November 2016

Aiming at the multiple target recognition problems in large-scene SAR image with strong speckle, a robust full-process method from target detection, feature extraction to target recognition is studied in this paper. By introducing a simple 8-neighborhood orthogonal basis, a local multiscale decomposition method from the center of gravity of the target is presented. Using this method, an image can be processed with a multilevel sampling filter and the target’s multiscale features in eight directions and one low frequency filtering feature can be derived directly by the key pixels sampling. At the same time, a recognition algorithm organically integrating the local multiscale features and the multiscale wavelet kernel classifier is studied, which realizes the quick classification with robustness and high accuracy for multiclass image targets. The results of classification and adaptability analysis on speckle show that the robust algorithm is effective not only for the MSTAR (Moving and Stationary Target Automatic Recognition) target chips but also for the automatic target recognition of multiclass/multitarget in large-scene SAR image with strong speckle; meanwhile, the method has good robustness to target’s rotation and scale transformation.
Clinical Efficacy of Two Different Methods to Initiate Sensor-Augmented Insulin Pumps: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Moreno-Fernandez Jesus , Gómez Francisco Javier , Gálvez Moreno Maria Ángeles , Castaño Justo P.
Published: November 2016

Aim. To analyze clinical effect of a novel approach to initiate sensor-augmented insulin pumps in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients through early real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) initiation.Methods. A 26-week pilot study with T1DM subjects randomized (1 : 1) to start RT-CGM three weeks before continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CGM pre-CSII) or adding RT-CGM three weeks after continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CGM post-CSII).Results. Twenty-two patients were enrolled with a mean age of 36.6 yr. (range 19–59 yr.) and T1DM duration of16.8±10.6 yr. Higher adherence in CGM pre-CSII patients was confirmed at study end (84.6±11.1% versus64.0±25.4%;P=0.01). The two intervention groups had similarHbA1creduction at study end of −0.6% (P=0.9). Hypoglycemic event frequency reduction was observed from baseline to study end only in CGM pre-CSII group (mean difference in change, −6.3%; 95% confidence interval, −12.0 to −0.5;P=0.04). Moreover, no severe hypoglycemia was detected among CGM pre-CSII subjects during the study follow-up (0.0±0.0events versus0.63±1.0events;P=0.03). CGM pre-CSII patients showed better satisfaction than CGM post-CSII patients at the end of the study (27.3±9.3versus32.9±7.2;P=0.04).Conclusions. CGM pre-CSII is a novel approach to improve glycemic control and satisfaction in type 1 diabetes sensor-augmented pump treated patients.
Frontal Mucocele following Previous Facial Trauma with Hardware Reconstruction
Authors: EuDaly Megan , Kraus Chadd K.
Published: November 2016

Mucoceles are cysts that can develop after facial bone fractures, especially those involving the frontal sinuses. Despite being rare, mucoceles can result in serious delayed sequelae. We present a case of a frontal mucocele that developed two years after extensive facial trauma following a motor vehicle crash (MVC) and review the emergency department (ED) evaluation and treatment of mucocele. Early recognition, appropriate imaging, and an interdisciplinary approach are essential for managing these rare sequelae of facial trauma.
Efficient AM Algorithms for Stochastic ML Estimation of DOA
Authors: Chen Haihua , Li Shibao , Liu Jianhang , Zhou Yiqing , Suzuki Masakiyo
Published: November 2016

The estimation of direction-of-arrival (DOA) of signals is a basic and important problem in sensor array signal processing. To solve this problem, many algorithms have been proposed, among which the Stochastic Maximum Likelihood (SML) is one of the most concerned algorithms because of its high accuracy of DOA. However, the estimation of SML generally involves the multidimensional nonlinear optimization problem. As a result, its computational complexity is rather high. This paper addresses the issue of reducing computational complexity of SML estimation of DOA based on the Alternating Minimization (AM) algorithm. We have the following two contributions. First using transformation of matrix and properties of spatial projection, we propose an efficient AM (EAM) algorithm by dividing the SML criterion into two components. One depends on a single variable parameter while the other does not. Second when the array is a uniform linear array, we get the irreducible form of the EAM criterion (IAM) using polynomial forms. Simulation results show that both EAM and IAM can reduce the computational complexity of SML estimation greatly, while IAM is the best. Another advantage of IAM is that this algorithm can avoid the numerical instability problem which may happen in AM and EAM algorithms when more than one parameter converges to an identical value.
Accuracy Assessment of Using Rapid Prototyping Drill Templates for Atlantoaxial Screw Placement: A Cadaver Study
Authors: Guo Shuai , Lu Teng , Hu Qiaolong , Yang Baohui , He Xijing , Li Haopeng
Published: November 2016

Purpose.To preliminarily evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of using rapid prototyping drill templates (RPDTs) for C1 lateral mass screw (C1-LMS) and C2 pedicle screw (C2-PS) placement.Methods.23 formalin-fixed craniocervical cadaver specimens were randomly divided into two groups. In the conventional method group, intraoperative fluoroscopy was used to assist the screw placement. In the RPDT navigation group, specific RPDTs were constructed for each specimen and were used intraoperatively for screw placement navigation. The screw position, the operating time, and the fluoroscopy time for each screw placement were compared between the 2 groups.Results.Compared with the conventional method, the RPDT technique significantly increased the placement accuracy of the C2-PS (p<0.05). In the axial plane, using RPDTs also significantly increased C1-LMS placement accuracy (p<0.05). In the sagittal plane, although using RPDTs had a very high accuracy rate (100%) in C1-LMS placement, it was not statistically significant compared with the conventional method (p>0.05). Moreover, the RPDT technique significantly decreased the operating and fluoroscopy times.Conclusion.Using RPDTs significantly increases the accuracy of C1-LMS and C2-PS placement while decreasing the screw placement time and the radiation exposure. Due to these advantages, this approach is worth promoting for use in the Harms technique.
GC Gene Polymorphisms and Vitamin D-Binding Protein Levels Are Related to the Risk of Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis
Authors: Song Wenli , Wang Xian’e , Tian Yu , Zhang Xin , Lu Ruifang , Meng Huanxin
Published: November 2016

Objective. To explore whether GC (group-specific component) rs17467825, rs4588, and rs7041 polymorphisms are associated with generalized aggressive periodontitis.Methods. This case-control study recruited 372 patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (group AgP) and 133 periodontal healthy subjects (group HP). GC rs17467825, rs4588, and rs7041 genotypes and plasmatic vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) were measured. Analysis of single SNP and multiple SNPs was performed and relevance between plasmatic DBP and haplotypes was analyzed.Results. GC rs17467825 GG genotype was statistically associated with lower risk for generalized aggressive periodontitis under the recessive model (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.30–0.92,p=0.028). GC rs17467825 and rs4588 had strong linkage disequilibrium withr2≥0.8andD′≥0.8. Haplotype (GC rs17467825, rs4588) GC was associated with the less risk for generalized aggressive periodontitis (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09–0.96,p=0.043). In group AgP, individuals with combined genotype (GC rs17467825, rs4588) AG+CA had significantly lower plasmatic DBP level than those with the other two combined genotypes (AG+CA versus AA+CCp=0.007; AG+CA versus GG+AAp=0.026).Conclusions. GC rs17467825 genotype GG and haplotype (GC rs17467825, rs4588) GC are associated with generalized aggressive periodontitis. The association may be acquired through regulating DBP levels. The functions of GC gene and DBP in inflammatory disease need to be further studied.